My surgery was different 16 years ago. Imagine a 7" incision to get to my stomach and all the stitches that went with it!
But once I recovered from the major surgery, I followed my nutritionist's instructions to the letter. I learned about the nutritional content of foods, I made sure I got the required protein, and drank 8 glasses of water every day. That water thing is something most people struggle with but I love water and am never without a bottle, drinking all the time.
I lost 35 pounds the first month, 25 the second and 15 the third. Then the weight loss slowed down and I stalled for a while. I started hiking & going to the YMCA and got super strong and healthy. I bought tons of "skinny clothes" at Goodwill & such and finally got TOO skinny. My surgeon told me to expect to gain back about 25 pounds, which was really accurate. But that just made me look better.
Since that time, I've maintained my weight with occasional gains.. If I need to lose, I just go back to the original menu plan and get back in shape again. It doesn't work like that for everyone, but you really have to be motivated. I was so fat before, I never wanted to do that again. At 14 months I had lost 115 pounds, and I've thickened up a bit, but that often happens when you age (I'll be 72 in a few days).
I love bariatric surgery. I'd do it again any day of the week if I needed to.
Best of luck to you. Remember the old adage: Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels.
