Michelle D.
1 1/2 year + post VSG update
Jan 12, 2009
I have finally made time to write about my 1 1/2 years since my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.I don't have much new or exciting to write about that I have not already written before. However, I continue to believe that it is our reponsiblility to keep people updated about the aftermath of our wls decisions...good, bad and the other stuff.
The Good - I had an exceptionally easy surgery and surgical recovery. I feel I had one of the best VSG surgeons there is, including his staff. From the coordinator to the hospital cleaning people, I continue to have nothing negative to say about them!
I lost ALL my excess weight (and even more then I dreamed) quickly and easily. Due to the very restrictive nature of this surgey I was able to change my eating habits to get proteins first. I never dieted or counted or wrote down everything I ate! (I agree that this may be necessary for many people.) While actively losing weight, I found that moderation works better for me then deprivation, so if I really want something, I eat some of it to satisfy that craving.
I hit my goal of 150 pounds after 6 months and 1 week and continued to lose weight for a few more months. I have maintained around 133 pounds for many months. I have to add in many more healthy snacks to keep my weight from falling below 133 if I am doing my obsessive gym work outs...I cut out the added snacks when I back off my gym work-outs so that I do not put any weight back on. I will add more on exercise later!!
Now that I have been below my goal weight for quite a few months I have finally started to get used to being thin. It takes awhile to get your head around the new sizes, attention and energy that comes with the weight loss. Spouses, friends and even children can also have trouble getting used to the 'new you'...BE PATIENT! I buy more clothes then I ever did when I was a size 20+ but I spend less because I can shop anywhere and find clothes that fit AND are stylish. I'll share a quick sidenote: My 17 1/2 year old daughter received a cute Volcum sweatjacket for Christmas from my mother. It was slightly too small for her and the sleeves were too short for her long arms, so my mom gave it to me! Seriously, I fit into it and I get compliments everytime I wear it, though it makes me look like a teenager. lol
The Bad - I was extremely lucky that as I lost weight, my skin seemed to shrink back a satisfactory amount. I do have some excess skin in my lower abdomin and I have yet to decide if I will have a tummy tuck at a later date. I actually think considering I am 42 years old, have given birth to 3 children and lost almost 100 pounds after wls that I have very little to complain about so I don't know if this should go under good or bad. Now, the boobies are a different story...I always had small breasts and since losing weight they have gone on vacation...I may consider implants later on but for now I will just keep finding good padded bras!
Vitamins have been a challenge for me. I just never took any vitamins before and I sometimes forget to take them still. I don't know why this is a challenge for me, no matter where I keep them I seem to be able to look right past the bottles.
I wish, wish, wish I had of done this surgery years earlier.
The Other Stuff - I think the best and sometimes most overlooked part of our new post-wls life is EXERCISE. If I have said it once, I've said it a million times...I would rather be a firm and fit size 10 if necessary then a flabby and saggy size 4. Strong is beautiful! Yes, losing weight will improve our health and help us cure those co-morbidities but if we REALLY want to be healthy and live longer we have to find some way to work out. I encourage evryone to keep trying new things until you find the workout that works for you (and who knows, maybe you will even find something you can love the way I love lifting weights).
My VSG has done so much more for me then just help me lose weight. It has helped me learn to put myself first, at least part of the time. I now take the time to dress nicely, fix my hair and make-up EVERY DAY, go to the tanning booth occasionally, go to the gym and go to WLS support group monthly. These are things I do for me and only me..I have found that the benefit I get from these things actually helps me give more quality time to my family and friends! The better I feel, the more positive stuff I have to give!
One of my favorite things is to share my journey with others. I have very little time to spend on OH but I am always willing to answer questions or give support. Personal message me if you want to talk. I will update my blog as time goes on. Good luck to each and every one of you in your journey!
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About Me
Keno, OR
Location
22.2
BMI
Surgery
06/18/2007
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Jun 22, 2007
Member Since
