1 Year Surgiversary w/pics! Long Post
I started writing this a couple weeks from the date. I wanted to be sure I put into words as much useful information as possible. I know a lot of you have been reading my posts for some time and I feel like you’ve been with me the entire journey so far. I couldn’t have done it without the support, the freely shared knowledge and a couple of kicks in the ass (thanks Frisco, you’re my hero). 
I jumped into having this surgery with a minimal amount of research. I looked on the forum and found the VSG to be a good fit for me. My husband was extremely obese and having major medical problems. Out of fear I pushed for this surgery, he was receptive and it was done. Both of us on the same day in Mexico. Bing, Bang, Boom. I would not suggest this to others, instead take your time and research. I think I would have done things a little differently if I had. But, it’s all worked out very well for both of us and I even brought my daughter to Mexico in March so she could get a sleeve.
The best family decision I have made and I have ever made and I don't have one single regret. Nope, not one.
With the help of the vets on OH, the surgery and healing went well. I stuck to a plan, logged my foods for the first few months and then if my weight loss slowed or stopped, I went right back to logging. It was so simple to say no to foods and stick to just what I should eat to lose weight in the first few months. Now, because I stuck to weighing the protein I ate and kept it under 3 oz, I can honestly say my sleeve is not stretched. I can eat a little more than the 2.5 oz I used to but not much more. I don’t like being overly full and I think my mind is trained to that now so when I get to a point where one more bite might put me over the edge, I just stop eating, without even thinking about it. Thank God! How many times does a person have to be sick and/or walk off that awful feeling of too full before your brain gets it? Apparently, for me….a few. But my brain did finally get it.
Right now I give a half hearted effort to losing the last 1.5 lbs that will put me at 25% body fat and mid BMI range. Too many summer weekend parties for it to be my focus right now but I will get it done. LOL
I went through several “new" phases along the journey. At first every pound and inch lost was a reason for celebration and posting, and pictures, pictures, pictures. Mostly because in the beginning I would float my mouse over those before and after pics every day and think “can this really happen to me?" So it’s my way of giving back.
Then came the realization that if I just put in a little more effort (exercise) I could really go over the top and have the body I always wanted. So, hello runner’s world. I started daily on a treadmill, walking, then jogging and eventually increasing both speed and distance. No I run 5 miles about 5 times a week and I’ve an appointment to get my stride checked and join a club…so damn excited about that. It’s like crack for me, running. Transfer addiction maybe? Eh, who cares?
Then it was the more internal changes that had me scrambling around to figure out where my head was at. The compliments were flattering but sometimes it felt like, and still does, I am always on display at gatherings. Not exactly what I had in mind when I started this journey. But, I suck it up because I feel great!
Some of the things I would tell newbies to look out for:
1. Listen to the vets…they have walked the entire journey before you. The ups and the downs. 2. The time passes so fast, before you know it, you can’t remember the mushie stage so you don’t know what to say to the newbie who’s posting questions about it. So help as much as you can while you still remember
3. Eat your damn meat first!!! It’s the secret to my success. Never really eat much of anything else if I eat my meat first. Later on, when you don’t care if you lose any more weight or not you can eat other stuff first then the meat, but probably have to drink a protein shake later to compensate.
4. Protein is VERY IMPORTANT! If you want the scale to reflect FAT gone and not muscle gone. 5. Stick to an eating plan especially in the beginning. It helps get you through the head hunger stages, the stalls, the plateaus, etc. and makes it easier later on to snap yourself back to basics if needed
6. When in doubt, stick to the eating plan and everything rights itself again.
7. Embrace your relationships as they change…and they will change just as you do. Remember, change is good; you just need to communicate through it. Whether its friendships, family, kids or spouses…communicate. Just say it out loud and ha**** out. Keep your head on your shoulders, assess your boundaries daily. It will all work out.
8. Watch your shopping budget…Mine is history (sigh) I loved shopping for new clothes! Still do! But the cute little dresses cost a lot of money. And designer jeans…please…and shoes…and…well you get the picture. And it all looks and feels so damn good on my new body….
9. Exercise! Walk before you run, hire a trainer for a few sessions, they are bound to show you some exercises that you like and you can keep on doing them when you’re done with training. Besides there’s nothing better than having shapely legs and guns…lol really makes a Herve sleeve dress rock!
10. Loose skin sucks! I look better in clothes. I am definitely going to get some PS. I worked too hard to get here and I’m not going to quit till I’m satisfied that I look and feel my best. Just gotta stop shopping long enough to afford it…(sigh)
11. I wish I had the sleeve a lot earlier in life. Oh well. At least my daughter is getting her big start.
Starting weight (measured 2 weeks into pre-op diet 233) Size 3x/22
Surgery weight = 212 Current weight=133.5 ( I weighed 140 when I was 12 years old, LOL)
Body Fat= 26%
Height 5’4"
Age=52 (in a few days)
Size 2-4
Total weight loss to date = 99.5 lbs
Today I eat every 3 hours or so. I try not to go more than 4 hours because I still tend to eat way too fast if I’m hungry and yes…I will feel awful and maybe throw up if I eat too much too fast. And “hungry" feels completely different after surgery. So be careful with that. I eat 2-3 oz of meat and sometimes a tablespoon or so of something else, veggies, potato etc. I rarely eat white carbs like rice, pasta, bread. I just don’t. There are always choices, so I just choose other things. The sleeve makes that pretty damn easy. I weigh myself daily and eat according to the scale. Again, the sleeve makes that easy for me. I drink protein shakes on my running/weight lifting days. I measure how much protein I get from eating meat and supplement with a shake if it’s lower than 70 grams. That’s been working for me as I measure body fat % to make sure I am not losing lean mass.
I still suffer from acid reflux but every once in a while I’ll forget the PPI for a few days and lately have found that it’s not as bad as it was. I’m leaning towards weaning myself off if I can.
***A special note about alcohol*** there are more than a few reasons to avoid it during the weight loss phase! As an empty nester and a 5 o’clock ****tail queen, I can tell you that your weight loss with dramatically slow down or stall if you drink during the weight loss phase. Do yourself a favor and wait until you hit goal before indulging. You will be at goal a lot faster and your body will adjust to the weight loss much easier.
Before Surgery: I had rising blood pressure and sugar, bad knees and back, couldn’t walk far without huffing and puffing, trouble putting on my own shoes. I had stopped wearing daily make-up a couple years before the surgery. I was miserable. I did not like me so no-one else could like me either.
Now I run 5 miles at least 5x a week with no issues and lift weights (which I should be doing 3x a week but lately just once a week…gotta fix that soon). My blood pressure is a steady 110/60. I dress to please myself every day, because I can. I wear makeup and I take pride in how I look. I am happy. I am a completely new person with whom I am getting to know. I think I will be ok with this new girl. Even if sometimes she gets a little carried away with the new stuff. I expect we will even out and come to terms with everything.
Well my profile is public so anybody can look at the progress pics. As I got smaller, I really started photo whoring, lol. I think, mostly because I couldn’t believe the changes. People would tell me I looked so different but I didn’t see it. When I posted on OH, it became more and more real to me.
But just for sh*ts and giggles…here are some before and afters. I’ve included some “skin" shots so people could see the bad stuff like bat wings, flabby skin under my arm pits (please! What is up with that crap?) My wrinkly belly (my daughter and I agree that it looks like a cantaloupe melon that’s been in the fridge way to long). I have a flabby ass too, but I draw the line at putting pics of me in my underwear, you’ll just have to take my word for it.
I’ve also included what few before and after pics of my husband (with his permission). He has lost 100 lbs but wants to lose about another 40. It’s an example of the difference between measuring and weighing your food and choosing wisely during the first 6 months OR eating to a specific plan. He did not eat on plan and now he can typically eat 6-8 oz of meat and other stuff. Now he is going to have to go old school and fight the demons to deny himself so he can take the rest off. Easier than before surgery? Yes. It could have been a lot easier for him if he had followed some plan after surgery. That’s the plain truth. Take it or leave it.
Here are some pics:
Before weight unknown
1 week post op
Progress over the next few months
5 pounds ago
Skin...UGH!!!
The cantalope shot lol
Freaking flabby under my armpits
Guns
Hubby Before
And today
What a ride! It feels like this part of the journey is over but the best part is yet to come...
cheers to all,
Donna
I jumped into having this surgery with a minimal amount of research. I looked on the forum and found the VSG to be a good fit for me. My husband was extremely obese and having major medical problems. Out of fear I pushed for this surgery, he was receptive and it was done. Both of us on the same day in Mexico. Bing, Bang, Boom. I would not suggest this to others, instead take your time and research. I think I would have done things a little differently if I had. But, it’s all worked out very well for both of us and I even brought my daughter to Mexico in March so she could get a sleeve.
The best family decision I have made and I have ever made and I don't have one single regret. Nope, not one.
With the help of the vets on OH, the surgery and healing went well. I stuck to a plan, logged my foods for the first few months and then if my weight loss slowed or stopped, I went right back to logging. It was so simple to say no to foods and stick to just what I should eat to lose weight in the first few months. Now, because I stuck to weighing the protein I ate and kept it under 3 oz, I can honestly say my sleeve is not stretched. I can eat a little more than the 2.5 oz I used to but not much more. I don’t like being overly full and I think my mind is trained to that now so when I get to a point where one more bite might put me over the edge, I just stop eating, without even thinking about it. Thank God! How many times does a person have to be sick and/or walk off that awful feeling of too full before your brain gets it? Apparently, for me….a few. But my brain did finally get it.
Right now I give a half hearted effort to losing the last 1.5 lbs that will put me at 25% body fat and mid BMI range. Too many summer weekend parties for it to be my focus right now but I will get it done. LOL
I went through several “new" phases along the journey. At first every pound and inch lost was a reason for celebration and posting, and pictures, pictures, pictures. Mostly because in the beginning I would float my mouse over those before and after pics every day and think “can this really happen to me?" So it’s my way of giving back.
Then came the realization that if I just put in a little more effort (exercise) I could really go over the top and have the body I always wanted. So, hello runner’s world. I started daily on a treadmill, walking, then jogging and eventually increasing both speed and distance. No I run 5 miles about 5 times a week and I’ve an appointment to get my stride checked and join a club…so damn excited about that. It’s like crack for me, running. Transfer addiction maybe? Eh, who cares?
Then it was the more internal changes that had me scrambling around to figure out where my head was at. The compliments were flattering but sometimes it felt like, and still does, I am always on display at gatherings. Not exactly what I had in mind when I started this journey. But, I suck it up because I feel great!
Some of the things I would tell newbies to look out for:
1. Listen to the vets…they have walked the entire journey before you. The ups and the downs. 2. The time passes so fast, before you know it, you can’t remember the mushie stage so you don’t know what to say to the newbie who’s posting questions about it. So help as much as you can while you still remember
3. Eat your damn meat first!!! It’s the secret to my success. Never really eat much of anything else if I eat my meat first. Later on, when you don’t care if you lose any more weight or not you can eat other stuff first then the meat, but probably have to drink a protein shake later to compensate.
4. Protein is VERY IMPORTANT! If you want the scale to reflect FAT gone and not muscle gone. 5. Stick to an eating plan especially in the beginning. It helps get you through the head hunger stages, the stalls, the plateaus, etc. and makes it easier later on to snap yourself back to basics if needed
6. When in doubt, stick to the eating plan and everything rights itself again.
7. Embrace your relationships as they change…and they will change just as you do. Remember, change is good; you just need to communicate through it. Whether its friendships, family, kids or spouses…communicate. Just say it out loud and ha**** out. Keep your head on your shoulders, assess your boundaries daily. It will all work out.
8. Watch your shopping budget…Mine is history (sigh) I loved shopping for new clothes! Still do! But the cute little dresses cost a lot of money. And designer jeans…please…and shoes…and…well you get the picture. And it all looks and feels so damn good on my new body….
9. Exercise! Walk before you run, hire a trainer for a few sessions, they are bound to show you some exercises that you like and you can keep on doing them when you’re done with training. Besides there’s nothing better than having shapely legs and guns…lol really makes a Herve sleeve dress rock!
10. Loose skin sucks! I look better in clothes. I am definitely going to get some PS. I worked too hard to get here and I’m not going to quit till I’m satisfied that I look and feel my best. Just gotta stop shopping long enough to afford it…(sigh)
11. I wish I had the sleeve a lot earlier in life. Oh well. At least my daughter is getting her big start.
Starting weight (measured 2 weeks into pre-op diet 233) Size 3x/22
Surgery weight = 212 Current weight=133.5 ( I weighed 140 when I was 12 years old, LOL)
Body Fat= 26%
Height 5’4"
Age=52 (in a few days)
Size 2-4
Total weight loss to date = 99.5 lbs
Today I eat every 3 hours or so. I try not to go more than 4 hours because I still tend to eat way too fast if I’m hungry and yes…I will feel awful and maybe throw up if I eat too much too fast. And “hungry" feels completely different after surgery. So be careful with that. I eat 2-3 oz of meat and sometimes a tablespoon or so of something else, veggies, potato etc. I rarely eat white carbs like rice, pasta, bread. I just don’t. There are always choices, so I just choose other things. The sleeve makes that pretty damn easy. I weigh myself daily and eat according to the scale. Again, the sleeve makes that easy for me. I drink protein shakes on my running/weight lifting days. I measure how much protein I get from eating meat and supplement with a shake if it’s lower than 70 grams. That’s been working for me as I measure body fat % to make sure I am not losing lean mass.
I still suffer from acid reflux but every once in a while I’ll forget the PPI for a few days and lately have found that it’s not as bad as it was. I’m leaning towards weaning myself off if I can.
***A special note about alcohol*** there are more than a few reasons to avoid it during the weight loss phase! As an empty nester and a 5 o’clock ****tail queen, I can tell you that your weight loss with dramatically slow down or stall if you drink during the weight loss phase. Do yourself a favor and wait until you hit goal before indulging. You will be at goal a lot faster and your body will adjust to the weight loss much easier.
Before Surgery: I had rising blood pressure and sugar, bad knees and back, couldn’t walk far without huffing and puffing, trouble putting on my own shoes. I had stopped wearing daily make-up a couple years before the surgery. I was miserable. I did not like me so no-one else could like me either.
Now I run 5 miles at least 5x a week with no issues and lift weights (which I should be doing 3x a week but lately just once a week…gotta fix that soon). My blood pressure is a steady 110/60. I dress to please myself every day, because I can. I wear makeup and I take pride in how I look. I am happy. I am a completely new person with whom I am getting to know. I think I will be ok with this new girl. Even if sometimes she gets a little carried away with the new stuff. I expect we will even out and come to terms with everything.
Well my profile is public so anybody can look at the progress pics. As I got smaller, I really started photo whoring, lol. I think, mostly because I couldn’t believe the changes. People would tell me I looked so different but I didn’t see it. When I posted on OH, it became more and more real to me.
But just for sh*ts and giggles…here are some before and afters. I’ve included some “skin" shots so people could see the bad stuff like bat wings, flabby skin under my arm pits (please! What is up with that crap?) My wrinkly belly (my daughter and I agree that it looks like a cantaloupe melon that’s been in the fridge way to long). I have a flabby ass too, but I draw the line at putting pics of me in my underwear, you’ll just have to take my word for it.
I’ve also included what few before and after pics of my husband (with his permission). He has lost 100 lbs but wants to lose about another 40. It’s an example of the difference between measuring and weighing your food and choosing wisely during the first 6 months OR eating to a specific plan. He did not eat on plan and now he can typically eat 6-8 oz of meat and other stuff. Now he is going to have to go old school and fight the demons to deny himself so he can take the rest off. Easier than before surgery? Yes. It could have been a lot easier for him if he had followed some plan after surgery. That’s the plain truth. Take it or leave it.
Here are some pics:
Before weight unknown
1 week post op
Progress over the next few months
5 pounds ago
Skin...UGH!!!
The cantalope shot lol
Freaking flabby under my armpits
Guns
Hubby Before
And today
What a ride! It feels like this part of the journey is over but the best part is yet to come...cheers to all,
Donna
HW/233 * SW/212 * CW/133 *GW/132 * 100 Pounds of FAT gone FOREVER!
Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple~Dr.Suess
Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple~Dr.Suess
Fantastic write-up. Thanks for taking the time and effort to detail all these items.
Heaviest: 313/VSG Pre: 295/Surgery: 260/Maintenance target:190 - Recent: 195 (08/15/19)
1st 2015&2016 12-Hour Time Trial UMCA 50-59 Age Group
1st 2017 Race Across the West 4-Person 50-59 Age Group
4th 2019 Race Across America 8 Person Team
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