Joni

I haven't been able to get on this website for about 3 weeks due to computer issues, and then family illness. Thankfully, that's all taken care of now!
 
It's hard to believe that 2 months ago I had a life-changing, mind-blowing experience with the realization of getting my sleeve. After years of major struggles with the lap-band, and 2 years spent searching for a Doctor who would even consider seeing me, God opened the door for me at Dr. Kaler's office. Dr. Kaler had no hesitation in telling me, "Yes, I can do your revision". I remember sitting in his exam room with tears in my eyes, thinking "Finally, someone who can help me". The sense of relief that this ordeal was finally over was surreal.
 
After years of struggling with the band, the sliming, the sticking, the not being able to eat out in front of anyone other than my DH, my mother's comments of "Oh honey, I just wish there was something that could be done for you", my revision was done in one surgery.
 
The changes that have occurred in my life since have been amazing. No more sticking, no more sliming, eating out with friends, feeling like I'm 15 years younger, the energy, the ability to get out and move, the improved numbers from my bloodwork, actually enjoy life has been such a blessing.
 
As of this morning, I am down 42lbs, and 3 dress sizes. I still struggle with my eyes being WAAAAYY bigger than my sleeve. I suspect this will be a challenge for quite a long time. But it's always surprising to me how much is left on my plate. My DH has enjoyed my leftovers many times and isn't complaining.
 
To have the ability to eat without the expectation that it's going to be a painful experience, has made me realize that I have taken eating for granted. I no longer do that. I know truly enjoy my food, more as a true pleasure, and I'm focusing on making sure that those meals are well worth the effort. I'm learning new recipes, experiencing new foods, and focus on eating whole, healthy, fresh foods. And it's such a great time of the year to do this. With the Farmer's Markets that are open now, my vegetable garden, learning to can and freeze fresh fruits and vegetables, purchasing grass fed beef, free-range chicken, and the most recent addition to our little farm - a Devon pig, who will be filling our freezer this fall, our food quality has increased by leaps and bounds. No more pre-processed food, no more white carbs, a significant reduction in gluten in our lives has made a tremendous difference in not just my, but my DH's life. I never would have made these changes in our life had it not been for the sleeve.
 
I'm eating pretty much anything I want, just in drastically smaller quantities, and the only thing I haven't tried yet is a salad. For some reason, that's the one thing that looms in my mind as the "The Big One". I'm sure it's just in my head that way, but I still see a Salad and think, "One day I'll be able to eat that and really enjoy it", but I haven't tried one yet. I'm not big on restaurant salads, but prefer to buy my own ingredients and make them at home. That way I can control what goes in to it.
 
I will always encourage those who are thinking about getting the lapband toward the sleeve, and I will support those who want a revision by sharing my experience. Just as so many of the folks on this wonderful website have done for me.

Hi Everyone,
 
Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
 
I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
 
Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
 
I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
 
I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
 
Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
 
So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
Phoenix

My weight loss is at a snails pace right now and it is very frustrating. I know I didn't put it on over night but dang it I want it off over night!!
I want to look in the mirror and see the person I know, the one that is inside waiting sometimes impatiently to get out.
 
This is my fault though, I made this body over many years, and now it's time to unmake it.
 
First step this week is to work out a little more than last week. (without going over what the doctors set for me)
Second drop my calories back down to 800 instead of 1100
Third really pay attention to the amount of sugars and fat I intake.
Fourth If at all possible try not to stress over things I can't change in my life.
and last but not least get on my knees and pray more.
 
That should be enough to tackle for this week lol
 
May Jesus continue to bless me on this journey of a life time and help me to follow through with it.

I have started my journey.......actually i started about 3 years ago, but came up with every excuse in the world to hold myself back. Yes I said it....I was the queen of self sabotage......(thats another story all together).....I have now put my best foot forward to achieve this goal......my weight loss is now at 29 pounds....and yes Im feeling a bit sexy and risque.....on top of losing weight I am planning my wedding which will be in Jamaica.....Ohhhhhh so now its seems a bit clearer....yes sometimes the feeling is as if my mind is split into thousands of molecule particles......
 
 
Since completing the Options program (a program which you must complete in order to have bariatric surgery through kaiser)...there has been so many self discoveries and understanding the true inner demons with in myself. However; it has felt like waking out out of a fog that I have been drifting through for many years. Lies and deceit...all to myself....NO matter how I believed myself to be a woman of honor who has never felt the need to lie to anyone......well I was lying to myself almost on an hourly basis.....again thats another story for another time...
 
the track for me as been drawn out....and just like that green arrow in that ins comercial (and right now I can not for the life of me remember the name of the ins) anywayssss......im following my little green arrow....Im going to make a habit to release myself on this blog.....honesty will be a must.....comedy will be a natural part....Im going to share my fears, and my victories....and will sit back an enjoy this transition in my life.....
 
dang this blog was all about me.....and I think I like it....and that too is another long story.....Now going to finish sewing.....yes im making some of my welcome bag gifts already.....
 
cant wait to watch this all play out ......

I had my 2nd follow-up with my surgeon on Wednesday 5/09. He was just thrilled with my weight loss so far. He said I was doing great and to just keep on doing what I'm doing. He told me I had no restrictions on my activities from here on out, so whatever I feel like doing, to go right ahead (Zumba, here I come)! He wants me to come back in 2 months to do some follow-up bloodwork.
 
Different foods I've tried this past week are:
Artisan Pizza (from Dominoes) - 1 slice of Chicken & Bacon Carbonara - No problems, just ate super slow and chewed, chewed, chewed!
Veggie Burger (MorningStar Farms) - Really good and had no problem with a thin bun.
Rib-Eye Steak - pan seared & served with Blue Cheese Butter (Better than a 5 star restaurant)
Asparagus - sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and served with Parmesan cheese
 
I'm so thankful that my sleeve has tolerated all these foods with zero issues. I just make sure that I chew, chew, chew!
 
This next week is super busy, each and every day is filled with obligations, so I'm planning ahead and making sure I have plenty of protein bars, fruit, etc., to get me through it. Just because I can now tolerate most foods, is not permission to go out and eat them all! I had this surgery so that I could lose weight, get healthy, and still enjoy my life. While I enjoy a few of the "no-no foods", that's a rarity, and at least now when I eat pizza, it's just 1 slice, and then that's it. No desire to eat another bite!
 
I've been walking 3 miles (4 times a week) with a friend, and I think that next week we'll try to push it to 3.5, and see how we tolerate it.

Weekly check in!! I just completed Week 4 of Insanity, amongst a billion other workouts too.. LOL - sharing my progress. Current measurements: Ribcage (bra strap) 32" ; Bust 38" ; Waist 28" (I'm only 1" away from my goal waist size!!!) ; Hips 39" (still haha My booty doesn't wanna leave the building, but my Hubby and I are OK with that. AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE: My body fat checked in at: 22.2% WOWWW!!!! Gettin LEAN and definitely FIT. Good day.
 
Current Photo. Keep working out everyone! It really does help.
 

 
 
Source: My Insanity! Journey... Shaun T Would Be So Proud.

:lol: :lol:

It's hard to believe that a week ago I was in the hospital getting my lap band removed and my sleeve done. This past week has been really amazing, and in some ways really surreal.
 
I'm feeling really good, not having any issues with anything that I've eaten so far, and I get to start my "blended/puree" phase tomorrow (1st thing on the list is soft scrambled egg).
 
If it weren't for this website, and the friends that I've made, I don't think I could have been nearly as successful.
 
Really looking forward to week 2 and the new things I'll learn!

over the past few weeks I have been on a real roller coaster emosionally.
 
The thing is I did have a what the heck have I done moment while still in hospital but once it was done,how can that matter? I am never an eternal optimist about anything but I cannot look back to often,I just get so angry with myself for lacking the self discipline needed to eat normal.
 
So,I have little moments when I really want to eat...just to eat,not because I am hungry.Then I have moments when I have the pain in my back and abdomen that I am scared it will stay like this forever.Then I have moment s when I think I can drink/eat too much of the liquidized food.Then I fear the acid which I know is present as it affects my voice.
 
Most of all I fear failing at this,not losing the weight,eating when I shouldnt,staying fat!
 
BUT THEN I HAVE MOMENTS WHEN I REALLY BELIEVE THAT MY FUTURE WILL BE EASIER.That I will lose weight and be able to have fun with my 11 year old.
That everything will be ok.
 
I dont dwell on any one of these things for too long.They are all fleeting emosions.At the moment I am trying to be patient with not eating solids and to drink enough and to not over do it during the day.
 
And that is good enough for me for now.
Xxo

Hi Everyone,
 
Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.
 
Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!
 
The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.
 
Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.

I weighed this morning and have lost 4.4lbs so far on the liquid diet. With all of the "necessities" out of the way (doctor's visits, tests, sleep study, etc), now it's just down to me focusing on staying on the liquid diet. Somehow it seems sorta "anti-climatic" now. I have this sort of "let down" feeling. Not in a bad way, but just that there's nothing in the immediate future for me to focus on, other than my surgery. Down to 6 days now (yayyyy). I'm afraid they will pass really slow, or really fast! I'm looking forward to getting this done, and feeling healthier, but I'm not very good at being patient, so I have no idea how I will be feeling over the next 6 days.