MovingOn

Hello, I just thought I'd share a little about my journey so far. I was sleeved 9 months ago (May, 2012) by Dr. Chris Kowalski of Kansas City Bariatrics. I'm 37 years old, female, 5'9 tall, and my pre-op weight was 342 lbs. I've lost 103 lbs. so far (currently at 239 lbs.), and still have a long way to go. I've gone from a size 28 jeans to a size 20. My surgery was not covered by insurance, so I paid $12,000 out-of-pocket. That sounds like a lot of money, but it's an incredible investment in my health. My surgery went quite well. I had an afternoon surgery and was up walking and released the following morning. The only memorable thing was that I had an allergic reaction to the surgical adhesives used. For a few weeks, I had a red, itchy rash all over my abdomen. It began just around the taped edges (over the surgical sites). The more I scratched, the more it spread. I became quite miserable with it, but it finally ran its course. If not for the rash, I'd say my surgery went perfectly. I had a similar reaction following a previous abdominal surgery, though not quite as bad. I believe I just have sensitive skin. Luckily, my incisions healed well and my scars are small. (My incisions were glued, no sutures used.) The only "negative" thing I have to report following my surgery is that I have frequent diarrhea. I take loperamide almost daily to control it. This usually helps, though sometimes it doesn't. My doctor suggested it when my diarrhea didn't subside after a month. He said it isn't harmful or addictive. At my six month visit, I told him I still take it regularly. He advised that I taper off of it to allow my digestive system to regulate itself. I haven't been able to do that because I work and feel too stressed out when I have to worry about running to the bathroom nearly every time I eat. (I should note that my gallbladder was removed about 5 years before my VSG, so I did have some issues with this before. However, after the VSG, it became worse.) Overall, though, I believe this is a very minor setback compared to the great benefits of having the surgery. I'm feeling more energy and confidence, but what makes me happiest is that I'm getting healthier. I've joined the gym and am trying to stick with it - I'm mostly just doing brisk walks several times a week to get my heart going. When I'm in better shape, I'll try more. I still struggle to make healthy food choices, but a little voice stays with me that says, "Is the taste of this really worth the calories?" I'm so thankful for that voice. The weight is still going down and I know this is what I want for myself, so I will succeed. I receive a lot of compliments/comments on my new look. I'm sometimes surprised at the things people say. It's as though they think I'm not the same person I was before. I know they mean well, though, so I don't get upset about it. I know some people are reluctant to tell others about their surgery, but I thought it was easier to just put it out in the open. I'm glad I made that decision because I've had nothing but positive support from my family and coworkers. Sometimes, when I'm discouraged, I go to work and feel my "fan club" lifting my spirits. I've been overweight since I was a child and my self-esteem has always been low. I've looked to others for reassurance, to make myself feel better about me. This process is making all that clearer to me and is pointing out my need to feel good from the inside out, regardless of what I look like. I think anyone going through this realizes it's not just a physical journey, but a mental one as well. And I'm happy to be evolving in both aspects. Besides choosing my husband, this surgery is the best decision I've ever made for myself. I don't have a single regret. Good luck to you, whereever you are on your journey.

Rai - Yes, it is good to find people in the same time-frame and roughly the same weight. Compared to most people on here, my loss seems slow. I'm working on getting my thyroid levels under control (recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's -- hypothyroid), so maybe that will help some. Like you, I don't obsess over it, though I am making healthier choices than before. It did feel like the first 100 came off with pretty much no effort. I feel a little guilty when people say, "Wow - look at all your hard work!" because it really wasn't work at all. My weight loss is slowing, too, as I knew it eventually would. I will go for a while with no loss, then suddenly I'm down 3 to 6 lbs. I might be slower than others, but I know I'll get there. :-) You're doing great! Congrats to you!

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate all of them. :-) Jeannine - Good luck with your upcoming surgery! You will be glad you did it - I'd do it again in a heartbeat. shandy - Yes! It's worth it! Glad to hear you're happy - you look great. Chrissy - I really like Dr. Kowalski. My sister used him too, though she did the lap band. It sounds like you're doing great. Congrats to you! Delta - That's great advice. I think milk definitely has something to do with it, though I think other foods are messing with me, too. It would be easy enough for me to cut out dairy for a while and see. Thanks for discussing my bowels! lol I love how we can be so honest here.

I feel very ill (sweaty and on the verge of vomiting) after I eat ice cream or more than just a small taste of something sweet. I love this, though, because it's a great detterent! Fried foods also make me feel yucky. But I shouldn't be eating any of this anyway! :-) Obviously, you'll want to make healthy choices, but I can eat almost anything I did before...just in much smaller quantities. I was afraid I would feel deprived after VSG, but I definitely don't!

Hi Karla - I felt totally drained of energy following my surgery, too. I wondered if it would ever come back. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything. Give your body time to adjust. I think it took me a couple of months to feel "normal" again. It comes back gradually. Hang in there!

Thanks, Kristie - you look wonderful! Congratulations! I can't wait to get under the 200 mark. And yes, it's nice to find someone with similar numbers! :-)

Sleeved on May 16, down 17 pounds...feels like it should be more, considering how little I eat, but I'm still happy. :-)

I am 6 days post-op and also experience hunger. My doctor-approved diet includes protein drinks. Are you able to have those? They don't taste great, but they take away my hunger every time. I'm allowed up to two of those per day and that has been enough for me along with the jello, popsicles, etc.