1 year post-op w/pics

Tuesday I was 1 year post-op.  I wanted to wait until I got the results of my annual labs before posting though.

Well, I really struggled with my decision to get the DS.  I seriously considered the sleeve because I was so fearful of all the horror stories you hear about the DS.  I didn't want to live in the bathroom or have osteoporosis in 5 years.  However, I have not had these problems.  My labs are great.  The bathroom issues (for me) were grossly exaggerated. I'm a bit of an odd duck though and don't supplement as much as many others need to.  I started off with more vitamins than I needed, and have trimmed them based on lab results.  Much easier to reduce them, then try to play catch-up with a deficiency.  I started with the Vitalady plan (minus the iron since I couldn't handle it) from the start.

As for what I eat, I post on the Bites & Vites thread sometimes, and posted pictures of my meals and portions a few days ago.  Although I must say, I avoid posting sometimes because there are days when my carb numbers are just WAY too high.  So those days, I don't post because I dont' want to seem like I'm bragging or give pre-ops the idea that it's "ok" to eat that way.  I fully own how I eat, and probably would be at goal if I could keep my hands away from chocolate, bread, chips, etc.  But it is what it is, and I try everyday to do the best I can.  I wish I could be strict enough order my cheeseburger without a bun, or pick the breading off my chicken fingers...but unless I get to a position where I HAVE to because of weight gain, I choose not to.  I do always eat lots of protein though.  I also eat very frequently.  Unless I'm at work, I eat about every 2 hours. 

My main reason for choosing the DS was for the food.  I LOVE food!  I enjoy food more now than when I was big.  I eat things like steaks topped with butter, chicken wings in ranch dressing, tacos loaded with sour cream and cheese, etc.  I don't think I could stick with a mainstream "diet".  I feel my way of eating now is pleasurable.

To this point, I have not exercised formally.  I do have a job that requires me on my feet for long periods though.  I am going to start the C25K program though and will be running my first 5k in July!!!  My weight is still dropping...but it has slowed, and with my carb intake, I need to add exercise not only for the weight loss, but for my health!

I'm not really sure what else to say, but I'm happy to answer questions...I know I had lots of them when I was a pre-op :)

 

Before: I don't have a "good" before pic because I really hated myself.  I was around 265ish in this picture. Size 2xl tops, size 22 pants, size 2xl scrubs

 

1 year post op:  About 147lbs in this pic. Size 10 pants, size M tops, size SMALL scrubs.

 

I should also add this:  Even though all those fatty things, my cholesterol has dropped 35 points.  My HDL (good) cholesterol had risen, and my LDL (bad) cholesterol has dropped from 109 to 74.  So no one can tell me all the fat I eat is unhealthy!

Love your post!  Congratulations!

Eating like you are WILL result in weight gain, it's just a matter of when.
On a happier note, great post!

Oh I know.  I am not stuffing my face with cupcakes and cereal or anything...but some days my food choices could be much better.  I know it, and it's something I think about every day.  I realize this is a tool and it's up to my to use it to my advantage.  I don't think I could ever be super strict.  But I do need to make smarter choices and start exercising.  I just wanted to be honest about my experience, and that I'm not perfect.  Especially since carbs don't give me any problems.

Thanks for your insight.

Fabulous!  Thanks for sharing.

Happy surgiversary!!  :)

--gina

I admire your honesty. It is very real of you to expose that you are himan and you make mistakes or poor choices... we all do. I think that despite your few bad choices a week perhaps... you have still gotten your weight down to the healthy range. And that my friend is a success... which we call "SWEET VICTORY"! Congratd!

Happy and health. That sounds just great to me. Congrats!! It's good you have your eyes on the future, it sounds like you have a great attitude. Thanks for sharing.