Amanda131

I had surgery on March 1, 2011 and I have lost 109 pounds so far. :smile1:

Every person handles this conundrum differently. I definitely struggled with some feelings of shame myself. I felt that I had failed because I wasn't able to do this "myself". I have some perfectionist issues and had to make peace with that. Going through this the last 8 months and realizing that success takes a lot of hard work and that this is no magic bullet has helped me, too. As for others, there will be naysayers and negative people. After a complication-free surgery I decided not to hide how I was losing weight. I felt I owed it to those who were obese, like I was, to not lie. I learned about the VSG because someone else was honest about their weight loss so it was almost a paying forward issue with me. I have not encountered anyone who is openly negative but I am sure there are have been comments I didn't hear. I think the key is to make peace with your decision, what you are comfortable sharing and then live your life as you see fit paying no attention to those willing to rain on your parade. Best of Luck- Amanda

I have been sleeved for over eight months now and have had some phenomenal success. However, as time as gone by, I admit that I have become a bit complacent. Although I exercise quite a bit, I wasn't really watching what I ate at all. My weight loss numbers (or lack there of) was starting to reflect this. I know that the quickest way to get yourself back in line is to write down what you eat. Easier said than done. My BFF tried the My Fitness Pal app and raved to me about it encouraging me to get an account so we could be "friends" and hold one another accountable. I did it on a lark. OMG- I love it. I have used pen and paper, spark people, Livestrong... you name it. Nothing has been as easy or motivational as My Fitness Pal! I love that it tells me at the end of every day what I will weigh in five weeks if I eat/excercise like this everyday. But, the proof is ALWAYS in the numbers. I started using this app November 1st. I have lost SEVEN pounds since November 1st. For the last three months, 7-8 pounds was my total loss for the ENTIRE month. I really attribute this seven to the app, too. I find myself wanting to be below my calorie goal and wanting to exercise for the positive reinforcement. Long story short, if you are struggling and not tracking your food and excercise then I highly encourage you to check out: www.myfitnesspal.com And, if you join, be my friend: akc513 :smile1: Amanda

I also was approved within 72 hours and had a super easy time with Aetna. Just an FYI, they did wait a long time to pay one of my big bills (over $2,000) and that made me nervous but they did finally pay it. Now, I am hoping they'll be this easy when I am ready to dump some loose skin and try for a covered pannilectomy! Best of luck to you guys! Amanda

I think it's wonderful your mom recognizes your need and is willing to support you. It could be worse... My mom was convinced I was going to die. Like really convinced. She insisted on coming to the hospital and hovered over me pre-op like she'd never see me again. Not gonna lie- it really freaked me out. Now, eight months and over a hundred pounds later, she agrees it's the best decision I could have ever made and looks at me in awe. She constantly says she had no idea how big I was until she sees me now. She's actually apologized multiple times for not seeing my need and supporting me. Hugs- Amanda

I started measuring my waist, hips, chest, arms and thighs at 20 lbs. lost. Today, when I added those up I have lost 47 inches in the last 87 pounds! Amanda

I think you decision to keep it on the DL until you better know how you feel is wise. I did not tell many people prior to surgery- only hubs, parents and a few very close friends. I didn't tell pre-surgery because I was a little ashamed and a little afraid I would back out (I had backed out of bypass before). After surgery, any shame I felt about needing an intervention was overcome by my concern that obese people would see me losing all this weight not knowing I had surgery and the would feel worse about themselves. I felt like that would be doing a huge disservice to others in my previous position. I also had a co-worker who was sleeved and her openess really helped me in my journey. Therefore, I shared that I had surgery anytime someone commented about my weightloss. Be aware though, as someone mentioned earlier, once you tell someone outside your tight inner circle everyone will know within a very short time. I've had no negative experiences with telling anyone and while I hope they aren't talking negatively about me when I am not around I realize I can't control that. Best of luck to you in whatever approach you choose! Amanda

What I use will likely not work for you due to cost and having a chest band but I'll share anyway. I use the Garmin 305 GPS watch and heart rate monitor. I adore it because it tells me my speed, distance, overall time AND heart rate plus much more. I can download my runs to my pc and it uses GPS to download my exact path. It cost $125 and I must wear the chest strap but the data I get from it is worth it. This watch is made specifically for running and cycling. I will literally return home for it if I forget it before a run. I have found great success with paying attention to my heart rate while exercising. Best of luck to you! Amanda

I'm with Diva. Take them if you need them. It is always so much harder to get pain under control when you wait too long to take RX. I was still taking pain meds in the evening up to two weeks out. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Fantastic story and GREAT comparison photos! As others mentioned before, you were beautiful on your wedding day but your new found health and vitality are evident in your new LBD shot. Woo hoo. Amanda

I also struggled with setting a goal. I orginally chose 165 because that would put me in the right BMI range but as I've lost weight I have amended that goal. I officially say 175 now but I will truthfully be okay once I hit a size ten. I'm 5'10" and wearing a loose size 14 at 209 so who knows when that will be. I think you should pick a goal that sounds good to you now but be open to modifiying your goal as you lose more weight and learn about your body. I recently had my body fat tested and was told that my body fat composition would be about 20 percent at 190 which is really good. So who knows, if I am all muscle (and skin :/) at 190 then that may be my stopping point. Good luck to you! Amanda

The heating pad and walking were key to helping me. I also found sleeping in a recliner helped reduce the pain. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Congratulations! I am literally at 30.0 and DYING to just be "overweight". Enjoy it! :smile1: Amanda

Congratulations, Kelly! You've been a veritable machine on the VSG journey. I've constantly been impressed by your focus and now it's paid off. Enjoy this- you've earned it. Amanda

I was closer to 65 lbs. down at four months but I had a bit more to lose (130 lbs.). My energy level was fantastic at four months and I could tolerate pretty much anything I wanted other than bread that was really "doughy". I think you'll be in a great place surgery-wise to enjoy the heck out of your trip. :smile1:

Like you, I had little issue with fluids. However, I had good restriction with soft foods (about a half cup). My doctor explained that I didn't swell as much as others plus I am very tall so my stomach is longer than others and can hold a bit more. I say enjoy the lack of complications and ask the doctor about the bougie size at the next visit. Amanda

Your post brought me such joy. I couldn't help thinking that she is your perfect reward after your long road through vsg complications and becoming healthy. She is beautiful. Congratulations!

P.S. My doc had me on solid foods at day 10 as well. Every plan is different. The most important thing you can do is listen to your body. It will tell you what works and what doesn't.

I, too, was no fan of Water after surgery. The Gatorade G2s were my saving grace. At only 40 calories for 20 oz. the nutritionist was fine with me drinking them. The grape G2 became a dietary staple for me. At about four months out I could tolerate and even liked water again. I also hated the Protein drinks but I like the Muscle Milk light... Might be one to try. They are available in most convenience and grocery stores. They can also be purchased one at a time so there is no waste of money if you don't like it. Best of luck on your journey. Amanda

I've noticed all of the same things others posted have noted. However, I don't think it all has changed just because the world is shallow and I am now thin. I can look back now and see that I was not "open" to strangers and probably didn't put out very friendly vibes. The new me is a happy ray of sunshine. I often wonder how much of the nice gestures stem from weightloss and how much could be attributed to my general postive change in demeanor.

Hi Rev- I am with you to an extent. I have "off" days and have noticed some definite changes with my menstrual cycle (like it lasts forever) and my emotions. I also get weird about food on occasion and will struggle with not being able to figure out what to eat. I've recently gotten that under control. I found I really like Muscle Milk light. So, when I start stressing over what/where to eat and I'm alone I hit the gas station for a Cafe Latte Muscle Milk. Problem solved. I have had reactive hypoglycemia since I was a teenager. For years I've controlled it with diet alone. But, since having surgery I've noticed it is much more prevalent and harder to manage. Feeling "shaky" and "weak" are major side effects of low sugar. Where we differ is that I picked up running about four months ago. I really feel that excercise has helped me tremendously. I agree with the other posters that it's probably time to see the dr. for some bloodwork to rule out any insulin or Vitamin issues. Good luck to you! Amanda

Congratulations, Miters! We are so close together in our journeys that I feel I understand exactly how you feel. I just hit 100 lost (including the 12 preop) so I know how amazingly awesome your world is right now! And, I know you'll knock off those last 35 lbs. It's just a matter of time! Yay! Amanda

It took Aetna four days to approve me. As for the anesthesiologist fees, that took six months but they did take care of them. Best of luck to you! Amanda

I think your fear is entirely valid. I would suggest working with a therapist though until you get to a point where you are okay with how you look regardless of how others feel/react. I had sabotaged my weightloss in the past due to being uncomfortable with the attention the weightloss brought. Working with a therapist really helped me make peace with this and has helped me tremendously as I've dropped 100 pounds. Best of luck to you. Amanda

Congratulations! I will join you on this NSV when I run my first half-marathon on January 29th. So exciting!