Cyntha DelTorrro

My first goal was to lose 10% of my body weight. I was 293 the night before surgery. I hit the 29 lb (10%) loss mark during the 1st month after surgery. I am now 6 weeks out and almost at my 2nd goal which is to weight LESS than my boyfriend for the first time in 4 years. I was always SO embarrassed that I weighed more than my boyfriend who at 5'10"/250 lbs is no lightweight. I don't think any woman could ever be comfortable with that. Men are supposed to be bigger. Period. Then in the last couple years I started to realize that I weighed more than many professional football players! That blew my mind and made me feel soooo bad. I love watching the Green Bay Packers, but, several times during every game my heart would sink when they would show player stats. I would think "I weigh more than an NFL linebacker. Ugh." I was never drafted by any NFL team. Sure I have the girth to play, but, I'm only 5'4". My surgery and weight loss has been motivation for my boyfriend to make some changes and he has lost weight too. It's taken me longer to catch him because of that but I don't mind. I've still got plenty to go and I'm happy to see he's ready to change too. It won't be too much longer though and he can resume his place as the biggest living being in our house. The way nature intended it. I also calculated the average weight of the Green Bay Packer's active roster. Those 53 gentlemen have an average weight of 243.75 lbs. I'm looking forward to getting past that benchmark and down to the weight of the quarterbacks, kickers and wide receivers (190-220 lbs ). Eventually I'll slip below them all and be able to just watch football. Clay Matthews will always have better hair than me though. Go Packers and Go Me!

I switched to the Nectar drinks when just couldn't handle creamy shakes anymore. I have the Nectar Grab N' Go packets of Roadside Lemonade and the Lemon Tea. I add some lemon juice to both that helps mask the whey flavor/smell that all of these drinks have. They are offering a sample pack of all 14 flavors for only $14.00 w/ free shipping if you order using the toll free phone number from the Syntrax website. www.si03.com (that's s-i-zero-three - not the letter "o". ) Usually it's at least $2.00 per packet when ordering the single flavor boxes on Amazon.com.

I ate a lot of mashed potatoes during that stage. Still do. I use the mashed potato pouches made by Betty Crocker, Idahoan, Hungry Jack etc. I like most of the flavors as well as the "plain" and it's easy to control the consistency by how much water you add. Early on I made them thin and can now tolerate them thicker. I also like that after I made them a time or two, it was easy to make just part of package by sight and not have to always make the whole package or measure. I usually add protien powder and during puree stage I would sometimes put them in the blender with spinach or other vegatables I was having.

I didn't get any guidelines from my surgeon on this. However, I felt it up to it about 1 1/2 weeks after surgery and had no problems at that point. It wasn't crazy gymnastic sex or anything (saving that for when I've lost more) but it was just fine.

I didn't say it is unusual. I'm just happy.

I couldn't be happier. I realize it won't continue at this rate. The first 20 fell off in the first 10 days and since then things have slowed to a normal level. My clothes are definitely looser. One thing that makes me really happy is that my feet and ankles no longer swell up painfully each day. I have essentially doubled my shoe wardrobe and I don't have to be concerned about wearing clothes that show my ankles. Dresses and capri pants are back in style for me. My ankles are now sexy again and the rest will follow. I read postings by a lot of people who are on the fence about getting the surgery and I want to offer encouragement. I had a hard time in the hospital. I struggled with pain and virtually didn't sleep the two days I was there. At that point I doubted my decision (not like I could do anything about it, but, I was definitely wondering if it was going to be worth it) However, after I got home and ever since it's been pretty smooth sailing. My stomach has not rejected anything. The head hunger factor has been greatly reduced since I've gotten back to normal activities and off liquids. I've been on soft foods for a few days and am happy with what I can currently eat. The only struggle at this point are the protien shakes. I don't want anymore. Ever. However, I just treat them like any chore and get it done and out of the way as quickly as I can each day. If you're trying to decide, just know that for many people things go really well.

Whoops didn't see how hold this was. I'm glad you made it through OK.

When I read your surgeon's statement I laughed. But I probably wouldn't have if I had heard the same statement before my surgery. I agree with everything everyone said. Sore. Hard to get in and out of bed. Pain meds are a god send. I would add too that if you aren't on a morphine pump where you an medicate yourself, make sure you ask for your meds BEFORE the pain gets really bad. Nurses are busy and sometimes you might wait longer than is comfortable for them to get to you. This was my first major surgery and it took me awhile to figure out that out. It think my first day was more miserable than it had to be because of that. You'll do great!

I'm 9 days out from surgery and I can tell you that I don't think it just goes away. Even though I haven't felt hungry at all, I've craved things. Things that are not healthy like pizza or mac n' cheese. I haven't given into any of my cravings because I'm newly sleeved and don't want to jeopardize my healing. I have to think though that the temptation may become stronger when I'm further in and can eat a wider range of foods. I'm hoping that is where the 6 months of nutritional and psychological counseling I had as an insurance requirement comes in handy. I think Ryokokitty is exactly right when she talks about changing the way you view food. We need to view food as fuel and find other ways to deal with boredom, stress or to celebrate.

How great for you! One of the turning points in my life, that brought me to looking at surgery, was when I had to start using a seatbelt extender on airplanes. I enjoy traveling, but it's become so hard with the exta weight. Not only is it physcially exhausting, it's stressful because I'm alway worried about the people who might resent sitting next to a fat person etc. I'm having surgery 1 week from today and I'm looking forward to selling my seat belt extenders on Ebay! You should be really proud of yourself. Congratulations.