leelah68

I had my six-week follow up with my local doctor yesterday – to say I’m happy is an understatement.
Although I’ve complained about my weight loss in other posts and lamented about being a slow loser, I am happy with the way things are going. I don’t use my doctor’s numbers to track my weight because it’s inconsistent – they weigh with clothes on, sometimes shoes on (depends on the nurse), I wore heavy jeans yesterday compared to lighter capris the last time, etc. I use my Thursday weigh-ins on my home scale to track my loss. So, I’m down almost 41.8 pounds from my high weight and 24 since surgery. Wow! Writing that is surreal. My body fat has been decreased by 5% already and while I have lost some lean muscle mass, it’s not a concern right now, I just shouldn’t lose any more.
Even more than the numbers, I can see physical differences in myself. Why do my fingers seem longer? OK, it’s that they no longer look like pork sausages that were masquerading as fingers! My shoes fit differently now and as a side benefit, I can actually reach down and tie them and not look like I’m steer wrestling trying to lift my right foot up to my left knee. I have a jaw line – you can actually define where my head ends and my neck begins. When I was driving down the road the other day, it felt like the seat was pushed further back than normal. It’s not like my legs grew…there was just more room between my belly and the steering wheel! I noticed the vanity in the bathroom the other day while brushing my teeth – I was standing closer to the sink, again, because my belly wasn’t in the way. I cross my legs (like a lady) all the time now, BECAUSE I CAN! There are many subtle, but very real changes that are happening to my body and I’m trying to bask in each and every one of them. This has been an amazing journey so far and it’s only the beginning. There will be lows, but there will also be lots of good things happening, too!
I’m noticing some other changes as well. I feel more comfortable around other people. It is easier for me to strike up a conversation with a stranger. I used to be a fairly outgoing and chatty person. Since starting to gain weight about 15 years, I slowly became an introvert to the point where I would avoid talking to people I have known for years. I would pretend I didn’t see someone in the grocery store so I wouldn’t have to stop and talk to them. I would sit in the outfield during my son’s baseball games rather than the stands or by the other parents because I didn’t want to be around people. My social circle has been reduced to my family. In the past few weeks, that has changed. I’m slowly coming out of my shell. I caught myself smiling yesterday morning when I was walking into the hospital and a couple of people I crossed paths with smiled back and said “Hello.” I felt like they were reacting to me smiling and not having, what I assume was an “I’m pissed off at the world so go screw yourself” look I used to have.
I discussed my diet with the doc as well. A few weeks ago I started to restrict my carbs because I thought it was the right thing to do. We always hear “carbs are bad” and I restricted mine down to between 20 and 30 per day. What I didn’t immediately connect was my very low energy level to the carb restriction. I didn’t feel good and I blamed it on coming down with a cold. I would come home from the gym and be completely exhausted and take a 60-minute nap. Understandably…I wasn’t giving my body enough fuel to get through the workout. I now realize carbs are an important part of our diet and they aren’t necessarily evil. Bad carbs (refined sugars and flours) are bad. Complex carbs like those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are great carbs and a necessary part of your diet. Once I increased my carbs to about 50/day, I started feeling so much better and have that increased energy that so many speak of after weight loss surgery. Increasing my carbs hasn’t changed my overall calorie count by much. I’m still taking in between 800-900 calories a day (on hard workout days I can go over 900 because I am truly hungry). I’m increasing my carbs by adding ¼ cup of fruit to my shakes, adding 1-2 tablespoons of refried Beans, or part of a Carb Balance tortilla to a meal. It’s amazing how different I feel now compared to a few days ago. Also looking forward, I now have no restrictions to my diet – that’s terrifying. I had the security the past 6 weeks of “I can’t have that because it’s not on my plan.” This is where that discipline comes in, right?!?!
So, here are some of the high points from the meeting with the doctor yesterday:
· Weight loss is good, more importantly, the 5% body fat reduction and minimal loss in lean muscle mass
· Blood pressure is lower – 117/82. It hasn’t been that low in years.
· Diet looking forward – no restrictions on what to eat; min 80 grams of Protein daily and 50 grams of carbs should be OK.
· hair loss – I’m noticing some shedding (*gasp*). She OK’d Biotin and 1 gram of folic acid daily. There is so much debate on whether anything works, but I’m willing to try (she said the most important thing was the protein).
· Real coffee is now approved, but only one cup per day. This makes me happy. I had to pinky promise I wouldn’t go back to my old habit of 3-5 cups per day. Honestly, I don't think I can fit more than one cup of coffee in a day!
· Exercise - no limitations and start strength training as to not lose more lean muscle mass.
· Constipation – ahhh the pooping (you know I wasn’t going to get thru an entire post with out a comment on the poo). I’ve been taking Colace and that’s the only thing that has helped. Per doc's orders, I need to cut back to one per day, then stop entirely. Doc wants Metamucil and more Fiber in my diet for a more natural approach.
I wish everyone a very, very Happy New Year. 2014 is going to be a great year for us! Be safe!

. Jenny I had to move my surgery up so I ended up having my surgery the 4th of November. I actually had a good experience and the only struggle I had was the two weeks of full liquid you start to get bored with the same stuff over and over again. But enough with me good luck with your surgery and what a great way to start out the new year.

thats my thought also new year this year will mean a healthier thinner me and it will actually happen. I'm hoping to finally get off the diet roller coaster and just plane get healthy

because I have to save up and pay I have to wait until December to have surgery. But I'm still so excited my dream is in sight and I can barely contain myself. I try not to talk to much about the surgery because i don't want my fellow coworkers getting sick of listening to me but i feel like I could burst with excitement.

Yep, I picked that up already. Not a bad reference. Especially for $10 - gotta love kindle.
Tried the Premier Protein drink - wow, so that's what 30 grams of Protein feels like lol. Not bad but would be better with a sugar free shot of Torani Syrup.< /p>

Some Dr's give you a defined diet even if you do self pay but you can go to Amazon and get the book '' the big book On the gastric sleeve''. It supposedly has everything you want to know about the gastric sleeve And its only ten dollars. I have it I just haven't started reading it yet. Any way we can get some info in here also. We continue moving forward and getting closer every day. Whooop whooop. Lynnette

Surgery was 4/23 at 196 lbs and 5'2"- and I am Finally considering myself a true lightweight! im down 57 pounds weighing in at 139 and a size 6! 5 months ago this felt like some unrealistic fantasy but today I tried on my wedding dress that I wore 15 years ago and it fits perfectly! I can't explain the feeling.
It isn't all fairydust though- the hair isn't fairing so well, the reflux truly sucks, also never realized just how many stretchmarks I have ALL over my body- but I'm managing. Small prices to pay!

Hey guys! It's been a while so let me update you all. Surgery date was July 23rd (I think). My highest weight was 229 and my current weight is 185. I am 5 ft 10 in which had me in a size 16 and I am now a size 10 and counting down. The weight is leaving so quickly its crazy! BMI went from 33 to 26.5 now. Surgery Wed and back to work on Monday. I feel great and have since the day of surgery! Here is my latest photo:

What is everybody doing to prepare themselves? I have been soda-free for 3 weeks now. Been trying out some Protein powders and shakes. Even bought some baby spoons yesterday - I need too work on the whole smaller bites thing

So I'm definitely scheduled for Dec 7th yaaaaahhhh. I'm getting excited knowing the surgery is getting closer and everything is going as planned so far. Some days I'm a little nervous but most days I'm just very excited and can't wait for the surgery to happen. Have a Great Day everyone and I hope all your dreams come true. Lynnette

Hello Everyone,
I am hoping for a December surgery. All I have left are 3 more weigh in's, then it's up to my insurance for approval. I am really hoping that this comes through. My Dr. told me to come into the office after my November weigh in and speak with the scheduler to book it. I am ready for the change!!!! Good luck everyone here is to a fabulous new 2014 for us!

. Yah I'm so happy for you. I've got mine scheduled for Dec 7th now and I can't wait. Some days I get a little nervous and wonder will this really work for me? And will I get fat again? But I think that comes with our territory and past failures. So I'm going to continue to think positive and jump this cliff that's holding me back from being healthy. And Dec can't get here soon enough.

My last dietician appointment will be mid-November. Should be able to submit shortly thereafter and hopefully get approval in 2 weeks from then. Looking like December, for me too!
Best.Christmas.Gift.Ever.

I was hoping for 12/23 but it looks like my doctor's office is going to be pretty barren that week. They said if they decide they'll be doing surgeries that week they will move my date from 12/16 to 12/23. As of right now 12/23 is my one week follow up appointment.

And look everybody its already September we're getting closer by the day. Yaaaaaaahhhhh

Ok as of this morning..
Down 52 pounds!!!! Surgery was on May 22,2013.
Bmi was 35.2
And now it is 26.8!!!!
I am almost in the normal weight range!!!!! And very very happy!!!!!

As of right now I'm scheduled or December 16 @ 8am - only a 2 day pre-op diet. After meeting with the surgeon here in town and feel very confident I am in very good hands. Love him and his office manager.

My last dietician appointment is November 26th so they said if I'm approved I'm looking at a December surgery

Approved surgery next Friday and I have a cold I need to get rid of this ASAP ... Ugh

way to go. what a way to overcome a craving. and how empowering to just say NO! keep up the hard work

thats my thought also new year this year will mean a healthier thinner me and it will actually happen. I'm hoping to finally get off the diet roller coaster and just plane get healthy

I'm sorry this happened to you but it just cements your decision to have surgery and all the struggles you've been through to get to this point this is just one more step to your freedom and nothing should get in your way stay strong and just keep moving forward and soon you'll be where you want to be. One step at a time

congrats to all of you newly sleeved lite weights. I don't get to be sleeved until Dec 2013( can't get here soon enough ) I'm 5'5" and weigh 225 lbs. I've been up and down since having my first child 28yrs ago no less then 140 lbs and no higher yet then 230 lbs. I'm like so many of you just sssooooo tired of the rollar coaster. a bit about me I met my hubby when I was 16yrs old and weighed 110 lbs after being together for a yr I ended up pregnant and he hasn't seen me under a 140 since then. I started having problems with my thyroid at age 21 and have been taking meds ever since. over the last ten yrs though I have really started having problems like high bp, acid reflux, back pain that won't go away, low HDL and normal LDL which makes me High risk for heart attack, and I'm sure I'm pre diabetic. doesn't that make me sound like fun. but truly I can't wait to be sleeved I've been dreaming of this ( or something like this ) for many years and it will finally happen this year wooooo whhhooooo !! and all of your stories have made it even clearer for me because we all worry will this really work this time. hope I can get to know some of you better but if not I atleast have read some good encouragement have a great day

congrats to all of you newly sleeved lite weights. I don't get to be sleeved until Dec 2013( can't get here soon enough ) I'm 5'5" and weigh 225 lbs. I've been up and down since having my first child 28yrs ago no less then 140 lbs and no higher yet then 230 lbs. I'm like so many of you just sssooooo tired of the rollar coaster. a bit about me I met my hubby when I was 16yrs old and weighed 110 lbs after being together for a yr I ended up pregnant and he hasn't seen me under a 140 since then. I started having problems with my thyroid at age 21 and have been taking meds ever since. over the last ten yrs though I have really started having problems like high bp, acid reflux, back pain that won't go away, low HDL and normal LDL which makes me High risk for heart attack, and I'm sure I'm pre diabetic. doesn't that make me sound like fun. but truly I can't wait to be sleeved I've been dreaming of this ( or something like this ) for many years and it will finally happen this year wooooo whhhooooo !! and all of your stories have made it even clearer for me because we all worry will this really work this time. hope I can get to know some of you better but if not I atleast have read some good encouragement have a great day

7 days out and down 6.8lbs since yesterday. Wasn't able to check today, but at most probably at 7lbs. I guess I'm going to be one of those slow losers. Meh, something is better than nothing!!!! Plus....I'm starving !
Anyways, I've got blogs up of my experience getting sleeved and everything else post-op if anyones interested. Link in signature.