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I didn't tell anyone, but the HR person probably knew because of the FMLA paperwork I had to hand in. Other than that,I haven't told anyone at work. I didn't feel the need to share my medical history with anyone. I'm guessing at this point, only 1 year later and down 140 pounds, that some probably know on their own.....but no one has asked me or anything.

Thank you! I remember you too! Looks like you are doing awesome as well! :-)

I agree! When I was pre-op sometimes these posts made me question myself and second guess everything. Just know that if you put in the work, you will be really happy with your results! :-)

Well, I actually wrote a blog post about this same exact question. Check it out if you want it's here: "The Real Test" Hope that helps! I have worked hard and worked 'with' the sleeve to lose 140 pounds and have been maintaining that loss.

I totally feel ya! I've been trying to lose this last 5 pounds for about 4 months now. And like you said, I could go to all liquids and drop it in a couple days, but I want to lose it for good. Sigh.

I think when I was starting out the surgeon's office said no longer than a half an hour because then it kind of turns into grazing. Good luck!

You can check out my before and afters. I'm a little taller (5'7") and my starting weight was a little higher (278), but it might give you an idea. There are tons of pictures in my blog (link in siggy below) or on my profile here. Good luck to you! :-)

I only took mine for about a month after surgery. I've never had any problems with that. :-)

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! :-)

Sorry...that's supposed to read "140 pounds lost and holding" but it wouldn't let me edit the title..... I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I would share a pic I snapped from this morning, a little over 14 months post op. I've lost 140 pounds and I am holding steady, rocking a size 4!!! I would love to lose 5 more, but hey....considering where I started, if I never lose another pound, I am ok with that too. My life has definitely transformed in a lot of ways. I have more confidence, more energy, I've run a 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, and am currently training for my first full marathon, and I'm healthy which is one of the best parts! I know that I have a much better chance of being around for a long time for my kids. I've learned a ton about myself, loving myself, and my vices through this process. Good luck to all of you at the beginning or in the middle of this crazy 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!