3 Months Post Op – Weight Loss Surgery Update
Well, I’m finally at 3 months post op from my Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery so I figured it was time for another update, with photos this time! I would say that my journey so far has been good and I’m feeling good about everything except my actual weight loss, but I’ll get to that. My life has become about feeding myself, hydrating myself, and exercising every day. I’m motivated to get this weight off, but it sure is not in any way “the easy route” as some will say.
In my 6 week post op update, I had lost 26 pounds and I talked about how my surgeon had warned me about being a slow loser due to depression medications. Well, I still think I’m a slow loser, but I also think that my decision to get the depo shot for birth control may have had something to do with that as well as the depression meds.
I have currently lost 40 pounds in 3 months since surgery.
Let me tell you why I’m frustrated with my 40 pounds. Since my visit with my surgeon in February, I have begun working out six days per week at the gym. I started out doing 30 minutes of cardio on the NuStep machine every day, but I have worked up to either doing an hour on the NuStep or doing 30 minutes and another 30 minutes of weights. I also just started this past Saturday joining a class for an hour-long cardio workout once per week. I’m eating what I’m supposed to and I’m eating 8 times per day like my surgeon advised. I’m getting about 40 ounces of liquids (mostly water) per day, but my surgeon really wants me getting 64 ounces. I feel like I’m following “the plan” as best I can, but the weight is just barely coming off!
I’ve had people tell me that they notice a difference in me and I know my clothes are looser than they were. I’ve gone down about a size in shirts and a size and a half in pants. But, I just can’t help wanting it to go a little faster. I feel like having surgery was such a big step and I’m not really seeing the benefit of it quite yet.
I hate to be such a downer and I’m not to the point of regretting it, but I’m definitely discouraged at the moment. But, I will keep trying and doing what I’m supposed to be doing and people tell me that I’ll get there eventually.
The good news is that I saw my surgeon last week and he is pleased with my progress. He said that the disappointment I’m feeling over being a slow loser is all in my head and he’s happy with where I am at the moment. He encouraged me to keep going the way I am and keep working on more cardio exercise rather than weights and I will see a difference.
The day after I saw my surgeon, I did go to my PCP and asked for blood testing for hormone levels and thyroid check. I told him about my slow weight loss and the fact that I’ve been on my period for almost two months straight and he appeared to listen. I gave blood and it’s been a week and I haven’t heard anything yet. They told me that if my levels were normal, then I might not get a call and they would just mail a letter to me. I’m thinking I’m getting a letter soon because I should have heard from them by now if something was off. Don’t you think?
So, basically I’m just hanging in there, doing what needs to be done, and hoping for some progress soon. If you have any tips or suggestions for getting past what seems to be a plateau, I’m open to suggestions! And I can always use all the encouragement you want to hand out.
Now, here’s a photo from surgery day on 12/30/15:
And here’s one of me now (3 months post op):
I think losing 40 pounds is great! Just keep at it and it’ll keep slipping off. Slowly still is progress! <3
You sound like you’re doing an amazing job and 40 pounds is a fantastic amount to have lost. Just keep at it and you’ll see the results you want!
A note about the Depo shot. Don’t do it!!! I had the shot after my son about 15 years ago and I had my period for 6 months straight! It will mess with your hormones, but as long as they’re “within range”, you shouldn’t be alarmed, but it is likely the cause for your slow loss. Just hang in there hon, and after that 6 months (it is still a 6 month shot, right?) choose another method. I went through a few. I tried the “Mini pill” while I was breastfeeding my daughter, but the Progesterone made me lose chunks of hair. I decided to get an IUD after breastfeeding, and since I couldn’t use Mirena (progesterone-based) I got the ParaGard (copper-based) and it has worked well for me. It also lasts up to 10 years vs. 5 years for Mirena, so if you’re looking for something long-term, it’s great.
Keep on keeping on and good luck to you!!!!
Holly Storm recently posted..Behold the Amazing Piecaken {Make it the Easy Way!}
You are winning the battle! I have a dear friend who also had surgery to lose weight. She and her daughters all were dangerously large. She took the leap to assure a future for herself but also possibly blaze a trail for the girls. Deb has lost well over 100 pounds and kept it off. She looks great and obviously FEELS great as well. Keep up the good work and know that you will arrive at your goal. Think on happy things every day
Sinea♥
Hey Janet. I’m gonna tell you…that depo shot is making you have your period for 2 months. I never had a period on it and a lot of women I know had a period the whole time. So I bet that’s what the deal is. But as far as you losing weight…Yea it’s ALL in your head!! There is already a huge difference in your weight! Just by looking at you, you are doing fantastic!! Just keep hanging in there!! It’ll start to catch up with your idea of where you should be! Great job girl!! I’m proud of ya!
You can tell a difference.be proud of that. I had a friend that did the surgery and I know this is NOT an easy path. As far as depression meds, they don’t help with weight loss goals. I wouldn’t make any changes either since you have so much else going on right now. Just keep going, just keep going. I have thought about doing this surgery as well but I am not sure if I have the discipline to follow the strict plan that would come with ut. I am watching your progress and I hope it will motivate me.
40 lbs in 3 months is amazing! Be proud!
You’re doing SO great! I’m so proud of you, friend!!!
Dear Friend,
You can totally see the difference in those two photos; not only in your body size, but in your face. Your face is not only thinner, but you look happier and healthier, and that’s what matters. Keep up the good work because it sounds like you’re doing all of the right things (except that water…get that up for sure). If you dropped 100 pounds already, I’d think you’d pick it right back up honestly, or be terribly unhealthy at the moment. Slow, steady lose is the way to go and you’re doing that.
With love,
One of your biggest cheerleaders
PS – 40 pounds in 3 months is hardly a slow lose so shush and keep up the good work.
There is a DEFINITE difference between those pictures, girl! It’s obvious that you’re headed in the right direction. I fear that my depression meds could affect the speed at which I lose. Have you spoken with your prescribing doc? I’m wondering if decreasing the dose would make a difference. You’ll be lowering the dose as you lose weight anyway. I have absolutely no idea, but know that I’m going to talk with my psychiatrist next week to ask about her thoughts. I agree, you’re doing what you need to; you’re following the prescribed plan and you’re getting some serious workouts in. You’re doing all you can on your end. At this point, it’s up to your body to do what it has to and you can’t control that (unfortunately). Keep it up, girl. We’ll be in the same boat in just a few weeks. I know you won’t regret your decision! Just try not to be too down on yourself (and mind you, this comment will bite me in the rear in a few weeks). Keep it up, girl!! Great job!
I talked to my PCP who prescribes me the medicines, but we didn’t really talk about changing my meds. I’m on really low doses anyway (10mg Abilify, 10mg Brintellix) so I’m not sure if he could lower them. If things don’t pick up soon, I’ll go back to him to talk about it. I am looking forward to hearing about your journey as well. Good luck!!
You look great! I know your journey is frustrating right now, but you are making so many positive choices and steps! It will be worth it!
Well I hope you see the difference in those two pictures! But more than that, I hope you FEEL the difference inside with the motivation you have to make those tough choices EVERY day. The choice to drink water, the choice to make the right food choices, the choice to exercise…you are changing from the INSIDE out and those changes take time! You didn’t get to where you used to be overnight and you can’t expect to get to where you want to be overnight. Keep on keeping on and believe in yourself. You are so much stronger than you know!