PonyUp

i AM THREE WEEKS POST OP AS OF tomorrow and too am feeling a bit discouraged AND I HAVE ONLY LOST 10 POUNDS! However, I have been a lot more active since I have had the sleeve, walking, cleaning horse stalls, walking my horse (since I cannot ride). A lady I befriended that had the surgery the same day as me, in fact hours before me, (and is six years younger-I am 46) has lost 21 pounds and ten inches. HOWEVER, I HAVE LOST 20 TOTAL INCHES. So, my surgeon office asked how I was doing and I sent them my eating/exercise diary and explained and discussed my fears of why I am a slow loser (hormonal, maybe?), but also I know I am much more physically active than my friend that was sleeved on the same day....SO IT VERY WELL COULD BE GAINING MUSCLE AND THAT IS WHAT I AM HOPEFUL FOR. I HAVE NOT BEEN PERFECT EITHER AS FAR AS liquid AND Protein INTAKE, BUT OVERALL THINK I AM DOING WELL. (I think we all struggle at first with our intakes). After they review my diary they may see as to why I am slow or give me other reasons as to why. I keep telling myself to just be patient and in time it will be okay. I just have read that the most weight is lost three to six months post (and often slows considerably afterwards) so I am fearful that I will not lose the 80 pounds within eight months to a year as planned. However, If I could stay a steady ten pounds a month, I do believe slower weight loss is better for skin, hair and gallbladder, then I would be okay...but it all seems out of my control...at least I have lost ten pounds which is something I have not been able to do for ten years. I am not going to quit exercising and I am looking forward to when I can exercise more vigorously. Good luck to you and all the slow losers!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am so glad I decided to have the vertical sleeve with Dr. Aceves in Mexico. I have lost 59 pounds and still losing. It's true the first few months are a bit rough when it comes to transition of food stages, but it is all worth it and goes by quickly. Side effects I have experienced; I started hair loss in my third month but it definitely seems to be slowing down and with the Vitamins and good shampoos my hair looks better than what I expected. I was tired before surgery so that is about the same. My eyesight and memory seem to have gotten immediately worse since the surgery. I know memory loss is a common side effect. Moods a bit more up and down too, but I notice injecting myself with a multi Vitamin b injection once to twice a week really helps with mood and energy. I notice in my face a few more wrinkles and my skin is still adjusting but actually not too bad--so in time. I could not expect all the damage I caused my body to just go away, so I have accepted some of these things. Also, being 47 my skin is not a twenty year olds either!
MY immediate upsides to surgery were; my temperature gauge was boiling hot all the time and now I am normal, little to no snoring and sleep wonderfully now. Of course the weightloss--looking and feeling better. Less to no pain in my left knee due to weight. I have another 20-30 pounds to go and when I get there I will post my before and after pics.
Besides all the many changes this transforming surgery causes it can bring out you wanting to clean house in many areas of your life and that is what I have been doing.
Anyhow, I came to this forum daily months prior to my surgery and it was a great resource in research and learning about what to expect. Reading posts from those that had been there and done that really helped. I have not been on much since the surgery and thought I should pay some of it forward.
Good luck to all those considering or that have WLS dates...and to fellow sleevers I hope you are as happy as I am about my choice to be sleeved!

I am not going to tell ANYONE and if I could get away with not telling husband I would (I fear he will tell one person and then the whole town will know!). In fact, I have not told him yet. Trying to work up the nerve.
I plan on telling people starting out that I am walking, and eating very carefully and working my way up to more intense exercise...then they will see me at the gym. All my friends are in shape (they do work at it) and look great...I don't want their opinions. Plus I live in "very small town USA" and it is no exaggeration if one person knows your business than everyone is likely to know your business! However, I do plan on getting plastic surgery (boob and face lift) once I lose the weight and I have no problem sharing that information (probably because half of my friends have and half of the town has! So...there is less stigma). Thank goodness for the support of other forum members...it has helped me, since I cannot vent or express to friends or family.

I had my sleeze surgery on the 10th and doing better than imagined. Spent three full days in the hospital Almater located in Mexacali Mexico. The hospital was cleaner and newer than several American hospitals (California) I have seen. The nurses And staff attentive and both dr.campos (which himself had the sleeve and is also a nutritionist) visited twice daily- in the morning and late afternoon. The Canadians I befriended (mom n daughter) felt exactly the same! I am sip sip sipping away. I only had some slight nausea yesterday when. first drank and i have rumbling and gurgling...but my poor tummy has been so good to me considering. !
I am now at a fancy hotel awaiting to get a ride to get my teeth cleaned, chipped tooth repaired and xrays for cavities. ..looking less forward to dental work than the sleeve! Lol!

I will initially be "walking my horse" for exercise, since he needs it too. I am on the countdown to being sleeved...

I had my sleeze surgery on the 10th and doing better than imagined. Spent three full days in the hospital Almater located in Mexacali Mexico. The hospital was cleaner and newer than several American hospitals (California) I have seen. The nurses And staff attentive and both dr.campos (which himself had the sleeve and is also a nutritionist) visited twice daily- in the morning and late afternoon. The Canadians I befriended (mom n daughter) felt exactly the same! I am sip sip sipping away. I only had some slight nausea yesterday when. first drank and i have rumbling and gurgling...but my poor tummy has been so good to me considering. !
I am now at a fancy hotel awaiting to get a ride to get my teeth cleaned, chipped tooth repaired and xrays for cavities. ..looking less forward to dental work than the sleeve! Lol!

I so agree about Dr. Aceves and his staff. From Nina who makes the reservations, to Gabby who will answer any email or question you have about the surgery afterwards to everyone involved. My husband had the surgery the end of April last year and there was no other doctor I would trust than Dr. Aceves to do mine 3 weeks ago.
We wish the American doctors and hospitals were as nice, clean and attenative as Dr. Aceves.

Ladies--I am so with you! Mab--you are not alone! I have surgery April 10th and have what appears the normal pre-jitters. I had a sleeve buddy that got the surgery about three weeks ago and I have not heard from her the last week and half so that makes me a bit nervous too...wondering how she is doing and WHAT is she NOT telling me...or is she just busy with life? I also have been having anxiety and what do I typically do when I have anxiety...eaT eAT EAT! Of course all the wrong things and then I get anxious about what I am doing wrong and question myself...am I really mentally prepared for what I am undertaking? Then my two selves have a talk with each other and the "practical one" calms the "anxious one"
Yes, the first month is going to be rough and the following two months after that things might not be exactly what we knew as normal, but we will be learning and healing in so many ways if we really commit ourselves. I mean really who is not seriously committed about this if we have chosen to get the majority of our stomach removed?!! (Even when I doubt myself to be able to do the work needed-nutrition and exercise). I think that the initial weight loss will be motivating. And when the dreaded stall happens we will have all read about and know it is bound to happen, along with hair loss, maybe even potential gall-bladder problems....and with the support of fellow sleevers we will feel less alone with the great support of people that "have been there done that!" Then hopefully someday we can help a new sleever.

I am on the 10th too! I have read and researched but I am not sure if I am mentally ready...I hope so, I have read enough that I would think I would not be surprised by anything. Time will tell! Good luck and happy recovery!

Lbeauty--Thanks for your input...I will most likely find an Over Eaters Anonymous and a WLS support group

Debly and All--I can't agree more with your posts on narrowing it down to several top Mexican Surgeons and the point that they have had much more experience with the surgery than most American Surgeons is a valid point. Originally, I was going with Dr. Ortiz, then Dr. Kelly then I finally settled on Dr. Aceves. They are all good and all capable!

I am on the countdown to my sleeve, April 10th and starting to have the pre-sleeve jitters! Asking questions of myself like...Do I really know all the ins and outs of the operation and long term effect on my life (health wise)? Do I have realistic expectations (to have most weight off within a year?) Will I really use this tool to my benefit or will I be weak and undisciplined (like what got me here in the first place)? I keep thinking that even twenty pounds lost will feel so much better and allow me a bit more energy and desire to workout (starting immediately with walking). Well, thanks for sharing you post, it helps in these times!
Also, I have not told anyone but my husband (and only because I had to!). He is clueless also, but when I announced to him my decision I also stated I could not bare any negativity because this was a hard enough decision as is...he has said very little, but he is concerned.

Also...think about it 21 pounds in 4 weeks is a great amount of weight loss! Wish you the best...I will be sleeved April 10th!

April 10th, Dr. Aceves in Mexico! Thank goodness for this forum and others, I learned so much and besides the normal apprehensions I feel good about the decision. Also, I am not telling ANYONE (other than hubby and only because I had to!) so I really appreciate this site and support of fellow sleevers! I keep thinking how good the first twenty pounds off will feel..or I am at least hopeful of!

I can't wait until I lose enough weight to easily get up on my horse and into the saddle---rather than wallering onto him, which he is so kind and patient because it definitely is NOT comfortable for him either. To think he will lose eventually around 80-90 pounds off of his back to pack...I will be happy for us both.
Yes, I am looking forward to sexy panties and bras too...but I might have to have a breast lift and implants once I lose the weight!
I am looking forward to clothes shopping and looking stylish again.