3 year anniversary (long)

I just realized that today is my 3 year anniversary of my vsg!  

A little history:

I took me just over a year from referral at my GP to surgery completion.

There was a short window, when out of province surgery was paid for by OHIP because of a backlog.  I was one of the few that benefited and was able to go to Montreal and have a surgery by the amazing Dr. Christou.

For me, I felt that the VSG would be perfect and planned to fight for it to the bitter end.  Dr. Christou was very amenable to performing it because of my adhesion's from previous surgeries.

I was out of surgery in less than an hour and up walking a few hours later.  I was sent home saying to take extra strength Tylenol if I had pain two days later.  I took some before bed for a couple of nights but really had no problem.  I had very little gas (Dr. Christou says he sucks most of it out??) and very little discomfort.  I have had other abdominal surgeries, so this made it easier for me.

I went back to work exactly one week after surgery, to a desk job.  I was a little tired the first week, but really no problem.

Honestly, I followed my Dr.'s plan and continued losing steadily and easily until I got to goal at 10 months.  I ate very few carbs (between 20-40 g per day).  I completely stayed away from bread, crackers, chips et****il I got to goal.  I never found it a hardship.  As long as I didn't test the waters, I didn't crave it.  I am/was not much of a protein supplement kind of person.  For a few months I added protein to my milk then added that to my coffee.  I was always able to get 
my protein in from real food and prefer it that way when possible.  I never had a protein bar.  I always tracked my food on myfitnesspal.  I have to admit that although I got on the treadmill a couple of times a week for a few minutes, exercise was not my friend.  I am a little better at it now.

I lost 100 lbs to get to goal (as I said in 10 months) and stayed that way for a few months.  At 3 years out I hover between 12-17 lbs above goal, but am happy to say that I'm still in size 8 clothing (with a few 6's and a couple of 10's).  For the last 6-8 months I am maintaining pretty easily at about 13 lbs over goal and seem to have hit a rhythm.  I walk about a half hour 5 days a week now and enjoy it (probably what is helping me to maintain).

Life is easy, and life is good!  I couldn't be happier with my surgery and wishing you all the best in yours!

Congrats on your success. I love reading about people who are over 2 years out, it gives me hope. You are in inspiration to the rest of us. thank you.

Whoa, look how well you've done Janet, you're quite an inspiration yourself!  Thanks!

Congrats on your 3 year and thank you for sharing your continued success story !

I am only 10 days out so I love to read about hard work, dedication and determination in a story :) 

Thanks, dna, I wish you much success!

Happy 3 years Sandy.  You are doing so well with your surgery of choice.

 Thanks, Tracey!  Support from you has certainly helped me along the way!

Congrats on your continued success.  I see that you eat all of your protein.  At 8 months out I still cannot fit that much protein in and still supplement with protein drinks. I enjoy them and it helps to get my fluid in as well. It also helps me stay under or around 800 calories as I am still trying to lose.

Do you mind my aksing how many calories you now eat on maintenance? I have tried going up to 1000 calories and eating more of my protein but I do not lose and in fact gained so I worry around where my maintenance caloric goal will be.

Thank you Paula!  It was probably at about a year, that I stopped my daily protein coffee, but if I was going to fall short, I would pick it back up.  If you need one to get your protein in, by all means use it!

I probably eat between 1500-1800-2000 calories a day now.  I had my metabolic rate at rest tested and it was roughly 1400, so even minimal activity, lets me maintain at this rate.  I am close to 5'8" so, I can eat a little more than a smaller women.

For good health, I eat a lot of protein and veggies (plus I love them both).  I eat low carb to lose weight.  If I get in 80-100 g of protein a day and less than 40 carbs I'll lose weight.  I'm sure not everyone is the same, but that seems to be my formula.  I am generally a healthy eater but am certainly guilty of treating myself.  As long as I usually eat on plan, all is good.

All the best on your journey!

Where did you get your metabolic rate tested?  I would love to do that.  How is the test done?