1 year today, plus some thoughts for newbies

It’s a testament to how effective this surgery has been that I nearly let the entire day pass without realizing it had been one year since my WLS.  It’s a testament to how grateful I am that my first thought upon realizing was that I needed to come on here and share my experience, to thank those that encouraged me, and to perhaps encourage and help others just starting out.

First, the prime stats (so far):

Body fat 56% to 21% (goal is 19% or less, priority #1)

Weight 375 to 207 (goal is 199 or less, not important but would be nice)

Pant size 60 to 36 (36 is still a bit snug, but then again so was 60 at one point)

Shirt size XXXXL/19 to L/16.5 (even an occasional M/16 fits perfect)

Shoe size: 13 to 11.5 (who knew?)

Girls currently dating 0 to 1 (admittedly I peaked at 3 a few months ago, but the goal is to maintain the current number, hmm, maybe that's really priority #1)

 

Surgery and complications: Surgery recovery was quick and relatively painless after the first day.  But I had a stricture at 4-6 weeks and couldn’t eat or even get liquids down.  Hospitalized for a week with dehydration, and the doctor couldn’t fix it on the first try.  Rather miserable.  But it was fixed easily the second time (different doctor, hmmm) and I was never in any serious danger.

 

What’s been really easy:  I had it really easy the first few months, pounds melted off, I was very motivated, I never worried much about missing food.  Protein was a struggle at first but got easier after a couple months.  I launched right away into a more active lifestyle than I’ve ever led before, and that continues to this day.  Buying clothes became if anything, too easy.  I’m a master of the thrift store now (combined with my GPS, some Internet info sites, and the ability to do minor tailoring at home).  I had to retrain myself to be pickier and limit purchases (before, if it fit, I bought it right away with little consideration for any other factor). 

 

What challenges I still face: I’ve returned to journaling my food most of the time.  I can eat 3000+ calories some days and not feel like I’m eating too terribly.  I rarely eat less than 2400, but am still losing anyway so far.  Continuing to lose weight and maintain my losses, therefore, may take some effort and yes, maybe even moderate dieting.  But it’s not the momentous task it once was.  2000 calories or less is definitely doable without suffering, it’s just not the default (and maybe not necessary).  Candy has become something I crave sometimes (even though I didn't eat it often before surgery), and after getting carried away for a while I still allow it but have to watch that it doesn't become a major obstacle.  I still play active sports several times a week and love it, but I’ve lost my desire to lift weights regularly.  Maybe the lifting will come back, maybe it won’t, maybe I’ll need that to achieve my goals, maybe I won’t.  I have gotten too lax with taking my vitamins.  I got a canker sore this week and it hasn’t healed.  Sure enough, I googled it and a common cause is vitamin deficiency, specifically B-12.  Coincidence?  Maybe, but it has been a failing of mine and a timely reminder to reset my habits.

 

In summary:  I wish I’d done it years ago, but am too busy being happy to focus on regret.  I am optimistic that I can achieve my goals and maintain these gains long term, but I realize I still have to take some initiative.  I am thankful to everyone on here that has helped me get to this point.  And I want to encourage people who need this surgery to move forward aggressively and armed with as much information as possible.

GREAT POST AND CONGRATS! I am looking forward to writing my 1 yr post someday.

Sounds great!!  I'll be the first to chime in about the vitamins.  Not taking them is like playing with fire.  People have died because they didn't take their B-1, B-12, and iron.  Not an option in my book.  Glad your doing good and keep up the good work.  Brian

"Girls currently dating 0 to 1 (admittedly I peaked at 3 a few months ago, but the goal is to maintain the current number, hmm, maybe that's really priority #1)" NO, NO, NO    WTF are you thinking    You need to bang the living **** outta as many chicks as possible  

Congrats on your one year anv.

I know what ya mean about the weight lifting . I have a whole gym in my basement with everthing one would need .

I used to do comp power lifting years ago .

I no longer feel a need for it Im 48 and dont need all that anymore .

All I really want to do is ride my bike ( great cardo )  I do understand NOW that I am in need of some toning though. ( after losing 130 I guess some lose skin is to be expected though )

  Great job      Nick

Congrats to ya!  Great post.  I hope to be writing my 1 year follow-up in about 13 months!!

congrats, i like reading your posts over the past year because you really analized everything top to bottom. i'm like that so your view was and is interesting to me. sounds like you're on track. some good, some bad but mostly it's the unknown out there. we have been given a second chance and it's all what we make of it. not only do we look like new people, i guess we really are! carbonblob

Very nice reflective post.  I look forward to having one of those moments myself in the very near future.  Congratulations.   Taz

Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to post your one year results.  I congratulate you on your achievements and look forward to your 2-year update.  I will make sure to follow your example and post a one year review as well in a few months.  I'm happy that you are enjoying life and am thankful for mine as well.  Stay well.