Queen of Crop

If you have a chance, take a look at my blog...I think it will turn your anxiety into excitement...I wrote every Sunday for the last year and it's been a fascinating journey. It was someone else's blog that helped me go from being nervous to excited about the possibilities. Start here: www.queenofcrop.com/about And keep us posted. This forum is all about support. QofC Thank you for your reply. My date is dec 3 and with all the anxiety that comes with having a surgery it is easy to lose the thoughts of the bigger picture:) it's nice to hear from someone who had had it and been successful, the great and tough moments:)

To Serendipityhappens.....just think, this will be the LAST flight where you will have to endure those things....by this time next year you will be a whole different (smaller) person without those worries!

Bos123 asked me "In looking back over the last year, what were the hardest parts for you?" I thought it was a great question and here are my answers. (I am 13 months out and at goal). I'd be curious to know what was hard for everyone else after surgery. For me, the hardest parts have been so minor compared to the good parts, but if I had to list some they would be: the first day getting out of the hospital and being thrown into the world of food after not having eaten for a week (I was taking the train and the station was full of food and ads for food and smells and I had a bit of breakdown) eating too fast in the beginning and throwing up the slimes eating OBTM (one bite too many) and feeling sick or throwing up the slimes not being able to enjoy going out to dinner because I ate so little that the experience was diminished not being able to drink coffee or wine in the first few months I still can't eat Pasta or rice and I miss it sometimes feeling a little like I'm lying to people when I don't tell them I had surgery to lose the weight wishing I could have done this long before my 58th birthday! Again, those things are MINOR compared to what I have received in return. Thanks Bos123 for asking such a great question.

That's a great question! The hardest parts have been so minor compared to the good parts, but if I had to list some they would be: the first day getting out of the hospital and being thrown into the world of food after not having eaten for a week (I was taking the train and the station was full of food and ads for food and smells and I had a bit of breakdown) eating too fast in the beginning and throwing up the slimes eating OBTM (one bite too many) and feeling sick not being able to enjoy going out to dinner because I ate so little that the experience was diminished not being able to drink coffee or wine in the first few months I still can't eat pasta or rice feeling a little like I'm lying to people when I don't tell them I had surgery to lose the weight wishing I could have done this long before my 58th birthday! Again, those things are MINOR compared to what I have received in return. Thanks for asking the question. If you don't mind, I'm going to repost this and ask others the same thing.

A year ago, before surgery, when I traveled I took way too many clothes. I never knew what would look right on any given day so I took too many things and consequently, my luggage (and my body!) were way too heavy. And I never felt like I looked good in anything; plus I had to take shoes that I could walk in, which were always ugly. Fast forward a year...I had the surgery, lost 85 lbs, am at at goal...and just spent 10 days with carry on luggage and a pair of boots! All I took was two pair of pants, a few basic tops, 4 scarves (to change things around), a light jacket, a heavy jacket, one dress. And I was set for anything! We went from walking around Prague, Berlin and Frankfurt all day, to getting dressed up for concerts. I had my one year check up and tried to look as nice as I could for that and it was all very easy. When you are thin, travel just gets easier! Oh, and the fact that I could walk everywhere, all day without my feet, knees, hips hurting was so great. Wish I would have had the opportunity to have this done years ago. Photo of my and my husband (and one of my scarves!) at the Charles Bridge in Prague and with my doctor in Frankfurt and another all dressed up at a fancy dinner. More on my blog that I just updated today if you're interested.

These posts make me feel so grateful for the love and support I had through this. For those of you who don't have the physical support; like those before me stated...use this site as much as you can! I have to say that I have so much admiration for each and every one of you who do this under tough circumstances...it shows you are strong to begin with; and once you start feeling healthier and start looking better, there will be NO stopping you then! Your self-worth, self-confidence and joy of life will return and you will attract people who are like minded. You have miles and miles to go; get this done and get on with the business of living a full life. My guess is that you will be back on this forum in a few months time rooting others on that are in a similar situation. Keep us posted and stay strong. This is all about you for a change. Good luck to each one of you.

Just curious heatherjo7...what is your photo of? I can't make it out.....

If you have a chance; take a look at my blog....I post every Sunday and have for the past year....will stop in a couple of weeks, but it will give you an idea of what to expect. If you can't see the link to my blog on this it means you don't have signatures turned on and you should do that; it's helpful to see what others have in their signatures. Good luck!

This is a monumental achievement; and it's so comforting to not be frantic that you can gain weight easily again....once again, the sleeve comes through in flying colors!!!! Big congratulations....

Welcome Heatherjo7! This forum is a fantastic resource...be sure to ask lots of questions and come back often for inspiration. Also it's really helpful if you fill out your profile...Good luck on your surgery; it's right around the corner. Congratulations for making a life-changing decision!

Just bought my first pair of boots in 20 years....never needed them when I was in Hawaii....and besides; I couldn't ever get any zipped up over my calves anyway!!! I tried lots of knee high ones on and they fit fine...even OVER my pants! Most fun I've ever had shoe shopping. Opted for these ankle high boots for now; but I may go get another pair now that I'm in Amsterdam.....SO MUCH FUN SHOPPING NOW.....I remember when shoe shopping was awful because I couldn't bend over to get the damn shoes on!!!

My brother is considering this surgery and he lives in Kansas City. His insurance is looking at this and not sure if they will approve because it's relatively new. Does anyone have any experience having this done in KS and with insurance?

All very normal.....nothing is wrong with you. My husband and I laugh now....after any meal (of miniscule amounts) I would sag my shoulders, and look up at him and say "I have to go lay down....". That lasted a couple of months...I am so grateful I didn't have to work. Just take it easy, it will get better and like the posts above, be sure you don't get dehydrated. This is your time to take care of YOU.

To Scubadottie....congrats on your wonderful weight loss! For me, I chose my official goal weight based on the CDC BMI calculator (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines. You can find your weight range by clicking on the guidelines. They give you a rate range which puts you in a healthy BMI (25 or below). When I reached the top of my weight range (141 lbs) I declared myself reaching my goal; however I now fluctuate in the 130's and plan to stay there because I feel very comfortable at this weight. To Butterfly Secrets; glad my post helped today. If you are just starting your journey, please take a look at my weekly blog; I think it might prove inspirational. It was a blog that I read early on that really helped me do this. Please start at www.queenofcrop.com/about And keep us posted on how you're doing. QofC

I used to DREAD the holidays because I knew it would mean a weight gain....2, 4, 8 maybe 10 lbs by the time Christmas was over..... Now, a year out from the sleeve and it's easy to breeze right through the holidays...maybe gain a lb or 2, but not much....loved this cartoon I saw:

Just got back from Frankfurt, Germany where I had my one year check up...passed with flying colors. Sadly, the doctor who did my surgery (known as the Rock Star of Gastric Surgery in Europe) was called into surgery unexpectedly so I saw someone else. Nice guy. He was very impressed with my 83 lb loss, reaching goal, and my sonogram results. I also took a copy of my recent blood work which he really appreciated having and even kept a copy! I told him I was writing a book and he invited me to a big conference on gastric surgery being held this week (unfortunately I couldn't go). But all in all, it was a great visit. I have to say, going back into the hospital was a bit surreal....those first days a year ago were pretty darn weird...but now I couldn't be happier! The greatest news is now my brother is considering doing this too...makes me really happy. So here I was a year ago, and here I am today standing in front of Krankenhaus Saschenhausen the hospital where my journey really started!

Just checking in to see how you're doing? Hope the surgery went well....and you are now on your way!!!! Queen of Crop

Might be too soon to ask...but how are all the new patients doing? I just had my one year check up in Frankfurt and those first days exactly a year ago came flooding back to me; a weird time for sure, but exciting too. Hope you are all recovering just fine and check in when you can!

HI kshepa....I was cold at first too, but then it eventually went away so hope yours will too. 83 lbs in 6 months is really a fast weight loss and my guess is that your body is just trying to adjust to all the changes. Once you level out I think you'll be just fine. Until then, wear layers....

Good luck to all the newbies and to those about to be sleeved...I am one year out, blogged each Sunday about my journey and have had a fantastic ride....like many others, it was the best thing I ever did. Just had my one year check up today and passed with flying colors...I rarely see anything here that is not positive. Once in a while, but the majority of people are so happy with the sleeve.

Just passed my one year surgiversary date (and just had my check up and passed with flying colors!). As I start year 2, I am feeling like a normal person and I don't think about me as a sleeved person so much any more. I just want to be a normal person without a weight problem but if I had told everyone, I think that people would always think of me as a person who had WLS at some point. Just my thought for the day. I guess the longer I go, the happier I am that I only shared this with a few close friends.

So sad when you can't even wear your necklaces or bracelets because of your weight....so happy to have a neck and wrists again!!!

It happened this week to me. I feel I have reached the other side of the bridge; the side where normal, healthy thin people live. I don't feel like a person who is fat inside my head, or even a person who has had surgery to lose weight. This is good and bad....it's a new normal and I have to be careful. More on this topic on my weekly blog...Week 56. I've decided to stop at Week 64....some interesting insights to think about at www.queenofcrop.com in case you haven't signed up yet. I so appreciate all the readers on my site. It's been a wonderful support for me (as has this forum) and I hope my success has inspired others to consider this path. Hope everyone is having a good week. Two photos of me on a bridge, one before, one after taken a year apart.

@retakk and Eat that Frog: If you want some reassurance and inspiration, please read my blog. The three of us are so similar; about the same weight, height, BMI and age....and I had hip, knee and feet problems and I was also self-pay. I am now a year out, at goal and I logged my journey every Sunday for the past year. Retakk....until I had this surgery, I could barely lose weight on 1000 calories a day....so don't despair. I did have some plateaus; but I had lost 30 lbs before I had my first stall and then it lasted a few weeks and started coming off again. I firmly believe this tool was made for people like us. If you cannot see my signature line, then go to www.queenofcrop.com/about and start there. I think you will find a lot of information and similarities between us. Good luck and congratulations on making this positive step in your life.

HI MaryLynn: My blog is www.queenofcrop.com You might want to start with www.queenofcrop.com/about and go from there....I think you must not have your signatures turned on in your preferences otherwise you could see it in my signature. That happened to me at first too. For some reason (I have yet to understand why) the forum doesn't want you to put the link to your blog in the messages. This makes no sense to me because we are all here to support each other in what ever way we can. But I'll risk getting my hand slapped again so you have the link! Good thread here...and good luck to those who are just coming on board to the forum...