Susmcmur

I went to a holiday party at the home of a longtime family friend. We saw one another last Christmas at eight months post op, and my weight loss has pretty much leveled off since then. When I greeted my friend, she turned to my husband and said with complete sincerity, "Why didn't you tell me you were bringing someone else? Where's Suzanne?" This is a woman I have known since I was 26, and I'm now 54 years old! I've changed my hair and and dress in a much more body conscious way than when I first lost weight...but, still! Amazing! My husband just smiles and smiles...

You have to take the long view...the older and sicker you are, the harder it'll be...there is a teeny tiny statistical chance of complication...the first few weeks are hard--no lie. But 15 months out, I am truly a new woman! I have hope and optimism, after 50 some years of defeat. Started at 5'5" and 254, down to the high 160s---energy, no meds, cute clothes, 80-100 oz water (crystal light) a day, eat virtually everything (tho I keep carbs on the low side to curb cravings). Love my sleeve, would hop back up on the table right now!!

Hi rw, I'm 54 years old, overweight all my life, 15 months out and 15 pounds from goal and I love your NSVs! Some things that I've achieved and feel great about: --no more seat belt extender on planes --regular size clothing and lingerie --tall boots that are not wide calf --belts, and tucking things in --body conscious clothes --swimsuits without shame --joining a gym --hiring a trainer --cute workout wear --trying Zumba, BodyPump, Couch to 5K, circuit training, all with success --being the normal sized friend in a group of two or three women --getting active with my kids --choosing something active vs. sedentary when I have the chance --being a great example to my 13 year old --being an inspiration for 2 of my coworkers and my BFF to pursue VSG --getting lifted over my Navy midshipman's head! --lighting up my husband's eyes again --theme parks--not so much, but if I wanted to, I could! My best advice to all is Carpe Diem; lose as much as you can in the first six months, because it does start to feel like work. I don't regret one moment, though!

Cheri, and fellow slow losers: I know this sounds crazy, but I just celebrated my one year VST anniversary, and I am 15 months out from VSG surgery. I am down 85 pounds, still 15 from my surgeon's goal. I have been 5-7 pounds lower than my current weight, but I've been playing around and gaining and losing the same 5-7 pounds for at least 6 months. The crazy part is I went on a post frenzy this morning, so I could get up to 100 posts and post on the Vet's Forum. I tend to read posts, and agree or disagree with posts, and take encouragement or frustration from posts, but stop short of posting! I think I need to try some from of 5:2, and rein in my eating, and intentionally step up my workouts, if I ever want to move from this place. Thanks all for your encouragement! Sorry to be a lurker...I'll do better, I promise!

So good! Keep it up! You got this...

I have some pretty ramekins I used early on. I still eat dinner off a lunch sized plate at 15 months.????????????

Love spicy food! Within the first 4 months it didn't love me, but I took Previcid up to month 6. After about 6-8 months, I was eating hot stuff with no problems. This too shall pass.

It's like a wall you need to break through; if anything, I would add a shake. The protein and calories won't hurt you and the cravings and hunger may be held at bay!

I had steak at two months out, small bites, maybe an ounce total; not good. Tried again at three months and it was much better. At 15 months, I love a good little bit of steak!

Cute video girl!

I should say too, 15 months out and prolly 60 oz of CL a day.

I have a hard time drinking plain water and generally add Crystal Light. I have a breast cancer survivor BFF who is always trying to get me to cut back out of fear for my health. I have not noticed a correlation between CL/Splenda and headaches, but that's just me. I do sub one or two plain iced green teas (homemade with some mint brewed in) for all the fake, and that goes down ok.

How old are you? Younger, more active folks seem to bounce back easier. I was 53 when I had surgery and didn't feel really up for much more than walking until 6 weeks out. I'm now 15 months out and can do whatever I want, but I remember the tiredness and weakness early on.

Hang in there; it gets better every day and the habits and routines you lay down now will form the foundation for your long term success.

PPI=proton pump inhibitor, like Prilosec or Prevacid; helps with excess acid and is prescribed in a prophylactic way, even if you don't have GERD. Urso is one of several prescription meds to prevent gallstones, one of the side effects of rapid weight loss.

Find some quality vitamins and take them religiously. You simply cannot get all the nutrients your body needs without supplements. Multivitamin with iron, calcium D, B-12 for starters. My surgeon also had me on Urso and a PPI, for 6 months postop. Good luck, everyone!

Not one regret! I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and wish I didn't wait as long as I did.

Oops, sorry, I thought you said you started at 254. You're that much closer to goal, starting at 246!

I'm sad you had such a scary, crummy experience and it colored your perspective on the hopeful, life changing second chance you've chosen for yourself. Everyone's emotions are squirrelly following the surgery. Your endocrine system is secreting all kinds of wacky hormones, you don't have your old med (food) to comfort you and you feel physically uncomfortable. Be easy on yourself! I am coming up on my one year anniversary (4/30), I began at 254 (like you!), I've lost 90 pounds and I am so happy with my new self. It gets better! Feel the love! Relax...take care and good luck. Also...I don't know you, but I feel led to say, "Namaste."

Qdoba and Chipotle both have Naked Burrito bowls and salads with grilled chicken or steak; if you decide on the bowl you just skip the rice and load up on meat, beans, salsa, corn, pico, a little cheese and you're good. There is a spicy vinaigrette for the salad that is awesome at Chipotle. Chik Fil A 4 piece grilled kids meal with a side of fruit or any of their salads with grilled chicken and low-fat dressings are my other go to. Panera has a "hidden menu" with low carb options (google it to see the choices) but even their regular salads and half salads are great.

When you search Bariatric Advantage, there are literally scores of threads of folks who can't tolerate the vitamins (and even their shakes). Lots of stories of gagging and nausea. I'd suggest trying something else. My Nut recommended : different lines: BA, Nutrametrix, and Unjury Optipurity. I chose the Nutrametrix powders that are mixed with water and taste like Tang. Not bad, high quality, and they haven't made me sick, even early on. Good luck!

Oh yeah, the other thing I forgot to say is that my shoe size has gone down a half size to a size and a half in some brands. Was a 9.5-10 and now an 8.5-9. Awww, have to buy new shoes!!

Oh yeah! Size 22W/24W to size 10/12 and wearing the super tall wedges, heels and platforms. Cross addiction is a fear because I am loving shopping WAY too much! At first it was all thrift stores and consignment shops, but I really have blown in out as all the gorgeous spring stuff is out. I'm 54 and wearing cute, body conscious clothes and shoes for really the first time in my life. Compliments every day; it's awesome!

I appreciate your frustration with the idea that someone "needs" WLS. I can only say that I gave many other methods many, many years and my very best effort and I was still a failure. The "reset button" is a good analogy. The first six months or so was a white knuckle flight of following doctors orders to a T. I was so worried about getting sick, throwing up, dumping, developing a leak, that I developed a whole new set of habits. Add to that the immediate physical response that comes from eating even one bite too many and you have dome pretty powerful biofeedback. Now that I'm almost a year out, I've relaxed a bit, but I'm still cautious and mindful of every bite.