Well, I'm a little past my 3 month mark and can definitely say that I am glad I had this surgery done. It wasn't easy to say that early on when I was struggling with getting fluid in, learning how to slowly feed my sleeve, and adjusting to a life of smaller portions. I can't say I'm 100% there, but I'm making good progress. I still get irritated sometimes when I'm really hungry and have something really good to eat and then I sit down and can only manage to eat a tiny bit. One thing about the sleeve is that you can't always predict how much food it will allow you to eat before it revolts. Sometimes I can eat what seems like a decent amount. Other times, I can only eat a few mouthfuls. My sleeve tends to be very tight in the morning and loosens as the day progresses. Dinner is the time I'm most likely to get in a decent amount of food and protein. I'm still relying on my protein supplements to maintain my muscle mass (Isopure RTD and Jay Robb powder shake mix - both are whey protein isolate).

Despite the volume changes with my sleeve, I am doing a good job of listening to my full signals and not trying to push it past the limit. I usually stop eating before I am truly full because getting to full can sometimes lead to vomiting if you take in even a tiny bit more. So, when I get that little twinge in my stomach or an uncomfortable sensation in my chest, I know it's time to stop. Sometimes, I can let things settle and eat a little more if I've only taken a few bites. If I've already eaten what seems like a normal amount for me, then I stop when I get that sensation. Early on, eating too fast led to vomiting more than eating too much. As time progresses, I'm finding that I can eat at a slightly more normal pace even though I'm still eating a fraction of what I used to. It all just takes some getting used to.

To date, I've lost a total of 61 pounds, including 15 pounds preop. I see improvements physically because I no longer have back or hip pain. Most people I interact with everyday only started noticing my weight loss recently. I think they kind of knew something was different but weren't sure or didn't want to say anything. Now, it's quite obvious. I've gone from a size 22W to 18W or 18 Misses. My 18s are starting to get loose on me now. The change in my clothing size has been the most exciting aspect of things for me and what keeps me most motivated. I would probably be another size smaller if I was exercising the way I'm supposed to be, but I just haven't been able to get that together. My schedule has been so crazy and unpredictable the past couple of months that I can't even piece together a consistent workout routine. So, I do some Pilates when I am willing and able but I have definitely got to work on that aspect of things.

Overall, it's been a VERY interesting experience. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone because you have to be patient and attentive to your body for this to be successful. You won't be able to eat regular food overnight, you won't lose the weight overnight, and you won't feel like yourself overnight. But all of those things will come in time. I'm looking forward to more positive changes down the road physically and mentally as I continue to adjust to my new stomach and my new body.