LindafromFlorida

My husband is down 110 lbs and still on the low dose insulin, but no more sleepless nights worrying that he will die from low blood sugar and no more calls for rescue and glucagon shots to revive him. We are both still off Metformin, but our A1C has climbed since the drop after surgery, not sure why. We accept what is is and would do this again 1000 times over!!!!

Linda, there you are! I've missed you. So glad to hear you're so happy and thriving. Having fun -- that was the point of all this, wasn't it?!

Hi Ann! I miss good friends like you too. We all taught each other so many things as we made this journey. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and countless blessings! Linda

My surgery date isn't set yet but is coming to that stage really soon. I get closer and closer with every appointment. At my last appointment they said have to lose 10 pounds and then I will get even closer. At the age of 65 I too worry about loose skin and hair LOSS! I started months ago with Vitamins and B12 along with Biotin just to maybe help with the Hair loss as best I can. I don't know if it works but its worth a try. Just because we are 60+ doesn't mean we can't try to be pretty again. My hair is my best asset right now. As far as loose skin..... well we already have that at this age anyway so I'm prepared to just live with it. 3/4 sleeves have become my friend. I plan on getting shape wear and looking fabulous after surgery. I'm looking forward to riding my bike, kayaking and running with my grandchildren. Maybe I'll be able to do cartwheels again!

I am 68. In 4 days I will be one year post op. I realize now I thought I knew it all because I followed the rules. I really knew nothing. I have not posted in a few months. I have been traveling and enjoying living with my sweet husband who was also sleeved. I have finally relaxed a bit. I get more compliments than you can imagine, even though my weight loss stopped at 160 (from 230), then I stabilized at 170 and I look pretty great I think (LOL)! I am delighted. I will be honest with you. I took Biotin religiously for a year. My hair loss started at 5 months, especially at my temples. I have worn a beautiful wig since June 2014 and I get nothing but compliments. I tell very few people. I would say be prepared with a wig before you need it. Do not buy one online as it must fit right. It is a trade off and I will take the weight loss any day. We are kayaking, walking on the beach, cruising again, and living life to the utmost. Would not change a thing. Best of luck everyone.

one of the several reasons I LOVE this site. reading as much as I do on here, I am ready and this will not catch me off guard. it sucks, because this early point post surgery, I love getting on the scale every morning and seeing a new lower weight. I think I will have the wife hide the scale and break it out just once a week. I can't wait to get healthy!!!!

Great idea!!!!!!! Good luck!

Well I am pretty much defeated at this time, went thru the whole program, had a EGD date, Surgery date and everything was set to go, now nothing is happening, surgery cancelled, don't know if anything will happen, I have to have at least 4-5 thousand dollars up front, I wasn't told any of this thru out the program, so everything is at a stand still til I can come up with the money, which at this point I don't know how that will happen. We live paycheck to paycheck, have depleted our savings so.

So no one ever told you all this? You do not have insurance? Details are vague here but good luck. We had to come up with $300 but thousands sounds like you might need a new surgeon, or we just do not have the facts. So sorry.

My surgery is September 23 rd. They called yesterday so I will be moving to the other phase of this journey. Can't wait.

Keep us posted!!!!!!

Hi LindafromFlorida,

Dr Morganthal at Baptist downtown is doing my surgery. Can't wait! My ins co is United Health Care and they require my primary care to record my weight for 6 mos, I have a couple more months to go. Then they will send everything to ins co for approval! Seems like I have been doing this for a while. The waiting is nerve racking, I want it done now! I'm looking so forward to this , I already have my Protein drinks and all my Vitamins.

I'm so glad you and your husband are doing well. Take care and will talk soon. Do you and your husband attend any local support groups?

Getting a Bariatric Pal group set up. I will let you know details. I need anyone in Jacksonville, OP, Green Cove to email me - if they want to be notified - ldav@clearwire.net.

Hi

I'm from Green Cove Springs, Fl. A little town south of Jacksonville. I have decided to have the sleeve surgery. My surgery will probably be at the end of the year. I have over the years canceled two weight loss surgeries . I got scared and backed out, I'm going through with it this time.

Have you had your surgery yet? Keep in touch.

Wanda Heck

Who is doing your surgery? I am in Jacksonville. Sleeved Nov. 2013. Husband sleeved Dec. 2013 and he is down 110 lbs. We have had smooth sailing and never a problem. It is the best decision we ever made in our life. Best wishes everyone!

68 and renewed my lease on life!

Aroundhky and jyrickchick64, thank you for sharing your stories with us. Sometimes it just helps to tell the story, and I know it makes us all stop and remember that we are real people here, with real stories, of every nature. Be kind to everyone, you do not know their story until you take the time to ask and listen. God Bless. Lose the weight and live longer. Cheers to good health and better days.

Horrible problem for me. Until I started eating raw veggies at 3 months out. You should update your stats so we can see how far along you are since surgery, because it is sometimes a guessing game here without information. I will share that I tried every recommended product with no success, and I read where someone has ended up in the ER. Don't let it get to that point. My real relief is the little pink pill, Correctol, and I know you are not supposed to do that, take the laxatives. I choose the laxative over the ER any day. Keep trying different products. I am, at 10 months post sleeve. Best wishes. So sorry!

Good post CowgirlJane!

This thread breaks my heart!

Maybe it is healing, a way to share what we all went through, to know we were not alone, and how the words and names affected us. Maybe it teaches us to pay it forward if we ever see another child calling someone a name. If you wore glasses, you were ridiculed. I remember in junior high my best friend had larger breasts than I did, and she was tormented by a group of boys. At the time I was thankful it was not me because I was very timid and shy.

In 3rd and 4th grade I was called "power house pig" (although heavy I was strong and athletic) and in 5th and 6th grade it was "moose". It broke my heart but I always pretended it didn't.

In the 50s, "A lil' dab will do you" made me feel like I was a bad girl. I almost always wished I was a big badass girl who would knock the hell out of those name callers. Still do, when I hear how others like you were made fun of. Now WE are laughing, right???????

I love a nice wig. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

@@LindafromFlorida, have you ever tried clip in bangs? I've ordered hair from a particular website for years, and they have really cute clip in bangs. The bang is full and can be custom colored etc. Inbox me if you want the website.

No, I am a self taught expert of many years of my very fine and thin hair, and have thought about making some bangs from some wigs, but my hair is so thin on top, I have not attempted. Actually the wig has kept me happy. But I would love to look at the bangs BitterSweet so any help would be appreciated. ldav@clearwire.net. Thank you!!!! Linda

I got my Surgery date. October 30th for me!! My final pre-op with the surgeon is 10/23. So happy.

Congratulations. The time will fly. I am happy for you. Linda

Amazing???? I see you weigh 179! Now that is amazing! Good job.

@LindafromFlorida Wow, so you both did this together?? Not to shabby urself!!! Yes, that's an amazing move.. 220 on his frame is great shape and other than the sodium (but my new very low blood pressure allows me to eat it now), Jerky is an awesome snack or meal replacement!!!!!!!

Yes, the journey for 15 years (WL seminars) was to find help for his lifetime of obesity. Diabetes 30+ years, 3 HBP meds, sleep apnea, toe amputation, heart stent, and calling rescue in the middle of the night was taking its toll. He was so afraid he would die in surgery, or not heal. Once I was diagnosed with asthma, diabetes and was on 2 HBP meds, (and depression med sent my weight from 200 to 230) I knew I had to do something. I led his terrified self into surgery lol! We are now 67 and 68. We have done nothing for 10 years. Since May, we drove to KS to visit my 90 year old Uncle, went to a family reunion in WV, took a 7 day cruise, and walked, 7 days boating and fishing in Pensacola, and "danced" New Orleans for 7 days. This is why I don't want to read the negatives of what people are doing. Do what works for you! Best wishes! Good post!

@@livvsmum, I know exactly what you mean. When mine grew back, my friend said I looked like a Chia Pet!! And she was right, but I was so happy to see those babies sprouting up around my hairline!! It's still very thin along my hairline though, I doubt it will return. It's been 14 months and I've been using Rogaine for over a year. Planning to order some of that Toppix stuff, cause I absolutely hate seeing my scalp through my hair.

Bittersweet, this sounds like me. The Hair loss around my face I feel will not return, and having worn bangs all my life, and very blond hair, I look terrible. I ordered Toppik but it cannot make me bangs. I am very fair skinned, otherwise I would dye my hair black! Thank God for my beautiful wig. Hoping things change but I am still trying to be prepared for the worst.

Well today I have to go back to work. My job is stressful and my manager is verbally abusive, sh would just say that is the way she is but honestly it's hurtful....she told a new employee that all the employees there are "b*****s". I have been there 12 years and getting close to being able not to have to work there anymore but right now I need the money. I am not a b***h. There is so much favoritism, I work very hard, I know how to do my job and I do not need direction. I am not looking forward to going back I am sure there is going to be so many negative comments and it bothers me personally. I try to live my life as a good person, I do my best to not out down other people. I am not perfect. However, I have struggled with domestic abuse, verbal abuse along with many other issues. My employer is not sympathetic. I am sure no one did any of my work while I was gone, it will all just be expected to be caught up when I return. So I am sure my desk is full. And trying to deal with my new way of living and eating this is going to be a very challenging day/week. I am about in tears, I don't want to go. I have been tired and emotional since my surgery and I just don't know that I am ready for this. I would take more time off but I am only allowed 10 days off without pay, before I left I asked my manager, what if I am unable to come back in two weeks? Maybe due to complications or whatever my doctor says. The ONLY answer I got was I don't know the answer to that it has never happened. I said I would like to know the answer thinking she would ask the doctors I work for but no, I worried about it the entire time I was off. The first week after surgery I had a lot of complications so I wasn't sure I would even be able to go back today which has caused me a lot of stress.

Tbahm, I hope you get to your job today and focus on your workload, and forget about everyone around you. The day will fly by, make sure you have Water and food close by and keep working. Snap, the day will be done. You do not need a sympathetic boss, trust me, ignore her and do your job. I have had a boss like that, a man, 24 years, who is the only person in my life that ever called me a bxxxh. I also have been in a horribly abusive marriage. I am Hercules today, I survived both abusers and i am incredibly happy. You will be a little emotional, I felt that way too after surgery. Just remember, you are not a victim. A new you will emerge from all of this and you will be a changed person. This is the first step. In one year I can see your life maybe going in a totally new direction. Focus on what is in front of you, not around you. You can do this. Suck it up, be strong, one day at a time. Hugs and God Bless! Linda

• @*Lexie* lol. it kind of is, but truly mostly an inspiration and I agree with the dissenters also early on. Everyone needs to know themselves. I was certain that licking a dorrito for me was insane and I could have 6. I KNEW i would do what it took and wanted to be able to do this forever. I had fans and dissenters and all had good points. Those who feel I do and can gain from it and know you will hit your goal, then bravo. Those who want an easy out and not follow the rules because I wrote this, will regret it. We're all different. As an aside, going from XXL to Medium shirts remains surreal!

When I like a post like yours, I know there will be a lot of dissenters, so I have learned to go straight to posting because I want to let you know I totally agree with you. I am happiest to see my 6'2" 320 lb. husband go to 220, from 3X to XL. He loves smoked salmon and beef Jerky (jerky was his dinner last night). If we never lose another pound this ride has been incredible.

NJSleeveboy, I like your style. I can relate 100%. I do not obsess over anything, I am having that glass of wine. I am loving life. Wooooohoooooooooooooo!

Saggy skin in my neck and face that bother me, but I always said I would only go under anesthesia with necessary surgery. I can deal with the rest of it.

I have reached the stall everyone talks about. It's so frustrating. I hope it passes soon. Any secrets anyone has to hurry it up would be greatly appreciated!!

My recommendation is not to focus on a 3 week stall because there will be more stalls. The weight won't fly out there somewhere. When the scale did not move my clothes were falling off. Focus on your plan, Protein, meals, exercise. Stalls are a waste of time and energy to worry about. They come and they go. Best wishes. Linda

I am touched by the posts. Really touched. I am also feeling happy to hear posts about the changes in your lives.