So I'm a couple days late, but as of the 24th, I am 6 months post-op. What a wonderful and crazy journey this has been so far. A lot of you are familiar with my journey, but some of you may not be. My journey began on March 23, 2012 when I had my first appointment with my surgeons office... so 9 months ago.
9 Months Ago
Weight - 260lbs
Pant Size - 22
Shirt Size - 2x-3x
BMI - 42
6 Months Ago
Weight - 230lbs
Pant Size - 18
Shirt Size - 1x-2x
BMI - 37.1
Today
Weight - 148lbs
Pant Size - 6
Shirt Size - Medium
BMI - 23.9
I could never have imagined that I would come this far at 6 months.... To be honest there was a part of me that was afraid to believe that I'd come this far EVER. When I made my weight ticker and had to come up with a goal weight, I was tempted to put 160lbs or maybe 150lbs.... but I talked it over with my husband and he encouraged me to put what my truly desired goal was. Truthfully, I was really afraid of how I would feel if I couldn't reach that goal and wondered if it was realistic. However, here I am 6 months out from surgery and I'm only 13lbs from my very ambitious goal weight. Part of me wonders if I am going to lose more than that... I'm almost convinced I will.
Now not everything has been peaches and cream for me. I had a slight complication after surgery, I had excessive swelling and had to get steroid shots to bring the swelling down. This condition, unfortunately, caused me to vomit the day after surgery during my leak test (More painful than I could possibly explain) and additional painful, vomiting a few days after surgery as well. But once that passed, I felt much better about my decision. Over the course of my journey, I have not tolerated many foods as most do. I have experienced frequent vomiting but it does seem to get better as time goes on. I had an endoscopy a couple weeks back and my surgeon dilated the bottom opening of my sleeve slightly, in hopes of it making it easier for foods to pass. I do believe it has helped some.
Despite the issues I have faced and the ones I still do, this choice to take this journey has been the best decision I could have made for myself. I am not the same person I was 6 months ago. I was depressed, had low self-esteem, suffered from chronic anxiety, snored, was miserable and I took my self-hatred out on my husband too often. I look back at the person I was and can't believe I allowed myself to live that way for so long. I am sooooo much happier now. I have confidence, I am proud of myself, I feel good, I have energy, I play with my kids more, I have fun with my husband, I feel beautiful. I haven't felt this way in 10-12 years.
So that's my story, my update. I know I need to add more pictures, it's been about 8lbs or so since I updated my after pic in my profile... 20lbs since the after pic in my avatar. I'll try to do it soon.
I hope you all are loving your sleeve and your journey as much as I am and for those of you who are just beginning or still considering... SAY YES TO LIFE! I did and I am better, happier and healthier for it.
Bookmarks