Wendy L

Hi! I thought today would be a good day to introduce myself. I'm Wendy, and as of this morning, I am down from 343 lbs to 199 lbs. (144 total lost). I can't begin to tell you how it felt to see that number and to realize that, for the first time since my pregnancy 16 years ago, I am under 200 lbs. This surgery (gastric sleeve) has saved my life. Because of it, I am getting around easily again, I've regained my creativity (quilting up a storm), all of my major health problems have disappeared (including insomnia) and I am happier than I have been in years. I put off surgery for 7 years after promising my dad on his death bed that I would do it. My only regret now is that I waited so long. For those of you at higher weights considering surgery, I truly beg of you to take action steps. Don't just think about it, if you need therapy, get therapy. If you are told to pre-diet (you will be) start today! If you think you can't do it.. Yes you can! You will not regret it. I'll give you one more reason to move on it right now. I am now 48 years old. 7 years ago, when my dad begged me to have surgery, I weighed 50 lbs less than my top weight. In those intervening years, and because I am aging, I developed a bigger apron, bigger fat deposits on my thighs than I'd had previously, saggier breasts, and looser skin off my arms. Had I had the surgery sooner, these would be issues I'd be dealing with now in a much more minor way. I don't regret it, mind you, and I am happy to live with sagging skin for the rest of my life if I don't have to carry that weight around with me. All I am saying is... Time is not your friend. The sooner, the better. I can't impress upon you enough how important it is to just get going! Beat decision of my life.

Congratulations, Jenelle, on your decision to go ahead with surgery. You are going to be fine, and will never regret this decision. Get ready for lots of wonderful changes! Ps.. Walk walk walk. Hehe

I've been walking since my surgery last August (at the time I weighed 300 - started at 343). I am now down to 199 and honestly, I am JUST seriously starting to look into gym memberships now. It took a long time to get to where I don't feel awkward or too heavy for exercise, and it had also taken quite a bit for me to restore my sense of balance, post surgery. I do feel ready in all areas now though and am looking forward to developing back some muscle mass.

It happens to everybody eventually. Stalls, as frustrating as they are, are a part of the journey. I honestly believe that if you are sticking to the plan, other things are just going on with your body, and you should not panic. My last stall (and biggest one) lasted 10 full days. I was very frustrated. In the end I decided I was not getting enough fat (counterintuitive, I know) and purposely added a little olive oil into my diet. Coincidence or not, the stall broke and in the 10 days since, I am down 5 1/2 pounds (141 total). So I guess my best advice to you is stick firm with the plan, and also take a good look at your diet and adjust where necessary. Ps. I haven't joined a gym yet either, but it's definitely around the corner for me now.

Hi, at 8 weeks out, I really still needed help getting down denser proteins. I could not eat white meat chicken at all.. Only dark (softer, moister) and I nearly always needed help in the form of sauces (light versions) or gravies that I made up. I think it takes a fair bit of time to get the denser proteins down by themselves. But at the end of the day, keep working towards it. They are the absolute best way to get full and stay full.

I recently went through the same process. I didn't try much on. My weight has changed so much over the past 10 months (when I started taking off weight pre-surgery) that only currently purchased items fit. The thing I DID enjoy was looking at my old clothes and realizing how much more I like what I have now. Previously, ALL my clothes were a compromise to my size. If they fit, I bought them. It is only now, with nearly 140 lbs gone, that I can enjoy the pleasure of buying clothes because they look more like me. And I still have 60 lbs to go! I can't begin to imagine how it will feel to buy clothes yet at goal. I try to enjoy the process... Can't focus too much on the future.