Before and After Gastric Bypass pictures - 1 year post op

[kaisch15atyahoo]

Oh, How much did you weigh before/after? And are you 'doing anything' about excess skin or just kinda live with it? And how old are you? You might have said this in a previous video but I dont remember....

[kaisch15atyahoo]

Thank you so much for your video... my surgery is in 3 weeks and I am pretty sure I'm one of the most informed pre-op patients ever, with the help of your video and many others like this. I learn new things from every video and I like that you arent afraid to talk about what is really going on on the outside and the inside (which, btw, you are beautiful on both sides). I'm glad that your journey has been overall positive and hope it continues to be... thank you!

[weightnC]

@kaisch15atyahoo Ok, so first congratulations! I hope you have a fantastic WLS journey! Being informed is extremely important, but so is conformity to your surgeons plan. I know someone having surgery that can't even remotely follow their pre-surgery diet (I'm not talking about 1 or 2 slip-ups), and I wonder how they'll do afterwards. Anyway... My highest weight was 240 my lowest after surgery was 123. I try to stay close to 130. I was 31 when I had surgery, and I'd had 3 kids all c-sections...

[weightnC]

@kaisch15atyahoo continued... so loose skin was expected. I do have it. It isn't as bad as I expected and I would never wear a bikini or tight shirt. But for the most part it isn't a big deal. If I had the extra money just setting around and the time to take off work and someone to devote 2 weeks to take care of me I would have a tummy tuck/body lift. But since I don't and I haven't made it a priority I haven't bothered. The only person that sees it I'm married too. And he had the surgery too.

[weightnC]

@sweetgyy Thanks so much for this amazing online advice!!!

[coreystuart]

Hi, I'm seriously considering this operation. Going to a seminar on Monday for it. My BMI is 42, I'm 5'10'' 293 lbs. Never had surgery in my life. I am 39 years young, and should have much more energy than what I do. Living in NYC doesn't help, but at least I have good medical resources here. Thank you for sharing your story.

[weightnC]

@coreystuart I love to get feedback like this!! Thank you! I hope that your journey is amazing!

[Toribella11]

1st I want to tell u that u look adorable! Congrats on ur successes. I've been watching a lot of peeps videos on the lap band & gastric bypass surgeries & one common thread I've seen is that those who have lost a good amount of weight over an extended period of time all say that they have worked hard to get there. You must follow a strict diet regimen & exercise. Do u feel that u could have achieved the same weight loss in a year doing those same things that u did after having the surgery?

[weightnC]

@Toribella11 Thank you!!! I don't think I would have lost the same amount of weight in the same time frame, obviously. Because when I would diet and exercise (which I'd done many times before) I would be super lucky if I lost 8lbs in 3 months instead of 1 month. Also, it isn't just about losing the weight, as I said, I could do that, but slower, it is about my ability to keep the weight off. I couldn't do that. I have maintained my weight for over 2 years. Unimaginable before.

[Toribella11]

@weightnC Thanks for your reply! I am considering the surgery myself buy am a bit afraid to alter my digestive tract so radically. I'm thinking it's gotten to that point though. I also have tried dieting and exercise and lose minimal amounts of weight, and then end up gaining it back, and then some. I've tried phentermine and absolutely hate it. But I also don't like myself anymore, and I'm starting to feel the negative health effects my weight is having on me. Thank you again for your journal

[uchibimbo]

Great job! You don't need comments from people like richmanpoman1 to KNOW that you did the right thing for yourself. Don't even respond to that. You look 20 years younger and I'm sure you feel it too.

[richmanpoman1]

Couldn't they have done anything to fix up your face while they were at it? Just kidding, you look um, thin.

[weightnC]

@richmanpoman1 Aren't you the funny one????!!!!??

[richmanpoman1]

@weightnC I can't find the before pic, vid. Does this mean you are not fat sensitive anymore? Do you think you are better than other fat people now? Just curious-don't you miss eating?

[weightnC]

@richmanpoman1 It is obvious you haven't actually watched this video. The last minute or so includes pictures of my monthly progress and many before and after photos. I am not exactly sure what you mean by 'fat sensitive". But I do not think I'm better than anyone, regardless of size or appearance. I will say I feel more confident than I did before I lost weight, and my over-all health improved. I eat six small, mainly lean protein, meals each day. So still eating, otherwise I'd be dead.

[richmanpoman1]

@weightnC Okay, you are right, my bad. WOW. You look amazing. Seriously, I was only kidding about your face.. I honestly can say that you seem like you will keep it off, but if you were/are an emotional eater, it will come back, and fast. It is easy to change your appearance, and g/b I think is an "easy out". Too many people are trying too hard to be thin. You know thin people die all the time, from a plethera of illnesses too. What caused you gain it in the 1st place-were you a junkfood junkie?

[weightnC]

@richmanpoman1 You shouldn't go around randomly hating, it isn't nice. And others less self assured than I could be hurt. I am over 3 years out from surgery and have maintained my weight. Anyone that has had WLS understand it isn't an easy out. I literally worked my ass off. I had a trainer, nutritionist, and learned as much as I could about changing my lifestyle. Anyone, big or small, can die from an unhealthy lifestyle. I knew my genes had screwed me. I wanted a fighting chance. I got it.

[weightnC]

@richmanpoman1 Also, I'd like to not body-shaming/fat-shaming, is something I'm extremely sensitive about and completely opposed to. I feel like this type of behavior has added to the 'anything to be thin' mentality. And I realized I didn't answer your question about how I gained. I have thyroid disease, but I won't blame that. I was an addict (I still am,but I feel like i'm in recovery now). I was addicted to food. But you can't give up food, like an alcoholic would give up their addiction.

[ESLteacher62]

Way to go!  Thanks for sharing!

[888pms]

I have so enjoyed your "clips". I will be supporting someone through this surgery soon. How are things going with you now? You have been a sweetheart! :- ) Paula

[TheMistermuppet]

you look way younger after surgery. holy shit!! cheers

[weightnC]

@TheMistermuppet Thanks!!!!!!! Made me smile.

[copnite12342]

does this surgery cause u alot of physical pain? it looks so scary from appearances.

[weightnC]

@copnite12342 Any surgery has pain for a few days afterwards, but long term no.

[copnite12342]

@weightnC do u have to be a certain weight or anyone can have the surgery?

[weightnC]

@weightnC That depends on several things. If you live in the United States and have health insurance most carriers have guidelines that you must be at lease 100lbs overweight or have a BMI of 40 or above, and many want you to have been overweight for at least 5 years. If you live in another country that doesn't require insurance than the health care system in each country has it's own guidelines for coverage, if any at all. Each surgeon has their own guidelines, as well.

[LarsVonTrier2007]

You look like ten years younger.

[weightnC]

@LarsVonTrier2007 Thank you very much! :)

[plasticnitwit]

you look amazing!

im really considering the bypass... there seems to be so many options tho, as to the type.. which type did u have? and the complecation you had after surgery... is that really common?

also, with the emotional ties to eating... how did it feel after not binge eating and such?

have you had anymore kids since your surgery? or did u wait untill you had all your children?

thanks!!!! your great!!!

[CelticThunderFanCJJ]

you look great & it's so inspiring to see how far you have come. I am just 12 days out of surgery, and had a gastric bypass. What an exciting, yet scary, decision this was for me and I hope that I am as successful as you have been! I thank you for sharing & you are in my thoughts and prayers - please post again and let us know how you're doing after the surgery for the hernia. 

[CelticThunderFanCJJ]

I just watched your video. I am just 12 days out of surgery today!! :) Seeing how far you have come has been an inspiration for me, and I want to thank you for sharing. This has been such a scary, yet exciting, decision for me. I am so happy to report that I am officially off of my type II meds, as well as blood pressure meds, since the gastric bypass!! :) About the hernia - you will be in my prayers! Please post again and let us all know how you're doing after the surgery. My very best..

[typhoidmary34]

You are sooo cute! Thank you for your informative and inspirational videos. I had RNY surgery about 2.5 mos ago and hope to be as successful as you!

[bigbeyoncechick]

My surgery is 2 in a half weeks away i cant wait.

[rexxcarz]

@bigbeyoncechick Good luck to you. I am 3 months post op (RNY) and am down 75 pounds. I'm a guy and my top weight was 296 with current weight being about 220. Goal weight is 180-185. I feel so much better. I know I've added 10-15 years onto my life (unless I get schmucked by a beer truck or something...that would suck). Again, good luck to you and enjoy your "new you"!

[dobbinsJ]

I would love to chat with you. I am one 1/2 weeks post op. You look amazing. I would like to know if you are still able to keep it off. How tall are you and what size were you at 130. How often do you work out and how long? Work plans?

[weightnC]

@dobbinsJ Thank you so much. I am now just weeks away from being 2 years out. I , as of this morning, weigh 127 lbs. I am 5'3'. I do 45 minutes of cardio everyday (treadmill, stairmaster, bike, etc) and I do weight/resistance training for 1-1.5 hours 3-4 days a week. At about 9 months out I worked with a trainer and loved it. I think Journaling your food to track water, protein, calories, fat, and carb/sugars is extremely important as soon as you start soft foods. I wish you the best.

[cvid2]

You look great and you have a great attitude.

[weightnC]

@cvid2 Thank you and thank you VERY much. take care - jenn

[nise612]

congrats, you look great!

[weightnC]

@nise612 Thanks!

[SMILESANDBLESSINGS]

I love your videos and feel that you are such an honest and real person that it allows people to feel like their not alone. I am not able to do WLS, but will have to do it by diet and exercise. What advice do you have for people that are having to do it that way vs WLS? Thankyou for your knowledge and Congratulations! GOD BLESS!

[weightnC]

@SMILESANDBLESSINGS My BFF has lost over 85 lbs in the last 28 months doing diet and exercise. She started out using Nutrisystem so she could have a more regimented diet plan and by doing at least 30 minutes of cardio every day and at least resistance training 4 days a week. After about 6 months on nutrisystem she started making her own food. She journals her food and used a website (like livestrong(dot)com to figure out her calorie needs. She goes to classes at least 4x a week. (2-b-cont'd)

[SMILESANDBLESSINGS]

@weightnC Thanks Jenn for answering my questions, please keep me in your prayers as I will you and your family, because this will be a long journey!!

[weightnC]

@SMILESANDBLESSINGS (cont'd)... She loves Zumba and body sculpting. Also, her rule is to have a least 4 days a month in which she doesn't exercise and doesn't follow her strict diet. This not only curbs food cravings but it also keeps your metabolism on it's toes (so to speak). And remember this is a lifestyle change not a a diet. I've found by deciding to forever change the way I eat and exercising I am more successful than when I previously 'dieted'. I wish the best! take care - jenn

[TehLiah]

I have a question for you. How many days post op was it before you moved up to phase 2 of the nutrition plan. And what foods were you allowed during Phase 2? Thanks, Kelly

[weightnC]

@TehLiah I would recommend you got watch my FAQ Series #2, it is my latest video. I was day 15 (day one being surgery date) when I moved into Phase 2 (soft foods). Those were the rules my surgeons plan. I ate things like low fat cottage cheese, soft cheeses (laughing cow wedges and cheddar cheese cubes), soft scrambled eggs, egg drop soup, fat free refried beans with cheddar cheese on top, and stuff like that. take care - jenn

[khalilahinjapan]

So gastic bypass essentially forces the individual to eat smaller portions? If I was to follow the eating patterns of someone who had the operation would I see the same results? Sorry I havent done my research or anything about it but I just saw the shows there they staple the stomach...

[weightnC]

@khalilahinjapan Not exactly the surgery also causes malabsorption. So, of the small portions I do eat, I still don't absorb all of the calories, fat, nutrients... etc. But Weight Watchers and Nutrisystems are really good diet plans. take care - jenn

[alwaysmarta]

How long was it from the first day you went to the doctor to the day you had your surgery? Also what insurance ...im looking at my options whats the best ins to go threw...thanks

[weightnC]

@alwaysmarta At the time I had United Healthcare, now I have BCBS. Both companies cover the surgery, based on certain criteria and your specific plan. So, whomever your insurer is call them and find out what criteria needs to be met and how much is covered, if any. Mine was unusually long process, due to some issues w/ some appointments. It was almost 6 months. Most of the people I know, including my husband, only have about 2-4 months from initial visit to surgery date. take care - jenn

[alwaysmarta]

Thank you for the information.

[sofiag4u]

wow,wow.wow.... u look great!!!! congrats!!!

[weightnC]

@sofiag4u

Thank you so much. take care - jenn

[missmakeuplovexoxo]

you look gorgoeus! this is even more motivation. i had my surgery on dec 14th 2009 and i've lost 87lbs already..it really is life changing! :)

[weightnC]

WOW!!!! That is incredible! Congrats! It really is life changing. I'm glad I can helpful. Thank you! take care - jenn

[RTsk2011]

Thanks so much for sharing! I agree with all that you have said! :)

Wish you all the best with your hernia surgery also!

One thing I found also...is the energy, the lack of headaches and such are not there as they were before the surgery!

You truly are beautiful and were before your surgery! Is it fair to say you have a grasp of your life now also? :)

[weightnC]

Thank you. Many of my health issue either completely cleared up or become significantly better. Um, I don't know if I have a better grasp on life. My life is pretty crazy, and with a job, husband, and children I don't see that letting up any time soon. However, I am able to more things with my family and that helps my outlook. take care - jenn

[MrJeffluvsroxy]

Hi Jenn

I just had gastric bypass two weeks ago. and this is so hard please tell me that it gets better. it s hard to cook for the famliy and i cant eat with them. my kids ask and i dont know what to say.

Thanks Roxy

[weightnC]

Hi Roxy. I highly recommend that you take some time and go back and watch a few of my videos from 1-6 weeks post op. I was kinda freaking out and had many break downs. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it turns out it was very very worth it. It will get better. I would recommend, if you haven't already, explaining to your kids in their terms what your surgery does and that you are still healing and aren't ready for their food. It will be ok. take care - jenn

[anamenmk]

Hey sweetie! Congrats on your weightloss and just to let you know your skin on your arms does not look bad at all. U did great!!

[casualtimmy]

you look beautiful! quick question: did your voice change at all after losing weight?

[weightnC]

Thank you so much! I haven't noticed a change and no one has mentioned it. So I don't think so. take care - jenn

[wholoveskitty]

You look wonderful. I am so glad for you :-) I am faced with a decision of either the lap band or gastric bypass. I am terrified of the bypass surgery. I have wasted so much life in this body and want what life I have left to me to be enjoyed. Weight watchers knows me by name and I work out like a dog to no avail. Is gastric bypass really safe and are people really alright after? I'm terrified but also so very tired of living like this.

[weightnC]

If I were to choose, for myself, again, I'd (hands down) pick gastric bypass. My surgeon told me that the statics, on long term sucess, are almost identical for lap band and WW. Just sayin'. I can't make that decision as to what is best for you. But talk with skilled and knowledgable surgeons and research the surgeries. Don't be afraid. take care - jenn

[AmberLalalaa]

you look amazing!

[weightnC]

Thank you so much!!! I feel pretty amazing.

[MsIMListening2U]

Wow, I went at looked at you a year ago - what a transformation. I have a serious question. Do you think - looking back - that you could have accomplished this without the surgery? Do you ever think to yourself, "Wow, I could have done this if I just focused on eating right and exercising and should have?" But I am considering this surgery and am beating myself up for thinking I lack the willpower. If there is even the slightest chance I can avoid it - I would love to know.

[weightnC]

To be honest with you, not once have I thought that. I know I couldn't have done it. I tried sooo hard so many times and didn't lose much weight. I know I couldn't have achieved my goal weight as quickly as I did without completely changing the way I eat and without excerising, but I couldn't have done it without the tool of gastric bypass, either. It was an invaluable tool. I wish you the best on your journey. take care - jenn

[makelahi]

Congrats from Germany. Thanks for sharing. I am going to have a GB surgery very soon and it really helps what you are doing. Wish you all the best. Paddy

[weightnC]

Hi, Paddy! Thanks for watching. I wish you the very best on your journey to better health. I'm glad to help. take care - jenn

[rockybarragan]

just came across your channel. you look amazing! congrats on all your hard work and progress!

[weightnC]

Thank you so much! All the hard work was very worth it to get a real chance to truly embrace and enjoy life. take care - jenn

[eparker0015]

You are so great! I absolutely love your videos. They are so informative. You have done awesome over the last year! Congrats on making it to goal... and thanks for being one of many that inspired me to take the reigns of my own future!

[weightnC]

Aww, thanks! I'm glad they have helped you or anyone. It is so empowering to finally not only finish but suceed at something I've started. I'm sure you will one day feel exactly the same. It isn't easy, but it is so rewarding. I wish you the very best of everything during your journey. take care - jenn

[FISHGAL69]

Wow, yes, listen to your body... glad you are okay and will have the IH repair (should be done now). You have handled this change with grace... even the rough spots. You rock, and you "get it".

[weightnC]

Hi! Yes, everyone needs to listen to their bodies and take appropriate action, especially WLS patients. Thank you so much, grace... WOW that is a first for me. :) Thank you for all the support and inspirational words during this process, they've meant so much to me. take care - jenn

[ilovenavyboyz]

congrats! you have done an amazing job, and its totally true...yes the surgery is a wonderful tool however your success does really depend on how hard we work towards our ultimate goal!

[weightnC]

Thank you so much! It is very true that the surgery is a tool, but true success falls on us and your commitment's to ourselves. take care - jenn

[2ThousandAnd9]

Congrats on your surgevisary, you look so much different!

Good luck with your surgery!

I'm sure it will go well.

Thanks for updating us and sharing ur success. Take care and see ya next time!

[weightnC]

Thanks!

The surgery went well, but they found an additional regular hernia about 3 inches above the one they repaired 3 weeks ago. So I look like a got in a serious knife fight. LOL!

take care - jenn

[BellasVita2009]

Happy Surgiversary!!! Wow what a difference a year makes :o)

Congrats on all your hard work over the months. You are beautiful!

[weightnC]

It is amazing what has happened this year! It was hard work but very worth it. Thanks so much! take care - jenn

[yoyomax12]

WOW! One year, it is scary how fast it has gone by.

WOOT! look at the gun show! I'll also take a ticket. lol.

You earned it all Jenn! I am very happy for you. :)

[weightnC]

Hey Tammy! I can't believe it been a year, myself. LOL @ the gun show!

I have worked very hard. I can't thank you enough for all the support and encouragement and virtual hugs!

take care - jenn

[iltommyd]

I'll take two tickets to the Gun Show ..Impressive !!!

High fructose corn syrup is the debil !!

GO YOU!!

[weightnC]

LMAO @ the gun show! I'm not sure you can afford the tickets. LOL!!!

It is horrible how many people consume and let their children consume high fructose corn syrup all day long without considering how it could be affecting their health. Thanks! take care - jenn

[dawnmarie416]

Awesome video...I really like the pictures at the end, haven't seen those before, they are great :) I can't believe it's been 1 year....congrats on your journey, you worked hard! Btw, you were one of the first people I watched on YouTube, and now I am posting videos, thank you for being a inspiration!

[weightnC]

Hey! Thanks so much. I dug out some pictures tht until now, I was still unable to look at without getting upset. I can hardly believe that it's been a year, and thanks. I have worked very hard. BTW, I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear tht I inspired anyone. I wish the very best on your journey. take care - jenn

[PSJ71]

Wow!! That is so awesome!! You have had a rough road, but girl! Look at you now!! You look fabuloso!! :I)

[weightnC]

Ya know, it has been a little rough, but honestly I don't feel like it has been all that bad. I guess because I haven't really had a bunch of episodes of food getting stuck or vomitting. I haven't been really weak or recurrently ill. I've just had a run of bad luck, but really not. Each of my issues could have been 100 times worse than they actually turned out to be, so far anyway. Again, thanks! take care - jenn

[AmySDMOM]

wow you lok so great

[weightnC]

Thank you so much. I can't believe I showed some my excess skin, though. Ugh! I keep making promises to others to do a video showing my excess skin, but I don't know if I am brave enough. :) take care - jenn

[elria1977]

congrats on your year!!! you have worked so hard and you deserve 130lbs. great job.

[weightnC]

Thank you! I have worked hard, but it was so worth it. take care - jenn

[slcinoz]

I'm so proud of you..your progress, your mindset..everything!!! Hugs...keep us posted on your hernia stuff...scary!!! Shannon

[weightnC]

Aww, thanks Shannon. I'm proud of you too! I will be doing a video hopefully on Tuesday or Wednesday to update you guys on how the surgery went, it may be a text only video if I feel icky. take care - jenn

[majormetamorphosis]

WOW! So awesome!!!

[weightnC]

Thanks so much!