Maddie

I wondered the same thing after surgery. But, I was too afraid to mess things up, so I didn't take any chances. As hard as it seems at the moment, this is temporary. Hang in there it's worth it.

I wasn't diagnosed with sleep apnea until going through the testing process. My surgeon required me to bring my cpap to the hospital, as the anesthesiologist didn't want to put me under without it. Of course, the sleep apnea went away after surgery.

You look great! Keep up the good work.

I am at goal and still catch myself looking for "the widest spot" on the park bench. Some of those old habits die hard.

That is the most wonderful news. I couldn't be happier and more excited for you. Good health and blessings to you and yours. (((hugs)))

You look great. Gratz!

Thank you all very much.

It's been a while since I have posted. Since my Mom lost her husband in December, I have been spending much of my time there.

I hope you are all doing well. Missed you guys!

I thought I would post an update, as I reached goal last week. I never dreamed my life could change this much in such a short time. I still have work to do on my body, but am getting there.

The support I received from the members here, was vital to me being successful. I could never thank you all enough. (((hugs)))

Here are some before and after shots.

I put 2 oz. of turkey, 1 tsp. of mashed pot., 1 tsp green bean casserole, and 1 tsp. dressing on my plate. I didn't finish it all, lol. I was so paranoid about overdoing it that I ate slower than I have in my whole life.

Seems like such SMALL portions! You don't ever miss food?

With such small portions, are you even able to enjoy food anymore?

Can you ever enjoy a dinner out?

Also, I am soooo sick of Protein drinks I could throw up, how can you drink them every single day? What are you drinking/brand/flavor, etc... i've tried different Protein Drinks and I can't stand them at all.

After I eat, I'm not hungry. Yes,I miss food sometimes. The few times we have gone out to eat since surgery, I just get an extra plate and share with hubby. Mostly, I drink "Oh Yeah" ready to drink chocolate milkshake flavor. I can't stomach most of them. The only powdered one I like is "Click" mocha flavored. It mixes well in a Blender Bottle and tastes like coffee.

Most everyone gets scared close to the date of surgery. It's normal. Trust me you aren't the only one who has thought about giving it one more shot at doing it on your own. To be honest, most of us wouldn't even be on this forum if we really thought we could do it on our own.

I can understand hubby being upset to some extent, but you were just waiting to find out if you got approved first. It's not like you had the surgery in secret. Hopefully he can reconsider how he feels about it. But, in the end, it's your body and your decision. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Gratz on a great 1st month. You are doing really well.

I am almost 6 months out and I am so glad I did this. Yes, there are times that I wish I could dive into a big plate of food, but, I'm thank goodness I can't do that anymore. It's so worth it. My typical day looks something like this:

B: 1/2 prot shake

S: cheddar cheese stick

L: usually left overs from the night before

S: 1/2 prot shake

D: inside of a chicken fajita or something similar

I am still in the losing phase so am pretty strict about what I take in. When I get to maintenance I can vary my diet a little more.

I still have a lot of restriction, but I can eat more than 2-3 bites now. Feeling anxious is normal. I sure felt that way for a while. Now, I am much more comfortable with the way things are. You'll adjust too. Hang in there.

That is so cool. Good for you!

You've had a great first month. Wishing you continued success. WTG

Dawn, it sounds like you are off to a terrific start. So happy things are going so well. Best of luck to you and gratz on the progress you have already made.

I can't thank you all enough for the wonderfully kind replies. It just reinforces the fact that we are all in this together, and I couldn't be more delighted by that fact. (((hugs)))

Congrats. That's great news.

Awesome, congrats. Keep us posted.

Natalie,

I originally planned on getting the lapband. But as I did more research and read more forums, it sounded like very few people were happy with it. As I learned of people having revisions, I found out about VSG. Gastric Bypass had too many scary aspects to it, so I decided the sleeve was the way to go for me.

I wasn't willing to try the band only to have another procedure down the road. I didn't want trial and error. I wanted a procedure that worked once and for all.

It was the best decision of my life.

I can only imagine the shock of having your dr suggest the change, but thank goodness he did. It means you have a surgeon who is concerned with what is best for you.

As far as what you should do pre-op, try to cut out drinking soda now. I drank Dr. Pepper until the night before surgery and waking up from anesthesia with a caffeine headache sucks.

Take before pics and measurements. During those times when you think the scale is moving slow, seeing your progress in pics and seeing how many inches you've lost can really keep you motivated.

Continue to do research so that you are well prepared mentally and emotionally.

Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at different rates. If you follow your dr's plan for you, the sleeve will work!

Best of luck to you and keep us posted.

I get them too, and if I even eat 1 more bite after the first hiccup, I have gone too far and pay for it. It's my warning signal.

I would like to change the word oldtimers to WLS veterans, and ask for forgiveness.

I have lost 100 lbs and yes I have excess skin. Like Tiff, I would rather have loose skin than all the fat rolls. I am not too discouraged at this point. I have been told by many oldtimers that the first yr or so after you reach goal. The skin tightens some and the rest of the fat in your body redistributes some. So, it may get better.

Amazing! you look wonderful.

Thanks for the sweet replies. (((hugs)))