ChaoticBliss

I should probably have commented on the "mental" aspect of this journey. It deserves full attention. Honestly, I think the hardest part has been the mental side of it. There are so many physical changes and hurdles but the I think it was actually harder pre op and first month post op. The "new normal" as someone said has been a little hard but not as hard as the preop worries it induced. But the mental hurdles, challenges, changes have been enormous overall. Facing your inner most fears about facing food addiction when you have essentially been in denial for 30-40 years was huge for me. That was my preop journey. I had no idea how preparing for surgery would force me to do that and I think it left me in a much better place emotionally when I was post op. Food/carb addiction, how others see me, how I see myself, feelings of shame, of resentment for things in my past all came up and out on this journey. But I tell you, I'm more at peace now than I've been in 20+ years, maybe ever. This website helped me more emotionally and to prepare mentally more than anything (which is why I posted today). I have a great surgeon and team but it's very "clinical" unlike the fellowship here (although you'll find some gratuitous snarky-snarks) and the accountability is what really helped me. They say denial has to fall to recover from something and for the very first time in my whole life, I felt I had a safe place to admit my failures. Shame is a huge, common theme for many (not all) of us. Reading and posting help me face that preop. So I encourage all those in the early stages to come here, everyday, and treat it like homework. I looked at others who were successful and I saw some common themes. The were honest. They tracked faithfully. They put Protein first always. They plan ahead. They exercise. All those have worked for me too.
Essentially, I eat 800-1000 calories a day. At least 60 G Protein. I aim for 50 or less of carbs but a few days a week I'm closer to 70. I struggle to make exercise a priority but I do Water aerobics and treadmill/weights (typical gym stuff). I've also started riding my bike (which I suck at). Basically I MOVE! At 325 I avoided moving. Now I'm game to try anything. Unfortunately I am so not athletic. I wish to God I had that natural inclination but it's always been hard. My energy was GONE the first 6 weeks post op. It's much better now but I still fatigue a lot when I exercise. I do feel better after, but during is a challenge. I use My Fitness Pal every day. Even when I don't eat clean. I hate the word "cheat". I struggle between 2 mind sets of "NO CHEATING EVER, EVER. EVER" and "moderation". The good thing about the sleeve and WLS in general is you have a forced moderation. I have good restriction. I hope that my new habits are reinforced for when I don't feel the fullness so much. My habits are good. I have a bite of something "bad" every now and then but it's literally one bite and I'm done/satisfied. The true miracle for me is the way my brain senses hunger. Before, my hunger would feel like a 12 out of 10, truly a panicky feeling. I still get hungry and feel a need to eat, but it's more like a 5 at worst, usually less. I have cravings, but nothing like I had before. I make good choices. That's a mantra I've used. I MAKE GOOD CHOICES. That and food IS NOT LOVE. FOOD IS NOT COMFORT. Those have helped. My goal is 165. I'm 5'6. I started at 325 (332 was undocumented but I know I was there once). I'd really love to ski again so 165 might be not low enough but no matter what, I don't think I'll get there without exercise.
I have absolutely no regrets other than I waited until 45 to have surgery. I'm so unbelievably thankful today. A year ago I was miserable beyond words. Life is not perfect but boy, it's pretty good! Wishing you all good luck. Reach out if you need help and post when you need to.

Celebrating today as I've finally gotten past the half way point. Wanted to post to all those on the fence about surgery (as I once was) and for those in the early-early days who can't conceive of the success (as I once did). What a wonderful tool this is! It's still work, and it's getting harder, but it's a tool that really works. I track everything. I still weigh and measure most things. I am struggling to make exercise a part of my everyday life. But I feel so incredibly good. The daily pain of my knees and feet are gone. My blood pressure is normal. My cpap settings are the lowest you can have. My energy is improving. To be certain, surgery isn't for everyone, but if you doubt yourself preop, as I did, I want you to know that success DOES happen. I started at 325. I could barely move or breathe. It's work. Some days are hard. But it's so worth it. Now - to buckle down to get to goal in the next year. It's getting a little harder. The journey is far from over but I'm so glad I booked the trip!

Is anyone really prepared for any complication....ah no!!!!!!!!!
I hope this is solved soon and you are on your way to victory over your situation and onto a new and better and healthier you!

Here are my before & after pics! It has been an awesome year & again congratulations to all who are celebrating their anniversary this month everyone is looking fabulous!!!! SW- 321 LBS CW- 205 LBS

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Had my surgery march 14
Starting weight 242
Middle weight about 187
Current weight 161!!!!!!
I looooooove my sleeve!

My upper back and shoulders have been a problem for me too. I have a bone spur in my right shoulder and have been doing a lot of stretching of the pectorals and trapezoids which helps. Also do yoga stretches and haven't done Pilates in a while but agree w/ LL that it would be helpful. The interesting thing for me really is how the weight loss has affected my singing coordination. Singing opera is quite physical. You have to produce enough sound to be heard over an orchestra and there's no amplification. It takes a lot of breath and the core muscles are very involved in the support of the breath. The breath has to move though your tiny larynx at just the right level of pressure in order to carry the sound and allow your vocal folds to vibrate freely on the pitch. Of course you can't think about all that while you are actually singing. You just do it! However, since dropping 100 #s my coordination is all confused. I keep overblowing, using more air and force than neccessary. This tires my voice very quickly and doesn't produce the desired sound. It's not just my core too, it's my throat. I think I must have had some cushion of fat around my larynx as well that provided a bit of resistance. It's as though my voice is thinner too. I'm not sure if I like it but I'm starting to get a handle on things. it's quite frustrating at times to struggle with what was so easy and natural to me.

Hey everyone! ! I just wanted to let you guys know how I'm doing. I've received a few messages about my progress recently and since u guys wanted to know I figured I'd post it for everyone! ! For those of you who don't know or remember i was sleeved 8/24/12 @ 240lbs I am now 132lbs 5'1 and 29yrs old with 3 boys (prior to surgery) and here's what I look like today! No plastics either

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I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

Down 146 since dec 2013 go me

You're transformation is amazing. Congratulations!

Surgery date 1/23/14 60 pounds later

Beautiful

Wow-za!! Lookin fabulous!

. Wow you look 30 years younger......you go girl????

Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary. I can't believe a whole year has gone by already. Here are my stats:
HW (at first consult on 2/19/13): 269
SW (7/26/13): 248
CW: 131
I am down 138lbs from my highest weight. I went from 3X tops/24W bottoms to Small tops/size 4-6 bottoms. I had my 1 year post op appointment on Tuesday and my lab work is wonderful. Here are a few before and after pics:
Before:


Current:

I had my 1 year check-up/blood work yesterday. Officially down 108 lbs! My scale at home says I am down 105 lbs. So a slight difference.
I can see ONEDERLAND...its just around the bend!

Only my husband knows. Our families would all have opinions that were not relevant to my decisions. We have five children that we didn't want them to worry. It's the best decision of my life and yet no one knows about it. I speak with my husband regarding trials and tribulations, and use these support forums. It works for us.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I am not sure what happened on my other post... But, here are my before and afters almost exactly one year to the day.

I too have not-told many people.. My spouse ( who is against it because, after all it is SURGERY ) and 1 friend who had bypass 10 years ago. I have no desire to hear anyone's opinion.. Cause EVERYBODY's got one...no parents, siblings, co workers.. Nothing. I told work i am having surgery for some female plumbing issues..that usually stops the guys from asking more questions..anyone who asks further, i will say i'm having a fibroid removed.. I will cross the post op questions when i get to it. Just my 2 cents...