CamNZ

I'm more outgoing now, I don't get the "OMG FAT FREAK" glares in public, or the comments and random abuse I used to. I don't sweat after a flight or 3 of stairs. I fit 'normal' looking clothes. I blend in. I'm starting to feel comfortable in my skin, whereas before I'd just be angry at the world. I'm generally happier all-round. I'm still a bit anti social when it comes to events that revolve around food, mainly due to the food lust. That's about the only social interaction I avoid these days.

If anyone asks, I tell them anything they want to know, the full truth. I know it's not everyone's preference to do so but that's the only way I've ever done it. I haven't had any negative feedback and to be honest, I wouldn't care if I did. I know this was the best choice for me and for my family. That being said, I struggle with social eating. Head hunger gets me salivating and I get angry/frustrated that I can't have what I want. I'm still getting past that part.

I waited 6 weeks (seems to be universal advice) before lifting anything. Prior to that stage I would walk places, but only short distances. About 2 months post I hit the weights again. Gradually increasing the rate of work. Now around 8 months post I can work harder than I have before. It's so much easier to do so with the weight I've lost so far.

I went back to work after a week. I fumbled and stumbled around, I should have waited longer. I think 2 weeks would have been right for me, in retrospect.

That sounds rough. I hope it gets better for you.

The 'easy way out' huh. Meeting the strict guidelines pre-op wasn't easy. Changing our entire lifestyle and diet wasn't easy. Walking into the operating theatre, seeing the surgical team ready to cut us open, knowing life was about to change permanently and there was no going back, wasn't easy. The pain of recovery and having to learn how to eat again wasn't easy. Dealing with the hormone changes and mental challenges due to changing pretty much everything about the way we live was not easy. Maybe the next time these people speak up we can ask them when the easy part starts, yeah? Don't ever doubt yourself!

I can't stand eggs anymore. I just do not like the taste or smell. Sometimes cheese or coffee tastes like vomit, perhaps it reminds me of acid reflux, I don't know. It is pretty strange. Otherwise everything is normal. Since ditching refined sugar over 12 months ago, I'm repulsed by the taste if/when I have it inadvertently, whether in a meal at a restaurant that has a sauce laced with it, or if the barista gets my coffee order wrong and puts a sugar in it. It disgusts me.

I'm 8 months post-op and I still don't feel hungry. Occasionally I'll realise food is required because I'm feeling a bit low in energy, but that might be as much to do with not hydrating well enough. I get head hungry all the time - it's a constant battle for me. It's getting easier though. Everything is getting easier.

8 months post-op. Getting about a cup of food per meal, sometimes a cup and a half, roughly speaking. Still mainly protein, a few vegetables if there's room. 3 meals a day. I'll get a protein shake in now and then and as much liquid in the form of tea, coffee and water as I can handle.

Surgery is the only way to reduce excess skin. I don't like it much, but I'd rather have loose skin than all that extra weight. No regrets!!

Thanks, it's the best thing I could have done. I'm around 70KG lighter now and still unlocking life. You have an exciting journey ahead, all the best!

Yep. Not often though! I've kind of stopped immersing myself in the bariatric forums and discussion topics. I found I was obsessing a bit. Now that recovery is pretty much done I'm just living normally, with smaller portions. Still getting my head around things though. Based in Hamilton now :D.

I tell everyone including my kids, and a few of my friends kids that ask about me shrinking, exactly what was done, where I was prior to my journey and what I do now after the op. I am and always have been an open book. I find it helps me to talk about it, I'm so happy I've had it done I'm completely out of my shell. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've had my sleeve for 4 days now. I had a bad gassy reaction to a Protein shake that gave me serious regrets about the surgery. That lasted for about 3 hours, then I was back to normal (or at least the new version of normal). I've had a few pangs of regret since, mostly food jealousy when I see normal people eating foods that I love. But overall, I'm happy with my decision. I'm feeling positive about the future. I'm sticking to the nutrition plan strictly because that's what works for me, no compromise. I guess the hardest thing right now is having a bit of cabin fever with the recovery phase. I want to get back to the gym, I want to get back to work. This will soon pass, I know. I'm just impatient, I've been waiting 30+ years to be successful at losing weight! Stay strong everyone.

I've got my sleeve. Currently in the ward recovering. I feel great all things considered. I have minimal pain, I can walk, I can pee, I can drink. I was scared shitless this afternoon as I went into the OR. I'm happy to say that fear was unwarranted. I'm so fucking happy right now, here's to a smaller future. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks Berrybaby, hope you're recovering well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Auckland, heading for surgery on the 14th. Here we go! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Got my date today - 14 nov. Liquid diet from monday. Here I go. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, Porkchop. That actually helps me a lot. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First time poster, hi everyone. 36/M/NZ. Heaviest weight 198KG/436lbs. Always the fat kid/fat guy. Not really sure about the future and how to live life being smaller. Glad to meet you all and read your thoughts and advice. I'm having a sleeve done here in New Zealand. I've just been officially confirmed for the op after losing 26KG to qualify for public funded surgery. Should be done around December. I'm excited and scared. Lots of mixed thoughts going into this... I really want it though, and at no cost it's a really good opportunity, one I know I would regret if I missed out. Must fight the fear. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The whole process from referal to now took about 9 months. Thanks everyone for the kind comments!

I've told all of my friends. I'm lucky that no one in my circle is negative about it. I think if they were real friends to begin with they would support you through anything. Shed the weight and shed the people trying to keep you down. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App