WhoozisAnyway

Yay for you! It will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself.

That is awesome! Everything I've read says that hypothyroidism is not changed by weight loss. So it did change for you? I have it do I would like to know.

Maybe not for everyone, but mine disappeared. I've tested normal for about 8 months now.

Congrats, beautiful! Today is my Surgiversary too! Wooooo to us!

I haven't been on VST much the past few months, I moved most of my activity over to MyFitnessPal. However, today is my one year "Surgiversary" and I have so much to be thankful for.

I lost 81 pounds, from 274 to 192, and still losing (verrrry slowly now).

I went from sizes 22/24/2X to 8/10/M, bra size from 42DD to 36C/D(treated myself to a fitting today, yay!).

I lost a full shoe size.

I lost high blood pressure, hypothyroid, plantar fasciitis, and Vitamin D deficiency.

I lost pain in my hips when laying in bed.

I lost being out of breath constantly and being drenched in sweat with the slightest exertion.

I lost excruciating back pain that left me with a possible permanent limp.

I gained strength and stamina (from working out at a gym).

I gained the ability to push myself through first Water aerobics, then elliptical, then strength training, then spinning, Pilates and yoga.

I gained (most of) my self confidence back.

I gained more energy than I've had in my entire life - and I'm almost 43!

I gained the ability to buy clothes from any store I want.

I gained the joy of not being too embarrassed to have my photo taken.

I was very lucky and have had zero complications. I've never gotten sick. I credit this to following doctor's orders! I'd still like to lose another 10-20 pounds, but it's ok if I don't. I have some jiggly skin and cellulite, but nothing I can't live with. I couldn't care less about plastic surgery. If hubby doesn't care, then I don't either. I did lose some hair but not too bad. I seem to break out with acne a lot more.

So, that's me in a nutshell. My hubby and I are celebrating with a little champagne tonight, and tomorrow I'll be back at the gym for spinning and yoga, and recording all my food on MFP. VST was an amazing lifeline for me pre and post surgery and I'll always be grateful to all of you for your support, honesty and assistance. Onward and upward!

1. Losing 80 pounds. Twice what I've ever lost before.

2. Not hurting any more. Plantar fasciitis disappeared, back is just a little twingy, I credit the weight loss and lots of gym time.

3. Losing so many sizes that there isn't a single item from my "fat" days that doesn't swim on me. From 24/2x to 10/12/medium. Even some smalls!

4. Fitting into any type of seat available.

5. Utter happiness!

Yep! I'm down 80 lbs and almost a full shoe size. In addition, my pain from plantar fasciitis has just about disappeared. Yay for smaller feet!

I am all over the place today! Insurance has approved' date=' date scheduled, but I am terrified. I've been on these boards reading and researching forever it seems like, and I've read the amazing success stories along with the frightening complications that have been here recently. One second I am resolved to going through with it and know I need it. I'm good at reminding myself what this surgery has the potential to help me do. Then next second, I am terrified of complications, losing out on food, feeling restricted, wondering if I really need this, or if I would be ok like I am?

Of course I know I need this, bit how do I convince that other side of myself to calm down and go through with it? It doesn't help that my mom thinks I am crazy & this is sooo drastic. My husband supports me but he is a skinny minny so can't really understand.

Thanks for reading, guys. I think it helps to just get it all out. I am going to talk the a therapist on the 12, 8 days before surgery, and will continue to see her for a while afterwards to help work out issues that come up. There is probably no one in the world who couldn't benefit from therapy & I'm certainly no exception...

What did you guys do to help with the bad anxiety that comes from this journey? I don't want to get scared into banking out now.[/quote']

I never really had bad anxiety. I was just tired. So tired. Tired of being out of breath, tired of sweating, tired of not being able to keep up with my husband, who is 20 years older than me! Tired of being embarrassed, tired of hiding from friends, tired of hiding when photos are taken, tired of avoiding events because I might cause a scene with sweating events. I am no longer shy, ashamed, embarrassed or tired. I have tons of energy, work out every day, have gone from a size 24 to a 10(!!!!!!). Enough said. Still have 40-50 lbs to lose but I feel like a new person. I only wish the same success for you. Cheers!

I have to agree with another poster. I used to love their food, but I can't bring myself to give them my money now. Ah well, it's better that we eat fresh instead of frozen processed food anyway. Places like CFA are what got us into trouble in the first place.

I had the vs in July 2012. I weighed 268 when I started the whole process in the beginning. When I had surgery I was weighing 245 pounds. I now weigh 215 pounds and I am starting to gain because I am eating all the wrong things and I know I am doing it and I don't stop. I have always been a compulsive overeater who used food to deal with life. I am really struggling with the loss of food and who I am and where I am going. I need someone to make me accountable. I need a mentor who can understand where I am at and help me to move to a new place. I want to be healthy. I don't want to continue as I am but I am self sabotaging myself. Has anyone else struggled with this? This is the hardest thing I have every done with my life. I feel like a failure and I am so sick of feeling so full that I am sick. Does anyone have any ideas? Mary

I've had good success with my overeating demons by using a fitness/nutrition app. I use Myfitnesspal, but there are several out there. Check them out, I hope you can find something or someone to connect with.

How are you doing? Dr Avara is my doctor too. My surgery is October 26 ' date=' that's Friday! I live in Hattiesburg. I'd love to hear how you've been doing since your surgery.[/quote']

Doing fantastic! I'm down almost 75 lbs since per-surgery diet. Off of all meds except Protonix for reflux, in the gym 3-4 days a week doing Water aerobics, strength training and now spinning! Went from a 22/24/2X to current 10/12/M, still would like to lose another 30-50 lbs. Currently on vacation at Disney World where I can't stop jumping for joy at how good I feel! I love Dr. Avara, good luck with your surgery! I know you'll do great!

Awesome! Sounds like we are similar in sizing/loss. I wore a size 10 pencil skirt today and felt like the bomb!

My Protein and supplements have been very high since surgery (80 grams of protein on average) took Botin from day one, and still I experienced Hair loss starting at 4 months out. However, I certainly didn't go bald and my hair is growing back quickly. Don't freak out about it, it's temporary and will grow back.

WLS works if you do.

You can go from a wider shoe size to a medium if your feet are fleshy. Not everyone will have this issue. I didn't.

I've lost 1/2 to 1 shoe size, depending on brand. The last few years, my feet went from 8.5-9 to 9.5-10. Now I'm back to 8.5-9. Have a ton of expensive shoes that are too big now.

I have never been successful as a gym rat - until now. Can't even guess how much $$ I've wasted in gum memberships over the years. Surgery was 4/9 and I joined the gym on 5/15 as soon as my doc released me. Because of a herniated disk, I'm limited in what I can do, so I started with Water aerobics and elliptical. Now I'm addicted, because this time I can see results! I go 3-4x week, and now alternate elliptical, strength training and spinning class. I have muscles, endurance and most of all, FUN! Make sure you find a facility that makes you feel comfortable and not intimidated.

You will do great, it's a wonderful journey!

Another 12.2 lbs down since my original post. Almost to Onederland - just 1.8 lbs to go! This skirt is a size 10, top is a Medium.

Surgery 4/9. Started at 22/24 pants and 2x tops. Currently 12/14 pants and M tops. I'm so happy to not shop the big girl section any more!

I've just kept the scars well moisturized with either apricot oil or an alpha hydroxy lotion, and my scars are almost gone.

Lol!! Noticed that. And posed.

It's because I refused to keep bad photos and had to download pics from Facebook friend posts, lol.

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I can't give any help for Jackson, but can HIGHLY recommend Dr. Avara in Ocean Springs if she can come to the Coast.

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I was told I will be given that card too. Was surprised to findmwhen I called the dining section of Disney' date=' they told me I will probably have to pay full price for the character meals. We are scheduled for two. They will be the most expensive 1/2 a chicken breast I will ever eat.[/quote']

This is going to happen whether you are at Disney or anywhere else. You have to refocus your thinking to the fact that you are paying for the experience, not the food. Very different from the days where we would try to " get all we could" out of a buffet meal.

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I will be traveling to the happiest place on earth a meer 39 days after surgery. Doc already said it would be okay to fly but took out vacation insurance just in case. Has anyone had any experience with dining in Disney so soon after surgery. I spoke with their dining department today and they basically said if my family wants to visit a buffet (character dining) I have to pay the full price even though I won't be able to eat much. She said that I can ask the manager at the time if I could pay the child's cost but they don't have to grant it. I hate to make my kids miss out on this experience or me miss out on them at the experience. Any advice on Disney dining would be appreciated. We have a suite with a fridge so we are ordering food for the room' date=' milk for kiddies, sugar free ice pops, Water, etc! Thanks for your help.[/quote']

We go to Disney every year and have been to most of the restaurants. There are actually only a few buffet restaurants, mostly character dining, compared to the number of walk up and full service restaurants. Do you have priority seating reservations anywhere specific? Are you on the Dining Plan? My first recommendation is to check out www.allearsnet.com, they tend to have the most up to date menus posted. Second, don't stress about eating at the World. There is no place better equipped to handle dietary restrictions. If you are at one of the full service restaurants and don't see something on the menu that fits your needs, do not hesitate to ask your server or the manager. They will always customize a meal if possible and will even send a chef out if you have specific questions. It's truly amazing how accommodating they can be.

If you have any Disney related questions, especially regarding dining or logistics, feel free to PM me, I'd be happy to help! Have fun!

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very interesting...

Yes' date=' I believe there is a correlation between atheism/agnosticism and liberalism. I think much of it is education, since generally the more education one acquires, the more ones beliefs (or lack thereof?) are more scientifically oriented. I would also argue that liberals deal more in FACTS. Especially this time around. It seems to be all about low-information , and mis-information. I could go ON AND ON :-) Btw, I have searched for a LIBERAL SLEEVERS group...i think it might be time to start one...

..[/quote']

I'm there! Not necessarily an atheist but most definitely a non-believer in the hypocrisies of organized religion. I think that qualifies as an agnostic. I think we tend to be more liberal because we don't ever take a story at face value, we take time to research and find out the truth. Start a group, please!

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Come meet us on MyFitnessPal, we tend to keep one another in check. My name is dznygrl70 on MFP.

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Lissa, you have been the most inspiring person on this site. Happiest of surgiverseries to you.

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