3 Years

Three years ago today I left Dr Baltasar’s clinica in Alcoy, Spain and headed to a condo on the coast to recuperate.  I wore a size 36-38 dress for the trip.  Although I couldn’t have the DS I had hoped for, due to adhesions, I was confident my VSG would help me find a way out from being Super Morbidly Obese at 435+ pounds. 

I sit here reflecting on the last three years, wearing my size 14 Banana Republic jeans and a GIANT SMILE.  I bought these at the thrift store brand new with tags for $4.  I didn’t even try them on.  A far cry from having to purchase over priced super plus sized clothing on line!  I may technically still be considered overweight – according to some arcane height/weight table but – I think I am just FINE!  I consider my 240 pound weight loss a complete victory.  My severe obstructive sleep apnea that was CPAP resistant was gone 2 days post op.  My severe pitting edema – gone, pretty much 2 days post op.  Blood pressure – normal.  EKG – normal.  Energy – plenty!  I climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica this summer, no sweat.

To all those before me (especially on the DS Board) – THANK YOU for a wealth of education, information (sometimes way TMI), advice, support and encouragement – I could not have made the informed decisions I did without you!  Through you I found courage and HOPE, I found an AMAZING surgeon, I found a slew of information with which to educate my PCP about the OPTIONS in WLS, I found ANOTHER AMAZING surgeon to do my plastics.  During this entire journey I never faced a situation that I was unprepared for – except for losing my underpants while walking through the mall one day – but, I digress.

To all of those that come after me I have some things to share:

 WLS – whatever version you choose – is a tool it's not a magic eraser.  You still must make GOOD CHOICES.  Don’t put yourself in a bad place (again).   You have to make a lifestyle change – a commitment.  You don’t have to live in constant “diet and deprivation" mode – but you do have to know your limits and work with them.

2.       WLS – whatever version you choose – is a tool.  It isn’t going to fix your broken head or your broken soul – you still have to do that yourself – and DO IT!  You DESERVE it.

3.       Share – on this forum or some other one, but share.  We always have something to learn and, we can maybe provide education, advice, support, encouragement and, TMI –  like someone did for us. 

So happy 3 years to me and thank you all for being part of the process – the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Congradulations!!!!! I would love to see your before and after pictures!!
I am a year out and have lost all that I want to lose eccept for all the flab that losing weight leaves you, I was wondering if you still have good restriction, and how much can you eat now?

MS.LISA - I sent you a friend request in case you wanted to see all my pictures - some are a little alarming so are marked for friends only.  As for restriction - I am VERY restricted still.  I can eat about 2 ounces of soft protein -- like seafood or really cooked pork, less if it is chicken.  

I eat about 5 small meals a day and have 2 protein shakes.   

Congrats on your amazing success! We were actually sleeved on the same exact day, so happy 3 year anniversary to the both of us!

Hey Sleeve Twin!  Congratulations to you as well and Happy Anniversary!