DebCat

Y'all are so pumped up for surgery! That's fantastic. I'm 8 months post-op and am so happy that I had the surgery. Lots of days in the beginning I didn't feel that way and even some days later. With the help of my family, friends, physical trainer and THERAPIST, I'm looking at a completely different life. I've lost 80 pounds (slow loser), but have maintained (and gained!) muscle mass thanks to having an amazing trainer and lots of support at my gym. I'm at my half-way mark so 80 more to go.
Ways my life has changed:
I do in one day what used to take a week
Fantastic high heeled shoes are in constant rotation now
Mental acuity is significantly better
Shoe size is even a size smaller
I can sit anywhere at sporting events now even all the way to top row of bleachers
I can buckle the seatbelt on the airplane now WITH SEVERAL INCHES TO SPARE
Eating enough Protein is still a challenge
Shopping in regular sized clothing now (size XL- woo hoo!)
The only body aches I have are from working out
Sex is different now - not better, not worst. Different.
Cut off my long hair
I've rid myself of all kinds of extraneous "protection" - fat, hair, too much stuff in my house, too many clothes...
The first few months were brutal for me emotionally. I had a lot of work to do on myself to uncover why I was hiding behind all the weight and all the material possessions. Excavation is still underway, but I really like what I'm uncovering.
Good luck to all of you and this mission!

I am not a veteran for say, but come on..So they did a study on women.....not men this time....what is the common cause of ED..if you ask an Osteopath it is a restriction of blood flow to the penis..
Every surgery that we have to have is a risk taken. Every surgery elective is a risk we take..that is the simple truth of the matter...
The easy way out..no.. of course not...Maybe she has a voice for another money making organization like exercise equipment. Or things have not gone the way she thinks they should have for some reason...She obviously has a story that she is not telling...So be it...
Weight loss surgery is a necessary surgery in our day and age. No one forces anyone to go under the knife for it. it is elective...just like face lift surgery...or taking poison into our bodies when we have been given the death dealing blow of cancer...Some feel it is important to prolong life a long as possible using chemicals to kill it...personal choice, where others chose not to and go about it another way....All personal choices and beliefs...Neither are wrong
I feel personally that this is something that we do not go into lightly. It is a surgery for those who have tried it all and still have not had the success in becoming thinner and healthier...Healthier is the most important....Because of my own situation..I was in situation that could, may, might or possibly led me to die in my 50's..With surgery and learning to deal with why I am fat ( fixing the brain) I hope that I can remain a relatively healthy woman for as long as other things don't kill me like what they are putting in my food, the air, the Water, the soil, the chemicals and so forth.....
I am doing what I can to do this for my health benefits.....She has an issue.. Well no problem expressing it...No problem promoting it if it is done for the right reasons..The right reason is to educate people....
Fascinating another viewpoint..I have one too. Okay for her it is not the way to go..For me it saved my life..I see it as a miracle.....And nothing less then a miracle and that is because of who I was before the surgery and who I am now after the surgery...Will I struggle? Yes every day, like I have for my entire life..Will i win the race? We will see only at the end...
Does not matter to me..all I know is I can hug my granddaughter close to my heart where as before this I could not....And hugging her is my favorite thing in the world..This surgery has given me the opportunity for how ever long I want to use it as a tool and not the forever answer..that is up to me to find the answers within my self to fix my head while eating healthier and exercising! Will fix my body hopefully....
That is my 2 cents worth!!!!!!!!!

Deb, thank you so much for the encouraging words.. lol i'm a looker now, can't imagine how good i'll look once i reach goal. lol

Oh the long moments of regret! I have them, but I know they will subside. At 6 weeks out, I am just now being able to feel somewhat normal since week 1. Week 1 was much easier and I felt better than I do now even. Protein shakes are NOT my friend. I've struggled with dehydration and even passed out from it. I am very sad about the situation.
HOWEVER, I am still hopeful. Before I decided to have the surgery, I didn't have hope and I had let go of my dreams of being able to do so many of the things I loved to do prior to becoming obese. We've done something (albeit extreme!) about it. I truly wish I hadn't gone so far down the obesity road that I felt destined to stay there. But since I did, the only way back to looking and feeling like the "me" I once knew is to somehow find a way to embrace this tough road ahead. When I can start seeing "me" again, I know the regrets will be forgotten and I will run towards the healthier woman that is fit and strong and had the courage to start this journey to begin with.
I started seeing a therapist a couple of months before surgery and I know I will be with her for the duration of this journey. It has been the most crucial part of the equation so far. I am so grateful that I took this precaution and realized that being obese wasn't as simple as eating too much.
Regret is an enormous burden.
Peace and hope be with you, Nani...

Oh the long moments of regret! I have them, but I know they will subside. At 6 weeks out, I am just now being able to feel somewhat normal since week 1. Week 1 was much easier and I felt better than I do now even. Protein shakes are NOT my friend. I've struggled with dehydration and even passed out from it. I am very sad about the situation.
HOWEVER, I am still hopeful. Before I decided to have the surgery, I didn't have hope and I had let go of my dreams of being able to do so many of the things I loved to do prior to becoming obese. We've done something (albeit extreme!) about it. I truly wish I hadn't gone so far down the obesity road that I felt destined to stay there. But since I did, the only way back to looking and feeling like the "me" I once knew is to somehow find a way to embrace this tough road ahead. When I can start seeing "me" again, I know the regrets will be forgotten and I will run towards the healthier woman that is fit and strong and had the courage to start this journey to begin with.
I started seeing a therapist a couple of months before surgery and I know I will be with her for the duration of this journey. It has been the most crucial part of the equation so far. I am so grateful that I took this precaution and realized that being obese wasn't as simple as eating too much.
Regret is an enormous burden.
Peace and hope be with you, Nani...

Oh the long moments of regret! I have them, but I know they will subside. At 6 weeks out, I am just now being able to feel somewhat normal since week 1. Week 1 was much easier and I felt better than I do now even. Protein shakes are NOT my friend. I've struggled with dehydration and even passed out from it. I am very sad about the situation.
HOWEVER, I am still hopeful. Before I decided to have the surgery, I didn't have hope and I had let go of my dreams of being able to do so many of the things I loved to do prior to becoming obese. We've done something (albeit extreme!) about it. I truly wish I hadn't gone so far down the obesity road that I felt destined to stay there. But since I did, the only way back to looking and feeling like the "me" I once knew is to somehow find a way to embrace this tough road ahead. When I can start seeing "me" again, I know the regrets will be forgotten and I will run towards the healthier woman that is fit and strong and had the courage to start this journey to begin with.
I started seeing a therapist a couple of months before surgery and I know I will be with her for the duration of this journey. It has been the most crucial part of the equation so far. I am so grateful that I took this precaution and realized that being obese wasn't as simple as eating too much.
Regret is an enormous burden.
Peace and hope be with you, Nani...

Oh the long moments of regret! I have them, but I know they will subside. At 6 weeks out, I am just now being able to feel somewhat normal since week 1. Week 1 was much easier and I felt better than I do now even. Protein shakes are NOT my friend. I've struggled with dehydration and even passed out from it. I am very sad about the situation.
HOWEVER, I am still hopeful. Before I decided to have the surgery, I didn't have hope and I had let go of my dreams of being able to do so many of the things I loved to do prior to becoming obese. We've done something (albeit extreme!) about it. I truly wish I hadn't gone so far down the obesity road that I felt destined to stay there. But since I did, the only way back to looking and feeling like the "me" I once knew is to somehow find a way to embrace this tough road ahead. When I can start seeing "me" again, I know the regrets will be forgotten and I will run towards the healthier woman that is fit and strong and had the courage to start this journey to begin with.
I started seeing a therapist a couple of months before surgery and I know I will be with her for the duration of this journey. It has been the most crucial part of the equation so far. I am so grateful that I took this precaution and realized that being obese wasn't as simple as eating too much.
Regret is an enormous burden.
Peace and hope be with you, Nani...

Shut........up! NO WAY are all three of those pictures you. Looks like a family collage with you and your two grandmothers. Same beautiful skin, same sparkle in the eyes, different generations. I think it's time to change your profile pic, my dear (might I suggest the one of you in the pink shirt?).
Looking gorgeous. Thank you so much for sharing!

Hi everyone. My surgery was 2/25/13. HW 340, DOS 301, CW 230. I'm 5 months out and 110 lbs down. From 26/28 to 14/16. Most people don't recognize me. My own father walked past me and didn't know who I was. I'm doing things I could never do before. I love my sleeve.

Oh and for kicks for anyone reading this, oopsie bread can work.
http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/68395-oopsie-bread/page__fromsearch__1
I don't really eat bread anymore, now I eat kims magic pops. Yummy, crunchy, and holds my tuna, hummus or sliced meats very well
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007YURQVU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1375568360&sr=8-4π=AC_SX110_SY190

i am 14 months post op. if we are honest, i think that we all have that "what the hell did i do to myself" moment. i had it for a very brief time, and i am 'that sleever' that everyone hates. i had no complications, only 1 throw up (because i tried to do a whole serving of broth in 5 minutes 2 weeks out) and a pretty quick recovery. so, if someone like me had it, i can truly understand someone with any complications having it.
however, at 14 months out, my life is much better. i am 20 pounds away from what my surgeon told me was a 'lofty' goal. i am smaller than i was when i graduated high school, but i don't have that 'crack addict, sick' look. i am able to do all of the things that i couldn't but wanted to. and i eat like a normal person. i don't always make good food choices, but i always stay on track, because, i didn't do this for temporary weight loss. i did it to change me life. and it has helped me take control.
hopefully, you will learn what is causing your problem, and be able to use this to be a happier you. i truly hope that you come to love it as much as i have.
good luck in your journey.

This is me, 7 months post-op..79lbs lost

I remember being pre-op and my favorite thing to do was look at progress photos and dream
I am 6 months, 10 days post op and I am down 128 pounds total. This isnt a very great pic since I have been sick, but i still took it because anything is better than my before!!

I'm finally In ONEDERLAND!!!!!!!!!! I officially weigh in at 199.8!!!!! Haven't seen numbers like that since junior high!!! August 6 will make 5 months since surgery. Stats 278 day of surgery 199.8 today!!!!! almost 80lbs gone forever God willing!!! I will be posting pics soon...how are u guys doing?

At 4 weeks post-op, I can eat around 2oz I think. Sometimes, maybe a little more and sometimes a little less. It depends on the food. I can eat 1 hard boiled egg, but not one more bite of anything else or it will come back up. Today, I had some poached Atlantic char (similar to a lighter salmon) for lunch and ate a little more than 2 oz. It's not as dense as the boiled egg.
Cottage cheese is my go to food. I eat 1-2 oz depending on if I've put any berries or peaches with it.
I'm simply not fretting about the quantity. I keep up with all of it on MyFitPal app, but once it's entered, I've moved onto something else in my life. Not food! Yay!!!

Thanks y'all for the words of encouragement. I guess I am a bit impatient. I just want to start living NOW. Yesterday! But, I am probably being a bit unrealistic. I felt so good the first week post-op besides hunger. I had it on a Monday, home by Wednesday and didn't need any pain meds after Tuesday. By Friday, I was out weeding the garden and trimming bushes. I thought it was going to be a matter of increases in energy. Was I wrong!
I've upped my Protein to average around 65g per day this week. My Water is a minimum of 64 oz daily now too. Calories are between 500-600.
In my mind, I'm swimming laps, going for a run, doing yoga and riding horses. The skinny b***h inside me is harassing me! I guess she will have to simmer down until after I can, at least, catch up on my laundry.

Thanks for posting the pics! Inspiration!

At 4 weeks post-op, I can eat around 2oz I think. Sometimes, maybe a little more and sometimes a little less. It depends on the food. I can eat 1 hard boiled egg, but not one more bite of anything else or it will come back up. Today, I had some poached Atlantic char (similar to a lighter salmon) for lunch and ate a little more than 2 oz. It's not as dense as the boiled egg.
Cottage cheese is my go to food. I eat 1-2 oz depending on if I've put any berries or peaches with it.
I'm simply not fretting about the quantity. I keep up with all of it on MyFitPal app, but once it's entered, I've moved onto something else in my life. Not food! Yay!!!

I am working hard to get where you're at. I feel tons better already but I feel the real gains are still ahead of me. I'm glad there are guys like you here posting about your success. There are not enough men on this forum, and even fewer who have made it all the way like you have. It gives the rest of us guys the motivation to keep moving forward.
But I would like to add, that old saying about a man gains an inch for every thirty pounds he loses....well, I've lost damn near one hundred pounds and.....apparently, it's true.

It does get better, remember you had major surgery, your body was and is going thru lots of changes. U r probably not getting all your Vitamins and not eating very much.
I had lots of trouble drinking Water for the first 9 months but I never stopped trying to drink fluids. I am now able to drink 6-8 cups of plain water or mixed with some kind of powder mix.
Start by walking and little by little you will get stronger. I used an app on my phone C25K to start walking jogging and then running.
Don't be so hard on yourself and your body is needing the rest..

I felt like crap at week 4 and was suffering from vertigo due to dehydration and low Protein / calorie intake. Everyone heals at different paces. I would read some of the posts on this site and get bummed that I wasn't walking a mile at week 4. Like you I could barely get anything accomplished each day. It got better for me each day and now at week 8 I am at about 95% of my stamina and energy.
I found that it was a delicate balance between fluids, Protein, exercise and calories. If any of those 4 things were out of whack, I would feel even worse the next day. I kept experimenting to see what combination helped me feel better and stronger. I'm not perfect every day, but if I get at least 50 ounces of Water, 70 grams of protein, 850 calories and a little bit of walking / movement, then I am assured of having a good day the following day. My weight loss accelerated when I figured out my "formula" as well. I'm down a total of 45 pounds and 28 since my surgery 8 weeks ago.
Hang in there it does get better and you should be able to enjoy your concert on 8/11 with a little advance planning!

It does get better, try just getting your protien down and Water or any liquid. I had days where one day I couldn't even fold laundry without feeling weak as hell, but the next day had more energy. Started to eat more cheese, yogurt and fish, overall just protien till my energy level picked up. Now 61/2 months later that feels like years ago. Hang in there, your body is in recovery, and everyone heals at different rates.

Thank you so much:)! Getting nervous is so normal! I just thought about how I should have been nervous carrying around all of my excess weight with developing co- morbidities. I'm truly blessed by the medical benefits of this surgery as the enhanced looks are just a great bonus!

Hi to all of my fellow sleevers. I just wanted to post my progress pics...so I can encourage someone. My surgery was performed on April 9th , so it has been 3 months. I'm feeling better than ever! I'm so excited about my achievements and most importantly being able to help those around me...on the start of their journey.
HW: 265
SW: 254
TW:212
****I'm 13 lbs away from onederland! I have no regrets. I only wish I could have done this while I was in my 20's!!!!!

I'm no longer distracted by my weight. Meaning, I'm not busy blaming my weight for other, larger issues in my life.
I went into surgery truly feeling that the biggest problems in my life and with myself were solely due to my weight.
I could not have been more wrong.
So for me, the greatest benefit has been an ability to truly improve myself. Every other benefit listed is also true for me, so I get to enjoy all of that, too. But I'm not just better looking, better dressed and in better health: every day I'm becoming a better person. I think that's far more valuable because it's part of what's going to keep me on the right track. It was also a completely unexpected benefit of the surgery.
~Cheri