Joy0125

I remember when I went from morbidly obese, to obese, to overweight. Like you, they were milestones for me. I'm 17 pounds away from being considered "normal weight". Everyone tells me if I lose 17 more I will look sick. I'm not sweating it and letting my body tell me where it will end up. I just hit 101 pounds lost and feel great. Thanks for sharing. Started my day with a smile

Surgery weight - 268 Today - 171 Total lost - 97 Feeling great. Progress has slowed quite a bit. I tore my ACL so haven't been able to do as much or as varied cardio as I'd like. I started the physical therapy yesterday and the physical therapist is hot so I'm going to get back on track with exercise and have something nice to look at while I do it. That is looking at it glass half full . Strength training has been amazing and i actually have tone and some muscles. Im enjoying dressing my new body. I bought size 8 pants and cant remember ever being that size as an adult even at my thinnest. While I recognize that I have transformed and my body is smaller, I don't think I truly see myself the way I look. People say I'm "thin" and I just don't connect that word with myself. It is strange. I feel like I'm a "normal" weight lol. I couldn't be happier with my decision. I feel more active in life, more confident, and just more joyful. Glad to see all the progress everyone else is making!

Hang in there. Make sure you get your liquids in, your protein, and any vitamin regimen your doc prescribed. I had hair loss for a little bit but I stayed the course and it was short lived. Good luck!

Hi all! I read several times about people measuring for inches and thought it was a bunch of bull, but I have to say I am now a full blown believer. My weight loss has been very good and very steady up until 2 months ago when it slowed significantly. My trainer recommended we measure because she said my body was changing and I needed to stop being so tied to the number on the scale. Well, I got measured the first time in May. In June, I lost 8 inches. I just got measured again yesterday and lost another 5 1/2 inches. I may have only lost 2-3 pounds from June to July but as we get nearer to where we should be, and with working out, we are building more muscle. I actually have muscles on my arms and legs that I've never seen before. So while I'm not thrilled that I only lost 2-3 pounds, getting measured re-energized me and reinforced that this is a journey for a lifetime and not a race. Hope it helps someone else

Let me know how that goes. I'm too afraid to do that lol

Oh my. I chew gum infrequently but I swallow it sometimes. I feel awful after I do. Glad to see this thread because I couldn't figure out why.

Thanks much!

Where do you get this? I love mocha coffee.

Hate to tell you but it's normal. The nauseousness comes and goes for the first couple of weeks. It gets better. Hang in there!

I had an eval and I had some regrets the first week but I didn't find it to be abnormal or a sign of mental instability. The surgery is a major shock to your system and as much as everyone tries to prepare you, you don't really get it until you are in it. I was panicked because I couldn't get enough protein in. I couldn't drink a lot so it was a sun up to sun down project. I couldn't stand the taste of the clear liquid protein drinks. I was also nauseous most of the time the first week or so. Once I got past that I was fine and now couldn't be happier.

Right there with you. I was sleeved in December. My weight loss slowed significantly over the past month. I stay the same for a while, then I go down a pound or two, get all excited and the next day I've gained it back. I need to exercise more for sure. I also need to drink more water. I've struggled with that from the beginning. I'm trying to roll with it and not get too worked up over it. This isn't about who finishes first is what I keep telling myself. It is a lifetime of work we have on our plates

I had 2 c sections and those weren't bad at all. Sore and slowed me down but not bad. As far as pain, This was nothing compared to that. A little discomfort but nothing more than that. The first 2 days are great. Hit me after that for a couple of days but that's it. I was very nauseous for about week or so. That wasn't tons of fun.

I didn't have any problems until about the time you are. I had never been constipated a day in my life before then. My surgeon gavel a script for stool softener but it was over the counter. It does the trick. I didn't want to take it but quite honestly I have to or I am very uncomfortable. I also talked to my pcp about it and he said softeners are fine but to avoid laxatives because your body can become dependent on them. Good luck!

I was a coffee drinker before the surgery and liked it chock full of caffeine. I try to get decaf and then use non fat milk and artificial sweetener - both hot and cold. If I know I'm going to be working long hours and need some caffeine I buy their low calorie iced coffee at my local grocery store and bring it with me. It has 50 calories for 11oz which is really tied to the milk in it and it takes me a really long time to drink it.

Thank you for asking this question and for the answers that were provided. It makes sense now.

I went back in 4 days. It really all depends on how surgery goes, how your body heals, and the type of work you do. I think you should put in for the time they will allow and then play it by ear.

My hair is important to me. It was one of my biggest concerns about having the surgery. Well, here I am over 5 months out and my hair is fine. I read lots of stories about clumps of hair coming out and cringing at the thought. I talked to my doctor about what I could do or take to prevent it. His advice to me - don't do or buy anything special. Eat right and make sure you get your protein in and take your vitamins. I asked him about Biotin and he told me not to bother. That is exactly what I have been doing. Has my hair thinned a teensy bit? Sure. It is noticeable? Not at all. Do I have hair on my clothes more often? Yup. Overall the change in my hair is noticeable to me but no one else. Now I realize everyone's story is different, but I wanted to share mine with those who are thinking about the surgery or early on post op because I am sure someone else is/was probably as worried as me.

Today I hit a major milestone. I am now the lightest I've been in at least 15 years. I finally weigh under 200 pounds. It was so exciting to see it on the scale. I've been dancing around it for a few weeks. I am just thrilled with my new body as it emerges. Is it perfect? Certainly not but I'm embracing it. I can do more with my body than I've been able to in a long, long time. I am spending more quality time, active time, with my children. I get dressed and feel like I can go out with my head held high. I'm really proud and love the sleeve for helping me get there!

Thanks all!

You look fab! Congrats! Any tips/advice you can share on what you did post surgery as far assails, exercise, and other lifestyle changes?

I can keep the celebrate multi down but the calcium ones make me very nauseous. The only time I vomited since surgery was after I took the calcium ones too quickly to get it over and done with. I feel your pain. If you don't change Vitamins then try and space them out as much as you can.

I must have had a great psych. I was pretty darn honest and got emotional at some points. She was very understanding and supportive. She basically told me I need to cut myself a break. Approved on first visit. I didn't know why some were so difficult. From all of the posts in this thread of people who weren't immediately approved, I say shame on those psychs. They should be weeding out people who truly aren't good candidates for reasons such as lack of commitment to the process, unrealistic expectations, or other things that put them in danger. Holding someone hostage because of their past experiences that aren't relevant is beyond ridiculous. Glad to hear most of you worked through it quickly.

I am so happy for you! You can cry, dance, sing, whatever you feel like That is an amazing accomplishment. I hope to be in the same place sometime soon. If you had to attribute your post op success to 2-3 things, what would you say it was?

I feel excited and proud. I am 37 years old and I ran on a treadmill for the first time in my life today. It wasn't for a long time nor was I a speed demon but I did it. I am super psyched! I feel like I am building a newer, healthier me in so many ways. I am so happy I got surgery nearly 4 weeks ago. I did get shin splints the last time I regularly walked on a treadmill. Any advice on how to avoid?

I began really working out today and want to know if I should be counting regular calories or net calories after exercise is considered? I was just looking at total calories but was talking to someone and they said I need to look at net to make sure I am taking in enough so I am not burning everything I put in my body. I am confused on what I should do and welcome any advice.