jessiquoi

Congratulations on your journey so far, and thanks for sharing!

@@natalie_christin, i am so sorry you are in pain. That makes everything you try to do harder, doesn't it?
I don't have any magic bullets for you, but here is my suggestion: pick ONE BEHAVIOR that you can change now that will put you back on your path. Maybe it will be tracking your food intake on something like My Fitness Pal, or maybe drinking more Water, or maybe getting a pedometer and counting the steps you take around the house and gradually adding like 10 or 50 more each day. Any of these things will make a difference. Maybe there's something else you can think of.
And, congratulations on coming back to the forums and looking for help. Keep on reading and interacting, and you will get back on the ball as you realize we're all going through things... maybe not exactly the same combination of stressors that you have, but we all have things. It helps to know you're not alone, and it helps to hear other people's thoughts.

Hello everyone!
I haven’t been on these forums for a long time, but I wanted to stop in, say hello, and give everyone an update.
I’m 9months post op. My surgery was February 24th. So far, I’ve lost 122.5 lbs from my all-time high of 380, and I’m down 108.5 from my surgery date where I was 366.
Here’s the breakdown my month:
M1 30lbs
M2 6.5lbs
M3 23.5lbs
M4 16.5lbs
M5 10.5lbs
M6 9lbs
M7 0lbs
M8 8lbs
M9 4.50lbs
The weight loss has slowed quite a bit in the past few months as a result of my consuming more carbs… something my nutritionist recommended. Plus, I haven’t always made the best choices, and I’ve been slacking on my exercise.
It’s been quite the journey so far, with lots of ups and downs (no pun intended!). And while I had hoped to have lost more weight by this time, I’m happy with my results. I’m very blessed, so no complaints here.
Here’s what I’ve learned in the past 9 months or so, as well as some random observations along the way:
• It’s critical that you get your bariatric team together right up front. For me, this included my PCP, surgeon, fitness trainer(s), psychotherapist and a massage therapist. I added a nutritionist a few months in.
• It’s also critical that you embrace the whole process. For me, I decided to throw out everything I thought I knew, and listen to the professionals. I also tried to have as much fun with the process. I purchased nice baby utensils, fun 4-5oz glass storage jars, and a stuffed stomach plush toy (which my dog almost chewed to shreds. LOL)
• Two months on pureed foods were rough, but I basically stuck with soft scrambled eggs, white flakey fish and Soups.
• I started boot camp two weeks post-op (with my doctors approval), and I’ve been going 2-4x/week ever since.
• I get massages as often as I can afford. It’s great for circulation, and I personally believe it helps with skin elasticity. I’ve also been taking collagen supplements. I’m not really sure if it helps with the skin, but it’s certainly been making my nails grow.
• I had diarrhea almost daily for the first three months. Ugh. That sucked.
• Nobody noticed the first 50lb weight loss. That also sucked.
• Now almost everyone notices. That most definitely does NOT suck.
• The first two months or so were pretty much all about me just wrapping my head around everything.
• The next 4 months started a wonderful journey of self-discovery, euphoria and renewed hope and self-confidence.
• The next month or so after that, I started to get depressed. I mean REALLY depressed. My weight loss stalled, and I started making the wrong food choices. I thought to myself “Is this it? Is it over already?”. The euphoria I had been feeling was fading quickly, and again I thought to myself “Am I going back to the woman I was? Have I really changed at all?”.
• When I discussed these things with my therapist, I asked her “Am I ever going to really change?” We both looked at each other, and I said “I already have, haven’t I?”. She nodded in agreement.
• At that point, my PCP put me on Prozac. I took it for a few weeks, and that helped.
• I also realized that part of my depression was caused by not being happy with the way my clothes were fitting: I had lost 100+ lbs at that point, and everything was really starting to hang on me. I wore the same baggy clothes over and over.
• What helped with the depression the most was throwing out all my old clothes. Over the next couple of months, I built a whole new wardrobe. I also started wearing makeup and jewelry.
• Getting new clothes made me see myself differently. And that’s when people really started to notice.
• Currently I can eat pretty much anything, and I can fit about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food, depending on what it is.
• Grazing is (and forever will be) an issue for me. I never used to be a grazer (I was always a binge eater). It’s something that I’m struggling with.
• My stomach does not like pork chops, most popcorn and Corn Nuts (which I should really be eating anyway! heh.)
• I had bloodwork done in October, and I am currently off all my diabetes meds. I have been since August. My fasting bloodsugar was 99. My A1C was 6.5, I’m off one of my blood pressure meds. My cholesterol is still really high, though my triglycerides went from 363 to 125. My blood pressure is reasonably stable, though I have work do in this area as well.
• I started writing a book.
• I’ve been inspired to be more creative, and have been pursuing (or plan to pursue) interests in drawing/painting, home decorating with repurposed materials, sewing, playing the guitar, photography and other things.
• I’ve been more social, and feel I’m finally, after 50 years, coming out of my shell and really REALLY discovering who I am.
I hope everyone finds these thoughts helpful.
Be well…
Denise

Hey all. Thanks for the prayers and wishes. They admitted me and will be here at least until Monday or Tuesday. Surgeon will do EGD when he returns beginning of week. Right now they believe I have an ulcer/abscess. Also was told I had tested positive for h pylori from pre op EGD biopsy but they just noticed now? ? So I am on IV fluids anti biotics and some PPI drip. I've maybe got 10 oz of fluids today. Just getting worse so best I am here I guess. Haven't had any food or Protein in a week. Starving but can't even tolerate Water. Will keep u all posted. Thanks all!

Sending positive healing vibes! Get well soon!

congratulations! we all want a love story like yours.

So I saw this design on-line and I made my own first "sleeve tummy"ornament out of clay!! I put the surgery date on the back! Oh, it's going on the tree! Cracks the family up!

Had the surgery yesterday. They kept me until after 2 in the afternoon because I could not walk ten feet without falling into a wall or something. They thought it was a reaction to the pain meds but it was a reaction to the stuff they gave me to put me out. what a rush. slept all day and night no issues.
I wake up with a swollen mouth and cuts in my mouth. Sore throat and a hoarse voice. The pain...well ouch to all heck.... Sure hope this worked. Doc. was happy. He sings like a bird. Amazing voice and they clowned with me until I went under. I hope that surgery number 18 was a success.
I'm still here folks like it or not...lol

I stalled at 2 weeks post op for 12 days. Thus far, my weight loss has been a series of stalls where I sit at a weight for a week or few days then lose 3 or 4 lbs. I usually when I stall my measurements go down. So my measuring tape is easy handier than my scale.

I am 3 years post op, lost 160# and maintaining... transformed in looks and other ways too.
I had something happen the other night that sort of blew me away. I decided to stop at a upscale "taphouse" to sample a fancy holiday brew. I have gone in there before with my sons, but it was just one of those impulse things.
So, i sit at the bar and the place was starting to clear out as the Seahawks game was over. I sat next to what I assumed was a "couple". The bartender started talking to me in a familiar way so I figured he thought i am younger than I am so I mentioned that I had been in a few times with my sons. that shut him down. I use that tack with anyone who looks under about 35.
Anyway, the woman in the "couple" next to me said "I cannot believe you are old enough to have two sons of drinking age". I told her I am 50. She went on to genuinely compliment me that she hopes she looks as good as i do at 50. Then she told me... it was more than looks - it was attitude, comfortable with my self, the way I dressed... my "style"
Then she went on to make sure I knew that the guy she was with was "just a friend". Ha. They invited me to go to dinner with them at a nearby Italian place. I did join them for a glass of wine, but not dinner.
Anyway, I have been reflecting on this because I felt her words were genuine, and I sort of saw myself for a few minutes through the eyes of someone who never saw me obese. Who never knew that even a year ago I would NEVER walk into a taphouse by myself much less sit at the bar. Who never knew that I used to buy clothes based on they at least sorta fit... to now having my own sense of style. My confidence in this new life as a trim person continues to grow.

Last year Thanksgiving I was two days post op and treated myself to diet cranberry juice watered down and some chicken broth. I was so happy this year that I could enjoy a normal Thanksgiving dinner...even if it was just 1 Tablespoon of every dish!
Your progress is amazing...keep it up!

Last year at this time I was about 2 weeks post-op. Some of my family didn't know I had weight loss surgery, so I pretended to be sick and stayed at home. I was cleared for a tiny bit of mashed potato and a little (well chewed) turkey. I remember thinking "What did I do to myself?" I felt sorry for myself.
The following 12 months was a whirlwind of emotion, hard work, giggles, tears, frustration, etc. If there was an emotion, I felt it.
Today, I ran a 5K to support our local food bank. A year ago, I would have never imagined I would run a 5K - OK, full disclosure, I ran and walked. A year ago I would have never imagined I would be addicted to hot yoga and I love to hike. I love being active.
So, for all you guys that are newly post-op or soon to be post-op - there is light at the end of the tunnel. You're going to struggle, you're going to feel high highs and low lows. But you will get thru this and you'll find out you're so much stronger than you thought you were. I finally realized I am so much more than a number on the scale.< /p>
Today I am thankful for this forum - it has helped me greatly over the past 15 months. I am thankful for the surgery that saved my life. I am thankful for my body that didn't give in even though I've abused it for decades.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, you guys! Take good care of yourselves.

IT happens to all of us. Some more than others. Everyone's different. Some people lose steadily and some lose a lot of weight and then stall. What matters is the overall in the end. Don't weigh yourself all the time or you;ll drive yourself crazy. As for the the slimming as Beaglelover says all you can do is take very small bites and try to notice if some foods cause it more than others. You'll find that you can't tolerate all the foods any more. Again it;s different for everyone. Good luck.

This happens to me regularly, so I only weigh once a week or I'd drive myself crazy.
For the sliming, I suggest taking small bites and eating more slowly. I think that would help.

Struggled with clear liquid, ,, Now on full liquid and meal shakes, ,,, Think I've finally got the right ammt of Protein, ,, Lost 26 lbs. And up under 300. Looking fwd to more changes and surprises !! Thanks to this forum,,,,

My BMI was 38 when I was approved for the surgery. As little as six months ago it was 33. I, like many of you was tired of the continual weight yo-yo over the course of 30 years. I want to be healthy and not be ruled by my food. My decision to have the sleeve was me wanting to "eat to live", rather than "live to eat". I was frustrated after dieting and exercising and losing weight and gaining it all back plus more my entire adult life. I recently developed some comorbidities, blood pressure medication this year, severe sleep apnea, and my blood sugar was slowly creeping through the pre-diabetic stages. The heavier I got, the less I wanted to exercise, and the heavier I got... A vicious circle! it also seemed like I was always hungry and didn't have a full mark.I started to consider my own mortality, with my 50th birthday quickly approaching (it is November 29). I was approved on November 3 and my surgery date was November 18, 2014. I am now today one week post surgery and I feel that this is the best decision that I have ever made! my doctor takes the removed stomach during surgery, stitches it up and filled it with air and measures it. I talked him out of a photograph of mine. It is the most incredible thing I have ever seen, my huge stomach laying on a table. He told me that he was surprised if I ever felt full because my stomach was one of the largest that he has seen, and he is operated on people 500 pounds and up. Whenever I feel frustrated about this liquid diet that I am halfway through, I take a look at that picture and I always feel better! After seven days I have lost almost 20 pounds, I am walking between 2 1/2 and 3 miles per day and I feel fantastic. I am getting at least 60 g of Protein per day and getting down at least 80 ounces of Water per day, even though that KL drinking water at least every 30 minutes all day long. The weight is falling off and I feel like I am no longer ruled by what I eat. I am even looking forward to having some cream of chicken Soup during Thanksgiving while my family is stuffing themselves on turkey and dressing. Maybe I'll have some chocolate pudding (sugar-free of course) for my 50th birthday Saturday!I I am 6 foot two, was 307 pounds on the Thursday before surgery at my preop appointment, 301 pounds last Tuesday when I checked in, and today I was 286. I am not hungry, 4 ounces of water makes me feel full, and I I am getting sufficient nutrition on the liquid diet, but I really can't wait until next week when I get to go to puréed food and actually chew something again. I know that I am at the beginning stages of my journey, but I feel as if I have turned the corner on my path to a healthier life!

Yeah!! Go girl!! I've lost ten since surgery also.

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!

I feel great, and everything was fine for the surgeon as well. I've lost 10 lbs since surgery.
Today I progressed to full liquids, basically adding cream Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese to my menus. I can not WAIT until mashed/smashed, as my nutritionist calls it.
I am so happy I did this. So far, so good. Full steam ahead!