That is really amazing, becca! I read your journaling about how much you have lost in pounds and inches, too. I think the thing that surprised me the most as a pre-op is hearing how fast and much you lose after surgery. And how it varies from individual to individual how and what people can eat after surgery.

That is great! I wish I would have done the measurements but I did pictures. I am 32 days out of surgery and down 28 pounds but still wearing my regular clothes! Great Job!! I am new so this is exciting!

I have to agree with you Becca. I don't have issues eating anything except eggs and I also thought I would be given a "free pass" so to speak on the portion control thinking it would be automatic. It isn't!

I think for me, the biggest surprise is the head games. I thought I had a good handle on this because I've been practicing since the first of this year. I was wrong!!! OMG, they continue on a daily basis. I'm working through them slowly, but it has to be the hardest thing ever. And I know this will be forever!

My body has changed dramatically too, my husband hugged me yesterday and was totally amazed that he could wrap his arms around my waist and grab the middle of his forearm. Prior to surgery he couldn't reach and touch his fingers together!

This is an amazing thing, and everytime I get surprised with my body it encourages me even more to work harder. I think someday I may even like my body.....hmmm what a concept, one I have never even dreamed of.

I am oppisite you Becca, and have to say I am surprised at the struggle finding things I can eat and not feel sick. I think that some doc go tighter than others. I struggle to eat an entire quest bar in one sitting. I am somewhat surprised with the daily struggle/challenge to live the life style. Not that it is hard so to speak but I don't have much time on any one day where it is not at the forefront of my mind and world.

I agree that the head thing for me is the hardest. I also can eat most anything without feeling bad. I've realized that that really does make this success up to me. I have to choose to succeed and it is a daily battle to choose the right things. Learning to live with this new body has also been a surprise to me. I thought - loss weight, look better, buy new clothes- easy. Wrong, I still after 11 months have a hard time with the image in the mirror. I'm still not sure what my style is and have a hard time accepting compliments. Don't get me wrong I'm thrilled that this is my " problem" versus the ones I faced prop but I thought this would be the least of my problems.

Interesting posts everyone! It is good to hear from others what they find surprising and not only helps me, but I bet is good for our preop friends to hear! :)

What surprised me is that I never in my life thought I would ever hit 125 lbs! I had no idea it would go so far.

Surprise with the WLS.. was how unprepared I was...for the bombarding of the head games,,, and challenges....I was surprised how supportive most everyone was for me to have it done.. I've been surprised that I have lost weight...I've been surprised how many dreams have opened up.. and possibilities.. thus the head game of the fear should I fail and how many especially myself will I disappoint... there is a surprise with every turn... and I have to keep them positive:)

I am surprised by how quickly I have lost weight! I've always had trouble losing weight and now it is just falling off. Before surgery I kept hearing this is just a tool and now I believe it! I thought before I had surgery that when I got some weight off I would feel like exercising more and have no problems going to the gym. Well... that isn't the case. I do not feel like exercising and I have to make myself do it. I think its because I have not found something I love to do. I do not love the gym, but I go because I have to. I do love to hike but that's not always possible. So I've decided that I need to investigate other forms of exercise to keep me motivated.

I am surprised that I have been successful at this. If you ever told me I would rather have a salad than a steak I would have laughed at you. I am surprised at how little I can eat but also at all the different things I can eat. And the head games are the biggest surprise of all. I am wearing a size 6 pants and a small shirt and yet when I look in the mirror I still see fat. I am so happy I had this done and i pray everyday that I can maintain this weight loss. It is a lifelong journey and I don't want to fail.

How that I can get so sick on just about anything! Some days I can eat nails others anything will do it!