11-month update (long)
Hi everyone,
You know, it seems a bit odd to be posting an eleven-month update.
My thought is, “Who in the world cares?” And then I read another
post from a pre-op who wants to know information about what WLS is
all about. And, my compulsive behavior “kicks in.”
So, I have lost 147 lbs in the last 11 months. I have quite a lot of
hanging skin on my upper arms, lower abdomen and thighs. I have a
smaller amount of hanging skin above my belly button and at the
bottom part of my tush. My boobs have gone from 46DDD (bulging) to
36D (comfortable). I have gone from a Size 26 to a Size 12 in
clothing.
In clothes (with a underwire support bra and control top pantihose)
that have 3/4 length sleeves, I look great. Since that is how the
majority of folks see me, I am becoming very comfortable around REAL
people in the REGULAR world. I have become a participant in life
instead of an observer.
Yes, I have changed. I believe it is impossible not to have
changed. We talk about this surgery as a life-changing process and
then try to prove somehow that we haven’t changed. I am happier,
healthier, and look a lot better besides.
Some things are the same. I have not forgotten where I came from. I
have not forgotten the struggles that I went through as a morbidly
obese person. I still hear the food demons chattering inside my
head. The difference now is that I have gained strength from my new
habits and choices. Most of the time, I can ignore those “devilish
proddings.” And, even if I give in to those old habits once in a
while, I can resist over-indulging. I can satisfy the craving with a
bite or two of “forbidden foods.”
I was lucky. I had an uneventful recovery and no complications. I
followed my surgeon’s recommendations at the 90% level. Actually, I
still do. I exercise, at the gym, 5-7 times a week and have since 6
weeks post-op. I have experienced some mild dumping a few times.
But, on a regular basis I don’t eat enough sugar or fat to cause
that.
I can eat anything that I want to eat. I have been a pickie eater
all my life and that hasn’t changed. I am not adventureous in my
food choices. For the most part, I choose high quality, healthful
foods now - and eat a small quantity. I do not deny myself
anything. If I want it, I eat it - but often just a bite or two. I
rarely choose to eat pasta, rice, bread, crackers, or sweets of any
kind.
I hope to reach my goal of 150 lbs - but have done some research
on “after WLS plastic surgery.” I understand that often WLS folks
lose about 15 lbs of redundant skin. That would mean that I could
have plastic surgery at about 165 lbs. I am at 178 now - so that
would mean about another 13 lbs to go - for now. I still have to do
more research to find out what will be best.
My collar bones REALLY stick out. I can see my ribs when I take a
deep breath. If I move my hanging skin out of the way, I can feel my
pelvic bones. There is not a lot of extra FAT left on my body at
this point. My BMI is at 29 and I have developed muscles over the
last few months. I FEEL close to goal at this point. If I never
lost another pound, I would be eternally grateful for WLS and all
that it had brought me. I am finally relaxing into this final weight
loss phase.
Those are my thoughts - as I reach this part of my journey. If this
helps someone else, great. If not, it was great catharsis for me.
Thanks for indulging me a little.
Keep on keeping on,
Susan H.
5′6″ and 54 years old
Lap RNY on 4/2/01 at Alvarado, San Diego by Dr. Julie Ellner
Pre-Op 325 and a BMI of 53 wearing size 26
Today 178 and a BMI of 29 wearing size 12
(a loss of 147 in 11 months)