WhoozisAnyway

I'm not sure how, but that was the only pain I had. Felt like a big bruise just under my collarbone and hurt to take deep breaths for a few days. Other than that, though, recovery was a breeze and nothing compared to my sinus surgery just a few months prior.
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Try taking refried Beans or black Beans and purée them with Water until liquid. Having something savory helped me get through the liquid phase until I could start mushy.
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Glad everyone has a plan! I don't believe in telling a full out lie, it's just that I'm very private and don't want nosy co-workers in my personal business. I'm having "female surgery". This isn't a fib. I'm female and I'm having surgery.
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I'm using the "female surgery" explanation myself. I work with mostly men and the second I say "female" it has stopped the conversation cold, lol!

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Thanks so much to all of you!!!
She is the one who got us started on this, I was dead against it. A friend at work had RNY and got her interested. When a support meeting turned me 180 degrees I liked the sound of the sleeve better, I felt that after cancer I needed all the nutrients I could get and didn't need the malabsorption afforded by RNY. Her being her and me being me, we both did what we thought best. It turned out to be right for both of us.
You know, after we took some of the after pictures this morning and I was trying to post them it was pretty slow. My Debbie kept interrupting me because she was changing clothes and having me take more pictures of her in different outfits. This from a gal who used to dread having her picture taken or looking in a mirror. I love it when she loves herself and happiness shines from her face. It is not arrogant pride but a sense of triumph I see. She conquered the great enemy of her life. She makes me think I am quite a guy to have the love of such a wonderful woman.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/jan/28/marathon-runner-mark-noel/
Shortly after this story was published, I was contacted by NPR to participate in a round table discussion. During the course of the 45 minutes we were on the air, we discussed my journey and whether weight loss surgery was the answer for many people. I was on with the head of UCLA's Bariatric Surgery unit and discussed the VSG and other options for people with weight issues. As soon as the podcast is available, probably tomorrow, I'll post a link to it and you can down it.
It was hard to come 'out of the closet' to tell everyone about my surgery. Even now there are comments that somehow I'm weak for having the surgery and not doing this on my own. As the doctor on the show pointed out, 97-99% of the people who try to do this on their own without surgery will fail and likely gain even more weight. Without addressing all the issues, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Enjoy my story...
Mark
(massindex)

Hello everyone,
I know I have not been on here in a while but I just wanted to give and update on my progress. Word of encouragement, hang in there. I've been sleeved over a year and I'm still losing weight. I was stuck at 170 for over 6 months and I honestly thought that was it but finally the stall broke. I'm very happy and now I'm living my life again. I have taken back everything that the Devil stole from me. I'm walking in victory.

Went to a real mall today and shopped at the stores I've been wanting to shop in for sooo long. Totally amazing. Only bought workout tshirts, but they are cute!! And XL not 3xl. God bless the inventor of the sleeve! May not be loosing fast but at least I'm loosing!!!!

It is so nice to see people from ms I'm in ocean springs. I had my surgery sept 11 down 45 pounds. My doc is Avara and love him he is wonderful. The only thing I had problem with is second and third week I couldn't keep food down. liquids I did great now I'm on this kick of crackers and lemon Water. I don't throw up like I was but I do some time when it don't agree. Now I'm having issues with my hair falling out. I have 110 to go and pray I make it that far. Some time I feel as though the weight will never come off. I get tired really easy now days after work I want go walk but I'm to tired to do anything. So that I have to figure out cause I want to walk. I hope everyone is doing good and I hope to hear from some one.