makemyownluck

I really don't know how to explain how little the lifestyle changes have really affected me. Something in my mind just clicked when I knew I was having this surgery. I had a similar feeling when I quit smoking cigarettes years ago. I had quit smoking maybe 20 different times and kept going back to it. But the last time I quit was the LAST TIME because something in my mind just clicked and I was able to quit. Just as trying so many diets and failing and deciding to have the sleeve to end the cycle - something just clicked. I sailed through my pre op diet, I'm 4 wks post op now and pretty much eating whatever I want.
I wish I could explain how my mind just up and decides it's ready to do something like this! Some of your fears may come from doubting the surgery, so do your research and hopefully you'll feel more confident with your choice.
Good luck!

I just wanted to add - to anyone who may need to hear it - chewing food and spitting it back out is NOT a solution to an eating disorder. It IS an eating disorder. Anorexics and Bulimics do this allll the time, it's part of their illness, and I would not encourage anyone to ever try this tactic, even in your most desperate hour.
I understand that we are all food addicts, to varying degrees. But please, don't start any new behaviors that are unhealthy in attempt to rid yourself of other unhealthy behaviors. We all need to get better - not find new ways to 'cheat'.
I've realize from reading posts like this that been fortunate - VERY fortunate - that so far, nothing has tempted me like that. I'm 3 wks post op and right on track with my diet and feeling satisfied. I attribute that to being single and living alone, so I don't have to sit at the table and watch the family eat something delicious. I also attribute this to being proactive and finding ways to make these stages more delicious! Ricotta bake, mini quiches, Protein pudding... I have lots of delicious options available, so I'm not feeling deprived.
That said, UPDATE US, Jeffie! Is all well?

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

I did a 2 wk liquid diet. I didnt think it was torture at all, and I lost like 17 lbs!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone. The encouragement is so appreciated!!
I wanted to add this: another NSV for me is that I am healthy. I'm off my bp meds (well, I have been since the week before surgery, but it's due to the weight loss!) and haven't had any complications. I see so many posts from recent sleevers that are having issues, or having weakness with their food, and I really just can't help but be so glad it's not me. I realize that may sound selfish, but my journey is about me after all! What I've learned through this process is that my body - it's an amazing thing. The fact that I've lived this long being super obese and ONLY had high blood pressure for the past year is a miracle in and of itself. Add in that I just had major surgery less than a month ago and you'd never know it from looking at me, I realize I'm blessed. My body is healing well. My body is getting stronger. As much abuse as I've put this body through, it keeps on going... for me, this journey, even though I'm not at the end, has really taught me to LOVE MYSELF in a way I never did before. To love this perfectly imperfect body - and not just because it's the only one I'll ever have - because IT IS RESILIENT! It really brings a happy tear to my eye to know that I have more respect for myself now, and I'm not even close to the finish line. I'll get there... I'll (try to) be patient... but for now - this feels pretty great, too.
Thanks again everyone! <3

Is my fat reserve half empty or half full? Who cares. I've reached my halfway point and that is all that matters. 46 down, 46 to go!

I am doing well, thank you both! Just like many people have said, my abs feel sore like I've done 1000 situps and I occasionally get some back pain. They gave me a prescription for liquid hydrocodone to take twice a day and it helps immensely.
It seems I woke up from anesthesia in a panic because they had laid me flat and I can't breathe when I'm flat because of my weight. I remember the anesthesiologist yelling at me to calm down and stop fighting. Once they elevated me it was a lot better. The only pain I felt immediately after surgery was a gas pain that would not go away. They offered me pain meds and I took them. Two hours later when they were rolling me out of the recovery room to my room I was in a great mood and laughing and joking with everyone.

Now THAT's a real "slider" food. Nonstick all the way!

I hope you're doing well!

I glanced at my ticker and realized that I started at BMI 64 and today, I'm exactly BMI 54.
I still got plenty of road til the finish line, but that was still nice to see.

I glanced at my ticker and realized that I started at BMI 64 and today, I'm exactly BMI 54.
I still got plenty of road til the finish line, but that was still nice to see.

I glanced at my ticker and realized that I started at BMI 64 and today, I'm exactly BMI 54.
I still got plenty of road til the finish line, but that was still nice to see.

My surgeon hasn't mentioned doing blood work, but my PCP said he wanted to see me "a couple of months after surgery". I'm going to see him about 2 1/2 months after surgery and request my blood work to be done (if he doesn't order it himself). If you want to know what's going on, just call and ask the MD to write the order, they wouldn't likely say no to that request.
Good luck, hope your insides are good!

How have I never seen these before??? SOOO CUTE!!!! hahah

Congrats! Big milestone!

I glanced at my ticker and realized that I started at BMI 64 and today, I'm exactly BMI 54.
I still got plenty of road til the finish line, but that was still nice to see.

Way to go!

Hi VST family & friends. I haven't been on the boards here in quite awhile. I took a break to concentrate on my schoolwork which turned into a schoolwork/ we're buying a house start packing break! So, yes, I am moving. My bf & I close on our first owned home in about 4 weeks.
On 5/27 was my 6 month surgiversary & I am proud to say that I am down 101 lbs! Woohoo! I can't believe what a difference 6 months can make. I'll have to get new pics up at some point. I know how everyone here loves pics! LOL
I have gone through so many changes mentally & physically that I can't even believe it. So many wonderful things. Obviously the 101 lbs gone is nice, but so many more NSV that I'll need a whole other thread. I'm afraid it will be manifesto like in length! I just wanted to say, "Hi. I'm back & better than ever!". I look forward to catching up with some old timers & making new connections. New pics & manifesto to come...probably within a week.

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences here. It has truly brought me to tears. Congratulations on your tremendous progress so far! 70 lbs is a lot of weight! Imagine carrying around 7 bowling balls. That is how much easier you've made your life! Such a blessing and you are only in the beginning of your journey! You are doing great and I am so happy for you and for myself because I'm on this exciting journey too!
pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274

When I start to feel a loss is not noticeable I think to myself I'm losing fat on my internal organs. I'm getting healthier. Then a week goes by and I say hey I never noticed that collar bone. Lol.

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!