What a Difference a Year Makes !!!

Happy 2016 All-

     A year ago, January 5,2015, I began the process of meeting the requirements for a VSG, at 271 pounds, 5' 5", 59 years old.   I had my VSG 05/27/15, and hit a healthy BMI  December 7, 2015. I have now lost 127 pounds, and I am learning to maintain in a five pound target range.

     I just want to affirm that if I can do this, you can do it too !  I encourage you to find people on this forum who have accomplished what you want for yourself, and follow their advice. All of us have different food plans with different guidelines.  You'll hear conflicting information. All I ask is that you look at the statistics of the person providing that information, and factor that in. If there are people talking about "how much they can get away with" take a close look at their numbers.  If there are no numbers, factor that in too.  Your honeymoon period (~first year after surgery) is a gift.  Honor that wonderful, small stomach you worked so hard for, by treating it like gold.  Some of the advice that I followed:

1.  Make the most of your pre-VSG time.  You may not be required to lose 10% to qualify.  You may not have to do a two week liquid diet.  If you make the most of your time pre-VSG practicing new skills and eating lean and green, that's weight you've kicked to the curb and won't have to deal with after surgery. Having the detox from sugar and carbs behind you, will make your recovery that much better.  Taking advantage of this time also lets you identify and begin to deal with any disordered eating issues that may be challenging after surgery.

2.  Dense protein first. (No water 1/2 hour before or after). Let that pyloric valve do its job !  Strengthen your restriction.

3.  Weigh and measure everything.  Portion estimation didn't work before and it won't work now.  For the first few months after surgery, you stomach nerves are healing... you may not feel satisfied or a restriction for up to 5-6 months.  It is critical that you don't stress that staple line and tiny, new stomach by overeating.

4.  Follow your plan for reintroducing different foods and don't speed up stages.  They are there for a reason.

5.  64 ounces of water or more a day...even when it's freezing cold outside.  Your body needs it to flush out all the debris you're working so hard to cut loose.

6.  Stay the course.  Follow your plan and the scale will catch up.

7.  Find an activity you like, and work to increase it.

     The process seemed so slow at times !  Today, looking back, I am awestruck about what has transpired in a year.  I have my life back, and you will too !!  May the force be with you !

(Pictures are in my profile.)

Thanks for sharing your successes! You have done a superb job!

That is fantastic!  Congratulations! 

Thanks for sharing those great tips. 

This is a wonderful post!  Your advice is right on target.  Well said.

I also remember thinking that progress was slow while I was in process, but looking back its pretty amazing.  I lost 225 pounds in 18 months! 

Keep up the good work!

Carol

Awesome!!  What an inspiration!!  I'm no where near goal yet but another thing I know I will add to your list when I get to make mine () is support, support, support.  For me, I find that support here.  I WITHOUT A DOUBT do better on days when I take time to check in here and read and/or respond to posts or create my own. This is not to say I don't have supportive people in my life but no one that is going through or has gone through what I am. 

You've done such a great job of this Ocean!  You've clearly taken your cues from all the right sources and utilized them well!!  Congrats on an amazing first year. 

Congrats !!!!!!!!!

It is very refreshing to read about someone like yourself that actually "gets it" and "gets it done"!!!

I really like this:

I just want to affirm that if I can do this, you can do it too !  I encourage you to find people on this forum who have accomplished what you want for yourself, and follow their advice. All of us have different food plans with different guidelines.  You'll hear conflicting information. All I ask is that you look at the statistics of the person providing that information, and factor that in. If there are people talking about "how much they can get away with" take a close look at their numbers.  If there are no numbers, factor that in too.  Your honeymoon period (~first year after surgery) is a gift.  Honor that wonderful, small stomach you worked so hard for, by treating it like gold.  

Not at all saying listen to me, there are some people here that are very knowledgable and have done very well .... study them !!!!

There are lots of wonky opinions and practices that are mentioned on this forum that are very "low percentage" and some even have a very loud voice here. It is aggravating to see people following someone who can't even lose the weight.

You have the force !!!

Keep up the great work !!!

frisco

Congratulations on such a renewing year! You have stayed focused, been deliberate, accountable to yourself and honest with yourself and are reaping the reward of your labors - a new, fit, healthy, active life! 

You have so much to be proud of! Very good advice (especially #1 - that's exactly what I did and it worked out very well for me!), too! 

You rock!  Every line of advise is golden.  Congratulations!

Woohooo! You have done such a great job.  Thanks for passing on your words of wisdom for all the newbies