Shrinkingmom

1) I can see the veins in my arms and it's easy to get blood 2) I have a sternum (breast bone) 3) it is uncomfortable to sit on something hard with my hip bones pressing into it. 4) My legs don't rub or even touch when I walk 5) I love shopping for new, cute, clothes! 6) I can run! 7) I love the way I look 8) I actually get cold a lot and am not sweating all the time!!!.......... I could go on and on but it is the small things that are the most fun and nobody but us would understand!!! Good topic!

They have no idea about this journey! I thought the same way for years and that is why it took me so long to take this step! Believe me, there is nothing easy about it if you do what you are supposed to! It is not all about being thin (although that is a nice perk) but about being healthy and preventing a lot of sickness and disease down the road! I had dieted myself right up to 321 pounds! I am now very comfortable with myself, all my labs are in perfect range, I feel great and exercise, and I am loving life. The ones who talk about the easy way out are usually overweight themselves and too scared to do something about it! Make up your own mind about what you want to do and then move toward that goal! Good luck!!

My surgeon and nut says that when someone comes in and has gained weight, a lot of times they find out they are eating peanut butter. Its because of all the fat and calories. They allow us to eat the PB2 powder but not peanut butter. They would rather us just eat a few peanuts. Every nut and surgeon are different though so this is not the standard with all. I stick with what mine says since they are the ones I'm paying to be the experts and following their plan has worked for me so far! LOL!

Thank you Bea Amaya! I'm sure you will do just as well!!!

YES, YES, YES!! Everything you said above has come true and my favorite is love shopping for new clothes now!! I have hated shopping all my life because we know the kind of clothes that are on the fat racks are not stylish, trendy, or cute!! I have gone from a size 26 to a 10 (8 will zip and button but too tight to wear yet) and I am in love with shopping! The only thing that is not true is getting rid of the obsession with food as proud Grammy mentioned... I think more about food now than I use to because I am always planning ahead and researching foods and nutritional values. It is different but I wouldn't trade it for anything!! I love living my skinny fantasies and am amazed daily at the changes in my life!!

This tool has not left you and you still have it!! It's not about falling but about wether you get back up!! You know what to do, you just have to go back to healthy eating! I have heard a lot of people say they started over with the shakes, pureed, then solids!! You CAN do this!!! I will be cheering you on!

Just enjoy it!!! It is no mistake and I'm sure you have gone through a lot to get there!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

I had my surgery at 47 and it is unbelievable how much better I feel and how much more energy! I always feel better but after going to the gym I can't sit still! I am loving my life and taking on a lot of new adventures! My sister had it a year and a half ago at 56 and she is skydiving next weekend!! So book you are not kidding yourself!!!

Some of the gummie vitamins are high in calories and carbs when you add up how many you have to take. My Nut and Surgeon does not allow them but I know some do.

Losing has never been the issue for me. Once I set my mind on dieting I could lose large amounts of weight. I have literally lost hundreds of pounds over the years but I can't maintain it and end up adding more on with each gain over time. As my surgeon said, I had dieted myself right up to 321 pounds! This surgery is a Godsend for me! I knew I wouldn't keep it off and I struggle with that fear even now!

It is because we have conditioned our brains for failure in dieting because that is what we always did! It seems to get a little better the farther out you get but I'm still amazed every time it shows a large loss! All of us are different but I have committed to doing EXACTLY as my surgeon tells me to do (after all I did trust him to cut out 80% of a vital organ) and not push the boundaries like drinking carbonation, eating sweets, caffeine, etc. I have seen too many who are successful for a couple of years then go back up. I want to do everything to keep that from happening because obviously we don't know how best to lose and keep it off or we wouldn't need that surgery! I think a little healthy fear is good for us to keep us on the right track! Before anyone takes offense to the boundary comment, I am strictly talking about me and my journey! I am not putting anyone else down for what they choose to do! We all do what we feel is right for us!

That's probably not it then! LOL! I hope you figure it out though. Sounds miserable!

It could possibly be your gall bladder if you still have it... Those are very common symptoms especially with raw vegetables. Mine made me think I was having a heart attack every time I ate raw vegetables. Definately something to ask your Dr. about.

We all want to lose fast but you trusted him enough to cut 80% of a vital organ out of your body so I would definately listen to what he says and do exactly what he tells you. I had high blood pressure for years and now I have had to add salt to my diet as well due to low blood pressure and dizziness. None of us can answer this question accurately because your surgeon knows your whole history and what is going on with your body now. Of course none of us want to think you can lose to fast... we are just happy to be losing!! Don't feel defeated, just know that this is the better problem to have if you have to choose between reeeeeeeaaaaaalllllllyyy slow and too fast! You will be fine, just do what your surgeon tells you!

You can't compare liquid ounces to solid at ounces. They are totally different things. I am a little over 1 year out and I can eat about 1 cup at a sitting but only about 3 oz at of chicken or fish with a couple bites of vegetables. Liquid on the other hand, I can get about 16 to 20 ounces in a short time. Liquids slide right on through and do not fill you up well! You just have to get use to a different thought process but if you are like me you will love your sleeve! I have finally been able to put food in proper perspective! Good luck!

And as previously said, go back to your doctor and nut! He would much rather you come in now and get help than continue down this path! Don't beat yourself up just step up and change it now! As previously stated, support groups also help. I always know that when people quit coming it is usually because they have gained and I am thinking that is more reason too be there!! I haven't missed one support group meeting since 2 months before my surgery and don't plan on it! What I learn from being there is priceless! You can and will turn back around! We are all pulling for you!!

Take the bull by the horns and handle it yourself. You know the old saying... "if you want something done right, do it yourself"! If you wait on them you could look at a very long postponement. My coordinator laughed because she had doubles on everything since I asked for copies at my visits and faxed them to her immediately, then they faxed them. I didn't want to take any chances on delays! Good luck with the paperwork! You can do it but just stay on top of it!!

I never thought a year ago that I would, a. Feel this good b. Be living my life instead of sitting on the sidelines c. Feel so in control of my future d. Look forward to every day and new experience. I am so thankful I have gone through this journey this far and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!!!

It is actually seashells on my phone case... I didn't even see that it looked like it matched! Thank you all for the compliments! It is not an easy journey but it is so worth it!!

Congratulations!!! You look awesome!!

It is understandable to worry about complications because they definately can happen but you need to weigh the risks of what can happen and what you feel will happen if you stay the same. For me the risks of staying the same, ie high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, depression, misery,, was a scarier thought than something that MIGHT happen. Those things were already happening. With that being said, it sounds like you have not made up your mind that you are ready to give up the "social aspects" of eating. Many people do grieve for food after this surgery. I never did grieve food but I certainly don't enjoy eating out or enjoy meals the way I use to. I do enjoy the social aspect and have learned that they are seperate... it no longer matters much what is going into my mouth as long as it is Protein... Even a year out, I just told my husband the other day that I do not enjoy eating anymore, which is really a good thing because look where that got me. It is so true that they do not work on your head but only on your stomach and I have a couple friends who did not deal with those issues prior to surgery and now they eat things "that are a little fried", or they "can't eat but a few bites so what does it matter if they eat that pie". I am pretty sure they will end up back where they started eventually. This is a HARD journey and don't let anyone fool you that it isn't. You have to be dedicated to doing the right things and knowing that this is life long! Now.... with all that being said, I am happier than I have been in many, many years and I would do it again tomorrow. I have found that food is not that important to me anymore and have learned better ways to cope with issues that I use to turn to food with. Don't take this lightly or do this for anyone but you and you will do it when you are ready. There is no way anyone else can know if you are ready or not! Really think this through and get help if you feel you need it! Good luck with your decision!!