mae

It's sad we all have these hurdles to overcome but it's nice to know other people feel the same. Sometimes it feels like no one can relate. Not too many thin people have to map out a mental path to the restroom in a crowded restaurant ya know?

Does it feel like october will never get here? I am just antsy as can be, I want the approval and acctual date already!

Hi everyone! I hit a big milestone today - actually weigh less than the lie on my drivers license!!

My surgery is on Monday. I have been busy telling everyone. I am a teacher and off for the summer, but the staff that I have visited with this summer have been nothing but positive. I am usually a very independent person at work and don't ask for help. I start work 2 weeks after surgery and decided that I needed to have people ready to help me with lifting etc. Everyone has told me that it was wonderful that I was doing this for myself. I know the difference this time is that I am ready for this and I am proud that I am taking this step for my health.

You are right We all are WORTH it!

I know and I was scared about that because I only told one person what I was doing.......but reality hit I'm on a new healthy road who cares what they think I'm looking and feeling fabulous!!!!!!!

Glad you finally had someone come help you! It is frustrating when we try to be so independent! Keep going, girl, you will achieve your goals.

I turned 50 in January and am 5.5 months out and down 56 pounds and 50 inches! So happy I had the surgery--my blood work is fantastic, blood pressure has dropped, and the pain in my knees is gone. I can anything- and the sleeve provides the Portion Control I need!

GLAD to hear from you all! ~ I'm 56 & 11 weeks out...I have lost 34 pounds and feel great! I lost over 90 on a dr's program in 2008-2009 and put 65 back on, over 45 in 3 months. Out-Of-Control sooo I went to Mexico in December and very grateful of the decision! I feel I'm losing slow enough so I don't have "the wrinkles" and "bags" as I didn't last time. I have my 3 month Upper GI & bloodwork coming up and am worried that my insurance won't cover the GI expense. I was told to call my insurance & find out b-u-t that might put a red flag on it--am thinking I should take my chances? I was 270+ at my top, 185 at my lowest, started the sleever at 245 and now 209 = Can't wait for my 160 lb goal!

I'm 54. In my 9th week post op. Down 48 pounds and on a stall since the first of the month. So frustrated. But I'm keeping up my plan and waiting this out. Can't wait to hit the 50 pound mark. Will it ever come? LOL

Dont ya worry none, were right here with ya. . . . I'm 50 and I don't own a wrinkle and I've lost 150 lbs! I guess I'm either damn lucky or my native american indian heritage is playing it's part. . .all i have is a little loose skin where my apron used to be. . . my daughter who is 21 was asked if I'm her sister???? go figure. . . but as long as it continues I'm as happy as a clam!

Mishy, is that the only thing you've had that you shouldn't other than the Soup? The cake and ice cream is not going to damage your sleeve. I think some of the responses to your post are alarmist. Obviously, its not good to go for that so soon after your surgery, but you are probably in the same state I was at that point where you are feeling a little depressed and resentful of what you have done to your body. You just need to follow the post op diet to a T, especially the liquid part. If YOU feel that you need counseling then by all means, call your Dr and see what they have to say. I found that the best thing for me was to drink my shake with my family and then when I was done, take a little walk while they were finishing up. I ate a french fry less than 2 weeks after surgery, just because everyone else had them. It didnt kill me, but I didnt feel so well afterwards. You just need to take care of yourself right now. Good luck to you

During my pre-op, I limited knowledge to focus on myself and preparing. I was self pay so I had a short time (about a month) between scheduling surgery and my surgery date. Most coworkers only knew I went on medical leave, but didn't know more than I was having surgery. Sleeved April 24th.
My post-op approach is this:
1. Person comments about my weight loss, I say "thank you" and move on.
2. Person asked what I am doing to lose weight, I am usually honest that I had WLS. Most people are like, wow. Then, they ask questions, etc.
I am not ashamed of my decision. If people want to judge me for making a decision to save my life, that is their prerogative. They can talk behind my back all they want...in my opinion, that makes them look like a bad person. And, those that know that see my lifestyle should realize it is not the easy way out.

There is such a stigma related to having any form of weight loss surgery...and I think that's a shame. It keeps many people from doing something that can, literally, save their lives. In the hopes of doing something positive (in regards to that stigma), I have been completely open and honest about my decision to have surgery. I've had many unplanned conversations with people...both friends, and strangers...and have found great support from completely unexpected directions. I don't give a moments thought to negative comments...they simply aren't worth my notice. I have this amazing opportunity to educate people....about the lifesaving possibilities associated with this procedure....speaking out helps to reinforce my own motivation to succeed, and helps to build my self-confidence. Ultimately, this journey belongs to each of us, individually. Do what feels comfortable to you....and don't feel guilty about your decision, in comparison to anyone else's. Best wishes to everyone!

LoL... this girl I know sent me a msg on FB and asked if I had gotten a Lapband?!! I laughed and said no... I've told everyone who I think should know.... people ask me what I'm doing and I say eating lots of Protein, little to no junk food and working my butt off at the gym ... which I am!!!

I lost 65 pounds in my 4+ months before surgery. My hope was that everyone would notice that weight loss so when it happened to quicken after surgery it wouldn't be as much of a shock. Apparently 65 pounds on my body isn't that much because very few people noticed. I've only told my immediate family and a handful of close friends. I've asked them all not to discuss with others. Unfortuately, my mom has a big mouth and that worries me. It sucks that she's the one person I really have to worry about.
My plan, like a lot of others, is to say "low carb/high Protein and working out," which is what I did prior to surgery. The reason I asked everyone to keep it a secret is because #1- I feel like it should be my decision who knows and how much, #2- if they find out I'd rather it be from me so they have their facts straight, #3- I don't know how I will feel about it in 6 months or a year from now; I may want to shout it from the rooftops, but, again, it's my life, my decision.
For me, my weight problem is a very personal issue and my friends will tell you I don't discuss it often. Therefore, surgery is a personal issue, albeit major. I will share it with those I feel need to know, could benefit from knowing, or will absolutely be supportive. Honestly, since joining this site, there have been times I read something and think "F' it. I'm just going to post it on Facebook for the world to see." Thanks for making me feel like I'm not a freak!

When I joined the program November 16th 2012 I went into it with 100% determination that I was going to put all my effort into it. I tried to follow the rules of the 64 ounces of Water, the 10k steps a day, I failed at for months, I did the 80 grams of Protein, I worked at lowering my carbs and I held off on quitting my coffee until closer to getting my approval.
I lost 60 pounds then I lost 10 pounds pre-surgery.
I had a hernia and I also had adhesions that were causing me some issues. Everyone knew from November - June I was on a diet. I lost 20 since, and many people haven't seen me since then.
Unfortunately, dieting through winter most people are used to big clothes and I guess luckily I was able to get away with using a safety pin on my pants and just layering clothing.
Now it's summer and everything hangs on me and it's extremely noticeable so when I do see someone I haven't seen since March or April they are shocked. I just tell them, I lose about 10 a month on Low Carb, High Protein and I exercise a lot, but recently had a hernia repair and adhesion removal. It's the truth, the omission is the sleeve.
My parents and husband and son know and the doctor's that's fine with me. I don't have people asking me daily how much weight I lost, I don't have people judging me and I don't have to raise my blood pressure or hurt someone's feelings that may just be a moron by telling them they are stupid and rude. It's a win win situation in my opinion. If I run into someone that seems like they are really truly interested and I believe could benefit, of course I would share with them.

Just tell people that you are doing everything humanly and legally possibleyou can to make healthful choices. that you are busy changing your life.

I'm near Des Moines :-)
I had surgery 1/24/12.