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What better place than to reveal my success thus far? When asked my weight in the past, I would answer "no one will ever know but me and Jesus!" Well.... Now me, Jesus and VST! So here goes: Starting wt- 304.8 Day of Surg - 296 Today - 278.2 and today makes 3 weeks post op!

I have been stuck at 245-247 for 2 weeks. I am 4 1/2 weeks post op. i was 280 pre op and 260 day of surgery. Lose a pound, gain 2. Lose 2, gain a pound. It's been 1 heck of a seesaw!
But!!!!!!! I tried on some clothes that were very snug 2 weeks ago when I was still 246 and they fit now! I used to wear a size 18 jean and today I slipped ok a size 14! Just want to remind u all that even if the scale isn't moving, don't get discouraged. Tere are other ways Rolf judging an measuring

Sleeved at 278 lbs on 10/1. First post op pic at 244 on 11/1 . Second pic was at 291 in 8/12

So I am 15 months post-op.....
Just thought I would share my experiences and what life is like for me as a sleever in maintenance. I made my weight loss goal ( a very modest goal in fact...) at about 8 months out. So I have maintained my weight loss with ease for the last 7 months. I chose a higher goal than many sleevers for several reasons....
1.) easier to maintain
2.) no lose skin. That's right people, I have no lose skin, my butt is still round and the girls are still perky!
3.) I am normal, curvy healthy and average. That's all I ever wanted!
4.) I wear normal sizes. I am in a 12 and as a nurse I wear medium scrub tops and large bottoms. I LOVE BEING NORMAL. (preop I was in 2x and 24s)
I don't really care that my BMI is not "normal" it never will be, I am happy and healthy. My surgeon and primary agree I am in a great spot.
So what do I eat? a typical day is about 2000 calories. I was eating 1400 a day for weight loss.... I got up to 1000 cals as soon as I could post op so I wouldn't tank my metabolism. I don't eat low fat anything, I don't drink diet anything, no sugar free toxic crap. I eat small and healthy amounts everything. I have a vanilla latte everyday.I eat cheese at least twice a day. I eat lots of fruit and veggies and of course Protein. I go out to eat, have dessert a few times per week. I eat like a healthy, normal person.
I still have started a real workout routine at the gym... I have a fairly physical job as a nurse and I take the dog for walks all the time, I plan to workout at the gym this winter for health purposes.
All in all my point is.... I am so happy I was sleeved!!
below is a before and after.....:-)

Today I finally bought a pair of jeans. I got tired of pulling mine up all the time lol. Before surgery I was wearing a 24. Today I bought a size 16 average. Yes average not W & to top things off I did not get them in the plus sizes! The weight is coming off! Thank the good Lord.

Unsweetened tea was the only Fluid I could tolerate except for a Protein shakes..water got better at about 2 months post op..now I drink it all the time. It just took time for everything to heal. I am about to be 7 months out and I drink it all day long..give it some time.

Hi Everyone,
As of tomorrow, I'm 1month out from surgery (9kilos lost since the surgery). I've been twice to the clinic for a check-up since being released from the hospital (most recently today) and both times, my blood pressure was up. I didn't take any medication before the surgery, but today was told that I should contact my family DR to have them keep an eye on it or to possibly prescribe something.
Isn't this unusual? Doesn't it usually work that people's blood pressure goes down after the surgery? I HATE those stupid bp cuffs, I find them crazy-painful, but I'm kinda wishing I had one here at home to monitor a bit.

Last year I went through the process for VSG. Though I did not meet the minimum requirements my PCP, and other specialists felt that it would be beneficial for me to have Based on my other medical issues. I was not approved and I lost my appeal.
I gave up and decided I would lose weight on my own, I gained 11 pounds It is a long and boring story but in the end, my body is working against me and having this "tool" could work wonders for me and greatly increase the quality of my life.
After gaining the 11 pounds I decided to see a new surgeon. Part of the issue last year was the coordinator in the surgeons office said there was nothing they could do to help with the appeal. I had several conversations with her which were fruitless, I made several requests to speak with the surgeon or get an appointment with him and I was denied, this is where I gave up.
I did all the pre-op tests again and saw the new surgeon for the second time this week. At this point he had time to review my medical records and become aquainted with my other diseases. He very sincerely looked at me and while shaking his head said there is no reason the insurance should not approve this his exact quote was " you should not have to suffer every day when there is something I can do to help you, your body has been through so much".
He is ready to fight for me. This is not to say that I will get approved by the insurance, but it has given me some reason for hope

I was sleeved on October 15 and weighed 335. Today a bit over week I weighed in at 305. I was so excited it made everything worth it.

6 weeks out & 47 lbs down!! (:

Just checking in. So far, I have tried a few of the suggestions here. I did like the cupcake wonton things from emily bites. I varied the ingredients a little, but they came out very well - eating one right now at work for lunch actually.
Several of you mentioned the burgers and grilling them. I bought some turkey burgers and have been doing no-bun burgers (turkey burger, provolone, little mustard, 2-3 pickle slices) and a small serving of vegetables. I eat about half the burger and veggies and im done until dinner.
Ive never been a fan of sausage so im avoiding them for now - but im looking forward to trying a few more recipies as the weeks progress.
And thank you all for your input, it is VERY appreciated.

I go to Chinese buffets and get carry out. I go straight for meats & veggies, I avoid most sauces. Filling 1 container can feed me for 2+ days.

This is my first time back to work and ordering with everyone. I felt really good being able to join in and not feel like I am so restricted. I just chose healthy and ate a small portion. We can get back to normal. This was a huge salad. I will be 7 weeks tomorrow.
This is what I ordered Grilled Chick salad w/ff feta
This is what I ate from that. It took 35 min to eat.

I am so relieved after a 3 week stall the scale is finally moving. A little over 5 weeks out and I am now down 40 pounds... I still have A LONG ways to go, but after having a stall for 3 weeks and gaining a pound I was stressing out. I did have to see my Dr. Friday and they had to give me Water pills for the swelling in my ankles, but since I started taking them the scale is moving again. Thankfully. I did not want to go in for my 2nd month follow up and have gained weight.
Stalls are frustrating and I know they are part of the process. Patience is very much needed during them. After talking with my nurse and getting some answers I felt a lot better. Sometimes I think the stress we put on ourselves during a stall can cause us to stall longer.... I hope that makes sense
So I just had to share my excitement and for others that are going through it, you will get out of that first stall, even though at the time it seems like it may be never ending! Whew.. what a relief
Also, today a few people at work have told me it looks like I am losing weight, only one of the people who said something to me knew I had surgery. So that made me feel good as well
What a good start to a Monday!!

Started at 4/18/12 : 329lb
Today 10/18/12 : 240lb

This is just a quick update to let ya all know I'm still doing great, haven't been on much cause I've been living and loving life, and trying to start my own business(if you know any small businesses that need mobile marketing send them my way).
My highest weight was 699, in 2011. I lost 60, but for the next near kept going from 650 to 670 & back again.
When i started my journey to surgery in May i was 670. From memorial day to July 2, i lost 20 pounds.
I'm now 3 months out and almost at 100 since surgery. Currently I'm 560. I feel a lot better, starting to go through clothes faster and being a lot more active. I can go to the zoo and not get tired and it only takes half a day not the whole day.
I walked around the ren faire twice before sitting once, before i couldn't make it past the gate without sitting.
I definitely wouldn't change this for anything, I'm not always perfect though, i don't always make the best choices, but my portion sizes are so small it just doesn't matter and I'm never ever ever hungry, i love that i don't have ghrellin ruling my life anymore!
I'm doing measurements and pics tomorrow, stay tuned!

Drink warm liquids, tea, Water, Soup, warm soothed my belly first 3 weeks couldn't do cold.

The first two weeks are the worst... it WILL get better. Remember why you did this in the first place. It's not the easy choice, but it's a good choice. Yep, recovery SUCKS. Getting used to eating less is not easy... but give it a month, give it two months... you will be AMAZED at how much better you feel. There will days that you forget you were sleeved.. until you have a meal and get full with just a small amount of food. But then you will be satisfied. You will have had just a few bites of that corned beef sandwich that you so desire... you will have enjoyed it... and you will be full and happy. Hang in there!!!!

Why do you have to say anything to them? This is a personal decision, not a public one.
When people ask how I have lost my weight, I tell them through reduced portion sizes and exercise. It's the truth.
I don't tell people how I am able to only have two kids (vasectomy)
I don't tell people how I am able to see without glasses (lasik)
I don't tell people how I am able to ... (fill in the blank)
My weight loss is not out there for public consumption. My wife and family know, and a couple friends who battle weight issues and are considering it. I told them because I know their struggle and want them to know there is a tool to help them.
But that's it.

I agree, you truly are an inspiration! My life begins next Thursday 10/11/12- I have hospital Pre-op tomorrow. I was getting really nervous (losing sleep, palpitations, the works!) as the day stays nearer. Your positive experience and awesome results was just the post I needed to get back on my positive thinking track. Thanks so much! Keep up the good work. Can you give us newbies any tips! God bless!

I had the worst anxiety about getting the sleeve. I have always been nervous by nature and the last three months I spent in a complete state of stress and worry. I just got home from the hospital an hour ago and I feel great! My surgery was on the 27th and they kept me for two nights. Ill admit the first few hours out of surgery were the worst but still tolerable. I was up walking around 2 hours later. It was actually funny because I was walking so much my nurse had to ask me to go back to the room and rest lol! The first few things I tried to swallow hurt but i adjusted when I took smaller sips. I dont know if its a good or bad thing but today I found myself taking regualr drinks of Water with no pain. I really wanted to post this because I was so worried about the pain and problems that can come along with this procedure. Reading others experiences gave me hope I really thought I would have a much harder time than I did!

I started this jouney weighing 330 lbs....today I weigh 216. I have lost 114 lbs in six months. I am so grateful for this procedure...i never imagined I would feel this way about life again. Thank u God!!! All glory to You!

Tomorrow Tomorrow i love ya Tomorrow
hi annie
good luck to you and all others having WLS today, tomorrow, or somewhere in the future
you will love all the benefits of the sleeve leading to a healthier, happier you

I was sleeved on 8/29. 4 weeks ago yesterday. I have had some terrible left sided pain when I stand, get out of bed or turn the wrong way. I have been wearing a binder to help also. But still have always had some type of pain . Last night at about 2AM, I turned over and felt a popping sensation in the spot that has been giving me so much trouble. Didn't hurt, just weird....I am wondering if there was an internal stitch that was tugging and it finally desolved and let go........
Well this morning I woke up and VIOLA...NO PAIN!!!