3 Years Ago Today!(long)

Three years ago, I had VSG surgery. I have lost more weight than I ever imagined, and I have kept it off longer than ever before. My surgery makes it possible. I still have great restriction, although the sleeve can be a moody thing- there are days that it cries out to me like a bad movie (“Feed me Seymour!") But by and large, I am satisfied with ½ a cup of anything.   As for Newbies, I will try to answer the questions I see most(which probably were the same questions I asked). Disclaimer: this may not be true for everyone but it was for me!!  How much weight can I lose? As much as you decide to, and (in my case) then some. Although I have read of some *****ally struggle to lose their weight, most of us find it relatively easy, and some even continue losing beyond their goal weight. It’s very individualistic, but barring any medical issue (metabolic, insulin resistant, PCOS, etc.), your results will depend on your effort. The higher your BMI, the more effort it will take.   Does the sleeve stretch? It may, a little.  Once you lose the main swelling after your surgery, you will notice that the quantity of food is pretty consistent, but after 2 years you will definitely be able to eat more. Although I try to focus on not eating beyond a certain point of fullness, I think the greater danger is grazing, not volume eating. That is why you need to establish new habits and make them your new way of life.   Can I regain my weight? Probably, if you graze nonstop, but even then I can’t imagine putting it all back on. I did put on a few(5?) pounds this past holiday season, but it took turning a blind eye to my new habits, and remaining blind for a long period of time, where I was at risk of falling back into my old habits.  So, I got back to basics and dropped the weight. I could never do that before VSG. Stay vigilant. Don’t take your sleeve for granted.   Do you have to exercise? You should, for the health benefits, but after 2-1/2 years, I suffered a knee injury that has kept me out of the gym for over six months, and my weight is still stable. But I miss how exercising made me feel and look(less flab!), and I miss being active and out there, living life. So if all you can do is walk, then do it, and in time you will be able to add activities. But if you hate to exercise, you can still be successful losing weight.  
Will my life be filled with “never"? While I often catch myself telling people that I never eat bread, cake, sugar, I should really say rarely. Can I eat it? You betcha, but I choose not to. Am I perfect? Far from it. In the past three years, I have eaten everything, drank my share of drinks, fallen off the wagon more times than I care to remember, but the important thing is that these were exceptions to my life, not the norm. I might have bread or chocolate once a month or so, not daily. I love to cook, and will eat anything that I prepare, but I try cooking healthy most day. We are very social and go out to dinner quite often with friends. I taste everyone’s food and dessert is a must but just a couple of bites! My life sounds pretty normal, but once Monday rolls around, I reel it in.     Life is great for me right now!  I once read (and I paraphrase), “If you do what you did, you will get what you got." In other words, you need to change your lifestyle. Diet implies temporary, and what you want is a lifestyle change. So don’t diet, create a new lifestyle and you will be successful!
 

Wow, amazing! Congrats on your success!

You LQQK amazing and thank you for sharing your story.  I like Vets like you who keep it real, kind, positive, and humble.

I hope to grow up and be like you!   thanks for sharing.

Adele...you look gorgeous dahling.  Thanks for sharing your journey with us.  I totally concur with everything you said.  With a little work we CAN make this thing work...whoda thunk?!

Laura

P.S.  I hope that knee of yours finally gets better!

Adele, thanks so much!

You look fab!

Thank you so much for your post!  I love to hear from vets like you!  I will be one month out tomorrow and it is great to see someone who has made this work for them! 

Oh, and you look absolutely amazing!!

Congratulations on making it to your three year mark and I agree with everything you wrote.  You are such an inspiration to all of us.  Thank you for telling the truth and continuing to educate those of us that come after you. 

Congratulations! You look wonderful--and I think your words were right on!

Lizanne

Thanks so very much for sharing!

Congrats!!  You are a great inspiration and just look at that smile!!