Piplula

OMGoodness! Today I won't call the scale a liar! Down 69# and officially not pegging out the scale..I thought just being weighed on a regular scale would be awesome..and it was ...but now...now we get to back that scale weight at the bottom back one notch! I feel like I have been given an award and need to do an acceptance speech!!! Thank you to my doctor at Vanderbilt..thank you to the nurses, dietitian, psychologist, lab tech, receptionist, insurance specialist, & anybody else who I have encountered, laid hands on me, or simply encouraged me to continue forward. Thank you to my hubby and family without whose constant love and continuing support, I would not be here..and thank you to you all out in VST land....during my first infancy weeks after surgery..I found comfort, support, and peace knowing it gets better with time, learned wisdom from those who went before me, and accepted the baby steps I had to take....and with each baby step I took..I knew there was a hand to hold out there and eventually I could let go and walk on my own...knowing I can always grab a hand to help steady me if I need it! Life is getting better and I will continue on my journey with all my peeps in tow..walking now on my own every step of the way!

I remember the happy dance I did upon getting out of the 300's! Congrats to you! You're doing an amazing job with your sleeve!!! BTW, Here's your gold-plated scale (in place of an Oscar)!

How different can a vacation look year to year? My pre-op and recent op friends, you have no idea.
Last year and this year in July we took my nephews (9 and 10 this year) to Myrtle Beach. Here are a few differences.

Last year I was about 400 and this year 245.

My swim trunks were 6x last year and 1x this year.

Last year I went in the ocean with my nephews and was scared to death I wouldn't be able to keep my balance and get out of the Water - much less be a good guardian for them. This year, I was having the best time in the water ever. I'm planning to resume SCUBA in a few months, so this was confirmation that I'm on track.

Last year when my nephews wanted to go to the water park, I had to say no and face their dissapointment. This year *I* got on the slides. I'd say they were more excited than I was, but that would not be true. I was grinning ear to ear and behaving 20 years younger than I did last year.
I was having food funerals this time last year. This year I stuck to my guns and did a pretty darn good job staying on track with my diet - and I really didn't feel more than a twinge of desire for anything not on my plan.

Last year, I had a hard time with any exertion and planned low key activities. This year I had energy to spare. One day I was walking to the car in a mall parking lot with the nephews and decided to just take off running to the car. Behind me I heard "He can run again!" and laughter. How nice to be able to have fun. Here's a kick, my wife and I took a helicopter ride. I went to Hawaii a few years ago and really wanted to but I was too heavy and over the weight limit.

Rather than hang out at the hotel during downtime like I did last year, I decided to go for a walk at the Tanger outlet. Last year I wouldn't have thought about trying to find good deals on clothing in the big and tall range I wore. 4x and 5x aren't compelling buys most of the time...this year, I was buying medium shirts. I can wear some and will be able to wear the rest within the next few months. I haven't worn a medium shirt since high school. This 50 year old was shopping like a kid in a candy shop. Even took my dear wife back to the mall and let her have fun picking some things out for me too. No more big and tall shops for me.

I can barely concieve of what next year holds. VSG gave me back my hope, health, and fun. I hope all of you can experience such a dramatic change next year.

Work it gurl!
Sent from my iPad using VST

The smile on your face is priceless !!!

Thanks everybody! Anytime I get discouraged I always come back to before and after pictures and you can definitely tell a difference! Thanks for all the encouragement! I will continue on with the good fight because I am worth it! I hope to have a great before and 6 months after picture!

Thanks everybody! Anytime I get discouraged I always come back to before and after pictures and you can definitely tell a difference! Thanks for all the encouragement! I will continue on with the good fight because I am worth it! I hope to have a great before and 6 months after picture!

Hello all! So I am down 67# today..sleeved 4/3 and have been in need of some new scrubs for awhile! So I went and bought some on sale last night..went down 2 scrub sizes and my coworkers said that I have been hiding under the bigger ones ( well honestly..I was being cheap because the bigger ones are like wearing pjs.. But they aren't flattering) so I thought I would break down and get new ones..so today..I am rocking some curves! LOL!! Slowly but surely will win this race against the bulge! I promised myself I wouldn't post a picture until I wa 6 months out..and I will definitely post a before and after..but to me..this was too good!

I hate my iPad sometimes! Sorry about the typos! Anyway.. There are quite a few people here who had full blown diabetes that were effectively cured. In my support group..I met a type 2 diabetic woman who didn't go into remission but she went from 150 units of insulin / day plus oral meds to 5 units of insulin with oral meds. So hers improved immensely and she talked about being disappointed BUT how much better her diabetes is secondary to her decision to have surgery. Obviously..surgery isn't for eeveryone, but it has changed my life for the better. I am sure that I would have developed full blown diabetes continuing on the road I was on! It sounds like you are experiencing normal feelings before your surgery. I felt the same way..regretted it 48 hours after I did it then everyday got better and better as my new stomach & me got to know each other. I was sleeved 4/3 ..I am down 67# something I was ever able to do on my own with conventional diets or methods. I wish you peace and determination with your decision. Remember..the sleeve us a tool..when the tool is used properly..there are endless possibilities! Good luck!

Hello all! So I am down 67# today..sleeved 4/3 and have been in need of some new scrubs for awhile! So I went and bought some on sale last night..went down 2 scrub sizes and my coworkers said that I have been hiding under the bigger ones ( well honestly..I was being cheap because the bigger ones are like wearing pjs.. But they aren't flattering) so I thought I would break down and get new ones..so today..I am rocking some curves! LOL!! Slowly but surely will win this race against the bulge! I promised myself I wouldn't post a picture until I wa 6 months out..and I will definitely post a before and after..but to me..this was too good!

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

You know..if he can't see the beauty inside out..then he was blind to it to begin with and doesn't deserve you anyway! There are more bigger fish to catch!

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

Don't know what made me try..but I haven't Ben able to wear my wedding band and engagement ring since 2001..I was pregnant with my daughter..was married in 1999..today..it fit. I was going to have them resized..but never got around to it. I am happy made the decision to go with the sleeve..I am healthier and happier for it.

That is wonderful, and I'm sure your hubby loves seeing it there!

That's awesome! Congrats!

Awww...tear...THAT is the best feeling! Congratulations!

Congrats! That's one of the things I look forward to also! I know that has to be a wonderful feeling...for both of you : )

Congratulations that is great!

Yayyy! That's so great!

That is so wonderful! Its beautiful! Xo

Congratulations! Mine fit for the first time in years this week too!