CowgirlJane

Man, I need to get my head on straight. I weighed 152 this morning...yikes! Yes, still under my goal of 158#. My clothes still fit. But, I liked 140ish ALOT better. I have no excuse. Life is good, I am happy, I am content in many ways... perhaps THAT is the problem. Life is good, living is easy... just another reason to get complacent, right?

I didn't know what your message meant, where you at the Lyon's Den?.... the meeting is planned for next week Sunday. I do not know if I will attend. If the weather is good, I will be out riding like I do pretty much every sunday and Saturday afternoon.

I say treat a new sleeve like a new born baby... so, i think hot sauce is a bad idea during post op recovery phase.

Life is pretty good, work is good, lots of friends and a fun social life, overally I am happy with life and yet I am finding myself eating WAY too much. I am still maintaining under goal, but the pounds are piling up. I don't get it, it is like s switch was flipped and I want to eat all the time. I think i just need to buckle down and get back to a more disciplined approach and then that feeling will likely subside... but for now, I don't like it!

I think working on this is one of the most important long term success factors. When I was in my early 20s I got down to a slim weight and regained it mostly because I was FREAKED OUT about being slim, noticed, attractive, low self esteem, getting too much attention etc. This time, I am older and wiser and have the good fortune to find "my give a damn is busted" so found that aspect much easier this go around!

I can't speak to your medical conditions, but I think your fear is normal, to be expected and just shows you have good sense! now, I think the things I worried the most about where probably the least of my worries in hindsight. Truth is most of us come out of surgery just fine and have very little actual serious problems (of course if you do get a complication, the statistics don't matter, but most of us DON'T experience those things) What most of us will experience is the emotional ups and downs of rapid weight loss, not being able to use food for whatever emotional reasons, the changes in our personal relationships... the facing of life at maintenance (oh the thrill is gone and yet the work is still there!)

I have been at goal for awhile, so I don't get this anymore... but I love acknowledgment of the new me! I am not really skinny, but normal sized which LOOKS skinny compared to my former profile!

I recently met some people who are Harley riding hobbyists. They were talking about going on a group ride for charity and it hit me that was something that would be different, new experience to try, but that I also had some fear about. i mentioned that i would be into checking it out and thusly got a free ride on a "christmas toy drive". Well, I was very afraid at first... especially the turns. I realized that my fear was largely based on thinking i must outweigh this guy by a ton, how could he possibly keep the bike stable with my weight throwing things outta wack. We kind of talked through the physics of it all and I realized that I am a normal sized person now and no different then the other passengers he has carried. I borrowed chaps and other gear - and they fit, no stress. Wow, I had this mental image that chaps designed for a woman wouldn't zip over my thighs or buckle around my waist, but they fit just fine. I have been at maintainance since Feb 2013, I wear single digit clothing sizes, and I STILL have those thoughts of being too fat for things.... So we get to the starting place and only then do I realize that magnitude of this event (found out later about 110 motercycles riding together) and that the organizers were flying colors so to speak. oh, okay. Anyway, it went fine, it was mellow, everyone was respectful and safe during the ride and it was a good time. It lasted way longer than I expected, but we donated toys, bought raffle tickets and otherwise supported a christmas toy drive for local families. I know big group rides aren't always fun (I have horses, so similiar experience) since you can't do your own thing, but for me this was absolutely thrilling to ride in a big pack where they stopped traffic and all to let the bikes get through and to mostly enjoy beautiful country roads, small towns and even the short stint at interstate speeds (scary again though!) I am not ready to join a motorcycle gang, but it was a fun event I would have never even dared trying before....

Sorry you are in pain Denise. I am doing good with Kevin he made a real effort to address my concern after the initial drama over it. He is a good guy so I am still seeing him. I had a big weekend. Tired but good! I need to stop the carb train. It's not junk food it's whole grain bread, humus, etc but I just can't eat this way!.

Hi Denise how are you feeling? Recovery going well? I know plastics was a much bigger healing thing, but protein is good for healing! I am seeing Kevin tonight. We haven't had the"exclusive" talk and I think it's about time I take my counselors advice and just"date" rather than getting so deep with one guy. I repeatedly make that mistake because I want a boyfriend and it is easy for me to sorta try to make things work. He is a pretty good guy and I am drawn to him in a way that I like feeling, but I don't think we are soulmates. That's ok we can still date. I am fairly smitten by him (and it is mutual) but he can be sarcastic and negative plus at 9 years my senior has alot of physical issues. I don't want those things for a "new" committed relationship. He is in some ways generous hearted and easy going but deep down he is a"my way or the highway" type. I am too old for that carp, but keeping things light doesn't cause a problem. He is funny, trim, athletic, full head of hair, smart, outgoing,6'4" , likes live music and dancing, affectionate - many assets for some one to date and have fun with. I have been stress eating. Bounced back up to 150# and I'd rather weigh 140#. My stress is work related and about keeping up with work around my place. Kevin would love to help me but I am NOT going down that path. I need to solve this myself. In spite of da pudge, I feel good, look good, anxiety in good control without meds... I am trying to tell myself it's time to do 5:2again. I feel emotionally strong but I want food alot. I think it's the carb cycle...

I am not sure if corset training eliminates excess skin - would be interested to hear! I did wear spanx etc under clothes and it did wonders to hold that skin in place. In fact, I managed to use that skin strategically and give me hips etc...haha.

Mine were two separate surgeries. From a pain and misery perspective, they were different and you are experiencing both: -Band removal - oh that port incision was sore! Then there was a big weird... hollow spot inside me that did eventually fill up. I Celebrate being free of that dang band and it's stupid port too! -Sleeve - stomach muscle discomfort due to hernia repair, but main issue was tiredness, hard to stay hydrated etc. I will be honest, I felt pretty bad for many weeks and wasn't back to feeling fully human till maybe 10-12 weeks post op. I didn't resume any kind of serious activity until 6-8 weeks post op... Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal. Easy peasy walks are the best at first...

Normal. Try herbal teas, warm. I am 3 years out in Dec and now can eat anything, all tastes great.

Wow, I am so proud of all of you high BMI people for tackling your obesity! I started over 50 BMI myself and I think getting away from all or nothing thinking has been critical to my success. If you lose significant amount of weight (fill in your number) you have really achieved success. I was genuinely inspired by the goal to improve mobility..what a gift. Truth is many high BMI peeps won't get to a"normal" BMI, but so what? Such improvements in health,quality of life, clothing choices, energy, appearance!!!...strive for success and celebrate them all without seeking perfection.

3 years from revision...couldn't be happier. Some people don't feel as full with the sleeve as it is more of a natural "stomach is no longer empty" feel over pain. Take the time to 're train the brain

I have been successful with sleeve but my BMI was in the 52range, now 23 range. I believe you would do best with the malabsoprtive surgeries like bypass or DS ,based on my reading. Go to dsfacts.com for lots of info. DS is a big deal and not all surgeons do it. I would consider it in your shoes.

I two would be shocked at photos - I had denial about what I saw in the mirror at 300# plus. When I got to goal I was horrified of my face. I looked so. OLD!!! I relealized last time i wasn't obese I was 22, so no wonder I looked so old in my late 40s. Anyway I have been at goal awhile, I get lots of compliments on my pretty face and I accept it as me now. When I look at pix taken when I hit goal...I looked great, it was purely dismorphia.

Congratulations! I had multiple procedures done at once but the arms were life changing. I love my toned looking arms. My scars are barely visible and well hidden, well placed.

I did not experience what you are talking about at work. I feel that people that respected my work were pretty non judgemental about my obesity. They knew and know me -worked there for 20plus years, which is really different than dad of a student...more of a distant relationship. What did happen to me at work post weight loss was the "Holy S###, you look HOT" . I admit I loved it even if it was awkward at times.

Daisy...I had about 2 months of no exercise post plastics last year and did not gain. You can do this! Thinking of you!

His fee includes the clinic and hotel. Airfare is reimbursed if you get alot done at once. Go to obesity help and read the Dr Sauceda forum. When you are ready send him photos and request a quote since everyone is different.

Denise...let me know if I can help or lend moral support in any way. I know you will be fine, no... great post op, but still scary. Thinking of you.... My thoughts are with you!

I have so many things to say yet feel I can hardly add to what has been said. Taking a different angle, I challenge you to look at limiting beliefs. Example, I have chronic pain but it is no worse when I am active. Is your pain really a limit? I cook for my grown sons. I coon meat and potatoes and salad and veggies. I don't eat the potatoes. I do not mean to discount what you are experiencing. ..it's huge, I am just suggesting that breakthrough changes in life often rely on thinking differently.

I didn't understand my feelings or the reasons at the time is why. And he is pissed as hell at me. He admitted he has a history of "my way or the highway". Whatever happens. .at least I didn't just swallow my feelings. .

Even my son told me...I am a different person.