Bella86

October 2012 sleeve, had a baby May 2018 and lost the baby weight pretty well 😊 I’m sitting about 10kg from my skinniest and 5kg from where I’d like to be but I’m active and happy

I'm two years out from surgery - October 2012 and lost 98% of my excess weight and kept it off. I'm so happy with my surgery and believe it truly was one of the best decisions I ever made!! Everyone is different I have a friend who is sitting at about 60% lost and she's also happy with the positive changes vsg has had on her life, another friend who has lost about the same as me, also happy :-)

Best to set yourself goals and targets rather than compare yourself to others, we are all different and have different bodies. Good luck with your journey!

I thought I'd be okay with one week off however ended up taking two, just very tired and sore the first week and I think the second is good to take so you can adjust and recover to the drastic change in energy intake

My surgeon told me that because we have had such a high bmi that out body can healthily sit at a bmi of 28 and be considered out healthy weight range. Something to do with the body conditioning itself to be higher and therefore it can be very difficult to get down into the low 20's...

Btw you look fantastic! Trim and healthy :-)

Amanda any results yet??

I've had so many tests and other than B12 deficiency no other reasons... I am now getting b12 shots which seems to help but I'm still tired and although feel great most the time I'm battling to stay energetic such an effort!!

Bella, I am having the EXACT same symptoms. I have lost about 50 lbs, have had a period every two weeks with some spotting in between, ALWAYS cold, and have had two hypoglycemic episodes in a month. I went back to my GYN and she said that she didn't think it had anything to do with my weight loss... I'm no doctor, but i am a Registered Nurse and my thought process was this: Estrogen is stored in excess fat, we lost weight rapidly, the fat is metabolized and where does all that estrogen go? In my blood stream which causes menstrual changes? I go back to have blood work drawn in a few weeks... my surgeon wasn't interested in checking my Vitamin levels until I was six months out.... Glad I'm not alone, I was beginning to think I was losing more than just the weight...

I researched and thought the excessive estrogen May be a factor too!!

My B12 was super low, like I think less than 100 when it's supposed to be 400 or something...I'm not too technical clearly lol

I've had so many tests with more today actually including blood tests, Pap smears, ultrasounds and now off to see a gynecologist however I think once I stabilize and stop losing weight it will probably go back to normal - fingers crossed!

I've had a lot of time off work I mean sometimes I'm just so exhausted and down I sleep all day... Like I need to recharge or something :-/

I also have the flex and im really happy with it!!

Links up directly with my fitness pal too which is perfect

Mine is crazy I was always regulated very well by the pill (which I stopped right before surgery). It's completely irregular / ADD/ BiPolar/ it has no idea what it's doing now. A day, 3 days, 15 days, missed, spotting. It's insane. Oh well, I'll just deal for now.

I'm the same, started about 5 months and now I'm 15 months, over 100lbs down and still bleeding all over the place and pretty much daily...have you any solution??

I've been experiencing the same issue consistently for about six months. After sex, orgasm and exercise.

Had some tests but no solution as yet, would love any help, advice or similar situations...booked in for a pap next week nothing abnormal on ultrasound.

I'm about five months out from surgery and have had such menstrual issues I thought I'd share them! Right after surgery I started having abnormal periods, I'd go about 2 weeks between periods. Figured it would level out but instead it got to the point of having week long periods, 3 or 4 dry days, then back on a week long period. Finally decided to go to the doctor because this was obviously not going to get better on its own. So spent this week having a pap, sonogram, pelvic exam, and a biopsy to make sure it was not cancer or something else causing it. Everything came back normal except the biopsy confirmed that my uterine lining had been thickened due to an elevated level of hormones. Have to take progesterone for a month to offset the elevated estrogen levels, then back in for another biopsy to make sure the lining has thinned back to normal. Doctor confirmed what I've read on here, that the estrogen that has been stored in my fat cells has been released back into my system. Will probably need to go back on birth control to regulate my hormones, hoping that once I stop losing weight it will all level out. Glad I went to the doctor, not only to stop these darn periods, but my doctor said that when your hormones cause a thickened lining and doesn't allow it to go back to normal once in a while, you are at greater risk for endometrial cancer. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else experiences something similar.

Hi everyone I'm 15 months out now and have been experiencing consistent light bleeding with intermittent heavy periods since about three or four months out of surgery. I didn't bleed for the first 3-4 and now ever since it's been consistent. I did have an implanon which I thought was the issue and I had it removed a month ago and still no relief.

I've now had an internal ultrasound, changed back to a standard pill and have booked a pap next week.

Nothing found as yet but I now have a B12 deficiency which I believe is related.

The bleeding gets really heavy post exercise and running. It's really getting to me!!

Any similar issues, findings and remedies would be greatly appreciated!

Has anyone had any drastic changes in their period? Mine has been consistent and I think it's all related somehow to weight loss and nutrition possibly!

I've had an ultrasound, blood tests and I am anemic and lacking B12 so now getting B12 shots. I'm also in the process of getting additional tests but thought if ask if anyone else is experiencing similar symptoms?

- tired

- cold

- weak

- dizzy when standing quickly

- b12 deficiency

- constant bleeding, light periods

- heavy bleeding post exercise and running

- all other Vitamins ok

I was wondering if anyone is having issues with being cold and tired all the time? I am 15 months post op and am cold all the time. Also I am tired all the time even after going to the gym. Wondering if it may be a thyroid thing cause my weight has not budged in months. Anyone else have these issues?

I am 15 months post op also and exactly the same!

Freezing cold and exhausted constantly, get sick easily and although I'm ecstatic about the weight loss and surgery I'm thinking this may be linked to anemia even though I'm now getting B12 injections...

Has anyone had any drastic changes in their period? It is consistent and I think it's all related somehow!! I'm in the process of getting additional tests but thought if ask if anyone else is experiencing similar symptoms?

I feel like the clothes have taken over...they will find me one day many years from now buried in an avalanche of clothing too big...time for a clean out I think...if you don't hear from me again I wish you all the best hahaha

I'm in! Recommitment woot!!

Been stuck at 165 pounds for months!! (75kg)

Want to get to 145 pounds (65/67kg) and I need motivation!

My stall is snacking, not enough Water and quick and easy bad foods too often...I think back to basics and Protein Protein protein!!

Best thing I ever did!! Sleeved in October 2012 at 277 pounds (123kg), biggest weight 288 pounds (130.7kg) and currently 165 pounds (75kgs) so I'm very very happy with the results!!

Things you should know...

- the first week is the hardest post surgery...only time I thought I regretted it...had a bad reaction and a lot of retching and vomiting

- I managed to travel around the country running training sessions for work about 6 weeks post surgery without issue - back to normal but for food lol

- you will get tired, I found that especially the first three months I had zero energy and stuck to walking and light exercise, worked for me :-)

- after about 9-12 months you will be able to eat a lot more but don't do it!! Use the first 9 months to the full extent, I found after 9 my hunger started returning and desire for naughty food and more of it lol, use that first 9-12 months and then remember that you only think your hungry and don't start increasing the amount of food you eat!!

- you will buy a lot of new clothes...constantly!! I've been through three lots of making things lasts till they hang off me and then donating them or selling. Keep this in mind when purchasing clothes...I really shouldn't have spent $200 on a dress that I only wore once!!

I was told about the sleeve by a friend of mine who found out from a friend of hers who knew a couple that both had it done...and I'm sure it goes on...

Now I have had one friend get the sleeve after me - booked within two months - and two more friends who have now booked theirs in the coming months. Might I add these two were probably the most critical of me for getting the sleeve but now are 'converted' after seeing my success.

I was wondering if this is most peoples experience? Now that you have the we've do you know someone getting it done after you?

The sleeve chain has benefits and risks I think...it's great for people like myself who were willing, ready and committed for the changes in life that the sleeve brings on. Others I think jump in unprepared and expecting a magical 'cure', and of course the results vary greatly depending on this.

I'm excited and nervous for my friends who've booked their surgery, I want them to be ready for it! Do you have a sleeve chain story??

You look great! Congratulations! My question would be have you experienced any negative responses to your weight loss, such as "your getting too skinny" or "don't lose anymore, your looking too frail". I'm scheduled to be sleeved on 1/20/14 and I wonder if people who got used to you heavy are concerned that your too small now? ( I think it's weird when we're overweight no one voice thier concerns, but when you have massive weight loss, everyone has a voice of concern). Also how long did it take you to know when your full (before regurgitating) and know when to stop eating? Thanks in advance! Best-wishes for your continued success

You are looking so healthy and fabulous!! Well done :-)

I think the above is a great question to ask because I find people commenting on my weight loss in many different tones. Most are very supportive and positive however some struggled with the changes in my appearance and confidence levels and almost grieved for the loss of 'fat' me even though I'm the same person! I swear a grieving process with the anger, guilt, etc etc lol

Would love to hear your experience?

OMG coffee formed part of my daily routine from early on post sleeve! I don't know how I would've gotten through without my daily skim capp giving me a small caffeine hit, Protein boost and easy-to-swallow liquid 120 calorie morning tea!

I spoke honestly with my nutritionist and she was happy with it and I had no adverse reaction!

I'd definitely recommend skim milk however, full cream or even lite milk is just too heavy and I still hate that gross full sluggish feeling!

Hi there beautifulme,

I'm 15 months out and yes the feeling of hunger has increased from what is say was almost non existent to pretty much a normal feeling. Like you some days are different and I guess our bodies change like the weather! I has my twelve month post op meeting with the surgeon, nutritionist and psych who all told me that the sleeve has done the job it was intended for and now my body is going to make further adjustments and catch up on the loss over the last twelve months.

They told me to stick to my small portions even if I feel I can eat more and to not 'graze' through the day on junk foods that are easy to eat - but they also reminded me that we're all human and everything is okay to try in moderation as long as we don't go crazy!

I find that sometimes my body is trying to tell me something, for example I think I'm hungry but I'm actually really thirsty and a drink fixes up that feeling. Keeping fluids up helps to not graze and I've been drinking a lot of tea lately which has been great. Also get your blood tests done to make sure you're not lacking in any Vitamins or anything, it's been a crazy year for your body so it's probably going to have some strange ways of telling you it needs something!

Hope this all helps :-)

Lol I never know how to take the 'don't lose too much more' comments...

The worst now that I've thought about it is when people feel the need to constantly talk about their own weight now!! Like my sister and some friends of mine that are overweight feel the need to mention how big, awful, 'beastly' (sis' fav comment :-/) and fat they are when discussing...I honestly don't look at them that way and i get so uncomfortable because all I can say is that they look fine and just need to love themselves for who they are!!

Before I lost weight I was a good 30kg heavier than they are now and didn't let it stop me from going out and living life, sure I felt restricted some times, limited and criticized however I didn't bring the people I loves into that, it was my own internal issue...now it's like they feel the need to constantly compare it really is awful sometimes :-/

I've managed to hoard a whole new stock since posting and need another clean out...what's with me and hoarding clothing??!!

...might apply to go on hoarders so they can overhaul my closet lol

Hi Misty - I have been at the surgeon's goal for quite a while but they had set it quite high, so I am now hovering between 79-80 kg still. I would like to lose about another 7-10 kg yet so I am really happy to keep losing. I can see a ticker on the bottom of my posts but its interesting it's not coming up on yours! Weird!! I must have set it to private or something silly. I sent you a PM on FB Misty too as I couldn't add you as a friend Don't know why...it's also a bit weird. I seem to have the "silicon death" at the moment lol. Hope you're well! I love your new photo's - you look amazing. Your face is teeny tiny!! Cheers, Liss

I am also stuck at my final 7-10kgs Lissa!! So frustrating those scales won't budge lately :-/

I'm really happy with everything however and if I didn't lose another kg is still be happy, ecstatic really, about the positive changes in my life and weight! It would be such an achievement to reach where I want to be...the surgeon set my goal at like 90kg - quite high too...think it was 80% of excess body weight or something...

Update. Almost 7 months post op. Down 86 lbs (39 kg) . Another 35 lbs to go ! Height : 5'9" SW: 287 lbs CW : 201 lbs I loveeeed squeezing into my first leather rock chick dress (faux leather, don't worry)

Awesome work!! You're looking fantastic :-) you get the dress online? I'm looking for new clothes online these days the shops are just too expensive and lack variety!

Bella omggggggg look at you you look great. I absolutely cannot wait to get sleeved and began the journey to change my life. I feel mentally and physically ready. My knees kill me with exercise and long days when I'm on my feet for extended periods the bottom of my feet burn and hurt so bad. You look great kudos to you! I will look up the bio oil. Thanks girly!

Hey CC,

My knees were really bad too!! I'm a little worried about them actually as I think the years of being overweight have taken their toll...one makes a loud clicking grinding noise whenever I walk up stairs and the older one has Fluid and is a bit achey...weird that the grinding one doesn't hurt lol it sounds like it should!! My nutritionist has told me that the Multivitamins can help with the joints but I'm hopeless with them plus I swear they make me ill :-/ I normally taken them every other day or so...

Thanks for the compliments and I'm excited for you!! When's the big day??

This skin brushing thing sounds good - I'm going to look it up and maybe use it to apply my bio oil :-D

I'm one week shy if completing my 7th month post-op. My goal is 150/145. I'm 15/20 pounds from goal.

Looking great!!