12 Days Postop!

[Sdobbs 10]

Hey everyone out there!! I'm Shannon. My surgery was 11/26 in Tupelo, MS. I was 319 the week before surgery and am 292 today! I can already see changes in my body-- my skin is clearer, my jeans are looser and .... I have ankles! I am so incredibly excited about this journey. I feel better today than I have in probably 5 years.

Surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be. I pretty much slept and walked the whole time I was in the hospital (not at the same time...) Once home, I found sleeping on a sofa was much easier than a bed-- lower to the ground, something to hold on to to help roll over. My skin incisions have been a little uncomfortable, but I found than wearing a wide belt helps a great deal when I walk. And speaking of walking, I think that for me it has been the key. I walked about 2/3 mile the first day I was home (11/28 ) and have gone a little farther every time I'm out. I have walked twice daily most days and am up to about 3 miles total in a day. It has helped the gas/bloating tremendously and also makes me feel that good kind of tired so that I rest well when I need to.

food has been interesting. Found a great pre-made Protein shake- brand is Iconic- 20 G protein, 130 calories for 11 oz. I also bought a tub of unflavored Protein Powder and sneak a little into almost everything I eat - being careful to add only to cold items or hot items that have cooled to less than 130 degrees, as not to denature the protein. Cold Water tastes so good, something that never would have been uttered by me preop. But I've been experimenting with things like ham stock + puréed purple hull peas + turkey baby food and a scoop of unflavored protein powder-- oh so good and flavorful, with around 20 grams of protein from something besides a sweet Protein Shake. My only real aversion/taste change has been a drastic one-- I have always - ALWAYS - been a pot per day black coffee drinker. Now it tastes like licking the bottom of an old ashtray. Who would've thought?

I have told pretty much everybody about what I'm doing/ have done and have received nothing but the most awesome support. I commend all of us for making such a bold and powerful decision. Every day is so very precious! Let's do our very best!

[TexasFire 84]

Congrats on your new journey and experimenting with new foods and proteins! Keep posting...we love to hear how everyone is doing!

[E2013 31]

Congratulations! Love reading your progress. Like the tips of sofa because lower to ground and walking.

[JustV 1]

Fantastic work!