shutterbug

1 week away from my ONE year surgiversary and I'm down 114.5# was hoping to hit 120# but am quite amazed at my past year and am now my goal is to lose another half pound by next week and continue getting to my long term goal of 175# and not losing sight of the ultimate goal of keeping it off and staying healthy!!

You look awesome!! How do you feel?

Stayed the same this week. My surgiversary, ONE YEAR, is November 17th and I am 7.5 #'s away from my goal of losing 120#

My weight is moving slow now but it's still coming off!

Hey Deedee... you are amazing.. almost at goal! WOW WOW WOW... congrats! LOVE the Valentines dress!

Hey Tiffy,

I was surfing some youtube videos the other night and saw you on 2 different weight loss videos... very fun!

How is life UNDER goal? Is that amazing or what?

~Chandra/shutterbug

Thank you for your kind words regarding my stress/ tummy issues and not being able to eat... it makes me feel SO much better to know that there is hope that this too shall pass. I had it so easy for the first 9 weeks I did not see this coming and I am for the most part very happy.. just on those days where my tummy is so sour and I know I'm not getting enough nutrition it's so scary. Thank you for always responding to so many people.. you rock!

~Chandra

Hey DeeDee.. just checking in on your progress..can't believe you are 1# away from your goal!!! HOW WONDERFUL!! congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your story and pictures with all of us... so very helpful to me and I'm certain so many others!

Hi paula!! I see you are still losing away. Good for you!! Keep up the good work my surgery date buddy!! How are you doing? Any challenges still?

Paula... miss hearing from you.. hope you are doing ok and life is just busy... update when you can!

~Chandra/shutterbug

GREAT avatar pic.. you are so gorgeous! I will try to have some body shots taken over Christmas and post some new pics!! Have a great Holiday!

Hi LabradorLuv,

How are you doing? I hope things are going ok and you have a great Christmas!! You, Paula and I will have to meet at some point!!

Losingmama,

Congratulations on your loss!! WOW... I'm another Michigander.. in Midland! You should post some pics to inspire us new VSG'ers!

Hi Cheri.. today is my one month post op weigh in and I am down 31 lbs. WOW... I am doing good.. no problems with food except when I go to fast and most days have energy. I am having a hard time getting in 6-8 glasses of water but other than that doing great!!

How are you?

Hi Paula,

We are 1 month POST OP today..can you believe it?? How are you doing? I haven't seen you post on here.. hope things are going well!

Update when you can.

~Chandra/shutterbug

Hi Paula,

Just checking in to see how you are doing? Did your surgeon give you any recommendations to avoid hair loss? I am getting worried about that after reading so many posts of it. How is your eating going? Are you enjoying anything in particular. Yesterday I had fat free refried beans with a piece of cheese melted on top..it was good. I scooped out half a cup and was only able to eat about 1/2 of it. Other foods I can eat more.... it's an interesting learning process for sure. I hope you are well.

p.s. Also wanted to share that my surgeon told me that leaking from movement at this point (2 weeks out) was unlikely.. he'd never seen it and has done over 200 surgeries.. that I was more likely to leak from overeating that from exercise..so i was given the go to lift weights and do my elliptical etc.. he said NO restrictions.. just if it didn't feel good.. don't do it...

I had some "fears" in me from reading the posts about leaks....

~Chandra/ shutterbug

My chest pain was really bad too... I am getting in about 40-50 oz of fluid now but still not enough. I hope your chest pain starts to get better, someone told me to add heat.. do you have a heating pad or can you warm up something and put it on your chest.... I hope you dont' have to go back. I'm not getting enough protien yet either.. but from what I read it's hard the first week or so ... so just try to drink something.. by the way the warm stuff, not hot but warm, is much easier for me.. try some warm milk.. or tea... keep me posted..

Hi there.. in need of some post op support.. did you have any chest pain after surgery.. like sharp heartburn type pain.. mine is horrible and every time I drink I get it.. also very nauseated... and having a hard time getting down 54-60oz of water .... help.. please pass along any advice you may have...

~Chandra

Hi Cheribaby.. how are you doing? I am having surgery tomorrow.. and was glad to hear it wasn't that bad. Do you still have a drain tube? How are you doing with getting water in..... let us know how it's going!

~Chandra

Ok nix... that.. saw you are on a liquid diet already... how's that been? I feel lucky that I haven't had to do that but wonder why my surgeon does not. It's neither here nor there now.. I go tomorrow same as you.. what time is your surgery? GOOD LUCK..

Hi Paula,

How are you doing today? Are you getting nervous? I am excited and just want to be leaving.. not having to "wait" any longer. Oh.. by the way I'm Chandra, the one in Midland that is having it with Dr. Pleatman tomorrow the same day you have yours. Let's stay in touch and follow each others progress!

p.s. Did you have to do a liquid diet or pre-surgery diet? I'm on clear liquids today and am already missing food.. it's wierd...

Thank you for your lovely response, I am finding you one of the most inspirational people on here thus far and you look so amazing and so HAPPY. Reading some of the things you wrote, I felt a sense of relief... I understand exactly what you felt like about feeling like the fattest person in the crowd and I am looking forward to the positive change this will do for me mentally. I am a photographer, and the gregarious one in the crowd but people are exposed to my public side and do not know the private battle and depression that I have been suffering for years. This year was the topper for me so many physical things happening to me, acid-reflux.. fatty liver... high blood pressure (not on meds but much higher).. pain in knees.. winded... tired and tired.... I am so ready for a change and I think it's hard to remind myself that it IS ok to do this for myself and I will be not only ok but GREAT!

Thank you a million for your note!

~Chandra

Hi Gingin.. I'm currently 310 and have surgery in 2 days. My projected weight loss by my surgeon is 204 so I set a goal of 190 but would love to land at 175. I am proud of you for saying your highest weight, I am new here but from what I have seen the support is great and this is defiantly a place to go to with no worries or judgement or embarrassment. Good luck to you!

~Chandra

Hi Paula,

My name is Chandra, "shutterbug" My surgery is in Detroit by Dr. Mark Pleatman from Bloomfield Hills. How are you doing are you getting nervous at all? Wondering if you are making the right choice? I have a ton going on with my head and am excited for the future but hopeful to not "fail" at this too... let's keep in touch ... if you like .. you are in BayCity I believe and I'm in Midland.. very cool.. so close. I'm new to this place and haven't figured out all the navigations yet but will try to get here daily!