MamaBear

I've had two milestones in two days. The first was trying on bathing suits yesterday. My cousin, who works at the store, kept insisting that I try on a 16 rather than the 18/20 I was looking at. To shut her up, I did...and it fit, as did every other 16 she handed me. Then she said "This won't fit you for long, maybe you should just wait a couple of weeks and buy the 14." I was stunned to fit into a non-plus size in anything and even more stunned to realize that she's right, the 16 won't fit for long!
My second milestone was with my pulmonologist today. I've been on coumadin for blood clots for most of the last year. My most recent test came back still on the high side for clotting, but my doc actually told me to refuse the medication, citing my increased activity level! He's going to run a couple more tests for me, but he thinks it's a "false high" on the test and, as long as my other tests come back fine, he's cool with me staying off the coumadin. He also did lung function tests today and told me that I have rewound my "breathing age" by at least a year, possibly more, with all of the cardio work I've been doing.
Oh, yeah, I had a third one today. A girl at the gym complimented my arms, saying that my biceps are looking really good. I'm pleased that someone else notices the hard work I've put into my arms, even if it did feel a little weird to have a girl be the one paying the compliment!

I just had my big moment on Mother's Day. I got on the scale and it said 197! I am two months out from surgery and under 200 pounds for the first time in 10 years! I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

This is a great thread! I'm sitting here wondering if I am crazy for doing this and if I will hate it! I almost think we get stuck at the immediate post op stage and forget we are actually gonna lose weight! I know that sounds weird but that's kind of how I feel! So thanks for sharing!

Well..I am not that far out...but I can now sit in the middle of the row of the movie theater instead of on the outside seats so I don't touch anyone when I sit.

Ok folks, we all come on these boards to share, help, get support, and generally interact in a world where we know most people totally get where we are coming from right?
So I would like to propose we do a thread that inspires newbies and reminds us all why we are doing this. Can you share your best post-surgical experience? I will start with one of my favourite most memorable ones:
It was the second Summer after my surgery. The previous Summer I had lost most of the weight and I was at a size 14. The second summer I pulled out the big box of Summer clothing and began to unpack it. I remember getting ready to try on the clothing and had that familiar feeling of dread. Every Summer of my life, the clothes were tight and usually had to be replaced. Every Summer of the past I realized I had failed again to do anything but get fatter. So I was in a state of anxiety when I pulled on the first pair of shorts.
They were too big. When I double checked that yes in fact they were baggy, I sat on my bed and wept. I cried with relief, disbelief and joy. Biggest moment ever in my journey.
How about you?

You know what I love about ONEderland? I have lived in it since sometime in 2008 and it has created a psychological barrier for me.
Maybe I am the only one (but I doubt that) who has found a way to justify higher and higher numbers on the scale all my life. Now, with this surgery, I have a hard stop on the horizon. I am currently back up 15 pounds from my ideal happy weight (I no longer talk about "goal" because I was a clueless wreck when I picked some random number which had no reflection on my health and looks by the way). So I know that I need to shed that 15, but I also know that if FOR ANY REASON I crest upwards toward that back door of ONEderland, I need to really give my head a shake.
Love your entry to ONEderland, own it, Celebrate it like I do. I take it pretty seriously too, I travelled here on a one way ticket baby and that is where I plan to stay.

Ok folks, we all come on these boards to share, help, get support, and generally interact in a world where we know most people totally get where we are coming from right?
So I would like to propose we do a thread that inspires newbies and reminds us all why we are doing this. Can you share your best post-surgical experience? I will start with one of my favourite most memorable ones:
It was the second Summer after my surgery. The previous Summer I had lost most of the weight and I was at a size 14. The second summer I pulled out the big box of Summer clothing and began to unpack it. I remember getting ready to try on the clothing and had that familiar feeling of dread. Every Summer of my life, the clothes were tight and usually had to be replaced. Every Summer of the past I realized I had failed again to do anything but get fatter. So I was in a state of anxiety when I pulled on the first pair of shorts.
They were too big. When I double checked that yes in fact they were baggy, I sat on my bed and wept. I cried with relief, disbelief and joy. Biggest moment ever in my journey.
How about you?

Don't worry hon, you would know if things weren't going well. Some of us get these perfect surgical experiences with zero pain and no complications... that is more the norm, so enjoy it!

Ok folks, we all come on these boards to share, help, get support, and generally interact in a world where we know most people totally get where we are coming from right?
So I would like to propose we do a thread that inspires newbies and reminds us all why we are doing this. Can you share your best post-surgical experience? I will start with one of my favourite most memorable ones:
It was the second Summer after my surgery. The previous Summer I had lost most of the weight and I was at a size 14. The second summer I pulled out the big box of Summer clothing and began to unpack it. I remember getting ready to try on the clothing and had that familiar feeling of dread. Every Summer of my life, the clothes were tight and usually had to be replaced. Every Summer of the past I realized I had failed again to do anything but get fatter. So I was in a state of anxiety when I pulled on the first pair of shorts.
They were too big. When I double checked that yes in fact they were baggy, I sat on my bed and wept. I cried with relief, disbelief and joy. Biggest moment ever in my journey.
How about you?

You know what I love about ONEderland? I have lived in it since sometime in 2008 and it has created a psychological barrier for me.
Maybe I am the only one (but I doubt that) who has found a way to justify higher and higher numbers on the scale all my life. Now, with this surgery, I have a hard stop on the horizon. I am currently back up 15 pounds from my ideal happy weight (I no longer talk about "goal" because I was a clueless wreck when I picked some random number which had no reflection on my health and looks by the way). So I know that I need to shed that 15, but I also know that if FOR ANY REASON I crest upwards toward that back door of ONEderland, I need to really give my head a shake.
Love your entry to ONEderland, own it, Celebrate it like I do. I take it pretty seriously too, I travelled here on a one way ticket baby and that is where I plan to stay.

You know what I love about ONEderland? I have lived in it since sometime in 2008 and it has created a psychological barrier for me.
Maybe I am the only one (but I doubt that) who has found a way to justify higher and higher numbers on the scale all my life. Now, with this surgery, I have a hard stop on the horizon. I am currently back up 15 pounds from my ideal happy weight (I no longer talk about "goal" because I was a clueless wreck when I picked some random number which had no reflection on my health and looks by the way). So I know that I need to shed that 15, but I also know that if FOR ANY REASON I crest upwards toward that back door of ONEderland, I need to really give my head a shake.
Love your entry to ONEderland, own it, Celebrate it like I do. I take it pretty seriously too, I travelled here on a one way ticket baby and that is where I plan to stay.

Here it is: http://www.verticals...103#entry337103
And thanks... I like to be the voice of common sense and sometimes a bit of tough love.

Mama bear where is the other info on planning your food? You give great advice!!

Mamabear...u have excellent advice!! Keep it coming!!

I would have this surgery once a year if I had to.

Focus on my words:
1. You will be fine
2. You will no longer be a fat chick
3. The new way of eating will become like you have always done it that way withing 6 months
Questions?

One more question, MammaBear...
Can you put that into an audio file and send it to me so I can listen to it on repeat???

I wish I would have been told the following truth;
1. you must practice stop eating and drinking at the same time
2. you must practice chewing your food about 30 chew before you swallow
3. All doctors have different diet plans before surgery
4. to have this surgery you might have to jump thru some hoops depending on your health, insurance, and Doctor
5.I knew this one be very honest about your health issuse your succees depends on it.
After surgery it was going to be another rocky road that you have to travel.
6. Really take it easy and try your best to plan at least a month of rest
7. Plan for set backs that could happen like infection, pain, not being able to move in the diet like others
8. The gas pain is worst than site pain
9. Your brain needs time to catch up with your sleeve and it will take you time to retrain your self to eat.
The last truth I can say right now is we are all different and our bodies react to things very different. Once you get yourself over some humps you will start to feel that you did the right thing to get a handle on your weight issue.
I am about five weeks out and feeling much better, still some bumps with eating but I will get a handle on it.
So good luck to all that are thinking about doing this for themselves you will love it.

Those are significant truths. Here are some other ones:
1. You won't suddenly love your body when you hit goal - that is a mental issue and you need to deal with it.
2. There is no better option than this surgery but it isn't a gift, it is an opportunity.
3. food is still evil and must be treated like a snake that could strike at any moment.
4. Opinions are like bums.... everybody has one. You need to read read read because YOUR truth and best plan comes from the collaboration of the experiences of others who have gone before you. I have heard some stupid things that nutritionists and doctors have told VSG patients that make me crazy. Make your own plan out of the patchwork of your friends on here.
I love truths and direct advice - this weight is a war and we need to fight.

Those are significant truths. Here are some other ones:
1. You won't suddenly love your body when you hit goal - that is a mental issue and you need to deal with it.
2. There is no better option than this surgery but it isn't a gift, it is an opportunity.
3. food is still evil and must be treated like a snake that could strike at any moment.
4. Opinions are like bums.... everybody has one. You need to read read read because YOUR truth and best plan comes from the collaboration of the experiences of others who have gone before you. I have heard some stupid things that nutritionists and doctors have told VSG patients that make me crazy. Make your own plan out of the patchwork of your friends on here.
I love truths and direct advice - this weight is a war and we need to fight.

Really like "the squirrel method"!

Well, my first thought when I am reading this is ... why are you eating mashed potatoes? Assumming you are not eating them for Breakfast ... you should only be eating them once you have eaten your Protein, so, seeing you are not getting enough Protein, mashed potatoes shouldn't even be touching your lips. Mashed potatoes are, for us, basically nutritionally void.
For me, if a food felt like a rock in my stomach, it told me I was not ready for it or for its consistancy. You may need to take a step back in your food progression. Why the break on shakes? Try another brand. I use Premier, which are great. Give them another try.
Congrats on your weight loss so far and thanks for sharing your experience.

Hey all,
you know how I always view food volume with the sleeve? I feel that it has put me in line with how "normal" people who are not prone to obesity eat. So for instance, last night I ate 2 pork ribs, a piece of yam the size of a small apple, and a half a plate of salad - stuffed to the gills, but that was totally a normal meal for the average human. Before my sleeve I would have had 4 to 6 ribs, a whole large yam and salad and then dessert.
If you over focus on the quantities you will start the emotinal triggers that make bad choices happen. That is PRECISELY why I refuse to count calories....it just triggers my diet pirate.
I know that if I work really hard at it, I can regain all my weight... I know that - but there is so much more to live for than food, and my sleeve makes it something that I can more easily (not totally easily) ignore and just be normal and not always on a diet.

Just joined this forum and noticed the neatly laid out categories of sleevers. Then I saw a group "Christian Sleevers" and immediately smacked my forehead and thought.... "really?? They even found a way to bring being christian into weight loss surgery?!?"
SO I was happy to see that there is a place for those of us who don't believe. Safe place to talk about our medical, nutritional and emotional issues around our sleeves, because those are the thing that are relevant, and not worry about what God thinks.

Just to "weigh in" to this conversation again... I never counted calories because that didn't work for me. It felt too much like a diet which triggers rebelion in me.
I used my sleeve to tell me when I was needing to eat, and when I was full. It controls your intake - but you have to layer your food.
1. Protein first, then veg then if you still have two bits left, maybe carb.
2. Carb junkies like me shouldn't have your first carb of the day until after mid day to keep cravings at bay
This is easier to maintain than calorie counting for some folks, and really tunes you in to your sleeve-boss.