One month and grateful

[DHB]

It's been one month since my surgery and I am feeling great. Went back to my personal trainer this morning and discovered my muscle tone has regressed so I'm pretty much starting over in strength training but at least I'm not working around my big belly like I was. I'm walking 2-3 miles/day and feeling energetic. I start to run down late afternoon but I can't believe I have as much energy as I do while eating 5-600 calories. I'm cleared now for "soft" food and find it fills me up faster than pureed, or maybe that's just how it feels. I still need to eat and drink more slowly. I've never hiccuped so much in my life.

I've only lost 15lbs since surgery which feels a little disappointing but I zipped up my old winter coat today (had to wear it open all last year) and definitely feel lighter. The weight is coming off slowly but steadily. I'm looking a little less like the Michelin man and have hope I'll have a waist again by the time my son gets married in May.

I want to thank all of you veterans who still check in here and offer advice & encouragement. Honestly, I've learned more in this forum than through my NUT or surgeon. I'm especially grateful for the idea of celebrating NSVs (non-sleeve victories).

For those of you just starting, the only advice I have to offer is that this surgery doesn't fix your life but it gives you a powerful tool to use. I'm starting to see a therapist who specializes in sleeved patients because my head needs to get in sync with my new stomach. The first month is hard at times but it goes by quickly. And now the real work begins....

[rcupps@sbcglobal.net]

Stick with it! It gets easier as it goes and the weight will come off! Merry Christmas

[SteelerChick]

When was the last time you lost 15 lbs in one month? You're doing great!

[rcupps@sbcglobal.net]

Mine was slow the first couple of months then picked up. Once I hit the 100 it has slowed but I'm near my goal so I don't worry about it. The 3rd ,4th and 5th months were my top loss months.

[Ann2]

You're doing great, Dale!

[DHB]

Mine was slow the first couple of months then picked up. Once I hit the 100 it has slowed but I'm near my goal so I don't worry about it. The 3rd ,4th and 5th months were my top loss months.

Thanks for the encouragement. I've noticed so many people lose a large amount the first month then slow way down. Glad to know it happens differently.

[mandyjdc]

That’s great, Dale! Keep up the good work!

[Luv49ers19]

You are going great Dale! If you are working out it could be that you are having muscle so it just looks like the scale isn't moving as fast. No worries I'm positive you will have a waist line for your son's upcoming wedding.

[Shannon'sVSG]

I think it's great, Dale, that you're practicing self-care. It helps immensely in getting through some of life's more difficult challenges (yes, to include VSG surgery). In conjunction, the fact that you are moving along successfully is a testament to your determination and dedication to this lifestyle. I understand about not losing numbers, however the fact that you are able to fit into your old winter coat clearly displays that you are losing. It appears that is inches, which is a great thing to accomplish when your numbers creep along. I applaud you and your efforts! Keep up the great work!

[DHB]

You are going great Dale! If you are working out it could be that you are having muscle so it just looks like the scale isn't moving as fast. No worries I'm positive you will have a waist line for your son's upcoming wedding.

Well thanks for that but given that this morning was my first workout in 2 months and I could barely do the minimum, I think my muscles aren't much of a factor. But I hope they will be soon.

[Stacey03]

You're doing so good Dale :-)

[LKuhns]

I am about two weeks behind you. I was sleeved on the 29th of Nov. so it will only be two weeks tomorrow. My doc says I can move on to pureed (Phase 3) food until I am three weeks out. I am so hungry at times that I don't think I can wait another week. I feel great, no pain, no nausea and I have no trouble drinking my protein shakes or getting in my fluids. I weighted the same as you on my surgery date and so look forward to all this weight coming off. I do feel weak at times and need to rest, but I really feel that's due to low calorie intake. Can't wait to be able to eat normal foods, so tired of this liquid..... Good luck to you and congrats on how you have done so far.

[sraebaer]

Sounds like things are going really well! Keep it up.

I need a personal trainer, something to look into. I love to hike but tend to neglect weights, etc.

[DHB]

Sounds like things are going really well! Keep it up.

I need a personal trainer, something to look into. I love to hike but tend to neglect weights, etc.

I use a group called Fitness Together (it's a national franchise). It's much more reasonable than joining a gym & using a trainer and they seem to specialize in the 50+ crowd.

[Jeanious]

Great going, Dale. I'm only two weeks nearly but once I hiccup, I know I'm full.
It's overwhelming at first. I can't wait to exercise like you do. Not sure if I'll be running but
I'd like to try and keep fairly toned, so I don't look flabby when I lose.
You're going to look great for your sons wedding.