KellyL

Wow, you have done an amazing job, congrats on your success!! Love the pics, and what a compliment that your surgeons office had you do a photo shoot!! You are beautiful and your pics are very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

You look wonderful, congrats on your weight loss success AND to feeling more comfortable being photographed. I'm like that too. Happy Anniversary!!

I love the pics Tif, you do look radiant and beautiful. :preggers: A little over a wk and Tatum will be here, how exciting!! Congrats!

Group Hug!! Don't stress, you're family loves you despite their disapproval of the surgery or MX. It's just because they haven't done the same research you have. We're here for you! :grouphug: :welldoneclap: :party4:

Awesome video!! Wow, congrats on reaching your 100 lb goal, you look fabulous!! Thanks for the inspiration and sharing the video.

Wow, the pics are great and definitely show your transformation. You have done an absolute fantastic job and your after pics you can't even tell you ever even thought about having weight issues. You look so healthy, happy, and confident!!! Congrats to you, and thanks for sharing your experience. You may not be at goal, but you certainly can't tell it by looking at you!! Beautiful smile too. Congrats to you AND your hubby and how wonderful that y'all are on this journey together and you both have the Sleeve. That's awesome! Thanks for sharing the pics, truly inspiring!

Hi Yecats, It's not like a diet to me at all, but like you said, we are all different. I have seen a couple of people complain that it feels like a diet to them. In the sense that you need to track your protein to make sure you get in the minimum, and keep up with your water/fluids to make sure you get it all in, then I guess that part could seem like a diet to some. Especially if they didn't read/research a long time before making their decision to have surgery. Because it doesn't take a lot of reading/researching on these forums to realize that there are many lifestyle changes and the sleeve is just a tool. We are still responsible for making the right choices, tracking to make sure we get the correct nutrition, and even though the tool does most of the work for us on the portion control part of things, a lot of us do restrict carbs. I've seen some people say they don't really restrict the carbs, but some of us who have had Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance still have to watch those things to lose any amount of weight. Another thing is the exercise. There are a few who say they lost weight and got to goal with little to no exercise, but in general, most people do have to form a habit of some kind of exercise into their lives to really kick in the weight loss, and help get them to their goal quicker, and even maintain their weight loss. But on the will power part, things are much easier for me on that and feeling more in control where food is concerned. I am not ravenously hungry all the time and want to eat only certain things that I crave. And with the sleeve, no I've never been full but still be hungry. You are completely satisfied after eating a tiny amount. It's not like a diet, where you only get to eat certain things and small amounts, but you feel like you're still hungry or deprived. Now, I am not hungry a lot but I eat because I know i have to fuel my body and keep my protein up. I won't say that things don't look or smell good or that I don't ever want things I shouldn't have, I still choose not to bring things into my house because it still makes it easier if things aren't so convenient. So if it's not in my house, I don't really think about it or want it.. Generally I actually want and have the taste for the proteins that I know I am suppose to eat. I have taken 1 bite of a dessert to taste once or twice, but was completely satisfied with just that one bite. I didn't have the desire to have a whole piece of pie/cake or whatever. Having said all this, I feel I was pretty well prepared for the lifestyle changes. I had been researching and reading for 7 yrs and knew I wanted surgery so I saw people post constantly about tracking foods, having to restrict carbs, so none of the changes were a shock to me. I have not yet for one second regretted my decision to get the Sleeve. A lot of people have buyers remorse sometimes immediately post op or for the first month or so, and I understand why. Cause no matter how prepared and how happy you are to be sleeved, it is STILL a big adjustment to your eating and lifestyle, because it isn't just changing how or what you eat. It completely changes your relation with food, and changes your familys relationship with eating and socializing and a lot of family activities that may have revolved around food, can't happen as much, or as easy. You just always have to keep in mind what you're eating or snacking on everyday, plan it, take stuff with you everywhere you go so you don't get stuck in a situation where you have nothing good for you to eat. So it still is kinda like your life still revolves around food to a certain extent, but only because you are planning, preparing, tracking healthier food instead of like before where our lives might of revolved around food cuz we were always hungry, craving, planning on eating out, etc. It's just we're trying to become healthier now and get skinny rather than be out of control and keep getting fatter and our self esteem suffering, our health suffering etc. The thing for me was, I had been diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic(this was AFTER I started researching WLS too), and I knew if I didn't do this, my health would only get worse and I would die from some form of obesity related disease. So I did it more for the health benefits than anything. Type 2 Diabetes was the final deciding factor that I finally put my foot down and said, come hell or high water, without insurance, despite money struggles, I AM going to have this surgery, even if it's self pay in MX, despite how others felt about it. I had researched enough that I was completely comfortable with it and and had learned thru research that the Drs had done a lot more Sleeves anyway. I was more afraid to NOT have the surgery than to have it, if that makes sense. Oh, and I know I have mentioned a couple of times about all my research, but I read about hair loss, stalls, and all the things that freak us out post-op. And even though I KNEW those things were common and would most probably or likely happen to me, It is STILL difficult to go thru these things when it's happening to you. I still freak out about both even though my hair loss really only got bad for a wk, my hair was already thinning before. And I'm afraid it's not over and I'll still have more fall out. And the stalls, I swore I would not let get to me and I wasn't going to stress or whine about it everyday on the forum lol. Well I may not have started topics on it, but yes the stalls bother me, really bad. I am like many people that I think, omg, am I gonna be the only person that this surgery doesn't work for? I know it's not a good idea to compare my weight loss to anyone elses, but it's really hard NOT to. But I know I'm not finished losing weight. I know I am much healthier and will continue to improve even more. And I am VERY happy with my sleeve and the choice to have it, because I have NEVER lost this much weight in this amount of time or kept it off. It's changed my life for the better in so many ways, and I am excited and looking forward to more improvements and changes. As someone else said, it's natural to worry about having surgery, and it's also natural to worry about post-op life. But most peoples biggest regret is not having it sooner, whether it was because it's only been offered for a few yrs, or they couldn't make up their mind, or because insurance wouldn't cover it. And even most of the people that have a rough start or complications, still say they don't regret it and would do it all over again, even with the complications. Good luck to you and I'm sorry I got long winded!! haha And I hope I didn't miss a question. Shoot me a msg if anything I said was confusing or didn't make sense.

I love the buffalo chicken too, I use chicken (sometimes chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or sometimes canned) and add the hot sauce/wing sauce, plain greek yogurt, and a little bleu cheese dressing. I also love rotisserie chicken or smoked chicken with hidden valley ranch dip mix made with greek yogurt or the hidden valley ranch fiesta dip mix.

I am so sorry to hear of your complications and all that you've been through. I am glad you are receiving the care and treatment you desperately needed, and sending you prayers and positive healing vibes and hoping you are on the mend. You are a very strong person for all that you've been thru! Please keep us updated!

I'm sorry you're going thru this, it is strange this far out and with no symptoms!! Sending you prayers and positive healing vibes, please update us soon!

I know it sounds crazy, but some people actually think they are complimenting us by telling us we need to stop losing weight or we're gonna blow away and such. Try not to let it affect you because you know what's best for you and what a healthy weight is. Sometimes if it's people who have only seen us bigger, it takes a while for them to adjust to the changes in us, and we might not look like ourselves to them. But what's important is that we're becoming healthier, and no one gets to decide how much we weigh, but us. Congrats on your success, you're doing fabulous!

I have seen it go both ways when someone has a complication. There's been times when a persons insurance pays, and then there are people who's insurance refuses to pay for any complication related to weight loss. I think it depends on your insurance company and to know for sure you would need to ask them. I wish I could help you more, but no one here is really going to be able to answer your question, only your insurance. I was self-pay for my Sleeve in MX, so I do understand the concerns completely! Good luck on your weight loss journey!

Well I haven't tried the Blackberry Pomegranate Lipton Iced Green Tea, but I am totally addicted to the Lipton Diet Green Tea Citrus. It is not as fruity as all the crystal light type drinks, so doesn't seem as acidic. And I love the taste. I kicked the habit of sodas a good while before my surgery, so I don't miss them. I totally traded my addiction for Mt Dew, to these. But I do miss baked potatoes. I think I miss baked potatoes more than I do sodas, sweets, chocolates, or anything! As a matter of fact, a few times when we go out for steak, I do allow myself a few bites, but this is like twice and just 3 bites. I don't even miss bread as much as I do potatoes. It's funny what we miss the taste of on our journey.

Wow, congrats, you have done fabulously!! It's funny how no one says anything for a while, then suddenly EVERYBODY notices at one time! haha. You enjoy this time and be proud, cuz you deserve all the attention!

Awesome, how very exciting for you! Good luck for an easy surgery and speedy recovery!! Let us know how you're doing post-op. Congrats!!!

My hunger has decreased trememdously! I am so happy for that, as it is one of the main reasons I chose the Sleeve over the other surgeries. Most of the time I don't crave any sweets or carbs, and actually have the taste for the things I am should be eating like chicken. Chicken is my favorite meat. But that's not to say if I am around stuff, that it doesn't "look good". It is a lot easier post-op for me to resist temptation of eating the wrong things. Before I would get the irresistable urge to have something, and it wouldn't stop until I had what I wanted. My hunger and cravings pretty well controlled me. Not anymore!! I am so thankful for the sleeve, and feel really blessed. Good luck to you on your surgery date!!

I didn't have problems swallowing pills whole as soon as I left the hospital. They gave us antibiotics, PPI, pain meds, all in pill form and I had no problem. The mint thing, I don't think it's a problem? There's sugra free you can try. Goog luck!

I have dealt with anxiety over the yrs and I do tend to be a worrier, but I have felt more relieve of anxiety over being sleeved than increased. I had wanted to have it for so long though. Were you a worrier before surgery? Just try to focus on getting your fluid in now, and you may not be able to get it all in, just do the best you can. Try to relax and not stress, it can't be helping your recovery. If something happens, then cross that bridge when you get to it. But remember the risks of this surgery is low, and complications are rare. See someone about it if it's really getting to you. Also, are you taking your vitamins? Sometimes anxiety can be caused by deficiencies in the B vitamins, might want to google that. And as someone mentioned, it could be a reaction to anesthesia in your system still. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

I haven't had it, but have read about others describing spasms in their new sleeve. I think this may be just an early out thing. Some people have said it happens if they drink something cold. I'm not sure?

It will depend a lot on what the 5 oz is. For instance, you may be able to eat more with soups, pudding, yogurt. But dense protein like chicken or tuna, you may not be able to eat as much.

Wow, you've done amazingly well!! Congrats!!

I was concerned about you back in Sept when you reported being diagnosed with Pneumonia. I think I posted a reply to you then to keep a watch on your symptoms because a Leak is commonly misdiagnosed as Pneumonia if you are early out. I have seen it many times on the forums. Wasn't your Surgeon Dr Aceves, and have you spoke to him? I am really concerned for you now, please go to ER and demand a leak test and anything else they need to do to make sure you are ok. And please do let us know how you're doing, we're worried about you!!

So glad the hubby is being supportive! Congrats on being sleeved, and it really does get better and easier everyday!!

Oh Pasquini, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind...Hey Pasquini!! *singing* Wow, what an accomplishment, and you really do look fine!! Congrats!! :cheer2:

I am glad you got the band out! Sorry you are dealing with hunger now, but it is only temporary, try not to stress, cuz that may make you hungry for stress eating and stress also causes more storing of fat. Just relax, and eat plenty of protein, which stays with you longer and if you try keep carbs low, maybe it will help with hunger and cravings. I hope you're able to get your Sleeve soon, it will most likely do away with the constant hunger, I know it has helped me so much with my hunger and cravings and that, "I just gotta eat something NOW feeling. Good luck to you!!