9 Weeks After Gastric Bypass

Can you believe it — today it’s officially 9 weeks since my Gastric Bypass! My weight loss journey has been ongoing for a long time. For those who don’t know me — I originally started gaining weight in New Zealand after becoming a Mother. Here I’m sharing with you my gastric bypass surgery results before and after.

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Gastric Bypass Surgery Results Before and After

I always struggled with losing weight on and off. I managed to get to a healthier place after a few years. Yet, I was not skinny as a single mum, I was happy where I was around a size 16.

Plus, I was quite happy with the weight I was when I married my sweetheart John. However, within a very short period of time, I’d been diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency. The steroids I was on really affected me big time.

By the end of 2013, I was at my heaviest 21 stone and about 7 pounds. Seriously, it is shocking to think I gained so much weight so fast! But, I did and being ill and bed-bound simply made everything harder.

Then, in 2014, I began a one-year weight loss program with the intention of eventually getting weight loss surgery. Yes, I have been planning on gastric bypass surgery for a long time.

I was simply given a number of calories to eat, 1,200 and told to stick to that for a year. It was really tough. The dietician was not very helpful and I actually feel Weight Watchers or a similar support group would have been more useful. Yet, I simply went every 3 months to get weighed. If I had lost weight, I’d be told well done! The goal was intentional — after a year, I wanted to hear ‘we will refer you to the bariatric team’.

I managed to lose 30 pounds over two years. After losing weight, attending meetings and waiting for referrals, the tests ended up taking 24 months. Eventually, I was accepted for weight loss Surgery in October 2015! However, my operation was cancelled 4 times.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Results

Finally, I had my Gastric Bypass in March 2016. I’m still figuring out this process and have a long way to go. I’ve had five days without being sick. I’m learning what foods to avoid and what makes me sick. I was finally able to eat chicken this week in tiny chopped up pieces but it tasted so good.

Gastric Bypass Journey

This weight loss journey has not been easy. I’m still in the phase where I am used to this and finding it hard. I’ve been sick a lot, in and out of hospital with complications and Adrenal Issues and I’ve had a lot of sickness and struggle. The pain was for me unbearable and I will never put myself through another operation unless it is absolutely imperative. I still feel traumatised by the surgery. The pain was difficult for me to cope with and took many weeks to overcome.

The hard part now is mental and emotional. Mastering new eating rules. Chewing for ages and eating slowly. It is hard not being able to have certain foods ever again. I find that tough but am learning to accept this is the way it is now. It is hard to eat slow and I think it will take time to find good wholesome and yummy meals to eat again.

Post Gastric Bypass Diet {9 weeks}

I am really over plain old soup and want to try and focus on a nutritious diet. But, it has to be enjoyable and have the ability to swallow without problems. It’s mentally draining and next week I go and talk to a psychologist about my Journey so far. Thankfully, it is a service available and I’d like to speak to someone. Mentally, there is a lot going on inside my head about the whole process. And, getting my mind around it is not an easy task. This is a life-changing experience and the benefits will come but — not at an easy cost.

Gastric Bypass Diet Plan

I am trying hard to follow the plan and looking forward to researching and looking up some healthy meal options. Finally, for the first time, I began to see a small difference. It’s true — I still feel overweight and fat. But, I am 60 pounds lighter than when I got serious about reversing the effects of steroid medication in 2014.

I don’t feel much more energetic but I am able to get up and walk around for a few minutes or so before needing to sit down. Before I could not at all. My health fluctuates so please don’t be deceived by the standing pictures. I often still use the wheelchair and on these two photograph opportunities, I was attending rare family events and doubling my meds to get through.

After Gastric Bypass Struggles are Real

The reality is — it’s hard to stand and walk and perform daily tasks. I get burnt out after a while and suffer for days if not weeks after. Yet, some events I would not miss for the world.

Attending my daughter’s birthday and her baptism this month has been the only two events I’ve been to. With the exception of the hospital and appointments. It is frustrating and until I get my steroid medication correct, it could stay this way but surely (as I tell myself) my body will benefit from being healthier and weighing less and so despite all the suffering and difficulties, I know it will one day all be worth it!

Ready to hear about my next phase of after gastric bypass journey? Check out my bariatric surgery regrets here!

About Angela Milnes

Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!