NSV and feeling grateful

It is exactly one month ago today that I had my surgery and I am feeling amazing.  Yesterday was my 1 month follow-up at TWH and I met a lot of great people at the group session.  The one thing that struck me as everyone shared their experiences was how uniformly positive they were.  There were about 15 of us in the room.  It was actually like being at a revivalist meeting, because we kept hearing miraculous stories of people being able to be off nearly all of their meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.  All of this only 1 month after surgery!!!!  It was truly amazing and awe-inspiring how powerful this surgery is.  I was on no meds before surgery, so I hadn't really thought about that aspect of it as much, but hearing these stories made me thankful that I took this step and didn't let my health get any worse.  It also made me so happy for those that have been able to remedy these other health problems so quickly.  I even found out why I've been waking up with a dry mouth -- apparently my CPAP is now working too well (my sleep apnea is well on the way to being cured).  

Another thing that struck me was how well most people were doing with tolerating foods, etc.  I had actually prepared myself for the worst case scenario after surgery.  Truth be told, I thought I would be vomiting constantly as I readjusted to eating again -- but I haven't vomited yet, not even once.  I'm sure there will be a first time but so far I've been very lucky to have had an excellent and smooth recovery.

NSVs?  Everyone is now starting to notice my weight loss.  I went to see my hair stylist after TWH and she asked immediately because she noticed how much thinner my face looked.  And today, even bundled up in a big winter coat, some friends in the dog park started quizzing me because they noticed that I had lost a "ton of weight" and that my coat was hanging off me (yay!!!).  I'm still having difficulty seeing it.  I know the numbers don't lie (I'm nearly 50 lbs down from my highest weight) but I see myself everyday and a lot of the time I tend to see the weight that still needs to come off versus what I've already achieved.  

But, it's working!!!!  I'm so glad that I went through this process.  I don't regret taking the time to be sure that this was the right thing to do, but now I'm glad that I've done it.  And I'm now looking forward to the day where the little fish in my ticker slowly but surely makes its way to the right side of the page and I hit goal, with all of the marvelous milestones in between.

Sounds like a great meeting. This will just be the beginning of your great NSV's

Thanks, Pat!

Woohoo! You're going to be at 50lbs lost in the blink of an eye. That was my first majour milestone. 

And awesome that you had such a great bunch in your one month follow up! It's always motivating when in a group dynamic. Assuming it's a good group, of course) 

It took about 50 lbs for people to notice (or at least speak up) and now at nearly 80 lbs, EVERYONE notices and is curious. And every ten lbs I seem to lose now, comes more of 'HOLY S$IT, you've lost weight. It's a nice feeling. 

Im glad you're tolerating everything too, I am as well, and being ill from food following surgery was also one of my fears! Yay for us.

Keep doing what you're doing neighbour! Xo 

Back in the summer I had weighed in at 361... it was my highest weight and I'm glad I'll never see that number again.  Now I can't wait to hit the 200s.  I'm still struggling to get in all my protein (even when I eat nothing but high protein foods and shakes, it seems like too much food).  But it will get easier over time... that's really been my only challenge (eating enough and specifically getting in all my protein).  I never could have pictured that eating would be such a chore (and a job)!

Oh totally, I still am having days where I'm not getting in enough food. I have to remind myself to eat, even when I'm not hungry. 

We got this 

Oh, and another huge irony from yesterday's group appointment -- each and every one of us in the room expressed that we would KILL for a salad (because none of us are far along enough yet to eat fresh veggies).  I thought it was just me, but basically everyone can't wait to have a salad.  I just found that really funny.

The NUT said that for those of us who were having no issues with our foods thus far, we could begin to try more foods that are further along in the schedule, so tomorrow I'm going to carefully try a small salad (just lettuce and tomatoes and some vinaigrette).  I can't wait (and of course i'm going to chew everything to smithereens)!

Thanks for this post! I am so looking forward to being one month out - 10th day on Opti, 12 days till surgery! Congratulations on your NSV's!! 

K

You'll be here before you know it!  Honestly, it was a total blur after starting Opti (and just think, you'll never have to drink another Opti again in your life after this!).  Good luck with your surgery -- you're in great hands at TWH!