GypsyQueen

So... This me ..... Soooo embarrassing
I am 5 mo post op- as of yesterday I was at 232.8-
I started at 319
86.2 down so far....
1st in hospital right after surgery
2nd pic was a couple of weekends ago


Sent from my iPhone using VST

Here is mine :-) I'm 5mths post op and down 114lbs :-)

I am a few days shy of the two month mark... i am down 76 pounds so far

Starts with baby steps, right? Good for you!

Thanks for the inspiration. You look great!

It might not look appetizing, but everything tastes just as good as the unpureed version.
My first meals were deviled eggs, applesauce, tuna salad, chicken thighs, and bananas. I dreamed about the deviled eggs.< /p>

You could always go with the G.I. Jane look and you won't have to worry about it.
Worked for me.
I mean face it....if you're dropping 100 plus pounds do you think anyone is going to really care that much if you shaved your head?

Not only am I wearing smaller shoes, I can wear strappy heels! Wearing heels in general is awesome, but ones that I can actually reach down and buckle (yay!) that don't cut into fat pads is simply AMAZING! Looking forward to winter and the possibility of being able to zip up boots!!!!!!

move over Chris Christie..Graham Elliott is representing!

Mauro, on The Cake Boss, had Lap Band surgery too recently. He's not Chris Christie, but it is interesting watching it all unfold as we watch.

Okay so I'm still in planning stages for my VSG. When I first decided I was going to do this the next thought was, who do I tell about this ? or do I not say a word, hop a plane to Mexico, get it done and come home then tell everyone that I'm having "fabulous" results with Weight Watchers.



But I REALLY want to share this with people as I'm so excited that my new life will start soon. But as soon as i think about it the reality hits that truthfully not all my friends and family are going to see it quite like I do.



Here's what I face. I have a few friends that will smile and say "oh wow" and "how exciting" and offer no resistance. Then they go home and say to their husbands - holy ****, she's losing her mind, Mexico ?? surgery ?? really ??



Then there's the friends that I call the "researchers" - they seem to spend hours trolling the internet looking for all the things that can kill you. These are the ones you dread the most. Their mouths drop open in horror and they immediately start spewing out endless facts, horror stories and statistics. It goes like this "I don't want to frighten you, but are you aware that dozens of women are abducted at gunpoint in Mexico and are never seen again" and it goes on and on.



Then there's my lovely mother - now in her 80's. She would say "you don't need to do something that drastic, you've got a lovely face, can't you just stop eating chocolate" ?



But if you're lucky, you'll find one little gem of a friend that gets it. That totally understands that I HATE looking in the mirror and i HATE being invited to gatherings because nothing fits or looks right and I HATE ending each day feeling like a failure because I ate badly and didn't take proper care of myself (again) and she knows what it means to me to have this done.



But the nice thing is - even if you aren't lucky enough to have that one great friend, we do at least have this forum where EVERYONE gets it, everyone knows what it's like.

There is a definite difference between the full of pre sleeve to now. Without the elasticity of our stomach, the discomfort of going overboard is much more obvious, immediate and intense.
But if you eat slow, a level of satiety can be reached that is still satisfying.

I get hungry. So, my Vitamins almost count as a mini meal and stave off the hunger for another hour or so. I take them with milk so they are not on an empty stomach and I am using chewable multi (Centrum) and gummi Calcium (citracal yummy!) and practically look forward to taking them. You will find what works for you.
And everybody's capacity is different. When I went to support and people a year out were still having issues with 2oz., I felt like the freak in the room. I got rid of Protein shakes/powders as soon as I was off post op liquid phase and have been eating 3oz. Protein regularly, plus fruit or veggie. Maybe this will be you too!
If you eat out, as you cut small and chew well, nobody will think much of it because you'll still be eating when they finish. Ask for a to go box right when food is served and nobody will know how much you ate or put away!
Embrace your decision and move forward! No turning back, right? That's the pep talk I had with myself on Day 4 and have not regretted it since. You can do this!!!

It depends on how much progress you make. I lost 45 lbs. and starting second guessing my decision to go forward with surgery. Luckily my husband encouraged me to go for it and I'm so glad I did.
Invest in the time during your diet to adjust to the sleeve lifestyle. It will make adjusting post surgery so much less stressful.

I found a Groupon for a 2 hour massage and did that the day before surgery. Such a stressful day and that helped pass the time. And made contemplating food impossible for a while too.

In the graveyard of failed diet attempts you will see on the tombstones, "Here lies the dream, destroyed by discouragement from unrealistic expectations".
The sleeve will not drop you off at Slimbodyville. Weight loss and maintenance are a part of a life long journey. The sleeve is a vehicle. If you stay on, stay awake with hands on the steering wheel,and follow the traffic rules you will pass through many milestones of victorious overcoming. If you think you have arrived and let go of the wheel and go to sleep you will wake up one day back where you began...and perhaps worse.
I encourage everyone new to the sleeve to visit the veterans forum. There you will find that the real value of the sleeve is the help it provides years out. It is a powerful tool but not invincible. Veterans struggle to maintain and regain ground. Knowledge and the correct attitude is just as important 3 years out as 3 days out.
How many times have you lost weight, even reached goal, only to gain it back? Diligence is the price of freedom. This isn't magic, it's war.

I get hungry. So, my Vitamins almost count as a mini meal and stave off the hunger for another hour or so. I take them with milk so they are not on an empty stomach and I am using chewable multi (Centrum) and gummi Calcium (citracal yummy!) and practically look forward to taking them. You will find what works for you.
And everybody's capacity is different. When I went to support and people a year out were still having issues with 2oz., I felt like the freak in the room. I got rid of Protein shakes/powders as soon as I was off post op liquid phase and have been eating 3oz. Protein regularly, plus fruit or veggie. Maybe this will be you too!
If you eat out, as you cut small and chew well, nobody will think much of it because you'll still be eating when they finish. Ask for a to go box right when food is served and nobody will know how much you ate or put away!
Embrace your decision and move forward! No turning back, right? That's the pep talk I had with myself on Day 4 and have not regretted it since. You can do this!!!

I get hungry. So, my Vitamins almost count as a mini meal and stave off the hunger for another hour or so. I take them with milk so they are not on an empty stomach and I am using chewable multi (Centrum) and gummi Calcium (citracal yummy!) and practically look forward to taking them. You will find what works for you.
And everybody's capacity is different. When I went to support and people a year out were still having issues with 2oz., I felt like the freak in the room. I got rid of Protein shakes/powders as soon as I was off post op liquid phase and have been eating 3oz. Protein regularly, plus fruit or veggie. Maybe this will be you too!
If you eat out, as you cut small and chew well, nobody will think much of it because you'll still be eating when they finish. Ask for a to go box right when food is served and nobody will know how much you ate or put away!
Embrace your decision and move forward! No turning back, right? That's the pep talk I had with myself on Day 4 and have not regretted it since. You can do this!!!

I get hungry. So, my Vitamins almost count as a mini meal and stave off the hunger for another hour or so. I take them with milk so they are not on an empty stomach and I am using chewable multi (Centrum) and gummi Calcium (citracal yummy!) and practically look forward to taking them. You will find what works for you.
And everybody's capacity is different. When I went to support and people a year out were still having issues with 2oz., I felt like the freak in the room. I got rid of Protein shakes/powders as soon as I was off post op liquid phase and have been eating 3oz. Protein regularly, plus fruit or veggie. Maybe this will be you too!
If you eat out, as you cut small and chew well, nobody will think much of it because you'll still be eating when they finish. Ask for a to go box right when food is served and nobody will know how much you ate or put away!
Embrace your decision and move forward! No turning back, right? That's the pep talk I had with myself on Day 4 and have not regretted it since. You can do this!!!

Many docs don't give goal numbers. I specifically asked and the PA said 161 is what the computer set my goal at. I'm 5'3" and at 168 currently. I know I will go below their # as I'm only 9 weeks post op. I just happened to lose a lot prior to surgery. So every "BODY" is different. It will find it's comfort zone and settle in.

I did it! Just got back from my one year post op appointment! Here are the facts:
Day of surgery 299 pounds and a 44 BMI
Today 172 pounds and a 28 BMI.
Was a tight size 24, now I wear a comfortable size 10!
I am 5'9''
Best thing I have ever done for myself.
I do watch what I eat, but I have no regimented exercise. I have bad knees, but stay busy with my 3 daughters...getting ready to go horseback riding in a few hours -
If you are unsure, I am telling you - it is fantastic!
I LOVE to go shopping now.
I have never been sick - not once. No puking for me...but I am a wussy and never "pushed" it,....when I am full, I stop eating.
I do have some loose skin on my upper underside of my arms, my lower belly and inner thighs...but only hubby really sees that, and he doesn't mind:) I have been pregnant 3 times, and I do not know why I was worried about how my stomach would look...it's not like 3 fat rolls were that much more attractive!
I look cute in my tankini
There is nothing I CAN'T eat, but a lot of stuff I shouldn't - so I try to still stay away from most carby things....unless it's an occasional treat. I like to stay around 40g of carbs a day....
If the kids want ice cream at Marble Slab - I don't order any for myself, but I take a bite or two of theirs and feel satisfied:)
My hair is getting nice and thick again - thankk GOD!
My levels all looked good - but I do need to start ub the sublingual B12 again....I am terrible about taking a pill!!
My doctor would like to see me go down to 160 because I like the weight I am at now....he says I will regain some of my muscle mass that I have inevitably lost, and if the lower 170's is were I want to be for maintenance, getting to 160 will assure that!
As always, feel free to contact me if you have specific questions. I don't get on here much anymore - but my personal email is ssmonte72@yahoo.com I WILL respond to you!
God Bless!
Shannon

I spent 5 months in the hospital due to complications with my surgery..Would I do it all over again....YES...
I have so much energy 9 months out it is scary.....I have lost 131.4 lbs as of now and would have never done that other wise.....I feel like a different person and loving every moment as the new me uncovers herself......
Trust me that your Dr. does not look at this surgery as business...They are in it to help obese people get their lives back....
I saw mt surgeon last week and he could not stop smiling he was so happy for me...He almost started to cry..
They can easily find other surgeries to perform that would be less risk and make small changes in people for the good....Look at her that way and even ask her why she got into this in the first place...You may be surprised....
I was...
You can do this......

Well thanks for your reply....How is anyone supposed to figure that out...LOL! USed to be that to reply, one would hit a button that said reply!

Protein shakes were allowed for me as soon as I got home from the hospital.