NewBeginningsForMe2012

I thought I should write a new blog since I just had my 1 year sleeve anniversary on November 6, 2013. While I was out walking our dogs today on my 4 mile walk I was reflecting back on how my life was a year and a half ago as compared to now. Wow, has it ever changed for the good! A year ago on this day I was just getting out of the Hospital after spending 4 days in there after my sleeve surgery. I had a pretty rough time with nausea after the first day. I was so sick that I just wanted to leave my body to get away from how terrible I felt! I remember thinking, "What did you do to yourself Kathy"? Luckily after I got home each day I felt better and better.
 
A year and a half ago I couldn't walk down to the corner and back and I would be out of breath, tired, and hurting. That was before my surgery, and before I had lost the 42 pounds on the 6 month pre-surgery diet. I couldn't ride a regular bike, so I rode an adult trike, and only for short distances. I mostly sat in my recliner, felt depressed, and didn't like going anywhere! I didn't like going to any parties, family get togethers, weddings, or anything where I felt people were going to judge me! I didn't feel good in anything I wore, and was so self conscience. I look back at how I use to be, and I don't recognize that person anymore! I was only existing, and not living!
 
Not anymore! Now I'm living, and loving it! I walk our dogs a little over 4 miles several times a week and can do it in 1 hour and 7 minutes. I feel great when I get back, not tired, or out of breath, but feel like a million bucks. I have a regular cruiser 5 speed bike I ride now when my husband and I go for our bike rides. Our bike rides are now between 10-23 miles long, and take 1-2 hours. It's one of our favorite things to do together now.
 
I use to wear a size 26/28W, and a 3XXX tops, and hated going clothes shopping. Now I love going clothes shopping because I can wear a 14 regular womens. I can grab any size 14 off the rack, and try it on, and it FITS! I only wear a M/L tops now too. I buy jeans instead of sweats, and actually like dressing up to go out. I'm hoping to get in to a size 12 when I reach my goal weight of 156 pounds. I'm about 16-18 pounds from my goal weight depending on the day. I was even a guest speaker at my sleeve surgeon's bariatric seminar this past week. I got up in front of over 100 people, and told my story about my weight loss journey. I was so nervous, but I'm glad I did it, because it felt GREAT! I'm even going for a job interview this coming Tuesday for a custodial job for this huge company. I haven't worked outside my home in like 17 years! I wasn't ready to have a job before, but now I'm going to give it a try! I think it will do me good to get back out there in the work world, and I'll feel a sense of accomplishment, and more self worth! I'm 56 years young, and am actually LIVING again!

​Why is it that as humans we never seem to be satisfied, or we're always so hard on ourselves? I'm 10 months out from my sleeve, and down 110 pounds from my highest weight 16 months ago. For the past couple of months I have been losing, and regaining the same few pounds! I go between 172 & 175 pounds, and can't seen to drop below the 172 pounds! I'm only 16 pounds from my goal weight that the doctor gave me, and it seems as though I'll never get there! I'm obsessed with the numbers on that darn scale! Lord help me, I get on it everyday, and hold my breath, and hope it will finally drop below the 172 pounds! When I see it hasn't changed, I get very upset with myself, and always feel disappointed with myself. Why don't I remember WHERE I came from, and give myself a "pat on the back" for how FAR I have come? 110 pounds is nothing to sneeze at! Why as humans do we never feel satisfied with our accomplishments, why don't we think of all the positive changes in our life, and "beat ourselves up" over where we THINK we should be? Like the fact that I can now ride my bike over 20 miles in about 2 hours, and used to get winded just riding down to the corner! Like I can walk our dogs 4-5 miles in a little over an hour, and still feel great afterwards, and before I got tired and winded just walking down to the corner! I used to take blood pressure meds 2X's a day, depression meds, acid reflux meds, cranberry pills for frequent urinary tract infections, and my kidney function wasn't good. Now I don't take any of those meds, and all my levels are great! I use to wear a size 26W, and it was getting tight, and now I wear a regular size women's 14. So why am I so hard on myself, and dwell on the weight I still want to lose, and not on how great I have done so far? I'm going to a wedding this Saturday, and I got a pretty plum colored evening gown, size 14 to wear to it. It looks so pretty on me, and I actually feel GOOD in it, and am looking forward to going! I use to DREAD going to any social, or family function, because I was so self conscience about my size! I never thought I looked GOOD in anything I wore, and always felt so fat and unattractive. I guess I'm blogging this for 2 reasons, one I hadn't blogged in a few months, so thought it was time, and two, so I can read what I'm writing and remind myself just how far I have come! Attached is a picture of me in my new dress I'm going to wear to the wedding this Saturday. I put it on and had my hubby take a picture of me in it so I could share it with you.

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged, so I Thought I should do another blog on how it's been going for me now 7 months post sleeve. I can't believe that it's been 14 months since I started my weight loss journey, and 7 months since I was sleeved! I'm down 109 pounds now, and only have 26 pounds to my goal weight. I feel 20 years younger, and the best that I have felt in many, many years! I'm off all my prescription medications other than my hormone pills. I use to take (2) different blood pressure pills 2X'S a day, Prozac for depression/anxiety, Prilosec for acid reflux, and I had high, BAD cholesterol, and LOW good kind of cholesterol. I also had bad knees, and back pain all the time! I would get tired and out of breath just doing simple little household chores. I had turned into a "hermit", and never wanted to go anywhere, or do anything in public where I would be judged for my weight. I have come such a long way, and it hasn't been an easy journey, but SO WORTH IT! I'm no longer a "hermit", and actually enjoy going out in public and doing things. I now exercise several times a week by either walking our dogs for almost 4 miles, or riding bikes with my husband at least 5 miles. I actually ENJOY doing this, and look forward to it! My times doing both things have greatly improved the longer I have been doing them. It use to take me 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk the 4 miles with our dogs, and now I can do it in a little less than an HOUR! The bike ride use to take me 50 minutes, and now I can do it in 32 minutes. I use to be dead TIRED after coming back from my walks, or our bike rides, and collapse in my chair when I got back. Now when I get back I still feel great, and not all out of breath, or dead tired, but feel so good, and accomplished! I use to wear a size 26 W, and now I'm wearing a 12/14 regular womens depending on the clothes. I haven't been this weight, or size in clothes since the 1980's! It seems so strange to say I weigh 100 and something, and not start with 200 and something! I was close to 300 pounds (285 pounds) when I started this, and I know I would have been OVER 300 pounds by now if I hadn't made the choice to get sleeved last November 2012! It's not the "easy way out" like some people think! It's taken a lot of hard work, and determination to get to where I am today. The sleeve is only a "tool", but an awesome tool! You still have to eat healthier, and get off your butt, and DO SOMETHING! I'm 55 almost 56 years old, and I feel like I'm in my 30's again! I'm even thinking about entering a 5K walk/run coming up in our neighborhood later this month. If you would have told me I would be thinking about doing something like that a year and a half ago, I would have said, "You're nuts"! LOL I feel so much better about myself, everyone tells me that I look so much happier, and younger. Getting sleeved is one of the best things I have ever done, and I have no regrets!

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged, so I Thought I should do another blog on how it's been going for me now 7 months post sleeve. I can't believe that it's been 14 months since I started my weight loss journey, and 7 months since I was sleeved! I'm down 109 pounds now, and only have 26 pounds to my goal weight. I feel 20 years younger, and the best that I have felt in many, many years! I'm off all my prescription medications other than my hormone pills. I use to take (2) different blood pressure pills 2X'S a day, Prozac for depression/anxiety, Prilosec for acid reflux, and I had high, BAD cholesterol, and LOW good kind of cholesterol. I also had bad knees, and back pain all the time! I would get tired and out of breath just doing simple little household chores. I had turned into a "hermit", and never wanted to go anywhere, or do anything in public where I would be judged for my weight. I have come such a long way, and it hasn't been an easy journey, but SO WORTH IT! I'm no longer a "hermit", and actually enjoy going out in public and doing things. I now exercise several times a week by either walking our dogs for almost 4 miles, or riding bikes with my husband at least 5 miles. I actually ENJOY doing this, and look forward to it! My times doing both things have greatly improved the longer I have been doing them. It use to take me 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk the 4 miles with our dogs, and now I can do it in a little less than an HOUR! The bike ride use to take me 50 minutes, and now I can do it in 32 minutes. I use to be dead TIRED after coming back from my walks, or our bike rides, and collapse in my chair when I got back. Now when I get back I still feel great, and not all out of breath, or dead tired, but feel so good, and accomplished! I use to wear a size 26 W, and now I'm wearing a 12/14 regular womens depending on the clothes. I haven't been this weight, or size in clothes since the 1980's! It seems so strange to say I weigh 100 and something, and not start with 200 and something! I was close to 300 pounds (285 pounds) when I started this, and I know I would have been OVER 300 pounds by now if I hadn't made the choice to get sleeved last November 2012! It's not the "easy way out" like some people think! It's taken a lot of hard work, and determination to get to where I am today. The sleeve is only a "tool", but an awesome tool! You still have to eat healthier, and get off your butt, and DO SOMETHING! I'm 55 almost 56 years old, and I feel like I'm in my 30's again! I'm even thinking about entering a 5K walk/run coming up in our neighborhood later this month. If you would have told me I would be thinking about doing something like that a year and a half ago, I would have said, "You're nuts"! LOL I feel so much better about myself, everyone tells me that I look so much happier, and younger. Getting sleeved is one of the best things I have ever done, and I have no regrets!

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged, so I Thought I should do another blog on how it's been going for me now 7 months post sleeve. I can't believe that it's been 14 months since I started my weight loss journey, and 7 months since I was sleeved! I'm down 109 pounds now, and only have 26 pounds to my goal weight. I feel 20 years younger, and the best that I have felt in many, many years! I'm off all my prescription medications other than my hormone pills. I use to take (2) different blood pressure pills 2X'S a day, Prozac for depression/anxiety, Prilosec for acid reflux, and I had high, BAD cholesterol, and LOW good kind of cholesterol. I also had bad knees, and back pain all the time! I would get tired and out of breath just doing simple little household chores. I had turned into a "hermit", and never wanted to go anywhere, or do anything in public where I would be judged for my weight. I have come such a long way, and it hasn't been an easy journey, but SO WORTH IT! I'm no longer a "hermit", and actually enjoy going out in public and doing things. I now exercise several times a week by either walking our dogs for almost 4 miles, or riding bikes with my husband at least 5 miles. I actually ENJOY doing this, and look forward to it! My times doing both things have greatly improved the longer I have been doing them. It use to take me 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk the 4 miles with our dogs, and now I can do it in a little less than an HOUR! The bike ride use to take me 50 minutes, and now I can do it in 32 minutes. I use to be dead TIRED after coming back from my walks, or our bike rides, and collapse in my chair when I got back. Now when I get back I still feel great, and not all out of breath, or dead tired, but feel so good, and accomplished! I use to wear a size 26 W, and now I'm wearing a 12/14 regular womens depending on the clothes. I haven't been this weight, or size in clothes since the 1980's! It seems so strange to say I weigh 100 and something, and not start with 200 and something! I was close to 300 pounds (285 pounds) when I started this, and I know I would have been OVER 300 pounds by now if I hadn't made the choice to get sleeved last November 2012! It's not the "easy way out" like some people think! It's taken a lot of hard work, and determination to get to where I am today. The sleeve is only a "tool", but an awesome tool! You still have to eat healthier, and get off your butt, and DO SOMETHING! I'm 55 almost 56 years old, and I feel like I'm in my 30's again! I'm even thinking about entering a 5K walk/run coming up in our neighborhood later this month. If you would have told me I would be thinking about doing something like that a year and a half ago, I would have said, "You're nuts"! LOL I feel so much better about myself, everyone tells me that I look so much happier, and younger. Getting sleeved is one of the best things I have ever done, and I have no regrets!

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged, so I Thought I should do another blog on how it's been going for me now 7 months post sleeve. I can't believe that it's been 14 months since I started my weight loss journey, and 7 months since I was sleeved! I'm down 109 pounds now, and only have 26 pounds to my goal weight. I feel 20 years younger, and the best that I have felt in many, many years! I'm off all my prescription medications other than my hormone pills. I use to take (2) different blood pressure pills 2X'S a day, Prozac for depression/anxiety, Prilosec for acid reflux, and I had high, BAD cholesterol, and LOW good kind of cholesterol. I also had bad knees, and back pain all the time! I would get tired and out of breath just doing simple little household chores. I had turned into a "hermit", and never wanted to go anywhere, or do anything in public where I would be judged for my weight. I have come such a long way, and it hasn't been an easy journey, but SO WORTH IT! I'm no longer a "hermit", and actually enjoy going out in public and doing things. I now exercise several times a week by either walking our dogs for almost 4 miles, or riding bikes with my husband at least 5 miles. I actually ENJOY doing this, and look forward to it! My times doing both things have greatly improved the longer I have been doing them. It use to take me 1 hour and 40 minutes to walk the 4 miles with our dogs, and now I can do it in a little less than an HOUR! The bike ride use to take me 50 minutes, and now I can do it in 32 minutes. I use to be dead TIRED after coming back from my walks, or our bike rides, and collapse in my chair when I got back. Now when I get back I still feel great, and not all out of breath, or dead tired, but feel so good, and accomplished! I use to wear a size 26 W, and now I'm wearing a 12/14 regular womens depending on the clothes. I haven't been this weight, or size in clothes since the 1980's! It seems so strange to say I weigh 100 and something, and not start with 200 and something! I was close to 300 pounds (285 pounds) when I started this, and I know I would have been OVER 300 pounds by now if I hadn't made the choice to get sleeved last November 2012! It's not the "easy way out" like some people think! It's taken a lot of hard work, and determination to get to where I am today. The sleeve is only a "tool", but an awesome tool! You still have to eat healthier, and get off your butt, and DO SOMETHING! I'm 55 almost 56 years old, and I feel like I'm in my 30's again! I'm even thinking about entering a 5K walk/run coming up in our neighborhood later this month. If you would have told me I would be thinking about doing something like that a year and a half ago, I would have said, "You're nuts"! LOL I feel so much better about myself, everyone tells me that I look so much happier, and younger. Getting sleeved is one of the best things I have ever done, and I have no regrets!

Hey today is great day.... WLS has saved my life in so many ways. I have more energy self esteem and overall healthy than I have been in a long time. Yesterday I slipped into a size 14 capris and a large top!!!! I never imagined wearing a size 14 because it has been soooo long! Just wanted to share that I have lost 50 lbs and I am closely approaching my 6 months mark... I am praying to get down to a size 10 that would be totally awesome and my highschool weight(lol) I have been trying to exercise more and really stay active,. I pray for much continued success to all TD41

So I've lost at least 70 pounds in my journey so far. I say at least because I gave up my scale for Lent and I'm not actually sure of my current weight at the moment. But with that much weight loss I can already do so many things that I wasn't able to a couple of months ago. The beautiful winter coat that I bought right after Hurricane Sandy is already so loose on me that I can easily overlap the front panels. I fit in the seats at my school's theater. The dress I wore to junior prom in high school is so loose now that it falls off of me. I have a neck, I can wear normal sized rings, I can run....the list is long. When it comes right down to it however, I feel like I'm still looking in a funhouse mirror! I feel like I look twice as big as I did when I started. I look at old pictures of myself and where other people can see a difference, I feel like I am still exactly the same. It's a discomforting feeling, knowing that you are changing to everyone else but being unable to recognize those changes in yourself. I suppose everyone who has undergone dramatic weight loss deals with this sort of body dysmorphia, but it's still a bizarre feeling. As a costume designer, I can pretty much sketch an accurate body sketch of someone just from a page of garment measurements. So I've taken my own actor's measurements every other week since I began. Those numbers are really where I can see a difference. I can picture bodies from measurement charts and my first chart body is dramatically different for my current chart body. So for now I guess I'll have to depend on that kind of external measure to understand how my body is changing.

I'm now 6 weeks post-op and feeling great. My surgery date was November 20th, but it seems like years ago. I'm Down 30 lbs which I think is pretty much on track with what my Doc says I should be losing. I think lower BMIs tend to not lose as quick, and I'm OK with that. I'm trying not to be a slave to the bathroom scale, and I said before surgery I never would. But man it's tough to stay away from it! I said I was only going to weigh myself once a week, but I'm finding myself sneaking into the bathroom for a quick weight check. I'll do measurements again a the 2-month mark.
 
I'm getting used to life with my new stomach, or stomach size rather. There have been a couple hiccups along the way (pun intended), but nothing that makes me regret this life-changing decision. Some of the things that I read on this website and others from my Doc are making sense to me now. My doc used to say that the sleeve is only a tool that is one of many that need to be used to achieve and maintain weight loss. I get that now; Even though I'm restricted by the amount I can eat at any one time, it's still entirely possible to make bad food choices and eat *almost* continuously throughout the day. Sure portion size is limited, but I'm hungry in about 2 hours. I use the word "hungry" here not as head hunger, but as my body really needing food. this is something new for me - and weird. But it's as if my body is getting used to using food as a source of nutrition, rather than my brain using it as a source of comfort or stress reliever. Yes, I have had head hunger twice in the past few weeks and it didn't work out very well. the problem was not in the quantity of food I ate, but the speed with which I ate it. I just can't eat fast anymore! So the feeling of overeating, I mean really overeating, is not pleasant. I'm ok for about 5 -10 minutes, but then it starts - light sweat accross the forehead, heart races a little, dizzy. I don't know exactly what dumping is, but maybe that's what happened to me.
 
Now I have to eat very slowly in small bites and pay attention to the small signals my body gives me telling me to stop (I read this on this forum and didn't believe it). I might have the occassional burp which generally clears the way for a little more food to enter, or the occassional hiccup, but I notice a very slight tingling sensation and a VERY light sweat on the forehead. Nothing major, but similar to the very, very, first stages when you're about to be sick (vomit sick, although I never have). I need to pay attention and wait a couple minutes to continue eating. Usually it goes pretty well, but I'm eating small portions of food almost continually during the day. Yes, I've followed the Doc's plan about 98%.
 
I've determined that I can take 4 swallows of water before I get the light sweat feeling. I've got that one down and never drink more than 4 straight gulps from my water jug. No problem. Other than that, I've had no issues at all with salad, some veggies I've tried, any type of meat as long as its moist and cut into small pieces. I did have a little cheat last week and ate a good handful of toasted plantain chips...maybe not the smartest move, but they went down fine. But I saw the Doc for a followup visit yesterday and he said to be very careful and limit carbs to 30 - 40 grams a day. He said anything over that would slow my weight loss. I didn't have my whole wheat toast with cream cheese this morning.
 
I'm going to the gym around the corner from my apartment 4-5 times per week and walking about 40 minutes on the treadmill. I think its a good time to start exercising (sp?) because even though the gym is full with all of the "This is the Year I'm finally going to lose weight" promise makers, I feel comfortable there because most have a bit to lose. But I feel great, and even though I'm already cleared by my Doc for any physical exercise, I'm going to wait a couple more weeks before getting into some strength training.
 
I'm on my way! More later,
 
Joe
P.S. My libido has returned full strength, yeah! (and stamina is much better too

I have read so many posts and blogs about stalls. I promised myself not to panic when I got to that point. I have been stuck at 277.3lbs for a solid two weeks. I know it's not because I did something wrong, or because the sleeve is not working. After being on this site for so long, I know it is a natural/normal part of the journey. I stayed off the scale and kept my eating and exercise routine the same. But this morning I got on the scale. I gained ONE pound!! 278.4 The sight of the number took my breath away, and the taste of disappointment stayed with me all day. So I came home and took a picture so I could remind myself that I am doing ok. I needed to put my demons to sleep and realized this is all part of the journey. I am not failing. The sleeve is not failing. Life is beautiful and victory is mine

Four... no matter what language you say it in... I just fit into a pair of size FOUR jeans... yes, me! I love thrift store, bargain hunting. Its a huge thrill to me to find something that i love for less then $10. From my amazing, full length wool coat for $8.88, to my wool peacoat for $6.88 to my Ralph Lauren cords for $3.33 or my Stuart Weitzman pumps for $4.50... I love a bargin, but I have to admit, pulling those 4's off the endless jean rack and looking at them and thinking "no way" - to them sliding in and fitting me perfectly... shocker! Do I think every pair of size 4 pants will fit me... not necessarily. But I had someone tell me that my other jeans were looking too baggy on me - they were 6's...
 
Its time to do some more shopping... I just love my sleeve!!
 
The other nice thing about thrift store shopping... when something doesn't fit you anymore, it doesn't hurt so much because you spent so little on it, you can just put it back into the circle of life at the thrift store and find a new treasure... and it helps a good cause!!
 
My daughter is getting married this saturday, and my son leaves for London the day after Christmas to participate in the New Years parade there... so my next week will be crazy - so my guess is, this is my last post before Christmas so...
 
Merry Merry Christmas to everyone. Hold your loved ones close, make sure they know you love them. Be a blessing to all you come in contact with, and the best gift you can give yourself, is to help others in need!
 
Lori
 
You can read the rest of my blog posts about my journey from band to sleeve here: search for Lori's Blog at occforum or follow me on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/LoriOCCMedical

I had the best time at the Christmas party that I have had in over 25 years! I was so nervous about going, and was worried that I wouldn't look good enough, or that no one could tell I lost 75 pounds! It was just in my own head, because I got so MANY compliments about my weight loss, and my new outfit that I couldn't keep tract! LOL Some people even told me several times during the evening just how great I looked, and how they know that I worked so hard to get to where I am now! Guess what fellow sleever's? All those people even knew I was sleeved, because I have been talking about it on my Facebook page! Not a one said that I took the "easy way" out either! I felt like a princess last night, and got allot of my self confidence back that I haven't had in YEARS! I had taken my new digital camera, and took many pictures at the party, and they even asked to use my camera to take a group photo of all the employee's at the party! Normally I would have just sat at our table and just wished it would get over, so we could leave! Not last night, my hubby and I were some of the last ones to leave, and I walked around with him, and mingled! My hubby and I even danced a slow dance to the song "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton! It was so romantic! I'm only 6 weeks out Tuesday, but it has already made such a difference in my life! I can't wait until I reach my goal, then I'll feel even better about myself, and be even thinner! The only thing I could eat at the dinner was some chicken, and drink water, but I didn't even care! No one said anything to me about it, and I was full and satisfied. I didn't feel deprived, or sorry for myself because I couldn't eat what everyone else ate and drank. Especially after all those nice comments I got all night! Then to top it all off, I weighted this morning and I was down another POUND to make it 76 pounds! 48 of those are before surgery, but the other 28 are after sleeve! I just had to share with all of you. I'm so excited right now.

I had the best time at the Christmas party that I have had in over 25 years! I was so nervous about going, and was worried that I wouldn't look good enough, or that no one could tell I lost 75 pounds! It was just in my own head, because I got so MANY compliments about my weight loss, and my new outfit that I couldn't keep tract! LOL Some people even told me several times during the evening just how great I looked, and how they know that I worked so hard to get to where I am now! Guess what fellow sleever's? All those people even knew I was sleeved, because I have been talking about it on my Facebook page! Not a one said that I took the "easy way" out either! I felt like a princess last night, and got allot of my self confidence back that I haven't had in YEARS! I had taken my new digital camera, and took many pictures at the party, and they even asked to use my camera to take a group photo of all the employee's at the party! Normally I would have just sat at our table and just wished it would get over, so we could leave! Not last night, my hubby and I were some of the last ones to leave, and I walked around with him, and mingled! My hubby and I even danced a slow dance to the song "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton! It was so romantic! I'm only 6 weeks out Tuesday, but it has already made such a difference in my life! I can't wait until I reach my goal, then I'll feel even better about myself, and be even thinner! The only thing I could eat at the dinner was some chicken, and drink water, but I didn't even care! No one said anything to me about it, and I was full and satisfied. I didn't feel deprived, or sorry for myself because I couldn't eat what everyone else ate and drank. Especially after all those nice comments I got all night! Then to top it all off, I weighted this morning and I was down another POUND to make it 76 pounds! 48 of those are before surgery, but the other 28 are after sleeve! I just had to share with all of you. I'm so excited right now.

I had the best time at the Christmas party that I have had in over 25 years! I was so nervous about going, and was worried that I wouldn't look good enough, or that no one could tell I lost 75 pounds! It was just in my own head, because I got so MANY compliments about my weight loss, and my new outfit that I couldn't keep tract! LOL Some people even told me several times during the evening just how great I looked, and how they know that I worked so hard to get to where I am now! Guess what fellow sleever's? All those people even knew I was sleeved, because I have been talking about it on my Facebook page! Not a one said that I took the "easy way" out either! I felt like a princess last night, and got allot of my self confidence back that I haven't had in YEARS! I had taken my new digital camera, and took many pictures at the party, and they even asked to use my camera to take a group photo of all the employee's at the party! Normally I would have just sat at our table and just wished it would get over, so we could leave! Not last night, my hubby and I were some of the last ones to leave, and I walked around with him, and mingled! My hubby and I even danced a slow dance to the song "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton! It was so romantic! I'm only 6 weeks out Tuesday, but it has already made such a difference in my life! I can't wait until I reach my goal, then I'll feel even better about myself, and be even thinner! The only thing I could eat at the dinner was some chicken, and drink water, but I didn't even care! No one said anything to me about it, and I was full and satisfied. I didn't feel deprived, or sorry for myself because I couldn't eat what everyone else ate and drank. Especially after all those nice comments I got all night! Then to top it all off, I weighted this morning and I was down another POUND to make it 76 pounds! 48 of those are before surgery, but the other 28 are after sleeve! I just had to share with all of you. I'm so excited right now.

Well I am almost at 3 weeks. Everyday I feel new emotions. I worry will this really work? Everyone I read about has no desire to eat I still think about food all the time. I also read that most people can only eat a bite or two I seem to be able to eat more. I ate a whole egg no problem. I actually have not had any problems and am very thankful. I am already on my first stall I feel like seriously? Already!! I know I lose weight slower then other people I am only 11 pounds down post op feel like I should be more.
 
Thinking I will go back to work on Thursday not sure if I am ready but...gotta go back sometime.
 
Have been feeling a little down. Wish there was a group near me or I had a freind who I was going through this with. I am obessed about my new sleeve but who really wants to hear about it all the time? I guess I just have to take it day by day~ If anyone wants a weightloss cyber buddy let me know

OK, so I'm 26 days post op, and I'm finding that I can't eat very much before I feel full, and I don't have much of an appetite either! I think I must be going through another healing stage, or something? Water goes down great, but anything else I try to eat, I can only eat like one egg with cheese, or a small amount of soup. Did anybody else go through this at about a month out? Also my weight has slowed down too! I was losing 1 pound a DAY for the first two weeks, now it's like I'm staying the same. I know I'm not suppose to weigh everyday, but I'm so anxious to get my weight off! My husband's Christmas party for his shop is on the 15th, and I want to be down as much as possible. I can't wait until I'm like 6 months out, so I'll be passed all these food issues, or at least I hope I will. I have Celiac, so I have that to deal with too. I have to stay away from anything with gluten in it, or man do I get sick!

Well I'm now 3 weeks post-op, and I went in to my nutritional appointment at my sleeve doctor's office this morning. I now get to add eggs, cottage cheese, low fat cheeses, fish, canned chicken, tuna fish, beans(like black beans, kidney beans, soy beans) I can also have chili, and soups with beans now! It seems so great to be able to have more variety of things to eat! I was so sick of protein shakes, yogurt, and the few other things I could only have for the passed 5 weeks! At least at Christmas time I will get even more choices by then too. I have been feeling better day by day, and my 5 incisions are almost completely healed now as well.
I have lost a total of 69 pounds now since last April 2012 when I started my weight loss journey, and I have lost 15 more pounds since my sleeve surgery 3 weeks ago. I'm running out of clothes that fit me, because most are way to big for me now! What a great feeling to have clothes that a TO BIG! LOL I actually had to give my little sister some of my old clothes, because she wears 26 W like I use to wear. I'm now in a size 20 W, and it won't be long I'll be in a size 18 W. I'm hoping I will wear an 18 by my husband's shop Christmas party December 15TH, and get me a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party.
Last Christmas I went to the shop party wearing a size 26/28 W, 3 piece black pant suit. I was so self conscience the whole time at the party that I couldn't really enjoy myself. I looked around and thought, "I'm probably the fattest one here"! I couldn't wait to leave the party that night! This year I'm hoping my weight loss will help my self esteem, and I can enjoy myself with my husband this year. I have to get me an outfit that I feel good in, pretty, and allot thinner in. :wub: Better, healthier, thinner days are a head of me now, and I can't wait!

Well I'm now 3 weeks post-op, and I went in to my nutritional appointment at my sleeve doctor's office this morning. I now get to add eggs, cottage cheese, low fat cheeses, fish, canned chicken, tuna fish, beans(like black beans, kidney beans, soy beans) I can also have chili, and soups with beans now! It seems so great to be able to have more variety of things to eat! I was so sick of protein shakes, yogurt, and the few other things I could only have for the passed 5 weeks! At least at Christmas time I will get even more choices by then too. I have been feeling better day by day, and my 5 incisions are almost completely healed now as well.
I have lost a total of 69 pounds now since last April 2012 when I started my weight loss journey, and I have lost 15 more pounds since my sleeve surgery 3 weeks ago. I'm running out of clothes that fit me, because most are way to big for me now! What a great feeling to have clothes that a TO BIG! LOL I actually had to give my little sister some of my old clothes, because she wears 26 W like I use to wear. I'm now in a size 20 W, and it won't be long I'll be in a size 18 W. I'm hoping I will wear an 18 by my husband's shop Christmas party December 15TH, and get me a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party.
Last Christmas I went to the shop party wearing a size 26/28 W, 3 piece black pant suit. I was so self conscience the whole time at the party that I couldn't really enjoy myself. I looked around and thought, "I'm probably the fattest one here"! I couldn't wait to leave the party that night! This year I'm hoping my weight loss will help my self esteem, and I can enjoy myself with my husband this year. I have to get me an outfit that I feel good in, pretty, and allot thinner in. :wub: Better, healthier, thinner days are a head of me now, and I can't wait!

Well I'm now 3 weeks post-op, and I went in to my nutritional appointment at my sleeve doctor's office this morning. I now get to add eggs, cottage cheese, low fat cheeses, fish, canned chicken, tuna fish, beans(like black beans, kidney beans, soy beans) I can also have chili, and soups with beans now! It seems so great to be able to have more variety of things to eat! I was so sick of protein shakes, yogurt, and the few other things I could only have for the passed 5 weeks! At least at Christmas time I will get even more choices by then too. I have been feeling better day by day, and my 5 incisions are almost completely healed now as well.
I have lost a total of 69 pounds now since last April 2012 when I started my weight loss journey, and I have lost 15 more pounds since my sleeve surgery 3 weeks ago. I'm running out of clothes that fit me, because most are way to big for me now! What a great feeling to have clothes that a TO BIG! LOL I actually had to give my little sister some of my old clothes, because she wears 26 W like I use to wear. I'm now in a size 20 W, and it won't be long I'll be in a size 18 W. I'm hoping I will wear an 18 by my husband's shop Christmas party December 15TH, and get me a new outfit to wear to the Christmas party.
Last Christmas I went to the shop party wearing a size 26/28 W, 3 piece black pant suit. I was so self conscience the whole time at the party that I couldn't really enjoy myself. I looked around and thought, "I'm probably the fattest one here"! I couldn't wait to leave the party that night! This year I'm hoping my weight loss will help my self esteem, and I can enjoy myself with my husband this year. I have to get me an outfit that I feel good in, pretty, and allot thinner in. :wub: Better, healthier, thinner days are a head of me now, and I can't wait!

OK, so un-lucky me, I had to be one of the "UN-lucky" ones that had a very hard time with nausea either from the Anastasia, or the fact that my doctor had to also repair two hernia's while he did my sleeve! I had a higher up one and a belly button one too. I didn't feel to bad the day of my surgery, and thought, "Oh well, this isn't so bad"! Unfortunately the next day I was not doing so swell! I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a Mack truck, and so nauseated I just wanted to "leave my body", and go somewhere, anywhere else, but in my body right now feeling like I did. They gave me drugs to help with nausea, but it didn't help really at all. I hadn't pre-pared myself for feeling this badly! My poor husband felt so bad for me, and I could tell he wanted to help me, but there was nothing he could do for me! I thought I'd only be in for a couple days, but ended up in there from Tuesday morning until Friday morning! I got to say, I was thinking, "What did I do to myself"? That is until I got home, and felt a little better on Friday, a little more better on Saturday, and little more better on Sunday, and then woke up Monday morning feeling like a NEW women!! The nausea was completely GONE!!! Things actually smelled good again, my drinks actually tasted good again too. My wonderful nurse's in the hospital kept telling me that I would turn the corner one of these days, and start feeling better, and they were right! I went in for my post op check up, and I lost 5 pounds since day of my surgery, but I'm still swelled up, and have fluids from my hospital stay. Would I still do it if I knew then what I know now? Yes, yes I would! It will get better! I promise!

Well, I had yet another bad night last night! Not sure what happened. I was fine all day until about 5:00 p.m. then all of a sudden I got all nauseated again. The only thing I had all day was a 1/2 cup low cal tomato soup, a snack pack size of sugar free pudding, and a cup of chocolate soy milk. Plus water to drink through out the day. OK, so what of those things made me sick??? I was nauseated, vomiting mostly stomach acid type stuff, and had to keep using the bathroom because I still had lots of gas, and loose stools. I felt awful from 5:00 p.m. until probably 2:00 or 3:00 am! I went to bed at 9:00 p.m., but was up and down several times during the night. Why is this happening to me??? Do you think it's the dairy as in the pudding, or the dairy in the tomato soup? Has anyone else had this problem? I'm 10 days out since my sleeve.

Well, I had yet another bad night last night! Not sure what happened. I was fine all day until about 5:00 p.m. then all of a sudden I got all nauseated again. The only thing I had all day was a 1/2 cup low cal tomato soup, a snack pack size of sugar free pudding, and a cup of chocolate soy milk. Plus water to drink through out the day. OK, so what of those things made me sick??? I was nauseated, vomiting mostly stomach acid type stuff, and had to keep using the bathroom because I still had lots of gas, and loose stools. I felt awful from 5:00 p.m. until probably 2:00 or 3:00 am! I went to bed at 9:00 p.m., but was up and down several times during the night. Why is this happening to me??? Do you think it's the dairy as in the pudding, or the dairy in the tomato soup? Has anyone else had this problem? I'm 10 days out since my sleeve.

OK, so I'm on my 5th day of my pre-op L.Q. diet, and so far so good I guess. Gets a little tiring only being able to have a few different things to drink/eat everyday. Someday's it's harder than others, like when my hubby is making himself something to eat, and the smell of it fills the house! Everywhere you look there is adds for food, on TV, and the Internet. I miss the crunchy stuff most.
 
On another note, I have lost 5 pounds so far since I started the L.Q. diet, so counting that, and what I lost on my 6 month diet (I had to do for my insurance to approve me), I have lost a total of 52 pounds! It feels great, and I went from a tight size 26 woman's to a comfortable 20/22 woman's so far. I have also lost several inches all over my body! I can't wait to get my sleeve in just 10 more days! I can't wait to be an "average" size again!
It's been over 25 years since I haven't been a PLUS size gal! I hope all you other pre-op sleever's are doing well on your L.Q. Diet too!

I had a very bad night last night, and a bit of a set back! I was doing fine most of the day, vacuumed my hardwood floor, put dishes away in my dish washer, made my bed, and even did a little laundry. I was still feeling OK, but now just a little tired. About 5:00 p.m. I made myself some beef bullion with some unflavored protein powder in it, then heated it in my microwave. I slowly drank that down over about an hours time. I started to not feel so good about 7:00 p.m. I got more and more nauseated, and started to vomit. Plus I was still having problems with my stools being very lose, and allot of gas. By 9:00 pm. I was feeling so bad, and was feeling very weak and tingly in my arms, and legs. I was feeling like I might pass out! Mind you, I am home alone as my hubby works 2nd shift! I tried not to call him at work, but by 9:00 p.m. I was getting worried that something was wrong with my sleeve, or something! I called my hubby home, and he took me in to the ER at the hospital where I had gotten my sleeve 8 days ago. They ran some test on me, gave me anti nausea meds., pain meds., and IV fluids as I was dehydrated by then. We were there 4 hours, and they said everything looked OK with my sleeve, and told me to double up on my Prilosec, and take one A.M., and one P.M. to help with excessive acid my stomach was apparently making! My doctor that did my sleeve thinks I need to give dairy a break for a bit. I don't know what happened, but I know I felt terrible! This morning I feel allot better, and I'm going to be more careful about what I eat, and try to stay away from things that say they contain MILK! I can't wait until I can add more things to my diet for some variety. Anyone else experience anything like this?

I had a very bad night last night, and a bit of a set back! I was doing fine most of the day, vacuumed my hardwood floor, put dishes away in my dish washer, made my bed, and even did a little laundry. I was still feeling OK, but now just a little tired. About 5:00 p.m. I made myself some beef bullion with some unflavored protein powder in it, then heated it in my microwave. I slowly drank that down over about an hours time. I started to not feel so good about 7:00 p.m. I got more and more nauseated, and started to vomit. Plus I was still having problems with my stools being very lose, and allot of gas. By 9:00 pm. I was feeling so bad, and was feeling very weak and tingly in my arms, and legs. I was feeling like I might pass out! Mind you, I am home alone as my hubby works 2nd shift! I tried not to call him at work, but by 9:00 p.m. I was getting worried that something was wrong with my sleeve, or something! I called my hubby home, and he took me in to the ER at the hospital where I had gotten my sleeve 8 days ago. They ran some test on me, gave me anti nausea meds., pain meds., and IV fluids as I was dehydrated by then. We were there 4 hours, and they said everything looked OK with my sleeve, and told me to double up on my Prilosec, and take one A.M., and one P.M. to help with excessive acid my stomach was apparently making! My doctor that did my sleeve thinks I need to give dairy a break for a bit. I don't know what happened, but I know I felt terrible! This morning I feel allot better, and I'm going to be more careful about what I eat, and try to stay away from things that say they contain MILK! I can't wait until I can add more things to my diet for some variety. Anyone else experience anything like this?