Sergeant

I had surgery on 12/4/23 and I’m currently down 58 lbs. I’ve hit a few stalls and it seems like I’m not losing much at all anymore BUT it’s the non scale victories for me honestly. Like clothes fitting loosely. Joints feeling wonderful. Energy levels finally returning. Stairs being easy!! Confidence levels rising!! I’m feeling happy and healthy. Honestly choosing to enjoy this whole journey to better myself and my habits has been the biggest key. You have to change your mindset. I think the stubborn belly fat is the last to go for most all of us. I got a facia roller… I use it about every other day on my stomach, thighs, and batwings lol and I think it helps break up the tissue and my skin is appearing smoother. As far as others not noticing… it sucks but sometimes when you see someone daily you don’t notice changes. It takes time away that creates the shock. Don’t let that deter you or make you feel like this whole process has been worthless. You’re doing this for you! No one else! Also, my doctor seems to be the only one that would prefer me to fast and only eat once a day. He says to focus mainly on protein, but never gave me a daily goal. I eat what fills me and then I put whatever’s left away. Feeling the need to always finish my plate is what got me in this mess in the first place. That’s why we are suppose to be taking our bariatric multi daily. To help assist with nutrients we can’t fit. You’re doing good. Keep up with your routine. You won’t be disappointed!

I can’t speak on the diabetic side, but I had my Gastric Sleeve done 12/4/2023, and I don’t regret it one bit. Recovery was quick to my surprise. I was allowed to go home the same day of the procedure. Make sure you walk because the most discomfort comes from the air they pump you full with during the surgery. Walking helps it escape. I was feeling fine day 2. Day 3 I stoped taking pain and nausea meds. I retuned to work after 2 weeks. You’ll have a sharp pain in your side if you laugh or cough; don’t panic it’s normal and will go away. Just hold your side, it helps. Pros: - You definitely lose weight (down 50lbs) - I sleep through the night, and it’s good sleep!!! I literally don’t even move. I used to toss and turn. - My feet, and knees no longer hurt. - My self confidence has increased. - I can cross my legs and feel girly. - I don’t feel limited because my size isn’t a thing anymore. - Save money on food. Cons: - Not an easy fix (you’ll have to create good eating habits. I was a binge/emotional eater. Sometimes when I get bored or depressed I snack and then my stomach hurts) - Lose skin (if that matters to you) - Going out to dinner is a waste because you will only be able to eat maybe 1/2 cup of food if you’re lucky. (Leftovers will last you a week) - Buying new clothes gets expensive!! (But feels amazing, so not such a con after all) To be honest I wish I had done this sooner. I was impatient and went the self-pay route because I didn’t want to take the classes insurance requires of people, but if you are willing to wait I can see the benefits the classes can do for you. Good luck to you!!

@Jayallday28 you look great!! Glad things turned out okay for you. Love the progress!! Excited for you.

Happy late Birthday!! Sounds like you have such a wonderful and exciting year ahead of you with lots of firsts. I’m so happy for you!!

Vulnerable post!! Down 51lbs from starting weight… 2 months since surgery. To be honest there are some days I don’t see it, but I sure do feel it! People around are starting to notice as well. I’ve been a little depressed lately, but I don’t think that has anything to do with the weight loss. Just seasonal depression. Bring back blue sky’s and sunshine!! Hope everyone is doing well, feeling successful and has no regrets!! You got this!!

If you can swing it, do it. I’m single, no kids, and I was just bored out of my mind haha so I was more than ready to go back. Only thing is your side hurts when you laugh or cough for a few weeks. But if you hold it it helps. I promise it goes away! lol

I took 2 weeks off work. The first week made sense. The second week was more of a precaution for myself as I work inside a prison and anything can happen. My doctor didn’t want me lifting more than 15 lbs for 4-6 weeks after surgery. But if I’m honest at 3 weeks I was picking up my niece at 25lbs carefully but no issues. I think it just depends on what you do for a living and what required of you to complete you day. Do what best for you!

Yes, I had my surgery Dec. 4th and I was able to leave as soon as I came out of anesthesia and could have a conversation. The gas pain was brutal but the only way for it to leave your body is to move. And you heal much faster with more movement I noticed. You’ll be just fine!

I am now 1 month post op. Down 37 lbs. (20 since day of surgery) I feel amazing!! Once I stopped taking my blood thinners, I noticed a lot more energy. My joints don't bother me anymore... my hands, wrists, ankles and feet are no longer swollen. My clothes are becoming loose, and I can't stress enough how happy I am that I finally went for it and had the VSG surgery. I've noticed everyone's doctor has a different approach on the steps following surgery. I was instructed to stay on a liquid diet 3 weeks post op. Now I'm finally allowed to eat, but ONLY 4 things - eggs, string cheese, cottage cheese & avocados for the next 3 weeks. After that he said I can start to introduce meat and other foods into my diet but to ALWAYS prioritize protein over anything. I can barely finish 1 egg without feeling uncomfortable... so it'll be interesting in the coming months. The holidays were hard since my family is full of foodies, so the spreads they created for family gatherings were mouthwatering. I just kept reminding myself that I'm finally headed in the direction, and I don't want to fall back into old habits, so I ask myself, "Do I want this, or do I need this? Will it nourish me or just satisfy a craving?" Changing a relationship with food isn't easy, especially when it's something we HAVE to consume to stay alive and well. To anyone struggling, know you got this!! It might be hard today, but it won't always be that way. You might have a day where you feel you failed yourself. Don't dwell on it just work to be better moving forward. It's a learning curve, you're only human.

@RonHall908 no I wasn’t tested for sleep apnea. I think it’s the blood thinner they have me on. I’m 6 days post op and I’ve quit taking both pain and nausea meds. I’m able to stay awake longer now though… just a little weak and dizzy. Going to get ahold of my doctor on Monday and ask if I can stop the blood thinners too if it persists. No issues meeting my mark for fluids or protein at the moment.

Had my surgery on 12/4. Not feeling much pain just incredibly weak. I’m not hungry or thirsty and I’ve had a hard time keeping awake. Todays the first day I’ve stayed up longer then an hour. For me, room temp or warmer liquids are easiest to get down. I hate sweet things at the moment.

Had my VSG surgery on Dec. 4th. The days following I’ve struggled to stay awake. Which has made getting enough fluids down. I’ve noticed room temperature or warm liquids feel easiest on my stomach at the moment. I’m not hungry or thirsty though, but I keep drinking because I know I have to. I just hope the weakness wears off and I can stay awake and be a little productive in the next week since I’m scheduled to go back to work on the 20th.

You and I are about the same stats!! I’m 5’1. My heaviest was 234 but I lost a fair amount then started gaining again and at 213 I decided it was time! With my 2 week pre-op liquid diet I weighed in at 197 this morning. 5 more days until my surgery. Scared but eager to see where this takes us!! We got this!! Let me tell you!! I’m really noticing my habits around food now that I can’t eat anything… and I’ve been having dreams of eating food and ruining my pre op plan for surgery. I just have to laugh at myself for that though. Because I know I want this.

It's not just you... this forum isn't the easiest to update or navigate for me either, but it's great to skim the posts. Lots of repeats unfortunately but lots of good information to questions you might have.

☝️ that's a really good idea. My surgery is scheduled December 4th so I have about 9 days prior to surgery. I've been gulping water down randomly. It was never suggested I should start practicing small sips before surgery. I've been really wondering what type of vitamins/tylenol i should get for post op. Will i be able to swallow a pill or should i looks for powder alternatives?

I've been seeing a lot of Kettle & Fire suggestions... I think I'll have to grab some this weekend! Also, thank you for the quick tip on homemade broth! Sounds simple enough!

I am currently in my pre-op liquid phase. Surgery in 10 days. Im drinking Protien2o, SEEQ (its a clear liquid whey, pretty sweet), and Chocolate Fairlife. I do like some of the Premier Protein drinks as well, but my doctor requested I stay away from coffee, and those happen to be my favorite flavors. Jello has been great too when I feel like I need to chew something. Also, pickle juice has helped cut cravings and is a great electrolyte replacement. 😉 I'm currently looking for a good bone broth. With the cold weather coming I would really love something warm in my belly. I've tried Bare&Bones Chicken bone broth and hated it. Made me very hesitant to buy anything else.

Glad to know I'm not the only one to experience it. Question: Anyone have a fav. broth, bone broth, or recipe for one? Started my Pre-op Liquid diet on Monday and the weather has been insanely cold. Craving something warm in my belly.

Question: Any suggestions on good drinking broth? Or recipes for drinking broths? I've started my pre-op liquid diet and with the weather getting colder I'm craving soup or something warm in my belly. I have tea but I was trying to think of alternatives.

December 4th for me. Started my liquid diet yesterday. I don't know if it's because I've cut coffee out or the fact that I'm stressed out with everything, but I can't stop clenching my jaw.

Surgery scheduled for December 4th, 2023!! I've been fast tracked because I chose to go the self-pay route VS Insurance. Doc wants me on liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery... so no thanksgiving meal for me. A little stressed & second guessing like a normal human would; am I making the right decision? Ultimately the answer is always YES. New things are always scary but there's no way to grow (mentally, physically, emotionally) if you never step outside of your comfort zone.