X-Post 3 Year Update

Well it's been about a year or so since I visited. I had surgery in April of 2008. I am now down to 175 pounds (most days) I wear a size 12/14 at 5'7. It has been harder to maintain now that I can tolerate most foods. I hang on though. My lowest weight was December 2009. I was 160 lbs for about 4 months after having an unrelated surgery. I have gone off-track at some points but I tend to lose it once I regroup.

I know I am not alone in saying I underestimated the mental influence the surgery has had on me. There are SIGNIFICANT changes that happen in body and brain chemistry due to the change in diet and relationship shifts. If you suffer from depression as I have you will find that the issue doesn't go away and might get worst. Stay on your meds and vitamins! Very important. Vitamin girl can tell you if she's still here.

Dating is difficult because when I was a big girl men knew they were getting a big girl with all the curves that go with it. Now I'm a thinner looking girl and guys think that they are getting a skinny girl and don't expect the loose skin and lack of firmness.

I do find I need support and I do need to check in here more. You know life happens and you forget that you are a fat girl who is now slim and you think you are just a skinny girl and can eat anything and be normal. Normal doesn't happen. At least not for me. I have to be vigilent and keep on top of things.

Luckily I haven't had any major issues. I had something stuck on the bottom of my pouch once and boy did that hurt. I get gas that's painful (TMI). I have never had the "foamies" or had food stuck in my throat. I have never dumped the way others have. I just fall asleep. Sometimes if I've gone too far I will get the shakes. All and all I would do it again 4 times over.

Things I couldn't live without after surgery:

Revival Soy Protien- You can drink it cold or HOT! I mix it in my oatmeal or make a sort of hot chocolate with it. It's online and a little too expensive. However, it was the only one I could tolerate.

Extra pillows- Bones rub that I didn't know I had and I have to prop things with pillows when I go to bed.

Herbal Tea - It helps with gas and it is soothing to the tummy.

Upcal Calcium - This comes powdered and it's the right kind. I mix it in all sorts of things. Also easily absorbed.

Optisource Bariatric Formula - Tasty and it concentrates on the right areas. The downside is you have to take it 4x per day.

Chobani Yogurt- It's a greek yogurt and it's awesome. I use it instead of sour cream as well. 14g of protein!

Truvia - I think it tastes most like sugar and it's a "natural" sweetener.

That's all I can think of for now.

Take care of yourself, before, during and AFTER! You are worth.

Size 12/14 must feel great.

You are so right about the depression.  Without the crutch of food addiction, my depression got way out of control. I'm not embarassed to say that I am on antidepressants.  They work for me.

I would imagine that dating is difficult.  There are so many single people out there and many of them are kind and accepting people.  If a potential partner can't accept the fact that your body isn't perfect now, can you imagine what they will say if you are with them for decades and your body goes through the typical changes of aging?  If your date can't deal with you as you are today, then they aren't worth your time and energy.  I've been married for 23 years and my husband always says I'm beautiful no matter how much I weigh.  I feel like my body looks like a worn out race track though.  I look pretty good in clothes and I don't have much trouble with hanging skin.  I do look stretched out though and I don't like it.

How does the price of Upcal Calcium compare to the typical calcium citrate with D3 caplets?  I would love a powdered calcium but with a family of five, I have to watch the budget.

It does feel great! Thank you so much. If I get cosmetic surgery I'd probably be a size 8/6. But I like my look now minus the skin. I agree people are kind and accepting sometimes but it's like going to the store and buying a container of yogurt and opening to find cottage cheese. You might like it but you sure weren't expecting it! LOL


This a link for UpCal. My friend sent me mine so I haven't had to purchase it as of yet. I hope it's of some help. It isn't so terribly much more than the bottle off brand name.  Five kids! You are a marvel. I think I'd lose my mind.

http://www.gastricbypasssupplements.com/UpCal-D-Paks-Global-Health-Products-p/upcal-d-paks.htm

Congratulations, I agree the mental aspects offer challenges but overall WLS is amazing even facing those battles as grads.

Thank you. I totally agree. It is sooooo worth the price. Also it forces you to look at the original problem.