taralynneRN59

I am a bad blogger!! While I take advantage of everyone's posts - they get me through every day, I do not get on and post myself!
12/10 and down 45 #. Slower than some but am happy with my results. My sister asked me the other day "Don't you miss eating whatever you want, and however much you want?" Well to be honest, yes!! But so does an ex smoker miss cigarettes and an alcoholic miss alcohol. It was my enjoyment of eating and my lack of self control that got me here in the first place (plus the fact that my metabolism has "left the building" so to speak). So regarding the fact that I really do not enjoy eating like I used to - it is totally worth it when I see the results. I am down to a 12 jean (I am sure that if they were the old fashioned "non-stretch" it would be a 14!).
Regarding the victories that are not "scale related" - I did my first 3K walk last week. My goal was to finish, but not last!! I did finish and despite the shin splints, I was basically in the middle group of walkers and excited that I actually enjoyed it!! Also, I am off of my diabetic; high cholestrol; and high blood pressure medications! In fact, my blood pressure is usually on the low side now!! Woo Hoo!!
I agree that comparing yourselves with others can have an opposite effect of setting yourself up to fail, everyone really sounds like they are doing well (most of the "tickers" are hovering around the 50% area) and I believe that the "December Sleevers" are all winners!!!!

I am a bad blogger!! While I take advantage of everyone's posts - they get me through every day, I do not get on and post myself!
12/10 and down 45 #. Slower than some but am happy with my results. My sister asked me the other day "Don't you miss eating whatever you want, and however much you want?" Well to be honest, yes!! But so does an ex smoker miss cigarettes and an alcoholic miss alcohol. It was my enjoyment of eating and my lack of self control that got me here in the first place (plus the fact that my metabolism has "left the building" so to speak). So regarding the fact that I really do not enjoy eating like I used to - it is totally worth it when I see the results. I am down to a 12 jean (I am sure that if they were the old fashioned "non-stretch" it would be a 14!).
Regarding the victories that are not "scale related" - I did my first 3K walk last week. My goal was to finish, but not last!! I did finish and despite the shin splints, I was basically in the middle group of walkers and excited that I actually enjoyed it!! Also, I am off of my diabetic; high cholestrol; and high blood pressure medications! In fact, my blood pressure is usually on the low side now!! Woo Hoo!!
I agree that comparing yourselves with others can have an opposite effect of setting yourself up to fail, everyone really sounds like they are doing well (most of the "tickers" are hovering around the 50% area) and I believe that the "December Sleevers" are all winners!!!!

Thanks all. The first month was rough and I had moments of wtf did I do to my body The scale was dropping fast but i didn't see it in my clothes that much. Then someone pointed out that from a size 20 to size 18 it's like 3inch difference where from a size 12 to size 10
Is like 1" it's totally true too. But when I did my 1 mo photos ( see attached) I could seeeeee a difference Already So I took before and after photos each month. ( see a few)
The other thing is I went ferocious on my closet. Everything that didn't fit ( too big or unflattering) for dumped. Seriously huge piles of clothes. 4-5 rubber made bins at a time to goodwill. I have far less clothes now and it's fine. I'll need more but am still losing fast but it keeps me motivated.
And I'm starting to enjoy working out. It's way easier now that I'm
Not carrying around the equivalent of a giant bag if dog food strapped to my body

I couldn't be happier with my decision to have a sleeve. Dr Kelly was great and I was a 2xl size 20 gulp going in. Just before Christmas I was shopping and Went into express. I grabbed size large ( I was happy to not be an Xl ) and went in dressing room. They were too big. Had to send husband to get size medium!
My hair has to be cut but is falling out less now. And sometime is hard at parties because I love a good martini and there is not room for both martini and food. But It's a small price to pay.
Anyone thinking about the surgery or on the fence it's great. No regrets

There seems to be quite a few "December 10's" out there!! Monday and all that! Starting my pre-op liquid diet this coming monday, Cleaning out my kitchen cupboards and closets this weekend. Getting work all settled for a week off. So much to do, but I have been working towards this for over 2 years and "I CAN DO IT"!!!!!! Looking forward to everybodies success. I have a shortcut to this site on my phone; my laptop; my desktop and my work computer!!! Blessings, Tara

December 10 for my surgery also!! Good luck!!

There seems to be quite a few "December 10's" out there!! Monday and all that! Starting my pre-op liquid diet this coming monday, Cleaning out my kitchen cupboards and closets this weekend. Getting work all settled for a week off. So much to do, but I have been working towards this for over 2 years and "I CAN DO IT"!!!!!! Looking forward to everybodies success. I have a shortcut to this site on my phone; my laptop; my desktop and my work computer!!! Blessings, Tara

There seems to be quite a few "December 10's" out there!! Monday and all that! Starting my pre-op liquid diet this coming monday, Cleaning out my kitchen cupboards and closets this weekend. Getting work all settled for a week off. So much to do, but I have been working towards this for over 2 years and "I CAN DO IT"!!!!!! Looking forward to everybodies success. I have a shortcut to this site on my phone; my laptop; my desktop and my work computer!!! Blessings, Tara

Hi guys! Please join the Decembers Sleevers Facebook group. The group is protected as secret, so no one can see what you post. Friend request me at lovemytwinboys in the fb bar. Then I can add you to the group.

Hey; approved also yesterday!! Surgery date 12/10! Start my pre-op diet on Monday. Good luck also!

Am looking forward to the surgery, I lost my "ta-ta's" to breast cancer 5 years ago, but I am still here!! Luckily, my hubby is a "behind" man!!! I've had a behind since I was 11, and can't imagine it will go away totally, and at 53 - it is bound by gravity anyways!! Let's hear it for padded panties, tight jeans that make you shaplier and really supportive hubbies!!!!!

Okay, got online and ordered some different flavored Unjury Protein powders; Some Bari-wise soups; and stocking my freezer with frozen fruit and fridge with yogurt; applesauce and cottage cheese. I have my nutritionist appointment on Monday and think I will be close to starting my 2-week pre-op! I can understand the "Dr. Pepper" thing - especially since I only drink regular, but what about the "no caffeine" thing? If I have to go off of the flavor and sugar rush, why can't I have sugar free Iced Tea?????? My co-workers are not going to appreciate me (on the night shift) for a couple of weeks without both!!!!! I guess I will find out on Monday when I speak with the nutritionist! Getting more and more nervous here, but excited also. All of my co-workers know (several of them have done this, and since it is a hospital, most are knowledgable about it) I am however choosing not to let my mom/sister or children know about the surgery until I am pretty much done with recovery; and liquid diet. I just do not want to handle reassuring everyone that I am fine, or have to defend my decision to take this step. (expecially when I know there are some days coming up that I will not be "fine"!!!). I know it sounds selfish, but I feel like I need to just concentrate on me for a few weeks! Oops, got off topic! Anyways, looking forward to getting off most of my medications!!

Not "Copping Out; but Stepping UP"
My husband is very supportive, but after discussing the upcoming event "pre-op" diet and the following "life style changes" he said to me "it seems like a really hard way to do this!". I do admit however that I am not telling my family about it including the kids. I do not want to even deal with the worry, possible disapproval or constant questions on how I am doing, especially if I have a hard time of it! I do not want to have to "justify" my decision which has come after many years of disappointing attempts to lose weight. When I am recovered, thinner and off of diabetes; high cholestrol; high blood pressure; GERD and arthritis medications, then I will tell them what I have done.
After re-reading this it sounds like I have a terrible family and I don't. It is just that after having breast cancer with bilateral mastectomy and chemo (5 year out WOO! HOO!) my family is all about - "Your alive and your cancer free, your weight does not matter". I know they worry about me, but I have to take this "ME" time and worry about myself right now, not worry about how they feel. If it is selfish, I will apologize later!!!
So I do not feel we are "Copping Out" - I feel we are "Stepping UP"!!!!! My surgery will be next month, I hope we can keep in touch!

Okay, I was so looking forward to a November week 1-2 surgery date! But after my cardiology appointment (EKG) yesterday I had to schedule a dobutamine stress echo. I have no history of cardiac problems at all!! The closest date I could get was October 25th and then the coardiologist is on vacation for a week so the follow up is November 5th. The only consulation is that since we are changing insurance for next year they are planning on getting everyone done before the first of the year. It is just that I had my plans all set to be at least a month post op for Christmas!! I know, no biggie, but I am paranoid none of this is going to happen! *****I guess, we plan; God laughs!!!*****

Not "Copping Out; but Stepping UP"
My husband is very supportive, but after discussing the upcoming event "pre-op" diet and the following "life style changes" he said to me "it seems like a really hard way to do this!". I do admit however that I am not telling my family about it including the kids. I do not want to even deal with the worry, possible disapproval or constant questions on how I am doing, especially if I have a hard time of it! I do not want to have to "justify" my decision which has come after many years of disappointing attempts to lose weight. When I am recovered, thinner and off of diabetes; high cholestrol; high blood pressure; GERD and arthritis medications, then I will tell them what I have done.
After re-reading this it sounds like I have a terrible family and I don't. It is just that after having breast cancer with bilateral mastectomy and chemo (5 year out WOO! HOO!) my family is all about - "Your alive and your cancer free, your weight does not matter". I know they worry about me, but I have to take this "ME" time and worry about myself right now, not worry about how they feel. If it is selfish, I will apologize later!!!
So I do not feel we are "Copping Out" - I feel we are "Stepping UP"!!!!! My surgery will be next month, I hope we can keep in touch!

Not "Copping Out; but Stepping UP"
My husband is very supportive, but after discussing the upcoming event "pre-op" diet and the following "life style changes" he said to me "it seems like a really hard way to do this!". I do admit however that I am not telling my family about it including the kids. I do not want to even deal with the worry, possible disapproval or constant questions on how I am doing, especially if I have a hard time of it! I do not want to have to "justify" my decision which has come after many years of disappointing attempts to lose weight. When I am recovered, thinner and off of diabetes; high cholestrol; high blood pressure; GERD and arthritis medications, then I will tell them what I have done.
After re-reading this it sounds like I have a terrible family and I don't. It is just that after having breast cancer with bilateral mastectomy and chemo (5 year out WOO! HOO!) my family is all about - "Your alive and your cancer free, your weight does not matter". I know they worry about me, but I have to take this "ME" time and worry about myself right now, not worry about how they feel. If it is selfish, I will apologize later!!!
So I do not feel we are "Copping Out" - I feel we are "Stepping UP"!!!!! My surgery will be next month, I hope we can keep in touch!

I am sorry you had a bad experience with your surgery. I just wanted to tell you that as a nurse for years, your nurse was very unprofessional and maybe inexperienced. An incident of tachycardia ( yes, heart racing ) is not a reason for a nurse panicking, especially in front of a patient. Many people wake up from surgery and it takes awhile for their vital signs to adjust!
As for the horror stories - you should hear the ones I hear following emergency department visits out and about town. I will hear stories about visits that I was personally present for, and their versions are dramatically different from what I witnessed. That is not to say that in "their" perception they are describing it is not true but often when the outcome is not as they expected for example; waiting longer than they wany; not getting the medication they want; expecting chronic conditions to be "fixed" in an ER visit; or having the physician tell them that they cannot do anything form them.
Someones visit may go as follows: they come in with their child with a cough and fever and have to wait 20 minutes for the current triage; after triaged they have to wait 20 minutes to come back; after coming back they have to wait 20 minutes for the doctor to see them because we have 2 motor vehicle crash victims; a chest pain; a baby being transferred and a pshych patient taking up a bed; we draw blood; it takes 2 attempts; the chest x-ray takes 30 minutes because the MVC victims are being done; Respiratory Therapy does a breathing treatment; we give medication for the fever (generally we have to wait an hour for it to kick in). During all of this time, the child is fussy and crying but VS are stable except the fever. Baby is fussy, and it takes 2 nurses to give the antibiotics; Finally, the fever comes down; the labs are good and the doctor prescribes some more antibiotics and they have to wait for 20 minutes for the discharge paperwork. Baby is still fussy because they are sick, but we cannot make that go away!
After all of this, here is the point of the story, in our perception - this was a totally stable patient and a 3-4 hour ER visit is the norm with everything going on.
The patients story which I heard the next day in the store was: Baby was really sick and it took hours in the ER to even be seen - they did not care that she was crying and hot. When we got in the back the nurses did not even know what they were doing and stuck her twice to get her blood. Even though she was screaming they made us wait forever and then they did not even admit her - they just sent her home with p prescription and told us to give her tylenol, We are never going back to that place!
I know this is a long story, but while I do not want to minimize the risks, on all of the horror stories, how many of them were done by physicians that were not researched; in facilities that were not the greatest; did not comply with pre op and/or post op instructions; had pre existing conditions that they do not disclose on thier stories such as smoking; alcohol or drug usage?? I agree with the others that have posted, the risk of obesity and its health related problems are looming out there and shaking thier fist at us on a daily basis!! We are going into this with great expectations and not without thought and prayer, you can do it.
And, if you ever have a nurse do this again, ask her calmly to take her own pulse before panicking!!!!

I am the opposite, I blab at work; probably because I work in a hospital and will be having my surgery at our "sister" hospital which HIPPA aside, everyone knows what is going on and I will have to take the time off anyways. But my Mom; Sister and children who live out of town? I am going to wait until my recovery time is over and I am off any liquid diet, and feeling better. I also do not want to have to justify myself to others that think I am taking the "easy" way out! Let them try to live on Protein Drinks for 2 weeks and call it easy!!!!! If this is selfish, I will apologize later!! I agree though, this will be hard enough without the "Naysayers"!!

VST addict; I love your "looking forward to" list!!!

I am sorry you had a bad experience with your surgery. I just wanted to tell you that as a nurse for years, your nurse was very unprofessional and maybe inexperienced. An incident of tachycardia ( yes, heart racing ) is not a reason for a nurse panicking, especially in front of a patient. Many people wake up from surgery and it takes awhile for their vital signs to adjust!
As for the horror stories - you should hear the ones I hear following emergency department visits out and about town. I will hear stories about visits that I was personally present for, and their versions are dramatically different from what I witnessed. That is not to say that in "their" perception they are describing it is not true but often when the outcome is not as they expected for example; waiting longer than they wany; not getting the medication they want; expecting chronic conditions to be "fixed" in an ER visit; or having the physician tell them that they cannot do anything form them.
Someones visit may go as follows: they come in with their child with a cough and fever and have to wait 20 minutes for the current triage; after triaged they have to wait 20 minutes to come back; after coming back they have to wait 20 minutes for the doctor to see them because we have 2 motor vehicle crash victims; a chest pain; a baby being transferred and a pshych patient taking up a bed; we draw blood; it takes 2 attempts; the chest x-ray takes 30 minutes because the MVC victims are being done; Respiratory Therapy does a breathing treatment; we give medication for the fever (generally we have to wait an hour for it to kick in). During all of this time, the child is fussy and crying but VS are stable except the fever. Baby is fussy, and it takes 2 nurses to give the antibiotics; Finally, the fever comes down; the labs are good and the doctor prescribes some more antibiotics and they have to wait for 20 minutes for the discharge paperwork. Baby is still fussy because they are sick, but we cannot make that go away!
After all of this, here is the point of the story, in our perception - this was a totally stable patient and a 3-4 hour ER visit is the norm with everything going on.
The patients story which I heard the next day in the store was: Baby was really sick and it took hours in the ER to even be seen - they did not care that she was crying and hot. When we got in the back the nurses did not even know what they were doing and stuck her twice to get her blood. Even though she was screaming they made us wait forever and then they did not even admit her - they just sent her home with p prescription and told us to give her tylenol, We are never going back to that place!
I know this is a long story, but while I do not want to minimize the risks, on all of the horror stories, how many of them were done by physicians that were not researched; in facilities that were not the greatest; did not comply with pre op and/or post op instructions; had pre existing conditions that they do not disclose on thier stories such as smoking; alcohol or drug usage?? I agree with the others that have posted, the risk of obesity and its health related problems are looming out there and shaking thier fist at us on a daily basis!! We are going into this with great expectations and not without thought and prayer, you can do it.
And, if you ever have a nurse do this again, ask her calmly to take her own pulse before panicking!!!!

I am sorry you had a bad experience with your surgery. I just wanted to tell you that as a nurse for years, your nurse was very unprofessional and maybe inexperienced. An incident of tachycardia ( yes, heart racing ) is not a reason for a nurse panicking, especially in front of a patient. Many people wake up from surgery and it takes awhile for their vital signs to adjust!
As for the horror stories - you should hear the ones I hear following emergency department visits out and about town. I will hear stories about visits that I was personally present for, and their versions are dramatically different from what I witnessed. That is not to say that in "their" perception they are describing it is not true but often when the outcome is not as they expected for example; waiting longer than they wany; not getting the medication they want; expecting chronic conditions to be "fixed" in an ER visit; or having the physician tell them that they cannot do anything form them.
Someones visit may go as follows: they come in with their child with a cough and fever and have to wait 20 minutes for the current triage; after triaged they have to wait 20 minutes to come back; after coming back they have to wait 20 minutes for the doctor to see them because we have 2 motor vehicle crash victims; a chest pain; a baby being transferred and a pshych patient taking up a bed; we draw blood; it takes 2 attempts; the chest x-ray takes 30 minutes because the MVC victims are being done; Respiratory Therapy does a breathing treatment; we give medication for the fever (generally we have to wait an hour for it to kick in). During all of this time, the child is fussy and crying but VS are stable except the fever. Baby is fussy, and it takes 2 nurses to give the antibiotics; Finally, the fever comes down; the labs are good and the doctor prescribes some more antibiotics and they have to wait for 20 minutes for the discharge paperwork. Baby is still fussy because they are sick, but we cannot make that go away!
After all of this, here is the point of the story, in our perception - this was a totally stable patient and a 3-4 hour ER visit is the norm with everything going on.
The patients story which I heard the next day in the store was: Baby was really sick and it took hours in the ER to even be seen - they did not care that she was crying and hot. When we got in the back the nurses did not even know what they were doing and stuck her twice to get her blood. Even though she was screaming they made us wait forever and then they did not even admit her - they just sent her home with p prescription and told us to give her tylenol, We are never going back to that place!
I know this is a long story, but while I do not want to minimize the risks, on all of the horror stories, how many of them were done by physicians that were not researched; in facilities that were not the greatest; did not comply with pre op and/or post op instructions; had pre existing conditions that they do not disclose on thier stories such as smoking; alcohol or drug usage?? I agree with the others that have posted, the risk of obesity and its health related problems are looming out there and shaking thier fist at us on a daily basis!! We are going into this with great expectations and not without thought and prayer, you can do it.
And, if you ever have a nurse do this again, ask her calmly to take her own pulse before panicking!!!!

I am 52, 260 lbs and afraid to have the surgery. But I am also afraid to NOT have the surgery. Life is short. So trite, I know. 52 sounds like a long time, huh? It's not! I have friends in their 70s more active than I am. Being older doesn't have to mean being old and I fear a sad, sedentary future if I don't have the surgery. What I mean for all of us is, we can skip the surgery, stay obese, have all that sickness that goes with obesity, which only get worse the more we age, OR, we can take the chance on the surgery and live lighter, healthier, more active lives with our loved ones for whatever time we have left on the planet! The chances of complications to surgery are less when you compare it to future complications from obesity.
Good luck to all of us.

I told my immediate family and a few closest friends. My reason is that I know that I am sensitive to negative comments, being fat sure doesn't mean "thick skinned"! I did the research regarding wls and was 100% confident in my decision. I really didn't want to sell my reasons to anybody. If anyone were to ask me if I had wls, I would be honest. I just don't feel the need to tell the world.

Am looking forward to the surgery, I lost my "ta-ta's" to breast cancer 5 years ago, but I am still here!! Luckily, my hubby is a "behind" man!!! I've had a behind since I was 11, and can't imagine it will go away totally, and at 53 - it is bound by gravity anyways!! Let's hear it for padded panties, tight jeans that make you shaplier and really supportive hubbies!!!!!

I am 53 years old, a nurse and I work the night shift. I am a non-insulin dependant diabetic; GERD; high cholestrol; high blood pressure and arthritis in knees and hips! I am also a breast cancer survivor (woo hoo!! 5 years!!). After meeting the 5 year mark, I decided to take charge of the rest of my life. Am in the process of making appointments for my psych eval and EKG. (I had messages on my phone to call and schedule appointments for these, and a letter by the insurance company approving the psych appointment, so I am assuming that the insurance company has basically approved the surgery, I will find out today when I get up). Hoping for surgery by mid November if I go by the time it has taken for others in the area to get going. My Doctor is Senthil Sankaralingham and I really like him. I am hoping to go off of the majority of my medications following this surgery, I can't lie, looks are important, but my health is the main reason I am doing this. I have ordered some Unjury and have to admit, the pain does not worry me as much as the protien shakes - I have never been able to get even an instant Breakfast down let alone any type of Protein Shake. If I do not like the smell, texture or taste, I have a tendency to throw up after the first swallow! I am however trying some different ones before the surgery, and am determined if I have to settle for even one I can get down, I will drink it several times a day!! I also dread giving up my Dr. Pepper!!!!! Well, I will post as I hear the news! I am glad I will be able to post my updates here.