gloriann

It can be very stressful not being able to discuss this life changing matter with your significant other. I hope you both find peace in your decision. This is about you and for you....my prayers are with you and anyone that is having a difficult time through this.

I went through that 3 times, one gall bladder removal and 2 wls. The insurance company said the people at anethesia didn't fill out paperwork right. The anesthesia people wouldn't talk to me. Back and forth with the insurance company. They won't talk to each other which would solve the problem but they are knuckleheads. It went on for many months. I think I've finally defeated them. It was $3,000 a whack.
Keep making phone calls until you get someone with a brain in their head.

I was sleeved on Dec. 17 and went on a humanitarian trip to Guatemala on Jan. 20. I was part of a Rotary group that went and stayed with Rotarians in that country. We were wined and dined in upscale restaurants and homes unless we were in a village where we were usually given chicken broth with tough chicken parts. I was usually in the presence of 9-20 people who did not know about my surgery (with exception of 2 of them). Sometimes, if the person sitting next to me said something about how little I was eating, I would just tell them I had stomach surgery and was still recuperating. If they pressed, I told them what type of surgery and found them to be very supportive. I always told my host families though, just so I would not offend them. They can't wait to see me in my new body next year. In my travel group of 9, there was one gal who is about a size zero, who observed my eating pattern and said, after a few days, she could not wait to see the day when I actually ate a meal. I thought for several days about what to do with that comment as I could tell that it really bothered her. So, toward the end of the trip, 7 out of our group got very sick with a virus and no one could eat. Toward the end of the illness I went to bfast with that person and we both had a poached egg on toast. While we were eating, I told her about my surgery. She was incredibly supportive and was relieved to know I didn't have an eating disorder:-) She said I was eating the way she and others should be eating - small portions. Overall, I found I could eat anything set in front of me, but usually just a bite or two of each item on the plate.

I'm one of the ones that didn't tell many ppl at all, not because I'm ashamed, just because I don't like being questioned and having to defend my decision, if you will. I would either not go, or tell them you are citing back on your portions to get healthy. If they make some nasty comment, first of all, thats exactly when your husband needs to step in. I would NEVER allow my family to talk down talk my husband and that should be nipped in the bud immediately. If he doesn't say anything then you should. I would certainly point out to them that health is your top priority, not 'fitting in with their family'. I think when you hand it right back to them, they may see how stupid their comments are and that you aren't phased by them. Oooh girl, what's their number, I want to call them right now! Where do ppl get off thinking it's okay to talk to ppl like that?! If you dont want to tel them, don't! They can say what they want but when it works and you are rocking it, they can all kiss your skinny tail!

We actually just started talking to them again. We didn't talk to his family for 6 months because of a stupid miss understanding. It is really hard getting through to them. I'm a really blunt person and they don't like it at all. So I don't feel like they do it out of bluntness I just think it's because it's one thing they know will hurt me. I hate to say that they are out to hurt me but sometimes that's how it feels. My husband has tried talking to them several times and it just makes it worse. Excuse my mouth but its just a shitty situation. The only reason I do anything with them is because my kids adore them and my family is 2000 miles away :/ I don't want to lie to them but I also don't want them to laugh at me. Last time I went on a diet his dad said, "well if this one lasts maybe you'll actually fit in with our family" and then his mom and sister started giggling. I'm not really a very insecure person, I've kinda just always rocked what i had ya know but they are in my opinion just mean spirited and I just don't want them to ruin this for me. I'm so excited beyond belief. Like I don't think anyone is as thrilled to get cut open as I am and my family is kind of already being downers so thats why I'm on here so much. I'd rather surround myself around people that are excited for me and see the beauty in this surgery rather then the people that think its a cop out or a hoaks.

I just say "Thank you, I feel great" and move on. For a long time I was also very tired of this, but now sometimes I also wonder why certain people aren't saying anything.
I figure that many people have seen me lose, gain, lose, gain and gain some more....but I know this time it is gone for good. What a great feeling.

I am not one to ever tell people to put their scale away, because I think that obesity should be monitored like any other health condition HOWEVER, this is why I advocate for weighing in ONCE weekly, on some kind of regular schedule like right when you wake up after you use the restroom stark naked.
I relate to this, I am a little over two weeks out but I am a person who experiences a lot of Fluid retention based on sodium levels. For most people they have to eat QUITE a bit of salt to notice that effect but for me it's just more extreme due to genetics or something, I don't really know. You may also be more sensitive to this than you realize. This morning I stepped on the scale, and like you, saw a two pound gain and my heart sank but I know that its Fluid and I need to practice what I preach.

I only told the people I was close to (in my family and at work). I feel it's no one else's business. There were only a handful of people at my job that actually asked why I was going to be out for 3 weeks and I told them I was having surgery but never told them what for. Only 1 person asked me what I was having surgery for but I basically told her it was none of her business LOL!! She's one of those nosey gossipers anyway. Do what you feel comfortable doing. There is no wrong or right way of doing this. Good Luck!!

I haven't been on these forums in so long!!! A lot of life changes/busy schedule kept me away but I have to come back to share good news with all of the amazing online friends who have been there for me throughout this entire journey.
1.5 Year Post-Op Stats:
Highest Weight: Around 360
Current Weight: 190
Biggest Size: 34 / XXXL
Current Size: 12 / L
The topic title is "Forever21" because I've never been able to shop at that store for pretty and cheap-y clothes my entire life though desperately wanting to - and now it's become a staple of my college wardrobe.
I can't believe I'm under 200 lbs. I didn't think I would be so successful since I have PCOS. I haven't had any complications from the surgery, with the exception of hair loss (which seems to be recovering) and brief bouts of acid reflux (not significant enough to be a concern).
My life? Well, I'm doing things i never dared to dream about. Shopping, traveling, dating, exploring, and enjoying. I'm still not used to the positive male attention. Sometimes I freak about that I can "fit" into places and buckle plane seatbelts and stuff. Just enjoying life and living it the way I've always longed to. I am so grateful that I did this. I beg anyone who is hesitant or has fears of doing this surgery to come to me with questions, I will answer any.
But I must be completely honest and state that I do not, in any way, believe that the surgery is entirely or even mainly responsible for my success. It truly is just a "tool." I have put in a lot of hard work into getting the results I have. It takes a lot of serious time and dedication.
Funny mini-success:
-A guy I used to know asked me out, not realizing that he knew me back when I was over 300 lbs. He would not believe that it was actually me until I showed him my ID. Man, was he embarrassed!
You don't realize how truly overweight you were until you notice that new people you meet just accept you as "one of them" and not their one super morbidly obese friend. It's weird being part of the gym crowd. It's weird dating fitness enthusiasts and realizing they wouldn't have given the old me a second look. It's weird getting comments like "oh you wouldn't understand, you're not fat." Really, really weird. Making new friends and having them never know that I was (and on the inside, still feel like) super morbidly obese. I feel like I sometimes need to "come out of the closet" and confess this to them!
I still don't recognize myself in pictures/video, but in a good way. Sometimes I feel like the world/my reflection is trying to trick me into thinking that I'm average-sized, because I can't believe that I'm no longer so overweight.
I've been thinking seriously and I believe these are the most important steps to take in order to make the best use of this surgery and to hopefully get similar or better results than I have:
-Start a simple walking regimen at least two weeks before the surgery, and keep it up afterwards.
-Weight train. I'm serious. Don't put it in your "to do later" list. Start doing it now because the strength and muscle building will seriously burn fat and make your loose skin look SO much better.
-Take good Multivitamins.
-Don't ever get back on the cycle of eating sugary/fatty foods because it will be very hard to stop.
-DON'T cheat on your pre-op diet. Prove to yourself how serious you are about this.
-Avoid smoking/alcohol.
Some concerns/negatives:
-The Hair loss (somewhat resolved) now that my weight has stabilized. No weight gain so far.
-I no longer feel the same amount of restriction. I still can barely eat a fraction of what I used to, but now I can have a small salad, a meal of 4 oz Protein + side, and a tiny dessert. Basically, I can fit in the minimum amount that a healthy eater should be having. But it's no longer just 1/2 a cup of cottage cheese!
-It is still a little uncomfortable to have fizzy drinks.
I'm so happy with my life right now. I feel like people give me more respect and listen to what I say, which can actually be frustrating at times. People treat me immensely better, and although it feels good, I feel sad that it took all this weight loss for it to happen. I'm talking giving me free stuff, opening doors, going out of their way to do things for me. Why the hell am I getting special treatment? It still feels similar to unfair treatment I got from being obese, only now it is positive. I go out of my way now to treat everyone with equal respect and courtesy.
Update: I'm looking into getting surgery to remove a lot of the excess skin that I have. Thank you for all of the support in the past few years - I hope to have more great updates in the future!

I haven't lost in 4 weeks. It's not a race. It's a new lifestyle. I know it's frustrating. I would think that 4 weeks of consuming 500-700 a day would result at something for me, but nope. It will happen eventually. Just keep on track and exercise.

We're hoping to roll out a new app (and site) within 4-6 weeks. We'll have a lot more flexibility to display member info and pay more attention to features our members are requesting.

The super bowl game food should not be an issue. You are doing this for you. Hang in there. It will get better! Good luck!!

You just had surgery.. Your stomach is still numb
Please measure your food! You may not be able to "feel" anything yet but the restriction will come when you heal more!
And Protein based foods will fill you up more than Soups and cream of wheat.

I exercise about 2 hours a day. Once in the morning, walk during my 1/2 hour lunch, walk in the evening with the wife, one day a week I add a basketball game in the evening. I'm usually at a negative net calorie everday. I eat about 650-730 calories a day. I know it sounds crazy but I have never lacked energy.

Well, you could go for a nice walk, go to a movie, call a friend or family, read a book, take a hot bath, .. You could also have a good cry, feel better, and still do one of the above! Its all about not dwelling on things and knowing it is ok to not be happy all of the time. Keep your head up and focus on you!

I agree. Be happy...we are all in this together. Each persons journey is different and we can all learn from eachother! Good luck on your journey and thank you posting.

I agree. Be happy...we are all in this together. Each persons journey is different and we can all learn from eachother! Good luck on your journey and thank you posting.

That is sooo true!! If you notice they are the same people!!

I agree. Be happy...we are all in this together. Each persons journey is different and we can all learn from eachother! Good luck on your journey and thank you posting.

I agree. Be happy...we are all in this together. Each persons journey is different and we can all learn from eachother! Good luck on your journey and thank you posting.

I have had my tradmill since 2007. I love it. Just get on and start slow and easy. Within a month, you will be able to up the mph and distance. Good luck!

Sure does. So, if it lies about what my weight will be, do you think it's lying about a spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy's having 270 calories with no bun or mayo? I will kill somebody, as I have been craving one since my pre-op diet, and told myself I could have ONE at 6 months if I was a good girl. SIx months is here and I have passed my surgeons 18 month goal (by 1 pound lol)
It's my cookie dammit'

And I really don't understand why there are so many different boundaries with alcohol ! Some surgeons say 3 weeks , 1 month , 3 months , 1 year , never !!! Can't they all get on the same page !!! Or somewhere close within range of each other ... Jus sayin

Well if that's all the worry than I'm fine because I still want my curves and don't want to get to skinny I'm a size 12 so in no hurry to lose more ! I do go to the gym 4 times a week to tone and follow all the liquid and soft food diet !

I love my sleeve. Thank you GOD!