nyxa

So my new NSV that I would have never thought would change... Being at 474 I used THREE pillows to sleep comfortably... All underneath my head... Well at 84 lbs lost, I realized my neck was killing me, removed a pillow and I've now slept two nights in a row with only two pillows and I'm so happy and comfortable! It's the random little things! Happy Friday

So I need to clarify that it is not 84 lbs since surgery, it is 35 before the 2 week pre-op Optifast diet, 20 lbs in the two weeks of Optifast, and then 29 in the 6 weeks since the surgery. Either way it is 84 lbs since the end of Feb/beginning of March. I feel great and am about 45-50 lbs from goal at this point, 185 was my HS athletics and military weight (6 ft tall). I keep thinking to myself that I took the easy way out becaue I have worked my butt off in the past to lose weight, and always have, just could never keep it off. Now I am losing with only basic gym time and I never feel hungry.
Although I am only down 4 inches on my jeans, it is deceiving becasue I have always had big muscular legs that carry a lot or weight in them so I tended to be much heavier than I looked. In fact, my family was floored when I was up to 317 at one point, they all thought I was around 250.
Anyway, it is nice to shop for normal clothes instead of being forced to wear the limited options of a 40+ inch waist. Not sure if any of you experienced this but my clothes went from possibly being too small but not looking terrible, to not fitting at all. I dont feel I had a period in there where the stuff fit me correclty.
The little NSVs are awesome, shopping for "normal" clothes, people noticing and actually willing to say something because it is noticable, the complete lack of desire to eat the wrong foods, and the amazing amount of energy I experience now. I am looking forward to participating in the obstacle course 5k races (Warrior Dash, Run For Your Lives, etc....) that my wife has started doing but I am going to be very cautious on that since I have a twice torn ACL (a big contributor to the sedentary life that led me to 317 lbs). I am just excited by the fact that I WANT to do these things. I have that desire now, it is awesome!
No pics yet, just never think to take them, but I will get some in here soon.

Wow! So many firsts at one time and starting a fantastic journey! Take a camera with you! I had my surgery in the US but I have heard some amazing stories from people who were so thrilled with their Doctor in Mexico. Can't wait to hear yours!

Hello everyone
I am having gastric sleeve surgery in a couple weeks, this will be my first time traveling to the west coast as well as it will be my very first flight. I am traveling from Detroit to San Diego and it is a 3hr flight I am a little nervous but more so anxious to get it over with. I am also traveling alone so this should be interesting. I would love to stay in the San Diego/Tijuana area for a few extra days but Im not sure if I will be feeling well enough to do so post op. I think I am going to go a day early instead but I really want to enjoy myself while Im there and do some shopping. Anywho I am ready to be sleeved and start this journey to a new me.... Thanks so much to those who have shared stories it has been very inspirational. I will keep you guys updated as to how everything is going. TTYL

I too have discovered this, lol. Anything without a cushion now isn't neccesarily uncomfotable.....but they absolutely aren't as comfortable as they were when I had my builti in cushion.
I had an OMG topper......just found out we're going to have a new baby. Thought my little swimmers maybe dead.....don't know if the weight loss and exercise revitalized them....but here we go!!!

Due to all my "train wreck" issues , i started my process in a wheelchair, (motorized chair in house) for the past 4-5 years.
I have had 2 back surgeries and am still in constant pain. I also have arthritis and doctors want to replace 1 hip and both knees. (already had joints in hand fused to try and stop the joint pain). I have asthma, diabetes and depression... so my weight is a contributing factor.
I had the sleeve done on May 2, 2012... my diabetes is now controlled by diet only (i was taking 3 medicines daily).. I no longer use motorized chair in house and with the help of a walker, i am able to weed the flowerbeds for the first time in 15-20 years...
do i exercise? not in the way most people do...but i am able to walk...cook meals...do laundry... All these things bring my heart rate up and make me sweat! So for me, they ARE exercise...
I have gone from 294 to 244 (-50 lbs) and a total of -50 inches... Went from pant size 28 to 16 (stretch jeans) 18 (non-stretch) from top size 4-5x to 1x...
so yes, you can lose weight without exercising... good luck

I had my 6 month check up today and I'm glad to say that I'm 138lbs down. Im an electrical engineer in my current job,but my doctor offered me a job today as a spokesman at weightloss seminars. I gladly accepted the job because I feel like I can inspire a lot of people to change their lifestyle and become healthier. I'm excited to know that my success is opening up doors that I had closed for so long.

So, although I am insured by Aetna, I dont think they are going to approve my surgery. My bmi is only 36 an although I have 1 comorbidity (high blood pressure) I am only on 1 medication and the insurance requirements are that I am supposed to be on 3 concurrent meds. So yes I have high bp but not high enough and yes I am at an unhealthy weight but not unhealthy enough! I really tried not to just ball in front of my doc.... So now I am contemplating Mexico and I am honestly terrified and unsure of where to start! Ive been reading thru the posts and am glad to read all of the positive results..but what happens when u get back home? Who do you go to for check ups or additional leak testing? Im just wondering if and how does the aftercare work or if there even is any? Ugh I am so scared to make the wrong or deadly decision.

My hubby was sleeved 7/18 his starting weight was 441 lbs 6/28. Day of surgery (after 18 day pre op diet) he was 411 lbs 7/18.
On 7/25 396 lbs
8/1 388 lbs
8/15 381 lbs
8/22 377 lbs
8/29 372 lbs
Today at his 6wk check up he weight 367 lbs (^;^) yay!!! He has not been under 370 in prob 10 yrs. I am so proud of him, his new attitude, his determination and will power! I am his biggest supporter and together we will reach his goal
Hope everybody else is doing great, keep it up youre worth it!!!

I know some people have wondered, and I know I was wondering pre-surgery, so I'll put my input and experience out there. I am now 2 1/2 months post-op, 50 pounds lost, and successfully breastfeeding without issue. I don't know if I'm lucky, or if the womans body really is such a wonderful thing, but we've not had any set backs and it's been smooth sailing. That is all :]]
**I know this post only applies to a small number of ladies, but I was looking for a post like this pre-surgery!

I HATE artificial sweetners too!! I really tried to "like" crystal light but it is nasty. I am pre-sleeve but am looking at ways to bypass all artificial sweeteners. I want to try "fruit infused water" and I will be juicing some. ON the juicing, primarily greens with a few low glycemic fruits (don't want to hijack the thread with freak outs that I am going to juice, I will watch the carbs and sugars.. ) Agave nectar is what i try to use.

So for the past couple of months I have been super horny & I decided to do a search a few mins ago & I found this thread. I'm not alone, & at least I'm not loosing my mind. I just said on Facebook I needed Jesus for those thoughts that went on in my head last night so at least I know. Thanks for sharing guys much appreciated. I was sleeved 5/24/2012 down 59 pounds wooo hoooo!!!!
neek41

DH = Darling Husband
If you're anything like me, you'll be (as the title of this thread states) a horny lil toad LOL! They say that fat blocks the hormones, so I guess with the weight loss my hormones are running around having a party inside of me. That's fine by me. Just wish I could get my rocks off... Sorry, TMI...

I've decided that just about everything sugar-free makes me nauseous. I hate all things SF/FF anyway. Low-fat? Sure. Depending on the food. I'm steering clear of "no sugar added" and all that jazz as well. Not good for the body, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Face it, any fake sugar in large quantities is going to wreak havoc just as real sugar does in large quantities. I hate the whole chemical aspect when I'm trying to be as organic as possible. Stevia is bitter, and has an awful after taste. I think I'm just going to limit my real sugar intake! Sorbitol, sucralose, I'm done with you!!
Do these things bother anyone else? I just can't do it anymore, and I'm only a month out. Feeling sick is not cool.

Hi blokes!
Sorry for the intrusion but I thought this might be the best place for this because it was written by a bloke
I adopted my beautiful dog Rosie from a lovely lady named Joanne and it turns out she is the sister in law of Mel Gibson- that is, she's married to Chris Gibson. Anyway she gave me a copy of his autobiography and I really enjoyed it its a simple easy read but is motivating and reminds me why I'm trying a new way of doing things.
Anyway he follows his own path, which I'm not necessarily into, but it may interest you or a loved one.
Anyway, it's called
Memoirs of a Fat Bastard
How I Lost My Gut and Gained a Life
By Chris Gibson
Available here: http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Memoirs-of-Fat-Bastard-Chris-Gibson/9781405039901
And a small excerpt:
Chris Gibson is one fat, drunk, angry bastard. He's tried every diet: Atkins, South Beach, Pritikin. Problem is, he still can't get his pants on in the morning. And he got none of the genes of his movie star brother Mel. In his early 40s with a job he hates and a lifestyle that is killing him, Chris is having more than a mid-life crisis. He's having a life-and-death crisis. Memoirs of a Fat Bastard is a bittersweet account of how a middle-aged man on the road to destruction turned his life and health around on his own terms. It's a telling and frequently hilarious story of the ways in which some men can lose their way, and the way back to finding meaning and happiness amid the competing pressures of being provider, family man, and all-round good Aussie bloke.
P.S. I didn't get a discount on Rosie in return for plugging the book I just like the book and the person who wrote it
Peace & Love

I had the Paraguard IUD too, got it about a year before my surgery. And was happy with the effect it had, except about 10 weeks ago, I got pregnant( not that I am complaining, always wanted a second child). My IUD had moved and wasn't effective anymore. According to my OB it moved because of all the weight I have lost.

I had an IUD, got it after my 2 year old was born. Had my sleeve in Feb 2012 and the IUD moved and I got pregnant (currently 10 weeks). My OB said it moved, because I lost so much weight (42kg). Luckily, the doc could remove it without hurting the baby and everything is going great!

Hi Nyxa,
I experienced some memory problems. Examining my diet I saw that I was low on folate. I added a supplement of folic acid and now my memory seems to be about the same as it was before I got the sleeve.
Gum.. well I see most people say that gum is verboten. I don't ever swallow gum and I chew it from time to time. It *should* go through since we have a normal small stomach but I'd now want to risk it if I were someone that swallowed gum.
Okra... I had some this weekend. Your mileage may vary but I could eat pickled veggies at about 2 or 3 months out but only a couple of bites.

so how much did the escort cost to walk around with you in the hospital? lol (just making a funny) was it the magic mike guy? (i haven't even seen the movie)...
lol
glad your surgery went well & that you're not in a lot of pain. <3

When I thought about doing this I was for it took classes then when I was done with everything and got my approvel from my insurance and got my surgury date that's when it hit me omg this is happening . I'm almost 2 weeks out (8/25) and I'm about 60% sure about this whole life change as of today from 8/25 to now I'm 12lbs lighter and from my first doc appt (8/8) I'm a total of 16 pounds lighter I feel better by the day and so happy not to feel like a puffy football player anymore hope you all are doing good and had a great weekend

I have developed a new love for drawstrings as a measurement of my success. I have several pairs of "stretchy" pants with drawstrings from before surgery. I love putting them on now and seeing how loosely the knot is tied. So much fun, makes me smile every time I see it.

I think the doctors usually want you to use alternative BC methods for a month or so after surgery due to the increased risk of blood clots with the pill. I would check with your doctor.

I let out a little scream the first time I put on a size 6 in the dressing room at T.J. Maxx and it fit...and the next one did, and the one after that!
When I put my legs together, my ankle bones touch and my knees touch, but I can see light between everything else all the way up to my crotch! Everything touched before...
I had to adjust the mirrors in the car because I'm not sitting on a big pad of fat anymore, and I had to move the seat forward because there's not a stomach in the way.
I smell better now. All those icky fat folds used to smell like bellybutton but they're gone now.

you put them in liquid of your choice & leave them set for a while.. then drink them down.. they're slimy & grassy tasting, but i actually like them.. lol the slime is gelatinous.. like Jello.. with little tiny seeds- like poppy seeds in the middle... you can put it in a blender to help with the texture.
it's not that bad, honestly.. but my tolerance for weirdness may be higher than yours. won't know til you try it. lol