1 year follow up and nervous

**jessiejess** · 11-25-2014 08:26 AM

I am going in to see my surgeon today for my one year follow up. And yes, I'm nervous. I haven't seen him since 3 months post-op. I was supposed to go in May for a 6 month, but I didn't go. This morning the scale sits at 142. I usually gain about 2lbs around this time every month. Yes, TMI gentlemen. Sorry but it happens. Anyway, I feel like I'm going in to a weekly weigh in at weight watchers or a diet doctor's office. I feel like I'm supposed to weigh as little as possible. I'm just really nervous he's going to tell me something is wrong with my blood work or something. I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and got some test results back last week that my liver function test is high so it's had me really stressed. I called my surgeon right away because honestly, my PCP has no idea what to do with me now that i'm a sleeve patient. It's like I'm a mystery to her. She can barely treat me with a cold. So I'm sure I'll go in today and he'll take as much blood from me as he did pre-op (9 vials!!) and we'll just see. I hope nothing is wrong. And I hope he says I did a good job and can offer some guidance on what to do now to maintain because I'm a bit clueless on that.
Wish me luck.

**shmoofy** · 11-25-2014 09:08 AM

Good luck at your appointment - I'm going out on a limb here - and guessing your doctor will be thrilled with your 100 lb weight loss. About the blood work - hope all is well, and there isn't a serious issue going on.

**Ann2** · 11-25-2014 09:46 AM

Of course, you've done a GREAT JOB!

**Lee6Lee** · 11-25-2014 10:52 AM

At 7 months out myself, I think I have 10 pounds to lose. Haven't weighed in several days. I can eat anything, I know what my weaknesses are. Yesterday I bought a watch at Kohl's that can be set for three alarms...breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast I had an egg. One egg and I'm full. I'm going back to basics because I know the holidays are here. I like being small and want to stay that way!

**jessiejess** · 11-25-2014 11:02 AM

Me too. I love being "tiny" and don't ever ever ever want to get back to where I was. I have to admit I've been eating like complete shit lately. I'm eating too many carbs and sweets and cereal and just crap. I haven't been waiting 30 minutes in between meals and water. Hell, I drink almost no water. I've been eating fritos and salsa/guacamole for some reason. Must be something in it I need because it's like it's calling me. Well, I ran out of fritos yesterday and don't plan on buying more for a little while until I get things under control again.
I don't believe there is anything wrong with eating these things, but when they're all your eating that's not ok. It's like I reached my personal goal, decided to stop losing and focus on building muscle and toning, and then relaxed with the food choices and started back up with the old habits again. I've got to get my head wrapped around what maintenance means and figure it out. Looks like it's time for a cooking class or maybe even counseling or something.

**terrora** · 11-25-2014 11:10 AM

Oh Jessie,,,please stop eating the crap!! You have been so excited and successful at this, I would HATE to see you sabotage yourself!!
The tests are just an indicator and it is great you are getting them done. They are meant to help you and guide you in your health, not to
scare you. If they show you need more iron, you take iron supplements. Just look at it as what you can do to make yourself more healthy.
Good luck, keep us posted.

**Ann2** · 11-25-2014 01:54 PM

This may not be the thread to thrash this out, but the post-op WLS policy that "I don't want to follow any dietary rules, but want to eat what I want to eat -- just less, and damnit I didn't get sleeved to go on a diet!" doesn't seem like it works out all that well for everybody. It may work out fine for a few. But not for everybody.

That's my observation judging by the threads I see started here and on other WLS forums by people who've regained weight a year or two three years later after having lost all their excess weight previously.

It is a fact that half of patients who lose weight following WLS are not successful long-term, which is defined as "regaining more than 50% of their excess weight lost."

So the question becomes: What behaviors are necessary to ensure that I do not regain my excess weight loss? Also, what additional skills / resources do I need to address this brand-new challenge of maintaining my weight -- once I've lost my excess weight?

I think weight maintenance is Chapter Two of this rather long novel we're writing, following Chapter One (losing all the weight). And then there's Chapter Three. And probably Chapter Four, etc.

**Lee6Lee** · 11-25-2014 05:57 PM

Ann, I'm tending to agree with you. It can't be a free-for-all afterward.

**Ann2** · 11-25-2014 06:21 PM

Speaking strictly for myself, I know that a free-for-all approach to maintenance is one that I cannot survive.

I know myself that well.

**azladyrider** · 11-25-2014 06:45 PM

I do eat what I want and less of it all - I know when to stop but if i want chocolate I have it - pizza yep I have it. For lunch today I had a roast beef chunk and a baked potato. Ate 4 bites of each and I was full

**Ann2** · 11-25-2014 07:53 PM

Sue, it will be interesting to see what maintenance for me 2-1/2 years post-op (like you are now) will be like.

I'm tickled to see you doing so well and feeling so stable. That's great!

**carlcarrott** · 11-25-2014 10:40 PM

Coming up on my 1 year. Down 103 lbs. It was and has been an unforgetable journey that continues to amaz. People do treat me different. Keeping to the routine of; protiens first, exercise and staying hydrated with water has been invaluable to me. I can eat anything I want but food is no longer an obsession but nutrution. Being a vegeterian was no problem. I enjoy some treats and feel no guilt. I weight myself daily just to keep myself honest. Buying clothes is fun again. I dont share my surgery details with many, just to much explaining and weird comments. It all seems like a dream sometimes. The reality is that my Gastic Sleeve saved my life. I have no regrets. Good luck to those that have had surgery and to those who are considering. It is not the easy way out but worth the work necessary. It tuly is only a tool to suceed. All in all a truly life transforming experience.

**jessiejess** · 11-27-2014 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Ann2

Speaking strictly for myself, I know that a free-for-all approach to maintenance is one that I cannot survive.

I know myself that well.

Agreed. I don't think a free for all approach would work for anyone forever. I plan to indulge when i really want to but to also eat smart, healthy foods. There has to be a balance in there somewhere. Now I've got to maintain perspective and keep it balanced.
Thanks so much guys for making me feel better.