In 2021, I weighed over 350-lbs. Years of unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle had taken their toll, leaving me feeling sluggish, unhappy, and uncomfortable in my own skin. I was eating because I was unhappy and I was unhappy because I kept eating. It was a never-ending cycle.
The Decision to Undergo Bariatric Surgery
Struggling with my weight and facing numerous health complications associated with obesity, I reached a pivotal moment where I knew I needed to make a significant change. Despite my best efforts, traditional methods of weight loss had failed me time and time again. Every attempt felt like a battle, ending in frustration and disappointment.
I decided to have a conversation with my Mom. I was nervous about talking to her about it because I was afraid she was going to be disappointed in me for taking the easy way out, but it was the opposite. My Mom was supportive in my decision, that I wanted to take control of my life again, and so my journey began.
The Pre–Op Journey
Undergoing bariatric surgery wasn't a decision I took lightly. I did extensive research, consulted with numerous doctors and specialists, and weighed the risks and benefits carefully. Ultimately, I felt it was the right choice for me, a chance to take control of my health and life sustainably.
After finding the right doctor to perform the surgery was time for the next steps towards surgery. This took 6 months. I decided at the beginning of this journey, that I was only going to tell immediate family and close friends that I was going to undergo this procedure. After multiple tests, including blood tests, psychiatric evaluations, nutritional counseling, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound to check for gallstones, medical clearance from my primary care physician, and pre-surgical testing the day before the surgery.
A month before the surgery, I needed to start my pre-op diet, which included two protein shakes a day (I used Fairlife Nutrition Plan shakes) for breakfast and dinner, salad for lunch, and two snacks of fruit during the day.
The Big Day and Beyond:
October 25, 2021, at 10 a.m., was the big day. I had a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve. This surgery was minimally invasive and had fewer complications, shrinking the stomach to 15% of its original size.
The procedure took around 45 minutes, and I had to stay overnight for one night. Now, because this was post-COVID, I could only have one visitor at a time, which was hard since I wanted my whole family there. The recovery the first day revolved around A LOT of walking around, for the gas to be released from my shoulder.
Once discharged, is when the real work started. Now, even though the surgery shrunk my stomach, it’s not a “quick fix,” there are certain restrictions you must follow to make the surgery successful. I had to follow a diet progression after surgery which contained four different stages.
Stage 1: The first two weeks are strictly a liquid diet. I needed to ensure I was drinking 64oz of fluids/day plus 60-80 grams of protein. No Carbonation, No Straws
Water
Protein shakes: 2-3 servings
Tea/Coffee with or without milk
Diluted, no sugar added apple juice
Crystal Light, sugar-free lemonade or iced tea
Sugar-Free Jello
Sugar Free Ice Pops
No Sugar AddedSugar-Free Italian Ice
Low Sodium Chicken, Beef, or vegetable broth.
Stage 2: The third week I was able to progress a little bit of my eating. It is still mostly liquid, but more options.
64oz of fluids/day plus 60-80 grams of protein. No Carbonation, No Straws
All of Stage 1
Skim, 1% or 2% milk
Strained cream soups (low sodium)
Sugar-free pudding
Low-sugar yogurt (<15 grams), no pieces of fruit
Farina
No sugar added hot chocolate
Low-sodium original V8
Poached egg
Stage 2 is also where I started my vitamin intake. Vitamins were going to be an essential part of my journey. After getting this surgery, your body isn’t absorbing a sufficient amount of vitamins, so it is critical to take the proper amount.
Stage 3: Week 4 Puree Diet (the worst stage)
64oz of fluids/day plus 60-80 grams of protein. No Carbonation, No Straws
Stage 1 and Stage 2
Plain Oatmeal/Farina/Cream of Rice
Cottage Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Soft-boiled or poached egg (no scrambled)
Pureed fruit and vegetables; must be blended for at least 3 minutes to a liquid consistency
Pureed meat, pureed fish (no chicken) - this one was a no way for me
Stage 4:Week 5 Soft Diet
Stages 1-3
Tuna Fish (canned) with 1 Tbsp. mayo
Soft, flaky fish (flounder, sole, scrod, etc)
Lean ground beef or lean ground turkey (85-95%)
Soft boiled, or poached eggs, scrambled, egg whites
Well-cooked vegetables (cooked or steamed until very mushy) or canned fruit, no sugar added
On top of follow-ups with my doctor, I was seeing a nutritionist 1-2 times a month, and they were always available when needed. They helped me with all my questions, and gave me recipes, and ways to beat hunger and cravings.
Now, no one said this was going to be easy, and by all means it wasn’t. I had the support of my family, friends, and someone who came into my life on the day of my surgery. I met my now fiance, while in the pre-op room before my surgery, and we have been together ever since.
Life After Surgery:
Now, I promised myself that I wasn’t going to go back to my “old ways.” I wanted to do this
right. So I took an extra step and decided that if I was going to embark on this journey, I was going to do it right, so I searched for personal trainers.
After meeting with a few trainers who didn’t seem to have my best interests in mind, I finally found the right fit. I met with Kelli N. of KG Health and Fitness and knew that I found the right person. Kelli was extremely professional, but also very passionate about what she does. Kelli not only helps with the training but also works with you on your diet.
I started seeing Kelli 1 month before my surgery, to prepare myself for after. It was tough, but she helped me through it. My first session was talking about my weight, my goals, and my measurements. We kept track every month and kept seeing the weight and inches come off.
I had lost 10 pounds before surgery and lost 40 pounds in my first month. Of course, this hyped me up, but I had to keep in mind that it wasn’t going to be like that forever. It has been 2 years and 4 months since my surgery, and I have lost a total of 130 pounds and over 75 inches overall.
Beyond the Pounds:
As I sit down to reflect on my weight loss journey, I'm struck by the incredible transformations, both physical and emotional, that have occurred along the way. It's been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, but through it all, I've emerged stronger, healthier, and more determined than ever before.
Since the surgery, I have never felt more myself than I do now. Although I have never quite met my “ultimate goal”, I have accomplished so many other things that I never thought I would be able to do. I met the love of my life, who loves me for me. I was able to participate in a 5-mile Breast Cancer Walk and didn’t need to stop for constant breaks. I am continuing and loving being active(never thought those words would come out of my mouth). I feel worthy of myself, and that I can be and do something in this life.
I am finally the person I was meant to be and I have never been happier. This is only the beginning and there is more work that needs to be done! Stay tuned…
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