3 Months Post-Op VSG

VixStats
03/14/13  -  279 Highest Weight Ever
10/16/13  -  263 I started the 5 day Pre-Op Diet
10/21/13  -  251 Surgery Weight
11/21/13  -  227 One Month Post Op
12/21/13  -  218 Two Months Post Op
01/21/14  -  201 Three Months Post Op
     Total Loss so far - 78 lbs

<>< ~ <>< Aloha everyone ><> ~ ><>

A lot has happened in the past 3 months since my last post. Let me start by saying that, today, after all is said and done, I do not regret my decision to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). 

From day one out of surgery, I had the same ole food cravings. I was not one of the lucky VSGers that were blessed with a change of appetite. I still had my appetite, times 10 it seemed. But with a stomach the size of an egg, I could never satisfy my appetite. It was such an emotional struggle. There were times when I wished I hadn't had the surgery. I had made a big mistake. 

I would be so 'hungry', but only able to eat a couple bites of food. My stomach would be too full to eat or drink anything else for the next 30-45 minutes. I would literally watch the clock and when I felt like I could eat or drink more, I would. I was battling this all day, every day, never feeling satisfied. I started to feel like I had wasted time and money doing the surgery cause I was already stretching out my sleeve. 

Three months out from surgery, I have had many come to Jesus moments. I am sure that my sleeve has settled into a more comfortable size too. I am able to eat just under a cup of food for my main meals. I make sure that my meals are scrumptious. Protein of course, but also some carbs for the head hunger. If my meal tastes good, it satisfies my 'hunger' and I do not struggle so much with cravings.  

My calorie goal today is 800. Protein goal is 70g. I would not be able to meet this protein goal without my morning protein shake. This shake is the only one I can stomach right now. I buy it at Costco. Premier Protein, Chocolate. I typically have one of these for breakfast. I have tried to add it to coffee and espresso. It tastes alright, but makes the drink bigger and then I can't drink it all. So I just chill it and drink it straight. It's alright for now. 

For lunch, I eat leftovers. One of the benefits of VSG, saving money. I can take a bit of whatever I made for dinner the night before and pack it for lunch. Easy peezy. I used to not be a big fan of left overs. By the next day, my tastey buds are over it. But since I am eating such a small amount of whatever I made for dinner, my tastey buds are ready for more. 

I have recently started filling my munchie moments with Beef Jerky. It's loaded with protein, and is perfect for salty cravings. I also found a greek yogurt I can tolerate. Just never been a fan of yogurt in general, until I found out that Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt, Toasted Coconut Vanilla is AMAZING! And has 2x the protein. Mucho yummy.

And lets face it, I do not deny myself completely of the junk foods. I had too mini chocolate chip cookies yesterday. AND a Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Ball. It was a waste of 173 calories, but hey, I'm not holding it against myself. Love them stupid Ferrero Rocher balls. The coconut ones OMG! 

Anywho, as for exercise, I need improvement. I like going for walks. Especially in the middle of my work day, around the 2pm draggin butt slump. I put on my sneakers and walk about 2 miles. Takes me about 35 minutes and according to the app, MAP MY WALK, I burn about 270 calories. I would really like to do a zumba class. Just waiting for the dough to be able to afford it. 

This journey has with out a doubt been an emotional roller coaster. I have heard that hormones may play a roll in this, but I don't buy that it is the grand excuse. The surgery itself was exciting for me. I was not afraid of the pokes and prods. I was afraid instead of the aftermath. Will I succeed? Will I change? 

I have never been a big fan of me. So change is welcomed with open arms. However, my hopes for change are really high. And with high hopes comes the possibility of major failure. At this stage in my life, I just can't fail any more. So yes, anxiety, fear, depression, all stemming from the need to change and possibility of failing. And by need, I mean NEED. 

Throwing out all of my old clothes has been enlightening. Feels good to throw out the old 3XL Walmart Women's Shirts.  And by the way, what style am I? Since 1998 my style has been fat people style, cause apparently we aren't allowed to have style. Now that I can shop in the regular section, who do I want to be? What part of my personality do I want to portray in my threads. After 15 years of never needing to worry about style, this new dilemma is stressful. I'm feeling good, I want my clothes to show that I'm feeling good. 

So that's me, 3 months post-op, in a nut shell. After a rough start, things are improving. 
My goal was to be in ONEderland (199) by my 3 month surgeversary. Which I didn't make, by 2 pounds. I'm not going to cry over that spilled milk though. My next goal is 179 by March 25th. On March 25 of last year, I saw my weight management doctor for the first time and I was 279. So, 179 by this March 25th would be 100lbs lost in 1 year. My ultimate goal is 155 by my 34th bday, 10/2/14. So here's hoping. 

I am grateful for my VSG and have no regrets. It has been a rough ride and to anyone that may be thinking it is the easy way out, forget about it. It has not been easy. I thought it would be, but am proven wrong daily. VSG is just a tool to help with weight loss. If you are considering VSG, do it. 

Peace and Carrots

<3 VixRevision