ElaineB

Girls I was getting on the or table and the mask was coming at me and I was thinking "are you sure" if the versed had not gone it i still don't know what I would have done. 90 mins later when I woke up it was oh well? Can't turn back now and 70 lbs down I would never trade to go back. I am so much happier and feel so much better then I have in a long time. I am going back to the real me that lost touch with in the last 10 years. I have taken away 4 pills I was taking for type 2. I am down to o e and maybe none in the next few months! I need to live for myself and my 15 year old who has autism. I will die someday but I want to put it off as long as possible! My best friend died of cancer 2 years ago at age46. Someone I know has seen his wife dx with stage 4 lung cancer in January . She is in her mid 30's never smoked and has two children under the age of 10 and a husband who is a clergy person. Their faith has been tested like they never thought possible when I have a pity party of myself I think of them. I could have it so much worse. I want and need to live and god gave me the tools to do it. Will I be perfect? No but everyday is a new chance to start o ER and do better!

You guys rock. I'm in awe. Love this sleeve. We really are so blessed!!!

I am almost 10 months out and have lost 262 pounds it is possible. It takes a lot of hard work but it is so worth it.

I've lost 50 preop plus 53 postop as I type this. I agree it's scary, especially to see how much more I have to lose. I recently got involved with the greatest local support group where we do things together and look out for each other and being involved makes a world of difference for me.

I asked my doc if my stomach was the size of a banana, and he said no, it is the size of a hot dog. LOL

That is so weird!! Eat the powder plain? Sounds fun if you can do it. All the whey just tears up my stomach right now. Maybe in a few more weeks.

Cherbear, just clarifying, but you've "only" lost 21 pounds in 3 weeks!! Poor girl. Lol. You may have some unrealistic expectations. This isn't magic!!! I'm teasing you, but I think you are doing frigging amazing!! Had there been any other time you have lost that much in that amount of time? I'd have to have cut off a leg to lose 21 pounds pre-sleeve. You are doing the right things. The weight loss will catch up. If you are losing any faster, you would die in a lean winter;). I think of it like this. How much do you want to lose? If its a 100 pounds, you are already 21 percent of the way there. ALREADY!!! You rock girl. Give yourself some props!!

I ate out a ton before sleeve and thought I would quit post. But, I'm about 3 weeks out and have eaten out several times with no problems. I had a cup of vegetable beef Soup at Denny's that was excellent. I just left the corn and Lima Beans in the bowl. I tried a cup of vegetable soup at Cracker Barrel and it didn't work out as well. It had too many vegetables, too many fibrous vegetables, so I had less than a quarter of the cup. I did the 2 for 20 at chilis. I let my sons choose the app, they ordered one meal they both liked, I ordered grilled fish, gave them my sides and gave them 3/4 of my fish. I tried chili at steak and shake, but couldn't eat it because it was too greasy and spicy. I think it's trial and error, but usually easy to find something I can enjoy. I have never been a huge fish lover, but surprisingly, it's become my favorite. Grilled fish can be found almost anywhere. I've eaten out with my kids, who don't know I had this surgery, friends and family and no one has made me feel strange or awkward. I don't make a big deal of it and I don't think anyone has noticed. My strategy has been to order a cup of soup or chili, share a meal or take it home. Even when it hasn't worked, like the bomb at steak and shake, it wasn't a problem. I still enjoyed being out, the people I was with still enjoyed it and I just ate something later at home. I'm learning to enjoy these events for the people I'm with and the socialization and not look on it like a last meal:). Every time I can go and make a healthy choice and turn away from an unhealthy one, I feel great about myself. Love this sleeve.

That is so weird!! Eat the powder plain? Sounds fun if you can do it. All the whey just tears up my stomach right now. Maybe in a few more weeks.

I had a lot of the same thoughts. I even thought, well, I've lost a few on this pre-op thing, why don't I just keep doing this? What if It doesn't go well, what if I die, what if I regret it, what if I can never eat again? You know. I'm only 17 days out. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery. It's already so much easier and I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. It's my one regret. It has already changed my life in some really positive ways. I feel strong, determined and like I have made some hard, but good decisions for myself for a change. You are worth this and I don't think you will be sorry. Keep me posted. Love and prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery. It's no picnic, but it sounds like you have a child. If you can birth a human, this is nothin;)

I'm almost 3 weeks post op and 3 days broken up with the boyfriend. That didn't take long:). I'm not even sad. I am 43 and I've had more personal growth in my forties than in the 2 decades prior. I stayed 18 years with my ex husband. This has only been less than stellar for a few months. I'm learning faster and raising my standards. I've realized I can feel sorry for myself, but ultimately, no one can treat you poorly if you don't let them.
I'm feeling empowered and feisty. I guess I will be single indefinitely. . I love this thread, by the way.

I'm almost 3 weeks post op and 3 days broken up with the boyfriend. That didn't take long:). I'm not even sad. I am 43 and I've had more personal growth in my forties than in the 2 decades prior. I stayed 18 years with my ex husband. This has only been less than stellar for a few months. I'm learning faster and raising my standards. I've realized I can feel sorry for myself, but ultimately, no one can treat you poorly if you don't let them.
I'm feeling empowered and feisty. I guess I will be single indefinitely. . I love this thread, by the way.

You are so welcome. You will do great. Keep me posted. I really want to know how everything goes.
Elaine

Maybe I'm just thick, but I'm not exactly sure how to interpret your post.
So, if someone comes up to me and says, "You look great, how did you do it?", if I don't tell them I had surgery, then I have no integrity?
I had lasik surgery 10+ years ago ... about a week ago, I'm at the swimming pool and someone comments to myself and another person what a beautiful sunset it was. I agree, but the other person says that he can't really tell because he doesn't have his glasses on. So then, I am obligated to tell him that I had surgery on my eyes and that is why I can see the sunset without using eyeglasses? Is that true?
I am a tennis player and my serve was suffering from shoulder pain. I had surgery to remove a quarter inch piece of bone which did the trick. After healing, my serve was smoking fast and far more accurate. After each ace, does my integrity suffer because I don't explain that I had surgery?
Prevarication is to intentially mislead ... is that what we are doing?
A co-worker approached me about my weight loss because she was concerned about my health. We had recently had another co-worker leave work because of cancer and the treatments were not allowing her to continue. I think she had a valid reason to ask me and I responded the way I mentioned above. Again, she agreed and was happy that I was healthy.
Now prior, I had neighbors ask me and I told them the truth. I was then drilled as to why I can't do it on my own ... don't I have any willpower ... haven't I ever watched biggest loser ...
It is what I am comfortable with and that is all that matters. Everyone should do what they feel is right and not feel obligated to be the WLS poster child if that is not what they are comfortable with.
If that is your thing, then go for it. More power to you. Seriously.
** edit **
Now, if someone came up to me and told me they were needing help with weight loss or related issues, or wanted me to help them do what I did, then no doubt, I would tell them my story. But until then ...

I feel the exact same way. I hate hate hate the stigma. If we were having knee surgery this question would not even be an issue.
So many people do not understand.
We need to have an annual WLS parade. If we have it soon, I could still be a float. If we wait too much longer I'll be too skinny.

I ate out a ton before sleeve and thought I would quit post. But, I'm about 3 weeks out and have eaten out several times with no problems. I had a cup of vegetable beef Soup at Denny's that was excellent. I just left the corn and Lima Beans in the bowl. I tried a cup of vegetable soup at Cracker Barrel and it didn't work out as well. It had too many vegetables, too many fibrous vegetables, so I had less than a quarter of the cup. I did the 2 for 20 at chilis. I let my sons choose the app, they ordered one meal they both liked, I ordered grilled fish, gave them my sides and gave them 3/4 of my fish. I tried chili at steak and shake, but couldn't eat it because it was too greasy and spicy. I think it's trial and error, but usually easy to find something I can enjoy. I have never been a huge fish lover, but surprisingly, it's become my favorite. Grilled fish can be found almost anywhere. I've eaten out with my kids, who don't know I had this surgery, friends and family and no one has made me feel strange or awkward. I don't make a big deal of it and I don't think anyone has noticed. My strategy has been to order a cup of soup or chili, share a meal or take it home. Even when it hasn't worked, like the bomb at steak and shake, it wasn't a problem. I still enjoyed being out, the people I was with still enjoyed it and I just ate something later at home. I'm learning to enjoy these events for the people I'm with and the socialization and not look on it like a last meal:). Every time I can go and make a healthy choice and turn away from an unhealthy one, I feel great about myself. Love this sleeve.

My surgeon/office is a bariatric center of excellence. The only one is Orlando, and he is a very smart guy. I have had GERD and been on prescription meds for 9 years. He had me do manometry before he would agree to the sleeve. If that upper esophageal sphincter is weak, you are going to have problems because the new tummy is tight and you have increased pressure on it. My sphincter was fine, so he agreed to the sleeve. In my case, even in 3 weeks post, I can tell my reflux is better. Bypass should cure your reflux and is always the surgery he does for anyone with problems. He has had to do revisions for this reason and reports excellent outcomes. I know it sucks to have another surgery, but what a relief to be done with this. Reflux is not only painful, but can have some really bad outcomes if you don't get it under control. As a speech pathologist is a nursing home I see these effects first hand. You can develop terrible swallowing problems (dysphagia), you can aspirate the reflux, especially at night, resulting in an infection that will just eat your lungs up, and you can develop esophageal ulcerations, Barret's Esophagus, and ultimately esophageal cancer. It's a terrible way to go. So, as much as you hate this, you absolutely need it, your doctor is giving you correct and clinically sound advice Nd it should completely cute your problems. Once you aren't having the lining of your upper digestive tract burned off, you should have a MUCH easier time getting in your Vitamins, Proteins, and all the good nutrition you need. You are going to be a new woman after this.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

My surgeon/office is a bariatric center of excellence. The only one is Orlando, and he is a very smart guy. I have had GERD and been on prescription meds for 9 years. He had me do manometry before he would agree to the sleeve. If that upper esophageal sphincter is weak, you are going to have problems because the new tummy is tight and you have increased pressure on it. My sphincter was fine, so he agreed to the sleeve. In my case, even in 3 weeks post, I can tell my reflux is better. Bypass should cure your reflux and is always the surgery he does for anyone with problems. He has had to do revisions for this reason and reports excellent outcomes. I know it sucks to have another surgery, but what a relief to be done with this. Reflux is not only painful, but can have some really bad outcomes if you don't get it under control. As a speech pathologist is a nursing home I see these effects first hand. You can develop terrible swallowing problems (dysphagia), you can aspirate the reflux, especially at night, resulting in an infection that will just eat your lungs up, and you can develop esophageal ulcerations, Barret's Esophagus, and ultimately esophageal cancer. It's a terrible way to go. So, as much as you hate this, you absolutely need it, your doctor is giving you correct and clinically sound advice Nd it should completely cute your problems. Once you aren't having the lining of your upper digestive tract burned off, you should have a MUCH easier time getting in your Vitamins, Proteins, and all the good nutrition you need. You are going to be a new woman after this.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

Oreo Cookies, they make me gain weight....

I will be 3 weeks out on Tuesday and I can get the liquids in but I am not getting the Protein in. I'm sensitive to lactose and whey now. My doctors office had no suggestion on how to help me so I moved myself up to solids and I'm doing the best I can. That's really all you can do. Some sleeves are cooperative from day one it seems, and others aren't. I feel like my surgeon threw me to the wolves. Seems like you have to figure it out on your own. I was all panicked at first, and then I just figured, I've been preparing for the famine for 20 years and its finally here. Our bodies are made for this. In an ideal world we could all meet all these goals right off that bat, but I can't and I'm not going to die. Just know you aren't alone. You can private message me anytime you need encouragement. Hang in there. Hopefully your sleeve will get it together soon (and mine too;)).

I hit the 40 lb mark. 15 weeks. Im so happy!

Which would you liken your situation to: A former alcoholic that starts dating a heavy drinker or the former casual drinker that then starts dating a heavy drinker? Both used to drink but only one at a level so toxic it took a complete lifestyle overhaul to stop.
Here's the thing; I think although I would love to say no, don't judge a book by its cover; I have to be honest...food for me became an addiction. It was my go-to. Now having been sleeved, I could not risk picking my addiction back up for anyone not already committed/in a relationship with me.
Sure you know the grips of that addiciton and don't want to judge others...but you cannot put your own health and safety at risk. For me, having the sleeve makes the situation more akin to the former alcoholic than the former casual drinker.
Changing yourself sometimes requires being around those like yourself. No, you don't ditch those who've been in the throws with you, but you also don't go looking for the next getway drug either. To me, if I were to be dating (as a post-op), someone not into their health would be my gateway drug back to overeating.
It's a lot easier to pull someone down than lift them up. Only you know if he would be pulling you back down?

The custards sound good. I'm not liking solid food very much. I'd rather eat yogurt or cottage cheese. I have a pumpkin pudding I like...1 can pumpkin, 1 can evaporated skim milk, 1 small box sugar-free butterscotch pudding and then cinnamon to taste. Just mix it up. I was going to try it with vanilla Protein Drink but haven't yet.

I had a lot of the same thoughts. I even thought, well, I've lost a few on this pre-op thing, why don't I just keep doing this? What if It doesn't go well, what if I die, what if I regret it, what if I can never eat again? You know. I'm only 17 days out. I've lost 15 pounds since surgery. It's already so much easier and I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. It's my one regret. It has already changed my life in some really positive ways. I feel strong, determined and like I have made some hard, but good decisions for myself for a change. You are worth this and I don't think you will be sorry. Keep me posted. Love and prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery. It's no picnic, but it sounds like you have a child. If you can birth a human, this is nothin;)