sandipq

It happened yesterday as I was leaving the house, my 7 yr old granddaughter said, "Wow Nana! You're getting skinny!". I stopped dead in my tracks and was speechless. I, think I went into shock! Well, I finally said thank you, with a smile. I confess, I wanted to cry! Although, my clothes are getting really loose and I've seen some physical changes, some part of me is not seeing or accepting! But, babygirl's compliment broke through and hit home! Yeah me!!! So glad, I started taking care of me and got my sleeve!!! This is only the beginning:)

Starting weight 230
7/31 Surgery weight 219.5
Today@ 2 weeks post op 210

About to cry I am 1 lb from saying bye to 300s!!!!
Jesus take the wheel!
Highest: 372
Pre op: 357 June 14
Day of surgery: 340 June 28
Today: 300. August 18
2 month, 4 days total loss: 57 lbs

Sorry for the ugly face my boyfrien doesn't know how to take pictures haha he just takes them and doesn't wait for me to get ready.
The first pic is the newest the second one is about 3 months and the one on the right is one week after surgery.

Hi,
I read a post on here the other day that summed up my life and feelings about doing this. I'm pre-op but would have never considered this just a few years ago. Fear of surgery I guess. I wish I could remember the posters name because it made an impact on me. Being fat has stolen my life. And I mean that literally. The EVERY choice I've made for 30 years has been influenced by fat. High School, college, career, hobbies, sports, dates, clothes, vacations, relationships...EVERYTHING. Every single thought I have is filtered through fat and self loathing. I go to sleep with thoughts of being fat. I worry if I die they will find my fat ass and the medics, coroner would have to lift my fat ass. I think about how humiliating that would be --- I can even be humiliated dead. I AM DONE WITH THAT. I am 49 years old -- I want to LIVE my life, not just exist and watch everybody else LIVING. Screw it! If I die during surgery, well, it was meant to be for some reason. I have a serenity about it, which is really amazing to me. If I could do this today I would. And if I'm successful (please God, let this work) I plan to use my 401k for plastic surgery. I want the last half of my life to make up for the first half of being a shell of who I really am.
I want to thank everyone on this board who takes the time to respond and help everyone else, even when they are past their crisis or struggles. This board is an amazing resource of hope and help!

I had thoughts just like you. I could give myself a million reasons not to finally go through with WLS. Not sure if I could handle it. Not sure if it could handle me...
But it wasn't until I started having physical limitations that kept me from walking in a grocery store without crying from horrific back pain after only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot into the store. I got to the point where I was using a handi-capped plaquard in order to get close to the front door of the store, so I could ride around in one of those stupid go-cart to go grocery shopping.
On top of all of that, I had an extreme thyroid condition, hypertension and pre-diabetes, (none of which was getting any better either). I had lots of swelling in my legs daily that created permanent red marks circling my shins. I think it was either the beginnings of lymphedema or some kind of ulceration that was happening.
I went to a Chiropractor, an Orthopedic specialist and a Pain Management specialist with 3 years of medical care. The chronic pain I was experiencing was getting worse, not better. I finally had to do something.
I knew in my heart that if I lost weight, some of these issues would get better. So I finally made the commitment and I'm very happy to say that after all the hard work I went through these last three years, it pales in comparison of what has happened in only the last month since my post-op.
It took several months of planning, and along the way, I slowed down my eating habits before my pre-op and managed to lose 18 lbs before my pre-op. I lost 5 lbs during pre-op and an additional 20 lbs. post-op.
What more important is that some of the horrific and painful physical issues have gotten better. My diabetes issue is gone, my hypertension is just about gone and will be med free soon. My thyroid, well, that will always be an issue, but it is better under control and less dosage on the meds.
My back pain? WOW!... I haven't had to take a muscle relaxer or pain meds since the surgery. The swelling in my legs is gone. It's much easier to walk around. And even though I still park close to the store, I can now walk through the store with no problem. I still feel the stress, but it's not enough to stop me from walking.
If I had any doubts before the surgery, I must have been out of my mind, because the results have been more successful than 3 years of physical therapy without the surgery.
So... for me? This was a no brainer. Wheelchair bound, or freedom of walking. WLS was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and for my health.
Hope this is a help to you.

Everyone else has said almost everything else I would say, so I'll just add this. One of my inspirations was an aunt who has had over 20 operations due to her uncontrolled diabetes and obesity issues. She "only" weighs about 250, but she's 5'1, so her BMI is astronomical. She nearly lost a foot to gangrene (may still lose it); she's had numerous operations to save the little sight she has left (can't see her grandchildren's faces); she's had operations on both arms to combat the rigor mortis that's already settling in there. She's ONLY 54 years old!
I finally decided that ONE operation to help reverse my morbid obesity was much less scary than 20 to combat the effects of my morbid obesity. I was also under a death sentence of lose weight or die...and the doctors weren't sure I'd live a year.
Here I am, more than a year after they predicted my death, happieir and healthier than ever!
If that's not a sign, I don't know what could be a sign.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

I struggled with the decision too. Post op, it is easier to know that you made the right decision without any doubts. Here is something I posted a few days ago about still being able to Celebrate food:
You'll still have food. It is never going to go away. Within a week post-op, I was sad about cooking spaghetti for my family. I kept thinking that I would never be able to eat a big plate of spaghetti again. Then, it hit me. I will be able to eat spaghetti again. I'll have a child's size portion one day, and I'll be satisfied like I was never satisfied before. I won't be eating two huge helpings, four pieces of garlic bread and two cokes in one setting.
I feel good about what I eat. I am not gorging myself on huge restaurant portions. It is kind of nice being the person at the table that eats the petite portion. I like to secretly think that the other women are jealous of me because I eat so little (because I used to feel a twinge of jealousy that all my thin cousins would eat half as much as I did at a meal!) I no longer feel as though I am wasting food when I can't eat an entire portion. I don't have the desire to finish off every last little bit. I also don't need dessert.
My tastes are already changing. I'm not stopping for fast food. I'm searching out fresher, tastier foods that I didn't appreciate as much pre-op. I have become a food explorer. I've been trying new fruits and vegetables from the frou frou grocery store with all the fancy food! I'm cooking Thai food at my house - something that I've never done before. I want to play with spices and fresh herbs. Don't be afraid, a whole new food adventure is coming!
How will your friends feel about your restrictions? My friends don't even notice. I have told very few people about my surgery. I've had a few people mention that I wasn't eating very much, but when I said that it was all I needed right now. There really wasn't any one who pushed me on the issue. When I go out to eat with my friends, I can always find something on the menu that fits my new lifestyle. This may be a little harder while you are on the liquid phase, but you can order a good Soup and just eat the broth. Those around you won't notice. I stayed with Soups when I was on soft foods. Once I got to solid food, there were no issues. There is something for you at every meal to eat out.
On the other hand, if you complain about your portion or your meal constantly, I am sure that your friends will notice.
Sounds like you have a lot of signs. You just need to embrace those signs, and realize that being anxious is part of the process. Come here for support from people who have made it through that part of the journey.

My personal opinion Dr Nick is awesome he made feel comfortable and so did everyone in his office..I didn't see anyone else...didn't even think about it..after my visit I was hooked.. I have bcbs and they were great to. They submitted my claim on a Friday I got approved Wednesday. Dr nick staff is awesome..they returned calls and emails..that is just my experience not everyone is the same..who ever you chose make sure your comfortable with them and your choice.

Maybe you could find a surgery buddy in your area either from this site or a support group in your area. If you live in the Dallas area I would be willing to drive you

Wow that is crazy.... they made me take a pregnancy test an hour before surgery and said there have been people that they have had to tell, like you. I know there must be so many emotions. I can only imagine as I think back to both of my surprise pregnancies. All I know is that God is always good and knows what He is up to. I am sure that His timing is perfect and if you have asked yourself if you should do this right now.... you have your answer. I will be praying of you to have peace and comfort as your process what all of this means for you and your family.

Carol, congratulations on your success thus far! I agree with Likasulema--you've come so far and are pretty close to goal, so I'm sure you're wondering what's going on.
A lot of people who are emotional eaters gravitate towards carbs when they need a "fix." I don't know if your issue has ever been emotional or stress eating, but if so, that would explain the carb cravings. Carbs give you a quick hit of sugar and bump your endorphins up, helping you physically feel satisfied, and that substitutes for emotional satisfaction. Some folks can't really eat processed carbs even in moderation because they get these triggers to eat more.
I might suggest these steps:
1. Remove everything that you know to be unhealthy from your home. If you have a mate or kids, let them know what's going on. Just remove it--give it to a food bank, donate to your local church's youth group (they'll eat anything!), or find some other way to get it out of your house.
2. Replace that unhealthy food with beautiful, fresh food that looks and smells good and is healthy for you. Carbs are GOOD for you in the form of veggies and fruit. And once you get them home, prepare them and keep them in the fridge. When the carb cravings strike, fix yourself a big salad or have a sliced apple. Your sleeve will kick in and you will get full, and your body will be healthier for the nutrition.
3. Be kind to yourself. I firmly believe that our entire food production system is geared towards promoting foods that get and keep us fat and sugar addicted. Let's face it--there's no money to be made in simply providing fruit and vegetables. Nope, to make money, they need us to buy processed foods, and wow! those are super easy to get hooked on, both from a chemistry perspective and from a convenience/availability perspective. It really helped me feel more in control when I realized that my body was designed for real food and would eventually respond positively to getting real food--the cravings really do go away. It's not that you're somehow "at fault" for craving carbs--the foods we routinely eat are sort of geared towards us continuing to have those cravings!! (Insert wry smile here) Screw the establishment and eat fresh. :-)
4. Lastly, if you really are having an emotional/stressful time, maybe talk with someone about it who has dealt with these issues before. Seeing a counselor prior to having surgery was a really helpful thing for me, and I know a lot of people on this board have also seen therapists, counselors, and other caring professionals for help with emotional or stress eating issues.
I am 100% sure you can get through this and get to your goal! You are strong enough to do it, and you are worth the doing. Ditch the junk and maybe add a few more minutes on your treadmill--you're going to see goal before you know it!! (HUGS!!!)

no pre-op
DOS
12/15/11
235 lbs
8 months since WLS
8/14/12
147 lbs
12 lbs til goal
century club, here i come

My 9 your old son came into my room to say goodnight and when he hugged me he started rubbing on my should and says, " Your skin is really hard" I was puzzled cause he was not touching my skin since I had a nightgown on... He pushes on my shoulder and says see it's not squishy.....lol I said oh you can feel my bones... "Yeah see how hard it is" ... Lol... So no my skin is not hard.... But I don't have as much fat under neath my skin...lol tomorrow im 2 weeks post op and im down 19lbs(11 pre op)

When I was on all liquids, I had a problem getting in more than 500 calories. I would drink roughly 3 shakes a day (20-30g Protein each) (160-180 cal each). The liquid stage for me only lasted two weeks, so it wasn't very long that I wasn't getting in enough calories. If I found that I was feeling a little lethargic, I would drink some fresh fruit juice - good for Fiber and calories.
Now that I am eating more normally, I have no problem getting in all my calories. In fact, I often have to make sure that I don't go too high which keeps me tracking my intake during the week.
I also supplement with shakes. I am not a big fan of eating first thing in the morning, so I found a way around this by pouring my ready made shake into my coffee (half shake / half coffee). I do this twice in the morning and get in 30g of protein and 160 calories.
A second shake for brunch would be another 160cal and 30g of protein.
I eat mid afternoon usually deli meat and cheese / fajita meat / or something similar. This usually runs me 150cal and 20g protein.
For dinner, I eat taco salad, a hamburger patty, or something similar with cheese. 150 cals and 20g protein.
(Sometimes I add sour cream, avacado, or greek yogurt - which adds about 60 calories)
After dinner, I usually stay away from heavier, protein foods. I'm too close to going to bed to want to lay down with food in my stomach. I tend to have a cup of watermelon, edamame, steamed veggies, etc. I usually get another 150- 200 cals and sometimes some protein depending on if I eat Beans vs veggies or fruit.
If I feel like I need more, I eat a handful of nuts.
This makes anywhere from 750-1000 calories a day for me. It has been more than enough to lose weight without feeling run down. There are plenty of calorie dense, healthier foods (nuts, avacado, olive oil etc) that can fill your diet once you can eat solid foods.

This all depends on how you define "normal". If "normal" means being able to shove 1500 calories down your throat in one sitting or always getting the biggest size popcorn at he theater. Or maybe "normal" is being winded after climbing 1 flight of stairs. Then NO, Thank God, I will never feel "normal" again
I'm gonna be like my weirdo friends that actually climb mountains for recreation. You know, those crazy people that don't need to grab a candy bar & a soda every time the put gas in their car. Those oddballs that can walk by a box of donuts and not grab one(or 2 or 3 or 4). What about those nut jobs out there on Seadoos jumping waves and having fun.
Nah, in a country where 65% of the population are overweight, and over 1/2 of those are obese(38% of the population), I for one do NOT want to be normal.
Put me with the 35% minority, because that is where I'm heading. Excuse me for putting it so bluntly, but "normal" sucks.

I had surgery 7/31... My doc says liquid for 21days ... I have been trying different soups like butternut squash and Thai coconut tomato. Also had cream of chicken but had to strain out the bits and my yummy nectar protein shakes (holding sarcasm sign)

You are not supposed to use hydrogen peroxide on healing wounds because it will kill the new healthy cells that are so important. A little puss is normal and does not mean it is infected. If it gets really red and hot and the diameter gets larger then it may be infected and you should call your doc. They don't like you using neosporin unless they say either.

Of coarse for the last two weeks I've been stalled at 200 pounds! Today the scale said 199 yay!!! This week is my 7 month sugervisary and I'm down 105 pounds. Doing my happy dance!!!

Hello,
I am posting some before and after pics
starting weight - 375
today's weight - 277
date of surgery 4-24-12
first two pics are my wedding day - 2/19/11
last two pics are me in the same wedding dress today 8-9-12
not posed the same way in the pics...but there is a very big difference

Second surgery date was successful in that I am sleeved. It was pretty rough because they had to give me so much medication to keep my heart rate up during the surgery and didn't give me pain meds for a while after. I have never experienced pain and nausea (from the meds) anything like the few hours after surgery.
I came home on Wednesday, but was readmitted Sunday night for dehydration and shoulder pain. They were afraid that I could have a leak because I have so much pain in my left shoulder still. Tests were all negative. If I am still having pain on Wednesday he is going to send me to an orthopedic guy. They are wondering if they didn't damage my shoulder during chest compressions in the first surgery. This has been a horribly rough road, and I am a little glad I didn't know how bad it was going to be going in. Thus far today I have managed to get down a popsicle--that's it. The surgeon said it may take time but he has never seen it not get better. I am trying to have a positive attitude, but I am pretty miserable right now.

My doctor told me that the greatest risk of leaks is 3-5 weeks, after the swelling has gone down, and is due to essentially hydraulic back pressure created as the stomach pushes food into the small intestine. Based on that, I WILL NOT CHEAT. It simply is not worth the risk. I will be in mushies then and they will be truly mushy. I'm patient; I have the rest of my life to eat. A few weeks is NOT going to kill me.

I think that people who make the "I did a dumb/bad thing and didn't follow my doctor's orders" are looking for several different responses.
Some people slip and get scared that they've hurt themselves. Response to that always seems to overwhelmingly supportive.
Some people haven't been properly educated about the healing process. Everyone is very quick to inform them and give them ideas for new recipes and coping skills.
Some people are still enslaved by emotional eating and they don't recognize it. I don't think these posters are looking for support, ideas, or help. I think they want someone to tell them it's OK to disobey doctor's orders and they get angry when they don't get what they want and say we're judging them. Maybe we are, but maybe they need people who won't act as enablers for self destructive behavior.

My opinion differs here, I find it hard to believe that so many people will support bad decisions. It is absolutely imperative when somebody is headed down a path that is detrimental we as a community stand up and let them know just how bad of a decision they are making.
I for one would much rather have someone mad at me because I hurt their thin skinned feelings than support a potentially destructive action.
I don't think I could live with myself if I someone hurt themselves because I was too afraid to actually tell them what they were doing was stupid, for fear I might offend them or hurt their feelings?
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely believe that support & encouragement play a key roll in our purpose here.
But if a heroin addict came to me and said "I just went through rehab, now I'm just experimenting a bit with cocaine". I bet then nobody in their right mind would question me when I responded with "what the hell are you thinking? I think you really missed something." so my question is, what is the major difference?