Miss Mac

Sleeved 12/23/2013 (I am one of those people who has to lose ONLY 100 pounds) For those of you who feel that our journey is less noble because we were not even larger, keep in mind that our co-morbidities are life threatening and painful, too. I have already had one stroke and my spine is degenerating and will not hold that extra 100 pounds anymore. I only say that because there have been a couple of recent comments in the forum inferring that we do not deserve access to this surgery. We need to be less judgemental and more supportive of sleeve brothers and sisters, especially since so many do not get encouragement at home. Pre-op weight 235 pounds (I am 5'4") Day of surgery weight 208 pounds Day of discharge weight 212 pounds Current weight 2/16/2014 - 189 pounds So far from the beginning, I have lost 46 pounds from my head, arms, and boobs. My belly still looks disgusting and has shifted south, but has gone from 53 inches to 50 inches, so I will accept that as progress. I am eating regular foods O K, but still cannot tolerate cabbage and cauliflower. Most days I am eating around 700 - 800 calories. It is challenging to get in 64 ounces of Water and 70 grams of Protein, but I come close. Except for a nerve pain issue not associated with the surgery: I am feeling a lot better sleeping much better do not make so many frequent trips to the bathroom exercise is easier and I can exercise longer I can move around easier and clip my own toenails I can roll over in bed easier Reflux is 80% better Hot flashes and night sweats are gone Have doctor appointment with primary doctor on 2/17, and expect to drop Metformin, Lipitor, Wellbutrin Blood pressure is rapidly improving - may drop that 3 drug cocktail, too. Saturday after exercise, it was 102/62. I have had one closet flush, going from size 22 to a snug 18. In about 10 pounds more, I will have another closet flush to 14/16, hoping to get into those sassy size 14 white jeans that are on standby. So, overall, my quality of life is improving......I'm glad I did it!

Sleeved in December 2013.....no more hot flashes.

We just need to keep in mind that when we ask for advice on the forum, we are going to get all kinds of advice from people who have had all kinds of background and life experience. My comment on "why would you love someone who treats you this way" comes from the place of domestic violence. I had to escape in the middle of the night from a psychopath who kept six loaded guns in the house. His abuse started with diet sabotage and unkind comments, and escalated to physical abuse and death threats from there. I do believe that most diet sabotage is probably NOT intentional and we must train or households and workplaces to be more observant of what we can safely eat. I am just sayin' that at some point, an unrepentant reprobate saboteur needs to be confronted. That said, hopefully this works out for you.

Weight loss surgery can change relationships as well as our minds and bodies. Put this on the back burner. You may need it later: Instead of thinking "I love him, so why does he treat me this way?" ........start thinking "Why would I love someone who treats me this way?"

Well, I suppose if I were in your position, I would take what I am allowed to have, and politely decline everything except maybe Water. For sure, someone is going to ask what is up, and you could just tell them it's doctor's orders and you prefer not to discuss it, but you did not want to miss the event and the fellowship. No doubt, someone is going to say they will pray for you - and that's o k , just tell them you appreciate it.....then change the subject.

My program is very similar too Madam Reverie's except for my Protein requirement at 70 grams. It is nearly Paleo. If I can catch it or pick it, I can eat it - protein first. Nothing made in a factory except I can have one Protein shake a day. I have been getting that same message from myfitnesspal every day since I started my pre-op last September. Oh well.

When your hair started to thin out, did your eyebrows thin out, too? I haven't started to thin out yet, but am curious. Was the hair thinning bad enough for a turban or wig?

Before I called the bariatric clinic, I read the benefit plan provided by my insurer, which said that they do cover weight loss surgery but not plastics. When I made that first call to the clininc to set up an appointment, I was told that the insurance coordinator would confirm how much my plan covered. I got a call back with an appointment date. After I completed all of my plan requirements (3 month nutrition and medical tests) all the data was faxed to my insurer for final approval. It was approved in two days along with a guarantee of five nights stay at the hospital. Surgery was three weeks later with two night stay- so in all, it took four months from first call to surgery date.

My NUT told me I could have one a day....more than that could slow down weight loss. I had purchase quite a variety of brands in both the powder form and RTU. My favorite has turned out to be unjury chocolate Splendor in 1% or 2% milk. Tastes just like good ole' chocolate milk.

Just think of it as a nap, and when you wake up, you will be on the road to the new you. If the pain is bad, it is temporary. For many of us, there was little pain, not much. I had no shoulder gas at all. For others, there were challenges, but they will have great advice for you as you come up with questions and concerns. My best advice aside from get up and walk around, is that you may be more comfortable sleeping in a recliner for a few nights. It will make it easier to get up and down without pulling on your abdomen. Take care. We are here to encourage you.

Congratulations...that's awesome! I have my size 14 white jeans waiting in the closet, but I have to get to those 16's first. Good for you. Keep up the good work!

I asked my primary doctor if he thought I was a good candidate for a lap band. I had not even heard of VSG. He gave me a referral to the Bariatric Clinic at Loyola University, so I contacted them. They explained my options and advised that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve.

1. You don't have to lie, but you don't have to tell everything you know. 2. I am retired from healthcare environmental services management, and I know from experience that the HIPPA laws are a joke. Medical staff does discuss your business everywhere, including the cafeteria line and the elevator. Also, they have no regard for the HIPPA privacy laws for their co-workers either. Except for the FMLA coordinator in HR - nobody has any right to know your private stuff. And you can tell people just that your weight loss is a personal concern which you choose not to discuss.

Miss Mac here, My name is Shirley. I share Danielle's love of history. Last year I too up the mantle of family genealogist and use that hobby to keep me out of trouble. My ancestry through a recent DNA investigation is ancient stone builder / Viking, which explains the red hair. Because of Ancestry.com and is international records data base and family documentation, I have been able to document our descent through Mary Boleyn, the Bassanos and Laniers (royal court musicians), John Vassall (the builder of the Mayflower), John McCulloch (who harbored reformer John Knox at Barholm Castle), along with many others present at Jamestown, Salem, and Plymouth as well as Richard Morgan who sold land to two of George Washington's brothers - Lawrence and Samuel - and was in the first group of settlers to live across the Potomac in the Shenandoah Valley of West Virginia. My McCullough ancestors met up with the Morgans in pioneer Kentucky after valiently fighting in the American Revolution and associated with Danielle Boone and fought in many of the battles to defend pioneer forts. Studying family history has given me a fresh purpose for life and perspective of whose shoulders we stand on. My sleeve will let me live long enough to keep at it and leave a full legacy for my grandchildren. I think my favorite family story is that of Paul Revere's horse. I have a family cousin connection to the Larkin family who loaned Paul Revere a horse detained by the British and they kept the horse which was never returned to the family. That's my passion - genealogy.

Started at 64" tall and 53" around and getting rounder. Lost 43 pounds so far, but it sure is a lot of work. That's OK. I volunteered for this.

I have a stash of sugar free lollipops, but some folks get loose stools from sugar free candy. Whatever you do, DO NOT EAT SUGAR FREE GUMMY BEARS!!!!!!!!! Look up the thread. You will be horrified and amused at the same time. You have been warned.

No - was not told that. It is good information to have. Thanks.

I was facing an early death like my mother, without my sleeve. I do not regret it at all. The weight I have lost to date has already made a profound difference in my mobility. There are risks in everything.

At six weeks post-op my team has me at 800 calories, 70 grams Protein.... I alternate strength training with cardio days, and take Sunday as an exercise day off. Whether I like it or not, our bodies are meant to move, not sit, so I make myself do it.

Ditto.

Six weeks out. My plan calls for 3 meals and 2 Snacks per day. 70 grams Protein and 800 calories +-. No more than 1/3 cup and 2 tablespoons at any time. No fluids 30 minutes before or after eating. So, I make my protein the 1/3 cup and my veggie the 2 tablespoons. Fruit shows up as 1 snack, and dairy as 1 snack. It's working in spite of the fact that I also had the dreaded third week stall, which thankfully I am coming out of finally. The main ingredients in all of this are persistence, patience, and exercise.

Southside White Sox Fan here..........yeah it's funny about the Chicago cut - when you tell people they look at you like WHUT? And then you have to explain. Congratulations on the decision to get healthy with a sleeve. 15 days????? Man oh man, good luck with that....it's a daring feat of strength and fortitude that pays off grandly on the other side. Wishing you good health and happiness.

One thing I learned as a survivor of domestic violence is that a person can get so used to the abuse that they start abusing themselves. That correlates to how strangers treat us, too.<br /><br />Just because they were small minded green meanies does not mean that you have to isolate yourself and withdraw from a full life. Embrace yourself as you are and be bold. Wishing you good luck and good health. Hopefully as you lose the weight that is holding you down in body and spirit you will be able to help someone else along the way.

i had to drop the food Network and other food shows cold turkey....I mean I had to drop them like a hot potato...I mean I used to watch them all like I was coo coo for Cocoa Puffs. O K this analogy clearly isn't working. But what I am trying to say is that the commercials are tempting enough. Sounds like you might be a pretty good cook. Let's face it. You are still going to have to eat for the rest of your life. And since you are the cook, you can control the ingredients. Just remember...Taste everything - eat nothing if you are the cook. Portion control will be your best friend going forward.

When I first started my program last September at 235 pounds, I was housebound with post-stroke balance issues (which my pendulous overhanging 53" belly made worse) and limitations due to osteoarthritis and complications from joint replacements. On the worst of days, I tried to do some kind of exercise, even if it was chair exercises or Pilates on my bed. My stamina was poor. Now, at 42 pounds down, I can do a 12 minute one mile speed walk video (in house) before Breakfast and an additional exercise session later in the day....and I am strength training every other day! My energy is not great every day, but at six weeks post-op, I will take the improvements as they come. But today, I was able to venture away from my rolling walker during my video, and actually JOGGED down the hallway. Unbelievable. This sleeve is so worth it.