peppermintpatty

I can't wait to be post surgery, dropping weight, and getting rid of my fat clothes. 10 years ago I lost lots if weight and got down to size 6. As I've gained weight I've kept my smaller sizes. This week I've been sorting through and organizing everything. I have tons of size 6-8, a lot of size 10-12, some size 14-16, and a just a little size 18 which is what I'm wearing now. It's been fun going through clothes that I had forgotten about. It's hard to believe I once wore such a small size. I won't be keeping my large sizes. Can't wait to get rid of them! Sent from my iPhone using VST

WOW!!! You are amazing! I keep comparing your before and after pics and I can't see "you" in the before shots. If you meet an old friend who hasn't seen you in awhile, they won't recognize you. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Try making a shake you would enjoy and add kale. Fruits like bananas and avocados will make it creamy. So an example might be: 1/2 avocado (no pit or peel) 1/2 c frozen berries of your choice Protein powder of your choice 1 c almond milk 2-3 large kale leaves Stevia or other SF sweetener to your taste Blend well and enjoy. You can blend-in some ice if you want it colder or thicker.

I was browsing old posts and came across this. I embraced a vegan diet with no sugar or wheat for almost two years and felt so great physically, but didn't drop a pound (but didn't gain either). Slowly I started eating eggs, cows milk and cheese, and one day decided I wanted a steak and that was the end of that. Now, three years later I remember my motivation for the vegan diet. I have chronic inflammation which causes more pain than I'd like to live with, and I'm sensitive to many medications so I can't just pop a pill to help with the pain. When I was eating a very clean vegan diet (no sugar, no wheat) I was pain free. Even when I started eating animal products the pain didn't return for about 2 years. Probably because I still kept sugar and wheat to a minimum. The pain has been back for awhile now, and I'm finally back to eating vegan. I have not had surgery yet, but I'm convinced the right path for me is to have surgery and eat vegetarian (mostly vegan) with no flour or sugar. I'm 55 years old and would like very much to enjoy my life, not suffer through it.

I had an appointment with a surgeon a few days ago and I really like him alot, but he has a mandatory post surgery program that isn't covered by insurance and costs over $5000. It's a great plan that includes all follow-up appointment with him and the nutritionist for 5 years post surgery. His theory is if patients prepay for these services they are more likely to follow-up and follow through. They offer accessibility via email, phone, web meetings, and in person. The surgeon is highly regarded and has a very high long term success rate. I have an appointment with a different surgeon in a couple of weeks while I contemplate the extra fees for my first choice. I would really appreciate knowing what follow-up programs some of you have with your surgeon and the cost associated.

OK, I'm a 55 year old grandmother and I had to go back and look at the pics again to see the lip ring. I was too focused on your 6-pack!! Good job! Wish I had done this when I was much younger, but I'm glad I'm doing it now!

So far I have told very few people. I've been thinking about not telling my parents or sisters. My first appointment is July 19th and I have no idea what hoops I might have to go through, so I have a ways to go too.

Congrats on your achievement!! I am 100 lbs overweight and I often think how much easier walking up the stairs would be if I wasn't packing an extra 100 lbs. I'm sure you feel awesome!!

Congratulations and best wishes!!

Years ago my favorite treat was a king size Snickers bar and a Diet Coke. This was after the extra large burger and fries. I have not had surgery yet, but I don't eat like that anymore. I gained all this weight eating much healthier. LOL

I've had several surgeries and the first two I vomited from the anesthesia, but in the last 3-4 years I have not had a problem. I was told they gave me additional meds to prevent the nausea. But you are clearly way more sensitive to anesthesia than I am. I suggest you try to see the anesthesiologist before surgery day so a plan can be made. There has to be something they can do to keep you from getting so sick.

I have been careful who I have told so far (I have my first appointment with the surgeon on 7/19/13). This is such a personal decision and it seems to belong with religion and politics on the "off limits" list. I don't want to hear anyone's judgement. I had a friend years ago that would say "It's None Ya, None Ya Business!" That sums it up for me. It isn't anyone's business but mine.

I never thought I would have any type of weight loss surgery. When I was near my goal weight a few years ago I was pretty smug when I heard about someone that had WLS. Now I'm humbled, and miserable, desperate, scared... My highest weight was 275. I'm now at 220. When I was at 145 I had a tummy tuck so most of the weight this time has plastered my hips, legs, and back. My tummy is still pretty flat. I don't think I totally ruined my tummy tuck. I hope not anyway. I'm a cancer survivor - three years cancer free. I had ovarian and uterine cancer. Carrying all this extra weight puts me at a higher risk for a cancer recurrence. What was my final straw? I'm just so tired of looking for something that will work. I really do feel desperate. I've had so many health problems in the past few years, and most will be at least less serious when I've lost the weight. I have my first appointment with the surgeon on July 19th. I know it may take months to get approval, but I really hope it doesn't.