6 months postop and 101 pounds down! Link to my pictures

EDIT:  Finally figured out how to imbed a picture but left the link to my photo stream for the rest of the pictures: 

My photo stream

Today is my 6 month surgery anniversary and as of this morning I am down 101 pounds!  I have had a pretty smooth journey with just a few bumps along the way.  It is worth every dollar, every tear, every single freakin' protein shake!  I have had tremendous support from here, from my amazing husband, and from an incredible therapist.  I am also in group therapy and that has added to the tools I have to deal with everything in my head.

Now for some specifics:

Weight and measurements

I started at 316 and today I weighed 215.

I was a size 24 (I have been a 26/28 but I was a 24 at the time of my surgery) and now I am an 18 jeans and XL top

My measurements were 51-50-56 and they are now 42-39-47

My "goal" is 190 which would put me at ~12/14

Eating

I eat protein first and try for 70-90 gm/day.  I eat a variety of things but chicken is definitely my most frequent meal.  I have two big obstacles when it comes to eating.  Getting in enough fat and carbs (when I get lazy it is all protein which is NO BEUNO for the colon) and eating too fast.  I still struggle with eating too fast.  I am trying.

I do get hungry, real hunger.  It will happen when I get behind on my meals, usually lunch.  I am pretty good with my choices.  I eat because I have to and I eat protein because it's what I need.  I have had a single bite of things here and there but I have been lucky to not struggle with this YET.  I am realistic and I know that this will likely not always be this easy.

I don't have trouble with any type of food as long as I take my time.  This was not true for the first 3-4 months.  There were many things that did not go down easily then (scrambled eggs, beef).  I can have 3 oz of protein without difficulty most of the time.

I still have protein shakes (mostly Pure Protein) but on the weekends I try to get all my protein from real food.

Hair

My hair started falling out right on schedule at 3 months.  I have lost more hair than I thought I had on my head (and I have A LOT of hair).  It is easily a third to half of my hair.  This is not an exaggeration.  It has slowed down but is still considerably more than a typical day before surgery.  I have had a few moments where I almost broke down over it (my hair has always been "my thing") but I have a friend going to through chemo and I realized there are much worse things than losing my hair.  I'll keep you updated.

Unmentionables (who am I kidding)

I had pretty major issues with constipation.  This was a big problem before surgery so I knew it would be a problem after.  I have finally got things to a happy place.  It is not a perfect system (mostly due to my laziness with fiber) but if I stay on track I am regular (every 1-2 days) and out of pain (OH THE PAIN!).  I use sugar free fiber gummies (2-3 daily) and Metamucil Multigrain Wafers (one package daily).  When I eat vegetables I focus on higher fiber content.  I tried all the recommended remedies (Miralax NO NO NO!!, docusate (helped some but not enough), etc, but this is my plan for now.

Favorite NSV's

SHOPPING! (this could become a problem)

Fitting EVERYWHERE

Airplane seatbelt!

Realizing I am standing taller, speaking/behaving more confidently

Feeling feminine

Feeling sexy

Not being invisible anymore

Dancing around half naked in the morning

TRUTH

I have not been very active.  I know this has to change.  I am working on it.  I do not expect to maintain this long term if I cannot get my butt moving.  I have done a few 5K's but nothing consistent.

And finally THERAPY

ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE.  At least for me.  I just don't see me getting here or moving forward successfully without it.  Find a therapist you like, be honest and open, and stick with it.

Cheers!!

What awesome success you've had!  Congratulations!  You are totally rocking your sleeve.  

(Your weight is in your sig, I'm just daft!)

I am 5' 9". I am tall but long waisted and short to average legged.

My husband is the same way.. He's 8 inches taller than I am, yet we have the exact same inseam length.  Heh.  All of his height is in his torso!

Amazing!  Great job :)

You are beautiful before and after and your success is inspiring. Thanks for posting!!!

renee

I love your post!  Thank you for sharing your amazing progress with us.  Your NSV's are so very inspirational.  Congratulations!!!

Hey mysweetsleeve! Its so nice to see you! I was asking you questions about surgeons prior to my surgery. Well, here I am 5 weeks post op, and Dr Atkinson did my surgery :) All has went smooth so far! Your loss is amazing! Glad to hear you are doing so well!! You look great!!

Oh wow! Look how amazing you are doing!!  I am so glad you are doing well!  Have you gone to the support meetings at Atkinson's office?  I haven't but I was thinking about going this week.

Congratulations on your journey!

Thank you :) Dealing with the MANY adjustments :) But good so far! I have not went to one, but am also definetly considering also! I just got a to meet the new NUT, they had lost their previous one about a week before my surgery. Maybe we can meet up at one one of the meeting on of days soon :)