nic11

I work in HR. My primary function is benefits, but I spend a lot of doing on employee relations and general HR activity. By virtue of my job, I talk to employees a lot. I conduct new hire orientation every Monday.
I've always been an introvert, but really enjoy the social aspect of my job, because it's on a small scale and is limited. I have a lot of fun with it. But recently, I've noticed that people respond to me much differently. More positively. The same jokes I tell every week are a lot funnier now and get a lot more laughs and smiles.
My boss never used to give me the time of day. I knew she hated me. Since dropping 90 lbs, I'm her right hand. She raves about my work. I'm no better at my job now than I was a year ago! In fact, last week she nominated me for a prestigious leadership conference in London. No non staff level manager has ever attended. I'm a "lowly" hourly employee. This is a really big deal. I'm excited, and proud, but it makes me wonder, why now?
Just some introspective rambling, I suppose... it makes me almost embarrassed for my old self, and I want to give her a big hug. I wasn't a lesser person, or less funny, or more mean, or a crappier employee. I was just fat. Fat is a sin that just can't be forgiven by many.

Best compliment I have gotten so far was from a Soldier I work with. I was having to explain a project to him that he was going to be responsible for because I am going to be out for surgery. He asked why I was going to be gone so long so I gave him an honest answer. His reply was something to the effect of "I am so happy for you. We are totally behind you." What I found out later was that some of the guys in the office have been talking about my weight and what they could do to help me. They have been concerned about my health. I still get choked up thinking about it.

Loving the new me ????????????????????

you look fantastic! your waist is so small!

I was just at my surgeons yesterday and asked him about the stretching. His reply went like this "It is not that easy to stretch your stomach out. You have to consistently overeat for several years to actually make this happen." I was surprised at his answer. I knew that most of the stomach that can stretch is removed but I thought it was easier than what it actually takes for it to happen. I am sure there are different opinions out there but I trust my surgeon and have actually heard this from other people as well. So I feel a little more confident in the power of my sleeve. This in no way gives me permission to misbehave but I it does feel good to know I don't have to fret so much about it any more.

HUGE NON scale VICTORY TODAY! Went to have my CPAP machine pressure adjusted down today. Hopefully getting rid of tihat thing in the very near future.

um, cheri is officially my hero. Thanks guys... I should have never posted that on a message board. I knew the ridicule would start and not stop. it was to 5 pages of insults and negativity in an hour. I had a small meltdown in my car at lunch thinking.. jesus christ! are they right? have I really tried everyting? Im I totally insane? Cant I do it on my own?
my answers all point to NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE MY LIFE BACK AND NOT BE A PRISONER IN MY BODY ANYMORE... I havent been living for years, just going through the motions. I truely could not have been strong enough to endure the waiting and the doubts without this forum and you guys. for that, I will be eternally grateful. Thank you.

Ever want to try them, but not a whole $40 pack... Well I'm finding sites with freeeee samples
Post if you find any too
Love Ellie
http://www.surgicalvitamins.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=6
http://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/sample-pack.html

So i had posted a few weeks ago that i was wondering if my arms would go down or if i would have these bat wings hanging well i was looking thru old pics and i was comparing the pics and amazingly hey have been going down. I couldnt notice with just looking but once i saw the difference i was amazed!!!! I havent weighed myswlf just yet this third week. The second week i was in somewhat of a stall and i think its broken now since my pants are fitting much looser than even yesterday! Im feeling great. I can sleep either way i want with no pain. Ummm idk what else to say im just waiting it out doing what im supposed to do. Good luck everyone. Just keep positive and be patient and you shall reap the benefits soon enough :-)

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And this picture was taken today and the differences are only 10days apart

Interesting comment by a surgeon....http://www.carolinasurgical.com/life-after-bariatric-surgery/i-am-afraid-of-my-pouch-stretching-after-bariatric-surgery/

i was sleeved yesterday. no drain no catheter for me! good luck. most pain was right after coming out of recovery and getting up to use the restroom (which i do once an hour from the iv fluids! i can't stop smiling even with the pain because i am so eager for the new me!

I finally made Shelly's famous Ricotta Bake (http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html).
Oh my! It is so delicious. I followed her basic recipe but used a pinch of oregano and a bit of chili pepper flakes instead of "italian seasonings". I reduced the amount of parmesan. I also added about 1/2 c. of spinach because I like it and I have anemia so I figured the extra Iron and vegetable couldn't hurt! I put them into a regular size cupcake pan and it made 9 servings. Using MFP, I calculated the recipe as 66 calories per serving with 6 grams of Protein. Mine had a bit higher carbs because I used spaghetti sauce from a jar. Next time, I'll make my own with tomatoes, garlic, onions and basil. I ate 1 serving for dinner and another for lunch today. Delicious!!

what's the "ricotta bake?" sounds good!

have a positive attitude that everything is going to go just fine and try not to worry! you'll do great!

I wrote this today after a weekend of hearing ridiculous comments from people who would say they are friends. Just wanted to post it here because I'm sure many of you can relate. Feel free to link someone to it if they're that "well meaning friend."
http://www.kerryfaler.com/2013/07/08/what-not-to-say-to-a-friend-who-has-had-weight-loss-surgery/

I hate the type of skinny that's skinny no matter what...like they can eat hot fudge for a week and still lose a pound! And then act like they're cursed!!
Also the skinny Minnies that say stupid things like they feel fat...wtf...if your jeans size is 00 just sit down and shut up lol they can't even begin to imagine what feel fat really feels like....not that fat is an emotion anyway :-/

i was sleeved yesterday. no drain no catheter for me! good luck. most pain was right after coming out of recovery and getting up to use the restroom (which i do once an hour from the iv fluids! i can't stop smiling even with the pain because i am so eager for the new me!

i was sleeved yesterday. no drain no catheter for me! good luck. most pain was right after coming out of recovery and getting up to use the restroom (which i do once an hour from the iv fluids! i can't stop smiling even with the pain because i am so eager for the new me!

Neurotic is good!!! Obsessive/compulsive....it's all good. This IS your new life, it's still all about food, but YOU have control. All the stuff you mentioned, all normal. Your tummy is talking to you, I named mine Sylvia the sleeve. She still talks to me, pretty sassy some times, but she isn't doing gymnastics any longer!! You're fine, I'm sure of it!!! Hang on, it's a wild, but fun ride!!! Welcome to the loser's side!

That is exactly why I chose not to tell anyone. I really don't want to deal with the back stabbing and constant ridicule about taking "the easy way out" ...nothing about this is easy! Some people just don't get it!

I was shocked that one of my friends who I thought would be the most supportive just went off on me about this was the complete wrong decision and I must be crazy, so don't feel bad not just your friends. I now take it all in stride. I made this decision for me no one else, and if they really get bitchy (like my friend) I point out that the risks of the surgery are alot smaller than me remaining the size I am. I also point out that I'm not stupid, I didn't just wake up one more drive to the hospital and tell them to cut me open..lol...I researched and spent alot of time soul searching and then of course the 3 months of insurance requirements. I think people assume they know about these surgeries when in fact they don't. Just follow your path! Don't let them get you down, and if all else fails, just tell me to shut the h*ll up!

i was sleeved yesterday. no drain no catheter for me! good luck. most pain was right after coming out of recovery and getting up to use the restroom (which i do once an hour from the iv fluids! i can't stop smiling even with the pain because i am so eager for the new me!

i was sleeved yesterday. no drain no catheter for me! good luck. most pain was right after coming out of recovery and getting up to use the restroom (which i do once an hour from the iv fluids! i can't stop smiling even with the pain because i am so eager for the new me!

just has sleeved yesterday. i too have liver issues...my fatty liver is so bad its at cirrhosis level according to my surgeon. she said that the weight loss will help it so i will ot likely need a transplant. scary though...wasn't expecting that.