101driver

Today is my one year surgiversary! I always enjoy reading updates from people who are farther down the road than I am, so I decided to post an update for anyone who’s interested in how life is a year out and wonders what they can look forward to. Here are some thoughts… Mental state: I think that, over the course of the year, my mind changed as much as my body. I’m pleased to say I feel “normal” now and think in a way that matches a closer-to-normal-size body. Even though I still have 27 pounds to go to be out of the “obese” category, I have become much more at peace mentally these days. My thoughts don’t dwell on food. There is no sense of struggle/fight with myself/sense of defeat going on in my head these days. I feel free to eat what I like but choose to stick to what I know is going to keep my healthy and help me get to my goal. My outlook on life is SO much more positive. The biggest change mentally is that I feel more in control of my life than I have in a very long time. This weight loss journey, the decision to undergo the surgery, and the commitment I’ve made to being successful has empowered me. I see many positive changes in other places in my life because of these mental changes. Physical state: My weight loss is as follows: Pre-op - 31 Month 1 - 19 Month 2 - 13 Month 3 - 10 Month 4 - 5 Month 5 - 7 Month 6 - 9 Month 7 - 6 Month 8 - 7 Month 9 - 7 Month 10 - 0 Month 11 - 8 Month 12 - 4 TOTAL – 126 In the four months prior to surgery, I lost 31 pounds, joined a gym, and started working out regularly. I was back at the gym as soon as possible after healing and have been very good about going 4-5 times a week. The weight loss was much faster at the start but has been fairly steady. Things have slowed way down lately, but I know I’ll keep going till I hit my goal (about 45-50 more pounds). The changes in my body are exciting and rewarding. I feel strong, coordinated and capable. I can run, jump, climb, pull, push (you name it!) without that awful shortness of breath. I have muscles and I can feel some of my bones! I have a jaw line, collarbones, elbows, knees! I can cross my legs! Cardio workouts were very effectively for the first 8-9 months but then I stalled in a major way. I met with a sports nutritionist who suggested I up weight training to have a higher muscle mass and introduce more carbs into my diet. This has seemed to work after my frustrating month 10 stall. Unfortunately, I have a lot of loose skin that is floppy and droopy, but at least I feel firm and strong underneath the loose skin. When I’m at my goal and stabilized, I’m going to pursue work on my tummy to get rid of the worst of it. I wish I could afford to do my arms, breasts, and neck…but I’ll just have to live with it (better to look a little droopy and deflated than swollen and ready to pop!). A year ago I was wearing 28 bottoms and 4x/5x tops. Now I'm wearing 18 bottoms and L/XL tops. Food: I stick to what works for me and have a fairly small repertoire of what I eat. My staples are eggs, Protein bars, tuna, lean meats, fish, low fat cheeses, yogurt, Beans, Peanut Butter, nuts. I love a skinny latte as a treat and do eat carbs in moderation (carby veggies, a piece of bread now and then, maybe some mashed potatoes). I’m good about drinking Water (at least 48 oz. a day, usually more). Things I absolutely stay away from are anything carbonated (those bubbles feel awful!), rice and Pasta, anything fried (acidy and refluxy), anything too fatty. I know now what is going to work and what is going to make me feel bad. I LOVE the restriction I still feel (though I can eat much more now than I could at first) and am confident that I will keep the weight off because of my secret weapon (no room to overeat!). I indulge in a treat when I want (a bite of sweets, skinny cow ice cream products) but keep it small and remember that I need to commit to burning off any extra calories I choose to enjoy. I have found that changing my diet affects my weight loss. Upping carbs/calories and then cutting way back to only protein and lower calories seems to jolt my body into weight loss if I’ve stalled. supplements I take every day: multi Vitamin, B complex, D, Iron, Biotin, and Calcium. I never was able to stomach Protein shakes (blah!) and managed to do OK without them. ADVICE TO NEWBIES: Be ready! This surgery takes mental strength and preparation. These changes are big and permanent. Know that you are committed to this journey before you even begin and know what you’re getting into; it helps smooth out the kinks along the way if you are mentally prepared. Take advantage of the first 3-6 months! The weight loss seems magical at first, but slows down over time. Loose as much as you can while the losing is relatively easy. Realize that stalls are normal and your body resets/adjusts along the way. Integrate physical activity into your weight loss from the very start. The positive way I feel about my body now is not just about weight loss but about the strength and toning I’ve accomplished. Mix things up. Experiment with what you eat and how it affects your weight loss. Change your work out and keep your body guessing and responding to what you ask it to do. Enjoy those wonderful moments when you feel proud and happy about yourself (compliments from friends and family, finding out that yet another pair of pants are too big, being able to fit in the booth/fasten the airplane seatbelt...). Use those wow moments to get you through the harder times when you feel yourself struggling. Use your support system. Read message boards, attend support group meetings, write in a journal, find a weight loss friend. I am so grateful for my wonderful surgeon (Dr. Neff in South Jersey) and his staff and for all the support I’ve received from my family and friends. I am excited and positive about the future! I've attached a "before" photo and a recent one of me in the same pair of pants.

Hi! My one-year anniversary will be 1/31/13. I've been wondering how everyone is doing. Let's all check in and report. Me, I'm soooooo happy how things have gone. The weight loss has slowed to a snail's pace. Though it's incredibly frustrating, I'm not going to loose faith; I'm determined to reach my goal. The holidays were a mess. I ate a bunch of crap (but fortunately could only eat little amounts!). I'm back on track now and ready to get on with this. My biggest joy is the way I feel and the physical strength I've gained. I enjoy the gym now and feel it's a pleasure-not somthing I feel obligated to do.

Good luck! I don't think I'll ever be able to afford plastics, but I am researching a panniculectomy (covered by insurance). Did they let you know how much weight would come off because of the procedure? My flabby stomach must weight a ton... Best wishes to you for a complication-free recovery. Post pics!

I really miss my daily diet pepsi : ( ...but... I love my new life, so I'm not that sad. I must say that when I do have a few swigs of my husband's sprite zero, it's not pleasant. Espcially if I put any food on top of any carbonation. I've thrown up twice because of this. I had a small mimosa on new year's day to celebrate and it did NOT feel good. Boo hoo, no more champagne for me. I'm learning that it just isn't worth it.

This is fun to see everyone's stats and successes! Highest weight - 338 Surgery weigth - 307 Date of surgery - 1/31/12 Current weight - 216 Goal - 168? I used to wear tight 26-28 and 4x or 5x tops. Now I'm in 18 pants and extra large shirts. None of my shoes fit...I lost a full size.

Hang in there - you'll reflect back on this difficult time and realize that you did everything you were supposed to and made it through. It is a scary, depressing, exciting, difficult, happy time and you'll make it through. The recovery is weird because it is sooooo different than what we're used to. JUST DO YOUR BEST. You know what you need to do, so just stay on course. Remember that the "rules" are ideals. If you work toward those protein/fluid totals, you'll be doing the right thing. I had a really hard time with the amounts of things and never felt like I got enough protein/fluid in. I didn't drink even one - literally not one (absolutely couldn't tolerate them) - protein drink and I'm doing great. You'll find what works for you. Just keep sipping those liquids and take comfort in the progress you are making each and every day. I'm nine months out and feel "normal" in my new body. I can say that I feel like I've totally adjusted to this new way of life/eating/drinking. I look back on the first month and realize that it was really tough and quite emotional. But now things are moving along smoothly and I am so happy I did this.

I just last weekend did this, too. My closet is bare - literally. I've been going to the thrift store to find things to hold me over until I bite the bullet and shop for my new wardrobe. But it was sad..and happy!...putting on all my old favorites and seeing that there was just no saving any of them. I had thought I might be able to alter sides/waists, but no go. I've just photographed and desribed 32 pieces (mostly dresses but some skirts, suits and pants, too) that I'm going to put on ebay. I remember how hard it was to find quality, non- muu muu clothing in sizes 22-28, so I'm thinking that someone out there may be able to use the stuff. A bare closest is a great problem to have, really!!

Hi Mslnzee2010 - I am a singer and private voice instructor. I only cancelled a week and a half of lessons (back to work on day 10). I found that the sitting and playing was the tough part. Vocalizing was fine, but the standing and such was what hurt. I didn't get over that for over a month. Now, almost 9 months out, everything's fine. I will say that it's harder to sing (breathing! movement of the diaphragm!) with a full sleeve. I know I can't eat a lot before I sing! There's just a lot of different sensations now and the sense of fullness does get in the way of things, I think. Hope that helps.

So great and inspirational to hear success stories and see pics like yours! It's crazy how much younger you look 14 months later. Quite a transformation! I'm very interested in your plastic journey. I'm a ways off from goal but am starting to think about all this loose skin. I'd love to know how your surgery goes and if you're pleased with the results. Congrats!

It's so encouraging to read these posts. Everyone is doing well! I am exactly 8 months out today and am down 108 (31 of that was pre-op). Feel great and life is good! Losing has slowed waaaaay down - I'm lucky to lose 8 pounds in a month. And it's not steady; I'll stall for two or three weeks, then lose 3+ pounds in one week. Keep up the good work, everyone!!

Hi On The Way! I'm a patient of Dr. Neff's too (he's so great!). I was sleeved in Jan '12 and am down 108. Do you know about the Washington Township and Voorhees support group meetings? They're great and I started going when I was pre-op. I'd love to tell you anything you anything I can - I know I had so many questions pre-op. Best wishes!!

I was afraid to tell anyone, too. I wrote a long, detailed email and sent it to all of my family members at the same time. I'm happy to report that I received the most loving encouragement and support from each and every one of them! It still brings tears to my eyes to think of all the wonderful things they said to me about making such a courageous and positive decision. However, I haven't been as open with everyone in my life. There are some people I suspect would be negative. I read posts about folks getting the "OH - well, my friend/family member/neighbor/whatever did it the HARD way by eating less and exercising - they didn't cheat" comments and I really don't know what I'd do if that happened. I'm so happy for you, Barisaxlady, for the great response you got from your sis and mom! Best wishes for Tuesday and your new life!!!

Yippie - I get to report that I'm officially a member of the Century Club! Interestingly, I was out of town all last week dropping my daughter off at college and getting her settled in to her new apartment. I ate LOTS of carbs. Lots of sandwiches at lunch time (argh-bread) and I even had a mini bagel for Breakfast a couple of times. Dare I admit it...and a glass of wine with dinner (very stressful week). It is so challenging to be away from home and find good protein/low carb options (Applebee's has a great under 550 calorie section of their menu, though). But I think all the carbs and subsequent return to lean Protein this week shocked my body out of an ongoing stall/slow spell I was experiencing. I just lost four pounds in three days. So, onward toward goal.

Brady38 - in answer to your question, I've just reached the 100 pound mark, but I have a ways to go get to goal. I lost 31 pre-op and 69 since (I was sleeved on Jan. 31). I stayed only one overnight in the hospital (Kennedy Stradford).

Brady38 - I am a patient of Dr. Neff's. He's great! I was sleeved on Jan. 31 - you can see my stats below. I attend the support group meeting in Voorhees second Tues. of every month. Very helpful group of people. My experience has been all positive and I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Neff and his staff. Best wishes!!

I TOTALLY relate to this NSV, Dooter! This is the best part of eating out, in my opinion...measuring how many inches of free space between me and the table! I used to fear and hate booths. Now I choose them because I can! Yippie!

rahnava - we were sleeved just a day apart and it seems like we're moving at the same rate. I've lost 64 pounds since surgery (31 before), so were almost weight loss twins. I get discouraged when I hear of super fast weight loss that some experience. But I try to always remember that slow and steady wins the race.

I'm swiftly approaching my 6 month surgiversary and I'm here to tell you that stalls seem to be the norm. At first, it seemed magical - the scale kept going down, down, down! And then...uggg. So my doc says that this sort of "stepping down" style of weight lose (a pound down, wait a few days/week or so, a half pound down, wait a few days/week or so...you get it) is to be expected. I thought I was stalling, but I think it's just my body's way of losing now as it adjusts to work out schedule/different kinds of calories (carbs, for example), etc. I get stuck at a weight and feak out a little, and then the scale moves ever so slightly. I've learned to relax, not panic, and just keep on the correct path. As long as the scale doesn't go up, I'm OK. So I guess my advice is just to remember that you're going in the right direction (down!) and to have faith.

For me, I felt so much better as I was able to get more physical (and actually enjoy working out!). When I hit 50 lost I felt like I could see.feel a meaningful difference. However...and I don't know if this is because it doesn't show or because people feel weird about saying anything...no one really comment that I looked like I was loosing weight until about 80 lost. I actually really like it when people comment! Now, nearing 100 pounds lost, I feel like a new person. Still a ways to go, but on the right road.

I'm beginning to look really saggy. But I'll take saggy over inflated! I have a long way to go, but I'm anticipating getting serious about doing something to my tummy next summer (hoping I'll be at or very near goal then).

Hi everyone - I'm a sort-of Feb person - surgery was Jan. 31. I'm losing, slowly but surely (stats are below). It seems to be at a snails pace, though. Maybe it's the crazy humid weather and all the water retention, but I feel like I'm really struggling to lose despite hitting the gym 4-5 times a week. Trying to stay focused and on track - and not to snack. Feeling good and still excited about all of this! I'll be really happy to hit the century mark.

Hi - I'm 5'6" and I was 338 at the highest I ever saw on the scale, 307 day or surgery, and am 249 today. It will be 6 months on July 31. Good luck to you!

Yup - I recently had my blood work done and met with my surgeon. Sure enough, B and iron deficiency. Now I've added a super B and iron supplement to my daily vitamin regime.

Hi sleevers - I'm 4.5 months out and I think I'm starting to experience hair loss. Not a ton, but when I'm washing my hair there's enough hair that comes out in my hands it's enough to roll into a little hair ball. I'm also noticing some in the comb when I comb it out. My quesionts are: 1) is this the right time to see this? I thought I was past the time frame for hair loss... and 2) is this the amount other people loose or more/less than others' experience? Thanks for any thoughts!

Thanks for all or your responses to my original post. We may be balding, but dang we're losing weight!! Misery loves company! Best wishes to you all.