CowgirlJane

Sorry if this sounds harsh - but your kids are old enough to pick up after themselves, cook food, do laundry etc etc. In fact, you are doing them a disservice to continue to provide complete maid and chef services - how else will they learn if not under your wing?
I can't help but wonder if they aren't all (kids and hubby) really saying that : "I have a good deal going here and I don't want you going in and messing it up by changing!" Really, it isn't about the short time of surgical recovery, it is about the whole rest of your life. Heck, if you start feeling better about yourself you might no longer be the willing servant to the family. Many many kids at age 16 and 19 have jobs and are fairly independent. Even 13 year olds often babysit and take on other responsibilities.
It is really really hard for others to accept this kind of change, but I guess the question is - what is your health worth? What is your happiness worth? What is your ability to go out and do fun stuff without dragging around a bunch of extra weight worth?
Yes, it is great to have support, but I will tell you that the most important "support" comes from deep inside you. It is your own willingness, eagerness to change your life that will make you successful no matter what resistance you meet from others.
My final thought is this. My boys are 20 and 23. It is a bit sad and lonely when they fly the nest and start living their own lives - even though I raised them with the expectation to find their way int he world, it is still painful as the mom to be left behind. My youngest son went off to college and I had to hide my tears everytime he headed back to school after a long weekend or holiday home. It was heartbreaking as we have always been so close, but dang it, he deserves his own life - he doesn't owe it to me to stay around and keep me company! How are you going to feel over the next 5 years or so as they each take flight and leave you home - still fat, still not living the life you want, but you don't have their companionship.
I am so busy having fun these days I hardly have time to miss the kids. I am not even at goal yet, but let me tell you, losing that 100+ pounds was like a HUGE weight coming off my shoulders and now I am the one flying!

Sorry if this sounds harsh - but your kids are old enough to pick up after themselves, cook food, do laundry etc etc. In fact, you are doing them a disservice to continue to provide complete maid and chef services - how else will they learn if not under your wing?
I can't help but wonder if they aren't all (kids and hubby) really saying that : "I have a good deal going here and I don't want you going in and messing it up by changing!" Really, it isn't about the short time of surgical recovery, it is about the whole rest of your life. Heck, if you start feeling better about yourself you might no longer be the willing servant to the family. Many many kids at age 16 and 19 have jobs and are fairly independent. Even 13 year olds often babysit and take on other responsibilities.
It is really really hard for others to accept this kind of change, but I guess the question is - what is your health worth? What is your happiness worth? What is your ability to go out and do fun stuff without dragging around a bunch of extra weight worth?
Yes, it is great to have support, but I will tell you that the most important "support" comes from deep inside you. It is your own willingness, eagerness to change your life that will make you successful no matter what resistance you meet from others.
My final thought is this. My boys are 20 and 23. It is a bit sad and lonely when they fly the nest and start living their own lives - even though I raised them with the expectation to find their way int he world, it is still painful as the mom to be left behind. My youngest son went off to college and I had to hide my tears everytime he headed back to school after a long weekend or holiday home. It was heartbreaking as we have always been so close, but dang it, he deserves his own life - he doesn't owe it to me to stay around and keep me company! How are you going to feel over the next 5 years or so as they each take flight and leave you home - still fat, still not living the life you want, but you don't have their companionship.
I am so busy having fun these days I hardly have time to miss the kids. I am not even at goal yet, but let me tell you, losing that 100+ pounds was like a HUGE weight coming off my shoulders and now I am the one flying!

For me, I would never consider a lapband again, even if it were possible with the sleeve. I hate that demonic device.
Good luck on the approvals - sleeve is oh so much better!!!!

I started out at 308 about Nov 30th. Had surgery on 12/12/11 weighing 300. So, I am about 7.5 months out and have lost over 105#. It is slowing down a bit, but I am still losing!

I think that the first 2 months... there is a lot of change going on. Maybe the body is still producing alot of hunger hormone? I don't know. what I observed is that my hunger decreased even more around 2-3 months post op. I don't know if that is because I finally figured out how to make things work for me or what the deal was.
A couple of ideas - make absolutely sure you are well hydrated. I swear I need more Water now then I ever did!
Also, make absolutely sure you don't have heartburn/acidy stomache/reflux. Even if you feel "ok" sometimes that feels like hunger but it is really mild heartburn. In hindsight, this is one of the problems I had with the band - I was so dang hungry all the time - at least some of it was stomach acid. You know what made it feel better? ice cream. that was not good at all. Since being sleeved I have stayed on top of the hydration and acid and the hunger has been well managed and I no longer crave ice cream or anything like that to comfort or soothe my stomach. I thought it was all in my head - emotional soothing - but I am now so convinced that it was at least 80% physical since a PPI made it go away.

I started out at 308 about Nov 30th. Had surgery on 12/12/11 weighing 300. So, I am about 7.5 months out and have lost over 105#. It is slowing down a bit, but I am still losing!

You have done so great!!!
This is one of my "looming concerns" - the long haul. I know that weight loss maintenance is harder then the losing. I am trying hard now to build those new habits - but I have been obese or overweight for about 42 of my 48 years, so I have no illusions - this will be a lifetime struggle. I appreciate your posting, it gives me hope that i TOO can do it, and make those right decisions.

I think that it is very hard to assess how "ready" you are. I was banded in 2001 and I really really thought I was ready. In hindsight, I didn't know what it even meant to be ready.... really, i just had no idea. It sucks that I had a miserable 10 years with the lapband, regained all the lost weight etc, but I tell you what, it really makes me appreciate the tool that the sleeve is. Also, since I was in such a different state of mind with the sleeve, I didn't regret that I don't get to eat much anymore. Like i said before, the rough Patches were just in perspective. I felt very worried about the risk of a revision, but in the end, decided I was dying slowly from the obesity and so might as well throw the dice and go through with it. Overeating was ruining my health and interferring with my life - I was just done with it.
I went through a lot of turmoil in the year leading up to this surgery, maybe i got alot of it out of my system... not sure.
Now, what is more bothersome is that everyone else cares so much about food...lol. Damn these people who all want to take time for meals an stuff.

I think that it is very hard to assess how "ready" you are. I was banded in 2001 and I really really thought I was ready. In hindsight, I didn't know what it even meant to be ready.... really, i just had no idea. It sucks that I had a miserable 10 years with the lapband, regained all the lost weight etc, but I tell you what, it really makes me appreciate the tool that the sleeve is. Also, since I was in such a different state of mind with the sleeve, I didn't regret that I don't get to eat much anymore. Like i said before, the rough Patches were just in perspective. I felt very worried about the risk of a revision, but in the end, decided I was dying slowly from the obesity and so might as well throw the dice and go through with it. Overeating was ruining my health and interferring with my life - I was just done with it.
I went through a lot of turmoil in the year leading up to this surgery, maybe i got alot of it out of my system... not sure.
Now, what is more bothersome is that everyone else cares so much about food...lol. Damn these people who all want to take time for meals an stuff.

Do a search for regrets, and you will find people who feel that way the first month or two especially. We are all different, but I was so READY for this surgery that I never had feelings of regret. I knew what to expect and things were not as bad as I had mentally prepared for. Don't get me wrong, I went through about a 2 month period of feeling tired and a little blue.... but I had read enough to know that was very common. And like everyone said, it did get better.
And look at me now, getting fitter, looking better, outstanding bloodwork, no more high blood pressure... etc etc.
I am positively thrilled with my results. You know what, I think I am starting to believe this is going to work - I have given away my bigger clothes! It is real this time.

I have been in a stall, but this week i had a big loss of 4.6# to get me at the 101# lost. I am so thrilled with my success - all without vomiting, getting food stuck or trying to adjust fills. I am absolutely thrilled!!!
I need to get updated pictures, but i feel so normal and everybody around me think I look normal. Wearing regular 16 jeans now - no more PLUS sizes for me!!!

A a current photo (I am not done yet, still in progress). The horse I am riding is on the smaller side compared to what I am used to.
My before photo is of me just standing. I will be honest, it is hard for me to look at that photo, but it is a good reminder of where I never want to go again.

A a current photo (I am not done yet, still in progress). The horse I am riding is on the smaller side compared to what I am used to.
My before photo is of me just standing. I will be honest, it is hard for me to look at that photo, but it is a good reminder of where I never want to go again.

A a current photo (I am not done yet, still in progress). The horse I am riding is on the smaller side compared to what I am used to.
My before photo is of me just standing. I will be honest, it is hard for me to look at that photo, but it is a good reminder of where I never want to go again.

Do a search for regrets, and you will find people who feel that way the first month or two especially. We are all different, but I was so READY for this surgery that I never had feelings of regret. I knew what to expect and things were not as bad as I had mentally prepared for. Don't get me wrong, I went through about a 2 month period of feeling tired and a little blue.... but I had read enough to know that was very common. And like everyone said, it did get better.
And look at me now, getting fitter, looking better, outstanding bloodwork, no more high blood pressure... etc etc.
I am positively thrilled with my results. You know what, I think I am starting to believe this is going to work - I have given away my bigger clothes! It is real this time.

Congrats!!!! I can so relate! When you start at the 50 BMI mark, you really notice moving through the "catagories"
I am so looking forward to getting under 30 BMI!!!!!!!

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

I am doing great. 7 months post op I hit my 100# loss mark - I am losing as well as a typical "virgin sleever". I think the sleeve is alot better then the band - I had one of those for 10 years!
I have alot of posts in this forum that tell more of my story if you want to read it. I was sleeved Dec 12, 2011 and am now too busy running around, riding my horse and enjoying life to retype it.

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

It was hard the first few months - just adjusting to everything, feeling a little emotional, hating the way everything tasted weird, feeling tired, but i never regretted it for a minute.
Now, I am 7 months out, i feel great, food is food and tastes fine - it is no longer the center of my world so I am not overly concerned with it. (The funky taste I had for months seems to be much better now though)
And, at 100+ pounds lost, I am living a much better life!!
No regrets here!

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

I am talking about even people who saw me during the journey - someone I saw just 2 months ago walked right by me not recognizing me. My good friend keeps doing double takes! I guess I really DO look different. She tells me that there is no way i still have 40-45# left to lose - well, I really do, but it still made me feel good!
-Size 16 (no W!!) instead of 26W or whatever I could cram myself into
-Comparable size to many of the women i know, even though I still have more to lose
-People are INVITING me to ride their horses! Offers I would have never gotten before. I am a good rider, it is just I was so dang huge!
-I can crawl in and out of the bed of my truck (hooking up the gooseneck hitch!). Could not have done that 6 months ago
-I no longer feel like I am made of glass and could break with the slightest stumble or fall.
-I can run, keep up with my dogs, horses etc.
Living the life I want - this is the dream!
So, the weird thing for me recently is clothes shopping. I feel like an intruder in the regular sizes section... like I will be tossed out when somebody discovers I snuck in...lol. I can't seem to find clothes that i like though, it is weird, it looks to me like the cute stuff is int he plus sizes. What the heck is wrong with me??? lol. i don't think I have any danger of becoming shopping obsessed.

Weight loss is definately slower when you are smaller, but I get that you are frustrated with these results.
So, do you work with a nutritionalist? I think that is super helpful.
People have already suggested that you journal EVERYTHING. I do think that is a wise thing to try. I find that sadly, I can't eat much to keep losing. Even a few hundred extra calories here or there stops losses. If I undereat I feel horrid and too low energy, so it is a balancing act.
I have had good steady losses, but this last month things kinda stalled. I refocused on Protein and Water, and sure enough, 5 pounds dropped. I would be happy to share more specifics/feedback if you share more details on your food and exercise. That is not to say that everybody is the same, but i have definately found some things that work better then others and can maybe spot something in your routine.
So, I don't mean to sound discouraging, but you are right in the zone when your fastest losses should be happening so you are smart to try to figure this out right now. My personal experience was that I had almost no hunger months 2-6 . Starting just after my 6 month surgery anniversary, I started noticing hunger again. I am still losing, but it is definately getting a bit more challenging a bit slower.