Kirstyn1226

I swear that I have like a super sniffer now. Any weird smells bother me. And I can't even stand the smell of coffee, and before surgery I loved to drink coffee.< /p>

Hi VSG folks, My name is Bren and I'm 30 years old and from the blue grass state of Kentucky. I have three daughters and have been married to my amazing husband for nearly 11 years now. I have never been "skinny" though throughout my childhood I was athletic playing softball, basketball, gymnastics, and dancing... I loved being active. As I got older however I noticed that I wasn't as excepted as I was as a kid being the big girl who was funny and athletic. So I gave up on sports figuring it would just be easier to not be a part of it than to have to hear comments from other teams/players, etc. As an adult I found myself becoming very lazy. I have three daughters all of whom are very active and fit and healthy (I didn't want them to experience what I did..) and they would beg for me to come play with them or to go to the park, etc.. but I always found a reason why I couldn't. It broke my heart that I was such a young mom but acted as though physically I was 80 years old and disabled.
I participated in program after program, diet after diet, and pill after pill but never achieved a weight loss that was significant enough to feel it. The straw that broke the camels back for me in desiding to get surgery was the day that I had an emergency appointment with my doctor.. I was having shortness of breath, my head was spinning like I was on some crazy drug, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. After some tests and such my PCP told me that I was at high risk for diabetes and that if I didn't do something soon I could be on medicines the rest of my life. This was a major problem for me because my dad who has diabetes (my hero.. not at all overweight) has been through so much with his fight, loosing his legs, slowly going blind, etc. and it breaks my heart to see him have to struggle with this. I would not let my children see me have to go through this same thing.
So I made the choice that day to go see the WL specialist. I made an appointment in December went through all the battery of tests, meetings, and appointments needed to get approved by my insurance, and then was the big day.. March 30, 2012. (only 6 short months ago) I went into the hospital for surgery weighing in at a staggering 297 pounds but knew in my heart that as of that day I would never be there again!
Fast forward to today.. 6 months later, I am so happy. I am so healthy!
I stil have a ways to go to get to goal.. which is 150 pounds. Thus far I have lost an astonishing 106 pounds. I never imagined that I would loose that fast but am glad that by time my 1 year rolls around I will be in maintenance and hopefully setting proud at that 150 mark!
I have changed everything about the way I eat, mainly because I look at food as fuel and not a drug. My appreciation for life is totally different and I am always on the move. Zumba and Aerobics 3X's a week.. and 2 days of biking/running keeps me busy.. along with being a mom and doing cross country, JV cheerleading, and basketball with my girls several times a week!
I have never been happier and it's all thanks to my amazing surgeon for his great work, my husband for being so supportive of my decision to have surgery even when he loved me at my heaviest and never pushed the subject, and to myself..for having the guts to say enough was enough and getting off of my ass to get it done!
It has been a great journey, some days are sweet and some are bitter.. but a lesson is learned in either, and it's in the lessons that we learn that we grown and change into the people we want to become! <3
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your journey!
Many blessings and Love!
Bren

Ok, I'm here for my first Super Saturday Weigh In.
I was sleeved on Monday, October 1, 2012 and my start weight was 252.
As of this morning, I am 242.7 so I have lost 9.3 pounds since Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Ok, I'm here for my first Super Saturday Weigh In.
I was sleeved on Monday, October 1, 2012 and my start weight was 252.
As of this morning, I am 242.7 so I have lost 9.3 pounds since Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Ok, I'm here for my first Super Saturday Weigh In.
I was sleeved on Monday, October 1, 2012 and my start weight was 252.
As of this morning, I am 242.7 so I have lost 9.3 pounds since Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Clear Liquids today, surgury tomorrow. As of this morning I am down 25.1 pounds, 10% of my starting weight. Bring on the sleeve, I never want to see those 25 pounds again!

Another October 1st sleeved checking in... Surgery was at about 1:30pm yesterday and surgery itself went well.howver, ihav had the absolutely worst nausea since I woke up. And this morning I got a terrible headache. I haven't been able to sip my little cups of Water or tea because of the nausea. It seems to have subsided some now and I am working on second little cup of water. Headache is still here though. Hoping to go home tomorrow but that will all depends on whether or of I can get my water in or not.

I understand and feel the same way and I will not be leaving for the hospital for another couple of hours!
You will do great. I will be thinking about you and praying for you and all of our fellow Oct. 1 sleeve-buddies!
See you on the loser's bench!

Tomorrow is my big day. mentally preparing myself for all that's about to happen. I have mixed emotions and I am nervous and a bit scared.

Okay everybody, I cannot wait until the next meeting because I will be about a month out from surgery!!!
I had my consultation with Dr. Fedorka today and they had a cancellation on Monday so I took it! So this time Monday I will be sleeved!!!! Woohoo!
See everyone in November!!!
Kirstyn

Well, I just had my consultation with my surgeon today and got my date.... Monday, October 1st!!! I lucked out and they had a cancellation so I took it!!!

Before:



Progress (during)



After (now)

I can't wait to not have a rash under my boobs (or find food in my bra when I take it off)
I can't wait to stop accidentally bleaching the belly line of my shirts when I clean the kitchen counters
Ahh, not holding my breath to put on a shoe.
To not have little kids tell me I must be a good cook because I'm fat (actually happened)
TMI but to not fear crushing my hubby during 'adult activities'
And this is a big one for me: to NOT make fun of myself before someone else can.

Looking umm down and seeing something other then my boobs or 1st and 2nd tummy roll
Running down steps and not worrying that I'll set off a 5.0 quake
Not making that sound when I get up out of a chair
And not to forget that clapping sound that happens when I move fast and it's not my hands yeah never hearing that again will be nice lol

Cant wait to wear something nice to sleep instead of a big ass shirt.
I cant wait to dress my age.
Cant wait for my stomach not to hang over my jeans. And always look like a rice sack wearing a belt.
I cant wait to say " damn i look good in that dress"
I cant wait for people to not judge me by my appearence but by my brains and heart

Can't wait to not panic when at a restaraunt they are about to seat us at a booth, and I'm wondering if I can fit!
Can't wait to not have to worry if my shirt is pulled down all the way in the back, so my big b---- is not showing:)

I will be there as well! I cannot wait to see everyone that has been sleeved since July!

You are invited!
Please join several us for face to face support group get together at a mall location in the Inland Empire. We meet around 10AM for less than two hours. Please contact Sleeve 4 me for detailed information.
Hope you are able to make it.

Planning to be there and see all of you inspirational sleevers! So excited to be on the losers bench with everyone else.

Victor and I will be there!! I can't wait see all of the people who have had their surgery since our last meeting!

The best news on this journey so far at my surgery consult this morning!
Surgery is in 5 days.... Aug. 1st (same day as Nina88 but different hospital) Dr. Chin had a surgery cancel right before my appointment today and gave the date to me so I do not have to wait until September. SO EXCITED! Thanks all for your support... now to pack my hospital bag, stock the house with food for the family and my post op diet, finish up laundry and house work and get ready to be a big looser....

First let me say I feel fabulous! I've lost over 70 pounds in just over 5 months. I went from a 22 to a very comfy 12. The road has not been easy and for all you newbies...here is my list of amazing highs...and of not so sunshiny lows.
Disclaimer: This is my experience...it may not be yours.

It will be uncomfortable for a few days post op
I was not hungry for weeks after surgery
I was scared to eat or drink and I didn’t drink enough...thus Constipation and weakness
I didn't feel normal for about 6 weeks. I needed naps and I took them
The weight literally falls off...seriously I was looking for pools of fat in bed when I woke up in the morning
I hit the 4 week stall and it lasted two weeks. Expect it and don't stress
On day three, I had a massive freak out…seriously threw a four year old fit…pissed off my stomach was gone.
No one noticed for months and that irritated me.
EVERYONE notices now and it's all they want to talk about.
Don’t tell anyone you are going to Mexico to have your stomach cut off unless you trust them completely.
I threw up alot...just slime mostly...while I was learning my new tummy. It will scare you and if you are like me…it will happen a lot when you transition to solid foods.
food addiction does not magically go away...if you have a problem before..you will still have it. I think about food all the time, but I finally have a way to resist it. I am a sugar addict. I never crave carbs, but I crave sugar like a mad woman.
Going out to dinner is awkward. I hate watching people eat
Put the lotion on the skin! My skin got really dry.
I’ve lost half my hair at 4.5 months post op. Mine came out in chunks. Freaked me out! Our Golden Retriever and I are in a competition for shedding. It will be ok. Take your Vitamins and buy Nioxin. It doesn’t help my Hair loss, but I feel like I am at least doing something about it.
Don’t take a powerful laxative when you are constipated…especially before your child’s school performance. It may say “See results in 2-4 hours” but it means 30 mins and then you’re stuck on a mini toilet with both legs numb, crying to everything holy to save you.
Shopping is amazing! I still feel like people are looking at me like I don’t belong there…but that’s all in my head.
My shoes no longer fit. they are too wide now!
Your pre WLS Spanx will look huge in a couple months
Trust me…put some Granola bars in your glove box and a few packs of mixed nuts. Sometimes your hungry and there is nothing that you can eat.
Handy meals from the market or gas station when you didn’t plan ahead. Single string cheese, an apple, mixed nuts, readymade hard boiled eggs, The inside of California rolls- no rice, campbells Soup at hand or ready made Soup in a coffee cup.
Handy items at fast food places that sit ok on my tummy include: Taco Bells refried Beans or the inside of a chicken taco. Wendys chili, McDonalds oatmeal, McDonalds yogurt parfait
I feel guilty in front of my heavier friends. I always try to wear a sweatshirt so I don’t rub the weight loss in their faces.
You get drunk really fast...like a half glass of wine. Be careful...it sneaks up on you...and before you know it, you’re waiting for your hubby to pick you up...from less than a glass. Its crazy. I don't really even try anymore to drink.
I crave raw fish, cooked fish, broiled fish, grilled fish...any fish really and it feels amazing on my tummy.
I cant eat steak
I love that I have collar bones
I update my Facebook pictures and secretly love the compliments
I own a woman's North Face now
I can buy bras at Victoria's secret
I pack all my food for work in snack bags and the little tupperware containers for salad dressing.
I can still have M&M's...its just like 9...instead of the king size bags
Take heartburn medicine everyday...don’t wait until you get heartburn.
Buy stock in Maalox
You can have a full meal at Costco- samples + WLS = Cheap Date!
Food Portion jokes get really old
Fast food burgers makes me want to vomit.
At 5 months...salad is wonderful. I can eat about a cup of greens...which takes me a while and I feel a tiny bit normal.
Post-op, If you can swing it, buy a Vita-Mix blender and make your own soup. Canned soup was nasty right after surgery. Freeze them in 4oz canning jars. It will be two servings.
Quit Smoking before surgery. I waited and it slowed my healing. It also gave me terrible heartburn. I am 5 weeks smoke free
You don't have to "confess" you had WLS. It's ok to say thank you for the compliment and not feel guilty. I'm just now starting to accept that I had a little something to do with this insane loss. I tell people when they ask now how I lost the weight, that i exercise and use Portion Control.< br /> People will treat you different. Salesladies ask if I need assistance, men hold open doors and the skinny girls at work talk to me now. It's shallow and pisses me off, but it's nice to not be invisible anymore.
WLS is very difficult. For me, it’s not physical, but the mental. Sometimes I just want a cheesecake like before. It goes away very quickly, but it still comes and goes. Sometimes I get angry at my sleeve because I can’t eat something I see others eating. Most of the time I have to hide my expression when I see people shovel food in the way I used to. It’s shocking to see when you’re on the other side of WLS. I used to inhale my food like a tiny food thief was going to come in and take it away from me.
You will have to say no to your family when they all want to go to a Chinese buffet. I’m still not ready to walk in and be near a buffet.
It feels awesome to give your clothes away, however, do not offer them to your heavier friends. It’s insensitive and they won’t return your calls for a week.
Last one...I played laser tag this past weekend with a bunch of 9 year old boys. It was soooo Much fun!!!

Please feel free to add any other thoughts or tips...

Being short of breath
Sweating…all of the time
Constantly self-conscious
Worrying about eating in front of others
Being squished in an airplane, Angel Game, Concerts, etc.
Worrying about fitting in rides at Disneyland
Obsessing about food
Physical pain; arms, shoulders, back, knees, etc.
Going to the restroom more easily
Wearing flats or ugly shoes because high heels are exhausting
Missing out on life
Comparing myself to every other woman
Feeling lazy or tired all of the time
Not being able to keep up
Shopping at fat-kid stores
Not fitting into CLOTHES!
Hating my reflection in the mirror when I am naked, I literally cringe and look away
Jiggly arms
My legs rubbing together, holy rash
Tugging at my clothes to hide the bells rolls
Laying on the bed to button pants and then being in pain all day from sucking it in
Bathing suits!
People thinking “she has a great personality”….there’s more under there!
Faking happiness
Getting my hair as big as possible to off-set my double chins
Not ever being in “the mood”
Being the fat kid in the family
Dreading people’s reaction when they are next to me on a plane
Knocking over things because my ass has a mind of its own
Long showers and needing a nap after them
Sitting on my husband’s lap
Not afraid to squish my husband
Getting my back fat played like a wash board
Children asking if I can even be tickled through all of that fat
Looking at the “skinny’ clothes in my closet….loathe
Having to return an outfit because the person thought I was a much smaller size
Knowing that stepping on the scale means I’ll be eating a **** ton of ice cream and in a deep depression that night
Pretending I know about nutrition when my doctors lecture
Thinking if I just lost the weight, I’d be able to tackle the world
Society assuming I am a lazy pig
Not chasing my dreams of performing because the anxiety of being on display is crippling
Being too big to zipline in Maui
Being too big to horseback ride in Maui
Being too out of breath to hike down to the blow hole
Wearing tights and just dying to rip them off at the end of the day
Never wearing shorts
Wearing dresses to hide my figure
Online dating and picture a great picture of my face, getting to the date only panicked because I know they will be disappointed with the rest of me
Having to buy a circus tent to use as a bra
My husband saying I have sleep apnea
Being the one who would rather take the picture then be in the picture
Breaking a glass table from sitting on it
Not wrapping my arms around my husband
Being able to balance, I swear my stomach throws me off balance
Shopping in the maternity section when your coworkers pregnant sister has the same dress
My cankles!
Wide shoes
Anything stretchy
Someone asking where I got that cute shirt and lying because I don’t want to tell them a fat kid store
BBW- I HATE the acronym for “big beautiful woman!”
Never cutting my hair so it can hide my face and back fat
Being the big bride
Not crossing my legs…..because I can’t
Sitting and using my belly as a table
Doing everything I can to avoid bending over because let’s face it, it’s freakin’ hard to get back up
Feeling miserably ill after eating too much
Realizing I am more likely to miscarry when pregnant
PCOS
Wanting a baby so badly, but worried about the high risk pregnancy
Stretch marks
Feeling my stomach sitting on my lap when I sit down (my fanny pack)
Ditching my high school reunion because I didn’t want to be the girl who gained 100 lbs. in 10 years
My boobs crowding my throat
My wedding ring never coming off because it keeps getting tighter
Not being able to see my feet
Not being able to give myself a pedicure without sweating and being short of breath!

So can you have a piece of palm-sized pizza? That might be enough to satiate your craving.
About 8 years ago I went on a pretty crazy low carb diet, I did the induction phase of Atkins for about 2.5 years. One of my favorite meals to make was crustless pizza. It sounds crazy, but trust me - it's good. And if you're going to eat pizza, it may as well be a low carb pizza, right? I would make this, take leftovers in for lunch, co-workers would try it and most actually preferred this to a standard crust-based pizza.
4 oz of cream cheese
4 eggs
1/3 C heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp italian seasoning
2 C mixed italian cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 C low carb pizza sauce (at the time Mama Mia's was the lowest I could find in stores)

Preheat oven to 375F.



Beat together cream cheese and eggs until smooth. Add cream, parmesan and spices, mix again.



Spray 9" or larger baking dish with butter Pam (or spray of your choice).



Sprinkle 2 C cheese into dish, pour egg mixture over cheese.



Bake 375 for 30 minutes.



Remove form oven let stand for 5 minutes.



Spread on sauce and 1 cup mozzeralla cheese top with any of chossen toppings (pepperoni & sausage do very well with this recipe).



Return to oven bake til bubbly and brown.



Let stand for 10-15 minutses before cutting.