TaraInDC

Hey All - I am excited to be 11 months out of surgery and down 107 pounds and feeling fantastic. I just wanted to post a positive post-op post because I know when I was researching having this procedure, I always wanted to read about good things so thought I'd share the same. Basically, I've lost 107 pounds, went from a size 22 to a 10, a XXL to a M and my entire life has changed. I eat so clean now, spend most of my weekends hiking or being outdoors (something I was never into before). This has been life changing for me and for my husband, who has also gotten extremely healthy in the process. My confidence has skyrocketed, my professional life is better, my only regret is that I didn't do this 5 years ago. Hope all my fellow post-op sleepers are doing well and hope this helps inspire anyone who is interested in the procedure.

You look absolutely amazing! Such an inspiration are you able to pretty much eat any foods again??

I waited a few months (3 or 4) before I had a drink. I can't drink as much obviously, and I can't really do shots anymore, but I definitely enjoy drinks just like everyone else and have been totally fine. Just don't drink anything carbonated (beer is even too fizzy for me) and you'll be fine!

My doctor told me that due to having bariatric surgery, I would be considered high risk. So just blame it on that!! congrats on the pregnancy.

You look fantastic! I appreciate you sharing and keeping me positive about the decision I have made to change my life! May I ask how old you are? What kind of excercise you do? I ask because u look great and I hope to have similar results.

Thank you! I'm 27 now, was 26 when I had the procedure. I do light cardio and weights. I played softball this year and hike a lot to keep things interesting. I am at a point now where my weight loss is slowing and I need to increase my activity so I can tone up.

Okay so this is strange -

About 3 months after surgery, I had a really bad chest cold and then got these crazy pains in my chest that moved from my chest to my stomach. My husband took me to the urgent care - I was sure I was having a heart attack. I couldn't breathe, all I could do was lay there and because I was panicking, I felt really light headed. Went to the doctor, she basically told me that it was probably because I had been coughing all day mixed with some acid reflux, gas and a small panic attack.

I went on my merry way and then 3 months later it happened again. This time, I didn't go to the hospital and I didn't panic...as much. Now, they are happening more and more frequently. I'm quite positive it's gas pains (which I didn't have immediately following surgery, funny enough) because if I drink fast and force myself to walk around and get the gas out, I ultimately feel better.

But it is seriously, some of the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I heel over in pain, I cry, I moan, the whole 9 yards. It seems to happen mostly at night, when I'm lying down, but today it happened in the middle of the day, on a train ride (where it's probably not appropriate to cry and moan). Does anyone else have this happen or have any ideas for why this might be happening? Wondering if I should cut back on my dairy intake. Nothing is worth the pain and soreness I feel after it's passed. Am open to any suggestions anyone has.

Your story makes me so excited! My husband and I have tried for years unsuccessfully too and this was the reason I had surgery. I'm a month behind you and your post gives me so much hope! My periods have been consistent the past 4 months and before surgery, they were either non-existent or went on forever and ever. Looking forward to following your story so make sure to keep us updated.

Happy 6 Months everyone!!! I'm down 82 pounds now - really buckling down to get down 100. Went from a size 22 to a 12, XXL to medium/large and couldn't feel better. Attached some recent pics! Keep up the good work everyone. Xoxo

Today is my 5 month "Surgiversary"! I wonder if I'll ever think of the 14th and not think about the most life changing day I've had so far. Hope everyone is doing great - I'm down to 176.8 and wearing a Large top, size 14 pant (from a 22 or 24) and feeling better than ever. Anyone else embarrassed now when you see old pictures of yourself?? I remember thinking the picture below was a good pic of me and that I didn't look so fat....now, compared to the one I took today, I realize that I wasn't fooling anyone with cropped pictures. Such a crazy journey we're all on.

Sleeved 11/14 ...finally hit the 100 lbs loss today!!!!!!!!

That's so amazing!! Great job. 100 pounds is so much weight!!!

Checking in with my November friends! How's everyone doing? Besides my hair really thinning out, everything has been going great. Wanted to also share w/ everyone that I have been finding awesome work out clothes everywhere! I've found stuff at Old Navy, Victoria Secret and GAP. My new favorite is GAP that has lulu lemon style for more than 1/2 off what lulu charges. Below is a pic of an outfit I just got (30% off this weekend). Also....cut 10 inches of hair off. I figure the people on Biggest Loser get makeovers, why can't I? Happy 4 months all!

Just wondering how the nov/2012 people are? I have really started losing my hair' date=' yikes! My hair is thin to begin with:( my 3 month blood work was almost perfect- however my bilirubin is elevated. Anyone else have this happen?[/quote']

My hair is coming out in handfuls too. I'm seeing my stylist this week to get her recommendation on products to use and maybe cutting it so it doesn't look so thin. I want this part to stop, it was literally my worst fear.

3 month before and after pics. Tummy and arms are still my problem areas but I'm at the gym everyday now so hoping those disappear. Just have to keep reminding myself that it took years to put the weight on and it's not going to fall off overnight. Hope everyone else is doing great. Hugs!

I am only 3 months out so still have a long time to go. but I think about it everyday!

I confess first and foremost that having this procedure done was hands down, the best decision I've ever made and I could not be happier.

I confess that I have been surprised and overwhelmed by how honest I've been with everyone about having surgery, how much weight I've lost, etc. and equally overwhelmed by how much love and support I've received from everybody.

I confess that it makes me just as sad as it does happy to have to constantly donate all of my beautiful clothes because they no longer fit. I don't mourn food, but I mourn my amazing closet.

I confess that the main reason I wanted to do this was so that I could have babies and I fear every single day that I still won't be able to.

I confess that this has completely changed my relationship with food and that now, I eat because it's necessary and not because I want to eat it. I look forward to the day when eating doesn't feel like a chore.

Congratulations!!!! Getting pregnant is my ultimate end goal and a huge reason why I had this surgery. How far post-op are you? Did you have irregular periods or anything like that before surgery? I am so excited for you and cannot wait until I get to make this post one day!

How's everyone doing??? I am feeling so great lately - finally seeing the changes in my clothes (down from a size 22 to a 16) and so many people are noticing, which feels great. Anyone have any tips for getting to the gym more frequently? That's definitely where I need to start buckling down more. Before/Today pic below.

Okay....I'm a SLOW looser and only down 22lbs since 11/14... Please tell me you see a difference lol

You look great! You can totally see it in your face. Keep up the great work.

Happy 2 Month Surgiversary everyone! I'm down 49 pounds as of this am and took my 2 month pics. So glad I did this - looking forward to the next few months of losing!!!

Pics are from left to right - pre op, 1 month post op and 2 month post op

I'm feeling great! I'm down 40 pounds and am getting sooooo close to ONEDERLAND. I started working out this week and my stall ended - back to losing about 1/2 pound a day. Hoping it continues! Taking one month pics soon. Hope everyone else is doing good!

Just checking in....I started soft foods this week and so far so good! I definitely feel when I'm getting full and nothing has made me sick yet. I would say I've been a "slow" loser but my husband out together this collage and I can totally see a huge difference in my face so if anyone else is worried about slow losing, maybe try this for a little encouragement.

Hope everyone else is doing good!!!

Thank you for all the responses - glad to know my sleeve worked. Soft foods start tomorrow so if I can't get full during that, I'll talk to my Doctor.

Does anyone experience unexplained nausea???? Mostly in the mornings...it's not horrible but I really don't like the feeling...

I definitely have morning nausea as well, in fact, yesterday I had an early morning flight from Florida to Philadelphia and got sick on the plane - was feeling very nauseous before I even boarded and then felt fine the rest of the day after.

I haven't really been eating anything for Breakfast so I wasn't sure if that was it - tomorrow I get to start soft foods and plan on doing eggs in the am - hoping that will help.

I was sleeved on November 14th and started eating a lot of Soup broth this week (vs just Gatorade and Protein shakes). I eat until I'm satisfied and a couple of times I have felt full, but I feel like I can eat a lot. Tonight I had almost an entire bowl of soup - it took me a little over an hour and after all is said and done, I probably drank about 8 ounces of broth with a couple small pieces of potato, and at least 8 ounces of Water. And I felt great - satisfied, not full.

Wondering if anyone else is able to eat this much? Worried my sleeve is too big and that I'm going to have gone through all of this for nothing. : /

I have United and I was able to get approved on my first try - I did not do the 6 month diet (it doesn't say in their requirements anywhere that it's required) and I have no co-morbities. Good Luck!