3 months out (pics).

I know this is what I wanted to see when I was pre-op, so I'm trying to post monthly updates on the 28th.

Stats:

High weight:  265

Surgery weight: 253 (-12 lbs)

Month 1:  232 (-21 lbs)

Month 2: 216.4 (-15.6)

Month 3: 204.6 (-11.8)

Total Loss:  60.4 total, 48.4 since VSG

I'm not entirely happy, nor is my surgeon, since they like to see 20 lbs/month for the first 3 months, but it is what it is.  I'm far more active than I was before, my food has been, with the exception of 3 days I've addressed with my therapist, on plan, and I'm working on increasing fluids to 100 oz/day.  I AM happy to be this close to ONEderland.

 

You look great. Congratulations and keep us posted on your progress. 

you look great and yes this is exactly what we like to see, thank you!!

Congrats! Looking good girl.

First, you are looking SO good! I hope you are proud of yourself, even if you're not 100% completely pleased with your progress.

That said, 2nd, your loss is following my pattern pretty closely. I lost 23 pre op and then 23 month 1, 12 month 2, and then 11 the next. See? Pretty close and I'm a guy. Some of us just lose a little more slowly than others. You will get there. Of that, I have NO doubt!

Wow. You are doing great!  Thank you for sharing your success with us.

Right on. Thanks for sharing your pictures and story. May I ask a couple questions?

What are your biggest challenges at this point--have they changed over the last three months? Anything easier than expected? 

Congratulations on your progress. :)

My biggest challenge by far is getting in fluids.  My "goal" right now is 100 oz.  I fall short pretty much every day.  I didn't drink a lot throughout the day pre-op either, so as you can imagine it's even trickier now.  My other challenge is getting in enough protein while keeping carbs/fat/calories low.

I'm surprised at how much I'm starting to enjoy exercise even if fitting it in can be a challenge and I have serious concerns about how sustainable it is, particularly assuming I go back to work this fall (I've been a stay-home mom/student for the past 7+ years but recently finished my MLIS and am looking to go back to work part-time this fall). 

Nothing is easier than I expected, really.  I am astounded at how little I eat (calorie-wise) and that sometimes, I don't lose any more weight than I could have following weigh****chers pre-op.  It is, however, much easier to stay on-plan than it was with my "normal" stomach.  I still WANT to eat baked goods and chocolate, I am just more able to resist now.  Before, well, I could not hold out for very long.

I also had this idea, pre-op, that I'd lose the weight, and then at goal I could "relax."  I'm learning, thanks to my Vet friends here on OD and at my support group, that this is forever.  It's going to take a bit for me to come to terms with that.

Remembered what was easier--recovery.  I attribute this to my awesome surgeon.  I had nearly no pain, was up and walking early, and was back doing cardio (no stress on tummy) within 2 or 3 weeks.  This is the first time I ever had any kind of surgery (other than wisdom teeth removal) and I was amazed at how quickly I bounced back.  Honestly, I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to stay in bed and let my husband do everything with our kids. :)

Wow! Your side-view shot really shows the loss- back and tummy just melting away. Excellent and well done.