docbree

To focus on fluids over Protein for the first week or two, use an app to remind yourself to sip and to help slow down once eating solids.. that the scale should not rule your universe, measurements are better....the scale will not drop on a daily basis so don't be disappointed when it doesn't..... Stalls happen and can last sometimes for months but they always end if you stay on task...... Be kind to yourself, guilt does you no favors...... Wait to try eggs, too many of us have a negative first experience too early out.... Introduce foods one at a time whenever possible so you know what doesn't sit well and what does.... Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you have issues or concerns post op...Listen to your sleeve and learn to recognize what it's trying to tell you...... Pay attention to the difference between head hunger, actual hunger and thirst...
Most importantly, Celebrate the little things, the big things and all those things in between, (just not with food anymore) and know that you are worth it!!!!

I haven't been approved yet (finishing up requirements), but I have BCBS IL and you're right, no pre op diet requirement. I just have to follow whatever my surgeon requires. Also need nutrition counseling and psych eval. Your BMI is high enough, too. (You need a BMI of 40 or 35 with co-morbidities). I have been paying my co-pays at doctor visits but I don't know how much the surgery out of pocket will be. Sorry if that's not too much help

HW 246
SW 223
CW 114
I was a little weary at first, especially having had the lap band fail the first time around. But getting the sleeve was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I have never been able to look in the mirror and like what I see, until now who knew I would ever like to be in pictures?!
   

@@jenjo11072013
hi cutie
those thoughts you have - GET OVER IT
95 lbs down is great
lovely pics
"ONLY" 5 lbs over goal you are bummed
you still have 3 weeks to loose a couple more lbs by your surgiversary
it is a understandable "mental" thing that you want to be at your "official" goal for your surgiversary'
if you loose those 5 lbs is great
but if it takes a longer thats ok too
if it never happens - you r still amazing
stalls happen
be happy/proud of your succses
I'm happy for you
continued success for the rest of your healhier, happier, longer life
you are aces!!!
kathy
congrats

You look stunning and slim and very beautiful. I'm sure if you want to, you can lose more weight, but I don't think you should be at all disappointed with where you are at this moment. You are not "big" and you've made great progress! You need to take those fat glasses off!

I am 5'5 and 29 years old. I had surgery on November 7, 2013. I am a few weeks away from my 1 year post op date.
I started at 260 pounds. 11 months out I am now 165.
5 pounds away from 100 pound loss. I really wanted to hit that by my one year, but honestly I just don't see it happening. The past few months, I have been stalled at 165-166-167. I just can't get out of those numbers.
I really thought by 1 year I would be a lot smaller than 165........ Just kinda disappointed. I am also disappointed in clothing size. I can wear a 12 at American Eagle. 12 is still BIG. 12 is still at the higher end of the clothing sizes (before you move into plus size)...... I can wear a Large shirt at American Eagle. I know there are lots of people out there who would love to be those sizes, but I just thought going to the extreme of surgery would increase my chances of being smaller and getting into smaller sizes of clothes.
I just still feel big.......still feel the same......still consider myself "bigger" in crowds..... I constantly compare myself to others and think about how I am still larger than they are..... I am just feeling bad lately about myself. I feel like a disapointment and maybe that I didn't do too well during this past year.
My husband of 7 years is 164 pounds.... He wears a Medium/Large Mens shirt and 32 jeans..... neither of these come close to fitting me. I am dreaming of the day I can wear his jacket or that he can give me a piggy back ride in a photo! I just feel like maybe this is the end.... 166 is where I will be.....

Came across these two shots and had to post them. Like I said in my title, there are just no words...except that this is the result of being banded, not bypass or sleeved. Not that there's anything wrong with those surgeries. Whatever works for you is my motto. But for those morbidly obese and not sure they can go with a band, this just shows that it can be done.

Almost 6 months out...down 81 lbs 

Before 6/14 & After 10/14

Sleeved August 15th. Began at 220lbs. Today 180lbs 45 to go

Before and after 7months out still going

Cococat......cold Water and message received. I appreciate the concern and I know this world is full of crooks and shysters and I try to reasonably block them out without being paranoid or constantly watching behind my back....all while trying not to give up my liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For me, it's good to be careful...... within reason. All I can say is if they try to use my image or likeness for their gain.....I want a monthly royalty check from their portion of their proceeds. If they do something worse, I posess a particular set of skills that I have acquired over a lifetime of training, skills that make me a nightmare for people like them. I will look for them, I will find them....and I will end them.

This is me in April

This is me now

Best to you, Kristina.
I am betting you reach your goal.

Thanks for the support everyone!
I'm sure there are things I could have done better, as I know I never drink enough Water. I do exercise 3x a week and try to eat on plan 99% of the time.
It is hard to not compare yourself to others and their progress. I go for my 1 year appointment this afternoon, so I will get another body fat analysis done.
I plan on plugging along until I reach my goal of 140lbs or 20% body fat.
Although some may think my goal of looking like I did at 16 is unattainable or ridiculous, it is last time I was at a healthy weight. I thought I was fat then, but I was actually healthy and fit, which is my true goal for the weight loss.
Good luck to everyone on your life long journey, as I know we will probably continue to fight this battle for the rest of our lives.

I thnk you need to be proud of how you are doing!! remember, the sleeve is a tool, not magic! you didn't gain it overnight, you wont lose it over night. I think you need to not worry about how others are doing, as long as you are healthier today than you were yesterday you are moving in the right direction! well done!!
also, you might want to reconsider trying to be like you were at age 16, that is way to much pressure for yourself!! we are ALL DIFFERENT than we were at 16!! striving for that body again is setting yourself up for failure. just be YOUR BEST SELF FOR TODAY!! good job and good luck!!!

I didn't hit my initial goal until I was 20 months out. Some people hit goal in a year. MANY people don't. What you DID DO is lose 75lbs and that is awesome! Put your eye back on that prize and rock out that next 50lbs!

I've never "ate" a Texan...but I am a Texan!

Welcome to the BariatricPal Polls forum! I set up this space so that all of the BariatricPal polls could be in one place. You can voice your opinion on all of the polls, and see what other BariatricPal members think about the same topics. It’s a great opportunity for members to learn about each other and share their opinions.
You can choose your answer on the poll to vote. If none of the answers matches your opinion perfectly, you can always explain your answer in the conversation below the poll. After you vote, the results will be automatically revealed.
Do you have a great idea for a new poll? If you do, post it below! This is your chance to find out what other BariatricPal members do and think. What do they eat for Breakfast? Do they stay in touch with their surgeons after surgery? Which foods do they find to be the most tempting? Ask away! Just let me know what you’re curious about, and you may find that your idea becomes the next poll!
Thanks for your participation, and enjoy the Polls forum!

I agree, we have to be our own advocate and do our diligence. I don't have this issue but I am experienced at medical research for unusual problems. My mom was told she would be in a wheelchair for life and could bleed to death due to the close proximity of her misaligned bone to a major vessel by SEVERAL board certified specialists. Being a scientist I knew something could theoretically be done and researched the subject and especially surgeons who specialize in difficult orthopedic procedures. I found an excellent, well-respected surgeon in NY and set up an exam. Mom walks just fine today and is no longer under the stress of bleeding out due to this problem. She was the 13th person in the US to have the surgery (lucky 13!).

I think all of your care providers should know your complete medical history. I am an Advance Practice RN and would hope all my patients would tell me of procedures, new medication, etc.

As a rule of thumb, for any medical procedure I may do, or medical consultation, I am very honest regarding my surgery. As previously mentioned, there are medications that may not agree with me as a gastric bypass patient. For example, my gastric doctor told me, I am unable to take products that contain ibuprofen. There was even specific medications I should take for the common cold, or even when my allergies flared up. Medical teams having this advanced knowledge, may very well save a life. Finally, per the oath medical professionals take, they are prohibited from discussing treatment/patients outside of the context of care. I hope this helps.

Try pumping your legs like you are riding a bicycle and scissoring your legs over each other for 30 seconds before you stand up. You may want to have your doctor check you out for orthostatic hypotension.

I went to the information centre at Johns Hopkins and they have their surgeons there. The Nurse Practitioner for the Briatric Centre there actually recommended a surgeon to me that may understand my situation better. I am still just worried a little lol. I will definitely be trying to get my therapist and psychiatrist on board. The Nurse told me the more effort I put into trying to get the surgery, (support groups, changing diet in advance, exercising, etc.) the better and I definitely am! Thank you for replying!
I see my psychiatrist at the end of October and will be speaking with him about it then. Thank you for helping me feel a bit more hopeful with the process!
Definitely will! Thank you.
This makes me hopeful. I will definitely be upfront with them and already was at the information session I went to. Congrats on getting cleared and receiving a surgery date! Thank you for your insight.