dominique

I work at a school. We just had a fire drill. It is my job to grab the emergency kit (in a backpack). At the last fire drill I could not pull it over my shoulders. Today I noticed that some people had their backpack on. I thought, why not try? IT FIT! I'm down 50 pounds since December. YAY me! !

I work at a school. We just had a fire drill. It is my job to grab the emergency kit (in a backpack). At the last fire drill I could not pull it over my shoulders. Today I noticed that some people had their backpack on. I thought, why not try? IT FIT! I'm down 50 pounds since December. YAY me! !

I work at a school. We just had a fire drill. It is my job to grab the emergency kit (in a backpack). At the last fire drill I could not pull it over my shoulders. Today I noticed that some people had their backpack on. I thought, why not try? IT FIT! I'm down 50 pounds since December. YAY me! !

I just hit 199 3 days ago. It's the smallest I've been in 20 years. I already like saying my weight. You go girl!

I also hate to barf, but I decided I would hate stomach problems even more. So I barf. Better safe than sorry. It is a learning process. I'm better at judging how much to eat now. I'm almost 3 months out.

Great job! I am at 202. This is my lowest weight in 19 years. Can't wait to join you!!

It does get easier. I was a little more developmentally slower than others. It is a process. I too felt like a baby learning to eat and drink. I wanted to cry like a baby too! I was sooo frustrated sometimes. I just started my 10th week yesterday. I did not feel somewhat "normal" until about 6 weeks. Everyone deveops differently. I'm sooo glad I did it! It seems like you have a handle on things so far. You seem very positive. Good luck on your progress!

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I still have to be vigilant, but I don’t feel like I’m “obsessed with food” so much. I gained 10 pounds with my surgery. No one warned me about that. It took about 6 days for that weight to come off. I’ve lost 32 pounds since my journey began, 17 pounds since surgery. My biggest problem, my waist (I’m apple-shaped – worse for the heart), is 2 ½ inches smaller. At 1 ½ weeks out, I went through a 4 week stall. I thought the surgery was a failure and that I would always be a big, fat, unhealthy mess. I had put SOOOO much faith in the surgery, I guess expected immediate results. The stall finally broke, I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks, and have been in another stall for 5 days. The scale is stuck at exactly 204.0. I want to hit Onederland so bad, but will have to be patient. I have not been losing weight gradually. Even when I do lose, I gain back, lose again, gain back, lose again, with an eventual net loss. My calorie intake is always about the same - no reason for the gain and loss. I started out at size 22-24. Today I put on size 16W pants. Some of my 14/16W shirts fit. I had an NSV – I had to tighten the armband for my IPOD because my arms were smaller. I’ve started hiking again. I can eat some spicy foods finally (love it!).
Wow, as I read back over this, I realize that in spite of my difficulties, I’m doing good! Screw this stall! I will be triumphant! The bottom line is, IT WILL GET BETTER! I had a hard time believing this in the beginning, but this website and all of you have been a godsend, giving me faith. Thank you all for being here! ! !

Wow! I only have 49 pounds to go until ultimate goal! The ticker helps to put things into perspective.

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I still have to be vigilant, but I don’t feel like I’m “obsessed with food” so much. I gained 10 pounds with my surgery. No one warned me about that. It took about 6 days for that weight to come off. I’ve lost 32 pounds since my journey began, 17 pounds since surgery. My biggest problem, my waist (I’m apple-shaped – worse for the heart), is 2 ½ inches smaller. At 1 ½ weeks out, I went through a 4 week stall. I thought the surgery was a failure and that I would always be a big, fat, unhealthy mess. I had put SOOOO much faith in the surgery, I guess expected immediate results. The stall finally broke, I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks, and have been in another stall for 5 days. The scale is stuck at exactly 204.0. I want to hit Onederland so bad, but will have to be patient. I have not been losing weight gradually. Even when I do lose, I gain back, lose again, gain back, lose again, with an eventual net loss. My calorie intake is always about the same - no reason for the gain and loss. I started out at size 22-24. Today I put on size 16W pants. Some of my 14/16W shirts fit. I had an NSV – I had to tighten the armband for my IPOD because my arms were smaller. I’ve started hiking again. I can eat some spicy foods finally (love it!).
Wow, as I read back over this, I realize that in spite of my difficulties, I’m doing good! Screw this stall! I will be triumphant! The bottom line is, IT WILL GET BETTER! I had a hard time believing this in the beginning, but this website and all of you have been a godsend, giving me faith. Thank you all for being here! ! !

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I still have to be vigilant, but I don’t feel like I’m “obsessed with food” so much. I gained 10 pounds with my surgery. No one warned me about that. It took about 6 days for that weight to come off. I’ve lost 32 pounds since my journey began, 17 pounds since surgery. My biggest problem, my waist (I’m apple-shaped – worse for the heart), is 2 ½ inches smaller. At 1 ½ weeks out, I went through a 4 week stall. I thought the surgery was a failure and that I would always be a big, fat, unhealthy mess. I had put SOOOO much faith in the surgery, I guess expected immediate results. The stall finally broke, I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks, and have been in another stall for 5 days. The scale is stuck at exactly 204.0. I want to hit Onederland so bad, but will have to be patient. I have not been losing weight gradually. Even when I do lose, I gain back, lose again, gain back, lose again, with an eventual net loss. My calorie intake is always about the same - no reason for the gain and loss. I started out at size 22-24. Today I put on size 16W pants. Some of my 14/16W shirts fit. I had an NSV – I had to tighten the armband for my IPOD because my arms were smaller. I’ve started hiking again. I can eat some spicy foods finally (love it!).
Wow, as I read back over this, I realize that in spite of my difficulties, I’m doing good! Screw this stall! I will be triumphant! The bottom line is, IT WILL GET BETTER! I had a hard time believing this in the beginning, but this website and all of you have been a godsend, giving me faith. Thank you all for being here! ! !

So today is the last day of 8 weeks out from my gastric sleeve surgery. I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey. I’ve been able to eat meat for about 1 ½ weeks. I can only eat 2-3 ounces. I have to really gnash it up with my teeth, but I can get it down, keep it down and enjoy it. I’ve noticed in the last few days that I can eat and actually feel full. I don’t feel like I’m stuffed and choking on my food. My sleeve doesn’t feel uncomfortable or hurt when I eat. In the beginning I was so frustrated that I would never be able to eat somewhat “normally” again. Coordinating my meds, food, Protein, supplements, and liquids is becoming more routine. I still have to be vigilant, but I don’t feel like I’m “obsessed with food” so much. I gained 10 pounds with my surgery. No one warned me about that. It took about 6 days for that weight to come off. I’ve lost 32 pounds since my journey began, 17 pounds since surgery. My biggest problem, my waist (I’m apple-shaped – worse for the heart), is 2 ½ inches smaller. At 1 ½ weeks out, I went through a 4 week stall. I thought the surgery was a failure and that I would always be a big, fat, unhealthy mess. I had put SOOOO much faith in the surgery, I guess expected immediate results. The stall finally broke, I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks, and have been in another stall for 5 days. The scale is stuck at exactly 204.0. I want to hit Onederland so bad, but will have to be patient. I have not been losing weight gradually. Even when I do lose, I gain back, lose again, gain back, lose again, with an eventual net loss. My calorie intake is always about the same - no reason for the gain and loss. I started out at size 22-24. Today I put on size 16W pants. Some of my 14/16W shirts fit. I had an NSV – I had to tighten the armband for my IPOD because my arms were smaller. I’ve started hiking again. I can eat some spicy foods finally (love it!).
Wow, as I read back over this, I realize that in spite of my difficulties, I’m doing good! Screw this stall! I will be triumphant! The bottom line is, IT WILL GET BETTER! I had a hard time believing this in the beginning, but this website and all of you have been a godsend, giving me faith. Thank you all for being here! ! !

I went for my lunchtime walk today. I finally remembered to bring my IPOD to work. I had not used it since before being sleeved. I put on the arm band, but it kept slipping. Irritating! So I tightened it. Then I realized, I TIGHTENED IT! My upper arms were smaller. YAY!!!!

I went for my lunchtime walk today. I finally remembered to bring my IPOD to work. I had not used it since before being sleeved. I put on the arm band, but it kept slipping. Irritating! So I tightened it. Then I realized, I TIGHTENED IT! My upper arms were smaller. YAY!!!!

Can I just tell you all how sick I am of focusing on eating all day long!! I wake up and my first thought is “I’ve got to take my meds and supplements”. Then I have a protein shake in the car on the way to work. Then I have to wait to drink. Don’t forget to put fiber in the fluids for an easier bowel movement. Then I drink my fluids, but watch out, I have to stop drinking ½ an hour before my mid-morning snack. And be sure to include protein with that. Oh, now to wait ½ an hour before I can start my fluids. Oops! Forgot my calcium. Hurry and take that because you have to take it with food to absorb better. Ok. Now I can drink. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. But be sure to stop ½ hour before lunch. And make sure it includes protein. And don’t forget to take your vitamins and sublingual B-12. Ok, wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok now drink, but stop ½ an hour before mid-afternoon snack. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. Ok, have a snack. Oh, and don’t forget the calcium. Ok. Now wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok, drink, drink, drink. Have I had 32 ounces? Yes. Good. Ok, now go home. Then spend all night concentrating on food and liquids while trying to take care of the household! And don’t forget the iron before bed. My entire day is nothing but thinking of eating and drinking! And forget weekends. Weekends don’t have a set schedule. So getting all my fluids, food and supplements accomplished is even worse. I mean seriously, my whole life is scheduled around this. I feel like a junkie or something trying to get my “fixes” all day long. And it’s not like I can just do something else. I’m forced to take care of myself in this manner. Yes, I knew this going in, but reality is different from how you think something will happen. I carry a case of water and protein shakes in my car, and protein bars in my purse. You’d think I was preparing for a disaster. I am 5 weeks and 3 days out. Does this ever get better? How do you guys manage your daily schedule?

Can I just tell you all how sick I am of focusing on eating all day long!! I wake up and my first thought is “I’ve got to take my meds and supplements”. Then I have a protein shake in the car on the way to work. Then I have to wait to drink. Don’t forget to put fiber in the fluids for an easier bowel movement. Then I drink my fluids, but watch out, I have to stop drinking ½ an hour before my mid-morning snack. And be sure to include protein with that. Oh, now to wait ½ an hour before I can start my fluids. Oops! Forgot my calcium. Hurry and take that because you have to take it with food to absorb better. Ok. Now I can drink. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. But be sure to stop ½ hour before lunch. And make sure it includes protein. And don’t forget to take your vitamins and sublingual B-12. Ok, wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok now drink, but stop ½ an hour before mid-afternoon snack. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. Ok, have a snack. Oh, and don’t forget the calcium. Ok. Now wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok, drink, drink, drink. Have I had 32 ounces? Yes. Good. Ok, now go home. Then spend all night concentrating on food and liquids while trying to take care of the household! And don’t forget the iron before bed. My entire day is nothing but thinking of eating and drinking! And forget weekends. Weekends don’t have a set schedule. So getting all my fluids, food and supplements accomplished is even worse. I mean seriously, my whole life is scheduled around this. I feel like a junkie or something trying to get my “fixes” all day long. And it’s not like I can just do something else. I’m forced to take care of myself in this manner. Yes, I knew this going in, but reality is different from how you think something will happen. I carry a case of water and protein shakes in my car, and protein bars in my purse. You’d think I was preparing for a disaster. I am 5 weeks and 3 days out. Does this ever get better? How do you guys manage your daily schedule?

Can I just tell you all how sick I am of focusing on eating all day long!! I wake up and my first thought is “I’ve got to take my meds and supplements”. Then I have a protein shake in the car on the way to work. Then I have to wait to drink. Don’t forget to put fiber in the fluids for an easier bowel movement. Then I drink my fluids, but watch out, I have to stop drinking ½ an hour before my mid-morning snack. And be sure to include protein with that. Oh, now to wait ½ an hour before I can start my fluids. Oops! Forgot my calcium. Hurry and take that because you have to take it with food to absorb better. Ok. Now I can drink. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. But be sure to stop ½ hour before lunch. And make sure it includes protein. And don’t forget to take your vitamins and sublingual B-12. Ok, wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok now drink, but stop ½ an hour before mid-afternoon snack. Don’t forget fiber. Don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip, don’t forget to sip. Ok, have a snack. Oh, and don’t forget the calcium. Ok. Now wait ½ an hour to drink. Ok, drink, drink, drink. Have I had 32 ounces? Yes. Good. Ok, now go home. Then spend all night concentrating on food and liquids while trying to take care of the household! And don’t forget the iron before bed. My entire day is nothing but thinking of eating and drinking! And forget weekends. Weekends don’t have a set schedule. So getting all my fluids, food and supplements accomplished is even worse. I mean seriously, my whole life is scheduled around this. I feel like a junkie or something trying to get my “fixes” all day long. And it’s not like I can just do something else. I’m forced to take care of myself in this manner. Yes, I knew this going in, but reality is different from how you think something will happen. I carry a case of water and protein shakes in my car, and protein bars in my purse. You’d think I was preparing for a disaster. I am 5 weeks and 3 days out. Does this ever get better? How do you guys manage your daily schedule?

I just wanted to thank you all for being here. I was sleeved 12-19-11. Because of your posts, I can gauge where I am in my recovery and I'm doing well. I am in a stall and have been for 24 days. I've read that it can last a month. I did lose 1" in my waist. So I just have to be patient. You guys are the best!

I just wanted to thank you all for being here. I was sleeved 12-19-11. Because of your posts, I can gauge where I am in my recovery and I'm doing well. I am in a stall and have been for 24 days. I've read that it can last a month. I did lose 1" in my waist. So I just have to be patient. You guys are the best!

I was sleeved 12/19 and have the same problem. I am on Prevacid and know what acid reflux feels like. AND it is not head hunger. I do eat when I'm hungry, but can only eat so much. When I do eat it is uncomfortable. I never feel "satisfied", only that my sleeve is full. I burp and burp and burp and burp no matter how much or little I eat. I eat protein, like beans and tofu. Is this just an adjustment period? How long before my sleeve feels satiated and not just filled with food? If this is what babies go through when they learn to eat no wonder they cry all the time!

So, after months of: seeing my doctor, going to a public seminar, going to an appointment with a bariatric surgeon, going to a public class with a social worker and a nutritionist, having a ton of blood tests, having a private appointment with a social worker and nutritionist, having a chest xray, abdominal ultrasound. an endoscopy, and a stress test, I am FINALLY in the last days before surgery. Tomorrow are my pre-op blood tests. Wednesday is my pre-op appointment with the surgeon and a pre-op class. My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 19th.
In the last few days I have gone through euphoria, depression and nausea at the thought of it all. Reading peoples writings has helped. Knowledge is empowering. I am currently at 228 pounds. My highest was 236 pounds. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and GERD. I am female nd almost 52 years old.
Dominique

Good luck with the surgery and congratulations on surviving the gauntlet of preop yellow tape. I had sleep apnea prior to surgery. After getting from 305 down to 200 I got a new sleep study and the machine now rests in the back of a closet.
The surgery should help with many issues - may not cure you of diabetes or sleep apnea but surely it will make both conditions better. I am soon to be 49, ugh! Now at 190 and happy with my surgery decision.

YOU CAN DO THIS!! I am a female and I was 56 yrs. old when I had this done 10 months ago. I was over 300 lbs. when I started this journey and I lost almost 90 lbs. pre-op and I am below my goal with a 150+ lbs. lost total. My sleeve surgery was on Feb. 14th 2011. If this OLD lady can do it YOU CAN TOO!! LOLS! Good luck on your life changing journey to come. Keep us posted on your progress. Can't "weight" to see ya on the "losers bench" soon!
Diane!