KatieOkieDokie

I was one of those that prescribed to the "WLS is only for ___". After listening to some peoples amazing stories, though, I've come to realize that some people that are smaller need it to save their lives just as much as I need it to save mine. Just because your BMI is 32 doesn't mean you don't still have sleep apnea, diabetes, or other weight related problems.

Your post reminded me of Smokey the Bear & his famous words, "Only you can prevent fires". Only you (atelux17) can do it. Do it for your health. Don't mind or pay attention to those around you, other than your support group. Stay healthy & God bless.

Who cares what other people think - this is for YOU. All I know is I've never known anyone overweight who wasn't scrutinized for being over weight so heck if you're going to be scrutinized, at least let it be for the healthier of the 2 options.

I am 5'4. My highest weight was 385. I was 365 at surgery. I am now a year and 4 months out and weigh 188. My 7 year old daughter said to me at the 80lbs lost marker- "Momma- what's that?" and poked it. It was my collar bone! I told her what it was and she said "Wow- you've never had one of those before!" Gotta love kids! They make all the little things great sometimes!

There have been a lot of studies lately proving the negative effects of diet sodas and also linking them to cravings. I would suggest to stop drinking them and see what happens. Best of luck !

I hope I attached the pic correctly! This is my first post-op pic--I'm wearing a skirt I've had for at least 3 or 4 years, but couldn't wear because it was too little! It was baggy today! Whoop! Whoop! This is what it feels like for dreams to come true, huh???
Sent from my iPhone using VST

I don't know if you are religious, but I truly believe these are test God puts in front of us to test our faith. Please remember with God all things are possible! Nothing confirms that your mother will be apart of the people who will be let go and even if it's so things will work out for the best. Please keep us posted on any changes, and you will definitely be in my prayers

Sounds like they are dealing with their own insecurities, which makes me feel really sad for them. Usually those who act this way are hurting on the inside, and it comes out as jealousy, and anger. I know I've been there before!

Let them roll off your back, honey! You're doing fantastic and they are SO jealous of you they can't stand it!!! Just keep doing what you know you're supposed to do!

Four years ago I decided to look into "lap-banding" for weight loss after MANY attempts to lose weight. I had lost thousands of pounds and gained back even more. A good frend said he would attend with me so we went to a "demonstration" a few miles out of the Washington, DC area. We were both impressed so I read over all the material I was given. Several months later I decided I wanted to go ahead with it, looked up a bariatric surgeon closer to home, Dr. J.R. Salameh in Arlington, VA where I live. Encouraged, I began the process after being told my insurance would cover it. I took almost all the tests and, several months later met with the diatition. She told me what I would have to do for the rest of my life and I was shocked. I remember my feeling after leaving her office. I just wasn't ready.
My life went on and I got heavier and heavier. Instead of Lap-banding I decided to, again, join Weight Watchers. This time my weight was less than three pounds from 300. I was miserable! Two years later my weight was down over 70 pounds but I fell during "snowmagedon" and had to have my right knee replaced. My recovery was very difficult and painful. I continued to gain weight, almost to my original high. My blood pressure was high, my jointes hurt all the time and, again, I was miserable. Meanwhile, I began to look forward to the day when I could retire. I turned 65 and looked into retiring when I turned 66. My olded daughter moved to London, England for work and told me I was invited to visit when I retired or even earlier. I thought a lot about retirement and visiting my daughter and two grandchildren and all the movement it would require and realized I couldn't do it in my present condition. I knew if I continued on like I was, not only could I not enjoy my grandchildren but I would probably die soon into my hard-earned retirement. This would not do. It again, was decision time. Last November, 2011 I decided I had to decide to change my life; to save my life. I called Dr. Salameh's office and made an appointment, again. I met with him on December 2nd, began the process again, this time with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy as my target.
I began the process, lost almost 40 pounds before my surgery on March 19th, 2012 at Viginia Hospital Center and today am two weeks after still recovering. I have lost 13 additional pounds in these two weeks and lose about a pound a day.
i think my final goal with be around 170 pounds or so which is about my weight while I was in college. I'm proud of myself because I think I finally had the guts to save my own life.

I don't know if the band is becoming a thing of the past or not. I only know one person whose been banded, which is my cousin and she has done wonderful with hers. It's been about a year since her surgery and she says that it's the best choice she's ever made. She's lost over 75lbs (over 100 if you count her pre-op diet). But she works at it, she has made the progress she has because she knows how to use her tool, and she works at it. I also know several people whose had the bypass (I don't personally know anyone whose had the sleeve..I may be the first in my group). Those who have had the bypass has also done amazing!
You know the one thing I've learned since starting to research WLS and the different kinds of WLS is how it's a tool, it's not a fix. You have to work with it! Change your life style, make healthier choices, workout, get out there and move! You just can't sit back and do nothing, and expect long term, ever lasting results. Yes you may have results at first, but eventually things balance out and you can and WILL gain back weight if you don't WORK at it! I am so happy to know this, because probably like many people, and lord knows our society, I thought at one time that WLS was a cure, a fix, the easy way out. I know I know, but I've learned that..that is not the case and I'm thankful for that!

I also feel sorry for her but like they say, it is only a tool and you need to be strong enough to change your eating habits and keep up the exercise. I hate it when people use pregnancy and an excuse for weight gain. Yes, you do gain weight but you can keep that to a minimum if you eat correctly... not for two! I only gained 25 lbs with my pregnancy and he was 10 lbs!! I was also 200 lbs when I got pregnant so I wasnt slim. I was in my regular clothes the next week. I know everyone is different, some have bed rest and all but I feel exxesive weight gain with a pregnancy is completely avoidable if you work at it. Best of luck to you Carnie!

Hey Guys...
So, Sleevina turned 3 months old today and I'll be 27 for the 10th time on Thursday!!!!! She's a very interesting girl and finicky girl sometimes!!! LOL... but I love her and appreciate how she has helped me change my life... So here's my update... I'm still very emotional and easy irritated most of the time... I hope, well, my friends and family are hoping this is coming to an end!!
What I have lost:
Lost 35+ pounds
3 sizes (from a 30 to mostly 24s, some 22s)
1 shoes size (bought some cute sandals in a 10, was wearing an 11W)
back pain after standing more than 15 minutes
a significant limp in my left leg due to a back injury
fear of running down my condo stairs
fear of booths, the tall exam tables at my dr's office
the need to finish my entire plate of food
a supposedly good friend who has shown her TRUE colors!!!
my live to eat motto

What I have gained:
my LIFE back!! Including being able to wear cute heels again, dance all night and fit comfortably in small(er) spaces!
confidence to try new things and be open to change
physical strength and endurance
a healthy emotional well-being, not plagued by fear of failure (still work on this!!)
a willingness to let go of people who can't/won't Celebrate me and all that I am and am becoming
a daily goal to live each day to the fullest
a greater love and respect for my body... it truly is my temple!!
a new family (you guys, my SLEEVE fam) who can truly understand the journey I'm on...

Finally, I've learned that this new life is truly a journey... in order to be successful, I have to take the ups and downs... learning from each.. but not being paralyzed or deterred by celebrating too much or grieving too long!! It's about balance for me... I appreciate each of you who have encouraged, challenged and been of part of my journey so far... It only gets better!!!
Love and Hugs
Tina

Sleeved on Monday 3/12 came home yesterday 3/14.....doing really well so far not using any pain meds......so excited my journey has begun!

yep, experiencing that right now. But guess what? We WILL lose weight because we really don't have any other choice. I remember when I was dieting that I would reach this point, I would stop losing, and I would say "to heck with this!" and just give up - and gain back everything I had worked so hard to lose and then some. But... this time, I CAN'T give up because it is physically impossible for me to eat too many calories (yeah, ok, if I sat in my recliner and fed myself ice cream all day long, I could).
So... are we going to give up ? NO ! Are we going to be patient with ourselves and continue making good healthy food choices ? YES !
We shall persevere ! We too shall be "forced" to buy new wardrobes (hehehehe I can't wait !) ! We WILL succeed !

I dont know if this has been discussed here yet, but I wanted to inform you all a Medicare medical review is nearly complete pertaining to official coverage of the VSG. If all goes well, we should have a peliminary decision at the end of this month (3/30/2012)! A final binding decision will be made no later than 6/28/2012.
Offical documentation can be found here....
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-tracking-sheet.aspx?NCAId=258&fromdb=true
I spoke with my Bariatric Surgeons P.A. today and discussed the Medicare coverage review of the VSG. He told me based on his attendance at the annual Bariatric Surgeons convention he was told coverage for the VSG is very likley to be approved for Medicare. He did not want to cite names, but did say his information came from very reliable sources close to the review process. He went so far as to say (without prompting) "He would be shocked if the review panel rejected covering it this year".
Im starting my 6 month required supervised diet (ie Nutritionist) consultations now to be ready for submittal come October when Medicare updates it's coverage. Those of you on Medicare and Medicade who have been holding out for VSG surgery coverage I strongly suggest contacting your Hospitial's Bariatric cordinator and starting the nessicary legwork now. Starting now, I will have everything needed for insurance approval ready to go the moment coverage goes live.
~Greg

Hi Sleeve Family,
I haven't worn this dress since October 20, 1990. I was going to wait until tomorrow morning to try it on, but decided to try it on after dinner tonight instead and OMG it FITS! I cried, I laughed, felt silly, happy, and joyful!!! I'm still sitting here wearing it! So many many buttons (old school), now I think they use zippers instead of individual buttons.
I am in SHOCK! I am so thankful for my sleeve, I just can not believe this! It's a MIRACLE!!!! Dreams really do come true, and it can happen for you too ...LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO ALL!!!!!
P.s. Don't laugh remember it was 1990 and I went for trendy lol!

Congrats!! That is awesome! I also never thought about making that a goal..but it's one I will set now!
And like the others have said, your mom knows, she's looking down at you from heaven, and smiling with joy!

Your mom is your biggest cheerleader as you enter Onederland! She knows and she is always there for you!

Your mom knows!! and I am betting she is extremely proud!

hey guys, wanted to update!!!
im doing good! drinking, eating, even went walking around a track for a hr. it killed me & im still sore 2days later but im glad i was able to do it! i pray i keep progressing

Love her blog! I've laughed and cried with her so many times!!

I usually would not do this. I just was wondering how many of you actually read the blogs written by our fellow sleevers. I read one yesterday I can not get out of my mind. What insight and courage this sweet young lady has. Please read and enjoy. What an amazing journey she is on, and how encouraging it is to me. Very wise beyond her years to even realize it!!

I understand why you would stop, life throws us so many curve balls. You've done great so far, it's a journey and it doesn't end, it's a lifestyle so you gotta keep going! 30lbs- you got this! Stay strong and set mini-goals, it really helps

So, I've always had a very active social.. mainly because I'm a vocalist and run in the music/arts circles.. Anyway, friday night I went to a new karaoke spot to hang out for a bit...So, I sang a song and proceeded to go hang out around the bar area w/ the DJ and his wife... This guy walks up and introduces himself and kind just lingers... I had this look on my face like.. ahhhh... can I help you??... He keeps talking, finally sits down and an hour later.... were talking about what I like to do besides read and shop.. I had to sing another song, so he follows me back to the stage area and just stands there.. .When I'm done singing, he kind of grabs me and showers me w/ all these compliments from my smile to my clothes to my voice.. I'm like.. okay...stalker!! LOL... My friends were like laughing.... I'm in shock that this stranger just grabbed me.. LOL... Previously, I would have found a reason to excuse myself because I would be totally over analyzing things... but, now I feel that life is short, so I may as well have fun!!! Oh, my favorite karaoke DJ (who I have a little crush on), can't seem to keep his hands off of me... I was singing and he walked up behind me, put his head on my shoulder and wouldn't let me go!! LOL... I was like.. Lord have mercy!! GEEZ!!
Then on saturday, we had an event at church.. my ex was there.. He was turned around in his seat, staring at me... I didn't notice at first (well, I thought I was imagining things)... but my friend was like.... Stalker, 10 o'clock!! LOL.... afterwards, he walked up to me w/ his mouth open trying to think of something to say... LOL... I just spoke and walked away, as he stood gaping and wrapping his mind around the fact that he I'm over him!!
So, how do I keep myself out of too much trouble??!!! I've gotten numbers, 'interesting' offers and some fine brothers asking to take me out.... LOL...