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It’s been two years since surgery. What a ride! I lost 75 pounds in about 9 months, and have kept if off since. So all the cute clothes I bought last fall fit me this fall! (From someone who had to buy new clothes every season, I got up to a size 20, as I kept needing bigger sizes.) I own nothing from 2 years ago, even shoes got too big. Don’t even talk about my expensive wide-calf boots, because I no longer have wide-calves.
There is no way to describe how my life has changed in two short years. I’m confident. I’m healthy. I’m happy. Life is good! (Isn’t that a tee-shirt?) Probably my favorite NSV is fitting in an airline seat with plenty of room to spare as I’m always on a plane. I run, hike, ski, kyack, SUP, body pump, and even zip-line. I wear a swim suit in public. And people call me small! Crazy. I guess it takes the mind longer to catch up with the body. I am not skinny, at 5’3½” and 140 I am at the high end of the “normal” weight range, but it’s perfect for me. I wear a size 8.
I have two secrets to success. Attitude and activity.
I have had a positive attitude through the whole experience. Every stage was fun. I even spent a weekend with friends at their lake house before surgery, drinking shakes while they were dining on gourmet food and fine wine. I enjoyed “shopping” for food each week after surgery, adding new foods on the list. I enjoyed eating out and discovering new, healthier choices. My first meal out was tuna tartar. YUM! I still order that often.
Activity is my second secret. I walked, walked, and walked. I joined the gym and did the weight classes. This past winter I started running with “baby steps.” Now I can actually run. My weight loss support group is having a step contest, and I plan on WINNING. I typically run 3 miles before work and hike in the woods 3 miles after work. Plus as a teacher I’m on my feet all day long.
I am not on a diet. While I follow the protein first rule, I am not the perfect eater. But with my exercise, I maintain. I’m a rebel, I drink diet soda and wine. If I want something, I’ll have it in moderation, like one piece of pizza or one taco. I have never counted anything except protein and liquids.
People say this is so hard, that the sleeve is just a tool. I don’t believe that. This was EASY. I have tried to lose weight all my life, and always failed. This time I succeeded without much effort at all. The sleeve is AMAZING. I'm 58, so I have tried for years and years and years.
Disclaimer: I have had no medical complications, I have never been sick (thrown up from eating), so my experience may not compare to yours. I just did everything the surgeon told me to do and it worked! If they told me so much protein and so much liquid, I did it, no excuses.
So for all you newbies, enjoy the ride! This will be the best time of your life!
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