Ok, here I am, 1 year post op loving my sleeve and wanting to share what I’ve learned along the way …
First the Facts
** Beginning weight November 2011 - 277lbs in a size 24 pants and a 2X or 3X shirt
** Surgery weight May 2012 – 236 in a size 18 pants and 2X or 1X shirt
** 1 Year anniversary May 2103 – 160 lbs, size 10 pants and a 1X or Large shirt (this will change once I say goodbye to my “batwings”!!)
Lessons Learned
1. Choosing to have this surgery was not only imperative for me and my health, I realized it is a courageous step we all take! This surgery isn’t for everyone, but it’s definitely a viable option and if you know in your heart it’s for you then go for it, you’ll be amazed!!
2. The pre-op diet sucks HARD but you’ll survive it! Once your body realizes you’re not trying to kill yourself it will adjust so just hang in there, the end is in sight!
3. After surgery the hardest thing for me has been getting in all of my protein and liquid each day, especially in that first 2 weeks when I was on strictly liquids and yogurts. It’s very important to do your best to get in that protein even though the shakes might taste like crap, this is the only fuel you’re getting to keep your body going at this stage and you don’t want to get sick because you’re not taking care of yourself!!
4. IT GETS EASIER!!! As the weeks go by and you get to incorporate in normal foods it all gets easier. When you see the scale moving like wildfire that really makes it easier to keep at it! When you’ve reached or almost reached your goal it’s easier to keep making the healthy choices if you remember where you started and knowing you NEVER want to feel that way again!
5. Stalls happen no matter what you do to avoid them. Stop weighing yourself for a few days, watching those numbers stay the same day after day is detrimental to your mental health!!! Let your body catch up and it will break, just keep doing what you’re suppose to and it will happen!
6. Listen to your stomach, it has to be in charge – even at year out! If you think you just can’t take another bite of that delicious meal, don’t ~ you’ll regret it!! If you take a couple bites and your stomach “flips” on you, it doesn’t like that food and you need to move onto something else – this is frustrating but you’ll make yourself sick if you try to continue!
7. Enjoy your success, you’re absolutely worth all of this hard work and sacrifice!
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