Reflections on WLS at 6 weeks out.

My energy returned on Monday.  If you'd asked me if I was having low energy, I'd have said no, but let me tell you I was wrong, because I have SO MUCH MORE energy than even before the VSG now. 

This has been and continues to be an amazing process.  I have learned so much about my relationship with food, nutrition, and what a slacker I was even if I did exercise pre-op. 

I am also surprised by how positive all my friends and family have been so far.  I am exercising with my skinny friends (who I know have to slow down for me, but they don't complain), and they are generally supportive.  I may encounter a negative reaction at some point (I'm sure I will), but I don't care.

I am so glad I did this.  It is seriously the most empowering thing I have ever done.  For the first time EVER, I am confident in my ability to lose the weight and create a strong and healthy body, permanently.  Yes, I'll have to work for it, but I actually know I can do it.  I thought having WLS meant I was "giving up" on losing weight, but in reality, it was me taking control of the problem.  It's amazing.  Today, I am down 40.4 lbs.  The most weight I had ever lost in the past in one shot was 40 lbs.  This is just the beginning!

I know a lot of people think that if I could just exercise and diet and lose weight, I didn't really need WLS.  To those people, I say, "not if you are morbidly obese."  The VSG has removed physical hunger from the equation (for now), so that I can redefine my relationship with food.  When my nerve endings grow back and I feel hunger again, I'll be able to make better decisions.  There is no way I'd have made it through my stall a couple weeks ago without the VSG. 

Today my six-year-old asked me if I HAD to have my operation.  I told her yes, if I wanted to be a healthy weight, and that getting to a healthy weight would probably add 10 years to my life.  "TEN YEARS?!" she yelled.  "THAT'S a LOT!!"  I also told her that I could have stayed unhealthy and not have the operation, but that wasn't what I chose to do, and that I did a lot of thinking and research before making my decision.  Then I threw in that the best idea was to stay at a healthy weight so you don't need surgery.  I hope I can prevent my children from having my same battles with food.

If you are on the fence, I encourage you to do your research and make the decision that is right for you.  This is not easy, but it absolutely was the right thing for me.  I also encourage you to confront your own feelings about wls and people who have it before telling others.  When you've made peace with your decision and have reframed it as taking control, you care less about what others think.

I too am six weeks out. Tell me about a typical day for you please. Im struggling and could use a push. Especially since we're at about the same progression. Ive lost 20 pounds total since the pre op diet began. It seems slow going for me. Eating isnt enjoyable at all. Im hungry most of the time. Tell me what you eat and drink and when. I feel like maybe Im doing this wrong.
Thanks,
Jodi

Are you on my fitness pal? You can view my food logs there (same screen name).

In general, I eat less than 600 calories/day, around 20g carbs, very little fat, and 90-100g protein. I have been doing cardio at least 4 days/week and was just cleared to add weights in, so ill do that 3 days/week. I drink water, decaf coffee with almond milk, & protein drinks. Sometimes I add mio or crystal light.

i hope this helps!

Thank you for the positive outlook and your post helps me feel I truely am making the right decision. I meet my surgeon on monday to begin prepareing for my journey.

Thank you for posting. One of my biggest fears is my children following in my fat foot steps. I am thankful that my kids do like healthy foods. My 6 y/o daughter when given the option between french fries and apples she chose apples and between soda and milk she chose milk. It made my heart swell!! I worry about my son though. He is also 6. He will eat healthy foods if given to him, but with the choice he will not choose the healthy foods/drinks. If we have candy in the house we have to hide it away because he will sneak out of his room at night and eat it. He worries me, but we keep trying our best.

Great post - I enjoyed reading your story, I'm 3 weeks out and am hopeful to have the energy you have at 6 weeks out!  Keep up the great work!! Congrats!