3 months post-surgery update

[cindy lynn 0]

Today is my 12 week (3 month surgiversary). I was sleeved back on July 21, 2011 by Dr. Richard Collier at University General in Houston. My experience has been wonderful. The only pain/disomfort was during the first few days after surgery due to the gas used to inflate the abdomen area during surgery. I have had no complications (Thank you, Jesus) and no food intolerance.

My presurgery weight was 394. I lost 23 lbs during my three week pre-op diet, so on the day of surgery I weighed 373. Since then I have lost another additional 49 lbs...so my total loss is 70 lbs!

Of course right after surgery I lost weight very quickly, but it has now averaged out to about 2-3 lbs per week. I did experience a stall about 3 weeks after surgery.

Overall I am extremely pleased with my doctor, and impressed with the sleeve. I am realizing that as I lose the weight - it is REALLY GONE. (Not like before when I would lose it and gain even more back). Before when I would "start a diet" as I lost weight I just packed my "fat" clothes in a bin, because in reality I knew I would probably need them again. But now it is finally sinking in that as I lose each pound - it will be the last time I am at that weight

The other day my husband and I were talking about my weight loss and I couldn't believe that I had lost 70 lbs - yes I can see it in my clothes and on the scale, but after being so overweight for so long - it is taking a while to really get my head "in the game". We were in the kitchen talking and I looked over to the 5 gallon Water bottles we use to purchase filtered water. I asked him "How much do you think one of those bottles of water weighs?" I was curious so I went and got the scale. It weighed 42 lbs. So basically that meant that at my highest weight I was literally carrying 1 1/2 of those water bottles around with every step and every breath. No wonder I was exhausted at the end of the day!!!!

It was a moment of reflection - honestly I was a little sad when I realized just how heavy I was, but at the same time I was encouraged by my weight loss so far. So now I think in terms of these water bottles....1 1/2 water bottles gone.. 3 1/2 more to go.

Here are a few of my NSV (non-scale victories):

1. i'm now riding a bike (haven't done that in about 20 years)

2. celebrated my 36th birthday and instead of feeling older, my body is actually getting younger

3. i actually enjoy picking out my clothes in the morning, because i'm no longer limited to only a few items

4. i'm starting to wear some blouses without a jacket or cover-up

5. even at 324 my husband calls me "flakita" (little skinny)

6. i have much more energy and stamina (this carries over into the bedroom also)

7. i can put the arm rest down in my car

8. i get in/out of the car much faster - my husband commented how he used to wait as i got out of the car and walked around, but now he doesn't have to

9. my huband used to call me pretty...the other day he called me gorgeous

10. i'm one step closer in my preparation to become a mommy

[sleeve 4 me 910]

WOW! Congrats on everything

[MegInNOLA 531]

Congratulations to you on all your victories!

[Leigh Ann 0]

Congrats! So Inspiring.

[Raine 170]

I feel your accomplishments and I am so happy for you. The head thing is something that takes time to get used to. I am still in awe of it all. Congratulations! BTW, I am in love with your husband, just saying

[Lisa the loser 13]

awwww mabey i am a little emotinal right now but you made me want to cry :cry_smile: LOL thats so wonder ful!!

[bajanqueen70 47]

So encouraging! I am so happy for you!

[wishes 125]

You sound so happy. Congrats!

[Thomas CPA 496]

Great going, keep up the good work. Just think of the energy you will have when you have a baby.

[favoredone 590]

Thanks for posting!!! I'm very encouraged to finish my pre-op strong!!! It's been a little difficult, but I'm more motivated right now!!!

[yecats 109]

Congrats!

Your post made me teary eyed, it is very encouraging! I am so happy for you. I can not wait to be on the other side!!!!