This is a little bit about my personal journey but at the end, we are all unique and different, so do not worry....

When I contemplated WLS years ago, I wanted to have the Lap Band. When a tech found a tumor on my left kidney during a routine abdominal ultrasound, all WLS dreams was put to a halt. Fast forward 5 years later and with all of the medical issues related to the Lap Band, I knew the VGS was the right choice for me. I have only had 1 other surgery and I handled that perfectly with no complications, so I thought it would be the same...NOT! hahaha I was nauseas after my VGS surgery, had the worst nursing experience ever (was left in pain for hours and yes, my surgery was at Kaiser in LA). None the less, I wouldn't change my decision for anything in the world.

Coming home getting used to not eating was easy for me at 1st. I have a premier protein drink in the morning and I drink well over 64 oz of water a day (with 1 kidney, this is a MUST). I can eat about 3/4 cup of soup for lunch no problem. I can eat a baby bell cheese for snack, no problem. I can eat 2 oz of chicken, no problem. I can handle chili, refried beans (made healthy), no problem. One problem I have had is the speed that I eat. I notice that I need 20 minutes to sit and eat a meal. I know, I know but this was hard for me. As a nurse, I am used to eating in 15 minutes along with guzzling my water then running back to work. The worst habit ever!! I threw up twice (dumping syndrome) and boy do you learn fast! LOL I now sit, look at the clock and take 20 minutes to eat. From one day to the next, my stomach stopped making the noises and BAM! no more acid reflux, no food coming back up or the feeling of dumping. I finally got it!!! and no worries, you will too. This journey is OURS. It will be what we make of it and for gods sake, please do not compare yourselves to others. We all have different journeys and we all have a different medical history. Although I have lost 23 lbs to date, I was relieved to see my stall as I didn't want to lose too fast.

I am very active. I work full time, go to college and have time for me. I walk as exercise for now and once May 1st hits, I am hitting the gym as hard as my new body will allow.

For the 1st time, I went to a family gathering yesterday and ate, what felt normal. I had about 4 bites of a pork rib, 1/2 of wedge salad and about 10 corn on the cob kernels (yes, hardly anything and this I ate well over an hour). I even ate a few chips, just fine. No tummy noises, no nausea, nothing. I handled it all perfectly and I felt so relieved to just feel "normal". This journey isn't an easy one and you WILL learn along the way. Just be patient with yourself and go with how YOU feel overall. I know I will lose my weight and I know I will be successful. Whatever advice you get, listen but do what your gut tells you. Remember, we are all different and unique.

Last but not least, ENJOY your journey and fall back in love with the new you!!