livvsmum

I definitely felt the same way and had a total freak out a couple of weeks before surgery. However, I can honestly say that it was the best decision I ever made for myself and my health. It was hard work, but SO, SO worth it.

I've told people on a case by case basis. Only a few friends know, and that's the decision I've made. When asked by others, I give them an honest answer. I have increased my Protein intake, drastically cut carbs, and I started running....A LOT. Honestly at 1 year out, those things are the things that are keeping the weight off now, not necessarily the surgery, so I don't feel dishonest in that response. I'm always surprised by messages I get from friends too saying that my journey has encouraged them to make changes in their lives too. It doesn't have to be all about the surgery, because honestly, it's about SO much more than that.

Milk of magnesia has been my life-saver. I still (at 14 months post op) usually take it about 1 time a week or so.

I initially was going to have gastric bypass. The reason I wanted it was that I read the statistics that you lose more weight with that than the sleeve. So that was my decision. About half way through the insurance requirements I got very uneasy with the re-routing of the intestines that goes on with the bypass, so I switched to the sleeve. I figured if I would lose, say, 80 pounds with bypass and only 65 with the sleeve, I would work my butt off and make up the difference on my own through discipline and hard work. Well, I ended up losing 140 pounds with the sleeve, and I couldn't be more thrilled. That concern of not losing as much with the sleeve - in retrospect - seems a total moot point for me. I haven't regretted my decision at all.

141. Stupid time of the month :-/

Yes. Somewhere right around 7 or 8 months post op it's like a switch went off and all of the sudden I felt like I could eat more. I had to be really mindful to eat Protein first and not let carbs and slider foods in. The type of food that you are eating makes a difference in the restriction you feel. It is super easy to not over eat in those first 7 months or so, but then after that you really have to determine that you are going to stick to the plan! Once I got my mind wrapped around that it's been smooth sailing since then!

I agree. It is a huge red flag of an eating disorder. I just recently got to the point where I can openly admit I have an eating disorder and it's been a huge step in my recovery. I definitely recommend working with an eating disorder therapist and starting early in the process. It has made all the difference for me. Good luck!

Yes! Collar bones and hip bones..... my long lost friends....

I agree. I would probably avoid noodles because they are high carbs and also pasta seems to expand in my belly and make me uncomfortable. I'm guessing noodles might be the same way?

Thank you for following! It means a lot that I'm able to help people. that's what keeps me going on this journey! :-)

Good luck to you on your journey! Check out my blog.... you'll see everything I've learned along the way there. It's linked in my siggy. :-)

Yes, that is pretty much what I do. I don't worry about calories. If you are following the guidelines for carbs and protein, the calories, fats, sugars, etc. fall into place. I try to stick to 80g of protein, 30g of carbs, and 100 oz of water daily. When I do this, I lose.

Yes. This is a huge thing for me. There were some messages sent to me in my life that I was unloveable. I internalized those and used food and overeating as a way to create something I hated. This journey has been about finding out that I have to love myself before I can really love anyone else. And about realizing that I deserve good things! And to stop abusing myself with food! If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading "When Food is Love." It helped me a ton and has changed my life!

It's a hard wait for sure. I related it to being pregnant....you just have to wait, and wait, and wait for something you're so excited for. I started a blog while I was waiting to document my journey and I still post on it weekly now at 13 months out. It's linked in my siggy. I would say follow some blogs or you tube channels of vet sleevers so that you can be as prepared as possible! Good luck on your journey.

Very exciting! Good luck and I hope everything goes smoothly with insurance!

You should check out my blog (linked in signature). I started it after my very first pre-op appointment and I've been posting there for 13 months now to document my journey. Good luck to you!

Wonderful! Congrats! You are going to be so pleased!!! :-)

This is kind of random and you can ignore it depending on which side of the straw debate you fall on, but I find I drink way more Water from a tumbler with a straw than if I am just drinking from water bottles. Not sure why..... I always get 80 oz in easily that way. I just keep in on my desk and sip, sip, sip all day

Mine did it in the first few hours after surgery before I was able to have any liquids.

I would get one now. I have gone from a size 20 to a size 4 in 13 months and have had to keep a nice wardrobe going for work. The only way I could do it was to find a really nice consignment shop and buy there. Then when I sized down I would take them back in, re-sell them and get the next size down. I was able to make it work doing that. In fact, now I can pretty safely invest in clothes because I'm not planning to size any further down than a 4, but I still stop in there from time to time to check out good deals. Sometimes I get things with the tags still on them. In fact a couple weeks ago I got a new leather jacket with the tags on for $15. :-)

Hang in there! It will be SO worth it!!!

Wow! That is an amazing transformation! congrats! It seems that you've caught the running bug. I was SO emotional after my first 5K and have been able to keep training and complete a half marathon. Now training for my first full. Isn't it amazing what our bodies are capable of when we give them the opportunity to be amazing!??

Loved the post...lol. I also have found splenda is the only thing I like. I try to avoid sweeteners most times, but if I'm really having a craving for some hot or sweet tea I'll use splenda and you're right there is no weird aftertaste. Another cold-weather treat I like is the bariwise Protein hot chocolate. Yum! In fact it's in the single-digits here today and I think I'll have some this afternoon.