Today is the three-month anniversary of my surgery. I had hoped to lose more weight, but I have lost over 60 pounds, and I am down three sizes. It is nothing to complain about, so I will gladly take it as a win. Bariatric surgery is definitely a process. The surgery is only the beginning, and it is still up to you to lose the weight. Would I classify it as an easy solution? No. Is it worth it? Yes. The surgery has changed my life for the better. I have achieved the success that I would not have achieved any other way. It has also come with a struggle and undesirable side effects. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but I am confident I have what it takes to get there.
TIP: Take Biotin vitamins after surgery to help reduce hair loss
I think the hardest thing for me is eating slowly. I still find myself hoovering down my food when I am not paying attention. I do the same thing with drinking fluids. I have been such a gulper all my life; sipping is very hard for me. However, on a high note, I do not have to run to the bathroom and vomit because of it. I can catch myself before I get to that point. The worst side effect is hair loss. Many people don’t have it, but I am one of the lucky ones that do. I, fortunately, had a lot of hair to start with, but it is falling out at an uncomfortable rate. I have heard it will stop after a year, but by then, I may be bald! I take Biotin and Collagen vitamins which are supposed to help reduce hair loss. My fingers are crossed that it will be enough.
TIP: If you have trouble slowing down at meals, then get up and leave the table for a while.
The positive results speak for themselves. To be 60 pounds lighter is life-altering. I now hike with my son daily, and I have much more energy to attack each day. I can fit into clothes; I was not able to before. The best result is my medication. I am off of my diabetes medication, acid reflux medication reduced my blood pressure medication, and reduced the pressure on my CPAP machine. Best of all, my Fibromyalgia is in remission. Now I only feel fatigued is if I stay up into the wee hours of the morning working. I should be off my blood pressure medication completely in the next month or so. These are all huge accomplishments! I have not had acid reflux since the surgery. Acid reflux plagued me before. If I forgot to take the medication, I was reminded with 24 hours of burning pain in my throat. I literally stopped eating C.R.A.P. I have eliminated the carbonated drinks and refined sugar, but the others I am improving on daily. I am basically a new, healthier me.
As a very busy mom, I needed to find a lot of shortcuts to make this process doable. What I have learned so far is that many of the protein products, besides protein shakes, all taste like protein powder. It may just be me, but they look so delicious on the box and fall so short in reality. I have found an edible few and I stick with them. An even better alternative is nuts. They are easy-to-grab snacks packed with protein. Using a protein shake with a couple of shots of espresso is my go-to breakfast. Veggie omelets are another favorite. Exercise is very important. I began walking, or in my case hiking, gradually increasing the difficulty. I am now introducing core exercises and basic weights. The key is to do what you can, as soon as you can, and keep at it.
TIP: Nuts are a great snack for on the go.
If I went back three months and had to make the decision again, I would change nothing. It has been an amazing three months despite any difficulties and side effects. I feel so much better than I have in years. My worst days do not dampen the hope and energy I have now. My journey still stretches on in front of me, but I now enjoy the journey.
If you have questions about:
Bariatric surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258
Bariatric Diets
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