nursing38

Ok so I read this post and it just really bothered me!
"Wow. I don't think your size has anything to do with finding love. It's the love and respect for yourself that makes people love you. You could be a size 2 and if you don't know how to love and honor yourself, you'll still be alone."
This is not all that true! Let's Face it, most people are attracted first by the way you look! They don't know your personality by looking at you! They don't decide to give you their phone # after seeing your personality lol
I think this is true of a LTR but dating, etc I just think it has very little merit. Fat people have a much harder time dating PERIOD!

I was really split prior to surgery but yeah, a lot of it WAS vanity. I was tired of being the biggest girl in the group, I was tired of not being able to zip even wide calf boots over my chunky legs and I was tired of feeling self conscious about my appearance no matter how nice the clothes I was wearing.
I did tell myself going in that I'd be happy as a 10/12 and I really think I would have been if that's all my body would lose. But I AM a size six now and I love being a small and sometimes extra small. I love knowing that after plastic surgery I'm going to be a size four. Nobody is ever going to look at me and consider me fat again.
The social thing is very real. I know that I act differently and have more confidence and that impacts how I'm treated to an extent, but there is no denying that people treat me very differently these days.
Go for it! I don't know that I'll ever get down to a size two - my body just doesn't want to be that small, I think. But being a small and a size 4/6 is fantastic. I never expected to get here.
Now if only I didn't have so much loose skin, it'd be perfect!
~Cheri

For me, it's not being a size 2 or 4... I would be happy to be an 8. BUT - I want BOOTS, tall boots that zip up and fit my calf, boots that I can tuck my jeans into. The day that happens I will be jumping up and down in the shoe store!

Hell yeah I do!! I ditto everything you said!!! I am worried about loose skin, but If I ever get to a size two, yes ma'am you better believe I will be celebrating!! I may bust out a backflip! LOL, I don't think you are shallow at all. I think its normal for us to feel this way! I don't know with my body type if I could ever get that small, but a girl can hope right? Hope you are well!

I have been going to a WLS surgery support group and every meeting someone says something along the lines of, "well it is not like I am trying to be a size 6 or anything, I just want to be healthier." So am I alone in that I DO wanna be a size 6--or 4--or 2? I want to be the one that is expected to sit in the middle of the backseat because I am so small. I want to wear tiny little jeans and have the option of dressing trashy and still looking hot. I have been big my whole life and I want to be the little one. Don't get me wrong, any move towards health and any weight loss is a good thing. I know better than to measure success vs. failure by getting into a size that seems almost unreal to me now. However, is it OK if I WANT it? Like really,really want it? I know me well enough to know that I will Celebrate every pound lost and every step I make towards a healthier me. However, if the truth were told, at the top of the list of reasons that I am willing to allow someone to cut one of my internal organs into pieces and yank part of it out of my body through a slit in my stomach, go through the risks of surgery, and have my eating habits forever changed is because I am SICK OF BEING FAT and I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to slip into a pair of jeans whose size is one single, solitary number. In this group everyone is like, "oh, I just want to reach a healthier me, looking better is just a little extra." Can I call BS on that? I mean like big heaping, steaming bull $#!%.... I know this post may make me seem shallow, but I have never seen anyone jump up and down over seeing their cholesterol go down 10 points. However, be in the vicinity when a former fatty slips on a size small top and size 6 jeans for the first time and you will see some celebrating going on. They will be taking pictures and calling their friends to share the news. You might see a little dance or hear an "oh HELL YEAH". Ever see anyone act like that over that hospital lab report? I am not trying to minimize the awesome health benefits of losing what is basically another person made up of fat that I am carrying around. I know my friend of fat will eventually kill me if I don't leave her behind. I am looking forward to improved health, mobility, and energy levels--sure...but do I really have to pretend that I wouldn't have the surgery if I knew that my overall health wouldn't really improve and all I had to look forward to is being smaller?

Congrats to you! I too love trying on clothes. Trust me, in my past, which was most of my life, I had to shop the plus women's section. Now I get to shop in the" regular" women's section. I hated trying on clothes because they never fit properly. Now I'm a size 10 and large tops. I can spend hours trying on clothes and I likey!

OK, its been 9 months since my surgery and I'm down 106 lbs.
I joined a gym to do some cardio (treadmill and elliptical) and also signed on with a personal trainer (started about 2 months ago) working out with him 3 times a week (weights and core exercises). I've been doing cardio at the gym 2 X a week for about 30-40 mins.
In the last 2 1/2 months, I have not dropped 1 single lb. UGH!.
I bust my butt with the trainer and then do moderate cardio at the gym with NOTHING on the scale.
I've been struggling getting in my food per day, because now that I'm more active, I'm even less hungry. My trainer would like for me to get in 1200 calories per day, but that is very difficult for me. My surgeon is happy with my progress and says that eventulally my body will start to lose again. But at almost 3 months with no loss, I'm beginning to get really worried. I still have another 67-77 lbs to lose.
My trainer says that since I am building muscle, my weight loss may slow down initially, but once I build more muscle, the muscle will help me burn fat and I will start dropping weight again.
I've come so far to hit a wall like this.
Has anyone else been in this boat? What am I doing wrong? HELP!

My closet is becoming empty. I had to go buy a new pair of jeans today, but when I realized I had gone down from a size 24 to an 18 I did a happy dance! Such a great feeling!

I totally get the leg crossing. I havent been able to do that for 20 years. last week I sat down on my bed to put my shoes and socks on and automatically crossed my legs to do it and I could. I was able to do both of them and put on the shoes and tie them. I was so thrilled that I pushed myself harder during exercise. Even if the scale is not always making me happy these small things are.
Also I bought a pair of size 18 capris that I am able to get up to my hips. hoping by the end of the month I will be wearing them. I was a size 26 in march.

I'm looking forward to vintage fashion (cause 50 years ago, sizes aren't what they are now). I'm looking forward to moving my body comfortably. I'm looking forward to taking belly dancing classes, and learning yoga, and to enjoy the way my body feels when it moves instead of being in pain.
I'm looking forward to not being harrassed and nagged by my mother anymore for being overweight. I'm looking forward to not being discriminated against in employment because of my size.
I'm looking forward to the private benefits of weight loss as they relate to my husband and our alone time. I'm looking forward to a shot at a low-risk pregnancy, and a good delivery (not an automatic c-section). I'm looking forward to being able to run around after my children one day, and having the energy to do everything I need and want to do in a day.
Basically, I'm looking forward to a better life!

I've been reading posts on how people are nervous about their upcoming surgeries. Mine is scheduled for July 3rd. Not concerned about the operation at all. Everytime I think about it, my mind goes to the things I'm looking forward to.
I’m looking forward to the roller coasters, airplanes, restaurant booths, bathroom stalls, concert and movie seats, and clothes that I’ll be able to fit into again. The joy of playing basketball, tennis, golf and going long to catch a pass. The confidence in knowing I can sit in a chair – ANY CHAIR – and not worry about whether it can support me. The amusement parks, Water parks, state fairs that I can enjoy ALL DAY. To have the energy to climb a set of stairs, wash my own car, to help a friend move. To buy a shirt on sale from a DEPARTMENT STORE! To look great in a suit. To go to a conference and wear a 2x t-shirt instead of being the only 6x! I’m looking forward to seeing old friends, family, and business associates; the next class reunion! Oh, what joy it will be to spoon, have great sex, and to walk out of the shower feeling desirable. To not hear the inappropriate comments from people who say they love me (I WANT TO SIT ON THEM!); to hear the same comments from strangers! To get into the floor with my grandkids, knowing that I’m going to get in the floor with THEIR kids some day.
My view from the mountain top is so awesome, that the climb is merely a formality!
What are YOU looking forward to?

Zumba rocks, it does get better, once you get familiar with the moves you will feel better about it. Trust me no one probably noticed, I was always to into my own moves to be checking out anyone else's. Keep up the good work.

Well, 1 year ago today almost to the hour I had my surgery starting out at 271# @ 5'3". What an amazing journey this has been. I can honestly say that I am so glad I did this and how it has improve my quality of life in more ways than I can count. I am now just 10# from my final goal and while it would have been nice to be at goal by now, I am pleased with my progress of loosing 141# in this time.
I have been buying thrift store clothes almost exclusively, which honestly isn't much different from my previous shopping habits. I have been able to find some incredible deals, nice clothes at rock bottom prices that nobody at work would even suspect. I have attached a picture taken of me yesterday and that suit outfit was bought at a thrift store just 3 weeks ago for $6!!! Not a thing wrong with it.
I'm now wearing size 5/6 jeans, size 8 or 10 petite business suits, size 4 slacks and it is just truly amazing when I look at clothes off the rack trying to wrap my head around this IS the size I wear. As I slide on my size 6 jeans, it still seems so surreal I can hardly believe it's me.
As I look back on my journey, I recall the stalls and frustration when my weight didn't fall off consistently, and I would say it was around the 6th or 7th month when I realized I was really going to have to kick up my game to keep that momentum going. I'm not a patient person and didn't want to get frustrated and fall back into my old patterns. So, I started increasing my exercise, and really paying attention to my carb intake, and upping my dense Proteins. I really love the weight loss challenges because they really motivate me to hitting my next target. My next weight loss target will hopefully be my last.
Reading through various maintenance threads, I am becoming more and more aware how I know I am going to have to continue to be diligent with maintaining my healthy eating. Do I allow myself treats once in awhile? Yes, but in very small moderation. Fortunately, the sleeve keeps me in check. But, I know it will be up to me to watch what goes into my mouth.
Since surgery, I have become lactose intolerant. It happened within the 2nd month, and found out when I tried just a bite of ice cream and oh my.... cramps in the stomach and a quick trip to the bathroom with some bad diarrhea. Never having been lactose intolerant I wasn't really sure this was the sign of being lactose intolerant, so of course I had to test my stomach again and sure enough. It's been interesting learning what things my stomach can handle, what it can't. I am moderately lactose intolerant now so as long as it's not real rich in milk product and it's a small amount I am usually fine, but I am still very cautious. I really don't mind this "side effect" though because sweets/ chocolate have ALWAYS been a downfall for me and so now when I see chocolate, my first thought is the repulsive reaction my stomach will have if I eat it and that's a good thing!
For anyone on the fence of whether to do the surgery, or struggling at the start of their journey, just know that it is all worth it! I am happier and more confident than I have been in years. I enjoy the way people treat me better and of course looking better and healthier is certainly a huge factor!!

I had an appointment with my surgeon and she was telling me how good I was looking and that my hair was looking really nice. I told her I still would like to loose about 10 more lbs. She told me not to loose any more than the 10 lbs. So I very excited to be here at the end and so now, it's almost time for maintenace. I weighed 154 lbs with my cloths on and at home I weigh in at 149 lbs. Yayyyyyyy! So happy and also scared that I won't be able to maintain my weight. If it's not one thing, it's another.

Yeah tell me about it, just about dashed my dreams of becoming a porn star post op. Guess I will have to stick with programming.

NOOOOOOOOOOO NOOOOOOOO!!!! A THOUSAND TIMES NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! :lol:

How do you explain it if you're a klutz like me and the balls fall out and you trip over them and break your neck while running on the treadmill. "I was...um...er...ah... just put the cast on." -not that I can't keep them in with the best of them......(oohoooh she went there!!!)

What a funny thread (most of it anyway)! I am snickering my butt off at work. "Biscuit to loaf of french bread" made me choke on my damn water! LOL!!!

Yeah - now we will all be able to practice some Kama sutra weird stuff lol Well damn.. I was just about to change my signature... and add to my motivators "to add 13" to my willy" lol... My wife was a bit scared, she said "uh, hell no. That just won't work.." lol

lol patrick. I laughed out loud hysterically when i read that. In your dreams, buddy, in your dreams hahaa!!! I believe theres a cap to how much you men can gain. lol

Seriously? that means when I get to goal I'll gain 13 inches..(400/30}..that can't be right, that would put me in the guiness book of world records for sure. Lmao

I've been stalled hovering just over 200 for what feels like forever but I figured I'd try a few things on. Almost all of my old (10+ years) work dresses fit well enough that I can wear them for work again! Most are size large or 14. I ended up pulling down a box of clothes I'd stored away and so many things fit. It sure felt good. I might not be seeing big results on the scale but clothes fitting sure makes me feel good! I actually wore shorts out in public! Woo-hoo!

It seems that there a large number of jealous folk out there...when you look at the records...mexico has been doing the sleeve for 7 years as opposed to the U.S. with only 2 years....so who really has more experience? As an ex wife of a doctor, I know that everything does NOT always go right no matter what...but it also doesnt matter where it was done or who actually did it,,,,things just happen..... and as you know therei s no regulation of the internet to check for accuraccy of posts.......so who is to stop jealous doctors in the states to have people put up anything they think people might "buy"? I too did my homework and the ex actually took me down as we only live about 6 hours from Tiajuana. He met everyone and saw the facilities and was pleased with what he saw...I was with Dr. Almanza but it makes no difference who you choose as long as you are confident in them.....I have been going to Mexico since early 90's for meds and dental service....the ex started going closer to 2000.... i decided to take the leap for medical this spring due to being accepted and then having insurances switched and them not honoring the acceptance and then getting discouraged once again...... that was quite a while ago..then i started meeting and talking to people who were going out of the country to get medical procedures done...costa rica, panama, etc. I know that a lot of the dentists in many border towns actually get their education and or training in the U.S....why not doc's too? so...... searched last year and found $500 for the sleeve but didnt pursue it at that time. This spring the sleep apnea finally got me to the point of enough is enough and i did another search... only to find the prices had dropped to $4499. I called and then had the ex talk to them several times as well. He encouraged me to do it. I am so happy i did . When i went in to see his ex partner, who is my doctor now, he was so happy that i had done it. He didnt care that it was in mexico, just that i had had it done!!!!! price isnt everything...keep that in mind... you must feel confident in who you choose whatever the price, that is what matters. if you know or have met many patients that have been successful with a surgeon, then chances are he is a good one....just keep in mind that things do happen that are beyond anyone's control......and hope and pray that you arent the one it happens too.....and you will be fine. good luck all

I totally agree with gastricsleeve4me I haven't had surgery I'm scheduled the 30th and my price is $8750 with dr Aceves $500 was my deposit. I also could have gone cheaper but my personal family dr went to him and he is doing great

Genie bras huh? I'm wearing a bra that is a little big because I really can't replace them right now. I have sports bras, but they tend to mash the boobies together in a weird way. Mine are sad and droopy like deflated balloons right now.
The extra skin is starting to irk me.