Lisa821

OMG! I can't believe I'm actually down 70lbs and it will be six months on 5/2/12. This is so awesome! I love that I can cross my legs without having my lower legs go numb. LOL! My thighs don't touch when I walk and I had to buy all new clothes. I feel like a million dollars. To wake up every morning without back pain is the absolute best thing I have gotten from this surgery. No more pain pills, no more bulging discs and no heel pain at the end of the work day! I will post pics when I find the time. Thank you all for posting. Your words have helped through the weird times, the frustrating times and the happiest times. Stay cool!

OMG! I can't believe I'm actually down 70lbs and it will be six months on 5/2/12. This is so awesome! I love that I can cross my legs without having my lower legs go numb. LOL! My thighs don't touch when I walk and I had to buy all new clothes. I feel like a million dollars. To wake up every morning without back pain is the absolute best thing I have gotten from this surgery. No more pain pills, no more bulging discs and no heel pain at the end of the work day! I will post pics when I find the time. Thank you all for posting. Your words have helped through the weird times, the frustrating times and the happiest times. Stay cool!

That's great! I noticed a similar thing about holding the steering wheel steady with the top of my thigh. It's so awesome, isn't it?

OMG! I can't believe I'm actually down 70lbs and it will be six months on 5/2/12. This is so awesome! I love that I can cross my legs without having my lower legs go numb. LOL! My thighs don't touch when I walk and I had to buy all new clothes. I feel like a million dollars. To wake up every morning without back pain is the absolute best thing I have gotten from this surgery. No more pain pills, no more bulging discs and no heel pain at the end of the work day! I will post pics when I find the time. Thank you all for posting. Your words have helped through the weird times, the frustrating times and the happiest times. Stay cool!

OMG! I can't believe I'm actually down 70lbs and it will be six months on 5/2/12. This is so awesome! I love that I can cross my legs without having my lower legs go numb. LOL! My thighs don't touch when I walk and I had to buy all new clothes. I feel like a million dollars. To wake up every morning without back pain is the absolute best thing I have gotten from this surgery. No more pain pills, no more bulging discs and no heel pain at the end of the work day! I will post pics when I find the time. Thank you all for posting. Your words have helped through the weird times, the frustrating times and the happiest times. Stay cool!

My 13yr old aughter had a dance coming up. So,I bought her a dress, size 14 miss. About a week later, before the dance, she went into a different store and came across the perfect dress for her. because the first dress was on clearance for only 25 dollars I bought her the second dress. just outta curiosity I decided to try on the 1st dress. btw I thought it was gorgeous! I was stunned, emotionally overwhelmed, thrilled and shocked to discover that the dress not only fits but it's actually big around my waist section. Yay mama got a new dress! I will post a picture when I get a chance I just had to share this with you all immediately!!

My 13yr old aughter had a dance coming up. So,I bought her a dress, size 14 miss. About a week later, before the dance, she went into a different store and came across the perfect dress for her. because the first dress was on clearance for only 25 dollars I bought her the second dress. just outta curiosity I decided to try on the 1st dress. btw I thought it was gorgeous! I was stunned, emotionally overwhelmed, thrilled and shocked to discover that the dress not only fits but it's actually big around my waist section. Yay mama got a new dress! I will post a picture when I get a chance I just had to share this with you all immediately!!

My 13yr old aughter had a dance coming up. So,I bought her a dress, size 14 miss. About a week later, before the dance, she went into a different store and came across the perfect dress for her. because the first dress was on clearance for only 25 dollars I bought her the second dress. just outta curiosity I decided to try on the 1st dress. btw I thought it was gorgeous! I was stunned, emotionally overwhelmed, thrilled and shocked to discover that the dress not only fits but it's actually big around my waist section. Yay mama got a new dress! I will post a picture when I get a chance I just had to share this with you all immediately!!

thank you! that's exactly what I plan on doing. Gonna surprise my husband when comes home from work today. This is so fun!

About a month ago, I decided to stop sharing my weight loss achievements and anything to do with my healthier lifestyle. I did this because he would always down play it or simply ignore me and act like he didn't hear me. For instance, I would come out of the bathroom really happy after weighing myself and say "down 2 pounds, yes!". He would say, "I'm sorry did you say something?". Ugh! Recently, I finally bought some smaller clothes and the first time I put them on for us to go out and I said "I'm loving these size 16's and my new heels". He said, "You shouldn't wear those heels. You'll break an ankle. I'm just worried about your safety". There are more comments like this. I usually just blow it off but it's sad cuz I want to share these things with my husband. He's my best friend....well he used to feel like my best friend. I'm glad I have this forum to share these things with all of you. I miss my friend and I just don't understand what's going on. Has anyone else come across this situation and, if so, what are your thoughts? Big hugs everyone!

Before and after pics. Never thought I'd feel proud to post pictures of myself. Love my sleeve!
I added more pics to my albums too that give weights, dates and pounds lost.

Recently I posted about being anxious when shopping for clothes. Well I finally went out, tried on clothes and bought some! It was actually fun because I wasn't disappointed as in my past. I'm down 57lbs now and have gone from a size 20 to size 14 in jeans. From XL to mostly medium tops. Some large tops depends on the brand. I will post some pics later, wearing my new clothes. Even I can say I look good. Now I just need some heel boots. Guess I'll just HAVE to go shopping again. Lol! Thanks to everyone for listening to me vent about my shopping anxiety and always being here for me! Big hugs!!

What a genetic awakening! It's so true. In the land of excess my chubby gene is a hinderance but in the places you mentioned, I'd be the lucky one. I bet you would like a book called "Spontaneous Evolution" by Bruce Lipton. If you like to read, check it out...he has other books too.
I was in Jamaica earlier this month and couldn't help notice that most of the Jamaican people I saw were quite thin. Then all of a sudden I saw a Jamaican man who was overweight, I couldn't help wonder about the genetics of the Jamaican people. I'm kind of nerd like that though. LOL!

I WORE A SWIMSUIT WHILE IN JAMAICA LAST WEEK!!
Although I didn't go buy a new suit, I was finally able to wear the one I saved from like 10 years ago. Still cute as ever and still in style! It's open in the back so I wasn't able to wear it while I had the two rolls of fat around my middle. But now those rolls are gone and I actually have a shape so it looked cute. I didn't even care about my flabby thighs. They aren't THAT bad. Plus I was in Jamaica to have fun, soak up the sun and finally get my honeymoon. On a side note, my hubby and I married 1 1/2 yrs ago and something kept coming up to delay our honeymoon. Perhaps my "higher power" wanted me to go after I had lost some weight and could REALLY enjoy spending all day in a swimsuit? LOL! I didn't take many pics, I guess I'm used to not getting my picture taken and didn't really notice. That has to change though.
Other NSV moments were:
1. My bum fit nicely in the airplane seat and the seatbelt had strap left over!
2. I didn't mind snorkeling bum side up....not self conscious about it at all.
3. I wore two cute sun dresses and felt like a girly-girl....FINALLY!
4. The life jackets fit without a problem when we went on a sail boat ride.
I love my sleeve!

You can see my ticker so I don't want to talk about weight. It's been three months and I want to Celebrate the inches I have lost! I'm going to post them by date because I think it's more telling that way. Oh and I didn't measure EVERYTHING on my body, just a few reference points.
Preop 11/1/11 12/19/11 1/12/12 2/2/12
Waist: 42.25" 41.75" 40" 39"
Hips: 51" 50" 49" 48.5"
Left Calf: 17" 16.5" 16" 16"
Left Thigh: 30" 29.25" 29" 28.25"
As you can see I rounded the numbers. I will attest to the fact that even when I don't lose pounds I am still losing inches. To all of us who freak out when we plateau for a few days or a week, we need to take a deep breath and get out the tape measure. Remember it's not a stall until it's been 4 weeks without any weight loss. That's what my NUT said and she added that it's still not a stall if I'm losing width in the form of inches or PARTS of inches. She said it's all progress and we must strive for progress, NOT perfection. I love my little NUT!
Keep fighting the good fight my friends!!!! Big Hugs!

Today, I realized my yoga pants are just too big to wear in public anymore. Seriously and ridiculously baggy. I decided to go to the gym so I dug to the bottom and found a pair of workout shorts. They are like biking shorts. Worn only once cuz they were too tight and embarassing to wear. You know, one of the many pieces of clothing you "hope" to be able to wear someday. Well they fit and very comfortably! I went to the gym, worked out and finally felt like I fit in at the gym. It was awesome! I love Almanzo, my sleeve.....lol

I had my VSG in MX and paid $4500 plus $400 for flight and $70 for one night hotel. I am very happy with how everything went with the surgery in MX. I have been encouraging friends and family to go there, well those who have a true need for WLS. I plan on going back there for a "Mommy Makeover", Tummy Tuck with breast lift, in about a year or two. It will cost $4700. When I was down there having my VSG, a lady was there having the makeover. She was doing great. She showed me the incisions and she said her pain was manageable. She too had her VSG there about one year prior. If you're interested I can get you their phone number or email address. Either way you go, I believe it's worth every penny.

I just realized I'm half way to my goal. I want to lose a total of 90lbs and I've lost 45! Whoohoo! This is awesome! I'm 2.5 months post op. I know the weight loss will slow down but I'm on Target. I was hoping to be wearing cute sun dresses this summer and I think I will get to!! I love my Almanzo! Just like Laura Ingles! That's what I call my sleeve...Almanzo. lol, I'm a dork.

I went with him 11-2-11. Everything went great! Dr Almanza and all staff were wonderful. Surgery center and recovery house was extremely clean. I recommend it and plan to go back there to have plastic surgery in the future. I've lost 40 # in 2 months with no postop complications. My only complaint is that I'm pretty tired but that is common. Best wishes.

Ahhh yes the Chinese Buffet....oh how I wanted to believe I could eat that. Oh my husband and I went there. He woofed down 3-4 plates while I slowly nibbled 3-4 bites. I was sad at first but then it occurred to me how sad and miserable I would feel after I ate 3-4 plates in my past. I thought of those moments of clarity when I knew that most of my overeating was just stuffing emotions and creating my chubby layer of protection from those who had hurt me in my past and may prevent others from hurting me in the future. I could then see that my sleeve was giving me the time to think about my food and the feelings attached. In the past it was just a frenzy of stuffing food in fast to get the false sense of control and protection. What I learned is when I chew slowly and mindfully now that I have the sleeve, I am aware of the fact that my food is fuel. Everyone is different but that is how I transitioned out of head hunger. Best wishes and big hugs!

I have felt so bad the past few days. Went to the Dr Friday he gave me a new dissolvable med for acid. He told me start trying some soft foods since I can't stomach Soups anymore. Saturday I took the new med and tried to sip liquids. Everyone I think of eating I get sick. I've tried everything! Yesterday I vomited after taking the prevacid. Sipped liquids all day. Tried applesauce and a couple small bites sweet potato for dinner. Started burping a very disgusting taste. Made me feel so sick. Took my medicine dissolved in Water and then I started vomiting. It was that awful disgusting taste from burping earlier. Three days no food. I'm so discouraged! I want to cry! I have to find something I can eat. When do you guys take your meds? The Dr said to take the Reglan again for the nausea but it makes me sick too. Can anyone help? Please

I seriously never thought I would want to post pics. However, I feel pretty darn good and am totally amazed at the changes. Those swim shorts are so loose that they hang. No pulling, stretching or crimping anywhere. Actually hang like a skirt. The best part is if I tried to wear them in a pool I would literally swim out of them. Time to pack them in the Good Will box! I just love that! Now, the swim top fits like it should've from the beginning but I was in so much "size denial" that I bought the size that I believed I should be. Oh well! LOL!
Its so cool to see the chub in the area of my armpits skrinking both in the front and back. I'm definately reclaiming my waistline too. This is all from a loss of 38 pounds. This is good and there are some new issues that popped up too. Like seeing my food addiction for what it REALLY is. Wow! However, there is help and I'm getting help from my therapist and support group.
Thanks to all of you who help me find my way through these emerging issues and my other surgery-type issues. I promise to be here for you too.
Big Hugs!!    

Ahhh yes the Chinese Buffet....oh how I wanted to believe I could eat that. Oh my husband and I went there. He woofed down 3-4 plates while I slowly nibbled 3-4 bites. I was sad at first but then it occurred to me how sad and miserable I would feel after I ate 3-4 plates in my past. I thought of those moments of clarity when I knew that most of my overeating was just stuffing emotions and creating my chubby layer of protection from those who had hurt me in my past and may prevent others from hurting me in the future. I could then see that my sleeve was giving me the time to think about my food and the feelings attached. In the past it was just a frenzy of stuffing food in fast to get the false sense of control and protection. What I learned is when I chew slowly and mindfully now that I have the sleeve, I am aware of the fact that my food is fuel. Everyone is different but that is how I transitioned out of head hunger. Best wishes and big hugs!

I really need to vent.I have had intense fatigue since about my 2nd wk postop. I'm about at week 7 and I am still totally tired ALL OF THE TIME!! Has anyone else lived through this? If so, do you eventually come out of it? If so, how long before you start feeling normal?
I eat/drink right, sleep 8 continuous hrs/night, I work a full time job and have 4 very busy kids. I'm sure I get plenty of activity in a day. Now I am about to add in an exercise routine. Bahhhh! I just can't imagine how I am going to do it. I have zero energy. For instance, right now, it's 2:50pm where I am, I'm at work and if I closed my eyes for even 2 minutes I would be asleep. What is even scarier...is that I have to drive about 30 min to get home and I have to fight falling asleep all the way home. I just wish I knew what is wrong with me! My doctor checked my labs and everything was fine, I take my Vitamins every day and I'm just totally frustrated cuz I get kinda crabby when I'm tired (I guess most people do).
Well thanks for letting me vent and if anyone has any ideas or words of hope let me know.
Big hugs.
Lisa

Yes how our weight loss journeys effect others is so facinating. I wonder if my hubbub fears I will leave him. We have been married for 1 1/2 yrs. We both have been married before but I think we are an excellent match. In fact, we met on match.com! He has been very supportive until these comments that, I think, are more focused at him. I'm not really sure how to handle it but I know I will bring it up to my therapist. I usually take things to heart and maybe I shouldn't in this case....then again I should stand up for what I believe in. I know I did not force any food down his throat. In fact, I think I might have mirrored his eating cuz i had gained 27 lbs since we moved in together. No, but really. My point is that there is no way to prove anything either way AND it doesn't matter cuz we each are responsible for what we stick in our mouths.