Gastric Bypass: Stories

I had gastric bypass in April of 2009 and I was 30 yrs. old when I had it done. Obesity ran heavily in my family. I was able to keep my weigh under control until I had my daughter at 25 and had issues with my thyroid. At that time I gained approximately 85 lbs. after having her within the first year. My thyroid was under control but diet and exercise were not helping. My obgyn told me I had PCOS which can cause thyroid issues, weight gain, hormone changes, and eye sight problems. When she told me this it was such a relief as those were all the issues I had been struggling with. She thought gastric Bypass would be a good option for me to manage weight and all of these symptoms. I went into surgery at 267 lbs. and I currently weigh 146. My lowest weight after surgery was 134 but your body will find its happy medium after you stop losing weight. People will tell you that you are looking too thin, and you may agree, don’t worry. Everyone has that empty, fat burning look that makes you appear thinner than you actually are, it goes away and you start to fill out after you aren’t losing anymore and you have a healthier, meat on your bones look.

For anyone who is thinking of getting Gastric Bypass I would tell you this. The process is so informative there is no way you don't know what you are getting yourself into and that you need to take it seriously. With that said, if you cannot commit to taking vitamins everyday then don't do it. You MUST take your vitamins. I gave up soda which was my vice. It was hard. I'd say if I could give you one piece of advice. Don't drink anything but water. If you do you will drink your calories and find that you can gain weight. The protein shakes at Costco are a lifesaver. Cheap, taste good, low calories, fat and carbs and 30 grams of protein. Always have them on hand. The brand is Premier. EAS Myoplex Carb Control is a close comparison. Cottage cheese, tuna and canned chicken is also great. You can't eat things that will get stuck in the beginning like shrimp or that is dry like chicken. Also remember if you stray and drink with your meals, you will allow yourself to eat more and it's a psychological thing. You are hungry but you want to eat the whole damn meal..... DON'T! You aren't hungry. Your taste buds will change; your body craves different things. I was never a sweets person or fruits or veggies and now I can't get enough of them. I recommend never taking your calcium citrate in any other form than liquid. It tastes better for having to take it 3 x a day, its more potent and it will help keep you regular which will be something you will get into after the first 8 months. Take it religiously 3 x a day (liquid) and you will not have constipation issues which almost everyone does. Hi Health has a B complex dropper for sublingual use; it has all the B vitamins in it not just B12. You are supposed to take this 3 x a week, I take it every day to every other day because I find I have a clearer head if I do, my memory is better and I just function better.

The surgery itself was not difficult physically. You are sore but the process is more mentally challenging than anything. You realize in the first month how our society is based around food. Every commercial, driving down the street, socializing.... Almost everything involves food. You get over that hump about a month or two in. You definitely will have “buyer’s remorse " those first few months so write down why you are doing it. I wrote down 1) for Maddie (my daughter) I didn't want her to grow up with an overweight Mom and think that it was healthy or ok. 2) I want to find a spouse, someone to share my life with. I don't want to be with someone overweight and I am realistic enough to know that no one I want to be with wants to either. Writing these things down and why YOU are doing it will really help you when you are rethinking your decision to do this.

Here I am 3 1/2 years out. I just had an extended tummy tuck and my breasts lifted with an implant. I am 6 weeks post op. I do not regret one single thing of this entire process.
I take my vitamins, I drink my water and I try and eat right. Take it seriously and it will give you a new lease on life.