Welcome and congrats on making this life changing decision!!

I am much older (will be 54 in July).... but wanted to say that this is the best thing I ever did!

Tomorrow I will be 11 months post op... This group here was my saving grace thru all my preop and quite awhile post op. I don't get here as often as I once did as I am busy on quite a few facebook sites, but I still feel compelled to come here and cheer folks on to pay it forward as so many cheered me on!

I have lost 131 lbs... and regained my freedom. Simple as that. I am 11 lbs away from my own personal goal of 180. This might seem high to some, but works well for me :) And is under my surgeons goal.

As to answer your questions...

What was the biggest surprise to you after your surgery?
I did research like crazy... so I knew what I was getting into overall, but some things you just don't know, well, till you know. You gotta walk the walk so to speak. For me, I have a cast iron pouch, Never had a trouble getting in my protein and fluids even from first day home from the hospital. This is great! Keeps me healthy... It also has made this hard work from day 1. I guess I didn't expect it to be so hard, hard in the sense that I can eat anything and too much of it. I read how so many just didn't want to eat anymore, that they had to remind themselves, that they didn't think about food anymore... None of this was/is true for me. All my food demons are still right here and I fight them every day.

How do you personally cope with your head hunger?

Listen.... to myself and others... learn to HEAR what my body is saying, figure out what I REALLY need, and how to meet those needs in a healthier way. Learning to experience my emotions vs stuffing them with food! Work in progress.... I'll be doing this the rest of my life.

What new sport or triathlon event did you take up with your new lifestyle?

I lift weights :) Dead lifts, bench press, squat racks, etc etc! I am signed up for my first 5k in August. I can't run it (I have an artificial knee) but am going to go, and walk it... Something I could not even dream of before! Preop, I could not walk for more than 5 min. Now, 90 min a day or more 5 or 6 days a week :) Like I said, reclaimed my FREEDOM :)

Best thing I ever did. Not easy, not one little bit... but oh so worth it!

Welcome Wesley. You have found by far the most supportive site possible. Everyone here will cheer you on, support you when your down and push you when you need it. I'm 52 yrs old and had my orientation late Nov 2013. My first appt with the surgeon was on Jan 21, I had my surgery on March 18th. I'm just over 3 months out and down 53 lbs. I'm what is referred to as a light weight. I started at 217, but if you consider that I'm only 5'1", the weight was a problem. I had High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. I've not taken meds. for the last 2 since the night before surgery. My A1C is 5.6, my cholesterol is normal. My blood pressure was 120/70 at my 3 month with my Primary, she wants to keep me on it a bit longer since I feel so darn good, why mess with a good thing. Probably the biggest surprise for me post-surgery is how tired I was before and I didn't even realize it. I have so much energy now, it's amazing. I typically walk between 4-5 miles a day and don't even think about it any more. I was able to mow the grass yesterday, almost 90degrees with 85% humidity and I was able to do it without needing to stop 5 times and catch my breath. I'm not coordinated enough for sports but I love playing with my nieces and nephews now,something I wasn't able to do before for more then 10/15 minutes. I love my new life and only wish I had done this earlier. Is it hard, you betcha. The head hunger and head games we play with ourselves is relentless, but I've learned what I NEED and what my tummy things in wants and I know how to get past it without giving in. (move) If your 100% committed you'll do great. Attitude is so important, but also a great support system. Best of luck to you. If you need help, ask and everyone here will do whatever they can. - Terrie

I am 31, and 2 1/2 yrs post-op. Congrats on making the decision to better your health! And wow, what a battle with that you have already been through.
Biggest surprise after surgery was the head work. Not the head hunger, but the actual ability to see myself as someone other than the 338lb woman I was before.... It's still hard, and it still takes me by surprise when I see the new number on the scale...
The head hunger really wasn't even an issue for me. I wasn't a binge eater so much before surgery as I had no concept of portion control.... Now, after surgery when my head tells me I'm hungry.... I'm legit hungry. I actually need to eat something.
And lastly, I didn't become a triathalon runner post-op.... but I do run. It began on the tradmill as a walk for exercise and turned into a wonderful outdoor hobby/stress release/passion.
Again, congrats on making this amazing decision. I wish you nothing but the most success. You've found a great group of people here who will not only inspire but teach.

Wesley what you have been through already is far more difficult than what you will go through after surgery. At least that is my opinion and my experience. I had RNY on 1/8/14 and have lost 63lbs so far. I have another 22lbs to go. I had this surgery due to diabetes diagnosis and the fact that my Father died at 61 from diabetes illnesses.

My biggest surprise after surgery was that it actually works! Even when I'm actually really hungry a few bites and I'm full. That is a great feeling most of the time. Sometimes it is frustrating because I really enjoy food and would want to eat a little more. Although I am very glad I can't. :-)
Head hunger will always be there to an extent but I'm learning to find something else to get my mind off of it.
My exercise realization is that when I am religious about it I love it, but let something stop me (like vacation) and it is very hard to get back into. The first week of starting exercise is the worst. I'm in that phase now (again).

Good luck to you and welcome to the group!

Hiiii and welcome!!!!

How exciting! I remember jumping out of bed and going to orientation. I was the first one there and I took the whole gang with me lol! (my son and ex husband) May 28 was my surgery date. I lost 30 lbs before and since my last visit I had lost 30 more so I hope tomorrow I get to see how much more I have lost. As you get all your info make sure you really pay attention to what you will be eating before and after surgery....you do 1 day clear fluids in the hospital then 2 weeks soups then 2 weeks puree foods and then 2 weeks soft foods. Listen to your body. Your body knows what you need and how much. You dnt eat you will get weak....With so many surgery's before I went home with the dreaded jp drainage. Its scary to look at. Its not that bad. Drain it measure the amount and write it down. Most of the time with in a week they pull it out. Im not squeamish but dnt look down when they take it out. I did homecare and have seen it all but when its coming out you will get woozy....trust me...I man it up and I got up and ran straight to the bathroom to throw up.

What was the biggest surprise to you after your surgery?
At first a train hit you but your lovely doc will give you pain meds to help make the train stop.....yey! when you get home u will realize you have no clue what to eat and how much is good. I went to south Miami and they gave me a list of websites to get ideas of foods to eat...http://www.bariatriceating.com/
...chicken broth gets on you last nerves after a few days. Prepare some meals freeze them and have them ready so you can vary and you dnt hate meal time. The nutritionist told me and I dnt listen and I suffered the first week after the hospital. Hunger and fatigue hits and trying to figure what you want doesn't make things easier. It creates tension. Also for sum greasy foods smell greasy and ewww....


How do you personally cope with your head hunger?
Still fighting the little suckers.....Its not that you are hungry...if you eat right you will never feel hungry but I see my son grab a bowl of food and my brain starts itching for food. I started drinking water with a slice of orange in it and playing video games from even looking at him eat. After 3 weeks I was so use to him and my ex eating around me now it doesn't bug me as much.

What new sport or triathlon event did you take up with your new lifestyle?
I wasn't suppose to start on the treadmill yet but I did. I also have an interest in prison work outs....so I found http://www.marksdailyapple.com/prison-workout/#axzz34qLrM0lx
Think about it....some of these guys come out buffer then personal trainer with less equipment. I cant do burpees yet bc I just had surgery but I can do squats and I am walking 20 to 30 mins on the treadmill at least 3x a week until I feel more confident with my abilities and the doc approves it.

Remember our bodys are complex and so different and as you go you adjust to your body....

Welcome to the group Wesley, and congrats on making this life changing journey!

Welcome and congrats on your orientation date.
You've been through so much, so this should be pretty straightforward for you. Follow the program, and it will be a great tool for you.
I'm 3 1/2 years out of the sleeve, 125 lbs down, and finally walking more than half a block again. Also older, 54, I'm so glad to be getting my health back.
Not too many surprises for me other than how easy I'm finding it to keep the weight off. Not so easy to keep losing, but that's not a surprise, as I can eat a piece of pizza if I want to without trouble. :)
Head hunger is manageable as long as I get my water and protein in and leave the carbs out. Dehydration and Carbs trigger it every time.
No Triathlons for me, but I'm going to walk the State Fair for the first time in a decade! Yaaay.
Welcome, congrats, and best success young man!

Welcome to the group. You are beginning a journey that hopefully will make a more healthy person out of you. It can be a struggle and it definitely isn't easy but I know it's the best thing I have done for myself for a very long time. Good Luck :)

becca1960 - Congratulations Becca on loosing 131 pounds that must have been alot of work! That new found freedom feeling must be really addictive? I find you and everyone's 'spark for life' here very encouraging and rewarding. Finding yourself able to eat anything without consequences, you mean Sugar etc as well without dumping? That to me would be scary. I have an Iron LOL stomach right now, not so sure about after post op!
I guess I really am attracted to the idea of being forced into an eating behaviour or suffering severe gastric upset such as dumping. Along with curtailing 'head hunger' situations... Similar to what you speak of having to remind myself what do I really need right now? Do I have underlying stress right now that I am not attending too? Am I drinking enough water, I may be thirsty instead. Head hunger is and will always be my demon just like you state. Darn it food!!
Wow. 90 Min for 5 days a week is fantastic. I don't have a problem with exercising, even though I am a big dude I still always press on the elliptical, ab rider and all that fun stuff at the gym. Other times I just run in trails nearby my house here in the country!
Exercise is addictive! Everyone on here to some extent has had to learn to accept post op exercise into their new life styles. Thank you for giving me your personal story, I look forward to sharing my journey with you in excitement and trepidation.

SugarFreeMe - I know this is one the friendliest sites out there. It is a well established community with information I can't even find going through my "Weight Loss for Dummies" 2nd Edition book I am almost finished reading. It is knowledgeable but most of it I have found out myself over the past year and half of study.
Congratulations on loosing 53 lbs in three months, that is awesome work!! Everyone here I find reading is always LOL 'loosing this amount of weight, lost that amount, almost reaching my goals' etc. Hearing all this is very encouraging to me, thank you for sharing your story :0)
Does that not feel like you have a second chance at life when you no longer have to go through diabetic testing daily, medications, high blood sugars, the sweats etc...? Basically cured for you all from one surgery, but a serious one.
Wow. See this is why I am doing weight loss surgery. That is exactly why. You mowed the grass yesterday in 90 degree heat without breaking a sweat. I sweat in almost any situation its become intolerable. Mainly because of other underlying conditions, but largely my weight! I want to move around better, not feel like the Michelin man always stuffy and so hot n sweaty. Right on! Push lawnmower is also great exercise along with your 5 miles a day how do you ensure you are getting enough protein and food in??? Do you still have protein shakes 3 months out from surgery?
I am a steel bull horn. I am stubborn. I don't 'try' to make things work, I make things work. And when a paper outline says that 'hey your not going to be having sugary margaritas or daiquiri's next year on the Mexican Rivera' then so be it. I have my health and a body I am proud of that I can take off my shirt without having a flabby belly. I can play beach volleyball without feeling embarrassed that my stomach is flubbing around. It is freedom.

araggs - I have to say congratulations. I cannot even imagine 2 1/2 years down the road at this point I cannot even imagine a few months ahead. On this site there is alot of long term success, and I want to be in that crowd.
Loosing weight in the past. In 2003 on Atkins I had lost around 50 lbs. It was an effort. I remember at the time for me what you had just described, this "Head Work" also differentiated from "Head Hunger". I hate to say it, but I do have incredibly low self esteem so I was VERY uncomfortable my first time in 2003 having lost alot of weight, and not comfortable in ANY type of clothing that was form fitting. Even though I looked and fit well in smaller sizes. It just didn't connect, I still "felt fat" and was uncomfortable in public. Even though I was being complemented.
Thank you for your support, I will have no doubt questions as time goes on.

cbarrack - I am sorry that your Father had to pass from diabetes. It is an insideous epidemic... It can be stopped and managed and reversed in many cases, myself included. I had diabetes and was a bad diabetic for 3 years before my hormone tumor was removed.
My Mother, my Grandmother and other Family members all have diabetes and it is sad how some of them pay no attention. Were you on needles for daytime/night time release? Along with my metformin and my pen at work each day was a task!! Going on trips having to bring along an ice cooler with my insulin vials... I do NOT want to return to that, this is partly the reason I am choosing bariatric surgery. Which is the reason you have chosen as well, and already having lost 63 lbs a very good decision at that!! Wow, I am happy for you! :0) Well done.
LOL! I hope my biggest surprise is that it WORKS! too after! Oh man... I keep on thinking of the surgery as a dice, all I can do is have a positive orb of energy and thoughts around me. I am huge believer in positive energy forces and currents in this world.

pixie83 - Your enthusiasm is infectious! Jeez I wish you would be at my orientation meeting as far as I know here in Ontario its standard government droll. But droll we need to hear. I cannot believe that some people come to these meetings having no clue about what they will or will not be eating, and the major life style restrictions and changes that ensue.
My Mom is worried about this surgery and my energy levels post operation in the long term.
My specialist and GP have already given me the green light for the WLS, yet I am concerned that I will feel fatigued. I eat alot and have an incredible appetite as it is right now.
One of my friends mother who had WLS Gastric Bypass always is gaunt looking, and very tired sounding. My friend also says she doesn't adhere to her diet guidelines and eats a whole bag of popcorn for supper. I suspect she doesn't receive alot of her protein as she should? When you were fatigued did you eat when you felt tired and then be relieved?
YES the DRAIN!! I have read about that in "WLS for Dummies". Not everyone has to have one 'installed'? What would create the excess leakage inside of the stomach? And were you worried about getting your drain infected? I know it speeds up healing and it is good to have.
Now I have LOL that image in my head. That plastic small drain being pulled out of the body like some sort of worm infection in the body... UGHHHhhh.. Did it hurt?
Ok, well coming out one time of surgery I felt like I was paranoid. I was in post op recovery room at 11 am watching the view and for some reason I felt that I was locked in and the people on the TV were out to get me. It was one of the most terrifying experiences. I am told it was the sedation. I just don't want the same thing to happen this time after surgery. I will tell the anesthesiologist this.
Nice work on the exercising post op! Your maximizing your calories and expenditures and toning your muscles. I can't wait to get this Crazy Train started and moving. I've already lost 10 pounds, but I can do that with my eyes closed. Thats never the issue 10 lbs, its loosing more than 25 lbs that I cant seem to kick my bodies metabolism into doing...
Thank you for replying and for your support it is appreciated!!

toukybear72 - THank you for that welcome to the community! I was looking for a support network after viewing all those youtube journeys, and this is an awesome site. I need this place for the good days and bad days I will be having ahead.

MNmama - So you do find it easy to keep the weight off. You are doing something right at 3 1/2 years out. Your calling yourself old? 54 is the new 44 honestly these days. We have an 87 year old mayor retiring after 34 years running a 500,000 populated city here.
You make great points 'dehydration and carbs' bring out the cravings... That is a common theme when I want to grab for something mindlessly to shove in my mouth. I am dry mouthed, and tired and the carbs bring up the glycemic response and floods the body with even more need for cravings with insulin spike.
Congrats to you in taking charge of your life!

thaihorse - Thank you for the welcome and support. I am grateful of the amount of people who have taken their time to share their journeys.