Stacey Nicole

OK I hate to be the one to bring up the gross stuff but on a liquid diet I was a mess. Like having a bowel movement ever few hours of liquid and I couldn't wipe myself. No matter how hard I tried I was unable to do so. Other than that I would have been able to care for myself. I switched from morphine to Tylenol the day of surgery since I hate the way drugs make me feel. So as long as you are able to wipe....you will probably be good to go!

If you would like your insurance to pay for it you will first need to find out what they require your BMI to be. Without any comorbidities my insurance (BCBS) required a BMI of 40.

When I was all liquid I was going many times a day and now 8.5 months out I am stopped up all the time. Take the liquid while you can!

http://www.wlsfa.org/2012mg-2/

Has anyone attended or plan on attending the meet and greet in may 2013? I'd love to hear about people's experiences before I make the commitment! Thanks

I hated every protein drink I tried! Nutmeg state nutrition sells gels that mix with water and taste like juices. They have 15mg of protein each and they saved me! They're nothing like a shake or milk so I loved them!

5 confessions at 5 months Post-Op -78lbs!!! And 7 more until ONEderland! 1. I weigh myself twice a day and record the am weight on a calendar and on my fitness pal (I enjoy the sloping graph lol) 2. I pay a gym membership and NEVER use it! I have been walking and jogging outside since It's nice out but not nearly enough! 3. I used straws the day I got home from the hospital. Never gave them up and I survived just fine. 4. I never stopped drinking with meals. And don't tell me it slows down weight loss because 78lbs in 5 months is a huge accomplishment for myself! 5. (were at 5 already??) I feel guilt for not coming here more to guide the pre ops and newly post ops like the post ops had done for me a year ago when my journey began.

Thanks everyone . I have been walking quite a bit and am starting to train to run a 5k! I Have not been going crazy with exercise as I have not had much energy until recently. B12 has changed my life!! I also love my ankles - I was just talking about them today haha. I didn't notice that much of a difference in my side view until someone pointed out that my back was missing from the photo!! Lol I love my sleeve!

Last week I hit my 3 month post op mark. I'm down 64lbs and I can't believe it!! I have my rough days still and I'm just trying to do me - the best way I know how right now! Last night I bought a pair of size 14 capris. I cried in the dressing room. The last time I wore this size was 8th grade - 16 years ago!!!! Here are my 3 month pics. The back photo amazes me most!! Thanks for the support along the way.

I had the same problem! Taking deep breaths and horrible pain in the lung region. It went away after a few weeks. I think I was just really sore. Hang in there it gets so much better!!

I'm going to play devils advocate because....well I always do lol I made my partner swear to secrecy as well - for a long time. I let her tell her family when I decided it was time. The truth? She needed them. I wrapped my life up into having surgery. Every free day was spent at doctors appointments, making sure insurance was doing things properly, and I was completely consumed. I made life about me....and therefore I made my partners life about me too. WE focused on getting me healthy. I didn't realize until after surgery how scared she was - How worried she was for my health and how our children would react to it. She needed people like her family to turn to in her difficult moments. I am not saying what he did was right - because I would have been angry as well. I'm just speaking from my experiences.

I told my boss and a few others. I have been at my job for 10 years and they are more like family than anything else. I did however get caught in a situation during my clear liquid diet (that lasted for 3 weeks post-op) in which I went to a training seminar and when everyone went to eat a beautiful lunch together and I was left behind. Everyone kept asking me over and over if I was ok, why wasnt I eating, and if they could get me anything. I finally caved and just said what I had done. The outcome? An amazing amount of support that I still have right now! I agree there are some people you shouldnt tell for your own sanity, but its been really great having people both at home and at work that have my back and care about my journey!

I was sleeved on 3/13/12 and am down 53lbs - all post op! Went from a size 22W to an 18 misses. So far I feel pretty good!! I stay away from carbs and eat mostly protein based foods. I have cheated - I am not perfect!!! - but I always regret it and my body always tells me when I've done something bad! I do have one problem though - I have trouble eating with a group of people (even my own family). I eat breakfast and lunch alone. I eat dinner with my kids and partner. Breakfast and lunch stay down just fine and dinner comes right back up 50% of the time. I think I try to keep up with everyone - and I can't keep up with my 5 year olds! I eat appx 2 to 3 ounces per meal and that stuffs me full!

Find me please!!!!!! I was sleeved on 3/14 - I could use the support!

I was still on clear liquids at 2 weeks out!!! I couldn't imagine alcohol. I am 2 1/2 months out now and just had my first alcohol today - a couple sips of piña colada. I was buzzed fast and it was gone fast. It was too fruity! It was a trial since I'm turning 30 on Friday and I'll have something that night!!