10 months and 200 pounds later

[samnyc 5]

I am at 10 months post op now and have a lost a little over 200 pounds. I thought this would be a good point to share some of my perspectives and experiences. I learnt a lot from other peoples experiences and hopefully someone will find mine helpful.

Background: I had surgery on Nov 23 2010. I was at 498 pounds that day. I’m a little over 6’1” so my BMI was around 66. I was self pay and had no pre-op diet to speak of.

Surgery: Surgery went well, had some pain and discomfort but nothing out of the ordinary. I got a high fever a week after the operation which was due to an infection and had to be readmitted for a couple of days to take stronger antibiotics. No issues afterwards.

Recovery: This was the part I was least prepared for. I would say it took 4-6 weeks for things to be a bit normal. I was exhausted all the time and couldn’t sleep on my side (which is how I sleep). It was pretty tough that first week back at work. As time went by and I started eating solids things became easier.

Diet: I followed my doctors recommendations through the liquid and mushy stages. I never really took Protein Shakes and tried to get all my calories and Protein from “real food”. My doctor had recommended a balanced diet but I follow the low carb diet mainly. I do low carbs (20-30 carbs) for a few days and then ease up for a couple of days and have a sandwich or something. The carbs I do take on a daily basis come from fruits, usually watermelon (very refreshing if you are hitting the gym) or bananas (helps with the Vitamin D issue also). My meals are usually chicken or steak or shrimp / fish cooked in various ways.

In the early days I used to have 2-3 main meals but it wasn’t working for me so I now eat every 2-3 hours. I keep my total to around 1000 calories/day. It works better for my energy levels. If some days I can’t do it then I’m ok and don’t feel any crazy hunger. My capacity has gone up marginally. I used to have a tough time eating 4oz but can eat up to 5oz relatively easier now.

Coffee/Soda: I’ve been having Tea and coffee from pretty early on. However instead of having 2-3 cups a day pre-op I have half a cup (if that) a day and haven’t had any issues. I have a diet coke maybe once a month and it’s been fine. If I feel the urge for something soda-like I have sparkling Water.

Exercise: I was bit late in ramping up the exercise component. I started walking a couple of miles a day (commute to the office, I’m in NYC so I can walk) about 4 months post op and became serious about the gym 2-3 months ago. I go 4-5 times for 60-90 minutes now. I don’t do anything too fancy, just the treadmill/elliptical/cross trainer for most of the time and sometimes the weights. I want to increase the weight training component.

Medicines: I take a doctor prescribed daily Multi-Vitamin and a Vitamin D tablet weekly. My Vitamin D levels became very low after surgery.

Hair Loss: I had thick wavy hair which has thinned out considerably almost to the point of a couple of bald spots. I haven’t taken anything for it but am thinking of trying out Biotin. I’m hoping this will reverse when I hit the maintenance stage.

Skin: I definitely have significant sagging skin and see some kind of procedure in my future but I’ll wait and see how everything looks when I’m closer to goal.

Speed of Weight Loss / Stalls: My rate of loss has obviously slowed down from a few months ago, which is to be expected. However, what is hard is spending crazy time at the gym and eating right and not losing (and even gaining) for a few days. The math simply doesn’t make sense. This can be very discouraging but you just have to steel yourself. I try to focus on how much healthier I am getting. For example, I can walk 3-4 miles without tiring, or how faster I can do a mile week over week. I also take my weight 2-3 times a day which probably doesn’t help but that’s just how I am and that’s not going to change.

Summary: Overall it’s been an amazing 10 months. My quality of life is significantly better. My back pain and knee pain have disappeared. I don’t snore any more at all (this has been a pleasant surprise. I’m not sure why this has happened but my wife loves it.). There are probably a 100 more benefits I could list out. Of course, I get frustrated with the Hair loss, sagging skin and erratic weight loss but then I remember I’ve lost 200 pounds and I’m on my way to losing another 100 and all is good with the world.

[Julie76 251]

Oh My Gosh! That is truly wonderful! Congratulations and keep up the good work!

[AnneG 7]

What a fantastic year it has been for you! Way to Go!!

[Soup-a-Woman 43]

A.MAZ.ING!!!!

Congrats on your healthier you... you are doing great!

[MegaSue1017 0]

Congrats!

[JenGator 3]

Great success story!! Thank you for sharing!!

Congrats, and keep up the great work!!

Jen

[mnbsleeve 87]

Congratulations Samnyc!!!! Great post! Thank you for sharing your success!

[wishes 125]

That's awesome!

[weho 103]

Wow! You have done amazing! Thanks so much for sharing. It's nice to know what works for others. Good luck on your continued journey!

[samnyc 5]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the kind and encouraging words.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

SUPER AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

[MegInNOLA 531]

How fantastic! Congratulations to you and continued best wishes as you keep losing!

[sugarmamma7 2]

You are truley an inspiration to us all! congrats you deserve it!

[KATEYEZ0208 8]

CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS AND THANKS FOR SHARING AND OUTLINING YOUR JOURNEY IT MAKES ME SMILE WHEN i READ THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OTHERS AND GIVES ME A PIECE OF HOPE! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! STAY BLESSED

[Nichelle 21]

Fantastic!! Congratulations on all your hard work and very inspirational story.