TaiDyed

This is really just an add on to my post from last week that you can find here, but I have made goal and on my surgiversary, I went an tried on/bought these lovelies:
http://www.verticals...wn-what-a-ride/
Size 6!!!


Size 6!!!

Size 6!!!


Size 6!!!


Juniors Medium (I know that I had NO BUSINESS trying on or buying this dress, but I COULD NOT HELP MYSELF!! SO SPARKLY AND SEXY!!! I tell you one thing, when my 3 year old is in "jr's" she won't be wearing this stuff!)


AND a before from mid August 2011!
http://www.verticals..._2605_66971.jpg
I love you guys!!
xxoo!
Heather, now JustAGem

You will absolutely be able to have that...in time! I am 6 1/2 months out and have pretty much anything I want. I of course am making better choices now but I have been to sushi, mexican, burger joints etc and just eat my small amount and have leftovers. I have 3-4 pieces of sushi, burger minus the bun, grilled chicken taco without the tortilla and it takes care of my craving and I dont feel deprived at all. Hang in there, your day will come!

I had to buy Protein powder from my doctor's office. It's not the worst ever, but I've had better. I agree with @nikkrew on the Premier Protein drinks. They are small and compact and pack a whopping 30 grams of protein. I buy the chocolate ones at costco.
Not a huge fan of the Isopure, but am tolerating them. I know right now how important it is to get my protein in no matter what during these first few weeks post op. I'm really looking forward to being able to get my protein fix with real food somewhere down the line.
Good luck with the pre op and your 8/20 surgery!!

Thank you everybody ! Your input meant alot . I called my insurance today they so cover baractric surgey and revision surgey it just up to my doctor's notes on what they do . my appointment has been moved to friday the 16 or 17 th not surs what day lol . I now going around getting my diet doctor notes who I have seen every month for 2 years and lost a grand total of 12 lbs in two years lol ya after I had the flu which thank god she documented . Also have to get proof of my gym memembership and my personal trainer notes that I had for one month . Notes from my denist about how years of threwing up is really start to destroy my teeth and notes from my obgyn about my prenancy diabeties and the other weight related issues and also blood work and see my primary care doctor. I also have my husbands insurance as a secondy insurance so maybe they might step up where my insurance won't . Sorry I feel like I am a pain with all the questions . I just went into the lap band without thinking or doing my homework . Which I regret so bad now ! I have been heavy for 20 years now all I what is to finally be free from this weight ! And tyi dye best of luck with your surgey !

I have thick skin - so what some people may consider "negative" comments don't bother me
If you look at what I actually consumed in the 2 days there, it isn't bad...
I DESCRIBED alot of food, but what went into my mouth was:
ONE crispy corn taco with about an ounce of finely ground (not greasy) beef and an ounce of shredded cheese and one bite of a bean and cheese nacho.
ONE meatball (2-3 oz) that unfortunately had some bread mixed into it (I did not eat ANY of the noodles or saurkraut)
About 3 oz of Quiche made from eggs, cheese, spinach, carrots and tomato - none of the crust
1 and a half of the egg roll ruebens that equaled about 3-4 oz.
I drank lots of Water.
I walk A LOT!
I lost 2 pounds.
The point of my post was to show actual, real food I had to make decisions about - and I am happy with.
My surgery date was July 2nd - I am free and clear on my diet. I have not thrown up once, had any nausea after the 3rd day post - op, and have healed wonderfully.
I have had zero pain - but can feel a cramping like sensation when I am full.
I am extremely thankful for this board, and I welcome any/all questions. It has been a life saver for me - literally! I would not have had the surgery without it.

That is awesome!! I have my follow up next Thursday and hope to soon be back at water aerobics and spin classes. This week, I'm sticking w/ walking and trying my best to listen to my body.

I just passed my 2 week mark , have had my first post op visit with my doctor and nutr. last Friday and thought I would share just a few things I have learned the hard way that I can look back at now with some humor and relief.
If any of it helps someone get through a few days great~~
1.Don't trust a toot to be just a toot the first few or so days....that was something that lasted a week or so for me and I actually was so happy to be finally passing gas that I just passed gas..or so I thought that first second... So I got up and down a lot to the toilet just in case but after that first oops, I wasn't taking any chances.
2. Don't push yourself. Everyone tells you,EVERYONE!~~~ LISTEN,when it comes to moving and drinking,your body knows best.So easy to over do it.
3. Do not drink drinks with red dye in them~~~I mean holy moly I freaked out! I thought I was bleeding out,and was going to die,it was the red crystal light fruit punch working its way out,,,thankfully the awesome folks of this forum had my back,while I called my doctor.
4.Remember how difficult this whole thing is and it is emotional and its ok to feel those ups and downs, I thought there was something wrong with me because I was so upset and sad. But it goes away and you WILL feel better!
5.And finally visit here often,it makes you feel better to know others are feeling the same, so many of you all have had my back through my posts or just by me reading yours.This place has been a Godsend.
And while this is still a big,big battle for me, I'm working it and I'm going to keep visiting here and I'm going to be patient with myself and keep a sense of humor.....

Do you cry when you look in the mirror? Do you have to wear pants with elastic waist? These are a FEW things that got to me and I literally could go on and on and on. The battle physically and mentally of being obese is horrible. I have one thing to say. NEVER question your decision to have this surgery. I literally talked myself out of the operation TWICE. I'm 14 weeks post op and I'm still adjusting to my new tummy but my life has made a 360. I'm falling in love again and the best thing about it. It's with MYSELF. Do this it will be the best thing for u

When I met with my surgeon for the final discussion of having the band to sleeve revision done, as we were walking out, he told me "Tai, you're going to be one skinny b***h." This and more are why I adore him. I go in on Monday for my procedure. I'm beyond excited!!
I'm 5'3" (5'4" on a good day). The heaviest I've ever been was 289 back in 2000. I managed to lose 120 lbs on Weight Watchers over the course of 2 years, but sadly did not maintain my loss. At that time, my goal weight was 150. I was 11 lbs away from that goal and never got there.
So, I guess 150 for the time being is my goal weight. I have not a clue what size that will bring. I'm a pear shape and 2 sizes larger on the bottom than I am on top. Only time will tell!! The other gauge of reaching a personal goal is to fit into my size 13 (and we're talking size 13 from the late 80s) Levi 501 jeans...if there comes a day when I can actually fit into those, then I know I will have "arrived". Believe it or not I have a pair in storage from my senior year in high school that were barely worn and look brand new.
This time next week I hope to be telling everyone that I am feeling well and on my way to a healthier and smaller me!!

For me, at the time, the band just seemed the most logical choice. There was something about having my insides rerouted that terrified me. And still does. Why it is that the idea of having a huge percentage of my stomach removed doesn't unnerve me the same is beyond me. But for whatever reason, the sleeve just seems the better choice. I was fortunate that my insurance covered the band but I understand what you mean about feeling that it was money wasted. It was a procedure that I certainly would have preferred avoiding. I am struggling with the fear that the sleeve will also end up being something that I wish I hadn't done...but after Monday, there will be no turning back.

I had my band in March 2010 and was he same way up and down with fluid in the band and then it slipped even though I'd never puked nor eaten bread or trigger foods. I was revised on 5/23 to the sleeve and I am loving it! Though recovery was a bit longer and more difficult (drinking for me was very painful at first and I lived off Popsicles). Now I can eat anything again in small portions which does get annoying sometimes because I know my body needs the calories to workout but there's definitely a hard stopping point. The band can also desensitize your stomach so my PA said that likely I will be able to eat more a bit sooner than someone who wasn't banded. All in all so much better! I returned to work on post-op day 6 and would have done 5 but it was a holiday, started running again on day 9 and was feeling good by day 12. I'm 9 weeks out and feel the best I've felt in a year! -30 lbs after gaining 25 with the slip. Good Luck!!!!

When I met with my surgeon for the final discussion of having the band to sleeve revision done, as we were walking out, he told me "Tai, you're going to be one skinny b***h." This and more are why I adore him. I go in on Monday for my procedure. I'm beyond excited!!
I'm 5'3" (5'4" on a good day). The heaviest I've ever been was 289 back in 2000. I managed to lose 120 lbs on Weight Watchers over the course of 2 years, but sadly did not maintain my loss. At that time, my goal weight was 150. I was 11 lbs away from that goal and never got there.
So, I guess 150 for the time being is my goal weight. I have not a clue what size that will bring. I'm a pear shape and 2 sizes larger on the bottom than I am on top. Only time will tell!! The other gauge of reaching a personal goal is to fit into my size 13 (and we're talking size 13 from the late 80s) Levi 501 jeans...if there comes a day when I can actually fit into those, then I know I will have "arrived". Believe it or not I have a pair in storage from my senior year in high school that were barely worn and look brand new.
This time next week I hope to be telling everyone that I am feeling well and on my way to a healthier and smaller me!!

The thing I like best about the sleeve life is I am off the diet roller coaster! I eat pretty much what I want. It's just now since I do not have the cravings like I did before and the hunger monkey to contend with it is much easier to make the proper food choices. I get to use my head instead of my stomach when I choose what to eat. So I always try to do the Protein,Veggie,Fruit, Carb order when I eat. Plus it is wonderful to know that since I get full so fast I can just have a bite or two of a treat from time to time and not sabotage all my hard work! Now that it is has been a year I am much more confident that this is the right tool to rely on! It is always there for me!

My best friend has known me since we were 15...we are now 43. She's seen ALL my ups and downs with weight. She knows how hard I work out 5-7 days a week. She has seen first hand my triumphs and frustrations. She is super thin and a fitness trainer. She has told me time and time again that she loves me no matter what my size, however completely understands and supports my decision. I hope your best friend is able to realize that you are doing this for you and regardless of what her opinion is about having WLS, she will support you all the same.
I wish I had had this option when I was 21. Best of luck to you!!

Lol I don't like having to dress like an old lady because of my size or paying 3x as much for clothes that are trendy ... Lol I know at the end of the day I'm extremely vain lol and slightly cocky ... I was talking to my friend about the surgery and telling her it was about health but she reminded me of my cockiness and I knew that I was gonna have an even bigger head
Moral of the story: wls can make you more confident but really if you are sexy an you know it then size doesn't matter
Skinniness does not equal attractiveness

@tai, I'm so sorry you are having a rough one, it will be over with soon. I'm with you, I'd love some comfort food right about now, but not as much as I'm going to love being sleeved tomorrow. I had to run to the grocery store today and I just wanted to eat everything.
@dallas, can you believe it's finally here?!!? I have to be at the hospital at 6:45am...EEEKKKK!

Wooohooo, finally got the call telling me what time to come for surgery. I'm scheduled to check in at 8:30am tmrw. My nerves are coming from out of nowhere, I was just fine and not scared or concerned a couple of days ago!

Good Morning...first day in over a week on this Protein plan where I am feeling EXTREMELY lethargic and grumpy. Just needed a place to come and vent for a second. I so want toast with Peanut Butter and jam. It just sounds so comforting and delicious. The three hours between shakes and bars feels like forever.
Just a few more days.

Wow! Sounds like you have had a lot of life changing experiences. I'm so happy to read about your awesome progress. And yes, slow and steady definitely wins the race. We didn't get overweight overnight so it's no surprise that it won't come off overnight. You definitely have a really good attitude and that is so key. I had the band in 2008 and know what you mean about that first "last" bite. The discomfort is something that is no fun at all. Give yourself time and keep listening to your body. Eventually we figure out what works and what doesn't.
I am going in for my sleeve a week from today. I'm very excited and can't wait to be sharing my story too!!

Im 23 and 5'3"....So I recently went shopping and found that I am finally in regular size clothes!!! WoooHooo!!! My sleeve date was May 1st. Starting weight 257-18w & 2x tops---today 199- ..........14 & 16 REGULAR JEANS & L tops!!!! Notice I also hit Onderland!!!!! I am currently in a stall and have been for at least a week or so! I try not to weigh my self everyday... for the last 2 days I've worn dresses! I never thought I would but they look amazing! As you can tell I'm very proud of my self. It wasn't but maybe 6 weeks ago I was on here crying thinking I wasn't going to drop anymore weight...I have stalled ALOT!!! But hey slow and steady is fine with me. I have noticed I'm starting to have extra skin in my breast area...SRY TMI!!!!! I will have plastics sometime in the near future after I hit my goal. I'm shooting for 160-----140 would be amazing----who knows... Im going to let my body decide. My husband loved the old me, but is wild about the new me.... I do sometimes "miss" food....I hate the uncomfortable feeling when I take that 1 last bite (I still haven't learned)! I haven't conquered "head hunger" My enemy....chips (Pringles & Cheeto-Puffs)...in the last 3 months I have quit my job, went back to school(full-time), strengthened my relationship with my hubby and son! I'm trying to finish my basics so I can get into the Petrolleum Engineering program. Before the sleeve I was to tired to do anything... I worked full time 50+ hours...I wasn't in control of my life...I am now...What have I learned... No matter the size or shape I am...pretty or not...I love me for me and want to be healthy for me and my family!!! I do not regret my sleeve at all. At times when I ate to much and was in pain I would probably tell you different but it has been absolutely life changing!!!!! I'm sorry for all the extra info I have crammed in here I just felt like I had so much to share with the world and you guys, I knew, would be happy for me and listen!!! Future sleevers-don't second guess your self...And when you hit that stall get on here and talk to someone...there is so many motivational stories on here that will help you get through!!!

Oh thank you for posting this..I needed a place to go to put my thoughts out there into cyberspace. I broke up with food last night. Today is day one of a 2 week pre op diet. Surgery is scheduled for 8/6. I think right now what I am feeling is primarily mental. I feel "fuzzy" ... like the beginnings of what it must be like to go through withdrawals. I know I sound a bit dramatic...and I know it will pass as my body gets accustomed to not eating everything in sight. Or just to be able to eat when I want to.
I am on a 3 shake/2 bar diet (Breakfast shake, snack bar, lunch shake, snack bar, dinner shake). I am allowed certain veggies. I think I will go invest in a few bags of those veggie steamer bags.
Thanks for the app suggestion. I will definitely go check it out! Looking forward to sharing our trials, tribulations and successes!!!

I am 29, and do not have saggy skin, my breasts did go from a DD to a C however. They are not saggy, they still have a little perk to them. Your age is on your side for sure! Like I always tell the newbies.... best decision I have ever made!

My pre-op diet started the 11th and I know exactly how you feel.all I thought was what if I didn't get it all in?i was eating more then I ever did the couple of days before I started.
Im not going to sit here and tell you it will be ok and time will fly by!it was a long 2 weeks for me,some days really were rough.mentally I was going nuts!i found that when I kept busy I wasnt thinking about all the food I couldnt eat.i picked up hobbies and cleaned nonstop lol!after the first week your so excited that all your focus is on the surgery!
You can do it,it's hard but you'll be ok.keep busy,take it day by day and blend your shakes with ice to make a smoothie...it will fill you up more!
Goodluck!!!!!!just keep your eye on the prize