cwalker

I was 2 yrs out also on April 30th. I haven't been on in a long time,life just gets too busy. I lost 80 lbs and have gained back 10, I am trying to get back into working out and need motivated!!! Congrats on rocking the sleeve

Hmmm... well - here it goes... I guess I'm just mentally drained where hard core weight loss is concerned quite frankly. Before I continue let me be clear I may still lose some weight... however as far as really working my butt off and continued food restraint... I think I really am done. Period.

Yes I'll continue to do my early morning running, I'll still do my workouts (this will be always and forever) and I'm probably going to add in some muscle toning exercises. I bulk up really easily so this is actually going to slow down the losses a bit. However, I'm NOT going to actively push more workouts to post higher losses anymore. I'm also NOT going to do low carbs anymore, in fact I'm going to add in more per meal.

Slowing down the routine will probably get me about 3-5 Lbs lost per month. I do believe I am very much ok with this. Physically I am very satisfied with how I look. I am wearing sizes 8-10 in pants right now and I just bought a bunch of size Small shirts and they are all fitting. I even bought size XS at Old Navy (my first time there ever!) and those even fit. Crazy huh? Well... this got me to thinking, how small do I really want to get??? I weigh 185 Lbs. So what??? This is how GOD made me, and I accept this.

I've lost nearly 150 Lbs from my heaviest weight!!! Why am I torturing myself just because of a stupid made up BMI scale??? Its just insanity I tell you!!!

I know we tend to continue losing with the sleeve even once we have decided we are at "goal". I imagine this will be true for me too. I have picked up really good habits so it's inevitable I will still continue to lose from here, I just don't want to try as hard anymore. If I want a tortilla with my dinner, guess what... I'm gonna have a freakin tortilla with my dinner. If I want a slice of bread, I'm going to have a slice of bread. If I want to some white rice one night, that's what I'll have. I can only eat one or two bites anyway!! If I want a few potato chips with my lunch... you get the idea. I just wanted to put it out there that *I* Irene am calling myself nearly done. If I lose a little more, great. If not... OH WELL!!! I'm HAPPY with ME right now and that is ALL THAT MATTERS!!!

It is possible that at some point I may change my mind. Well, guess what I'm a woman so that's my right. LOL!! None the less, I just feel happy and very much ready to let go of the diet mentality. I'm ready to just live my life and enjoy the new me... get used to the new person I've become. I can seriously actually look at myself in the mirror now and be ok with how I look.

I decided to put this in the Success threads because this is a huge success to me... saying goodbye to diets and hello to "maintenance"... whatever that entails (which usually for sleevers is still a little more losing but not breaking our necks for it). Well, I'm here!!! Say hello to the new and improved me. Again, if I continue to lose a few more here and there I'm ok with that. If I don't, well take me or leave me. I'm happy and content.

Blessings!!!

Awesome job!!!! I'm like you, I have been in semi-maintence mode. It is harder for me to maintain than I thought...just can't get the scale to stay in one place, exercise continues to be the key for me.I still eat no bread but that is just because I don't want it. Good luck and if you have any tips for semi-maintaing please share!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I was going through the process for getting the sleeve when I was laid off at my previous employer. I was sad that I had to postpone my surgery, but as soon as my benefits kicked in at my new employer (last week) I called the doc and got the process going again. It will probably be a 3-4 months before I am ready for surgery.

My problem is that I dont want to let my new supervsor or co-workers know what I am having surgery for. I dont want my manager to think that I am having an "elective" surgery that will require time off just as I am starting at a new job, and I also learned from telling my previous co-workers that I really would rather them not know for several reasons.

So, what should I do? I know some will respond that this is not an elective surgery, and should be treated like any other surgery, and I agree with that. But, I am also a realist and know that not everyone (esp those who dont have a weight problem) sees it the same way.

I have considered faking a benign mass in my stomach that has to be removed. But, I hate to lie. Yet, its the best I have come up with so far.

Finally, I would also like to just stick with "personal reasons" for the surgery, but the reality is that if you're not completely open, people catch on to the fact that you're hiding something.

Thanks for your advice.

I have a friend that used gastritis but gallbladder or hernia would be better.She has lost weight slowly so that @ 3 months out no one knows anything except she is doing low carb, sf anf exercising, her job isn't guessing at all.

I too was on 80units of Insulin at bedtime, and 2000mg of Metformin (1000 am 1000 pm) before surgery. I haven't taken anything since the night before surgery. :-D

Thanks for responding SIL is hoping fo a cure too! She has a first consult today...keeping fingers crossed!

I was diagnosed with Diabetes about one month before I was to have my surgery. My doctor was going to put me on several medications to control my bood sugar. Since my surgery was coming up, we held off on the medication to see how the surgery and weight loss would affect my blood sugar. My surgery was 5-25-2011 and my blood sugar numbers are now normal. I did not have to go on any Diabetic medication. I think the Diabetes alone is enough of an issue to have the surgery, it seems to have helped many on this forum beat this horrible disease.

Thank you! SIL has been a diabetic for 15 yrs and hoping to break free and lose weight too!

Thank you!!! That is great news for both of you! I think my SIL will do good too.

I have a family member considering VSG and we need to know how many people had VSG and were cured of diabetes type 2? Thank you?

I am 1 week post surgery and now that most of the surgical pain is gone, I am left with horrible hunger pain. The liquids I am allowed do little to help. Also, I seem to have no restriction when it comes to liquids. I'm sure that will change when I go to solid food. Anyway, when will these hunger pains subside? Right now I dread another week of this.

Are you on a PPI? The acid can cause false hunger, If you are already on a PPI try adding Protein to anything you can drink, it will help with hunger.

I'm a couple of days late posting this, but it's been a busy weekend around here.

2 years ago on June 3, 2009 I revised from band to sleeve. As many of you know, or have read previously, I had horrific complications with my revision including a leak, a stent in ICU on a ventilator due to anesthesia complications during the leak repair, and an exhaustive recovery that lasted 3.5 months. To this very day, I can assure any one of you that I would endure every single, solitary struggle and hurdle to live the life I have today.

My highest recorded weight was 270lbs at 5'2". The day of my revision I weighed 263, and within 6.5 months I had hit goal of 150lbs. I continued to lose another 23-25lbs into maintenance over another 4 months and my body finally settled. I maintained my loss of 138lbs for a year before the pregnancy weight started creeping in. My maintenance weight would bounce around 125-130lbs, and I was wearing a size 2 in most pants, some 4s, and XS-S tops. From a size 22/24W, to a size 2.

To answer the common question of "how'd you do it?", the simple answer is; I set a meal plan/schedule and I followed my surgeon's prescribed post-op guideline. I didn't cheat, I didn't want to waver from his plan because I figured "hey, I trusted him to cut our my stomach, I should probably trust him on what he knows will work." I essentially low carbed it for 6 months until goal. I ate no more than 30-40gr of carbs per day, closer to 30gr and a minimum of 60gr of Protein. Pushed clear fluids, and took my Vitamins. Easy enough to follow. I will add that I beat most of my food issues with the band. That crazy thing kind of makes you not want to eat out of fear of puking, so my transition to solid foods was slow. My hair fell out between 3.5-6 months post-op, and I lost half of my hair by volume. It all grew back, and is just lovely today.

Losing weight was easy. Keeping it off was the challenge for me in the past, and with the sleeve I have the constant and permanent restriction needed to ensure success. I gained a few pounds over the holidays last year, and within a couple of weeks of going back to my normal eating, those pounds melted off. I worked on my relationship with food, I started to view food as fuel for my body. I eat what makes me feel good physically and mentally. I do not diet in maintenance, I refuse to deprive myself of certain foods. I do eat all carbs, I have drank soda for over 16 months without any change in my sleeve capacity, and I haven't exercised since being 8 months post-op. So, I'm one of the few that went into this with a loaded deck, and succeeded because I worked hard to replace bad habits with good habits, and really focused on my life with food. I never fell in love with working out, and yep, I have flabby, loose, wrinkly skin, but hey, it's what I'm left with. I'm not going to kill myself in the gym. So, there's some honesty for those that want to know my life post-op. I eat what I want, in smaller portions, and yep I eat junk food, and fun food, but I live a life a moderation. It might not work for everyone, but no one can deny my results and my pure love of life post-op.

Now, on to Sprout. . . We are both thriving. There is very little difference with being pregnant with VSG. My calorie intake is to stay between 1700-1800 calories, 100gr of Protein and 100gr of carbs at a minimum. I have had zero issues eating enough to support my body and Sprout. I have not had any nausea or foods that just do not agree with me. Cravings are a TOTAL b***h, and new thing because I really didn't deal with them post-op. The hormones are another b***h to deal with that I had forgotten about. Medically, we are both doing extremely well. I have gained a solid 8-10lbs in 18.5 weeks of pregnancy. It really depends on the time of that I weigh. I attribute a lot of it to the fact that I quit smoking, and have been snacking more. Yep, I went back to smoking after VSG, and I had stopped and started again 3 times. So, it's a hell of a habit to kick.

Now, emotionally and mentally with the pregnancy. Let me just tell y'all ladies that are looking to getting pregnant post-op. If you have never experienced skinny b***h syndrome, prepare yourself NOW. I wanted pregnancy more than anything else post-op. I wanted to give my husband a child more than I wanted to breathe myself. We struggled through TTC for over 12 months and was told that we'd medical intervention for success because something was wrong with me. Well, here we are today, nearly half way through a healthy pregnancy, and we did it without any assistance. I am considered high risk, but NOT because of VSG. If you wait until you're in maintenance, and your body is able to support you and baby, you aren't considered high risk as long as your labs are good. My labs have always been stellar and they have remained. However, regardless of how fabulous I am medically, emotionally I am a hot mess. My body has changed tremendously. I can not wear my adorably, cute, fashionable clothes. They have been packed away to make room for my "baby" clothes. AND, before you say it or think it, I am NOT resentful or regretful that I've gained weight or am dealing with body issues due to the pregnancy. DO NOT make this about me not accepting it. I'm fine with it, but it is a HUGE mindfuck to not be able to wear your clothes. TO have your cute, little sleek body expand exponentially what seems like overnight. To have strangers think it's okay to touch me, this is all foreign to me, and it's very overwhelming. I was fat when I had my 1st son so being skinny pregnant is very different. I thought I was prepared, I thought "oh I'll just be so happy being pregnant" WELL I'm here to tell you that it's all bullshit. I hate feeling fat again. I'm so uncomfortable that sleeping is so difficult. My hips constantly ache, and I can't take any NSAIDS, not because of VSG, but because of the pregnancy. Tylenol isn't touching it, but they've increased my dose this week to see if it will help. All I'm saying is that if you think being pregnant is going to be all sunshine and roses, please know that's not always the case. I do love being pregnant, but I'm still struggling with the body changes.

We had our gender determination and measurement/growth ultrasound on Friday. The gender is still questionable, but it's more a 60/40 split. I'm not convinced and won't be revealing gender until after my 20 week appointment on June 15th. Sprout is measuring perfect for length, the spina bifida screening was NEGATIVE, and my quad screening (risk for Downs and Trisomy 18 and 19) is 1 in 6250, and the NT Scan was normal. Sprout is growing and thriving, and actually weighs 2 more ounces than most 18 week old babies. SO, no one can question if I'm eating enough, or taking in enough calories/nutrients to support a baby.

My clotting disorder is still being diagnosed and they think it's a platelet function that is messed up to put it in lay man's terms. I had more labs today. I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder and the acronym is MTHFR (I swear I'm the only person that could get some funky ass disorder with MOTHER F*CKER as an abbreviated acronym), and there is no treatment. BUT, I have been prescribed an 81mg Aspirin per day for the rest of my life to help with the clotting disorder in hopes that it will help. However, it can be counterproductive since I have a slow clotting time, but it's due to my platelets sticking to themselves instead of being free floating.

THANK GOODNESS for VSG, if I would have chosen RNY, guess what, I would NOT be able to do it safely due to risk of ulceration.

Okay, enough of all the blabbering, PICTURE WHORING TIME ! ! !

Before with my fabulous husband:

15 weeks pregnant:

18 weeks SO do NOT look pregnant from the front

BUT WHOLLY **** BATMAN Hello BELLY ! ! !

Sprout at 18 weeks

Sprout has a major thing with waving at the u/s wand ! ! ! It's been a wonderful 2 years, and I continue to look forward to what life brings us ! ! !

I have always enjoyed reading your posts, they are open and honest and I learned from your expierence.The pictures are fabulous, you look so happy and healthy! Can't wait to hear if your Sprout is a Sproutette.lol

I got a call today from my doctor's office and UHC has approved my surgery!!!!! YaY!!! It took them a whole 9 days to approve it. Wow!!! I went in for my doc's appointment 16 days ago but it took them a week to send it to the insurance for approval. I'm so excited but am scared to death at the same time. When I got off of the phone, I wanted to jump up and down!!! Ten minutes later, I wanted to cry! Ha! The emotions have already started flowing. Now, I'm waiting for a call to schedule the surgery.

Woohoo!!! I'm so happy for you, I had UHC and they were great!

I made goal this morning (sigh). I will be 9 months post op on Friday, and I can't believe this day is really here. I am so thankful to God for opening the doors and making it possible for me to get the sleeve. It has been a miracle worker for me.

I want to thank all of you for your love and support I truly could not have done this without all of you cheering me on along the way. I want to send a special shout out to my so-cal support group who have inspired me when I needed it most.

TODAY IS A GOOOOOOD DAY

Way to go!! So happy for you!!!

The size of the bougie, stalling, losing lots of weight, not losing any, psych evals, bloodwork, waiting for appointments, pre op diets, insurance approval....every has such different experiences! There seems to be no common ground! It's as if every surgeon has different rules, or maybe it's the insurance companies. Are there any hard and fast rules? It is overwhelming!!! I think I am on overload.

Hard and fast: Pick a surgeon you trust and have confidence in, let his staff help you work through the requirements but be pro active and know what the requirements are, becase the requirements are all different based on your insurance coverage. Don't let it overload you... just cross off one item at a time and surgery will be here before you know it!! God Luck!!!

Good Morning,

I woke up this morning and found I am 50 lbs down from my highest weight ever (23lbs since surgery) and I am at my 4th of July goal already, guess I should have been more ambitious with it. 50 lbs never to be seen again, I lost the equivalent of one of my dogs basically. I still have a long way to go. This small amount from the total I need to lose has made such a big difference in my life already. My feet don't hurt as much, my clothes are fitting better(can't quite go down in sizes yet) just an overall better feeling. And, my treadmill should arrive in 2 weeks.

Despite some frustrations with the pace and portions I am now eating, it's a big adjustment, I am so glad I finally had this done.

So happy for you, 50 lbs is alot, just try carrying a 50 lb bag of dog food around and you'll wonder how you ever did it. Hang in there it becomes second nature, with the portions and it only gets better!!

I just called Cigna to MAKE SURE that they do cover the sleeve! They do! thank goodness

It won't take long!!!!!

Thank you so much!!! You are so sweet. I have always been the kind of gal to try and dress nice, jewelery, makeup, etc. and you are so kind to notice.

And you are probably right about the shirt, I think it is a 1X but I have been wearing some XLs now and that one probably is getting too big. :wink_smile:

I do exercise regularly. I have been a member of Curves for 7+ years now (it was 7 years in April) and I go religiously 5x a week. Since being sleeved I have added on top of my regular Curves workouts, time on the treadmill (walking NOT running, lol) and Water aerobics and the occassional cardio/strength training class.

Last week my exercise was 5 days at Curves, 1 Water aerobics class (1 hour long), 2 outdoor walks, and one 40 minute bike ride with my family. That doesn't happen every week, but the Curves does. Anything after my 5 there is just whatever I can fit in.

You look great!!! Love the photo's!

I don't know what's wrong with me; maybe it's because the weight is coming off so quickly compared to pre-op. But I can't seem to stay motivated to go to the gym! I've always been an athlete and worked out (I just loved to eat) but now i'm content with staying home for some reason. I have a wedding that i'm in in July 20th its a strapless dress and i really want to loose 25 more lbs by then...so does anyone have any suggestions on staying motivated???

Thanks!

Get in that gym and work hard for that moment when you step in that strapless dress and wow everyone! You can do it, just go a couple days a week and you will feel sooo good!

Ok .. I know I am like a broken record.. but is cheating going to completely ruin my pre op diet?? I still have 10 days left before surgery and i am going to be SUPER STRICT.

I am on a no meat, low fat diet for liver shrinkage...... with Protein shakes to fill in for the no meat. I caved and ate potato salad and baked means.. and some bread. .and some fat free frozen yogurt. i know i know.. i have posted this already but I am so worried its ridiculous.

Has anyone else cheated and turned out to be fine?

It's ok you still have time to do the diet, you'll be fine!

I feel so amazing after making this climb. I never thought I would be able to complete it! Amazing!!

G

What a NSV and you are doing awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So when I ask my hubby if a shirt or something looks small on me, I expect him to be honest and tell me (he always is), honestly if I ask him I tend to already think it is to small anyway. Well today he tells me the shirt I have on is to small. I DID NOT ask him his opinion and as a matter of fact I bought it the right size. I looked in the mirror and my rolls are not hanging out and my tummy is covered. I know how to shop. I am not a delusional person who is fat and they don't know it, so they keep wearing or buying to small clothes. LOL! I buy the right size, mommy taught me well. I don't know why this upset me but I wish he had kept his comment to himself. UGH! I am to emotional and I have no idea why!!!! Well thanks for letting me vent. Have a safe holiday weekend.

I hate when I come out and hubby says "Are you wearing that? I like the blue shirt" lol. Don't let it get to you, you know what looks good!

Hello,

This is my first time posting on this forum. I went through my insurance company's 3 month program and am awaiting surgical approval. My problem in the meantime is ME. I have not gotten myself mentally prepared for this surgery and have been eatiing crazily (if that's a real word). I've found myself buying and eating a lot of foods "because after the surgery I'll never be able to have this again." Earlier this week my personal physican shocked my by telling me I have diabetes but I've still bought sweets and eaten them (he wasn't too concerned saying after I lose some of this weight the diabetes SHOULD be gone).

I have only told a couple of people about this surgery and am ashamed to talk to them about how I'm eating. What is wrong w/me???!!!

I think it's normal to go through the last meal thing, where you want it before surgery thinking you'll never have it again. You'll do fine, I was a Dr Pepper addict and drank it up to the night before urgery at my last meal. I havent had one in 14 months and don't want one. It is an amazing tool!!!

Hi,

I am a pre-op patient and my dietician said that sleeve patients are not to drink any liquids about an hour before a meal and about an hour after a meal and definitely not anything during the meal. They want me to practice this now before the surgery so that when I get to the solid foods stage that I will be prepared. I am really having a hard time not drinking any liquids during or immediately after. Does anyone else's doctor say this is what you should do and if so what are your tips and tricks? I am struggling big time with this part!

I'm 14 months out and I do have a small sip if I need it.

Anyone from Texas...I'm south of Fort Worth.

I am from Buna, north of Beaumont. We have 3 red lights and 4 sleevers.lol

On Tuesday I was picked up from the SanDeigo airport by Dr. Juan Luque's driver. We drove for about 2 hours to Mexicali. I had a bunch of lab tests, ekg and chest x ray, and then I had to meet with an internal medicine doctor to be sure I could have surgery.

then I met with dr. Luque and he drew pictures and was so patient and sweet about answering all my questions.

Wednesday morning, I had my face lift Everything went well. I stayed in the hospital for one day but I was so bored, that Dr. Luque released me to my friend Michelle or AKA WasA Bubble Butt's house where she could take care of me. She has been a nurse for over 25 years.

I have to admit it's much more comfortable in her house., She is sweet to do this for me.

It's more painful than I expected. My hat goes off to those who will have a full body lift. My incisions hurt, and the swelling makes my skin feel like it can't possibly stretch any farther. The drains are not much fun either. They keep dripping blood all over the place. The stitches around my eye lids are quite annoying too, as they poke me in the eye.

All in all, they say I will feel great in 4 days. I can't wait for that.

I am anxious to see how I will look. Right now I am all black and blue and swollen.In the end, I know it will be worth it.

Thanks to WasA for her generosity and caring. I could not have done this without her.

I will post some pictures when I get back to Oregon and somebody shows me how to do it.

I am glad you have it behind you now you will be able to heal and enjoy your new face!

I'm glad you are sharing this part of your journey! Your frankness is appreciated! Hurts, huh? From the pictures I've seen, it sure looks painful! What were you given for pain meds?

What is the recovery period like? I'd like to hear more about what exactly you had done if you feel like typing.

I'm sure the results are going to be fantastic and you will feel better in your skin! I hope you have b4 and after pics! That would be cool!

Hey Breezy, how are you?

Tomorrow will be my 6 months post op. I had my surgery on November 22. My beginning weight was 282 and as of today I am 187. I am down 95 lbs. I went from a size 22 to a 12. I am so loving my sleeve.

95 lbs!! That is so awesome!! Isn't it great?