Today is my four-week anniversary of my gastric sleeve surgery. I should be celebrating with balloons and confetti! Well, not confetti, since I would have to clean it up, but you get the point. And while I am happy and still don’t regret my surgery, I’m not feeling that excited about my success so far.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I asked after I weighed in this morning. I’ve lost 24.5 pounds and gone down one clothing size and one shoe size. Not too shabby for a month! As it is with most things, I wanted more. I wanted this huge statement, like 30 lbs! I wanted this huge difference in my body! Here are my photos from before and after so far, and my hubby promises me there is a difference. I do see less puffiness in my face and since my jeans are falling off I know my body has changed.
3 days after my surgery.
4 weeks after surgery!
I had my pity party this morning, so now it’s time to give myself a swift kick in my now smaller rear. I feel good and my body feels healed. “Real” food is part of my diet although I’m nervous to try too many new foods. Fear of gaining weight and vomiting is helping me take this new part of my food lifestyle slow. After doing the Optifast liquid diet for six months, I threw up for about three months afterward so I’m erring on the side of caution. My focus is still on protein so chicken, real chewable chicken, is my mainstay.
What I know is really going to inspire me is exercising. I have been walking, but I’ve been given the OK from my doctor to start really exercising. Fast walking is on the schedule and then back to running. I have a new phone and new headphones so I can start back on Couch to 5K. This year, I’ll be ready for the Thanksgiving 5K race. Last year I did finish, but I was not ready physically or mentally for the race. I vow to be prepared this year and really enjoy it!
I realize this next month will be filled with new challenges like eating out. If I can spend two weeks on a liquid diet and then two weeks with pureed foods, I can handle anything can’t I? Yes, I can! I am the little engine that could….with a smaller caboose.
Down the Scale - My Weight Loss Journey 
That’s an average of 6 lbs a week! Few people ever lose that much per week (or month), You’re doing great!! Exercise is key…aerobic and weight training. If you keep doing that, combined with the right foods, you’ll see incredible results. Celebrate and be proud! 🙂
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Thanks, Joelle!! I will be proud now. 🙂
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Keep it up girl you are a wonderful example of strength and perserverence and …. Well… Every synonym that falls in those categories!!
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Thanks, Stacie!!
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You know what’s funny? You can chop 6″ off your hair and feel like you’re unrecognizable and others don’t even notice, but if you lose weight, others usually see it before you can. You look great and 24.5 lbs is a lot to lose in any time period, let alone 4 weeks. Besides, if you lose too fast at first, you get discouraged when it slows down. Remember, you’re going for a lifestyle change, not to fit into a prom dress!! 🙂
PS – you know what I’d give to make my size 11 feet smaller?! Jealous.
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Chris, you always know what to say and you always make me laugh! I’m now going to search for a prom dress….
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Jen, you look great. I can tell you lost weight. You always have a beautiful smile on your face & that’s what people see first. You will get there, be patient. Next time Dave takes your picture do it with the same clothes on and I think you will really realize the weight lose.
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You’re so kind, Linda!! Thanks!
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Jen, this is truly remarkable! This shows great determination and willpower. I don’t know many people who could do what you have ALREADY done and you are JUST getting started, my friend. I am always striving to Notice the Good in my children and in myself. For every negative thing you think, please notice one positive. You have so many, sweet lady. Thanks for inspiring us all.
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Rachel, I love your idea of thinking of a positive thing for every negative one! Thanks again for your support!
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Go Jenn Go you can do this!
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Thanks so much, Melissa!
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Great job, Jen! Losing 24.5 lbs is a great accomplishment…keep the end goal in mind and don’t get down on yourself! You are on your way!
PS…I heard the magazine I suggested “Clean Eating” has gone kapoot! I am so disappointed, it was the only cooking mag with recipes I was actually willing to try making! They do have many cookbooks out under the same name and I especially liked “Clean Eating for Family and Kids”
Keep up the great work…and keep us all posted!
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Thanks so much, Allison! I’ve found some good recipes on Pinterest. I’m getting back o cooking this week and I can’t wait. 🙂
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Jen,
You look amazing! I cannot image how hard going through this us for you, but you are such a strong and positive woman – it will all be worth it in the end.
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Thanks so much for your kind word and encouragement, Stacy!
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You gotta’ love the Little Engine that Could….and you know that your “Sisters” love you, too! I am so proud of your success….such an inspiration, Jen. I know it’s not easy, but the rewards you’ll reap are sooooo worth it! I said that I would try to get myself back on the weight-loss program – and so far, not too bad, with a 3 kg loss during the last month. Still many to go – but I’m on my way……keep INSPIRIING ME!!!
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I’m so glad to have my sisters’ support! Congrats on your weight loss! I’m glad we can inspire each other, Lynn!
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I am at 21 lbs after 3 weeks. A little disappointing, especially since I was at 23 after 2. But dizziness made me quit my bp meds and water pill, and my body is adjusting to more “real food”. I have gotten discouraged, but I also figure 40 lbs since beginning the process and 50 lbs this year is not bad either. Keep up the good work and the hustle. I admire your hard work and effort.
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You’re doing great, Clint! It is so easy to get discouraged at times, but I keep remembering this is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix. Keep up your good work, too!
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