Neensyb

One month today I went in for sleeve surgery. One month....really?  It feels like aaaages ago.  What are the key notes in the past month:

• being scared on the day was very real.  My surgeon and anesthetist were fabulous talking me through everything and listening to my concerns.  
• It was over before I knew it
• Recovery from the GA was awful...the only time I have ever experienced anything like it.  12 hours later I finally came out of it properly
• Gas pain is awful, but easily remedied by walking
• Walking isn't as scary and painful as I thought, and I didn't get light headed at all
• My water bottle has become my best friend.  I bought some new ones, one in particular with Llamas all over it 🙂
• My husband won't let me get a pair of Llamas....dammit
• Following my dietician and surgeons guidelines WORKS!  It really does
• Scars on my belly are minimal due to using specific scar gel, helps healing and reduces scarring
• If I have eaten too quickly, the best way to manage the discomfort is to stand up, or sit upright, and wait.....wait wait wait.  20 minutes later the discomfort has gone
• Don't be scared to move to the next phase, just tiny tiny bites and don't drink with your meal
• I have learned to really listen to my body.  Eat for satisfaction, not to be full.  The best advice I have been given
• Don't forget multivitamins, it really does have an impact on fatigue
• Try not to weigh daily, thought it's tempting
• Scales are not always an indication of body change - TAKE PHOTOS!
• My skin is quite dry, and it's loving the attention I am giving it.  Lots of moisturiser and my tan is the best it's ever been.  Not sure what the correlation is, but I haven't burned at all, just nicely browned
• I had an initial breakout of rosacea on my face, but that is likely to be from the shock of surgery and much less food than usual.  It cleared up after a week or two and now my skin on my face is just lovely!
• NEVER EVER trust a fart.  Not in the early days.  
• Constipation is real, coloxyl is the solution for me.  
• You don't poop anywhere near the volume you consume, I guess most of it is liquid and mushy anyway so no solids formed.   TMI I know, does anyone else miss a decent poop?  🙂

One month and I can say I feel 100% IF I STAY WITHIN MY LIMITS.  Last night we had Chinese takeaways/takeout for the first time, I had a small wonton soup (I know our local Chinese cook, they are very very healthy with their cooking methods).  I sipped away at the liquid and had a wonton.  It was so delicious that I had a second one...bad move.  Felt bloated, a little uncomfortable and had to stand up for a while.  If I had just had the one, all good.  

I hope this sort of information helps others.  The nearly 13kgs I have lost has had an enormous impact on my life.  I don't huff and puff putting on my undies, clothes I haven't worn for years now fit me - just.  I can cross my legs comfortably, my back pain has gone completely...and I mean 100% goneski!!  I can cross my arms and they sit under my boobs, not on top of my bloated liver and stomach.  I bought my first bikini online.  It arrived, looks great (to me and hubby) and I feel comfortable in it at home.  I have another 17kgs to go, but I'm ok with taking it slowly.

🙂