Susie57's Gastric Sleeve Journey

[Susie57]

I started my journey approximately two years ago I spent the first year and a half taking classes and going to therapy to work on my food issues. I really wanted to make sure I was ready for surgery and all it entailed. I had watched three friends have weight loss surgery only to slip back into bad habits. While they still have quite a bit of weight off they've each put weight back on I finally took the plunge on July 15, 2016. My pre op appointment was May 26 at which point I weighed 308 at 5'2" tall on the day of my surgery I weighed in at 287. I had no complications and healed quickly. The first month I lost 19 ponds. The second month 8 pounds,and the third 10 pounds. The fourth month I added 30 minutes of bicycling and dropped 16 pounds. Yippee!!! But then, I only lost a total of .6 pounds the fifth month. It wasn't a plateau. I had to be honest with myself. I had taken on the care of a family member and with that stress had made very poor food choices the first half of the month I had actually gained 5 pounds and after getting back on track lost 5.6 the second half of the month. This last month I am happy to say I'm back on track, making good choices and exercising every day. I lost ten more pounds bringing my total to 80 pounds since May 26. When I get discouraged and feel like it's going too slow I try to remember at ten pounds a month that's 120 in a year!! I've also learned to remind myself to be very mindful about everything that goes in my mouth. Other than when I first wake up in the morning I'm not hungry. My goal each day is to stay under 600 calories with 80 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbs. I see my nutritionist this week and I know the plan is to increase my calories to 800 in about two weeks. That scares me a little because when I gained the five pounds I had creeped up to 800 calories during those two weeks. However, I didn't carefully watch my protein and ate way too many carbs. I have two weeks until I'm six months post op. And I've lost 12 pounds so far this month. I'm working hard to make this a record month!! I've learned that tracking the carbs and protein really helps. Oh and I drink 64-70 oz of water a day. I hope my journey can help someone else learn from my mistakes. By the way I now ride my mountain bike 5 miles daily with some days at 7 miles and 45 minutes.

[Christie13]

I applaud you for getting on track. Sometimes when we fall it is easy to give up, but you did not do that. You picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and then you did the work and are rocking it!! I have full faith that you will continue to stay on track and be successful! Also, I wanted to thank you for your honesty when it is not an easy thing to admit. Happy New Year!!

[BelleKreyol]

Congrats! This is a beautiful journey, certainly with bumps on the road. You got right back in it like many of us. Keep up the hard work.

Belle

[jamma]

Congrats! Your journey is very inspiring. I have to keep reminding myself that it's a journey and every step counts!

[DesertGal]

Congratulations! You have accomplished so much in a short time. I would love to get on a mountain bike and ride. I WILL get on one after surgery and recovery! (One of my many future goals to look forward to.)