Tammy K

Wow I am so floored by the immaturity of people. We are all human and I know I can say people have gauked at me and even kids have made fat comments in front of their parents and the parents do nothing until I speak up and tell them to learn to teach their kids respect. We were not born to be or look the same. I haven't flown in a plain in years and man if I did and was treated or saw someone being treated that way I would step up and say something too. It's just like my Facebook. I read stupid comments all the time about how skinny people don't like it if heavier people wear skinny jeans and stuff like that. You know what I tell them? I tell them if they make it in our size than we can wear them baby, and if they don't like my comment then they can officially delete me as a friend because I don't want friends like that anyways. My real friends know not to even get me started on weight issues because most people who have never in their life had a weight problem have no idea what it is to go through your whole life being overweight, and besides that the last time I checked we all have something not perfect about us. Like some of us are overweight, some of us have acne, some of us are too thin, I could go on and on. There is not one perfect person in this world that I know of. Thanks for sharing that and its too bad we have to be humiliated to make a point.

I do drink Protein Drinks. I bought this brand I found at costco called Premier chocolate, if you have a Costco by you, and it has 30g of Protein in it and only 160 calories. It tastes good too. Here is some info on it if you want to see what it looks like http://www.premiernu...tein_shake.html I paid aroun $24 for it there but you can buy it online too. As far as I know I have only seen the chocolate flavor at my Costco here in Des Moines, Iowa.

Was that the show that she was from Hiati? I think I remember seeing that show and they had to drag her out of her bed and across the floor with a sheet and they hit her arm on the wall going through, her daughters had to take care of her all the time. I wish they would do a follow up on that story because I saw that one about 3 months ago. Its really a sad story. If its the same story, they wanted her to loose that weight because that particular doctor that was going to do her surgery wouldn't do surgery on anyone over 500 pounds. I think she is more at risk staying the way she is. I don't think some people realize how hard and how long it takes to loose 100 pounds and not only that but she is not mobile so it would take her even longer.

OMG congrats and yes you can tell you have lost weight. You can see it in your face, neck, upper body.....All I can say is wow and keep it up because it is paying off.

This has been the best week EVER!! We put our house on the market Friday and sold it Saturday, but that isn't even my best news! This Monday was my 7 week surgiversary. It was on Monday that I saw the scale hit 199! I couldn't be more happy and excited. Everything with the sleeve is finally starting to fall into place. I have to admit, that I had buyer's remorse for about the first 4 weeks. It wasn't till I hit week 5 that my attitude started changing. I was seeing results, I was able to eat and drink more, I could eat and drink without having those bubbles going up and down my chest and throat. I was starting to feel normal. My doctor took off all food restrictions and maybe that is what changed me mentally and emotionally. If I had written on here earlier than 5 weeks out, I would have advised the newbies to think twice and hard about this. I would tell them to try one last time before going this route. Now, I am a total advocate for the Sleeve. It is literally changing my life and I no longer feel like I am missing out on food or anything else. I feel like I am gaining so much more. I started this journey at a 22/24 and only shopped at about 3 stores. They were always Lane Bryant, Macy's and the Avenue. That was about it for me. Now I am in 18's, maybe even 16's by now, and starting to shop in stores that are not plus size. That is beyond amazing for me.

I went to Disneyland yesterday, and after spending the entire day walking around, I jogged back to my vehicle with my daughter. She wanted to race me. Before, I would wait in the parking structure for my husband to come pick me up, instead of walking to the car. That is a minor little thing, but I see a thousand minor little things happening with me lately. I just want the newbies on here to know that I questioned myself everyday before the sleeve and everyday after. I had regrets, I didn't want to live the rest of my life without enjoying food and social occasions where food is such a huge part of it. I felt like I was missing out when I went out with my family and friends and co-workers. I don't have any of those feelings anymore. It is a complete turn around. I love my sleeve. I love my restriction! I love eating whatever I want and losing weight still. I do eat what I want. I get my Protein in and I am good a lot of the time, but I also treat myself and don't beat myself up over it either. I want to eat what normal people eat, but just less of it. I can do that now.

I found out from my family doc that my highest weight with them was 241 lbs. That means, I have lost a total of 42 lbs. in this journey. I have 58 lbs. to go. That doesn't even seem possible. If anyone is having doubts either before or right after the sleeve, hang in there. I needed time to heal and I wasn't patient during that early stage. I love my new normal. I don't feel deprived anymore. A weird thing for me now is to watch other people I know and love eat. I keep my mouth shut, but I can't even believe how they shovel it in and how MUCH they eat!! I would feel like a hypocrite saying anything to anyone. I did the same thing just 7 weeks ago. It is crazy to watch people eat after this procedure.

Today after 42 lbs. lost, I FINALLY had someone come up to me and ask if I was losing weight. It was my principal. She has no idea about my surgery and is the first (non-knower) that noticed. I was so HAPPY! Everyone that knows I had surgery tell me they totally see it. What is funny is the people who don't know, don't say a word. Even though I don't like my boss much, I loved her today! lol

I thought I would add a before and after. Bummer, I just looked at them and I can't tell if you can tell how much I have lost. Sometimes I see it, sometimes I don't at all. I ALWAYS feel it in my clothes. There is no denying it there. I hope the newbies hang in there and realize it does get better if you have doubts. I am a testament to that! Good luck to all!!

Tracy

P.S. to my So Cal Friends.....since I coudn't be there Saturday, the before and after are for you guys! Hopefully next time!

Hello Kerry,

I have been to Cuidad Juarez twice, both for immigration purposes for my family members. I have to tell you that even if someone tells you it is safe, I am sorry to say it is not. I say don't go there and choose a different location to have your procedure. The last time my husband and I went there we drove in. We ended up taking a taxi because it is really hard to find your way around there and also hard to trust people. The last taxi driver we had before we left had said they had 12 dead bodies the night before laying on the side of the road lined up next to each other right next to the border. It is extremely dangerous to go out after dark. Althought other people might not have a bad experience, I say don't put yourself in that unless you have too. They wouldn't hesitate to kill an American over there. You have other options as far as traveling to Mexico and if I was to choose I would rather go to Tijuana. I have been there multiple times and its pretty safe. Just don't talk to people walking in the street or beggars and you won't have any problem. Also, I don't know if you know this or not but any kind of travel to mexico now requires a passport as well so make sure if you go there that you have one or you may not be able to return home. Good luck and I hope I didn't scare you but always safety first.

I saw the surgeon yesterday for my two month appointment. I reported that the only meat I am eating is in the Soups I have for lunch. He said I have to try eating more solid meat and not relying on Protein drinks and stewed meat to get my Protein. I think his words were "you can't eat like a baby for the rest of your life".

For dinner last night I ate some taco meat. No problems there. Tonight we went to Culver's for my younger sons birthday. I order ed a kids meal burger with no toppings. I ate about half of it with the bun and then ate the second half of the patty without the bun. I probably should have skipped the bun and eaten just the patty. I felt ill and when we got home I threw up.

There is a reason that I have avoided solid meat. I had pain from eating pureed tuna or chicken so I have avoided eating solid meat. I try to chew the meat thoroughly but I must not chew enough.

The surgeon is concerned that I might have a stricture. If I continue to have problems eating solid protein, I will have to do a barium swallow at the 3 month appointment to check for that.

I guess I have to keep trying. Next up is canned tuna and chicken. If that goes OK I will try chicken breast.

Maybe its the bun. I know I have trouble eating bread unless it is toasted or crunchy like and even then I have to chew it good. Are you sure its the meat?

Ok I have a question and need some advice. I went to my surgeon's office today for a follow up. The scales at the hospital I work out when I weigh myself say I am 2 pounds less than wheat the surgeons office says, so which one should I go by to know how much I really weigh? Does anyone else have this problem that their scale at home says something different?

Thanks everyone. I haven't tried wrapping my arms but I will liik into that. I will do the ball lifts too, they have some in the gym I go too.

Try using the weight machines in the gym , start out lifting about 5-10 pounds (not too heavy I would say 20 max) , three times a week do three reps of 15 for each exercise. If that's too tough lift less weight!! Increace your weight every few weeks, you should see a difference in about 30days. This will help you tone, without bulking up!!! I work out at 24hour fitness, and the trainers are good about answering questions. I paid for three personal training sessions and it was money well spent, you tell them your goals and they will tell you the best way to acheive them. I hope this helps

Yes that does help. Thanks so much. I will try this and see how it goes.

Anyone have any advice on how to start firming up arms,legs, and stomach. I am down 57 pounds and my arms and legs are getting super saggy. I did have sagginess before but its getting worse. I am going to the gym 3-5 days a week but I am only doing treadmill, bike, and nu-step which mostly focuses on the legs but what can I do to tone some of this up a bit. Not asking for a miracle to happen but just help firm it up a bit. Is there some type of exercise that anyone has experienced that actually works and also how long do I need to do this exercise, would it be 5 minutes or 10 minutes and how often. Thanks everyone in advance for your answers

I had started my own diet on 01/03/2011 and I was doing 30 minutes 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) and I would walk for 10-15 minutes on treadmill, 5-10 minutes on bike, and 5 minutes on the nu-step but I didn't exceed 30 minutes. I had my surgery 02/22/11 so when I went to be weighed in I had lost 20 pounds just by doing what I did for that short period of time. It made me feel better and my nutritionist said I did good by doing that because it helped for the surgery (liver shreakage).

Yes I had/have the same problem. I am 38 and have drank diet soda since I was 14 years old (so 24 years) and had to give it up once I had the surgery but my doctors office gave me a binder with information and it says to try to stay away from it at least for 3 months after surgery. I have done good so far and for the whole first month after surgery I didn't drink any diet soda but I do find myself having a sip here and there now but not consistantly. I have pretty much weaned myself from it but like I said I still have a sip so I don't feel like I am depriving myself completely. It takes awhile to break old bad habits. I am with ya, just keep at it and try not to go down the soda aisle when you go to the store. I try to avoid it all together.

Yeah you go girl. Doesn't it feel so good to be lighter, I know I feel great.

Hi MommyTawnie...I haven't been sleeved yet, but I do have the lap band and know when that happened to me, what worked best was to increase my Protein and if that didn't work, I reverted to the pre-op or immediate post-op diet for a week or 2. I've also read about other people doing what's called the 5 day pouch test...originally developed for gastric bypass patients, but now used for all weight loss surgery. It's supposed to "reset" you and your stomach so that the losing can begin again:

Days One & Two: liquid Protein

low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding.

Day 3: Soft Protein

canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy).

Day 4: Firm Protein

ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.

Day 5: Solid Protein

white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

Link: http://5daypouchtest...an/theplan.html

Thanks for posting this, this is a great tool to use.

I had surgeon Dr. Eibes in Des Moines Iowa at Iowa Methodish Medical Center. He is the medical director for Bariatric Surgery at IMMC and I had total confidence with him and his staff. I highly reccommend them. I was in surgery for about 45 minutes from what I was told and after recovery I went to my room and stayed 2 nights in the hospital. My insurance picked up most of the bill and I am only responsible for $2,000 deductible.

Yayyyyyyyyyyyy you look awesome. Congrats

Right, she said she could do it IF she starved herself to death, so she thinks stretching it out to 6 months would be healthier.

That is exactly what I meant, I think some people read it wrong. I am saying if personally "I starved myself to death" then it could be done but that is why I said it is better to stretch it out and have a goal. Like my first goal is that I would like to be at 300 pounds at my 6 month mark. It doesn't mean it will or will not happen. It is just I want to do it in a healthy way

Yeah I am with you on the chocolate chews and they are really tasty. You get yours cheaper though. I might have to start buying them online because at Muscle Max they are about $20 a bag.

I would love to reach that goal 4 months after surgery but I think it would be really hard. I was sleeved 2/22/11 and did a pre-op diet a month in a half before hand starting 01/03 and so since before and after surgery I have lost a total of 51 pounds in 3 months so I think thats it is possible if I starved myself to death so I say set a goal of 6 months better so you come out healthy with such a fast weight loss. Just my opinion

I had went to Walmart because I was on a tight budget and bought the 2 lb(32oz) container of Body Fortress whey Protein for the shakes and got Cookies and Creme, chocolate, and vanilla. I loved the vanilla and cookies and creme. The chocolate was ok but then again I am not the biggest on Chocolate. I paid right under $15 for each container which is a great deal. I had bought some strawberry from Muscle Max and didn't care for it so my hubby drinked it. But its powder and you mix it with Water or skim milk. I reccommend using water and saving the calories for food. I also bought and still buy sugar free jellos and puddings but if you get them from Walmart they have a brand next to the yogurt section called Winkies and the jellos from this brand are only $2.64 for a box of 24 jellos. Good luck

I love tortillas too but I still cannot eat anything like that. I had my sleeve 02/22/11 and I have tried and it makes me throw up and bread included so I am scared to try again too soon. I might wait a couple of months and then try again.

I had my sleeve on Oct.27th 2010 and up until the last few weeks my foods were extremely limited! My stomach wouldn't take any veggies but broccoli and spinach, I became severely lactose intolerant and the only meat I could eat with out vomiting was pork loin baked and that was only 1-maybe 2oz a day for almost 2 months I lived on tangerines( the only thing my stomach would tolerate weird but true) and pork loin! I became malnutrition and Vitamin deficient! the Surgeon upped my prilosec to 3 a day but I take on average 4-5 so I can eat! I avoid greasy and spicy but I am eating chicken, turkey lunch meat from the deli cut in shavings, egg beaters and even some dairy now! But I take it very slow when I eat and I listen to my body if within the first bite or 2 my stomach feels funny I quit eating whatever it is and try something different! I wish you luck and hope all goes great for you!!

Yeah its so fustrating because I love food but it doesn't love me right now, and I love spicy food too but I am scared to eat certain things right now. Maybe I will have to take the spasm meds and prilosec to help. I am really bad about taking medications, I always forget. That is probably why I have the problems I do but thanks for the input and thanks for the luck, I will need it

Thanks for the help. I guess I am just expecting higher expectations on eating foods I was able to eat before. I just figured that I was going to be able to eat some of the same things I ate before but just in smaller portions and that just isn't happening...lol I am going to go back to the soft stuff again (Sugar free jellos and puddings) until I can figure out what will work for me. I appreciate the advice.

Hello Everyone,

I had my sleeve done 02/22/2011 so I am almost a month post-op. I have been trying some different foods to eat and some of the things I have tried are not setting well with my stomach so it comes right back up, is this normal? Also, sometimes when I eat I feel like I am having a stomach heart-attack (stomach spasm type pains) sorry that is the only way I can describe it. I feel I am doing good with weight loss so far and before I was having problems with dehydration and couldn't get enough liquids in but that has all worked out but now its the food thing. Any reccommendations would be great. What can I eat? I feel like I am not doing something right. Thanks for any input.