One-Year Sleeversary 💥BAM!💥

[Shirl]

It is surreal, but I've done did it! One-year post op today! And NO RAGRETS!!! Not one lol!

It's been a bit of anticlimactic day, as I have been traveling from early wee hours to get to airport and get to Austin, TX to my life partner who had to rush back to work reluctantly. But I have all my follow up appointments set up, and looking forward to getting sum TLC and rest from grandmotherhood. Though I miss my little man already!

When I started this journey back in November 2015, I knew the Sleeve Gastrectomy was the only way I had a fighting chance to reverse Diabetes and reduce my cholesterol as well as bring relief to the aches snd pains associated with the excess weight I was carrying. I'm down 70+ lbs from my highest weight and 51+ lbs since surgery. I went from a tight 18/20 (was 22) to now wearing size 10 clothes very comfortably.

I'm back to doing things that I love like dancing and hiking and yoga without the repercussions of sciatica spasms that lasted days and weeks. I'm told often that I don't look 49 years old, and someone told me I looked like I was in my 20's one day that I was wearing makeup and had my hair done lol! I got hit on by a 30 year old and when I told him he could be my son he was in disbelief and said age is just a number lol!!! Seriously, I know right!?! I love and adore my partner who is 20 years my senior ha!

All in all as I keep writing I am filled with enthusiasm and hope! There are so many wonderful things I have learned my journey as a post Sleeve patient! Some have been hard truths I have had to deal with head on, but I am astonished at my resiliency! at my willingness to to what it takes, and the experience of honest to goodness confidence in myself and growth in self-esteem! These are all things I had, but now experience in abundance not just sometimes but almost every single day!

Early in my preop journey I decided this surgery would not be about just weightloss numbers, but about finding and embracing a healthy and balanced lifestyle! I wanted to prepare myself for the second half of my new life as a slender and leaner me. Because what would be the use to be slim and unhappy and discontent!?!

All my adult obese life I have done a lot of reading and research on nutrition and exercise, I was a perpetual dieter and each time it got harder and harder. I ate like each meal was going to be my last because there was a diet plan just around the corner. These next months and maybe years will be to unlearn all those awful and devastating behaviors.

I know I am still in honeymoon phase, even though weightloss has slowed almost to a halt, I know so because I still have discomforts if I eat dense proteins like meat or chicken, it is easier to eat my vegetables first and everything else that goes down easier because it's HARD WORK trying to get protein first.

I know I will continue to lose (or maintain when I get to my desired weight) when I follow these simple steps:

1. Cut down on simple-carbs and nutrient-void foods like white bread, pasta, candy, cookies, chips, crackers, pretzels, well you get my drift.
2. Cook or prepare most of my meals at home and choose nutrient-dense foods closer to their natural state and that are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
3. Get at least 45-minutes of heart pumping activities several times a week. I definitely see benefits when I go to the gym 3x week to lift weights and do interval cardio other three days of the week.
4. Stick to a daily regimen of multivitamins and probiotics supplementation.
5. Drink plenty of plain or fruit infused delicious water, not just coffee or tea.
6. Get plenty of rest.
7. Take time for self-care. Do things I enjoy for me.

I'm often surprised how many times I go out to eat or have gone two or three days without taking my vitamins, or surviving on minimal water or just sleeping 4-5 hours a day.

While *logging and tracking* my food exercise was a daily no miss routine pre and post op it has gone by the wayside and I am finding out it will be something I personally will need to keep accountable.

If you are new to the forum or on the fence about getting the Sleeve Gastrectomy, only you can make that final decision, but don't go into it half heartedly, research the topic fully! The good, the bad, and the ugly! prepare for the worst and hope for the best outcome! Studies show that over 98% of the hundred thousands surgeries done a year have great outcomes. Most likely you will be better off than if you stay on the same path. I know that true for me.

I would have definitely NEVER participated in a hoolah hoops contest before!
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Thanks for reading!

[Donald G]

Great work keep it going

[Luna354]

Congratulations! Sounds like you've had a great year! Wishing you much continued success!

[GigiUSA]

Oh my gosh Shirl your post gave me goose bumps!!!! Congrats on your 1 year and more importantly, congrats on all of the amazing milestones you have reached while the weight has been coming off. It is really so much more than the weight isn't it?

Well good for you! You are certainly an inspiration to me and I appreciate your detailed posts and encouragement to others! I have to know.... did you win the hula hoop contest? LOL GREAT JOB

[Shirl]

Oh my gosh Shirl your post gave me goose bumps!!!! Congrats on your 1 year and more importantly, congrats on all of the amazing milestones you have reached while the weight has been coming off. It is really so much more than the weight isn't it?

Well good for you! You are certainly an inspiration to me and I appreciate your detailed posts and encouragement to others! I have to know.... did you win the hula hoop contest? LOL GREAT JOB

Thanks so much!

Well... no! My 9-year old granddaughter won it hands down she went on and on and on to the rhythm of Justin Beaver lol!
Fun times!

[GigiUSA]

That IS fun times!!!! Good for you!!!!!

[Ann2]

YEA! for you, Shirl!

You are doing it. Doing it. Doing it.

Respect!

Ann

[ghost_ryder]

Yeah Shirl. One year and life to go.

[Luv49ers19]

Way to go! Thank you for sharing your story. I can't wait to start my journey!

[Kindle]

OH happy day!

[Christie13]

I just love, love, love your hula hoop pictures!! You look so amazingly happy and healthy!!! So proud of you. You are working your sleeve and new lifestyle. It is about actually being healthy and not just thin. You are feeding your body nutritiously and making it strong. You are an amazing person!! Love ya!
PS- Happy anniversary doll face!

[Leslieann]

Love your post and WTG on the hula hoop!! LOL You look beautiful!

[Dewdrop]

Great picture! It's true, you look young and vibrant!

[Pam G]

my spine just does not move like that!

you're a great person, Shirly-poo.

Congrats on one down and many more to go!

[bigdogluver]

Shirl, you've had such wonderful success and good for you! I love your write up and suggestions. May the rest of your journey be filled with happiness and further success!