Katcloudshepherd

Lizzyy, I went through a VERY dark period several months after my surgery. Get some counseling and medical help NOW. Do not wait. I was finally able to get mine under control with prescription drugs, counseling and exercise. It was a tough slog but I was able to do it. I wish you luck and PLEASE get help. Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment. Blessings, Kathleen

aliess, I agree with what BitterSweet* and Bobby46 said. Protein is ESSENTIAL for your body to be able to heal from having a good part of your stomach removed. I was on Clear liquids such as broth for a week after surgery. I ended up buying and drinking some Isopure clear Liquid Protein because I felt weak and my body felt like it needed protein. Then a week of protein shakes, then a week of "mushies" like cottage cheese, re-fried Beans and moist cooked eggs. When I was eating the cottage cheese, re-fried beans and moist cooked eggs--I as very vigilant about measuring them so I didn't have too much there to eat. Good luck and welcome to the "loser's" club! Kathleen

fezik23, Congratulations! I had my surgery at 48 but I'm VERY fortunate that I had been going to the pool and Water aerobics for years before surgery. I think that REALLY made all the difference in the world. As others have stated before--this is a marathon and not a sprint. Thirty pounds in two months is better than I would have EVER had done before having this tool. Kathleen

noradelgado84, Depends on your surgeon. I was able to drink decaffeinated coffee a week out with no sugar-used Stevia and fat free 1/2 and 1/2--which does have sugar. I wasn't cleared for regular coffee for three months. I had given up caffeine for several weeks before surgery and I'm very glad I did. Welcome to the "loser's" bench!! Kathleen

wcn1970, Good for you in sticking to your plan! I can so relate. I was in Michigan and ordered a wet burrito. It was huge! I only ate a few bites and the waitress asked: "Is something wrong with your food?" I responded that I had 80% of my stomach removed. She gave me an even stranger look then! I don't try to explain it anymore. If there's a high Protein appetizer on the menu, I'll order it for a whole meal and sometimes still have some left. I have shared a small portion of someone's meal as well. Unfortunately, if you are alone you don't have anyone to share with . I didn't truly realize just how massive the portions are at restaurants are until after I had my surgery and can eat only a few ounces. Kathleen

Andrew0929, Congratulations. I'm so happy for you! Those that have not gone through the surgery and working to lose the weight have not idea how much inner strength it takes to be vigilant and work it because we ARE WORTH IT! I had my surgery in December 2013 but I haven't weighed myself since my follow-up in June. I only weigh myself at doctor's appointments. My clothes are falling off again so I think I may have lost more than my current stats say. I just keep taking it one day at a time. Sometimes I slip and eat things I shouldn't but I just have to realize--I'm far from perfect and must get back on the horse and ride on. Have a good one everyone! Kathleen

jessiquoi, The work you are doing now will serve you well after surgery. I hope like me, your appetite to eat comes under control after surgery. I didn't have an appetite for several months after my surgery and when it came back--it was nothing like before. This has made a tremendous difference. I think it's absolutely fantastic that your significant other is supportive and by your side. This support is worth more than any amount of money. I wish you both well and hope your surgery is smooth and you have an easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

I went to the article and the typical posters were there saying to "do your research", "surgery should be a LAST RESORT." "just eat less and move more." Yada, Yada, Yada. Surgery was my LAST RESORT. After 40 + years of weight watchers, Overeaters Anonymous, (OA), doctor supplied legal speed etc. THE FACT IS my stomach was not working. It kept telling me I was hungry when I had no need to eat. This isn't just lack of willpower--if it were there would not be that many obese people! Once that troublesome part of my stomach was removed my appetite is now "normal" and I don't live to eat I eat to live. The shaming that goes on with obesity is unbelievable. If someone needed surgery to treat any OTHER disease there is no shaming or condemnation involved. Another FACT. Obesity kills--just like heart disease, cancer or any other disease. It just takes a lot longer to kill you and it's the complications like diabetes or high blood pressure that eventually KILLS you. Obesity is a multifaceted disease. It's not just shutting your pie-hole, lack of discipline etc. No one wants to be obese and treated totally different by complete strangers. Since I now no longer appear to be obese, total strangers are so much more nice to me! I say good for Steve. He is taking control of his life and health. I only wish my husband wasn't such a high risk for surgery--no doctor would touch him because he had blood clots and is on comudin. Good luck Steve. I applaud your courage.

Fiddleman, I love how you spelled Vagus nerve---Vegas. Since Los Vegas, (Lost Wages)--is over consumption of food at buffets and gambling. Isn't the Vagus nerve involved somehow with metabolizing food, appetite or something like that? I remember reading over a decade ago of some kind of research to stimulate the Vagus nerve in an effort to help people loose weight. Never heard anything again about it though. Maybe I have a Vegas nerve instead of a skinnier person's Vagus nerve? Have a good day, Kathleen

My Inner Surfer Girl, "I am a beautiful child of God. I DESERVE to be happy, healthy and to enjoy life." "One Day At A Time." "Lord, Grant me the serenity to accept stupid people the way they are, courage to maintain myself control, and the wisdom to know if I act on it, I'll go to jail."

Pippy's Mommy, WOW!!! You are truly an inspiration. I started to cry when I read about your childhood. I can so relate to you growing up in an alcoholic, abusive and dysfunctional home. Words can not express how thankful I am for your courage in posting your story. Overcoming everything you have speaks volumes for your intestinal fortitude. Blessings, Kathleen

Capegin, My stomach didn't work so I had it fixed. It constantly told me I was hungry. I see it as the same as someone who has a defective heart having it surgically fixed. Yes a defective heart is an obvious, immediate threat but obesity does KILL it just takes a lot longer and you end up dying from the results of obesity---diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, etc., etc., etc. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

supportive hubby, Congratulations to you and your wife. It's a big change and to have someone who stands beside you through it is worth more than gold. I wish you both well. Blessings, Kathleen

jannie1121, It is a total change. You have to work through the issues that cause you to need this surgical tool. The best thing you can do is have counseling before and AFTER surgery. Working on my "fat" brain has been much more arduous than any physical part of the surgery. Welcome to the forum and good luck, Kathleen

Wooo Hoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) So happy for you!!!! I've noticed I can now fit ONE gym towel around my body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to have to use my beach towel walking around the locker room and now can use the gym provided towels. Have a good one, Kathleen

skylarkx, Don't underestimate the impact the anesthesia, surgery and trauma from surgery has had on your body. Your body just went through he!! 6 days ago. Hope you feel better soon. Kathleen

Thank you! I love hearing from someone who is as far out from surgery as you are. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello everyone, Interesting topic. I was walking out of a grocery store yesterday headed to my vehicle. A man was walking into the store. He said: "You're the most beautiful woman in San Antonio." "If you weren't married, I'd marry you." I said "Thank You". I'm the same person as I was on my day of surgery, December 11, 2013 but my exterior has obviously changed. I told a friend about it and he said he knew I was always a strong, beautiful, intelligent and confident woman and some can see now the exterior beauty matches the inner beauty. He said many men want a strong, beautiful, intelligent and confident woman. I just thought well, maybe the man took his "happy" pills and he's really "happy, happy, happy" I have noticed total strangers treat me much better now and I've commented on it here on this site. Y'all have a good one. Blessings, Kathleen

Ash51, Good luck with your surgery. Like brendaliz_r said, follow the doctors instructions. For me, the mental part is harder than the physical part. My body healed with time but my decades of "fat" brain thinking took much more work. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

healthygurl, Wishing you lots of luck for a speedy approval, routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

Lisa, So sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going thourgh. Lord, take Lisa in your arms and comfort her. Be with her and help her to do what she needs to do to become healthy. May God keep you in his care, Kathleen

Perfect strangers treat me totally different now. They open doors, smile and treat me like a totally different person. Like you said--I'm still the same person but it is amazing how much more cordial strangers are to a person closer to a "normal" weight. Like you also said--I was somewhat invisible--How the heck a six foot tall woman over 300 pounds is invisible is beyond me! People who knew me at 300 + pounds do constantly say how wonderful I look and I can't help but think maybe my attitude is more positive now---possibly eliciting more positive responses from total strangers? Blessings, Kathleen

Thank you Alex! This site has been worth more than words can express to me in this journey down the "loser's" highway. Kathleen

I used to take prescription strength Naproxin morning and night. I had to switch to Voltarin-a cream that is applied and absorbed through the skin like an NSAID. I am fortunate that it worked for me until I could lose enough weight to not need it any longer. It is a tough road to travel while losing the weight. Good luck to y'all, Kathleen

CowgirlJane, I pray that you have the strength you need to get through this time. Wish I could hug you. May God bless you and keep you in his care. Kathleen