Sweet Pee

Just because some people choose not to share does not mean they are ashamed.
Some people are surrounded by toxic, unloving, selfish, mean people. They have already been bullied and belittled for being fat for a long time, and they know this treatment of abuse will continue if they tell about their decision to have weight loss surgery.
Each person circumstances are different and must be respected.
For me, my decision not to tell anyone has nothing to do with being ashamed of my surgery.
It has everything to do with the fact that I am a extremely shy person and I can not to talk to very many people, and do not like too many people talking to me.
Although I am very shy, I have made a lot of improvements through out my life, and continue to try to be more out going.
I just want everyone to know, just because some people choose not to share does not necessarily mean that they are ashamed, but it could be for a number of reasons.
At least we had the surgery. That is the most important thing. Taking control of our lives now — today, so we can have a better future tomorrow.

Thank you @@JamieLogical! I am definitely excited and I DEFINITELY agree with you about being positive. I too believe that your perspective can make a huge difference in your experience. When I was sleeved I bought the books, read the articles and testimonials, and did as much research as I could to mentally prepare myself. Every time I thought things were getting tough, I just reminded myself that it WAS going to get easier and that the end results were WORTH it. When I had cravings or "mourned" foods, I just had to remind myself that I had taken many years of pleasure eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted--did I mention for M A N Y years. That mentality and preparation made my journey smooth sailing because I did not freak out at every turn. Hopefully, it will aid me in this next venture.

@@NewSetOfCurves Many people that have plastic surgery know there will be some amount of pain. I was prepared for the worse, but after surgery, I was surprised that I had very little pain. Many women are surprised by this fact. Yet others who undergo plastic surgery do experience quite a bit of pain. I know for each person it is different and each persons pain level is different.
When I am asked for my pain level from on a scale from 1 to 10. —
I am always a 10 - 10 being the worse. I do not handle pain very well at all!
However, that was not the case after my plastic surgery. I had a doctor who is very delicate with the body and the skin during surgery, and that contributed to me not experiencing much pain afterwards.
@@JamieLogical I agree with you that having a good positive outlook will help the body heal both physically and emotionally. Both are equally important before and after surgery.

@@NewSetOfCurves Congrats on setting your date! You will definitely have a long road ahead, but a year from now, you will be looking and feeling great! Try to stay confident in your decision through the ups and downs. I am a firm believer that a positive outlook will make the recovery much easier.

Well, hopefully all the obstacles will be worth it because I just booked my surgery for June 9th. Getting a lower body lift, spiral thigh lift, Tummy Tuck and augmentation. Whew! It is going to hurt!!! I have tried to mentally prepare myself for the pain and complications and will continue to do so until then. Despite having somewhat of a grasp of the negative aspects of these type of surgeries, I am definitely excited about the potential figure I will have once I am all healed up.

Oh I must apologize that was a poor choice of words. I did not mean to imply any of you that have embarked on this journey is ashamed. I should have reread what I'd written more carefully before posting. I so agree with all of you that this is such a personal choice and one I'm sure we've all made after many hours of thought. It's not an easy step and we all know within ourselves those who are around us who will be supportive and those whom it is best to not say anything to. There's certainly no rights and wrongs about sharing or not sharing our WLS with others. We've made the choice to get healthier and that's the most important thing of all! Good luck everyone.

Only my husband.

Just because some people choose not to share does not mean they are ashamed.
Some people are surrounded by toxic, unloving, selfish, mean people. They have already been bullied and belittled for being fat for a long time, and they know this treatment of abuse will continue if they tell about their decision to have weight loss surgery.
Each person circumstances are different and must be respected.
For me, my decision not to tell anyone has nothing to do with being ashamed of my surgery.
It has everything to do with the fact that I am a extremely shy person and I can not to talk to very many people, and do not like too many people talking to me.
Although I am very shy, I have made a lot of improvements through out my life, and continue to try to be more out going.
I just want everyone to know, just because some people choose not to share does not necessarily mean that they are ashamed, but it could be for a number of reasons.
At least we had the surgery. That is the most important thing. Taking control of our lives now — today, so we can have a better future tomorrow.

@@bayougirlmrsc You have a long list of surgeries. I do to. (Smile:-) It seems like I have had so many surgeries, when it is time to list them all, I always forget at least one or two, or just leave them out so I will not have to list them all.
I am happy I did not have to have Lipo. I did not have enough fat.

Just because some people choose not to share does not mean they are ashamed.
Some people are surrounded by toxic, unloving, selfish, mean people. They have already been bullied and belittled for being fat for a long time, and they know this treatment of abuse will continue if they tell about their decision to have weight loss surgery.
Each person circumstances are different and must be respected.
For me, my decision not to tell anyone has nothing to do with being ashamed of my surgery.
It has everything to do with the fact that I am a extremely shy person and I can not to talk to very many people, and do not like too many people talking to me.
Although I am very shy, I have made a lot of improvements through out my life, and continue to try to be more out going.
I just want everyone to know, just because some people choose not to share does not necessarily mean that they are ashamed, but it could be for a number of reasons.
At least we had the surgery. That is the most important thing. Taking control of our lives now — today, so we can have a better future tomorrow.

What is easy:
Finally having the appetite monster off of my back so I can make good choices.
Surgery itself -- I'm mid-fifties and had never been an overnight patient in a hospital before. I was so excited that the whole experience (even with the discomfort, etc.) was delightful. Meaning I was delighted to be giving myself the gift of Weight Loss Surgery. Here's to positive energy.....
Easy is walking into a store and buying pants off the rack. Pants! It's a frickin' miracle. Works for shirts, too. M, as in Medium. I am a Medium? What! Yes. OMG.
It's SO much easier now to do everything -- bend, walk, get up, etc. I have arthritis and that is there but having 75 less pounds to haul around everywhere I go? Repeat: OMG. So grateful.
Oh, it's very, very easy to be grateful. One of the things I did not anticipate about this process is how empowered I would feel. It's a return to self and, for me, a life-saver.
BEST WISHES TO YOU! IT IS GOING TO BE GREAT!

@@Butterfly512 Once you have the surgery you won't be feeling like its the easy way out anymore. I guarantee that.

Well surgery went well . She said arnica was fine to take along with the Percocet and Advil. She limits Water intake due to keeping down swelling as well as limiting the need to use bathroom so more bed rest. So far doing ok. All bandaged so don't see much. She said she took 4 lbs off my tummy area but otherwise all went well. Next 2 weeks just bed rest for me.

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.

I'm 69 years old (but don't look or act it), am a professional person and a business owner, with a good, loving, darling (second) husband. And no kids of my own, but grown, independent kids of hubby's.
I love my sleeve. Just love it. Am one pound from goal. About to figure out maintenance for myself. Someone told me the other day: "It's the same as you're doing now, but with a snack."
@@CowgirlJane ... I'm about to retire (end of this year). It will be a huge transition for me, but I'm finally ready for it. We'll be moving from the country to the city, travel a lot more, and just be with each other. I could handle that for a long, long time.
In fact, that's what the big VSG surgery was about -- getting me in shape to enjoy our retirement and to finally conquer this obesity beast I've battled all my life. It's time to end the war.

I live just outside of Seattle - have lived my whole life in the Puget Sound region except for the 2 years I lived and worked in Germany.
I am a "young" 50 with two grown sons who have both moved back in with me! I live on a small farm - grew up on a bigger farm - where I keep 2 horses, 2 dogs, a cat and my youngest son owns a small collection of reptiles. We are animal people!
I try to stay active and continually discover new things to try. I feel like I missed out on SO MUCH in my younger years. Obesity was part of that, but there were many other reasons I didn't learn to ski, go dancing, play sports.. etc etc. It is still something I am working out in my own mind - how do I want to spend my time now?
My main hobbies are horseback riding, and socializing with friends. I also like to hike, go out listening to live music, go dancing, go to little festivals and events. I also like travel!
I was "married" most of my life. I married my high school sweetheart and he turned out to be a pretty crappy husband and terrible father. I divorced him, but it was a lot of trauma and drama for both me and my kids. Next, I was in a long term relationship with a man who is a wonderful person, but we are better friends than life partners so I have been on my own for awhile. I grew up in a big family, surrounded by Peeps so that has been a big adjustment for me. It continues to be an adjustment - living life on my own.
Dating generally speaking sucks but I am seeing someone now (have been for a few months) who is a pretty cool guy and it doesn't suck. We shall see. As I said before, I am a little uncertain what I want in the rest of my life, so my thoughts about a serious relationship are also a bit "mixed". He has many good attributes but one of his best is that he is a "do-er" and gets stuff done! Both my previous relationships were situations where I felt that i had the whole weight on my shoulders. what a change to be with a go getter type person.
One of my areas of focus is thinking about early retirement. I have ALWAYS worked, i was raised to work; not play so as much as I want this I also have some angst about it. Would love to connect with an online resource of people who retired young and how that has all worked out.
Let's see, what else. I like things like gardening, photography, movies, reading etc but there are not enough hours in the day so I am pretty lame on all those subjects these days.
I am a very happy sleever - it's an effort, but I feel like I have finally managed to get control over my health... after a lifetime of obesity, morbid obesity, even super morbidly it is just amazing to be in the range of normal.

This is great! I have been plant based only for over 3 years and I did it based on the animal side, not the nutritional side. Myself, my husband, and both my boys (14 and 12) are plant based only as well. This is an incredible way to eat and we can eat anywhere and not have an issue (which is one of the many many comments I get when I tell people I am plant based - they will say, "don't you starve?" and I have to laugh because I weigh over 225 lbs, so no, I don't starve ha!). We have traveled to over 12 states over the past 3 years and we made an 18 day trip to Europe visiting 5 countries this last May and didn't have an issue at all.
Having said that, I will tell you it does take a little more planning at first and a lot of research. I had to keep the food similar for my boys at first to get them around the idea so we were definitely more "junk food" vegans (example: Oreos are vegan) for the first 2 or 3 months, but their palettes changed quickly and within a couple of months they were eating much more healthier and now, it is incredible. Our dinner last night was BBQ chicken (Beyond Meat), sweet potatoes, broccoli, green Beans, and watermelon. And the meat (Beyond Meat) is an incredible product made vegetables (not soy) as well . There are substitutes for all Condiments as well as milk. We do organic rice milk and almond milk instead of Soy milk, but either is fine.
As for Vitamins, it is critical and I mean critical that you take a Vitamin B12 supplement daily or get 2000 micrograms a week and make sure you are getting Omega 3 & 6 with DHA (300 milligrams daily) through either a supplement or I get mine from flax seeds (which I put into my smoothies). BTW, milled flax seeds are the BEST egg substitute to use in recipes that call for eggs as well.
Now, having said all of that and me being a huge animal advocate, please know that I am 3 week PRE-surgery, so I know that I am going to have to make many more adjustments as I get closer (and I already have started) than most. Another words, when I read posts that people are doing "chicken noodle Soup (minus the noodles and chicken) post-op, I'm figuring out the best plant based alternative. When the doctor told me to eat Protein first, I am going to have to make adjustments and figure out what I can eat to fill me with the right amount of Protein without the volume (example: meat versus broccoli). So even though I am educated about plant based food, I am in the learning process of being a banded, plant based food person.
Anyway, I could go on and on here, but if you would like to talk with me one on one, please direct message me anytime.
Best of Luck!

Where to start..... I guess at the beginning... always a good place. I got marred the first time at the age of 16, had my first son and was divorced before i finished High school.... Raised him (Brett, 30/yo)on my own with zero help from his father are government. He is married and has my only two beautiful, smart, amazing wonderful grandkids (Logan is 9, Elizabeth is 7) Went to college, graduated and got remarried at the age of 23. We have been marred for 24 years. I wish i could say that they are getting better, but they are not. But that's a different story. We have a 23 yr old son (Jason) Single and is so handsome... 6'3" great job... so any single girl, hit me up for his digits... hehe.
As you can see, im ALL southern woman... From Houma, Louisiana..... No i don't sound like the people on TV.. (Swamp People). I do know a few of them... lol.
Hobbies: Reading, riding motorcycles (yes i can ride my own), Shooting guns (yes im a Concealed Carry girl), i use to enjoy exercising (husband jealousy ruined that) but i will get my ass in gear and do it.... Love to fish and be outside getting a good tan (if you can tone it ... tan it). I admit i am a Real House Wives, Walking Dead, Game of thrones, Amazing Race junkie....
5 years ago, i got banded and logged on to the "lapband" site... Made so many wonderful friends, many of which i still chat with on Yahoo via IM.... Some disappeared when the site merged.... But all in all it's been a great journey.
Pics: me and husband, my oldest and his wife (both RN's) Elizabeth, Logan, and me and youngest Jason... and the baby girl... Heidi (mini schnauzer).     

I'm from the suburbs of Chicago. Age 54 and becoming more fabulous every day. I work in IT. My official title is programmer/analyst, but most of my hours are spent juggling emergencies or holding users' hands. It's cool. It's good to be needed.
I'm reclaiming my life one day at a time. I was married for 23 years to someone to whom I refer here as NSETBEx. "Not Soon Enough to be Ex." I filed for divorce and left him 9 months ago, when his emotional and financial abuse went into overdrive. My college aged daughters and my dog came with me. We're presently living somewhat awkwardly with my mom while the divorce, which he is contesting, creeps painfully forward. I've gone No Contact. Anyone who has had a narcissist in her/his life will know what that means.
Day by day I find new ways to affirm my mind, body and soul. It's not easy, but I'm not going back to the old way I used to live, which was stuck in self-blame and fear. Today I act as if I am fearless. Most days I believe it. I believe in karma and live life accordingly.
My girls are my world. I'm working on making me my world.
I attend CoDA, OA, and individual counseling (related to the divorce). I'm extremely teachable and thrive on the stories and experiences of others. NSETBEx referred to that as "brainwashing". He can suck it.
I'm happy to be in this group, and I like to keep it real. Life's too short for bu//$#!+.
PleezedTaMeetcha!

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.

@@bayougirlmrsc You have a long list of surgeries. I do to. (Smile:-) It seems like I have had so many surgeries, when it is time to list them all, I always forget at least one or two, or just leave them out so I will not have to list them all.
I am happy I did not have to have Lipo. I did not have enough fat.

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.

I am a Louisiana - Texas girl. I travel between the two states daily.
I really do not know how old I am. I have to guess everytime someone asks me. I am either 44 or 45. My husband still tells every one I am 42 - and I do not correct him. Makes me feel young. I guess I should try to remember, but after the age of 35, I stopped keeping up. B'days just come around too fast now.
Second marriage - 10 wonderful years.
I have 2 sets of 2 children. First marriage — Ages 24 and 22; Second marriage — Ages 7 and 5. My baby - I finally had a boy and he looks like me too!
I love my family.
I love to exercise!
I love to eat organic vegetarian foods.
I love my job.
I make most household items my family uses regularly such as bread, toothpaste, Vitamins and laundry detergent.
I love it here on these boards.
I am more of a reader than a poster. It helps me to stay focused, knowing I am not alone in my goals to stay healthy and beautiful.