former_vbg

It isn't poison. Diet soda does not cause issues with weight loss.

I have diet pepsi a couple of times of week since right after the first month, I'm 3.5 months post-op and my dietician stated the carbonation can cause discomfort if not taken slowly but it won't stretch out the sleeve.

It seems to me that we spend a lot of time mourning the loss of our favorite foods, when, in actuality, we can have them when we're healed with moderation. I really don't want to eat all the stuff that got me fat to begin with. This was my opportunity to chuck the bad eating habits and start eating healthy. So I pretty much chose to eat Proteins and some veggies. Today I did allow myself to have some Cookies.

I applaud you even doing a challenge being pre-sleeve, not many folks do that.
Here's to you welcoming you to the other side.... "the losers bench". Keep us posted once you are up to it after surgery!
Good luck!

I don't know what the percentage is of doctors who accept payments, but I would be surprised to find it that high. They run a high risk of patients defaulting, i.e. not getting paid for their services plus them paying for the hospital costs. I would venture to say most doctors want to be paid up front. There are various companies out there that specialize in medical loans if you decided to go that route. Or, you could take a loan from your 401K (just check to see what your plan rules are if you left your job). Some 401k plans, you have to pay a loan back w/in 60 days of leaving the company. My company lets you continue making payments even after you leave the employer. Each plan is going to be different.
Honestly, if you have insurance, I wouldn't be spending my time worrying about self-pay. Take this time and call your insurance company and get the ball rolling there.

Oh, when you call your insurance company it will help to know the CPT code for the surgery. 43775. So when you call and tell them you want to check on the requirements for a surgical procedure, tell them you have the "CPT code for the procedure" and then give them that number. They'll probably confirm it with you. They also aren't going to call it a "vertical sleeve" so the procedure name (wht they will see next to that code) is: Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (ie, sleeve gastrectomy)
It always throws me off when they throw out the procedure name, and I'm used to a much more colloquial name. I'm always like, "I think that's it, can you say it again more slowly?"

You didn't ask about this, but it will likely be next on your list regardless of whether you go the insurance route or self-pay, but RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR. Ask the tough questions, don't be afraid to do so- it is YOUR LIFE. Ask what their complication rate is, look up on the State Medical boards to see what/ if any complaints have been filed against them. Google their name, see what comes up. None of that is full proof that you have a good Dr., so when possible try to find and talk to past actual patients whether its at a support group or online.
Also, understand the details of the surgery- not just that your stomach is being cut out, but find out what size bougie your Dr. uses, and using your research decide if that is the size you want. My surgeon used a size 30 bougie. That is the tool they use to size your new stomach. The actual physical size differences between a 30 and a 40 a fairly nominal, HOWEVER, there are some schools of thought that when you start out w/a slightly larger cut stomach, that the stretching that eventually does occur is moreso than w/a smaller bougie. I'm not sure there is a definitive answer on that, but it was something that was important to me. Some surgeons say they don't want to go smaller than "X" size bougie because they think it increases the chances for complications. Like some surgeons think it can create the hour glass syndrome in your stomach which would be like taking a balloon and squeezing it in the middle and preventing anything getting through the middle. A lot of that is technique. Do they sew over the bougie, do they sew outsize the bougie? Do they use staples? Will you have drainage tubes? Much of this is unique to the surgeon.
The more you read and read and read, and do your research, you will find that while there are many similarities across the board, the individual technique by each surgeon is often slightly different. I spent 3 solid months reading and researching the different Weight Loss surgeries before I started the insurance process. Fortunately, I didn't have to do the supervised diet and only had to start liquids 12 hrs before surgery.
And, of course, we here will all answer whatever questions we can to help you along the way! Good luck!!

You can do it! Just keep some fluids to drink with you as much as possible.
Do your best to avoid group lunches or situations where food is just "there" for the grabbing. You will be on the loosers bench soon!

We need to give him a little slack though here. To compare the difficulty of being on liquids before surgery and after surgery is almost night and day. Prior to surgery, we are relying soley on our own willpower and well, let's face it, if that's all it took- none of us would need surgery. Post surgery, our entire body has gone through shock and physically most people don't have that same sensation of hunger. I won't say everyone is like that, but I think that is most.
Anyhow, just do the best you can on this and understand that if your surgeon is really strict on the pre-op diet that you risk having to reschedule your surgery. Probably not unless you really blow it, but it's something you want to look into.

Fortunately, I didn't have to do the 2week pre-op diet, but from what I can gather, much of it depends on your surgeon. If you are having to do the liquid diet, the surgeon likely told you it is to help shrink your liver to help make your surgery easier. They say that if you shrink your liver, there is less chance of the surgeon nicking your liver during surgery (aka lessen complication issues). I know there have been plenty of people who cheated some and still were able to have their surgery. I would just find out how strict your surgeon is because I have also heard some surgeons (albeit few), that threatened to cancel their surgery if they didn't do the pre-op diet.
Sorry I wasn't more help. Maybe others have other input.

There are a lot of mental health issues that go along with this, and I think size 6 can address a lot of that. You guys have already touched on it, though just losing weight isn't going to address a lot of mental health issues, it can go a long way with self confidence and esteem. I have to add as well, that I'm pretty sure my weight has contributed to job discrimination and prevented me from moving into positions that I have applied for.

I was really split prior to surgery but yeah, a lot of it WAS vanity. I was tired of being the biggest girl in the group, I was tired of not being able to zip even wide calf boots over my chunky legs and I was tired of feeling self conscious about my appearance no matter how nice the clothes I was wearing.
I did tell myself going in that I'd be happy as a 10/12 and I really think I would have been if that's all my body would lose. But I AM a size six now and I love being a small and sometimes extra small. I love knowing that after plastic surgery I'm going to be a size four. Nobody is ever going to look at me and consider me fat again.
The social thing is very real. I know that I act differently and have more confidence and that impacts how I'm treated to an extent, but there is no denying that people treat me very differently these days.
Go for it! I don't know that I'll ever get down to a size two - my body just doesn't want to be that small, I think. But being a small and a size 4/6 is fantastic. I never expected to get here.
Now if only I didn't have so much loose skin, it'd be perfect!
~Cheri

You are absolutely right in everything you said. I say that as someone who JUST in the past couple months is able to say I can wear size 4 slacks and size 5/6 jeans and let me tell you- it is absolutely freakin FABULOUS!!! That moment when you realize that you need yet another smaller size and you question in your head, "how can that be...?" and then try that smaller size in the dressing room and you want to throw a party bigger than New Years Eve right then and there, shouting from the roof tops that YOU MADE IT!!! I say this, because that WAS ME!! Unfortunately, I was shopping alone as I usually do, but it was still great! And, you know what, I did call friends and they celebrated right with me!!!
Everyone will have their own goals, but I sincerely believe it is ok to want the things you mentioned. Being able to slip into tight spaces because you are so petite. That sliding past crowded seats to sit next to the empty window seat won't bring sighs of despair from those you have to glide past, but rather maybe a few glances at your slimming figure!
You go for it! Enjoy it and Celebrate IT!!!

I have been going to a WLS surgery support group and every meeting someone says something along the lines of, "well it is not like I am trying to be a size 6 or anything, I just want to be healthier." So am I alone in that I DO wanna be a size 6--or 4--or 2? I want to be the one that is expected to sit in the middle of the backseat because I am so small. I want to wear tiny little jeans and have the option of dressing trashy and still looking hot. I have been big my whole life and I want to be the little one. Don't get me wrong, any move towards health and any weight loss is a good thing. I know better than to measure success vs. failure by getting into a size that seems almost unreal to me now. However, is it OK if I WANT it? Like really,really want it? I know me well enough to know that I will Celebrate every pound lost and every step I make towards a healthier me. However, if the truth were told, at the top of the list of reasons that I am willing to allow someone to cut one of my internal organs into pieces and yank part of it out of my body through a slit in my stomach, go through the risks of surgery, and have my eating habits forever changed is because I am SICK OF BEING FAT and I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to slip into a pair of jeans whose size is one single, solitary number. In this group everyone is like, "oh, I just want to reach a healthier me, looking better is just a little extra." Can I call BS on that? I mean like big heaping, steaming bull $#!%.... I know this post may make me seem shallow, but I have never seen anyone jump up and down over seeing their cholesterol go down 10 points. However, be in the vicinity when a former fatty slips on a size small top and size 6 jeans for the first time and you will see some celebrating going on. They will be taking pictures and calling their friends to share the news. You might see a little dance or hear an "oh HELL YEAH". Ever see anyone act like that over that hospital lab report? I am not trying to minimize the awesome health benefits of losing what is basically another person made up of fat that I am carrying around. I know my friend of fat will eventually kill me if I don't leave her behind. I am looking forward to improved health, mobility, and energy levels--sure...but do I really have to pretend that I wouldn't have the surgery if I knew that my overall health wouldn't really improve and all I had to look forward to is being smaller?

You are absolutely right in everything you said. I say that as someone who JUST in the past couple months is able to say I can wear size 4 slacks and size 5/6 jeans and let me tell you- it is absolutely freakin FABULOUS!!! That moment when you realize that you need yet another smaller size and you question in your head, "how can that be...?" and then try that smaller size in the dressing room and you want to throw a party bigger than New Years Eve right then and there, shouting from the roof tops that YOU MADE IT!!! I say this, because that WAS ME!! Unfortunately, I was shopping alone as I usually do, but it was still great! And, you know what, I did call friends and they celebrated right with me!!!
Everyone will have their own goals, but I sincerely believe it is ok to want the things you mentioned. Being able to slip into tight spaces because you are so petite. That sliding past crowded seats to sit next to the empty window seat won't bring sighs of despair from those you have to glide past, but rather maybe a few glances at your slimming figure!
You go for it! Enjoy it and Celebrate IT!!!

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

I made my 4th of July goal last Wednesday and decided to give myself a little break. Thursday was my 1 year surgiversary and so just kind celebrating the new me! I'm going to continue on towards my final goal of 120#, so just 10# more to go.
Then it will be maintenance here I come!!! Exciting but a little nervous at the same time.

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

We need to give him a little slack though here. To compare the difficulty of being on liquids before surgery and after surgery is almost night and day. Prior to surgery, we are relying soley on our own willpower and well, let's face it, if that's all it took- none of us would need surgery. Post surgery, our entire body has gone through shock and physically most people don't have that same sensation of hunger. I won't say everyone is like that, but I think that is most.
Anyhow, just do the best you can on this and understand that if your surgeon is really strict on the pre-op diet that you risk having to reschedule your surgery. Probably not unless you really blow it, but it's something you want to look into.

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

Oh Melissa, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry your husband has not been supportive and that you are essentially having to go through this alone. I am proud of you for having the strength to do this for you and know that you deserve better!
Please know that we are here to support you however we can! You are on the path to a new you!!

I go try on clothes all the time. When I was fat I used to buy most clothes by mail and a lot of time, men's clothes, I'm embarrassed to say. Now I go in the store just for fun and try on clothes. If they don't look good, I know it's not because I'm fat. If they don't fit, the clothes are the problem, and not my body. I have found that there are loads of oddly cut, ill-fitting garments no matter what your size, but when I was fat, I always believed it was me, and my fault, that everything looked bad.
Sorry for my little rant, but I felt horrible and guilty for years about crummy-fitting clothes.

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!