Look@meitsEmily

As my first day of pre-op diet starts today, a movie quote keeps repeating in my head: "This is crazy. This is crazy. This is crazy." :-)
Anyone on this Oct 2012 thread also on "my fitness pal"? If so, feel free to add me as a friend: ANewMeAt42
Good Luck & speedy recovery wishes going out to our 10/1 OctoSleevers who start the rest of their lives tomorrow. See ya on the loser's bench!!
Which makes me wonder: Which one of you will be the first to start a new thread called: "2012 OctoSleevers Loser's Bench"?
Here we go!!!!

Woo hoo! One more thing to look forward to! Good luck Chelle, you'll get your turn!

I wonder if sex will get better as I get smaller. Sometimes its a chore because I have to hold up my fat legs or be on my knees and feel my stomach flop up and down... has anyone experienced a better sex life?! (This question is not meant to offend anyone, I am happily married!)

You should have snatched his arm off and beat him over the head with it!
Congrats on the cigs, too!

Hello all. 9/23/2012 marks exactly 3 months since my weight loss surgery! I’ve lost exactly 50 lbs since the day of surgery on 6/23/2012, and 64 lbs since my highest recorded weight on 6/2/2012. It hasn’t been an easy or smooth road, but having VSG surgery was one of the most fruitful decisions of my life. I am humbled by, and grateful for this journey. I’ve seen my life and my thought processes change and grow thus far throughout this journey. Areas where I was once weak no longer have power over me. Everyday I get stronger.
The periodic discoveries are awesome to see. Clothes that were once skin tight now falling off me. Having a workout that initially could only last as long as 20 mins (cuz that’s all I could take) now lasting 60 minutes (an easy 60 minutes…some days). Having people notice the weight loss. Noticing my natural body shape begin to emerge from the once mounds of fat. I liken it to the slow, arduous process of a sculptor chiseling through stone or ice to reveal a masterpiece underneath.
While my masterpiece is still in the midst of creation, I know that it is through some divinity that the true me is being unveiled. Yes, it is God’s hand at work in me, because He knows I didn’t do it alone. All I did was show up, but the transformation of me–mind, body and soul–that has to come from a divine, loving place. Within me and without.
I don’t have all of life’s mysteries figured out, but I know God when I see Her.
As I look forward for the next “trimester” of my rebirth, I can now say that I welcome the process. All of the blood, sweat, tears that have already been shed, and those to come. But also ALL of the joy, love, self-esteem, health and growth.
Who knows how the next 3 months will unfold? I sure don’t. I just promise to show up.

I am pre op (October 29th!!!!!) and I've heard to it referred to as buyers remorse. My biggest piece of advice is to write down how you feel right now about having surgery and why you're having surgery and read it as you go through your times of doubt. I'm sure you'll do great! Good luck to you!

2012 OctoSleevers
(updated 9/26: we're up to 180 members!!)
10/1 -- ( 19 )
IsaacsGram
ann48
luvlife
conrow1994
hockeymom1010
highschoolfigure
urboyp
FoxyRoxy
diamondzlife
hsirk
SleevenChica
twoplusone227
krenzema
mztialady
innermyth
readytobethin
D2b11f
BigGirlPanties
imgonnaloseit!
10/2 -- ( 9 )
SkinnyMinnie2Be
melinda.trujillo
ThinkThin78
kolerz219
minkywinks_esposa
Peazwithin
tqmeri30
story
RJ’S/beginning
10/3 -- ( 10 )
miriamK
NDN_RN
mztj99
laurenw
katstally
UTGal99
Frenchi
HollyC
ashleytn
lasvegasdimples
10/4 -- ( 7 )
Scottishlassie
KishaE
cherrybombknits
arathfon.rn
plbutler
cheeri1
tylr3316
10/5 -- ( 5 )
Jenni Smith
mom2han
Kiki74
valdostaGA
SolizeTheGift
10/6 -- ( 2 )
bellesol
CCCross
10/8 -- ( 13 )
vitaleEM
JustSkinnyMeInside
jonesy8844
az1369
chad2rad
Jae-R
ElaineB
MommaMeg01
lilly's journey
turbosprint
Mrz.LaWSOn
auggie
FeelsMe2
10/9 -- ( 22 )
hbjewelry
Natava
JazzyJ
SweetTee
shastarey3000
sacharliem
butter-fly
cosmo95
Malisima69
shamrockjulie
Tanya~101
TuscanyDreams
kbaith25
Chills562
XoTiffanniXo
sacharliem
052407
diva30
dyvasha70
shall0207
pink grace
Zuwi
10/10 -- ( 7 )
ready2bskinny
butter-fly
Missdede
geewalk
LivinADream
VSG Duck
ecannizz
10/11 -- ( 8 )
Lil'LO
choc_thicktothin
Holly5.3
gottaloozit
ME123
charchar
SCS
MNSleeveGirl
10/12 -- ( 3 )
suejersey
TeeBeeCee
KZBen
10/15 -- ( 10 )
Susan 2.0
Cyn
Hnbc1986
andreagoeldner (DS)
Ely
kmoore
change4life2012
Jackie6
Hnbc1986
welittle1
10/16 -- ( 10 )
kssooner2
Anicmice
unobaby
JonathanS
SkinnyMinnyMom
neenee
MrzSongbird
HoneyMcgee
ms.mcbride1105
berthaeaster
10/17 -- ( 6 )
IrishShannon
Neda17
MsInzee2010
tbnote71
SharraKMD
Sassy.Sleever
10/18 -- ( 6 )
sleevemeup
Lauren610
ladyofdamage
imworthit
quitaboo1
ahh2bm3
10/19 -- ( 1 )
mae
10/20 -- ( 1 )
buffygirl
10/22 -- ( 7 )
xmasbpig
Riaa90
Donny
Strangefruit
bethxxx
DebInAZ
brandy79
10/23 -- ( 8 )
littlemiss0428
mrsjones075
time2getskinny
kymbo
jennifer4444
healthiermom
shanti4758
MKate73
10/24 -- ( 3 )
jlfinmn
bethanyruff
pamalam
10/25 -- ( 9 )
this.time.its.4.me
meeshluv81
jrabbit81
lifechanging
sleclerc
lovex5
Robbino
OneManWolfpack
LDallas
10/26 -- ( 1 )
mandymae
10/27 -- ( 1 )
zenoosh
10/29 -- ( 6 )
jeriberi
Look@meitsEmily
Gonnabeslim1day
liz32
Oh2Bthin
simplybirdie
10/30 -- ( 4 )
yanik
TheNEWME!
scarletwoodward
shamyra1
10/31 -- ( 2 )
AliciaA122
faeriefyre
Honorary Members:
JLS (moved into Sept)
gabby899 (moved to Sept 28 )
Buckeye_girl40 (formerly tfazio -- moved to Nov)

5 days left to go till D-Day! I bought a heating pad last night in preparation for gas pains and general abdominal discomfort. I have packed my bag, with the exception of my cellphone charger, and picked up my prescription for Lovenox and vicodin for postop. The hospital called and gave me my time- arrival at 6am on Monday! The admit person also said I didn't need to bring much except toiletries and socks. I'm bringing a robe and one pair of pj's also as I'm a nurse and don't want to be in one of those "bariatric gowns" any more than I have to! I have also used the check list that I found on here and I think I'm ready!
Prayers for all of us October sleevers!

I'm fuming pissed right now. My coworkers are gossiping about my upcoming out of work days saying I'm going out for gastric bypass. I work with a small nasty group of people and I have been super careful not to dicuss my personal life here. Only my one friend at work knows (and she would NEVER betray my trust)that is why I'm going out but to be gossiping about it is messed up and makes me feel vulnerable. They have always used my weight as a gossip point and I'm just so tired of it!! My friend told me what the ringleader said and gave me the FYI.
Why do people have to prey on our vulnerablities?!? I've been heavy my whole life and I'm sick and tired of it. I wish diarrhea on all these haters ... my weight will no longer define me!!!!!!

Congratulations! Now the real waiting begins (surgery date)!

I was sleeved on June 26th. The begining of catching up on all the living that I have been missing out on. I have to say that I have really not had any complications. I was in a little bit of pain on my right side for a couple of weeks. Mainly hurt when I got in and out of bed. I am able to eat pretty much anything. I don't, but what I have tried has been fine. My NUT suggests one cheat day a week. Always the same day. I do that. Sunday is my day. The best thing is that even though I am not eating healthy food, I can only have a few bites so no harm.
I have lost 50 pounds so far. I will never get tired of everyone telling me how great I look and asking me how much weight I have lost. I am enjoying going shopping for new clothes. The weight came off so fast that I actually missed out on wearing some of my "skinny clothes" because by the time I dug them out they were too big.
I have become addicted to the gym. I actually miss it if I can't go for whatever reason. Luckily mine is open 24 hours a day. It is not out of the question to be there at 11PM. Last night I was there and it was like a ghost town. I was running on the tread mill and looked over and saw myself in the mirror. I could not believe that was me!! I know people around me thought I was crazy because I got this huge smile on my face. I still have a ways to go, but I looked normal for a change. I could finally see how much I had changed. I think it was the angle. I look at myself in the mirror every day, but for some reason I finally saw all my hard work paying off. What a blessing. It pushed me to work twice as hard.
I have set a few goals for myself. 1. I am going to travel to Maryland in November for my best friend's baby shower. (I have not been back in 5 years) I really want to be down another 20 pounds. I know I can do it. 2. My daughter is a freshman in HS and she plays softball. I want to be in onederland by the time games start in February. I can't wait to order a shirt for her team that is not extra because I need a 2 or 3X. I will take a large please!!!
For anyone thinking about getting this surgery... I know it is a personal decision. I had never had surgery before. My husband told me that when I got into the operating room, the anesthesiologis would tell me when he was putting me under. As I was rolled down the hall, I really thought that I was going to back out. I was just too scared. Lucky for me he did not give me the chance. I don't even remember getting into the room. Just being in recovery. For me I feel like it has saved my life. I know that I will be able to live a long healthy life.
Happily sleeved....
Stacy

October 29th here!

My husband has been very supportive so he was the first person to know that I was considering VSG. I told my mom who at the time seemed supportive, she in turn told my sister and I'm sure the whole family knows by now. I actually feel a huge relief because theres nothing to hide. I haven't really told anyone that I live around because it just never came up but if they ask me what I've done to lose the weight I will more than likely tell. I have made friends with others who are having wls and that's great because if we all go out to eat there wont be any pressure to finish our plate or order dessert.

My PCP nurse just called me about my lab results from our annual physicals. I have been "categorized" because Im obese! They said I am pre hypertensive (my blood pressure is always 120/80) and pre diabetic (my blood glucose is 92). My cholesterol is considered borderline high which I'm aware of but to categorize me because Im overweight is not fair. I guess its a good thing Im having surgery... wonder what else they could say I have without me actually having it! Grr!!

October 29th here!

October 29th here!

October 29!!! Did anyone else have to wait that long? Seems like a long wait but anywho, I'll take it! Super excited!!!

Dr.s office told me I would get a surgery date on Friday... several days later, still haven't heard from them. I called yesterday and they told me I would receive a call yesterday. Has everyone gone through this?! Surely they know I'm super anxious... why don't they just take 5 minutes out of their day to schedule my appointment?!

Hello fellow sleevers! Its my 3rd day out of surgery ( Aug 22 sleever) and I am feeling better. Some background info on me because I am not sure where to even start!
I am 30 years old from NJ/NYC. Around Feb I weighed a staggering 517lbs. I was walking around disney world in FL thinking, hey, where are all the people my size? I'd like to think Im the type of person who doesnt even know hes fat, until its too late. ( what do u mean this bar on the haunted mansion ride doesnt go down???). Around that time when I came home from FL I realized that while on my vacation I slept noticably better. I blamed me no longer drinking coffee and sugar as the reason I felt so great on vacation, and quickly lost 10lbs from this alone when I came home. One day while staying late at work ( an accident , as I am a bus driver ) a co worker walked by me. I couldn't recognize him at all! He explained to me all the details of his sleeve, and a few other of my co workers had gone with him. Not wanting to be rude, I said I would atleast check out the info. A few weeks pass, and I promise to atleast check out the seminar my dr was having. It was kind of funny looking back because it was at a local gym, the last place i wanted to be seen, let alone walking up to the info counter and asking hey "wheres the meeting for fat people ?" ( sorry to offend just at my weight i throw the term around). I remember thinking to myself, I hope i just have to ask where, and i get pointed to a room. As luck would have it, the lady was so busy she couldn't hear me and I had to ask 3 times. She wasnt really sure and had to call around to find out where it was, getting atleast 3 other people involved, at which point I wanted to run and hide in my car! Fast foward a bit, I found the place, met the surgeon and told him i would make an appointment if i thought I was serious. A week later I made the apointment which is kind of strange, I guess i went in thinking I was going to be bamboozled or tricked into, and left thinking man I WANT THIS!
My surgeon, Dr. R Sadek of Somerset NJ was fantastic. He told me I had to lose atleast 30lbs before the surgery to slim down the stomach area. At first I thought this was impossible. But I quickly lost 10lbs again. I purchased a treadmill and began chugging away 30-40 minutes a day, eating better and BOOM 30lbs! The worst part of the surgery for me , was the dreaded pre op diet. OMG. The crazy part is as you progress from full liquids, to clear only, you wish you were able to have some of the stuff you had on full liquid! About halfway into the 2 week liquid, I met my co worker again who confessed to me he had mcdonalds two days before his surgery. This was awful I thought! How could he? And it got to me. I wish I could sit here and say no I didnt cheat on my 2 week pre op. But I did. Honest here ? You bet. I had two slices of pizza. I didn't feel bad either about it too, but I knew I had to get back on track, and finished the last 6 days strong. My insurance, blue cross blue shield sent in the letter of approval literally days before the surgery but picked it up 100%. Infact the only thing they wouldn't pay for is for me to see a nutritionist. But they will be for my surgery? Go figure!
My surgery on Aug 22 was at Robert Wood Johnson in NJ. I have to admit everyone was so nice and friendly at the hospital. I guess its me being from NY always thinking people will rush or be angry with me? They couldn't find my vien in my arm using a sonagram, so they had to put a "central IV" in my neck. This was painful and had I known this I would have said NO! It was very messy without TMI or grossing anyone out but an IV in your neck is not very pleasant.
After waking up from my surgery, I felt terrible. I had to wait a bit to get pain killers because I was feeling nauseous and apparently you have to wait a bit if you feel this way. After I had my morphine I spent the rest of the day snoozing, off and on. ( and realizing I had a cathoder which kind of liked, kind of hated?). I was not allowed to drink anything till the Xray the next day. The next morning I had my x ray , no leaks, and was given an amazing amount of clear foods I could never eat . Bowl of chicke broth, Jello, ice tea, waterbottle, italian icee. I think I had about two sips of the tea and felt full. I could not believe it!
So, around 1pm, roughly 24 hours later I was given the OK to go home. I was pretty good, I mean I walked to the car myself and felt like someone punched me in the stomach, but I thought it would have been much worse. Pain killers for the win?
Yesterday ( first full day out of the hospital) I spent mostly sleeping on the couch watching cartoons and semi talking to people who called to check on me, until they realised I really couldnt pay attention. Day 3, I feel great. Im amazed how long it takes me to drink a cup of Water. I have no hunger at all, which I always thought was just plain BS when people say on this on boards, but I have no desire to eat at all. I don't mean this in a bad way of course, but looking around I can't wait to try some of the recipes you guys have posted, IE a pumpkin latte or bean cup cake recipe I saw posted!
So here I am, day 3 post op, feeling good. Started at 517 , 461 at surgery, and 456 right this second. I am Phillip. And I'm a sleever. =)

Today is my last appointment before I get my surgery date! Fingers crossed my NUT approves me. This is my third time seeing her. So super excited to be this close!

PRE OP Diet starts May, 2 2012 244.1lb Size 22/24 jeans
Surgery Day May 16, 2012 231.5lb
Today Aug 8, 2012 12 Weeks POST OP 202.2lb, -42lb, -33.5in total, Size 16 jeans

I still consider myself a success story. I had my surgery two years ago (7/13/2010) and I have maintained a weight loss of about 120 pounds. I look and feel better than I have in my entire adult life. I am writing today because I want to keep it a success story while I still can.
Here's the thing. I went to my surgeon for a check up yesterday and his first words were, "OK, now it's your be careful time." I gained 2 pounds since my check-up last year. His concern is that once the weight loss stops, your body re-sets itself to a new equilibrium and it is easy to re-gain weight.
Am I surprised that I gained weight? Hell no. I am surprised that I didn't gain more. For a long time time, I've been cheating like hell in what I have been eating - Cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, etc. -- all the stuff I have always loved. Why did I do it? Because I could, that's why. I have been able to eat those things, albeit in smaller portions than I used to, and I have felt some joy and excitement because I have felt like I was getting away with something. I wasn't eating because I was hungry, I was eating because I felt like it was a challenge to see what I could eat. How messed up is that? I either kept losing weight or didn't gain anything, so it really did feel like I getting something over on someone (Who? Beats me.) My first thought when I saw the gain of 2 lbs was, "No big deal, what's 2 lbs when I have lost 118?" But then I started to think, every bit of weight I ever put on came in 1 or 2 pound increments and it really started to scar the cr*p out of me. I will not go down that road again. I have come too far and gone through too much to allow myself to do that to myself again. One of the main reasons I had this surgery is that I felt that even if I could lose weight with diet and exercise (highly unlikely), I just could not go through all that hard work just to have it come back. Even knowing that, I have continued to sabotage myself. Man, the power that food has in my life is really amazing.
Anyway. I am writing probably more for myself than for others. I needed to admit these things and to make myself accountable so that I don't screw up one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Just wanted to put this out there and to remind everyone -- "Let's be careful out there."
Thanks for listening.
Brian

I'd like to at least see and feel what "too small" may be like! If I don't like it...I'm an expert at gaining weight, I already know that!

I am so sorry to tie up space with this post but I use the VST app on my cell phone and I havent been able to get it to "contact remove site" all day. I will die without it!!! Has anyone else experienced this problem?
Thanks!
Emily

Stories like this make me so excited and anxious! I have 2 more months and then I'll get to rock a sleeve! Congratulations!