13 Months Post Op

Hi: I thought it was time to share a bit with my year post op experience. I see Dr. Toder tomorrow (Jan. 4th) for my year check up. Surgery was on Dec. 4, 2003. Starting at 280 when I started the process and weighing 272 on surgery day, way back when, and wearing size 4X and 26/28 clothes, I now wear size 10 jeans and small/medium size shirts. I am healthier than ever in my adult life, feel great and people tell me I look 20 years younger. And, tomorrow I also turn 52--great birthday present!!!!!! I can eat anything now and I do mean anything (oh well--I don't dump much now either) so I am now at the point where the weight can begin to creep back on. So, the exercise, water, protein and vitamins must become an essential part of my daily routine--which it has. No, the volume is still down and there are times when I can eat a whole sandwich and times when I can only eat a half--like today. A half tuna fish was all I could manage for lunch. But, then a hamburge in a roll was consumed at dinner. A year has gone by so fast--it is sometimes mind boggling to look at the progress made in such a short time. Going through this year, it did not always feel like time was going by quickly--but at this point--it went by very quickly. Please take things a day at a time, a pound at a time--that is the way I survived this first important year. Enjoy how quickly and easily the weight comes off--but don't forget, the lifestyle changes must be made now so that the next year, you'll already be invested in the lifestyle and have developed new habits. Questions--just respond Happy New Year, Jane from Bangor--don't forget to attend the support groups too--very helpful!!!!

Jane - Thanks for sharing your progress. You have been an inspiration to me to stick to the "rules" and commit to these lifestyle changes for the long haul. I am now 9 weeks out and have lost 45 lbs. - still adjusting, but feeling so much better. Thanks again for the boost! Best, Susan

Jane, First of all--Happy Birthday! Secondly--it was so nice to read your update and know that you are doing well! It has been a while since I have been to a meeting and seen you--you looked great then---I probably wouldn't even recognize you now! That first year is so amazing to look back on! Keep up the great work and hopefully I will make it to a support group meeting soon. Jill

Hi Jane, Happy birthday. Mine is the 27 of this month. I have found much the same but my tummy still doesn't like fat, too much sugar or gristle. I never did like gristle so haven't tried it. I can tell if there is fat or grease in something though. Thank you for your encouragement after the meeting in November. I sometimes do heave if I ate the wrong food or didn't chew well enough. I can eat 2 TBS of ice cream but not more, this really helps me a lot. Thanks again Ron