Lemondrop33

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

Oh girl, my butt has gotten so much smaller I keep checking to ensure I still have one! I realize it looks better smaller but I don't want to lose all of it.
I was raised in India until I was about 20 years old. We like our women with a little meat on them. Way too many people in that country thin from actual starvation, you know? My idea of what's attractive was formed by that upbringing.
I suspect I will set my goal higher than some others because I do not want to lose my curves. As I say, still want the hourglass, just a little less sand in it

Okay deep cleansing breath, I'm including my FACE in the pic this time! Look at my husband's pics! Can you believe it? Dang man is at 70% of his excess weight lost, I'm at about 54% of mine.
pics are day of sx, 8/2/2013 and today, 11/11/2013
We are all so hard on ourselves btw. I saw mine and went, "eww! tummy rolls!" My husband saw mine and said "You're looking skinny babe".
He saw his and said "My stomach shows." I saw his and said "...."well, I can't tell you what I said on this site but I'm sure you can guess :-p

I think what you feel is a wildly undiscussed commonality with some sleeve patients. It's an effective surgery but it is not for everyone. That's why when I talk to people who want this surgery, I really tell them to think seriously about what they're doing.

No I had no health issues except....a lot of weight.....Throughout this year I have posted my story for people to read as an example oh how it might not be a hop, skip and a jump for us.....Some have really appreciated it when things went bad for them....
It was the darkest time in my life....And I changed so much because of it in so many ways....I really think that part of me did die at that time .....
But I Celebrate the changes that are positive and go forward as a new healthier me!!!!!

Sleeved 10/30/2013
Highest weight:256
After preop diet:250
While in hospital after surgery:254
Current weight:245
Goal weight: 165 or a size 8/10, whichever comes first
I'm feeling good. Some pain at the main incision on the left but otherwise ok. Looking forward to losing more weight and getting healthy. Having issues getting in liquids and Protein but taking it one day at a time. Congratulations to all October sleevers!

You know, it's funny isn't it. I was very thin and athletic my whole life. I grew up a gymnast so hard work is no stranger. I didn't develop a weight problem until around 31 yrs and its gotten worse over the last ten years. What's weird is when I look in the mirror I still see me. Then I'll see a picture of myself and I don't even recognize the person in it. Or I'll catch my reflection walking through the mall and I just can't believe I let this happen to me. I don't know why our brains play this dirty little trick on us. For me it's so severe I have to take a picture of myself to "see" how I look if I'm going out. But just as I earned my self image you have eearned yours. If your in doubt about how you look in something, try taking a selfie... it'll help. Btw... congratulations,, you so beautiful you have blown your own mind!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

I was sleeved yesterday around 2 or 3 pm. My surgery was delayed due to an emergency My surgeon got called to do. I was pretty calm the whole time. My hospital offered aroma therapy and they had very soft music playing in the background so that helped calming my nerves. Woke up from surgery in a lot of pain, and excruciating pain in my chest from the gas. Was given pain meds and As soon as I was in my room I did some walking and that helped so much. I slept pretty well on my back. Today in the morning I woke up with minimal gas pain and very little incision pain. What is most annoying is the nausea and occasional headaches. Meds can take care of that. So for those of you worried about the pain levels, there's really not much that can't be taken away with pain meds. Walking is extremely important for the gas. I was given some broth, Jello, tea, Italian ice and Water for dinner. The broth tasted like food for the gods and so did the ice but I couldn't eat not even half of both. Slow sips are the trick. Now I'm in bed typing this and so happy that I found this site with so many wonderful people and inspirational stories and great advice. I thank you all. I gained four pounds since surgery after losing six on my 7 day preop diet. I'm not stressed though cause I know it's all the IV Fluid. Anyway, you all take care. It feels pretty awesome finally being on the losers bench! XO to all!

Tomorrow is THE day. I have to be in the hospital by 7am. I am feeling all the different emotions all at once, too many to describe. Have to try to calm down and go to sleep. Goodnite everyone! Prayers for me please and all others that go in tomorrow. I am so thankful for everyone's advice and encouragement. You guys are the best!
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Tomorrow is THE day. I have to be in the hospital by 7am. I am feeling all the different emotions all at once, too many to describe. Have to try to calm down and go to sleep. Goodnite everyone! Prayers for me please and all others that go in tomorrow. I am so thankful for everyone's advice and encouragement. You guys are the best!
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I'm on day 2 of liquid diet. Feeling tired, headachey, etc. Does this get better?? When?

WLS Do’s and Don’ts

DO remove the word ONLY from your vocabulary. Ex: I’ve ONLY lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks… Now let’s look at this again without the word ONLY: I’ve lost 10 Lbs in 2 weeks!! See what I mean? Perception is reality folks!!

DON’T assume you’ll never eat all of your favorite foods again. This is just an excuse your brain has designed to allow you to indulge. You WILL eat all your favorites again someday, just much less but find it to me more enjoyable. Which leads directly into the next:

DON’T do the “last meal” syndrome. You will only sabotage your weight loss you might have pre-surgery or set you back further from your ultimate goal post-op. This surgery is very serious and is for the serious minded. Use this time wisely to get the feeling of how life might be like post op.

DO learn all of the rules pre-op that you will endure post-op. Such as, no drinking with meals, using smaller utensils and plates, engaging in some type of workout routine, limiting your sugar and sodium intake, joining as many WLS support groups as you can.

DO Celebrate every single pound lost! Imagine one pound of butter. Yeah… that’s gone from your body forever. It is noteworthy and worth every bit of a pat on the back as any others that may go along with it.

DON’T compare your successes and losses to others. Chances are very high that you will only come out on the short end and only find yourself disappointed. Everyone’s journeys are their own…

DO keep track of your losses in many different ways than just the scale! Examples:

DO keep one set of your largest clothes you’ve ever worn. Make it a point to try them on, especially when you’re having a down moment. You will find this will really pick up your spirits! This is a real rollercoaster of a ride, and anything that will keep you positive is what you should do!

DON'T keep any other fat clothes around. Get rid of them ASAP. You're never going to fit them again, right? So... off to donations they go.

DO take photos of yourself just before your surgery. Keep them close. Again, having a bad day? Look at them and compare them. As a matter of fact, take photos of yourself often. You will also find that the more you lose, the more you will want to take pictures. Nothing wrong with that!!! That goes with celebrating your losses.

DO take measurements of yourself often. Keeping track of all your inches lost will really keep you on the right track when your scale is being stubborn!!

DO reward yourself every time you hit a mini goal. Make some more worthy than others. I like to go shopping when I hit a goal, it is my favorite thing to do now.

DON’T let the scale define you. Great majority of us will endure many fluctuations and stalls in this journey. It is what it is… patience is the key here. Meditate and envision yourself months down the road at your goal. Smile, then move on!!

DO find out about measuring body fat! It’s more than just weight loss, FAT LOSS is the real goal here. Keep in mind that the BMI scale is greatly inaccurate and most Health Studies do prove this. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE) our body fat % ranges should be average: 25-31% for Women and 18-24% for men. Any higher is considered obese. However it does go more in depth, according to ages and more. Everyone has different genetic make ups, frame sizes and fitness levels... even a different ethnicity can post differences.

DO have many goals in sight. Having only one, especially a simple weight goal you will find can be difficult. Have many MINI goals along your journey, and more than just ones that involve the scale. Such as, clothing size goals, body fat% goals, fitness or workout goals, dietary goals, etc…

DO challenge yourself always!! Whether it’s a global challenge with others, or personal challenges... It will keep you motivated and always willing to go further than you ever thought you could!

DO have a mentor! Find someone that you can trust and confide in, and that you know has “been there”. Preferably someone you know in person. You will find many folks in your life who have been there, for obesity is worldwide now and there are so many who have been able to defeat this demon. It’s not easy! It quite literally is the toughest feat I’ve ever had to endure. I can say this too, my job will never be done. This is for life!
DON'T believe the myth that your tool has an expiration date. Yes, it's true you will lose the most weight in the first year and it's also true that the further out you are and the closer you are to goal, the harder it is to lose. However, as long as you keep up with your healthy eating and fitness routines you will continue to lose weight and / or keep it off in the many years post op. It all boils down to calories in vs. calories out.
DON'T believe the myth that having WLS will keep the weight off forever. That is our individual responsibility.

And finally…

DON’T ever beat yourself up! We all make mistakes, and dare I say not one person on this Earth is perfect. I try hard to be, no doubt! I always admit that I’m a perfectionist – but I’m far from perfect. I just try to be… The only thing you can do is pick yourself up, give yourself a pep talk, perhaps contact your mentor for reassurance and move on!!! Again, this is for life. Every day you wake up is a second chance.

DO look for solutions to your problems. Otherwise they will just become excuses.


DON’T EVER GIVE UP! I don’t think any explanation is necessary here.

DON'T expect the scale to post a loss every single day. As a matter of fact, don't expect it to move that much even weekly! Just keep doing all the right things and the scale will move in the right direction when it needs to.

DO expect to see fluctuations on the scale, both down AND up. DON'T lose your head over it either. This isn't a miracle cure and the weight isn't going to magically disappear in a few weeks. You have to keep pushing with healthy eating, some type of workout and getting plenty of Fluid.

DON'T let the scale define your journey when there are so many pieces to that puzzle!!!



Good luck to all of you. This journey is a tough one, but if you are here, then you believed in yourself enough to give yourself the life you’ve always dreamed of. YOU WILL BE successful. Always keep that in mind.

Add-ons by other experienced sleevers:

DO keep a list of NSV (Non scale victories) to reflect on when times are getting hard. Can you walk up 2 extra flights of stairs before getting winded? Cross your legs?" and

"DO NOT be afraid to change things if they aren't working. Stalls happen even gains happen. If you are on a long stall look at your eating and decided if changes need to be made. Utilize your tool!" -- Southern Sleever

DO: Keep a food diary of what you eat and drink. This is a great learning tool as to which foods have what amounts of fat, Protein and carbs that add up to your daily intake goals. There are many ways to diary your food - from old fashioned pen and notebook to many options via smartphone apps. Keeping one is the important thing - however is right for you. I use mine now to look back for meal ideas when I hit a blank as to what to prepare for a day or a week.

DO: Realize this is not a diet to be followed for a while then set aside. This is a permanent lifestyle change. Yes, the amount of food you eat will increase as time passes, but your relationship with food will be forever altered. How you Celebrate your joys, successes and holidays will be different. How you mourn your sorrows will be different. Some people need outside help to get through the sometimes overwhelming mental changes this process brings. If you need help with this part of the deal- reach out and get it. -- SKCUNNINGHAM

DO roll with the punches!! -- fern

Our Barney has the same attitude. He will sit where he thinks it's appropriate. Period.
This is a photo of our very first Pug. We adopted him when he was found wandering around with the Saint Bernard. We wanted a Saint, we adopted both and fell in love with Pugs. Otis the Pug and Buska the Saint.

You will be a new you. I was sleeved on May 1. As of last week I have lost 103lbs. The new you will come on through when the fat wall come down. I like the new me and my new relationship with food. I am a food addict but not as much any more. You will see that it's not that important anymore!