HappyCat

It has been almos ten weeks since I was sleeved and I have been having frequent moments of thankfulness for this gift: My husband can wrap his arms around me when we hug My feet don't hurt anymore first thing in the morning so I don't hobble around My brain isn't so foggy at work I am gaining confidence I can tie my gym shoes without losing my breath I don't crave nor miss sweets My ankles aren't swollen at the end of the day every day So I bought some cute sandals and got a teal pedicure! My eyes look bigger and not "hooded" anymore So I bought new make up and feel beautiful (lovely husband says I have always been beautiful even - and especially - without make up. Love love love him!!!) No more buffalo hump No one has been negative I don't snore anymore (that one never gets old!) Not one migraine I have more flexibility I am more inclined to go to the gym My husband said I get up from the couch or bed faster and no longer use my arms to brace or balance myself (I never even realized I did that before) I feel younger My friends and colleagues have been so supportive and complimentary, which feels good My clothes are almost all too big, even the ones that were too small two months ago I am just so lucky and thankful for getting through the surgery safely, the first part of recovery that was so scary in the week after, having no complications and getting to this point. If I never lose another ounce, I am so much better off than I was before surgery for so many years. I am now 197 lbs and the size 16 clothes that I have are too big (I plan to go shopping this weekend). When my husband married me nine years ago I was 206 so he has never known me any smaller or healthier. He always said he wanted us to go running together but I never thought that could happen. Now it seems possible. I just signed up for a 5K in January 2014 and have started training for it already. That is a huge deal for me. I am not interested in perfection because that is unrealistic. I am happy to be healthier and to appreciate the mobility that I am gifting to my future golden years. I heard somewhere that thankfulness is essential for good mental health and happiness. So, I am truly grateful for my life and the second chance that I have been given to live it.

It helps me to remember how much I weighed this time last year and what NSVs I have had even only 9 weeks after surgery. Then, imagine how I will feel the same time next year! If it gets slow, I just tell myself it's giving my skin time to adapt and hopefully shrink. Also, maybe it will hinder the inevitable hair loss... ? At least, that's what I tell myself~ Chin up!

Yep. I was intubated but don't worry, they put you to sleep first

Lol you're too funny! I wanted to see the responses as I want to be pepared ahead of time,too. 9 weeks out today and still have all my hair so far...

I was just thinking the same thing, I start out eating hot soup and end up with gazpacho lol!

That calls for an extra happy "Happy Dance!" I bet you are looking cute :)

Ramadan Mubarak to all!

Is your doctor Muslim or does he at least understand that Muslim fasting does not include drinking water during the day? I would not recommend risking the dehydration this soon after surgery. You can always make it up when you are completely healed.

What a great suggestion! Thank you ~

What a great suggestion! Thank you ~

You have reached out in a time of need and you know by the responses that you are cared for and supported. I'd like to add my support and hope that your stress will be less very soon. Specifically, I want to urge you not to give up on school. I went back to school in my thirties to finish my bachelor's degree (actually restarted the whole thing, but that's another story!) and graduated at 38. It was not easy being non-traditional plus being overweight, but I surrounded myself with good, supportive friends of all ages and backgrounds and was so proud of myself when I graduated. It was one of the biggest boosts I could have had to my flagging self esteem. Plus it helped me to get my second career started. Please don't take that chance for raising your confidence away from yourself, no matter which degree you are pursuing. Whatever troubles you are going through will pass, but you will still be you. Be kind to yourself and get back onto that wagon ~ many are reaching toward you with virtual hands to help you get back on board!

I am so sorry for your loss, as well.

Lmao! You really know how to tell a story, Hathery~ Next time someone posts a question on how to relieve constipation I will direct them here Thanks to Metformin (no longer taking it, thank you very much) I can relate only too well. Only, I was alone in the car going to pick up my husband from work when my bowels attacked. Although I could see a pancake restaurant from 4 lanes over (I-10 W in Houston) traffic was at a standstill. Needles to say, I did not make it in time and had to marinate for more than an hour getting home. I was two hours late picking up my husband... And my booty was raw for a week. Ouch!

There are quite a few. Dr. Brad E. Snyder did my sleeve (robotic surgery, no complications) and he also does the revision (saw good reviews for him on obesity help online). He also teaches bariatric surgery techniques at UT Medical School at Houston and his group is MIST (Minimally Invasive Surgeons of Texas) where he is director of clinical research. You could google this for a list of associated surgeons, but I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Snyder! Let me know how it goes~

Congratulations X2!! You are glowing

I just had the sleeve through NewStart at Memorial Hermann, but it advertises for revisions, so you may want to check into it.

I just lightly salt the water that I use to steam it. I used to use the chunky sea salt on top, but am loving my ankles now and don't want to see them disappear in a cloud of edema lol!

I took the pain meds for about a week or ten days (liquid Tylenol with codeine) which tasted awful! It was only at night after about five days. I still don't feel like I am drinking enough fluids as I'd like, but my surgeon said as long as I am peeing clear and regularly and don't feel thirsty that my body is probably getting enough. It has been much easier getting fluids down in more volume in the past week or so. I guess my tummy is healing! I would not suggest "forcing" anything at this stage. Just stay hydrated and do your best with the Protein. Congratulations on your new sleeve!

Awesome thread, by the way!

Steamed edamame, steamed snow peas, any kind of grilled squash (same prep as previous posting).

My staples are titanium and permanent on the sleeve itself. I had internal disslolving sutures on my incisions but all that was visible to me was blobs of purple surgical glue on the outer incision sites, which eroded on their own in the shower over two or three weeks.

There are so many reasons why people end up choosing VSG to lose weight. Some people who have been abused or sexually assaulted end up heavy due to emotional eating or feeling a false sense of security in a bigger body, etc. So, I would imagine that there could be a number of our sleeve sisters and brothers that would take offense at the implication that this forum only welcomes the surgical support being sought for VST. Just saying. I, for one, am here to lend support period. I thought that was the whole idea.

How is the view from the top of the world? Congratulations on beginning your journey to weight loss success and a healthier you!

Congratulations CanadaGirl! You have taken a big step in the direction of good health I wish you smooth sailing!

I was sleeved May 6 this year by Dr. Brad Snyder. No complications, thank God, and feeling great!