SuiteV

Hi everyone!
I can't believe one month has already passed. It has been quite a challenging month, but it has been well-worth every minute!
I had my VSG on July 30th 2012.
I have lost a grand total of 17.4 pounds on one month, and 24.2 pounds from my highest weight in August 2011...
Amazingly, I have lost a total of 17 1/2 inches! (I still can't quite believe this)...
I have removed more than half the clothing in my closet because it was just too big (again, that is a rare occurrence for me!)...
Most importantly, I have been OFF my diabetic medications (I was on Metformin 1000 mg twice a day) and my BP medications (I was on Atacand 16 mg once a day) since the surgery - I am so very thankful for this... )
Here are some photos (the images on the left of each photo are from one day pre-op, and the images on the right of each photos are from today): I hope I am posting these correctly...

food in the portions that I used to enjoy), but it has also been one of the MOST important, valuable, and healthy things I have ever done for myself so far - it has changed my life in a matter of weeks and I have been thankful ever since I did it that I made the decision to move forward...
Thanks to everyone here for having the courage to share their stories, their humor, and their encouragement!
-Sarah

carolc
small accomplishments - only lost... both words must be deleted from vocabulary/dictionary
doing great - keep up the good work
congrats
ps
if that $13.00 included two five dollar bills and three one dollar bills - or one ten dollar bill and three one dollar bills - that is my money ;)

I have gone through a 10lb weight gain in the hospital, nasty breath, crazy digestion, dizziness, exhaustion to feeling like I am now on the other side of this! I was getting really annoyed that I was not losing any weight beyond re-losing the 10lb hospital gain but finally I dropped an additional 5lbs. Yesterday, I tried on a pair of capris that "shrunk" last summer and they buttoned, zipped and were more comfortable than when I bought them. As an added bonus I found $13 in the pocket, so I splurged on a manicure!
I am having an easy time getting my fluid and protein in, walking more, digestion is much better, much less soreness and no more dizziness on days 9 and 10!
Thank you for letting me share my small acomplishment

Had my psych eval this morn! She said I seem like the perfect candidate...yay! This should be the last thing before they submit to insurance! I am so excited and so nervous!

Hi My name is Lisa. I am 39 years old, a mom of two wonderful young ladies ( Amanda - 21 and Meagen - 16) and am engaged to the love of my life... Stephen. Oh I think I forgot to mention.... I am 110 pounds over weight, have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Herniated Discs, Bursitis, Migraines, Artheritis, Water in both of my knees and Carpel Tunnel. All in all that pretty much sums me up. A loving mother, fiancee and morbidly obese woman....
I weighed 125 pounds soaking wet in High School.. fell in love and got married straight out of High School. Two daughters later and about 100 pounds later the SOB left me. OK I dealt with that hurdle... by eating !! Gained about 20 pounds and finally said enought is enough. For 13 years I took care of him and my kids... its time to take care of ME. I went on a crazy strict diet, exercised non stop and lost 70 pounds !! WOO HOO I was down to 170.... only 10 pounds from my goal weight. And then it happened...
I fell in love with Stephen. My love who adored me so much and thought the sun rose and set on me. Well... he also liked "chunkier" women so little by little I began to gain " Happy Fat ".... Uh and here I am 4 years later at the biggest I have ever been and it's no longer "Happy Fat". He is a doll and says every day how I am beautiful inside and out. While that is fine for HIM to say it's not ok for me. I am not happy with how I look, feel and my health is a huge testiment that I have to do something about it NOW !!
I went to a seminar for Dr. Kaul on July 3, 2012. The next day was the fourth of July and I had my last burger that day. I had an appointment with him on the 4th, found out I was a candidate for the surgery and my insurance fully covers it. Since that day I have cut out 90% of all carbs, totally cut out sugars and salt, eat Proteins and vegetables for lunch and dinner and even have a Protein shake each morning for Breakfast. I have been to a million and one doctor appointments in the past two months ( OK more like 15 ) to get all kinds of clearances. They are NOT easy to do but each time I wonder if the whole thing is worth it I feel my knee give way or I get tired by the time I get across the parking lot and I know I'm makign the right decision. So.. with only one clearance left ( tomorrow ) I am all set to go. OH and just by changing my diet I have lost 12 pounds.. Yeah sound great until I eat a slice of pizza and put back on 5 of those 12 pounds.
Where was I ?? Oh so my surgery is on Monday. A week from today and though I am freaking out I am very happy to finally be on the road to recovery and recouperation. Yes I said recovery b/c I was addicted to food. This new surgery is going to help me learn how to eat and help me to get healthy. I have support around me but no one has been through what I am about to go through> This is why I am reaching out for friends.
My friends list is brand new.. won't you be one of the first to welcome me ??
Have a wonderful day. XOXO Lisa

Hello fellow sleevers. I start my pre op diet Monday too. I am trying to keep a positive attitude about the hunger. I have been through so much to get to this point, so I am not going to let some hunger pangs ruin this for me. I don't know about everyone else, but I prayed when I first started this journey, and asked God if it was not his will for me to have the surgery, to block it. And I meant it. I did not want to be laying on that operating table if it was not his will. But every step of this process has been smooth sailing. My surgery coordinator submitted my package to my insurance company on a Thursday, and she got an approval on the next Tuesday. And I just got my insurance 7 months ago, through a new job. It is though everything has been mapped out for me. So I am going to take one day at a time, and pray everyday for grace. Don't even think about the hunger. We have to get to the point where we realize that we have to eat to live, not live to eat. I love to eat like the next person, but if we want to keep this weight off, we have to get the victory over food. Myself included. I refuse to let food continue to dictate my life anymore. I hate feeling bad after eating a big meal, because I am ashamed of the amount that I ate. We shouldn't be stuffed when we finish eating. I would be soo full, that I could hardly move. I am just being real. That is ridiculous, and I know it. But now I am pressing forward, and excited to be regaining my life back. I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes 2 two years ago, and sleep apnea recently. Now why I had to be diagnosed with them first, before doing something about my eating habits is beyond me. But I am not going to beat myself up about it. I made the mistakes, I am human, now I am going to do something about, while I have the chance. Tomorrow is not promised, and God knows my 4 little children need their mom around, and my husband needs his wife. I don't want to let them or myself down. I wish everyone much success with your pre op diets, recovery, and new way of living. Here's to taking our lives back!!! Surgery date is August 30, 2012, and it cannot get here fast enough.lol

BTW, Thank you, VST and Alex!!

So, Fed Ex came earlier and this is what they brought me! WOO HOO!! I was on my way out the door to work out, so I get to try out my new toy today!!
Check it out! It's even engraved with my name and VST!!!

I was sleeve on July 12th and have lost 40 lbs with preop diet and postop. U can tell the biggest difference in my face. I can yell that all my clothes fit different but I am in a dreaded stall and am not losing like I was!

I am 37, six months ago, I was 5'6" and weighed 373 pounds.
My son has ran cross country for the last 2 years. I have been lucky to be able to watch him start, then take the parent shortcut to the finish line in time to see him finish. It has always bothered me that I couldn't help him train in any way.
Today, I am still 5'6", but am now down to 270. This morning, my son and I participated in a 5k. Yes, he had to wait for me at this finish line, but I crossed it at 49:30' still able to sprint the last 40 yards. And I did not puke, pass out, or die.
My 14 year old son, told me that he was proud of me today. I have had many nsv's, but none of them made me feel as good as this one.
Worth it all, everyday and twice on Sunday.
Much love
O

Before even thinking about getting sleeved i use to watch alot of you tube videos about other peoples surgeries. Seeing the change they had made me decide on asking my pcp if i was a candidate. But there isnt much recent videos. In think im going to document my jorney on video and put them on you tube not for me but for all the ladies that feel like me and need a lil push. I think im going to start after i get my date. Wat u guys think?

Wow...I had never heard of this before. Thank you so much for sharing your experience...PLEASE keep posting...One thing I have noticed along this path is that there is always some one dealing with the same issues you are. You maybe the first resleeve that i have heard of but I'll bet not the last. Look forward to hearing all about your success after you surgery!
Blessings!

I will take people asking if I have been sick over are you pregnant (big Belly) any day!

We all have been scared sometime during this process. I personally I'm the biggest baby just ask my two sons lol. My biggest fear was dying on the table. I finally figured it out, If I die on the table at least I died trying to better my life and the life of my family. Or I could do nothing and die sooner or later anyway. I chose to go for it. I had all the support in the world from my friends, co workers and of course my family. Iam so thankful for that. If you are not getting the support that you need from people that are closest to you, I am so sorry. You will get all the support and positive feedback you need right here.
We all have that one moment when we make a decision that changed are lives. Mine came at a amusement park. Me and my youngest got on a ride and where about to get started but the safety belt was not long enough. I was so mortified, embarassed and ashamed that I had to see my son get off the ride because of me. It still took me a couple of months of soul searching before I decided to have the surgery. I am so glad I did. The day of the surgery I was more anxious than scared. They gave me some meds that I don't even remember the ride to the operating room. I am down from my highest weight of 489 lbs to 263. I feel so much better. I dropped 50 points on my blood pressure in the first month after the surgery. I am a better father, a better husband and a better coach. My wife and two sons can actually hug me and touch their hands.
The one thing you have to is come to terms with your eating problem. I had to. If your thinking about drinking soda or beer or doing other things that got you to where you are currently, You are not ready. I decided that my loved ones are more important than that big bowl of ice cream or going to a all you can eat chinese buffet.
These community helped me. The information and the support here is awesome. Give yourself a chance at a better life. Give your loved ones a chance of future memories. I am so glad I did. Sorry if I rambled.
Respectfully,
Joe

Please - take a few minutes every once in a while to update your stats. I see posts everyday from people celebrating their success tht have little or no information filled out in their profile.
When I see someone has a surgery date near mine, I look to see what their loss is - to make sure I am about the same as others. Or when I read a persons' comments I like to see how far along they are in their journey and how much they have lost. I think I would take comments from a successful 1 year VSG'er a bit more seriously than someone that has not had their surgery yet.
Also things like your height also helps to understand if a post is written by someone that has a body type like mine - or from someone that is coming from a different perspective.
It just takes a few minutes and helps all of us. It is nothing to be embarrassed about - not on this site. We are a very unique group and understand that you have for years hidden hard numbers about your weight. And for a lot of subjects, it doesn't matter. It does not matter what your starting weight was for a post about workout tunes. But for many posts it helps others understand you and helps us all as a group.
Is it just me? Or do others feel this way too?

I am going to try this, hopefully it works! I had my sleeve surgery November 29th, 2010. The first pictures are at my highest when I got married (I love my husband, he has loved me no matter what size!), around 260ish lbs. The second are the day of my surgery, 220ish lbs. The last pictures are at my current weight, 135-137lbs (I LOVE my hormones, I LOVE my hormones). There are 2 standing in my old jeans and I fit in 1 leg (1 is me AND my daughter in my jeans). There is also a picture of my biggest jeans (size 22), and my new jeans (size 4..I wear a size 4-6). I never dreamed I would ever be this size or weigh in the 130's. I honestly never thought I would even reach goal because I had tried and failed so many times in my life. I hope these pictures are inspiration that, if you let it, the sleeve is an amazing tool! And I hope it inspires the slower losers too! It took me 18 months to reach my goal weight of 140lbs, and I have even lost a few more pounds in the last couple of months. So don't get discouraged if you don't lose all your weight in the first 6 months. If you make the changes you need to make to have a healthy life, it will happen!

I started weaning off the "bad" stuff the last week of June, so starting liquids yesterday has been ok. I wasn't required to start until the 23rd, but I'm all about starting diets on Monday, I started 2 days early. I have surgery on August 1, so only 7 more days to go.
I had a headache and was a bit grouchy yesterday. :/ Today was much better but I've been a little more hungry. You ladies that are doing this for 2+ weeks are my heros!!! Keep up the good work and remember, this is only temporary.
2 Corinthians 12:9
"My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

I always like seeing progress photos so here are some of mine. I had surgery on 4/20/12 and have lost 85 lbs. A few of those were pre-op.
I eat 600-700 calories a day that I track on MFP/min of 60 protein/min 64 oz water/max 25 carbs.
I have totally got this! My only regret is that I didn't pick out a more attractive "progress photo" outfit.

This *t*o*n*i*g*h*t* thing is killing me!!! lol

It would be impossible to put into words how absolutely fabulous I am feeling. I will let my pics explain!
Pre-op: 368
Today (5 months po): 358
For all the pre-sleevers, I went through days even weeks when I got so discouraged. The scale had times no matter how I stood on the scale it wouldn't move. I promise though, before you know it, it's dropping again!

I just watched a video of the sleeve being done. Why did I do that?I'm freaking myself out. They showed a video at my seminar 2 months ago, however it seemed more freeky from my living room. I could see the heart beating and I just kept thinking... What if they nick the heart on mistake while putting in the sutures? Ahhhh I totally regret watching it. Advice....If you haven't already don't watch a live surgery video.

My Story. Well, if that isn't a loaded title I don't know what is. I have so many stories.
I guess since this is a weight loss forum, I should start with the story of my weight. That tale shakes out more like a timeline, really. Childhood: Chubby kid. Recall dieting with my mom as early as the third grade. High School: Got down to about a size 8-10. Used Jenny Craig or Nutri Systems. . . Can't even remember which one. Most of College: Gained it all back and then some. Darn those Provolone grilled bagels at the Coates Center and Queso and Tortillas from TC's. Senior Year: Jenny Craig again. Modest weight loss, but this time it seemed to stick. And then there was Law School (i.e. the best diet ever for a Type A student who suddenly found herself in over her head academically for the first time): Nothing will send a metabolism into overdrive like pure fear of failure. Combine that with living in a remote town with only 1 fast food restaurant and no more student dining and waaalaa (really not sure how you spell that) the weight just sort of started falling off. I was a solid size 8, sometimes even a 6, by the time I graduated.
The Wedding: You'll no doubt have noticed that I never really mentioned exercise up to this point. I never really did any, either, until the year of my judicial clerkship, which actually coincided with my engagement. That year I spent in an even more remote town where the only local that I had anything at all in common with happened to be a former CPA who decided to open a gym after her own weight loss journey. So I started working out. . . a lot. I had a 9-5 job and a long distance relationship. What else was there to do? I used a food and exercise journal (maybe a little too religiously) and by the wedding, I was 124 pound, hiking up my size 4 Vera Wang, which I really should have had altered one more time, and loving it. Its a good typing I got pictures, but my kids barely recognize me in them.
My 30s: Big city private law practice with its 12 hour days spent mostly behind my desk and its ready access to a constant stream of icy cold diet dr. peppers, we not kind to me on a number of fronts, one of which was my figure. After 10 years of relatively steady weightless or maintenance, 30 found me up a few pounds and pregnant with my first child. Every pound made me want to cry, and believe me there were many to cry over. Its like my body craves weight during pregnancy. I can gain 10 pound before that second line will even think about appearing on that stick. My boy was born, and I went back to Jenny Craig. Third times the charm? Well, not so much in my case. I think I got back down to 180 or so, but then there was the next pregnancy, and the next. I miscarried those babies at about 13 weeks, but I still found, and kept, a few pounds with each. Then there was the adoption weight. . . . who knew the stress of adopting would pack on the pounds like that. Then, when my beautiful daughter was only 6 weeks old, I discovered I was carrying her baby brother. At that point I was 208 which, miraculously, I managed to get back down to by the time I left the hospital with him. They call my OB the Weight Nazi for good reason.
Then, just as I had hired a trainer and was headed for a healthier lifestyle, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, my dad with MS. As an only chid and a mother of a then 5 year old, one year old and a 6 month old baby, I switched into crisis mode, quit my job and became the worlds most over-educated chauffeur. My babies spent their first couple of years strapped into car seats as we drove NaNa and Pops from one doctors appointment to another. Her chemo therapy sessions were long 12 hour days and she was hospitalized more than once. He spent 6 weeks in a rehab hospital and ultimately lost the use of his legs. You can't believe how many prescriptions they had between them. And I managed it all. I also gained about 40 more pounds in the process.
Please do not get me wrong. It was worth it. My mom is enjoying full remission from a disease that everyone said would kill her, and my dad is stable in an assisted living facility if not enjoying the retirement we had hoped for him. My kids are smart and beautiful at 3, 4 and 8, and it is time that I turn this weight issue around once and for all.
So, I have decided to get the gastric sleeve procedure. A colleague of my husband had it a few years back and has enjoyed amazing results. I know it is not a quick fix, merely a tool, but I have decided that I owe myself that jump start after all I have been through over the past 3 years. I know that I can stick to a program once I get good and into it. I just need to make sure that, this time, I am not derailed by life's unexpected tragedies. I have enlisted the help and support of my dear friend who has found her second career as a dance fitness instructor, and I am looking towards a brighter future where I can keep up with my kids, at least a little better, and shop for clothes in regular stores. My surgery date is August 7.

Dr has to appeal it! Please pray for me!!!

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!

-I am looking forward to not having asthma and sinus problems. I can't wait to be able to BREATH again!
-I can't wait for people to not think I am my twin sisters mother!
-I also can't wait to be the girl that can walk into a store and say I paid under $20 for my WHOLE outfit (including shoes.)