One year out.. A success story!

[Kevin_Sly]

I haven't been active on the site for a while but I left myself a note on the calendar to come back in one year from surgery, if for no other reason than to give soon-to-be sleevers hope that life gets just a bit more awesome after surgery!!!

As my ticker below says, I hit the under 200 pound mark just this morning! I'm now "officially" overweight and no longer considered obese by my doctor's charts. My pessimistic side is upset cause I hit a few "bumps" in the road and would gain 5 or 6 pounds (I know a few pound swing is normal day to day but still, I beat myself up too much...), but with the sleeve it's much easier to cut the crap and get back on track.

I've been completely lucky (and cursed) in that I've had no real side effects. It's a small problem because a couple cookies don't punish me like some other people I've heard from. I also have problems with red meat (it's okay if I limit portions and go "real" slow) and milk (which I only used to drink with cereal so I'm okay with this). One plus is that bread fills me so quick so I've learned to stay away and as far I'm concerned, that's been the number one help. I also know instantly if I've forgotten to take my omepresol (just an antacid I think?) because I think I'm having a heart attack. DON'T FORGET YOUR MEDS!!! Oh, and no dumping since month 5 or 6! So espresso is fine (I'm a coffee snob), cheeses and other dairy fine.

Needed a whole new wardrobe. A fun problem to have. AND, I can shop in normal stores!!! I still don't feel right in tighter clothes because I'm used to hiding my obesity but I but a couple "hugging" tank tops (not afraid to admit it!) and it helps. In fact, I went and bought a couple concert T-Shirts that I was always too fat to wear years ago (reliving my youth much to my wife's dismay... LOL). I try not to concern myself with XL, XXL labels, clothes makers are horrible at having size standards. But pantwise, I went from a 44 waist to a size 32.

My personal favorite result is that I'm not afraid to sit in beach chairs or weak looking dining room chairs and I can pull my legs up and sit like a little kid on the couch. I even laid upside down on the recliner like when I was 10. I forgot how cool it was to watch T.V. upside down! Though sleeping on my side is hard because the bones in my knees now rub against each other making it hard to lay down which is how I always sleep.

And my wife is happy because no more C-pap or snoring!

Out in public, I've always been open about my surgery and found no real push back or weird feelings from others. I have noticed that I'm a little more shy about mentioning it though now that I'm down so far. Especially when talking with people I either haven't seen in a while or those I don't know well but knew me before the program. One strategy when asked how I did it is to say something like, "exercise, food choices, and determination". That satisfies most curiosity.

Other than that... I'd like to lose at least 10 more pounds any more than that is going to be real slow going I think so I don't plan on letting it bother me. I just tell myself that if this is my size for the rest of my life, I'll be just fine with that. It's just gets so much harder to lose weight at a certain point. I feel like I eat one extra starch and I gain like 2 pounds?!?! How is that possible if the extra portion was only a half ounce?!?!? HAHAHAHA - Stupid body hates me!

If your Pre-Op and looking for inspiration, I hope my story helps. It's never going to be a complete win. I still exercise just too little, sit too much, forget to drink every glass of water, eat too fast or too much or bad foods... but all in all - Best Choice Ever!



Like I said, I don't have time to get online every day but I'll check back in a few days and I'm always willing to talk in depth with other sleevers, pre-op or post-op. So if you want more info (literally anything is okay to ask me if your worried about it), pm me and I'll send you my email which I check more often.



All The Best
-Kevin

[Kevin_Sly]

A quick (not awesome) before/after.

B4After.jpg

[MTMiller]

What an awesome post!! Thank you for sharing and being so honest. I am SO happy for your success. I am 1 month post op tomorrow and you have truly inspired me. I know this is a marathon, not a sprint. I like the fact that it is easier to get back on track after being sleeved. I wish you continued success and good health.
Mary ��

[Tuesday2]

Congrats! I'm 4.5 months post op and couldn't be happier. I hope your post inspires someone!.. you're doing so great!!

[Gvn71]

Congrats! Great post. So much to look forward to.

I totally get your part about knees rubbing together when you sleep! It wakes me up some nights and then I just smile when I realize what it is.

Great job, you're an inspiration! Our numbers are fairly the same, I was 311 (high weight), 291 pre surgery, and am sitting right at 191 now. What a life changing experience.

[Donald G]

Great job! we both went through the same doctors office just had different surgeons.

[knp76]

Congratulations on your success! Thank you for your post. I really like reading about people's successes. I am twelve days away from surgery and reading your story gives me inspiration. Thank you!

[Christie13]

Way to go Kevin!

[Ann2]

A quick (not awesome) before/after.

B4After.jpg

Oh, wow! Kevin, you look wonderful!

I love your first surgiversary post and am very happy for your great success. I remember when you showed up here how impressed I was that you'd gone back to college. You're certainly changing your life in multiple ways. That seems to happen around here -- new jobs, new degrees, more travel, new babies -- in addition to new health.

We are all very lucky people, aren't we?

[Luv49ers19]

That is awesome Kevin! I'm 3.5 months out and love hearing stories of peoples wonderful progress!

[Merry Mary]

Great job Kevin. I agree it's wonderful to shop at n the regular sized clothes department.

[ghost_ryder]

Awesome Kevin. It must feel amazing to be able to see a one first.

[GigiUSA]

Thank you for your post and congrats on your ONE YEAR SLEEVE-ANNIVERSARY!!!!! Your before/after pictures are great! So many wonderful milestones along the way. I no longer snore either and it is fantastic. Keep up the great job!!!!!!!!!

[Petunia3]

Thank you for writing about your experience. Love the pics. You are an inspiration!