3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having WLS

I’ll be honest. I’m the studious type. I read a LOT before having my weight loss surgery. I’d read about where the incisions would be, what recovery would be like, the different diet phases, potential complications, expected timelines, macros, etc. But even I didn’t know EVERYTHING! Read on to learn the three things that still surprised me even after all the reading I had done to prepare for bariatric surgery.

1. If you’re following the guidelines, you’ll lose inches FAST. Of course, I knew this to some degree. What surprised me was how quickly clothes no longer fit. I lost about 12 pounds a month at my fastest weight loss. During that time, I’d be lucky if I could wear a pair of pants three times before they were too big! I went from a size 2X to an XS. I went through a LOT of clothes in the process! Do yourself a favor. During the weight loss days (especially the early ones), buy as FEW and CHEAP clothes as possible!
2. You will eventually be able to eat somewhat “normal” amounts. For the first few years, my meals were tiny. I assumed that would be my new “normal.” However, I noticed I could eat more at a time around year three. My meal sizes now are not noticeably small. I could probably get away without anyone knowing I’d had surgery. But this is an important thing to be aware of! The calories and carbs can gradually creep up if you’re not careful. And with them, the scale will too. Some regain after your lowest weight is normal and not necessarily worrisome. But make sure you’re continuing to eat mindfully, or you can derail your excellent work!
3. You will gain SO much more than you lose! Sure, I lost 140 pounds. But I gained health, discipline, energy, opportunities, and freedom! Since my weight loss, I’ve hiked to the rim of a volcano, walked up to the Acropolis in Athens, watched a beautiful sunrise by kayak, ran a 5K, and toured cities all over the world on foot. I’ve built discipline, healthy coping, increased honesty with myself, and strong willpower. One of the best things you can learn about yourself is that you’re stronger than you thought! I promise you, that is worth more than every size I dropped!

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, I encourage you to read and learn everything you can! Bring your surgeon questions. Read blogs and watch videos from successful bariatric patients. The more you know, the more likely you are to be successful. You got this!

Amy is a 39-year-old gastric sleeve patient of Dr. Tsuda, living In Las Vegas, NV.  She is almost 2 years post-op and has lost over 145 pounds.  Through this weight loss journey, Amy has discovered a passion for health and fitness.  Now, she enjoys sharing her experiences to help others on their own journeys.