5 years out from VSG update and encouragement!

Hi All, when I was considering surgery I kept looking for postings from people who'd graduated from surgery, so now that I am that person, thought I'd post to encourage you if you're considering it. 

I had VSG in 2010 and over the period of a year or so, lost about 80lbs. For the most part I've kept it off (recently had a foot injury that made it hard to walk and exercise and regained about 10lbs, but now I'm back on track). I'm really happy that I had surgery. In the time since, I've gotten married and we are now hoping to get pregnant soon (I'll take any good wishes and prayers you have, thanks!). Even at my lowest weight, I've never been a "thin person" but I just look average size, which is good enough for me. For a woman that could not bear to have her photo taken before surgery, blending in is just great. 

Nowadays, you couldn't tell I had surgery. I eat small portions, but similar to what a naturally thin person might eat. For a while, I got off track and started eating lots of white carbs and gained some weight, but I've recently started up exercising and eating a clean, low carb, whole foods diet and I already see a difference in the right direction. You do what works for you, and that can be different for each person. For me, tracking food made me obsessive, so now, I don't count anything, I just am mindful about what I eat, and make sure at least 85% is stuff that I should eat. I believe in having treats, but they have to be worth it and infrequent. That means a really good piece of cake made from scratch is worth it, a Twinkie is definitely not. Even treats must be real food, not franken crap. It can be more expensive to eat this way, but I've made it work by cooking 90% of my meals and not going to restaurants very often. 

I only told two very close, non judgmental friends. I don't feel any responsibility to be totally open and honest with my personal medical info. The two friends I did tell were kind and supportive all the way through. Now, I don't even think about it. All my friends are used to me taking half my meal home at a restaurant, or splitting something with me. 

I was scared to death before surgery, and cried a lot worrying that I made the wrong decision. Recovery afterwards for the first month was awful. But it's all been so worth it. I know how scared I was throughout the process, so if that is where you are, take heart. It will get better. Also, for those of you struggling with your insurance company, I got rejected on the first round and I was devastated. You have to keep pressuring them and collecting more evidence for why you need it. Don't give up. 

Surgery is a personal decision and isn't right for everyone. The first step I'd take is to cut out all processed foods and white carbs as much as possible. That will be good for you whether you go through with surgery or not. 

I'm not a model patient. I drink carbonated stuff occasionally, and I'm not always perfect with my diet. I have some loose skin that I hate. You don't have to be perfect to be successful. You just need to keep gently guiding yourself back on track and not get stuck feeling like a failure. 

Also, WLS won't solve all your problems. I went to a therapist for two years following surgery. I really struggled with myself now that I wasn't the "fat girl" anymore. I still have problems with depression. You might even have new problems! I never had problems with men because I lacked the confidence before to get involved with one. When I did, all kinds of new stuff came up that needed to be dealt with and I continue to do so.

I still have days when I feel fat. But overall, WLS was a real blessing and I feel so lucky that I was able to have it done. For those of you out there struggling, you have my compassion and things will get better!  

Thanks for sharing, Zebra: I've recently got off track (over two year period) and regained 30 lbs.) and now getting back to post-surg eating regimen.

Thanks so much for posting, this is exactly what I needed to read.

I am really struggling to make the decision at the moment. I'm glad to hear you are doing well. 

Thank you so much for this post! I just joined this site today, I was looking for some encouragement because I am in the process of trying to get approved for the surgery and the closer I get to getting approves the more terrified I have become. I want to lose weight and be healthy but there are so many restrictions so I am scared. Your post helped me realize that life will get back to normal after surgery and I will adjust. I think I am going to go for it! Thanks again!

Thanks for this post, it's just wanted I needed to hear.

Dawn

Thank you for posting this! I am four weeks out and experiencin significant regret and constantly worried about complatons down the road :( Glad to hear your doing well and pray that my journey is like yours!