Roo101769

I am sort of with CarolinaGirl on this one. Fortunately you are young and have not become as large as others ( myself included) before deciding to take charge of your life. With age often comes wisdom because we have already been there, done that. LOL I can tell you the part about bathroom habits being different is spot on. At 316lbs I could barely manage "down there" because I could hardly reach things. That time of the month was an exercise is aggravation and agility as I tried to angle just right to use a tampon. (sorry if TMI) I had started having bladder control issues. Things you may or may not take for granted become so much harder the larger you are. Now I am down in the 220s ( which is still obese) I can take care of my hygiene 100% better. Things are once again accessible! I no longer have issues with incontinence. And of course there are many things I can do now I was restricted from doing at 316 lbs. That all being said do I miss some of my old lifestyle? I would be lying if I said no. Many times I have had the thought "man I would really like to just sit down and pig out". But I know I can't. It is usually in response to some emotional issue so I have to deal with it in another way. I probably think about food a LOT more now than I did before just because it is now so much more important to me. I think about the healthy foods I need, how I can be creative in preparation of them so not to get bored, what their nutritional content is etc. I also do long for foods I no longer can eat. Or should I say ought to eat. ( I can tolerate everything I have tried) It is a much bigger mental battle. Before you are overweight and unhappy with it. But I know I did not micromanage my eating, which is what helped me get obese to start with! Now my life revolves around food in many ways. I miss the freedom of eating with abandon I suppose. But I will never, ever miss being the size I was. Nothing about that body was good. It may be sagging more now, and the boobs may be smaller, but I can work with that. No way you can hide 316lbs! LOL

Oh RJ...Girlfriend will you ever catch a break?? Wow. I am praying for you. It is high time your body "get's with the program" so you can go about your life enjoying your new "skinny" self!!! A small bathing suit on a beach would be such a better NSV than fitting into a tiny hospital gown, but I applaud you for looking for the bright side! My thoughts and prayers are sending healing ju ju your way...

I agree with most of the answers listed above. A few minor differences are concerning Protein shakes...You can add "unflavored" protein to other items you eat. Granted there is still a taste, but if the item it is mixed with is strongly enough flavored you should be ok. Just be careful about adding to hot liquids, it can congeal. (but you CAN bake with protein powder!!! ) And as far as on the go...I eat Quest protein bars. Do your own research and you will find out Quest makes a QUALITY bar. ( I am in no way paid or compensated to endorse, just my two cents.) Most protein bars really are over glorified candy bars and aren't worth a darn. But Quest bars have healthy Proteins, low sugars, and ok calories/ fats/ carbs. I actually eat them as a Breakfast repalcement as they are easy and quick. ( and breakfast is hard for me to get in weekdays) Just be sure to count the nutrional content into you daily overall. And as far as your sleeve telling you what is ok and what isn't, don't count on that. Yes, for some folks that happens. But I am one of those who has a sleeve of steel, I can tolerate just about everything. I only get sick feeling if I grossly overeat. I am bad about portion control, I admit it. And I eat too fast.. I would advise to measure your food and take your time. Allow your body time to keep up with what you are putting into it. You will feel full and realize it if you do eat slower. Eating too fast leads you to overeating because you can put in too much before it all hits your stomach. This is something I still struggle with 7 months out. I don't believe I have "streched" my sleeve as I still feel good restriction and fullness when I eat dense proteins. But I will tell you if I eat junk I can fit a whole lot more of it in than protein!! ( which is a very bad thing) Overall it sounds like you are on the right course. It is good you are seeking advice and asking questions. Being your own advocate is the best thing you can do! Good luck!!!

As posters above said it is unknown until you get there. Personally I could have physically been able to, but not sure I would have wanted to. I went back to work 9 days post op, and the first day back was Halloween so I had to take my daughter out for Trick- or - Treat after. I was exhausted after it all, but lived. If it truly is a small wedding, you can sit down a lot, and not much is expected from you then you might be able to pull it off. But how will the bride really feel about it? ( Will she be upset you are being a lump on her special day? ) Do not be fooled, this is MAJOR surgery and your body will react accordingly. Some people bounce back quickly, others take a longer time. It is draining because not only are you trying to heal from such a huge ordeal, you are also at a huge nutritional deficit. It takes a lot out of you. My best advice would be reschedule if you can or attend the wedding as a Quest and not as a bridesmaid. Either way it is truly up to you and how you feel about it.

I guess what I find as weird or hard to accept is the distorted view I have of it all. When I was around 280 lbs I thought my body looked ok. Was I fat? Yes!! But I felt I carried it ok and had less issues with image. Now that I am over 50lbs lighter than that I am starting to pick out all the flaws. Maybe it has something to do with being closer to normal that has me nitpicking the small things instead of looking at the overall picture. I still see fat, period. I cannot be alone with myself and think "Wow, I am really changing". Right now I have to stare at myself in the mirror (or take a selfie) to really appreciate how far I really have come. I think all that time trying to get my head to accept my new self has also given me time to take note of what I DON'T like! I never spent a lot of time looking at myself at 316lbs, in fact I avoided it at all cost. So perhaps I am concentrating too hard at looking now. Again, it is a weird "me" thing. I am happy I have lost, truly. I just need to take the time now to learn to love me. It has been a long time since I did that. I see the flaws because it is hard to accept I am really ok overall.. I will get there, it will just take some work like everything else. I am just now realizing the changes I thought I was prepared for. In the mean time I just keep it covered with cute, flattering and MUCH SMALLER clothes and be happy where I am. Fake it until I make it!!!!

CowgirlJane I am not sure... I think plastics would help immensely, but they are not covered by insurance. ( and not a financial option for me) Besides, with my blood clotting issues it sort of scares me anyway. I guess all I can do is keep plugging away and hope I get to a space where I feel more comfortable. As I said, it could just be where I am at right now, still obese yet sagging from losing a lot. Perhaps when I am not obese anymore ( clinical definition) and closer to an ideal weight, I won't have quite as much issue. That is my hope at least.

This is a topic long needing discussion!! Before weight loss I had horrible arthritis in both my knees. I was getting to a point where replacement was a serious consideration and I could hardly tolerate the pain I was dealing with. Since I have loss 90lbs my knees never hurt now! I can walk forever, even wear heels and no problems. But......my lower back is now hurting quite often. I was told by a sports physiologist that it was due having a different gait from weight loss, therefore using different muscle groups. I have not found any strengthening exercises yet that have helped, and the pain has been pretty constant. Yet I can manage it and will continue looking for an answer. A post above mentioned glutes. I just tried tightening them (SQUEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!) and guess what? My lower back pain eased up! So....guess I need to start doing some major glute work to get the back in shape, with a side benefit of making my rear tighter!!! LOL Seriously though, I never thought about how weight loss could CAUSE pain until the sports physiologist explained it to me. Seems like something that should be covered somewhere along the pre op journey, so that we aren't left to think we did something wrong!

Hi all. I thought I would post about my issue with body image as a way to vent it. Maybe I hope to get some nugget of wisdom that will help me learn to adjust to my ever changing body and all that entails. Let me start by saying that I have had issue through this process with mentally dealing. Had some depression that I feel I am over now. But one lingering issue is body image. I have lost 90lbs thus far and feel great. ( about it) But my body is sad to look at. I knew going in that plastics were never going to be an option for me. I thought I would be so happy with my weight loss and feeling good that it would not matter, I could deal with extra skin. Yet as I get further in my weight loss the extra skin and flab is causing me more and more stress. I am not at the jump off a bridge, the world is ending kind of upset over it. Just slightly sad and nostalgic for yester year, when I could carry 226 lbs on my body and not sag like a shar pei. I haven't weighed 226 lbs since I was in my mid twenties, which I am now a far cry from. It is crazy to expect my body to look like it did in my mid twenties now in my mid forties, not to mention the 20 years of extreme obesity that I carried in between. As I inch closer and closer to my goal weight I am becoming more alarmed at just how bad my body is turning out. I think I did still secretly hope it wouldn't be as bad as others have shown. Maybe I would be that one in a million person who would "bounce back" and have little to no issues with bat wings and jiggle gut. Nope, not meant to be. It is possible that, when I am a bit further down in weight, these issues won't hold as much importance to me as they do now. I am in the Twilight Zone of WLS. I am still obese, yet I have lost a lot of weight already! It is hard to have a positive self image and feel confident when you know others still see fat. And now, it is fat with extra bounce!!! Ugh. I am trying to work on my mini goal of losing 100lbs, which is just 10 lbs away. But aside from a full body Spanx, I am not sure how I am going to learn to accept my body looking like a deflated blimp. It isn't pretty. And Lord don't get me started on the idea of being intimate with anyone!!! Yikes!!! ( I am a single gal, so this topic is actually another issue for me) Calgon take me away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel pretty darn good. When you lose a large amount of weight it is always a huge relief on your body. Even though I am still classified "morbidly obese" and I am the weight that some sleevers actually start at, I am feeling pretty terrific. I had horrible arthritis in my knees before the weight loss. I was a heavy anti inflammatory user until repeated DVTs/ PEs put me on blood thinners for life. I could no longer use the anti inflammatory meds and the pain in my knees was nearly crippling. I was put on Tramadol to deal with the pain, but it barely helped. I have not had one pain killer for my knees since surgery! As of now I rarely have ANY arthritis pain in my knees and my mobility is 100% better. Now, I do currently have lower back pain. I was told it is likely to my shift in gait from losing weight, along with the fact I can now wear heels!!! LOL So it is sort of a give and take, but very manageable. Otherwise my health is good. I did have extreme hair loss and now wear a wig, but I believe the surgery was only a part in that for me. ( PCOS and blood thinners are culprit too I think) Other than that I am healthy as anybody. My stay in the hospital was 3 days. My surgery was scheduled for 10am on Oct 21st, had to be there at 7am. There was an emergency and I was pushed back until 3pm!! I spent a lot of time in the pre op area. Wasn't bad, except smelling coffee from the nurses station and not being allowed any. LOL I did have a hard time from the anesthesia and could not wake up easily. ( first time for that issue) Pain meds made me super sick to my stomach and my first clear memory post op was throwing up. Not good after major stomach surgery, but I lived through it. They learned to give me anti nausea chasers immediately after pain meds to keep that from happening again. I was released late Wednesday afternoon. I was sent home with liquid Vicodin and some anti nausea meds, but only took them two days. My recovery was pretty smooth. I have had no major issues at all since.

I was sleeved Oct. 21st 2013 in Dayton OH by Dr. David Bruce. My surgery was performed at Grandview Hospital. For anyone in the Dayton OH area, we all know Grandview has a bad reputation. ( In very rough part of town ) But I am here to tell you the NEW Grandview ( since remodel) is BEAUTIFUL!!! My stay there was fabulous. The rooms on the bariatric floor are basically private and very spacious. The staff were awesome, very friendly and attentive. I have nothing but kudos for my surgical experience. My journey post op has been ok. I am a bit of a "slow loser" but I am losing, and that is what counts! I am really happy with my choice and just wish I had done it years ago!!!

To Pop Tart or not to Pop Tart, that is the question...And you answered it with a big ole' HECK YEAH! We get to live our lives because we chose this path. ( to sleeve) And guess what? The occasional "off plan" food is part of that life. I feel it is safe to say you know exactly what you are doing and this was just a test...or a tease..for us. Way to goose us all!!! LOL

I have had one dream being "skinny" since I started this whole process. I don't remember the content of the dream, but I remember waking up feeling excited. Since then though, I dream myself heavy. In fact, I often stop and look at myself in the mirror and say "damn". I still do not have my head around my current size. While I hope to go even lower, to reach my goal weight, my brain is still stuck on the "before" me. So....maybe if I start dreaming it I might finally believe it.

Piercedqt78 said something about always being great at sugar coating things. I think that is a HUGE metaphor for all of us...We spent years sugar coating our lives, literally and figuratively. We are no longer doing that for our physical health ( no more excess sugars!) and now we no longer do it for our mental health either!!! You get what you get... This is me.

I think I was around three months out when I got into a deep funk. I could not put my finger on it, I just felt "off". I suffered through it for a while, probably a good two months or more, before I started to understand what I was going through. ( and I have to say I only think I understand it) At around three months the shine was off the penny in some ways. The reality of "this is my life" was setting in. All the magic things I had imagined didn't all happen. I was still in my life, living the same life. My only real change was I wasn't eating as much as I lived and now I weigh less. I know it is completely irrational to believe that somehow everything would magically change by just having the surgery, but there was some deep part of my brain that held on to that nugget of impossibility. I still had bills to pay, and my income didn't get any bigger. I still have a 5yr old to raise, and I didn't become "super mom". I still have relationship issues ( as in NONE), and my newly shaped body didn't change that. All the things I wish would change have remained the same, except I have lost a lot of weight. It was kind of hard to deal with for a while. I had to redefine myself and my expectations. Along the way I did have a meltdown here and there. I snapped on a coworker, but it was something I held in for years. Was it because I had no other recourse? Or because I am finally able to stand up for myself to the things I can no longer take? No easy answer. But it helped me understand I am changing, slowly. I can't turn to food to soothe, although at times the old "fat brain" REALLY wants to! What I can turn to is me. Hey, I did this. I made a drastic decision to change something and by GOD I am doing it. I am not perfect, there are a lot of areas in my life I need change. But at least one little area is and that finally helped pull me from the funk. That and maybe the fact winter finally ended! LOL I now try hard to concentrate on what I can do, not what I can't or haven't. Small things, like planning a day full of errands and getting them all done. I didn't wear out half way through because I am so fat I can barely move. No.. I can set goals and see them through. At least some times, which is a start. Try not to expect too much of yourself, just not yet. It is a HUGE emotional road ahead, not just physical. You will feel things you never expected and will have to figure out ways to deal with it. I am really glad you have support and I am sure you will find that light at the end of your tunnel!

My highest weight was 316lbs. That is the weight I was when I made the decision to have surgery. During the process to get approved for surgery I decided to start eating a bariatric diet ( not so much quantity but the types of foods) I went into my surgery on 10/21 weighing 283lbs. Today I weigh 229lbs. I have had stalls. I will be the FIRST to admit I am not a "perfect" patient. I do not work out enough and I do eat things (on occasion) I should not. My weight is inching down though. I weigh less now than I have in over 18+ years. I am not going to give up either. I realize the further out you get from surgery the harder it is to drop the weight, but that won't stop me. I cannot say for a fact I will get to my "goal" weight. What I can say for a fact it that every pound I drop is a pound closer to healthy for me. That is the true goal, the rest is just numbers. Do not be sidetracked by the scale. Yes, it is good to be mindful of it and to see where you stand. But a scale is just one way to track your success. Get your measurments and keep track of them. Each time you go a size smaller you know you are losing, even if the numbers on the scale aren't where you want them. You had the surgery, now expect the process. This is part of the process. It is forever, so give it some time.

If you weigh daily then expect fluctuation. I do. I realize the "norm" is to weigh weekly. I weigh daily to stay accountable. If I see things going in the wrong direction ( and yes they can) then I adjust my brain and my eating. It is sometimes easy to forget when reaching for something to put in your mouth what you are doing. Seeing those numbers on the scale hold me in reality and keep me there. But that is for me. The key is to NOT get freaked out and quit. I said in another post, this is a marathon for me and not a sprint. I am 6 1/2 mos out from surgery and no, I am not at goal. In fact I am not quite at the halfway mark. But you know what I am? I am down 86lbs. I no longer weigh 316 lbs! I feel like a different person. ( although I still fight "fat brain") As Dori said in Finding Nemo "Just keep swimming". Just keep on track and you WILL lose weight. Your body is changing, sometimes it is obvious and sometimes it is subtle. Keep a visual diary if you can. Take pics regularly. That is one of the BEST ways to see the change. Numbers can be scewed, but a picture is right in your face..Good luck!

From MY personal start of process ( Aug. 1 2013) I have lost a total of 86lbs. Since my surgery date I have lost 53lbs. Yes, I realize my weight loss is slower than some others. Everyone is different and will lose at different rates. The main thing is I have lost 86 POUNDS! And I am continuing to lose, just very slowly. For me it is a marathon and not a sprint, I can live with that. I am happy to be down to where I am and look forward to wherever I go. I am more active and able to do things I haven't been able to do in years!!! And I am one size away from shopping in a women's dept. and not in plus size!!! So yay and yay. Try hard not to compare yourself and your weight loss to anyone else, it can be a big mental trap. (One I had to fight myself out of)

Ok, had to chuckle. I have remarked about the snack table issue. But no one wants to change it. There really is no place "out of sight" to put them. And if I mention not bringing as much in I get the MAJOR evil eye!! (although coincidentally most of my coworkers complain that they too have put on too much weight) And the final little chuckle to your comment? The BECK diet solution...The guy who brings the Snacks last name is BECK!!! This is NOT a good solution! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... I will say this...Last week a sales rep for one of or vendors brought in a bag of apples. He usually brings donuts, but the last time he did I told him about my surgery. So at least someone does listen and care... One of my besties who was sleeved in December always says that quote!

Well between writing here and then getting my half cup coffee ( I put half coffee and then Water down. Not quite decaf but it does help cut back the caffeine.) the bad urge passed. When I feel physical hunger along with head hunger it is the worst. But once the physical part subsided I could control the head part. I already ate my Protein bar this a.m. ( I have a Quest bar for Breakfast almost every day.) I usually eat them at home so I don't get too hungry in the morning, but I may start having them at work when I first get here. That way I have something to eat, my stomach is full, and I feel more satisfied. Crazy little head games we have to play. LOL Thanks for the support!!!

Every now and then I indulge in All Bran. I only eat a serving size, which is 1/4 cup. ( see- if we only pay attention to serving size! LOL) I mostly do it to help "get things moving" if I am a little slow. But it also helps with the cold Cereal cravings I will have now and then. Yes it is carbs, but sometimes it is the great good. Just don't make it a habit, bad ones are what got us in trouble to start with!

Ok, I am being dramatic. But dang are they making it hard for a girl to be healthy around here!!! Let me start by saying I work for a manufacturing company in their accounting office. The way things are set up our office is an open space with three of us working, and it houses a small fridge, microwave, coffee station etc. Basically it is the accounting office / break room for the back offices in the building. Anyway there is a large table in the middle of the room that is called our "snack table". A certain coworker brings in food weekly / daily and puts on this table. Bags of chips, Cookies, candy, nuts etc. Basically he has a wife who does not allow this stuff at home, so he indulges all his snack food whims at work. He is a very sharing man so he brings in tons of the stuff for everyone to have some. If that isn't bad enough, a few other people will bring stuff from time to time. ( sales reps, vendors etc) The snack guy also brings in donuts every other Wednesday from his local bakery. Today is donut day. Most the time I can ignore with no problem. Today I have to admit I was having a hard time because I am PMSing and feel hungry! Yet I have managed to avoid for the first hour of the day. But just a bit ago another sales rep strolls in carrying a big box of Dunkin Donuts! So yes, in addition to all the bags of chips, candy, nuts and cookies we have TWO big boxes of donuts. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are maybe 11 people total that are back in the offices, so two dozen donuts is enough for everyone to have two! It is taking every ounce of effort I have to stay out of the donuts. Oh, and did I mention my desk is literally four feet max from the junk food table!!! It is no wonder why my weight went up so far in the years I have worked here. ( it totally correlates) This is where things are the hardest, temptation is terrible. I will drink my fluids and eat some Protein Snacks I have. But really? They aren't doing anyone any favors with all of this crap!!!

I have these at home. I have only tried once, but will try more recipes . They do smell a bit out of the bag, but you rinse them well an that gets rid of the odor. They have no flavor, so be sure to pair them with a very robust sauce. Oh, and the texture is a bit different. But once you get past these items you are getting to eat noodles again!!! ( without guilt) Yep. Tofu Shirataki noodles. They have almost no calories. They are made from a dried japanese yam which is not a starch but a vegetable and dried tofu. Interesting I may need to try it one day. http://www.amazon.com/Tofu-Shirataki-Noodles-Fettuccine-Shape/dp/B000AQFQC6

At 13 days out that does seem like a bit too much to consume. I was only on purees or maybe scrambled egg at that point. I don't think your stomach has healed nearly enough to start digesting even semi solid foods. But....if you did not feel physically sick you may have gotten away with it. ( this time) Don't tempt fate and do it again though would be my advice. You are seriously risking your health, not just if you lose weight or not. That all being said the up side of it is you seem to have at least some mental control going on. Do not let anyone try to fool you or tell you otherwise...This is a HUGE mental battle, not just a physical adjustment. The fact that you gave away the truffles, brought a shake, had guilt...All good signs you are at least trying to think before you act. I had a hotel birthday party for my daughter for her 5th birthday because I was only 10 days post op myself. I took my shake, some applesauce, refried Beans and the like with me. It gave me variety and something to eat without worrying about having to chose something. You aren't ready for regular diet choices, so don't put yourself in a situation you have to make any. Make sure you have some variety of items you CAN consume now readily available. This will save you a WORLD of guilt and issues down the road, trust me. It only gets harder as you progress to solid foods. Just because we "can" eat something certainly does not mean we ever should. food is not our enemy. Going in with that approach will set you up for failure. But you have to realize food is no longer your comfort, your friend, your lover, your reason for being. Food is to live. Yes you can enjoy food again, but make every effort to enjoy food that is appropriate for your health and the stage of the planyou are on. One more thing....Has your family been supporting you? Given the champagne and truffels and the rich dinner I get a feeling that, just perhaps, they all need schooled in the reality of VSG and life post op. I don't want to assume anything, but it appears there wasn't much thought put into where you are right now by whoever set the whole thing up. Your life does go on, you will always be you. But they need to realize adjustments have to be made so you can be the BEST you that you can be!!! Anyway, it is in your past now. You cannot change what has happened. All you can do is focus on what is ahead of you and move forward. Hopefully your surgeon or NUT can help you work towards healthier choices for your future.

I had this issue early out. I lost 33lbs pre surgery and for about two months after I got REALLY stinky. (IMO) Seemed like no matter what I did I could smell that "smell". Then it stopped. Not sure what changed or why, I am not a doctor. I was just happy the day I realized I didn't smell the funk anymore...So my guess is "this too shall pass..."