sleevesister9/13

What a difference a year made in my life! So grateful!! Size 24/26 to 12. Surgery 5/21/12. HW 294.4 CW 176. Total loss 118 lbs and 22 to goal.

I have shared over the past year or so the many different struggles I have had with seeing myself accurately. I have had a couple of mental breakthroughs the last few weeks and I thought it might be insightful to some others who are struggling with the same thing.
I am like 5# from goal now. I felt that my goal is high - it is like a 26 or 27 BMI and I kept wondering if I really should lose another 10-15 or 20 (or honestly is there a number that is enough?) amount less then that to get to a "proper" weight for my height. I have had some friends concerned about this because they keep telling me it is time to stop losing. I had the plastic surgeon tell me the same thing - I am at a good healthy attractive weight.
Well, it is hard to believe that about yourself when the mirror keeps noticing every little imperfection.
A few weeks ago I went to a trapeze party and yes I swung on a flying trapeze (terrified, but did it). The photos from that party made me realize that I am thicker then the 20 year old waif girls but thinner then pretty much every one over 40. I am fitter then most of them too.
A good friend loaned me a dress for a work related 1970s themed party that I was so nervous about. That being dressed up and being SEEN. Well, the dress was a modest outfit - I went Saturday Night Fever theme. She is average sized and I never believed her dress would fit me. I slipped it on - a fitted medium - and it was pefect. No Shapewear squeezing me in, i just fit a medium, fitted, nonstretch costume. Even I couldn't deny that it made me seem so... normal sized.
Then, I went to this big work related event where I was declared attractive, not just by people who know and love me. For the first time in my adult life, I felt like an attractive, normal looking woman. It is such a strange thing to think about isn't it.... when you have always felt everything from lumpy frumpy all the way to huge.
Last night, I was waiting for a friend outside of a restaurant and got a whistle from a passing vehicle. I was wearing a winter coat over my leggings and boots - hardly dressed provocatively. In my past, I would have assumed alot of different things about that event.... but this time i had to turn away so no one could see my smile. I am not invisible anymore. I am 48 years old and for the first time in memory, I am not invisible, I am not frumpy, I am not embarrassed to be seen. I dress nice, wear stylish clothes and shoes, do up my hair and makeup - I look better then I did when I was 28 when I was frumpy and dressed like I was trying to hide. I am shocked that my looks have held up so well to time and all the weight gain and loss but I bet alot of it is my attitude. I like me pretty dang well and just feel like I have finally given myself permission to shed the fatsuit.
Yes, I still want to have that Tummy Tuck, but even if I never do... that will be okay too.

This was said so well it is deserving of a repost! Additionally realize that your head is what is going to need to change in order to make this effective long term. Even though our stomach are much smaller then they were, it is still not healthy or productive to revert back to our old habits....overeating.
Strive to think like a skinny person, food is fuel and nothing else. We don't pump gas until it's flowing over the tank do we? Learn what amount of food your body needs to make you feel satisfied, not full. This is a learning journey we are on.

Love reading the success stories. I was sleeved on 9/13. Down 60 lbs and have had no issues so far. Looking forward to 2013 and reaching my goal.

I agree with Ladydawg2009. Just focus on the weight loss and don't worry about your hair right now. It WILL grow back eventually. A year out from surgery you won't even be thinking about it. Just do your best with Protein intake as your body adjusts to everything. I also tried Biotin and some scalp treatments when I was going through that time period, but nothing seemed to help. Only TIME.
My husband just went through chemo and lost ALL his hair - everywhere! So we really have nothing to complain about. It's hard though because as women we are so vain about our hair. But believe me, you'll get through this. Best of luck to you all dealing with this right now!

I am 15 weeks out and having major hairloss , I am taking Biotin and zinc and using Fall Fight Shampoo and conditioner ... I have to admit it slowed it down a tad but still losing lots for my taste . My surgeon said it will happen as your bosy is still recouperating and taking all the Vitamins from less important places like hair/ nails . However he said don''t worry you wont go bald ... It will start to grow back ...

Congrats to you! I am 11 months out yesterday and about where you are. I agree, this has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I feel great....finally! I really never had any hard time, I was lucky on that part. Best of luck to all the newer sleevers, you will too feel the same!

One year - so many changes in my life - feeling physically better than ever and I am so happy I choose to have the sleeve.
As I read the topics of the newbies it helps me to remember how I felt before and at the beginning of this journey - it helps to re live the times when it was tough. Now this is a way of life for me and I am grateful to all of you for the support and camaradrie I found here.
Best wishes to all in whatever stage you are in; the time goes by fast and the weight keeps coming off - maybe slower but it comes off.
much love

Sleeved Sept 6. Down 70 including pre op diet.
I am losing hair but that does not bother me. I have enough for 10 people. I wish I could share with the rest of you!!!
Feeling awesome. This is the best thing I have ever done!!!

Surgery date Sept 10th, weight prior to preop 345 and with preop 335. Down to 275 now! Woohoo!

I've lost 55 lbs in 3.5 months and I'm 5' 3". I'm very happy with my loss. I think you're doing great as well. Word of advise, never compare your journey or loss to anyone elses. We are all so different and no two journeys will ever be the same. Be proud of every single pound lost. You've worked hard for it no matter the time it takes to lose it...fast, slow or average. Keep up the good work.

Good luck dear. I found myself doing that as well during the holidays. I'm 16 weeks out and have a long way to go. I feel like I let myself down but I am re focused and back on track.

Same here. I didn't gain but I haven't lost in the last couple weeks and I'm 5 months out. It's the damn carbs!!! I need to to back to basics and get the carbs out of my system. We can do it!

GNC has their own brand of muscle milk. It's cheaper and it tastes MUCH better! All the nutrition is about the same as well.
They sell individual ones in their little cooler so u can try before u buy a 4 pack

Way to go. I too went a little overboard during the holidays.Let's get our butts back on the program! We're here for you! Good luck.

I was sleeved Sept 13th and I'm down 60 lbs. feeling great.