5 months post op -vertical sleeve gastrectomy

It's been 5 months since my bariatric surgery.  This experience has changed my life!!!  It is hands down the best decision for me, and my only regret is that I didn't look into it sooner.  I never thought I was big enough to be a candidate.  That is called denial at its best.....

Here's some stats:

Weight-
Before:  252
Today:  178.9
Total loss:  73.1 lbs

Size-
Before:  20/22, XXL, 2x
Today: 14 bottoms, M or L top

Eats-
Before: all day... Each serving enough for several people
Today:  3-5 small meals a day( plan calls for only 3) with very few sugars or carbs.  I do this so my body can feel good!  I cannot believe how much less sluggish I am without them.

Exercise-
Before:  very little.  Too darn tired. And lazy.  Eating was my sport of choice.
Today:  back to running!  I am changing up my speeds, distances, and routes to keep it from getting boring.  Today I did a whole 10 minute mile.  For some that's a piece of cake.  For me, it's a huge accomplishment!

Physically-
I feel ....normal?  My recovery time was pretty quick actually- just a few weeks I would say.  Learning to eat less has mentally been a challenge even though my belly gets full.  THIS is what made me realize I couldn't have done it without surgery, and why I have failed again and again.  There is a mental aspect along with the physical aspect of overeating and obesity that needs to be dealt with.  Having the small stomach for those moments of weakness is kind of like a backup plan.  I am learning so much about my eating habits and about myself through this.

Mentally-
I am proud of myself!  I have energy and ambition again!  And I feel so much less self conscious and embarrassed.  I am not hiding from people anymore.  I love shopping again.  I am a better mom, wife, daughter.  I feel I need to mention that my family and friends have been so supportive of me, and this has been such a blessing.  Not everyone has that kind of love and support.  I am so fortunate to have a great circle of loved ones.

That's about it!  I signed In here so I could go through some old posts.  It helps put things in perspective for me.  I hope you are all doing well.  I used to get a lot of comments and rarely do anymore.  But I also realize that some may not be able to relate with my choice to have surgery.  And that's fine too!  One year ago I would never have thought surgery was an option for me let alone that it would be all done and over with.  It's amazing the difference a year can make.