Vance_

Your right about that one, Caitlyn!

My surgery date was 12/31/11. I have lost 116 lbs in a little more than 8 months. I'm no longer obese and I feel great! You can do this!!

My surgery date was 12/31/11. I have lost 116 lbs in a little more than 8 months. I'm no longer obese and I feel great! You can do this!!

I changed my mind after every required class my insurance made me go to. Then I'd change it back before the next class only to change it again after. Glad I went through with it.

I was all set to do this two years ago and then talked myself out of it, convinced that I could do it on my own. I don't know why I convinced myself of this, because I would always lose 30-40 lbs and then gain it all back and then some. By the end of my "doing it on my own" I weighed 20 lbs more. At that point I made up my mind to go through with it and had six months of required NUT counceling for insurance. During that time I had plenty of time to contemplate and second guess. I had cold feet all the way up to surgery day. I was sleeved on June 4th. I have lost more weight I have ever been able to lose doing it on my own and I know it will stay off this time. I feel wonderful and healthy. I still have 65 more pounds to go, but now I have the tool to actually do it this time. My only regret is that I did not do this two years ago!

Yes, I did the same thing. In reality, yes, you COULD do it without the surgery. You could lose weight, then life starts happening again and it all comes back. For me, the sleeve FORCED me into a life change. I needed that. I was queen of losing 30-40 lbs and then gaining back 50-60. I have now lost 73 lbs and feel great!

I did, but I knew me. I had lost about 60 lbs on Nutrisystem but then gained it all back plus some. I think it is natural to feel this way. But for me, I knew that even if I succeeded at losing weight myself, my tendency would be to put it back on again. I had these feelings right before I went into surgery. I am so happy I went through with it. This is a tool to help us learn to how to eat again. It has changed my life for the better and I have never regretted my decision. Good luck!!

I'm pretty young. 42.

I'm pretty young. 42.

I did, but I knew me. I had lost about 60 lbs on Nutrisystem but then gained it all back plus some. I think it is natural to feel this way. But for me, I knew that even if I succeeded at losing weight myself, my tendency would be to put it back on again. I had these feelings right before I went into surgery. I am so happy I went through with it. This is a tool to help us learn to how to eat again. It has changed my life for the better and I have never regretted my decision. Good luck!!

I used to use a CPAP machine and I had high blood pressure. I was close to being diabetic prior to surgery. I no longer have sleep apnia and I no longer have high blood pressure because of my weight loss and my blood sugar levels are normal now.

Congrats! You look great! What a wonderful success story!!

I did, but I knew me. I had lost about 60 lbs on Nutrisystem but then gained it all back plus some. I think it is natural to feel this way. But for me, I knew that even if I succeeded at losing weight myself, my tendency would be to put it back on again. I had these feelings right before I went into surgery. I am so happy I went through with it. This is a tool to help us learn to how to eat again. It has changed my life for the better and I have never regretted my decision. Good luck!!

Wow! You look great!! Congrats!!

I now wat you meen, their. I hate it wen peaple misspeel words.

I now wat you meen, their. I hate it wen peaple misspeel words.

I was getting nautious with protein shakes. Shortly after surgery, I switched to EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control Protein drinks. They come in Chocolate, Strawberry, Cafe Caramel and some other flavors. It is an 11 oz drink with 17 grams of protein, 110 calories, 3 grams fat, and 4 grams total carbs. I actually enjoy the drinks and to me doesn't have that protein after taste. My favorite is the Cafe Caramel, although I have to order it online. The other flavors I can purchase at Kroger or other grocery stores. Give it a try! I think you will enjoy!! Hope this helps!!

So sorry to hear this news, Kimberly. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

I told my boss and my dad (and of course my wife and children). Other than that, I felt it was no one elses business. I have seen a lot of negativity and I just didn't want to deal with it. When people ask me how I have lost so much weight, I just tell them portion control, lots of Protein, lots of Water, and no midnight Snacks anymore. I'm not lieing to them because that is really what is going on.
Good luck on your surgery and congrats on your decision!!

GOOD TO SEE YOU VANCE!

They ARE off, and will be for a little while. It normalizes again. A little too well for me in fact.
It comes back. Enjoy the assistance while you have it!

So I am sorry if this upsets anyone, but before you say "I only lost 20lbs" or "I only lost 2lbs this week" maybe take a step back and remember the excited thrilled feeling you got when you hit 20lbs at WW. Or how great it felt to go down 2lbs in one week with Atkins...
Just remember this is a tool, and you get out what you put it. Also remember there will be stalls. This is a tool to help us lose the weight. It's hard not to be discouraged, but maybe count each day with your sleeve as a victory. If you tumble, pick yourself back up and we have this amazing gift that each day is a new opportunity to do the best we can. One step and one pound at a time. Marathon... Not a sprint.
:-)

Our relationships post-sleeve are something everyone has thought and worried about. Thanks for reminding everyone that there are some very real, very positive things to be shared after surgery with your signifigant other.
I wrap my lleg around my Hubby's waist now when I am asleep...I apparently dont even know it. he seems quite pleased
Just one of many things we enjoy now

I was able to "resume sexual activity" yesterday, after my 2 week post op appt. And with 24 lbs gone, it was like a whole new world, felt like a new person. Just wanted to give you pre-surgery people something to look forward to!
And I guess I could all that a Non-scale Victory also! heehee