Almost 4 months post-op

[Nancy Rivers 24]

I had my surgery on July 12. Today is November 5, so I am almost 4 months post-op. I started my journey at 288.8 and now I am at 246.6. Sadly, I have been at this weight (in the 240's) for the last 6 weeks. I'm hoping that breaks soon.

I started out in size 28W pants and 3x/4x tops. Today, I am wearing size 22W pants and L/XL tops. Actually, I did try a size 20W pants on and while they do fit, they are very tight - so I am hopeful that they soon won't be so tight.

My A1C (measure of blood sugar over a period of 2-3 months) was 8.8 in May. It is now a 6.6. I am completely off my diabetes medications. My cholesterol has become healthier with the HDL at 39 (was 34 5 months ago) and LDL is now below 100 (was over 120 5 months ago). My triglycerides are now in the normal range as well. My blood pressure is now normal instead of borderline high to high. My back still pains me, but my knees are not as painful or sore.

I can now stand for a full hour while I do my job. I have not been able to do that in years. I can walk for about 3 miles (prior to surgery it was about 100 feet). I have more energy now than I did before the surgery. I am working out at the gym several times a week and absolutely LOVING it! I never in a million years would have thought that I would ever say that. I actually miss working out when I cannot make it to the gym. No way would I have ever imagined that for me either.

Just the other day, I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror as I was passing by and I did a double take. I recognized myself, but at the same time I did not recognize myself. I am still me - I still look like myself. However, the reflection was not the same person I remember from 4 months ago. It was a very strange feeling, but I liked it.

My biggest hurdle so far has been my own head. I had no complications after the surgery. I have not had any issues with eating food. I have been able to eat anything that I have wanted. That in many ways is exacerbating my head hunger problem. I wish I did have some problems with eating some food - if eating a food would make me ill, then maybe my head would finally learn. My problem is making the healthy choices rather than the unhealthy ones that was making prior to surgery. I can eat at a restaurant - typically bringing about 70-80% of my meal home for additional meals (a restaurant meal that I would have eaten before surgery in one sitting now lasts me about 4 or 5 meals).

It has been almost 4 months and I have come a long ways. I have an even longer journey still ahead of me. However, I realized today that I am NOT the same person I was 4 months ago. I am still not the person I want to be, but I'm no longer the person who was eating herself to an early grave.

Am I happy that I had the surgery? Yes. Would I make the same decision today as I had back in May to have the surgery? Oh heck yes!

[Babyt 0]

What was your hospital stay like? I'm having surgery on Nov 7

[kellyw74 258]

So happy for you! COngrats, that is awesome!!

Babyt, I only spent the night and went home the next day. I had no complications at all and was up walking a few hours after surgery. Hope you have a good experience too!

Kelly

[mnbsleeve 87]

Congratulations Nancy! You have accomplished a lot in just 4 short months!!!! I am confident the sleeve will help us all get through these tough hurddles and reach our goals. Sounds like you are well on your way!!!!!

[sunnyd 32]

Congrats on your success! You are doing great!

[LeLe 7]

Congrats!! I am starting out at 288 as well and my surgery is 8 days away. I am excited though also very nervous about the pain post op. But after reading on this site I know I will be ok. Keep up the great work!!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

CONGRATS SWEETIE

[Nancy Rivers 24]

Babyt - I spent 1 night in the hospital. When I wasn't sleeping, I was up walking around after getting my head cleared from the anesthesia. I had a little bit of pain that started in my left shoulder from the gas - but I did some shoulder exercises (rotating my arm in different ways) and the pain went away and never came back. I also made sure to give myself a pain shot before getting out of bed each time. As a result, I really didn't have too much pain. I had no nausea and had no problems getting the liquids down once I was allowed to have them. I was given a prescription for pain medication and another for nausea. I never filled the pain prescription and only took 1 pill of the nausea medication and that was primarily so I could sleep through the night after not sleeping well for the previous 4 nights at home. After waking up so groggy after taking the one pill, I vowed I would not take another unless it was absolutely necessary (which it wasn't). I was very lucky in that regard.

I did not take anything but my cell phone with me to the hospital as I needed to call my ride when they were to release me. I was glad of that since I really didn't feel like doing anything else. I wore home the same clothes that I wore to the hospital (which were relatively loose fitting around the waist).

[Texas Gal 2]

What an awesome post! Congrats!

[omamilam 11]

I am trying to decided between the LB and the VSG. After the seminar last night, I'm leaning toward the VSG. It just looks more natural or something. No foreign object in your body but not as extreme as the regular gastric bypass or Roux en Y. It just seems as you are shrinking your stomach to be the size it should have been all along. Am I wrong?

Does it give you any nutrition issues? What about leaks or long term complications after surgery etc?

[lisajxoxo 11]

I love reading posts like this! You have such a wonderful list of positive changes in your life.

I've never doubted that I did the right thing, but when I read posts like this it just re-confirms that I probably made the best decision of my life.

Thanks for sharing and I wish you continued success!!!