Three Month Post Op Update

Today is 3 months post op from VSG surgery.

I had my post-op visit on Tuesday with my center.

The doctor was very pleased with my weight loss. He said my weight loss was above his expectations, which is always nice to hear. Although, he wants me to continue this level of weight loss til I see him next...ah no pressure lol Doesn't weight loss get a bit slower the further we get out? My blood work was fine, except that I'm very high in Iron. He thinks I may have hemacrosis (probably not spelling that right), never heard of it, its a genetic condition, nobody I know in my family. Says you have to give blood every couple months to treat, but wants to see what my lab results are at my next visit. I see my GP for an unrelated issue today, so I'm going to talk to him about my results and see what he has to say.

I met with the dietitian afterwards, where I learned for the first time their 'goal' for me. Apparently they have 2 goals, but I think the first one is what they view as success. They use a bmi of 30. For me that would put me at 194, and the second mini goal is 160 (much better); however my surgeon in Guelph figured I would get to 160 and bounce up to somewhere in the 180s. My dietitian said the Guelph surgeons are pretty good with their predictions. So I guess its somewhere in the middle of their goals. Not sure how I feel about their goals. I mean of course I'd love to weigh 194 right now, but not sure I'd be happy there. I put a goal weight of 150 just to put me in a healthy BMI (higher end yes), but I'm not stuck to that number completely, if I ended up at 160 or 170 and was happy, than the end, but 194 I don't think so.

I've lost 80lbs over all, and 64lbs since the start of Opti.

This post op journey has been that a journey! Ups and downs of course. The first months, was indeed the hardest, but it does get better the further your out for anyone who has yet to have surgery it really does!

My poor hair is starting to shed! Started about a week ago. Its like a light shedding, I haven't had any big clumps (I pray that does not happen) come out, I have thin hair as is, but I'm hoping for the best, that it won't thin out too much.

I've had some NSVs, like throwing out pants that no longer fit, and fitting into some smaller size pants I had stored away. I haven't gone shopping to get a feel of what my size over all would be (for pants or shirts), but either way throwing out clothes that do not fit me any longer...its been a long time since that's happened!! At my appointment they measured my waist I had lost 3 inches, and I believe at my three weeks post op it was a loss of 4 inches, so 7 inches off my waist is pretty good too!

I have not had any food intolerances (knock on wood). No dumping (although its less likely in sleeve patients, and also knock on wood for that one too lol).

This journey has been an emotionally rollercoaster at times, and I'm still in disbelief at times how much I have lost so far (most I've ever lost on my own was just over 50lbs).

To have this surgery is not an easy decision, nor is it the easy way out! Its hard, its challenging, but its rewarding, and I have no regrets about my decision.

Manda,

My surgery was in Guelph but my care was TWH. In Toronto they don't talk about goals but at my 3 month follow up they consider the loss of 50% excess body weight to be a success. I was at that time at 45% loss which the nurse was thrilled with as it was 5% away from where they hoped I would be in a year. All she said was can't wait to see where ya are in a year. In my mind I would love to be at 145 as I am only 5'3" but will be happy at 160. I bought size 14 pants yesterday...and it's been years since I fit into something that small.

Keep up the awesome work!! Remember inches she'd even when the scale doesn't budge

Thank you!

You are doing so well also! Right back at you keep up the great work!

That is fantastic progress!!

I find it's the NSVs that keep me going more now than the scale. My surgeon was pretty much spot on. I got within 1 pound of where he said I would get and then a 10-15% regain (getting back fluids and muscle).

Also, my hair fell out slowly, never in clumps... It slowed down and then started to grow back around month 8 I would say :) it's totally back to normal now.

Keep it going, you are doing great!!

Thanks Meg!

Yes, NSVs are really nice, especially since its been so long since I've lost so much weight that I'm having them.

Congratulations Manada, you are doing so well. I love post a like yours they are so inspirational for those of us who are pre-op. I can't wait for your 6 month post!

Thanks!

Hi Manda,

This is fantastic news! How tall are you? I was told yesterday at the Dietitian appointment that my goal weight should be 162. I am 5'4". Like you I put down 150 for my goal - but secretly I would love to weigh 132. I'll take what I can get though!! LOL!

Barb

Thanks Barb!

I'm 5'7. I think centers have different views or ways of 'calculating' success. I would totally be happy if I got into the 150 lbs. I don't think I would have a need to be less, but who knows....I'm still obese, and everything lower (weight wise) sounds good to me right now lol

I haven't been 150 since I was 13 so, I really have no idea what my body will look like as I get into the 100s, so it will be an interesting journey. I think at this point, my goal weight is or what will make me happy is unknown.

Good luck with your journey!

You are doing incredible! It does get easier with time and sounds like you are really on the road to making all your goals. I think its the NSV's that make it worth it for us all! You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great work.