19 months post op and 4 months into maintenance

cappy11448
on 11/29/14 8:48 pm

 

Hi All,

I just wanted to say hello and share some thoughts from the maintenance side of WLS.  It is harder to stay connected to the OH community now that I'm in maintenance and don't have regular goals to report, or challenges to discuss.  So I wanted to post a hopeful message.  This weight loss surgery really works. 

I started the weight loss process in January of 2013 at 385 pounds.  WLS seemed so drastic, and I wanted to do it on my own, but after years of struggle, I was still getting heavier and heavier.  I could see the quality of life diminishing as I had less and less energy,  less and less mobility, more and more pain in my back and knees.  I was 64 at the time, and decided I had to do something. 

This was the best decision of my life.  I feared I'd be the one person that WLS wouldn't work for.  I would have been happy to just get below 300 pounds again.  I thought I was dreaming to think I could get to 250 pounds.  When I read posts about breaking 200 pounds, I never thought that was in my future.

My doctors goal was for me to be "overweight" and no longer obese.  At 195 pounds, I breezed thru this goal.  My dream goal was 180 pounds.  I breezed thru that, as well.  When I hit 160 pounds and a normal BMI, I decided to start maintenance.  I'm now 157 pounds, with a BMI of 24.  I started at a BMI of 60!

The nicest thing is going into a clothing store, trying on the clothes and having them fit and look good.  It is so wonderful.  I'm getting rid of all the baggy clothes and building a wardrobe that fits.  It is such fun.

I share this because I want you to know this really works.  If you are considering WLS, please do it for yourself.  Obesity is a disease and WLS is a treatment that works.

 The process wasn't easy but it was doable.  I am disciplined in what I eat.  I still weigh and measure my food.  I still log it in my fitness pal.  I have to cook interesting, healthy foods so that I always have enjoyable choices to eat.  This is essential in having the discipline to avoid the pizza and lasagna and snacky foods that I shouldn't eat.  So I put a lot of energy into planning and cooking, but its worth it to be healthy.

I've gotten into the regimen of eating four meals a day.  My meals consist of 3.5 to 4 ounces of dense protein, and as many low-carb veggies as I can eat.  I found it easier to add an extra meal rather than more food per meal or snacks, as that led me to eating more junk.  I also like the 4-mea-a-day plan because if my weight goes up a bit, I just cut back to three meals a day until it comes down again.

Lately, I've been adding more carbs to my diet.  I found that my blood pressure was low and I was getting dizzy.  Eating carbs seems to help this.  So I will add some sweet potatoes, bread, or winter squash occasionally at the end of my meal.  So far, the carb monster has been under control. 

I wish you the best in your weight loss journey.  This surgery really works. 

best wishes,

Carol

 

    

Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385,  Surgery Weight 333,  Current Weight 160.  At GOAL!

Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12  8-8

                  9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3  18-3

     

(deactivated member)
on 11/29/14 9:12 pm

Thank you for this post. I am just in the beginning stanges of the process and you have definitely inspired me.  

allyray
on 11/29/14 10:29 pm

This is what I need to hear. I am a strong woman (with most things in my life) and I know I can be strong with this!!  Thank you so much!  I hope people like you will continue to post your results, new life, etc... As it really encourages us who are just at the beginning of his transformation!

Wildnwonderful
on 11/29/14 9:55 pm

Thank you for this!! I just had this thought last night that I was going to be the one it wasn't going to work for. I am 33 years old weighed 274 when I said enough is enough. I am awaiting surgery on December 17 and am starting to get anxious and a little nervous.

I have lost down to 255 and just can't get it to go below that!!! I start my Liver shrink diet on the 11th and am so worried I wont be able to get thorough it. I have done things before I swore up and down I wouldn't be able to. Things I was so afraid to do. All because my family needed me too.

I am doing this for ME though. I don't want my hips and feet to hurt. I don't want to be out of breath so easily. I want to fit in cute clothes and not have my belly overtop of my pants. 

You have inspired me. I know this is going to be the hardest thing I will ever do. I just hope I fal into a nice routine and that will make it a little easier.

 

November18
on 11/29/14 10:18 pm
VSG on 11/18/14

Thanks for the post! It is very helpful to those of us at the beginning stages. I'm only 12 days out and definitely have the feeling that I'm going to be the one person that this doesn't work for. So far it's been a lot harder than I expected. Physically I'm pretty good but mentally is another story. I've got that head hunger, I guess, and everyday is a stuggle. I want to eat. Hoping it will pass. Again, thanks for your post. Success stories are so much needed!!!!! 

Bonnie

    

            

    
Kim N.
on 11/29/14 10:49 pm
VSG on 12/08/14

Thank you so much Carol for your inspirational post.  I'm on day 7 of my pre-op diet and I'm having a really difficult time with it.  Surgery is Dec. 8th and I hope I can last that long without raiding the fridge.  I'm already sick of protein drinks & jello.  I want this so badly.  I just don't want to fall off the wagon and revert to my old ways of eating everything and anything that's in the fridge.  I hope this surgery gives me a little appetite suppresant to help with that.  Please keep posting.  It would be good to hear what your hardest obstacles were and how you overcame them.

Thanks again~

Kim

BorderCollieMama

            
Karen H.
on 11/30/14 12:50 am
VSG on 12/08/14
On November 30, 2014 at 6:49 AM Pacific Time, BorderCollieMama wrote:

Thank you so much Carol for your inspirational post.  I'm on day 7 of my pre-op diet and I'm having a really difficult time with it.  Surgery is Dec. 8th and I hope I can last that long without raiding the fridge.  I'm already sick of protein drinks & jello.  I want this so badly.  I just don't want to fall off the wagon and revert to my old ways of eating everything and anything that's in the fridge.  I hope this surgery gives me a little appetite suppresant to help with that.  Please keep posting.  It would be good to hear what your hardest obstacles were and how you overcame them.

Thanks again~

Kim

Hi Kim! I just noticed you have the same surgery date as me! Yes, I am drinking the shakes , jello and tomato soups and sugar free puddings. We "can" do this, Kim! I'm like you, I am a little nervous wondering if I can do this "Long Term". Add me as a friend , maybe we can encourage each other since we are at the same exact time frame of our weight loss journey. That was so encouraging reading Carol's post! Good Luck,,,, ONE MORE WEEK, girl!!  We can do this! My surgery is at 1:30 pm. Yours?

Karen

                                

cappy11448
on 12/1/14 12:07 am

Hi Kim,

I found the pre-op diet really challenging, as well.  Hang in there.  After the surgery, I found it much easier to resist over-eating.  After surgery, there are other challenges adjusting to the new tummy, but the appetite did diminish for me.

best of luck with your surgery. You'll do great.

Carol

 

    

Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385,  Surgery Weight 333,  Current Weight 160.  At GOAL!

Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12  8-8

                  9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3  18-3

     

56sunShine14
on 11/29/14 11:56 pm

I am so happy you posted this cappy!  I started THIS journey (post lap band) in May of this year and am now in the last 2 hoops of pre-sleeve surgery.  But it is so hard for me to lose weight on my own!  I am beginning at 377 =, now down to 359 and BMI was at 64.5.  So, watching you go has been nice to see.  Thank you!

  All posts that I make on this site, any forum, are a result in my having experience and caring for anyone having to go through life as an obese person. If you have medical issues, please see your doctor for medical advice.

 

Karen

    
White Dove
on 11/30/14 12:25 am - Warren, OH

Cappy,

What an inspiring post.  Do you mind sharing which surgery you had?

Real life begins where your comfort zone ends

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