MoonSiren

I went to the gym today and was on the sit down bike for an hour without realizing it. I was playing Trade Nations and Words with Friends on my iphone the whole time so the time must have whizzed on by. I don't own a scale at home so only weigh myself at the gym like once a week so I don't get discouraged. It said 260!! I don't remember the last time I was that weight, had to have been in junior high when I wore a size 16. Thus far, I've lost like 40 lbs since the surgery and pre-op liquid diet. My biggest weight was 400 lbs right out of college so I joined Weight Watchers. $90 short later, I was still 400 but was addicted to their ice cream sandwiches. I slowly started losing the weight over the years by ceasing all fast food and soda so finally reached 300 but could not lose another pound. I was at my high school weight now so figured it was OK and maintained that weight somehow. Things all changed when I turned 29 and my mom died of cancer at only 52. It was so hard visiting her at Parkland hospital in Dallas. She was always 100 lbs + heavier than I but she loss 200 lbs as she lay there with a tube down her throat. I was hoping things would get better for her but her body lost the fight. I kept having images in my head of myself in her place but there was no family visiting me. I've never had a boyfriend and have only been on one date in college in my life. My weight had always been the excuse for why I couldn't have a love life like everyone else seemed to have. I was only 29 but felt my knees hurt when I walked, had sleep apnea, hypothyroidism and high blood pressure. Things were only going to get worse for me in the years to come. Right then and there I knew I had to do something, but what? A few days after my mom's death I found myself at work trying to hide my tears. I had started the job only last year so didn't want to ask for some time off. A lady named Felicia that I had been well-acquainted with came by and was looking so much slimmer. It turned out that she had had bariatric sleeve surgery back in December but bought some clothes that fit her. I had never heard about sleeve surgery but was going to get the band back when I was 24. My dad's insurance would not cover it since I was going to be 25 and off the plan the following year. Felicia told me all about the sleeve surgery and even told me her doctor's name, Wade Barker M.D. He was in our insurance's network so would be covered! I immediately searched for him and found his website, then submitted a form. A few hours later, a nice receptionist at his office called me and I made an appointment for the following Thursday for a consultation. I knew that I had made the right step towards taking control of my life instead of let my food addiction dig me an early grave. Now I am almost 1 month post-op and have lost 40 lbs. When I walk I no longer feel pain, sleep better and hope my high blood pressure will be gone when I go back for the monthly follow up appointment in January. I know now that I am on the fast track to wellness and have my whole life ahead of me. The future is finally clear with the food craving and addiction completely gone. My new addiction has been cable TV but I'm trying to force myself to be more productive with my time. (: Lots of love, Becky

That's awesome! You are such a great person but now a smaller one. Good for you!!

Wow that's really interesting. I have 5 of the tiny incisions so I imagine they will be barely visible too once they heal and I can start putting on Mederma.

Wow you look so chic in the boots and top on the last picture. Great job!!

Congratulations!!

My doctor had me on fluids for 3 weeks post-op because he says the sleeve takes longer to heal. I had light juices, Water, Protein shakes, fruit smoothies, sugar free popsicles, soy milk and strained Soup. Every surgeon has different rules so I would call the office and ask if they can tell you what your diet ought to be. Have you seen a nutritionist? You can drink as much liquids you want really because it goes down quickly without filling up your stomach. I'm just now eating pureed foods and will be on them for 3 weeks. I now know what the full feeling is and it is quite painful. To alleviate this, I been eating small portions but when I start burping or hiccuping then I will stop eating.

You are a beautiful women then and now but I think the weight loss has made you look 10 years younger. Go you!

Yummy thanks for sharing! I'll try this when I can eat solids.

I would have one of their yummy omelets with ham and mushrooms..and cheddar. Dang I am so craving it right now. Make sure to tell the wait staff that you had surgery so can't eat very much. They should let you order off the kids or seniors menu. You could even share with a sister who is dieting.

I would get counseling beforehand to address your food demons. There is a reason why you overeat that even you may not know right now. You may have turned to food for comfort, in times of stress, or a number of other things. Now, food is no longer there for you in large quantities so you need to find another thing to comfort you. That could be taking up a new hobby, exercise, spending time with family or pets, etc. I wish you luck in your new life! Getting the surgery is like being reborn. I still haven't found my new comfort as of yet. I been spending most my vacation time in front of the TV or playing Kinect.

I would tell your doctor. The worse case scenario is that it could be a blood clot. Better safe than sorry!!

Do you have nausea medicine? If so, take that. Also make sure you take your vitamins and get in at least 60g of protein a day!!

Wow that's great!!

I'm the exact same way! I could not believe that I dislike sweets now such as chocolate but crave savory foods like soup. Isn't that weird?! I think it is because they removed the part of my belly that secretes ghrelin, an appetite hormone.

Are you throwing up blood or have a fever? If so, you may have leakage. Make sure you have the liquid Tylenol since that's easier to take. My surgeon says you have to wait 4 weeks to take whole pills. I would contact your doctor ASAP. I felt gassy and nausea 2 weeks after my surgery so I'd say that is kinda normal as I did not have any complications such as leaking.

My surgeon said that it pushes the food through more quickly so you don't get the nutrients needed. Also, it can stretch the sleeve out in time. You can barely eat as much as before so you need all the nutrients you can put in there. Drinking water is wasting the money you are spending on healthy food in my opinion. I was told to wait 1 hour before and after eating myself.

How sexy and beautiful you look! I bet you feel awesome right now.

Yes I feel the same way! I was sleeved the 6th and have not been hungry or craving much of anything. It is like my appetite is completely gone. How strange is that? I make myself drink protein shakes since I'm on liquids only right now until the 27th. I guess all doctors have different plans if you can already have purees.

Sooo happy for you! 16 lbs seems like nothing in my mind but I wish you luck finishing your goal!

At work right now we are getting in SOOO many presents from vendors such as Godiva chocolates, real French macaroons, Cookies, cakes, etc etc. I know that if it wasn't for the sleeve I would eat them ALL but I've only had half of a Godiva chocolate...and didn't really care for it. I don't know why! Maybe my tastes have changed since being sleeved. It was today when I finally decided to cave in and try a treat. When a new present comes in I keep hoping it is something non-food but it never is. How different than the old me when food was the most important thing. Anyone else have a sleeve that's keeping them from holiday temptations??

That's awesome news! I can't wait until I can tolerate spicy foods. I got really gassy and felt sick the first time I had tortilla soup since the sleeve.

Yes my surgeon says walking is the key to faster recovery. 32 lbs is great! I'm sure you have been getting compliments like crazy.

That's awesome!! Congratulations!

That's great! You are so beautiful and attractive that they can't help themselves. I can't wait for guys to start noticing me when I lose the weight.

They may be afraid of the surgery. How about you give them reading material about the procedure you are thinking of so they can learn more about it. Any kind of surgery would scare the people who love you.