What a journey it's been. Even though we had our operations the same day, we each had very different experiences.
Tia couldn't handle solid food reliably for about 9 months - turns out she had a stricture (the opening to her stomach shrank). Once she had the easy day procedure to take care of that, she's now eating like a champ.
Mark on the other hand, can eat anything - and that's a bad thing. Definitely the reason I haven't lost as much weight as Tia. I'm having an upper GI to see if things have stretched out on Wednesday.
Here are Tia's thoughts on the surgery after one year:
Be patient. The weight loss has slowed considerably. Just remember that this is long term. Enjoy the little triumphs; the way you can walk up and down stairs without getting as winded. The fact that you can now sit in normal size seats without hanging over. That you no longer have to use a seat extender on the airplane.
Time to start thinking about plastic surgeons and how to get rid of the extra skin. Wish I could have this done this spring, so I'd be healed for bathing suit season, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen.
And here are Mark's thoughts:
I echo Tia's sentiments. I have absolutely no regrets at all, in fact I wish I had done it sooner. I feel SOOOOO much better. Remember, all the emotional issues that you had before surgery, you'll still have afterwards - you just can't eat as much. Some type of support person/group is essential to success.
Last week, Tia's workplace had an employee recognition dinner, so we decided to splurge on some new clothes and get all decked out. Tia looked fabulous. Here are the photos - it felt like Prom!
