Joisey01

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well! Some of our friends are newly sleeved and are coming up on their surgery dates. Ohhhhh those nerves! Just remember one day at a time and sometimes just one sip at a time.
Please remember that this is my experience. There is no way of knowing if you will experience what I have or not.
There needs to be something done about that leak test. That gastrogafin drink needs a very serious overhaul. That is one thing that, as far as I'm concerned, is cruel and unusual punishment. ESPECIALLY for patients that are nauseated! You can't tell me there is something that can be done with the taste of that stuff after all these years of the sleeve/by-pass surgeries have been performed.
It seems it's been longer than a week since I've been sleeved, honestly. Not that it's been a horrible week at all. I think it's because I'm not used to being off work and really taking care of myself. I have always rushed through my healing process. I'm not doing that this time and it's paying off!
I had my 8 day post op visit today. First of all, there is nothing better than having those staples GONE! Boy, they were really bothersome! I really didn't have any concerns to discuss other than that left side where the largest incision was and where the surgeon removed my stomach. It has been pretty painful the entire week. Not only at the incision site but also on my back. Little did I know that it is quite normal. The doc said that it could be painful for 6-8 weeks. Hey, if that's all I have to worry about, then I think I'm doing pretty good!
I was so excited to be moved up to Phase 2 foods. All I could think about was Tomato soup! (...and cream of wheat. That is a Phase 3 food.) Well, I was thinking about it until I realized that I'm still not hungry. At all. Again, normal.
For a few days I realized that I had to re-learn what my stomach was telling me. After 45 years, I had it down pretty well. Give me a new stomach and I'm lost! I didn't know if what I was feeling was hunger, pain, acid or gas. I just realized I'm going to have to play "process of elimination". Turns out it was gas. I am taking Nexium every morning and Tums as needed. Once I figured out that little bit of info, my sleeve hasn't been so mad at me.
I did learn pretty quick that my sleeve got pretty pissed off over coffee. I won't be trying that again any time soon. I did find a caffeine free hot tea that I like. I've never been a tea drinker. I have found that it is nice and soothing at the end of the day and before bed. It makes my sleeve pretty happy and I fall asleep a lot quicker and easier.
I've been walking, walking, walking. It has done so many good things for me. I just feel so much better getting out of the house and doing something productive. I have gone to the store and done this and that, but have called it quits a lot faster than I ever have. For me, it also helps with the gas a lot. Don't be shy of that gas, either. Get rid of it! You will feel so much better!!! My husband has been by my side every step of the way. I really don't know what I would have done without him.
The fluids are very important, too. I've been very lucky that I've been able to tolerate all kinds of clear fluids from Water to Chrystal Light (diluted by 1/2) to Isopure. It takes a very long time for me to get my Protein shakes down now. One shake equals about 2 hours. I fill very quickly. Sipping works well.
I'm down a total of 24 lbs. Slow and steady. I'm wanting to heal from surgery first before dropping a ton of weight right off the bat.
I had my barium swallow to be sure that what I'm drinking is going down and through. I was amazed at the size of my sleeve. It's only about an inch wide. You can see where the liquid goes through the top of the sleeve, through the sleeve and into the small intestine! I was FASCINATED! It's the little things! I got the thumbs up.
I've gotten the ok for going to the gym and taking it easy on the treadmill. I think I just may do that tomorrow. A nice steady walk for a while.
I hope you all have a good evening and a nice and healthy healing!

I can cross my legs! Yay!

I needed a new coat for the kind of weather we are having now in NY. One month sleeved & already a size down. Bought some PJ's also & two sizes down & they are still loose!! Just wanted to share.... It's a good day!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

Today was my annual physical with my PCP. My sleeve was 9-20-12. Since then, I've lost 33 lbs. I went to the appointment, for once, with nothing weighing heavily on my mind like: "I am going to have to get on that stupid scale again." or "What's the point in blood work? It's all going to be crap anyway." then there's "We're going to have to consider putting you on some diabetic medication this time....". I sat there next to hubs and was playing a game of words with friends, chatting with him and rather relaxed. He, on the other hand, was anticipating the prostate exam! Muahahahahahha!
When the doc walked in, I was on the exam table. I turned to greet him and he stopped and said, "Joisey, you look GREAT!" He and I talked previously of my having the sleeve done. He gave me his full support and wrote a letter to my surgeon to give his consent for me to have the surgery. I guess he forgot about it.
He looked at my chart and looked at me and couldn't believe how much weight I've lost. I'm not sure who was prouder of me. Him or me? It was really great to get that support today. We talked about all of my co-morbidities. He's not concerned at all about my cholesterol. It'll continue to resolve itself with losing more weight. We did blood work to check all the levels. We'll find out next week how things look when the results come in. Diabetic medication wasn't even brought up. My blood pressure was 113/70. I have to stay on the Nexium because of the sleeve. I can go off my blood pressure medication immediately.
I guess today's visit was an unexpected fabulous NSV. Have a GREAT weekend, all!

http://www.fitsugar.com/Portion-Control-Products-23227273?slide=8
came across this link on pinterest. Looks interesting

My 19 year old son hasn't seen me since I had surgery two weeks ago. He came by for a visit while I was working in the kitchen today and said, "You look skinny, Mom." I was like WOW! It even brought tears to my eyes.....It's the simple things.

I am a little over 3 months post op and down 85 pounds. I chose to save my own life and I'm so thrilled that I did! I've added years to my life and life to my years. If you are questioning whether or not to have this surgery, think of how much your life is worth. Time is precious - the longer you wait, the more time you are losing. Here are some pics of my journey.

So I dropped by the gym I was going to prior to surgery ...and one of the trainers who previous worked with me and knew me was there and I was glad it was him.....I always liked him....very sweet kid...so picture it..good looking kid ripped asked "can I help you ma'am"? So I just stood there grinning at him....and I waited for it. Yes...the look of confusion...ah....there it was.....the look of recognition! And out came an O M G ...it's you...you look freaking amazing!!!!!!! Told him how much I lost, ect, ect....so that made my day!! The look on his face was priceless!

My 19 year old son hasn't seen me since I had surgery two weeks ago. He came by for a visit while I was working in the kitchen today and said, "You look skinny, Mom." I was like WOW! It even brought tears to my eyes.....It's the simple things.

Looking good.
Has anybody else noticed. The thinner people get, the clearer their pics aer.

You're going to think I am a big scary bad person, I'm sure, but I'm not.
Think about this ...
This is about shrinking your liver so the surgeon has a nice little liver to move around so they can tear out 85% of your stomach. They have told you they feel they can do their best job if it is shrunk. They don't want to nick it during the procedure. I don't think you want them to nick it either.
If they get in there and discover your liver is larger than they are comfortable with, they have three options.
Convert to an open surgery

Cancel the surgery

Throw caution to the wind and hope for the best and do it laproscopically

So, you do what you feel is best, but your inability to follow the pre-op diet for a few days is an indication of your relationship with food. The sleeve is not going to change that. You may want to schedule some appointments to address food issues.
Sorry, mean part over.
I just want you to be successful and reach the goals you have set for yourself.
Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

The surgery is a "tool", you still have to eat the right foods. I was sooo ready for the surgery that pre-op was just something I had to do and never thought of cheating. Make sure you are really ready for this, it is life changing and food will no longer be your best friend.

You aren't wrong. You can do it here! I'm only 12 days out at this point. I want those size 8's. These first 12 days haven't been all peaches and cream. I don't expect the rest of the road to the size 8's are going to be any easier.
CONGRATULATIONS on your HARD work, your HARD decision and those beautiful size 8's! Keep on keeping on! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!

You aren't wrong. You can do it here! I'm only 12 days out at this point. I want those size 8's. These first 12 days haven't been all peaches and cream. I don't expect the rest of the road to the size 8's are going to be any easier.
CONGRATULATIONS on your HARD work, your HARD decision and those beautiful size 8's! Keep on keeping on! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!

Well, i was born in New Jersey. When MSN had chatrooms (showing my age here) i tried every angle of JerseyGirl and finally gave up and went with Joisey since that's how we pronounce it anyway. And the 01 is because I needed a number.

Well, i was born in New Jersey. When MSN had chatrooms (showing my age here) i tried every angle of JerseyGirl and finally gave up and went with Joisey since that's how we pronounce it anyway. And the 01 is because I needed a number.

Jumping Jesus....that doesn't even look like the same person. You should be proud.

Sorry, but I couldn't disagree with you more. I am human, and I'm occasionally affected by negative & judgemental attitudes, I think most people are. As I said before, I've done well not to let others opinion of WLS get to me, but today was a particularly rough day. I'm glad you have enough confidence to not let others attitudes get to you, but unfortunately an emotionally abusive past makes it difficult for me to be bullet proof 100% of the time.
Why the secrecy? Today is a perfect example of why I chose not to share my journey with others. I thought it was safe to do so here, but I guess I was wrong.

I am 2 months out today, and when I weighed this morning I was so elated because I'm down 40 lbs from my pre-surgery weight. Unfortunately my elation didn't last for long. ;(
I am a private person, so I haven't told anyone at work that I had WLS. When people say something about my weight loss I cringe and stumble through the whole, "I'm working really hard, under a DRs & NUTs care, no carb, low fat, no sugar, blah, blah, blah" schpiel. I hate addressing people's curiosity, and because 2 other ladies in my office had WLS in the last few years, I'm sure that some people are digging for info. I usually manage to brush these encounters off, but today was different.
So this morning as I'm rocking a brand new size 8 pair of jeans...down from a 16-TYVM...I go to the break room to cook my egg whites that I'm getting so damn sick of having for Breakfast, and a friendly colleague of mine says, "Girl, you are wasting away right before my eyes". I say, "I'm getting there." She then proceeds to tell me that she is so glad I didn't take the easy way out like the other two did!!!! I am dumbfounded, and trying to gracefully and tactfully get myself out of this conversation, but I honestly wanted to cry. I told her that I didn't think there was an easy way out with weight loss. She said, "yeah, I know, but taking the easy way out is sad and it really shows that you have no self control."
I was devastated, and I've been in a funk ever since. I know without a shadow of a doubt that she would have never said that if she knew...that makes me so sad. It also makes me sad to think that someone I admire in my professional life would be so condemning of an issue she obviously has never struggled with. I felt dirty and cheap and like a coward for not coming clean and telling her, "My dear, I had WLS and it is not the easy way out." Instead I just let her walk away thinking I'm this goddess of self control and that I have done this all by myself. Ughhh, I'm so mad at myself.
I have worked my ass off to get to this point and I've invested a TON of money in making sure my future is as healthy and happy as it can possibly be, because there are people in my life that I adore and I want to see 30,000 more sunsets with them. I have never fought for something so hard in my whole entire life.
I didn't take the easy way out. The easy way out would have been to do nothing. The easy way out would have me giving into every craving and eating grotesque amounts of food just because I can. The easy way out would have been to continue to get fatter and fatter, and sicker and sicker and to die way before my time.
Sorry, I just had to come here where y'all would understand. Today hurt, and it discouraged me and it sucked. Thankfully, tomorrow is a new day...and I'm going to be one step closer to my goal.

Look at you! You have come so far! I hope today you feel pride for the decision you did make for yourself first, your husband and daughter! Better later than never, right? You're well on your way to a better, healthy life! CONGRATULATIONS!