7 Months Post-VSG Check In

Hey everyone! Seven months since I had my stomach cut out through Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)? Yes, yes it is. I had my 6-month check up with my bariatric surgeon last week and there was high-fiving. She’s really happy with my progress, and doesn’t see any trouble reaching my goal weight. She did tell me that I needed to start being careful about sugar now, as a lot of patients start craving it some and become more lax with watching the sugar grams on labels. She’s not lying. I’m still reading labels for everything, but my cravings are coming back a bit. Nothing like before the surgery, NOTHING. But, especially the week before my period, I’ll catch myself wanting something sweet.

I also traveled on a plane in July for the first time since my surgery. Not only did I not need a belt extender there was a lot of leftover belt! I’m realizing that I didn’t get how bad I really felt before the surgery. I made a lot of concessions to my size that I wasn’t completely aware of, but am slowly figuring out as I go along this road. I plan to write a whole post about traveling, so you’ll get more details then.

So here are my stats so far:

• Before VSG, I was 300 pounds and my measurements totaled 361.75 inches.
• My 1-month post-op numbers were: 266 pounds and 330 inches.
• My 2-month post-op numbers are: 250 pounds and  316.5 inches.
• My 3-month post-op numbers are: 237 pounds and 304 inches.
• My 4-month post-op numbers are: 230 pounds and 297.5 inches.
• My 5-month post-op numbers are: 228 pounds and 296 inches.
• My 6-month post-op numbers are: 221 and 289.25 inches.
• My 7-month post-op numbers are: 216 pounds and 283.75 inches.
• So, I’m down 84 pounds and 78 inches!

This is what a typical day looks like for me nutrition wise:

• 1 or 2 Premier Protein drinks (typically my breakfast and maybe a snack),
• 3-4 small meals,
• 72 oz. of liquid (this includes the protein drinks),
• B-12, calcium, multivitamin, and biotin,
• 60-80 grams of protein

Exercise I do during the week include the ones listed below. I’m not able to do any exercise or strength training that taxes my Achilles tendon too much, so things like walking or burpees are off the table for me. It’s very frustrating and harder than you’d think to find exercises you can do that don’t use your Achilles. So, these are the ones I’m doing:

• Swimming
• Stationary bike
• Arm exercises with 5 lb. weights
• Core exercises (planks, sit ups, etc.)
• Leg exercises in the pool (using pool noodles for resistance)

I’ve been using My Fitness Pal (SherryCarrSmith2016) to track my nutrition. I’m surprisingly honest with myself, which is a new thing. But it’s good to see how many calories and how much fat is in cookies and ice cream. I’m also posting to Instagram on a blog account so that my friends and family aren’t bombarded with food pictures. I’ve been pinning a lot of workout stuff too, if you’re interested. If you’d like to find me in any of those places, I’ll be happy to see you!

I know I usually put a comparison picture, but I haven’t gotten to it this month, and I don’t feel like waiting (I have a cold and I’m grumpy you guys). It will be back next month though!

As always, I’m not a medical professional, but I’m happy to answer questions from personal experience.