mommyofLDS

I felt the same way the first month or so. I really would not have done it all over again. I had no co-morbidities and felt I had harmed myself, not helped. Now, I have recoverd, can eat, and feel better than I ever knew I could. Its hard at first, but it does get better

I'm 5'6" and also have a large chest. There is no way I would drop that low. I'm a size 4 in most jeans now, and a size 2 in some that are relaxed fit. My tops and dresses are all small. I'm at 164 now, and only want to lose a few more lbs. Of course, eveyone is different, so it depends on you too.

No, you aren't biased! I can totally see the difference. Awesome job!!

I know we were told not to, but I still drink soda. I don't find that I can eat more, it doesn't bother my stomach anymore, and I'm still losing weight (13.5 months out). Personally, I did this surgery so that I wouldn't have to give things up, and I find things in moderation work for me.

Yep, I am always cold and I'm more than a year out. It doesn't seem to be any better than it was right after surgery either. Good thing layers dont add a ton of bulk anymore =)

I love your before and after pics!

Thank you guys all so much!

Every surgeon and program has their own guidelines. I take B12 everyday. It's pretty much impossible to take too much, so my surgeon likes it high. If your surgeon is happy with your levels, and you're feeling good, then its working. If you see an issue with your bloodwork, though, maybe you should talk to him about taking it more often

Hi everyone! I've just passed my 1 year anniversary and have been weighing the highs and lows of this past year. It was very hard in the beginning. I had a hard time managing my pain, was exhausted all the time, couldn't walk more than 5 mintues without wanting to stop, couldn't drink more than a tiny sip at a time, and felt like maybe I had made a terrible ( and vain) choice. Somehow everything has come so far this past year and now all that is just a vague memory. I can eat anything I want (in moderation), can drink liquid like I did pre op, can exercise without feeling like my legs are Jello, and am no longer dwelling on the thoughts that I might have made a mistake. I look at myself sometimes and don't recognize myself. But my mind still hasn't caught up to the changes, to the point that I went to an amusement park a few weeks ago and was slightly worried that I wouldn't fit on the rides (some old habits die hard). I know that is an irrational fear, that most of my pants are 2/4 and my shirts are small, just I couldn't shake that little voice in my head. The thing is, now I know that the ends justified the means. 9 months ago, I might have said 'no' if someone asked if I would do this all over again. I couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnel yet. Now my body aches less, I look decent in clothes, I can eat a regular meal, and I don't struggle to walk up a few flights of strairs. IT was all worth it. To everyone in the early stages, one day you WILL get to this point. NO BODY EVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, THEY JUST SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH IT!

I absolutely got taller! I was measured by my PCP in August of 2010 so that she could have an exact BMI, and I was 5'5.25". Now, 13 months out, I am exactly 5'6" tall. I also went from a 9.5wide to an 8 in shoes. Its crazy!

I get my bras at Fredericks of hollywood. They have sales all the time so that they are 2/$20 and the fit is really good. Sizes go up to cup size F and band 44. I like them a lot

Thankfully I haven't had much issues with it, but a few of the people at my 6 month post-op were having some problems. The NUT suggested that they mash up the vitamin into a powder and then mix it with something easy to eat, like a bit of yogurt or applesauce. Don't know if it works or not, but seems like a good idea, and worth a try. Good luck

A small pillow! If you don't think you'll need it in the hospital, it will help a ton for the ride home. Use it to splint your stomach when you go over any bumps, need to cough/sneeze, or laugh. It helps with discomfort.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Going shoping on Friday for my hubby's Christmas party, so of course I want to look as hot as possible! LOL