adargie

Haven't posted in awhile, things are going really well, I am a little over 2 weeks out and down 17 pounds, haven't moved from that in 4 days so I figure the dreaded 3 week stall is hitting. Oh well, I have learned its very common.
 
Went to see my surgeon today and dietician. My surgeon was amazed at my recovery,(I must say he is a cutie too!) I have not had any issues, besides nausea with the celebrate vitamins. I am transitioning according to plan. He said "you are what we like to see with this surg" that made me feel good. I have been following rules, although I snuck a peanut butter cracker in the other day. Chewed it till it was mush. I must say it was delightful! But I was satisfied with that amount, unlike before where I would have eaten 15 of them. I asked the surgeon how he closed the stomach after he cut it, (I like gory details) He said he uses titanium staples which are permanent, also sutures a type of goretex material that dissolves along the incision, and he takes some of the omentum(tissue throughout the abdomen) and sutures it around the stomach to keep it in place.(this helps with nausea) These are techniques that are fairly new and that he and his partners created and are being used around the country.
 
The dietician has given me the ok for soft foods and purees, what I don't get is they do not allow eggs, like egg salad or scrambled. But I can have tuna or chick salad. That was weird. I will stay on this for 4 more weeks before real food happens. I have tried mashed potatoes, refried beans and creme of wheat already no issues. I am slowly understanding the feeling of restriction now with this new food. I like to know its there. That is what keeps me on track. I do not have problems with sugar(kinda wish I did) I had a 70 calorie orange creme cicle, and no problems with it.
 
What I am really struggling with is the no drinking during meals, I find myself with dry mouth post op so I always have a glass of water/crystal light around. It is so hard not to reach for the glass during the meal or right after. But I am working on it.
 
I have noticed a change in appearance, nothing substantial, but heck I'm only out 17 days. I do tend to be a bit impatient........
 
This weekend could be a challenge, sat we may be going to a pig roast for a birthday, no one there knows and I don't feel like telling the story 80 times, but if I do not have a beer in my hand they will all think I am pregnant. Ugh so I may just have to pretend I am drinking. Then sunday we are going to see my husbands grandparents and take them out for their birthdays. Also, folks I don't feel like telling, number one because well people from that generation do not understand weight loss surg, and I don't feel like trying to explain myself 20 times because of hearing aids. But I also know his grandma will be pushing food on my like crazy so I may have to give in on that.
 
Anywho, just though I would update things. I have found a routine, I am making my own protein shakes in the morning and saving the packaged ones for at work or on the go so I don't get too tired of them. I use half a banana, one scoop unflavored unjry, one container of 100cal greek yogurt(berry) and 1/3 cup skim milk and ice. Tastes great and good consistency. Plus its like 36grams of protien. Great start to the day.
 
Till next time.....

Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work.  I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot.  I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few.  But I had a system - Here was my thinking - 
(1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off,  so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories.  I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics.  I could be wrong. I think it depends on the sauce (go with "hot" flavor to get all of Einstein's relativity benefits, I know he is not the king of Thermodyanics, but you always get points for dropping his name)
(2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count…
(3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce.
Well, here was the problem.  BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York.  And I had not been THERE!
Nonetheless, busted is busted.
Until, the great god of fried chicken intervened.  They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside.  Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton.  I can stop off and not get caught.
Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits.  So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore.  And not having a “few” beers.  But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure)
But like all great things, there was a catch.  And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects.
Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?”  I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry.  And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of.
Also it is a useful tool.  Dog in the bed, not being still?  No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over.  Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska?  I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive).
So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” 
I was busted again.  TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA –
Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog.
I took out the trash and washed her car twice….  HOPE YOU ARE LAUGHING..... LIFE IS TOO SHORT NOT TO LAUGH - ESPECIALLY AT ME.
Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work.  I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot.  I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few.  But I had a system - Here was my thinking - 
(1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off,  so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories.  I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics.  I could be wrong. 
(2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count…
(3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce.
Well, here was the problem.  BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York.  And I had not been THERE!
Nonetheless, busted is busted.
Until, the great good of fried chicken intervened.  They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside.  Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton.  I can stop off and not get caught.
Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits.  So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore.  And not having a “few” beers.  But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure)
But like all great things, there was a catch.  And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects.
Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?”  I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry.  And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of.
Also it is a useful tool.  Dog in the bed, not being still?  No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over.  Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska?  I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive).
So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” 
I was busted again.  TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA –
Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog.
I took out the trash and washed her car twice….
  
Before my surgery, I used to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) on my way home from work.  I work many many hours (70+ a week or more) so I come home late a lot.  I got in the habit of stopping off at BWW on the way home for a few.  But I had a system - Here was my thinking - 
(1) Tuesday is wing night with discount prices - 40% off means 40% off,  so I ate an extra 40% of wings for the same calories.  I am pretty sure that is the 4th law of thermo dynamics.  I could be wrong. 
(2) Then if you used a discount card, or had a gift card, they were "FREE" - well, those don't count…
(3) And we all know that all the calories are in the bones, so getting boneless wings was practically like eating lettuce.
Well, here was the problem.  BWW was a smoking establishment – so I would come home smoky and the wife would ask, “Did you stop at Buffalo?” to which I would say no! Since she was obviously referring to a small town in upstate New York.  And I had not been THERE!
Nonetheless, busted is busted.
Until, the great good of fried chicken intervened.  They did a huge bar remodel and in order to get the building permit, they had to go No-smoking inside.  Wheeeee! Now I am in high cotton.  I can stop off and not get caught.
Of course, the sleeve surgery drastically changed my eating and beer consumption habits.  So I was not covered in mango hanenero or Asian Zing sauce anymore.  And not having a “few” beers.  But I could still hang with my late night buds, tell horrible lies about all kinds of things – like girls, and golf handicaps, and girls, and how much money we make and girls… (we talk a lot about girls- go figure)
But like all great things, there was a catch.  And we are going to get just a bit 12 year old boy potty humor here (or as I like to call it) unexpected sleeve side-affects.
Here is the deal – and tell me if I am a freak or weird (in this way only, I know I am an odd ball) – About 30 days after surgery I had a change in my “habits?”  I have become North America’s 2nd largest producer of methane gas, second only to the entire US cattle industry.  And of course as a guy, this is not a drawback – it is something to be proud of.
Also it is a useful tool.  Dog in the bed, not being still?  No problem, I can get him to leave without even rolling over.  Trapped in a frozen cabin in Alaska?  I can keep a family of 6 warm for over a week (assuming they survive).
So, the problem … Came home late, had a “bit” of gas the next morning (knocked both dogs out of the bed) – but more importantly – “the cloud”, honest to goodness, had a distinct mango hanenero “after burn.” 
I was busted again.  TWO FRICKIN’ NAKED (GRILLED) TENDERS AND AN ICE TEA –
Unfortunately, you cannot blame wing sauce on a dog.
I took out the trash and washed her car twice….

Talked with the surgeon yesterday. I am good to go. I had some extra blood work and talked to the anesthesiologist about being under for a set of shots i can't remember the name of. (He was attractive, but married...doh!)
 
My unflavored Unjury powder came in. It's a little odd but my other protein is worse.
 
I'm kinda nervous, kinda scared.

Saturday, August 3, 2013
After traveling all day on Saturday, August 3, 2013, my driver had already called me and left a message on my cell phone and was waiting for me at the front of the ElPaso Airport baggage claim area. Wow! We drove across the border into Mexico with no problems; they didn’t even ask to see my passport. The driver dove up to the front doors of the hospital, unloaded my suitcase (be certain that you tip the driver especially if it’s a weekend) and took me into Star Medica Hospital in Juarez, Mexico where I was met by Dr. Calderon at the admissions office. He had all the Papers in order for my admission and consent to surgery. He personally assisted the admissions clerk with checking me in, the payment and took me to x-ray for my chest x-ray and then to my surprise upgraded me to a much better room on the 3rd floor. He also took me to the 3rd floor after x-ray, weighed me and measured my height, then took me and my luggage to my room! You can’t get this kind of service In the US! ( I have had 2 deliveries and surgery 2 times in the US and believe me, I was not treated this nice at all).
After I got settled into the super nice room, two nurses came and performed an EKG, took blood and started an IV. It wasn’t long before a nice young man came to transport me to surgery. While in the pre op room there were about 5 nurses and an anesthesiologist waiting for me. They were all smiling and talking to me along with putting medicine into my IV. The next thing I remember was being wheeled into a surgery suite with nice Mexican music playing. At this point I have not met my surgeon Dr. Jose Rodriguez. He told me later, that the anesthesiologist put me under before he could talk to me, but he did talk to me anyway.
I woke up in recovery with the very same smiling nurses. I will tell you something, the nurses at this hospital are some of the most beautiful young women I have ever seen in Mexico. The young man wheeled me back to my room where I slept for a couple of hours. I’m glad I got that couple of hours of sleep because the gas pain kept me up all Saturday night. It was horrible pain! I couldn’t lie down because that is when they would start. My mouth and lips was so dry, good thing I brought my Burt’s Bees along. The nurses had 2 bottles of water in my room for rinsing and spitting only. I was not allowed anything to drink, just swoosh and spit. I took the IV with me several times out into the hallway and walked around the floor to help relieve the gas. This does work and blowing on the little horn they give you to use.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
It’s Sunday and I still have gas pains, but not as bad as last night. There is free wifi here in the hospital, but I can’t get my computer to go online. The nurses tried to help me, but they couldn’t get me online either. They told me that several of the patients can’t get on it either. My cable wasn’t working either, but the nurses called maintenance and a man came right up and got me another remote control. Now I am watching TV in Spanish. The nurse came to my room and told me I could take a shower. I took her up on that. She changed my bed and made it fresh again. The ladies come and clean my room every day.
One of the doctors came to see me this morning and said that I could get some ice chips! Yeah! He also said I could take my prescription medications if I chew them up before swallowing with the ice chips. For the first time in several years, this morning, my blood pressure was 100/60! After the vitals were taken, she did a blood sugar on me. I told her that I am not diabetic, but I held out my finger anyway and the test showed I was 126, high for someone fasting for 2 days and not being diabetic. I think is from the IV solutions they are pumping into me. The nurse came into the room with clean bed sheets, towel and new pajamas and told me that I could take a shower. I didn’t have to worry about the drain and she unhooked my IV. I felt so much better after the shower.
All 3 doctors came to see me this afternoon. Dr. Rod told me that he took 80% of my stomach, stapled it with 3 rows of titanium staples and also sutured it all together. I have stitches in the muscle of my stomach that will dissolve and the drain has no stitches. After having my first meal since Friday evening for dinner, I was given a nice lunch tray including chicken broth, pear juice, a bucket of chipped ice, tangerine flavored jello and hot tea. I could only eat a couple spoons of broth and some jello, and then I was full. Later this afternoon, the nurse came to walk me down to x-ray for the swallowing test. YUCH! That liquid was horrible; it tasted like liquid cough syrup from when I was a kid. I stood there and could watch the liquid go through my esophagus to my stomach and onto the small intestine. After the doctor escorted me back to my room, I had to brush my teeth to get that horrid taste out of my mouth. A few minutes later, the same doctor came back to take my drain out, didn’t feel a thing, and he put a band aid over the opening. He told me to take the band aid off when I take a shower (no baths) and put a new one on after. Next, a nurse came into my room and took the IV out. I’m glad because the IV was in my hand and it hurt every time they would flush it or add medication. The doctor brought me a DVD of my x-ray swallowing test to take home with me.
(By the way, I am on 3 prescriptions and they have to be taken every day. I asked the doctor how I could take them my first post-op day and he said to smash them up to swallow them)
I had to get up during the night because I had a headache and my mouth was very dry. I walked up to the nurses’ station with my empty ice bucket and asked for some ice and something for a headache. I was instructed to go back to my room and they would bring it to me. The nurse brought my pain pill and a new bucket of ice to me and told me to put the pill under my tongue. I went back to sleep after eating some ice and the pill had dissolved.
Monday, August 5, 2013
It’s Monday morning and I think all the gas is gone. I was able to lie down and sleep last night without any pain except the headache, and there is none this morning. I feel like going back home today, but my flight can’t be changed from tomorrow morning. I plan on taking a shower this morning, getting dressed into my regular clothes and just hanging out here. The time zone here is mountain time so I am still getting used to everything being one hour behind. My stomach is growling a little this morning, and then it stops. I don’t know if that is hunger or just healing. My breakfast this morning consisted of Orange jello, hot tea, pear juice and crushed ice, yummy!
 
I asked one of the nurses if I could weigh myself this Monday afternoon and she agreed to help me. To my surprise, I am down 16 pounds! I have had a headache since last evening and I believe it is my system crying out for caffeine. The doctor said I could have caffeine so I was delivered a large cup of hot tea with splenda sweetener. I hope this takes care of the headache because the pain pills are not.
One thing the doctor did tell me about eating is that you should eat the warm foods first to prime your stomach, then the cold. Always eat with protein first, then vegetables and add some fruit if you are still hungry. I haven’t eaten very much because I get full after a few bites of jello and a couple sips of their good chicken broth. Lunch today consisted of pear juice, lime jello, decaf hot tea and a bucket of yummy crushed ice. I never thought I would love eating crushed ice! Maybe when I get home, I will give the shaved ice people a visit and get a sugar free goody!
I have been told that the man who will drive me back to the airport Tuesday morning will be here at 8 am. Since going back into the US is worse than coming into Mexico, it could take a couple of hours. There is high security alert at this time. My flight home is at 11:55 am to Dallas, then on to Gulfport, MS. I am worried about the prescriptions I had to buy ($50) to take home with me getting through the TSA people at the border. I have a written RX for them, so I hope that will be enough. A surprise, another belly shot for blood clots, man, those things sting bad!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
I got up early this morning, took a shower and dressed. I asked for breakfast and it was sent to me with pear juice, lime jello and hot tea. I took a few bites of the jello and that was all I could eat. Next thing I knew, the driver called my room 30 minutes early and said he was downstairs waiting for me in the lobby. I grabbed my bags and headed downstairs. He was right there and assisted me to his van. We drove to the border and it was our luck that the DEA was there today. We had to wait for 35 minutes for them to go through all of my prescriptions including the ones I brought with me! We were flagged to go through and on to the ElPaso Airport. I am here now waiting for my flight back to Gulfport, MS. I feel fine, just a little groggy. I am looking forward to being home in my own bed and with my husband and pets.
If any of you ever need encouragement or advice, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I will keep posting my progress. Thanks for listening to me!

I got the call this morning that will change my life forever - I'm approved for weight loss surgery. It's scheduled, in pen. I'm not turning back now. It's time. Time for me, time for change, time to get healthy. No more size 20 pants. No more hiding in cover ups when I'm in my humongous bathing suits. I'm done with the way things are and so happy to be on this new road.

Yep D Day is here aka operation day. I am not nervous. This shocks me. Could be e premedication I've taken but I haven't felt nervous at all. That doesn't mean I haven't had moments of "worst case scenario" syndrome but for the most part I am good!
 
My appointment is for 7:30 but have to be there one hour before to get IV, gowned oh yhea and pay the anesthesiologist (thank you spell check).
 
Through this whole journey to today I have had my husband supporting me the whole way. Thank you darling.
 
Nope I'm feeling good and looking forward to being on the other side - recovery pain and all.
 
Good luck to all being sleeves today- see you on the other side.

I'm a closet sleever whose doing this alone. Today was my last day at work because my procedure is scheduled for Tuesday. While updating my out of office for work email & updating my voice mail, it hit me.
 
As I would tell my girlfriends......"This *ish is REAL!!" The waiting is over!
From 1/2013 to 7/2013, I'm finally here.
 
I've been to the required support groups,
the consultations,
the psych evals,
the 3 months with the Nut,
the EGD,
the H Pylori meds, (ugh)
the tears from being denied the 1st time around,
the excitement of being approved from the appeal,
the scheduled date FINALLY!! (the longest holiday weekend of my LIFE!)
the PreOp class,
My RX & "how to" on how to administer the blood thinner injections, once I get home. (and I'm TERRIFIED of needles)
Telling my coworkers I'm going out for gall bladder surgery
to this very moment.
 
I don't know how I should feel. I've read many books & I've scanned many blogs. I'm stocked up on food & prayers!!
 
I have enough chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broth, seafood broth, jello, pudding, protien powders, syntrax nectar powders, isopure RTD, liquid whey protein tubes, chewable vitamins, chewable iron, applesauce, sugar free drink packets & bottled water to last me through to December!! lol.....No...seriously!
 
Thank you all for your support, your guidance & for emails I've received. We are all in this together & I'm looking forward to crossing over into my new beginning very shortly.

I crossed the finish line. What a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.
 
The day of surgery I was up at four, showered again (my skin hated that soap) and did my skin prep (skin hated that as well) and dressed. I dressed in a sassy, long sleeveless maxi dress and high wedged sandals. I thought I looked cute lol. My friend came and off we went.
 
The friend and I sat and talked for 30 minutes then I went into the hospital. They didn't start allowing folks into admissions until 5:45 so I had a 15 min wait.
 
At the given time we go up and the steps of the journey begin. I was fine at first then I started praying that all goes well and I felt like crying. The tears were happy and sad, happy I was having the procedure and sad in thinking that if my mom had taken this chance she would still be here with me.
 
I dried my eyes, I couldn't have folks think I was a chicken lol. And waited.
 
All of the doctored, associated staff came by to introduce themselves etc., it was cool. I had the best nurses that setup my IV and checked my vitals. They assured me I would be fine and vouched for my surgeon big time. They said he did not play around and took his work very seriously. I felt all the stress leave me then.
 
Then they said, it was time. Eight folks were in the room and all introduced themselves. I moved onto the table, they lined me up, strapped me in and put the gas on and I woke up in my room about noon.
 
I need to be very clear on this point, I HATE MORPHINE! Ok, that's better. That stuff made me so sick. I worked too hard to it vomit. They made me walk in a morphine stupor, that my friends was ugly. I stopped using the morphine pump (PCA) at 10 pm that first night and felt tons better. My pain was minimal compared to the soreness I felt from trying to control muscles that have been operated on so I would not vomit.
 
Day two was sooooo much better, 2am I buzzed the nurse and asked to walk. I did three laps around the long halls and felt good. Then I was told I could wash, that was like winning the lottery.
 
At 6am I was up and walking again, two laps this time and once in my room I was allowed some peaceful time in the bathroom to wash and change my gown.
 
The rest of the day was spent begging to have the foley removed and texting friends and family to let them know I was ok. Then cat napping. I was successful in getting the foley removed and having more quality time in the bathroom.
 
I had a private room and wonderful nurses and CNAs to help me. My favorite nurse was named Karen. She was nice, friendly, and very helpful.
 
About 2 pm I started making my arrangements for a ride home. My niece was staying a week with me so she had a friend come with her and they picked me up. I did not realize how scared she was for me, she burst in the room all wild eyed. I started laughing and asked what was wrong, she gave me a good looking over then said nothing, nothing just wanted to be sure you are ok.
 
Later I found out why she was so worried. She visited some sites that told of horror or of things that went wrong for those having the sleeve. I assured her that I was fine and that if she had asked I would have shared the sites I used in my research.
 
Today marks a week and one day since surgery and I have NO regrets! I feel good, I'm losing weight slow and easy. I can even administer my shots myself with ease.
 
I am thankful and very blessed to have this opportunity. I'm glad I waited until this time in my life to have the procedure.
 
A special thank you to all that read the posts and respond to them. They are life lines of insight into the WLS world, they help with issues, concerns, fears, successes, defeats, joy and pride.
 
I would like to wish you all continued success on your journeys.
 
Karen

OK so where to start.....I have been on the site since late november of 12 and here I am 9 months later ready to embark on the journey of the sleeve. I am on here just about everyday and have not done one of these yet. I guess I would like to have something to look back on during and after my transformation.(sounds like I am going to a sex change or something!!)
Anyway, I completed my 6 month ins requirement, had to walk the fine line of not dropping below a 40 bmi and not gaining, I started at 5'7' 258(40 bmi) and bounced up to 262 then back down to 257. Ins took about a week which surprised me, thought I would get declined or have to wait a month. Must say that was the most anxiety of this whole process, the insurance.
Now onto today I had a 4 hour pre-op appt, was given my pre-op post-op food, and all my paperwork as to the dos-donts of sleeve land.......
 
My other stats are I'm a 33 yr gal married to wonderfully supportive hubby who is more than anxious about my doing this. No kids yet but after I have lost enough to be healthy then we will try. I have a gordon setter named Cooper who is a 75# lapdog and my baby. I also have a 11yr old akita who I feel has probably been with me in another life. She is an old soul who just "knows" me. And anyone who has ever experienced that with a dog/animal knows exactly what I'm saying. Shes beginning to fail and I find myself taking extra moments out of my day to appreciate her. Last but not least is Buddy, hes my african grey parrot and hes a trip.
 
My fatness......well my fatness goes back to one of my first memories going to the doctor for shots and the doctor saying I was overweight, no more apple juice or graham crackers, my mom was a health nut there was never anything unhealthy around. My mom pushed me hard and before you knew it I was sneaking food and hiding to eat. I could think of nothing else but food. I stayed overweight till college when waitressing for 12 hrs and aerobics class took over. Oh yeah and that stuff called ephedrine that was miracle for me. I prob at that point got to my lowest in years around 170-180 and was never aware that I was thinner. I still had the monkey on my back, and I am worried that will be my biggest thing to overcome as the weight comes off. The Fat girl mentality., I must admit, I have the whole self loathing problem, can't make eye contact with people in certain settings, avoid having pics taken. My poor husband, has dealt with me withdrawing from the bedroom due to this as well. I am done hiding!!!!
 
So here starts my new journey, I have butterflies but I am not too freaked out. Considering I am having most of a major organ removed. hhhmmm I am going to take some pics(gasp) and measurements. I have also tried to keep this secret from most everyone. Only my mother and husband know, afterwards I may come clean because at that point it won't matter if theres negativity, whats done is done. I work in a cardiology office and have many people around me who have no filter in there heads and say whatever comes to there tiny little brains......and if I hear "easy way out" again I may scream!!
So my surg date is Aug 5 730am sharp!!! I am so ready to get a move on. Sorry for the lengthy post(or not) I will try to post the day of and after, because I know how much seeing those posts have helped educate me and prepare me for whats coming. Till next time

OK so where to start.....I have been on the site since late november of 12 and here I am 9 months later ready to embark on the journey of the sleeve. I am on here just about everyday and have not done one of these yet. I guess I would like to have something to look back on during and after my transformation.(sounds like I am going to a sex change or something!!)
Anyway, I completed my 6 month ins requirement, had to walk the fine line of not dropping below a 40 bmi and not gaining, I started at 5'7' 258(40 bmi) and bounced up to 262 then back down to 257. Ins took about a week which surprised me, thought I would get declined or have to wait a month. Must say that was the most anxiety of this whole process, the insurance.
Now onto today I had a 4 hour pre-op appt, was given my pre-op post-op food, and all my paperwork as to the dos-donts of sleeve land.......
 
My other stats are I'm a 33 yr gal married to wonderfully supportive hubby who is more than anxious about my doing this. No kids yet but after I have lost enough to be healthy then we will try. I have a gordon setter named Cooper who is a 75# lapdog and my baby. I also have a 11yr old akita who I feel has probably been with me in another life. She is an old soul who just "knows" me. And anyone who has ever experienced that with a dog/animal knows exactly what I'm saying. Shes beginning to fail and I find myself taking extra moments out of my day to appreciate her. Last but not least is Buddy, hes my african grey parrot and hes a trip.
 
My fatness......well my fatness goes back to one of my first memories going to the doctor for shots and the doctor saying I was overweight, no more apple juice or graham crackers, my mom was a health nut there was never anything unhealthy around. My mom pushed me hard and before you knew it I was sneaking food and hiding to eat. I could think of nothing else but food. I stayed overweight till college when waitressing for 12 hrs and aerobics class took over. Oh yeah and that stuff called ephedrine that was miracle for me. I prob at that point got to my lowest in years around 170-180 and was never aware that I was thinner. I still had the monkey on my back, and I am worried that will be my biggest thing to overcome as the weight comes off. The Fat girl mentality., I must admit, I have the whole self loathing problem, can't make eye contact with people in certain settings, avoid having pics taken. My poor husband, has dealt with me withdrawing from the bedroom due to this as well. I am done hiding!!!!
 
So here starts my new journey, I have butterflies but I am not too freaked out. Considering I am having most of a major organ removed. hhhmmm I am going to take some pics(gasp) and measurements. I have also tried to keep this secret from most everyone. Only my mother and husband know, afterwards I may come clean because at that point it won't matter if theres negativity, whats done is done. I work in a cardiology office and have many people around me who have no filter in there heads and say whatever comes to there tiny little brains......and if I hear "easy way out" again I may scream!!
So my surg date is Aug 5 730am sharp!!! I am so ready to get a move on. Sorry for the lengthy post(or not) I will try to post the day of and after, because I know how much seeing those posts have helped educate me and prepare me for whats coming. Till next time

It’s Wednesday, my check-in day!
The scale starting moving again – I’m now down 35 lbs since surgery & 45 since starting the pre-op diet.
 
I am so grateful. I feel like my body has taken so well to this. I haven’t really had difficulty with anything I’ve eaten, but I’m only really eating good clean food. The only problem I had was early on when I first started real food I ate a Morningstar farms sausage patty too fast without chewing well and omg that hurt. Lesson learned. But as far as tolerating foods, I chose wisely and chew well. I can even do ice berg lettuce! I’m quite proud of myself. I always kind of knew that this was my one last time to embark on the proverbial “lifestyle change” I’ve always sought, and this time I was going to have the very best tool I could possibly have. And that’s exactly what it is. I have the desire to stay on a healthy eating plan, and with the sleeve I’m able to do it without feeling like I’m a wild-eyed-raving starving maniac. I could totally eat ice cream and French fries now I bet, but I really don’t want to. Still haven’t had bread, or rice, or pasta. It’s been 10 weeks! Someday I will have it again I’m sure, but I want to maybe be at the halfway to goal point before I indulge in some serious carbs like that. And it will be a small indulgence. Small tummy dats why.
 
Right now I am at a point where I have exactly 100 lbs to lose. And I really feel like I’m going to do it! It’s just a matter of how long will it take?
 
Up til now, I’ve wanted to do a blog entry each week, but honestly, I’m at a point where things are a bit repetitious, and the progress is nothing earth-shattering in just a week. So I think I’m going to start just blogging on a monthly basis. I’m SO looking forward to seeing where I am in a month!!
 
Onward!

First..update- this is my picture progress...January, March, April, May, July. Down 52# total from surgery.
 
I have found myself struggling again with the same few pounds- I feel like I'm saying that all the time...but I guess that's how my journey is going to go- I'll struggle with a # for a bit- then boom suddenly I'm dropping a pound a day for a solid week, then I struggle again.
I know personally, the last few weeks have been vacation and holiday filled- so I've not been watching my diet as closely and following my plan. I feel myself CRAVING protein, which is a sure sign I'm not getting enough. I started 10,000mcg Biotin daily- and my hair loss has slowed incredibly and my nails are not snapping off while I type (gross I know)...I'm glad I finally got my butt to the drugstore and bought it though- I'm kicking myself for not doing it earlier. If you're not on it yet-- GET ON IT!
 
I've also swtiched up my routine, I was doing an ab/squat challenge that was really difficult, it was a 30 day program..I think I did all of 10 days of it. I've started to focus on shorter work out videos and routines that are focused on problem areas for me (arms/butt/thighs/stomach) THANK YOU PINTEREST. If you're not on there yet- you should also GET ON IT
 
Just wanted to check in, I've been off for a bit b/c it's summer and things get busy this time of year. Hoping to break this small stall I'm in and have a better progress pic/update for next time.
 
Keep plugging away fellow sleevers!! <3

Post-op life has been incredible so far. Even when I was in the hospital right after surgery, I was so positive. I was so thankful to the nurses, doctors and hospital staff - and I told them so endlessly - that many of them told me that I was the sweetest patient they'd had in a long time. Why? Because I was so thankful to be alive, to be doing okay (in pain, but no complications), to have them helping me, to know that IT WAS DONE... I just couldn't help but want to thank each of them so much for being there to help me through the hardest part (first few days post op). It was wonderful. Through all the pain and discomfort, I was guided by the idea that this is exactly what I wanted. I was exactly where I wanted to be. It was only gonna get BETTER from there.
 
And it has. SO MUCH!!!!
 
So, last Thursday was my 12 weeks post op.
 
My stats:
High weight: 459
Surgery date: 417
Today: 370.
 
In 11 more lbs, I'll be at 100lbs down. And my high weight is from November 2012, so in LESS THAN A YEAR (cuz I know 11lbs will be coming off soon) I will have lost 100lbs.
 
This surgery is my miracle. And I am an agnostic cynic who doesn't really believe in miracles.
 
At my highest weight, it was impossible for me to have any sense of fashion or feeling cute in clothes. All my pants had to be ordered online and were usually somewhat ill-fitting. Almost all my clothes were bought from catalogs because plus size store tops were just too snug, even in the highest size. About 6 yrs ago was the last time I was able to buy pants at a store. Tops were okay, but jeans/pants were too small. Well, now just about everything I have is way too big. So, I started pulling clothes out of "the archives" a few weeks ago. I had held on to some of my nicer work clothes from Lane Bryant from about 5-6 yrs ago when I could still fit in them. Now, even those are all getting too big. The smallest size I remember being in my adult life is 26/28 and 12 weeks post op IT'S TOO BIG. I still find it so hard to believe!
 
Well, I went clothes shopping this weekend. I waltzed into the Lane Bryant outlet and grabbed a pair of 28 jeans thinking "I'm sure all my old clothes are stretched out/worn in. So we'll see just how much more I have to lose before these brand new ones will fit", guessing that I'd get them pulled up but would have trouble buttoning them.
 
Wrong. More like "Um, Miss, can you get me a 26?" A 26!!!!!
 
And yes, I realize this is still big. I have a long way to go still, but just the idea of buying something in a store - something smaller than I would have bought even 5 years ago - it blows my mind!!! I got a bunch of cute tops in size 22/24 - and by the end of summer THOSE will be too big because they are already just a tiny bit big in the shoulder area.
 
Anyway, aside from the clothes shopping (which I always LOVED back when I could actually shop in stores, so it kinda made me giddy to be able to do it again!) - I also have some NSVs.
 
I've started parking on the 3rd floor in the parking garage at work. I was on the 2nd and would take the stairs every day. There are 5 floors, so I want to work my way up. Not sure how long it will take, but I just want to be able to do it!
 
I can cross my legs at the knee. My thighs are still so huge (UGH), but small enough that I can cross my legs, and I was NEVER really able to do that comfortably in my LIFE.
 
I moved my seat up in my car about 2 inches. Never thought that would be something I'd have to do because I'm almost 6 ft tall, but without my gut (well, with LESS of a gut) I felt a mile away from the steering wheel!
 
I no longer fear any chair. Sometimes arms with chairs were just too tight and I couldn't sit in them. Now, I don't have that problem. Next challenge - sitting in a booth at a restaurant!
 
this last one may sound snarky - but I have an overweight friend who's been acting a lil jealous of me lately because my weight loss is getting noticeable. I'm REALLLY close (if not already there, really), to being smaller than her. I've ALWAYS been the biggest friend. Always. I know that may sound petty - but I am just so sick of being the fattest person in my family, at work, in the store, of my friends - I have always been the fattest person... and now - I'm not! however that comes across, there is something about that fact that makes me proud of what I've accomplished!
 
And last but not least - I met a guy. He's a really good one, too - so far. I haven't shared all my secrets with him or anything, it's still really new. But I do thoroughly enjoy him and want to see where this could go. It's got some potential! I haven't had the confidence to date in YEARS, and I go on this one blind date and am lucky enough to meet a really great guy. Another miracle? I dunno. Maybe I've been overdue for some miracles in my life! lol
 
Anyway, that's about all I got to share at this point. Hope everyone else is doing well out there, too! <3 <3

Hi there fellow sleevers...
 
I am updating you with my 5 months post op information...
I don't think I have put my measurements on here before so I wanted to put that out there today. I thought my weight numbers were drastic, but once I re did my body measurements it really put things into perspective!
 
So My starting weight pre op was 293lb
I am currently just over 5 months post op and am at 208 this morning...How awesome is that?
I am almost to ONEderland!!! So excited! I hope to get under 200 by August. We shall see if I an make that goal... I got 2 weeks, I can do it!
 
Ok as for measurements.
 
Pre op 293lb.......NOW 208lb
Size 22 Size 14/16
 
Arms 18 in....................14.25 in - 3.75 in
Thigh 32 in....... ............25 in -7 in
Neck 18.75 in ...............16 in -1.25 in
Tummy 51 in.....................40 in -9 in
Bust 46.5.....................41.5 in -5 in
Boobs 55 in .....................47 in - 8 in
Hips 55 in .....................45 in -9 in
Calf 21.5......................17.5 - 4 in
 
 
So that is a total overall loss of 47 inches!!! Totally awesome....
 
A few Non Scale Victories include...
Being able to cross my legs (I am really stoked about that one)
Don't feel gross in a bathing suit
I have gotten rid of about 5 trash bags full of cloths.. all different sizes..
Everything is too big for me now
I can go up stairs and hills without a problem.
I get compliments from everyone
My Ex thinks I look good... (don't worry, hi is still an Ex)
Guys are starting to stare at me for the first time ever...
I could just keep going, but I think I will leave the rest for my next post...
 
Thanks to all of you for all the support! Your amazing!

I can cross my legs while sitting.
 
I stood up at church to pray, bowed my head and realized that all I could see was my boobs....no belly sticking out further than my boobs!
 
The steering wheel can be lowered while I drive.
 
I walked 3/4 of a mile today without panting and thinking I was having a heart attack.
 
I make still look like Shamu but I am feeling like Flipper!

So this week has been pretty hard, but yesterday I realized some of my pain is already gone, and that's amazing! For a couple of months I had been getting bad, all-day-all-night pain in both hips/thighs, almost like a constant muscle soreness except minus the exercise that usually causes that sort of thing. When I was making my list of NSVs for the first time, I put that one up top. It was so bad some days I felt hobbled, and I'm 26. I didn't know what it was, but I wanted it gone.
 
Yesterday I stood up to walk around and realized that I had just stood up with no. Pain. Not only that, but I had BEEN standing up with no pain all day, and my relatively pain-free state has thus far continued. HELL YES. As hard as this first week is, I have this little victory to hang on to.
 
My other little victories/goals, scale and non-scale, in the rough order in which I hope to achieve them:
Get below 250. I've been above 250 for a year.
Start a series of every-morning pictures when I go back to work.
Fit into my favorite pants again (the size 18s that had started to hurt when I wore them)
Get below 230. I've been over 230 for a year and a half.
Find an exercise I like!
Get below 220. I've been over 220 for three years.
Buy NEW favorite pants ;]
Review my series of every-day pictures: six-month mark
Have my ankles and knees not ache every 8 hour standing shift I do at work.
Get below 210, which I haven't been under since I started college in 2005.
Donate most of my too-big clothes. (keeping some for comparison!)
Feel -- not even see, just feel! -- my hip bones again. I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE GUYS.
Get below 200. I've been over 200 lbs since 17.
Fit into a pair of size 14 pants.
Get below 190. My lowest weight ever in my adult life was 187 at 16 years old, and I looked good. It's a shame I didn't know how good I looked, actually, but that's what you get when you're a slightly body-dysmorphic teenager. Sure, I was still pudgy, but I was awesome pudgy and I should have flaunted.
CELEBRATE THAT ****.
Get below 180 -- uncharted territory!
GOAL: 175-170

I am so happy that I had the sleeve surgery. My life changed almost immediately. I got rid of the C-pak machine for my sleep apnea and no longer take high blood pressure meds! My knees and feet no longer ache from the 207 pounds I was carrying around. And I have discovered that I am tolerating the climate heat like never before. I have actually worked in my flower beds this summer! I am 9 months out from my surgery, weigh 149 ( down 58 pounds)! I want to lose another 14 pounds. My weight loss has been on a stall but I understand what is happening and I am staying on course with exercise and diet. I know that weight loss will continue with my efforts. This experience has been a miracle for me. I just wanted to feel better! My energy level is astonishing! I am loving my sleeve! No regrets at all! It was an answer to a prayer for me!

I wrote a pretty long post about my surgery and experience on my blogger blog, which you can find HERE . But for the reader's digest version:
 
Surgery went great with Dr. Aceves and his staff down at Hospital Almater down in Mexicali. The hospital beautiful and clean, the staff super friendly and the language difference wasn't an issue. My "final meal" the night before was a fantastic italian dish of chicken and tortellini with tiramisu for dessert.
 
The day after surgery was the worst and painful with the gas pains and drain site discomfort, but by day 3, I was much better. Day 4 we flew home, and today I have done 3 loads of laundry and put them up, walked 30 minutes on my treadmill, and put up everything from traveling, and feel almost back to "normal"...ha!
 
I didn't reach my 64 oz liquid, 70 grams of protein, but I'm getting closer every day. I did make some "protein infused sugar free jello" and with a dollup of coolwhip, it rocked. I've also had the unjury chicken broth, and diluted gatorade today...both good. I have found my Tiny Tum doesn't really care for the artificial sweetners added to water (like vitamin water zero and the syntrix necture stuff), but hopefully that will change.
 
I even made a big spaghetti dinner for my husband with roasted yellow squash and garlic bread, and didn't even crave it...it was very odd. Like perhaps I wanted a taste, but didn't want it in my stomach if that makes sense. It was the weirdest thing... but I'm thankful!
 
Still happy I made this decision, and I plan to wait until Friday morning to do my first post surgery weigh in.
 
And so...Life begins with Tiny Tum

I started this journey two years ago with mostly wishes. I had no insurance at that time but I researched every option anyway. I have three grown kids and 6 at home. One of my six is a foster baby. The others range in age from 10 - 17. I have to live to see everyone grown. In order to attain this goal, I had to do something drastic.
 
I am currently on 3 blood pressure medications, prilosec, 2 anti-depressants, have sleep apnea and moderate limiting arthritis. Most of all, I am too fat. I started putting on the pounds about 25 years ago, just after a complete hysterectomy. Those pounds have stubbornly held on no matter how hard I try to get them off.
 
I enjoy cooking and eating and sometimes eat for comfort. I am not really an overeater, just not a healthy eater. This is Texas and we fry everything.
 
I now have insurance and am driving 500 miles round trip to the only surgeon that will take Medicaid in Texas. He and his team are awesome. I have done all of the dieting, studying, tests, procedures and have a "go" from Cardiology, Pulmonology and my surgeon. Now, it is in the hands of Medicaid. They tell me it will be about 2 weeks for an answer. Then, I meet with the doctor one more time to set a date for surgery.
 
I am soooo excited. I am sooooo scared. My dream is finally coming to pass. What if I don't loose any weight? I will be able to lean over and pick something up off the floor. What if something goes wrong? I will be able to buy clothes from a regular store. What if I miss food too much? I will be able to walk more than two blocks without panting. Where will my comfort come from? (I already have a plan but it is still scary.)
 
So, here I am my new friends.