Update at 20 months out (x-post)

Hi guys!

I have not been on the boards in a long time....Just like many before me, I started just living life and quit thinking about my DS 24/7. I figured I'd pop in and give a quick update and a hello though.

I had my surgery in December of 2012 and have lost about 140lbs since that time. I lost almost all that weight the first year and have just been maintaining within a few pounds since that time. I wanted to lose a couple more pounds, and probably could if I exercised more. But I'm happy where I am. Other than taking my vitamins and eating my protein first, I generally live a very normal life. I am not intolerant of carbs or lactose, which is a double-edged sword. Carbs go down so easy, so I have to be mindful of what I'm eating. My general rule is just to eat my protein first and weigh daily. Breakfast is almost exclusively eggs or a breakfast meat. The rest of the day my meals are pretty "normal", I just always fill up with the protein first. I don't make my life too complex. I still eat meals with my family, I just put less potatoes on my plate and more meat. If I make spaghetti, I use a small amount of noodles and a large helping of sauce with extra meat. These small changes have worked well for me without turning my life upside down. I also think it has made my meals for the whole family healthier. 

My stomach capacity is MUCH larger now.  I remember the days where a few bites filled me up or I couldn't even finish a whole egg.  Now I eat a small-normal meal.  No one would think anything of my portion sizes.  For a good visual of my restriction now, I can comfortably eat 2 eggs and a slice of thick cut bacon or 4 mozzarella sticks from Arby's.  I have no restriction with carbs...they are truly slider foods, so I really watch my portions sizes instead of waiting to feel "full" with those.

As far as my life now, it is WONDERFUL! I have so much more confidence and am much more willing to live my life. I am still married to the same wonderful man. The only change in our marriage is the fact that I think I am generally just a happier person. That's a good thing for any relationship. 

The only drawbacks I can think of are: 

1. I go to the bathroom at least 3 times a day. And yes, the smell is bad. It is annoying at times to have to use public bathrooms or go at work. I hate it!! But the trade off for switching my size 22s for a size 6-8 is totally worth the annoyance.

2. Excess skin  My upper arms, upper thighs, butt, and breasts are terrible. I think my butt is actually what bothers me most because there is no way to hide it. It just sags. I'm hoping for plastics eventually, I just have to figure out the financial logistics of it.

Good luck to all the newbies out there and thanks to all the vets that answered all my questions and encouraged me when I was researching/fresh post-op. These forums are a great resource. Use the search feature and READ, READ, READ!

Congrats and all the best with your quest for plastics!! ;-)

As a newbie I really want to thank you for posting this and encourage all vets to do similar posts.  I am self pay in Mexico in 14 days.  Everybody posts their problems, especially right after surgery as they are getting the hang of things.  Quite a few times I've thought "WTH AM I DOING??" as I've read the forums.  Your posts helps give some perspective.