I am now 19 days past my bariatric gastric sleeve surgery, and physically, I am awesome. I have lost 32 pounds so far. I don't have any pain, and I have more energy than in recent months. I'm not tired except at bedtime, and I am able to go for walks with the girls at lunchtime every day.
I have had to retire some of my loose shirts because I am swimming in them. My pants, too, are way too big. Fortunately, I have lots of clothes in the basement from size 18 all the way to size 30 (where I started before surgery), so I won't have to do any shopping for quite a while. I'm down to a size 28 now.
Learning to eat with my new stomach is still a challenge. I am supposed to be able to eat ¼ cup at a time, so I always measure out that much.
Sometimes, ¼ cup is too much, and I feel sick because I'm stuffed. More solid foods like chicken and eggs typically fall into this category.
Sometimes, ¼ cup is good, and I feel fine. Yogurt, ricotta cheese, and other soft foods fall into this category.
Then there's the water. I'm supposed to be drinking 40-80 ounces of water every day, and I am barely getting 32. I drink all the water I can drink, until my stomach is full, but I just can't get enough water in. I don't think I'm dehydrated, but it is something that I don't think my nutritionist will be happy about. I also have to drink 2 protein shakes a day, so those cut down on my water intake as well. Sometimes I can't finish my shake because it fills up my stomach. Sometimes I struggle to get my second protein shake in for the day. (Like today when I am stuffed from supper and still have to drink a shake before bed to get in the protein I need.)
I also wanted to give you an update on my cheesecake episode from last week. I did talk to the nutritionist about it, and she advised against another such indulgence. She said that I should stay committed to a very high protein, low carb diet for the rest of my life. No sugar, no simple starches like rice, potatoes, pasta, and bread, and as few carbs as possible.
So there's that. I really want to be successful, so I will do what she says. I have adhered to my plan very closely since Easter, and I plan to stick to it in the future. I have found a few recipes for desserts that contain Splenda or other artificial sweeteners (which I have always avoided like the plague but have now come to understand are essential to successful bariatric surgery), so I might try them in the future. But the plan is to eat only 3 high protein meals a day, so I'm not in a hurry to make desserts anyway.
It is getting easier to see Joe and the girls eating chocolate or desserts without eating any myself. That's a step in the right direction! Even Crystal Light is too sweet for me now; I have to dilute it with twice as much water as it calls for, and even then, I can't drink much. I mostly drink plain water.
So that's where I am now. I think I am doing very well. I have only lost 2 pounds in the last week, but from what I've read, that is normal and the weight loss will resume soon.
Looking for other updates? See the whole series here.
Robyn Wright says
I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tara Ziegmont says
Thanks Robyn. 🙂
Bri says
So beyond disappointed. You do realize 95% of people who embark on that journey generally fail?
I'm overweight, been so most of my life, and I've done A LOT of research on nutrition and weight loss. Surgery is not the answer, NEVER the answer, and I get extremely disappointed when people act like it's the most miraculous thing ever. Its not. Call me in 3 or 4 years when you're back to almost where you started, bc drastically reducing your portions and food groups like that isn't healthy, your body will adapt and gain some or all of the weight back. The only way to permanently lose weight is to change your lifestyle and mindset, not have stomach surgery.
Tara Ziegmont says
I'm sorry that you feel that way, but your stats are wrong. 95% of people who try to lose weight without surgery eventually gain their weight back. In my Weight Loss Center, over 80% of patients take off at least 50% of their "excess body weight" and keep it off in the long term - over 5 years so far. For me, 50% of my excess body weight is 125 pounds, although my goal is to to lose 200 pounds.
You are right about one thing, and that is that the only way to keep the weight off long term is to change your lifestyle and mindset, and I am working hard at those things.
Monica says
I don't know statistics but I do know my husband is doing great 7 years post bariatric sx. Sx is an aid to help you achieve your goals. Some folks may think it's the easy way out but it still requires sacrifice, commitment, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Keep up the good work!
Tara Ziegmont says
Thank you!
Donna says
You are entitled to your opinion. But for people like us who have been overweight and eating as much as 3 pounds of food per meal (I know you say, OH NO , I don't do that but you do if you are over weight. I measured my meal portions before surgery and they were at least 3 pounds per meal.) We those of us who have that thing in our brain, create excuses to eat and this surgery is a tool to turn the brain off and in another direction. I can't believe that you would condemn us for trying to get healed. If you don't want the surgery, then fine, but be kind to those of us who really struggle.
Heather says
Keep up the good work!
Ella says
Bri,
I'm glad you have your act together and are nice and healthy and not overweight like some of us.
I don't even know why you're bothering to read this kind of a blog except to shame people. Maybe you should start your own blog to share your healthy lifestyle with other people and encourage each other.
Ella says
Tara,
Today is my 19th day. I'm happy for you that you are still doing so well after a year. You look so beautiful. No matter what anybody tells you, you're so much healthier and happier now than you were before surgery. I should have done this years ago when my kids were younger. Finally, I hope to be able to do more things with my grandkids, (who love me just the way I am). I already have sagging skin and all that so it'll be no different. Hopefully, I'll have less weight to hold me back. Keep up the good work. You're my inspiration.
Tara Ziegmont says
I feel the same way - I wish I had done this years ago. I feel so great, and I am so active now. Surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself.
sonia Hunter says
I'm 19 days out from having the gastric sleeve and only down 12 lbs. Still figuring out what my body accepts and will reject. That full sensation is not pretty and I'm trying to avoid that feeling. I haven't notice any real changes in my body yet but I keep hearing from others that it's coming. I'm ready to see a change. Good luck to you!