CrazyJaney

I should probably have commented on the "mental" aspect of this journey. It deserves full attention. Honestly, I think the hardest part has been the mental side of it. There are so many physical changes and hurdles but the I think it was actually harder pre op and first month post op. The "new normal" as someone said has been a little hard but not as hard as the preop worries it induced. But the mental hurdles, challenges, changes have been enormous overall. Facing your inner most fears about facing food addiction when you have essentially been in denial for 30-40 years was huge for me. That was my preop journey. I had no idea how preparing for surgery would force me to do that and I think it left me in a much better place emotionally when I was post op. Food/carb addiction, how others see me, how I see myself, feelings of shame, of resentment for things in my past all came up and out on this journey. But I tell you, I'm more at peace now than I've been in 20+ years, maybe ever. This website helped me more emotionally and to prepare mentally more than anything (which is why I posted today). I have a great surgeon and team but it's very "clinical" unlike the fellowship here (although you'll find some gratuitous snarky-snarks) and the accountability is what really helped me. They say denial has to fall to recover from something and for the very first time in my whole life, I felt I had a safe place to admit my failures. Shame is a huge, common theme for many (not all) of us. Reading and posting help me face that preop. So I encourage all those in the early stages to come here, everyday, and treat it like homework. I looked at others who were successful and I saw some common themes. The were honest. They tracked faithfully. They put Protein first always. They plan ahead. They exercise. All those have worked for me too. Essentially, I eat 800-1000 calories a day. At least 60 G protein. I aim for 50 or less of carbs but a few days a week I'm closer to 70. I struggle to make exercise a priority but I do Water aerobics and treadmill/weights (typical gym stuff). I've also started riding my bike (which I suck at). Basically I MOVE! At 325 I avoided moving. Now I'm game to try anything. Unfortunately I am so not athletic. I wish to God I had that natural inclination but it's always been hard. My energy was GONE the first 6 weeks post op. It's much better now but I still fatigue a lot when I exercise. I do feel better after, but during is a challenge. I use My Fitness Pal every day. Even when I don't eat clean. I hate the word "cheat". I struggle between 2 mind sets of "NO CHEATING EVER, EVER. EVER" and "moderation". The good thing about the sleeve and WLS in general is you have a forced moderation. I have good restriction. I hope that my new habits are reinforced for when I don't feel the fullness so much. My habits are good. I have a bite of something "bad" every now and then but it's literally one bite and I'm done/satisfied. The true miracle for me is the way my brain senses hunger. Before, my hunger would feel like a 12 out of 10, truly a panicky feeling. I still get hungry and feel a need to eat, but it's more like a 5 at worst, usually less. I have cravings, but nothing like I had before. I make good choices. That's a mantra I've used. I MAKE GOOD CHOICES. That and FOOD IS NOT LOVE. FOOD IS NOT COMFORT. Those have helped. My goal is 165. I'm 5'6. I started at 325 (332 was undocumented but I know I was there once). I'd really love to ski again so 165 might be not low enough but no matter what, I don't think I'll get there without exercise. I have absolutely no regrets other than I waited until 45 to have surgery. I'm so unbelievably thankful today. A year ago I was miserable beyond words. Life is not perfect but boy, it's pretty good! Wishing you all good luck. Reach out if you need help and post when you need to.

Celebrating today as I've finally gotten past the half way point. Wanted to post to all those on the fence about surgery (as I once was) and for those in the early-early days who can't conceive of the success (as I once did). What a wonderful tool this is! It's still work, and it's getting harder, but it's a tool that really works. I track everything. I still weigh and measure most things. I am struggling to make exercise a part of my everyday life. But I feel so incredibly good. The daily pain of my knees and feet are gone. My blood pressure is normal. My cpap settings are the lowest you can have. My energy is improving. To be certain, surgery isn't for everyone, but if you doubt yourself preop, as I did, I want you to know that success DOES happen. I started at 325. I could barely move or breathe. It's work. Some days are hard. But it's so worth it. Now - to buckle down to get to goal in the next year. It's getting a little harder. The journey is far from over but I'm so glad I booked the trip!

Man I hate that voice! I hear it too sometimes. Not as much as I used to but it's still there every now and then.

I agree. Great brand for the early days.

There are many of the NSV (non scale victory) that make all the hard work worth it! It's an awesome feeling! Sometimes I just do a little jig for the sake of being happy!

I concur with McB. Totally worth it. When I remember how I FELT at 325 I know it's worth it. At 247, I feel a bazillion times better. As I go through all of these drastic changes, the outwardly changes are more apparent to others. But the internal way I FEEL is what's drastic to me. I still have a long way to go. More change to come....

4 months post and 77 pounds lost (including preop). My super thick healthy hair is falling out by the handfuls. It's also dry and brittle (used to be oily). I'm so glad to hear many say it gets better and grows back. I can't image how I'm gonna look by Christmas. It was very thick to start so hopefully no bald spots will happen but it is freaky. I still have 80 to go. Does it keep falling out til you stop losing or is it generally at the 9 month mark like I keep hearing? It's totally worth it though. Wouldn't change a thing.

This has been the happiest 60 seconds of my whole day reading this! Thank you!!!!

How far out from surgery are you? I feel for you. It's definitely the one trade off that has been hardest. I need a dry shampoo. Anyone have recommendations? I am trying to go to an every other day wash but my scalp is oily. I just find I lose twice as much when I wash every other day but at least that might help the brittleness. Fun stuff, ladies.

I'll be 4 months post op on the 13th. I have very, very thick hair. Or had. It started just before 3rd month. It's severe but mostly only me notices. I've been taking Bioten since 2 months preop. I've been using Biotin shampoo all along. None of that helped. It's also drier, frizz ire and breaks easier. I added Fish Oil about 3 weeks ago. Just had my labs done and everything was good except b12 and ferretin. It's coming out in big handfuls when wet and sheds all day. I was flat out depressed for about a week. But I've just accepted it. With the rate of growth on my face, legs, underarms and "down there", there ain't no way it's not gonna grow on my head eventually!!!! My NP said the average loss starts at 3 months and ends about 9 or 10 months. The growth cycle for hair is 90 days. I did read that anemia makes it worse? So even though my iron was ok, my other labs that are low contribute to anemia, so maybe, getting a handle on that might help me??? I don't know. 78 pounds gone is worth it. I have 80 to go. I just pray it comes back. Glad to hear that some have had improvement.

Gorgeous!

You ladies inspire me! I've lost 78 but have 85 to go. I'm 3.5 months post op. It seems too good to be real.

I agree that in "coming out" (for lack of a better word) we debunk the myths and support others. But, and this is from my experience over 35 years of struggling with weight, someone out there ALWAYS likes to watch the struggle and make you doubt your success. Not most, but the ones that do enjoy it greatly. Becoming your own best expert is important. Not everyone has the personality to let every comment roll off. I'm a boss with about 120 direct reports. I have THICK skin. But I'm not interested in processing every good and bad comment made about WLS or how I look. Yesterday, I encountered 3 nurses I've known a long time but haven't spoken to in a while. All of them have passed me in the hall and when we spoke yesterday, they were all "WOW, what are you doing, I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to say anything". It's like there was a hush-hush about it and it felt "awkward". Maybe it's being in management. Maybe it's answering the same question 5 times a day, but it just feels weird to discuss massive weight loss with people who don't "get" it. 1 out of the 3 probably would have "understood" why I has surgery. But I would have felt a need to "defend" it and honestly, I don't have time for that everyday. It's not something we should have to defend, yet you see 50 threads or more on here about that very topic. The quote: no one can make you feel inferior without your consent - is entirely true. But I don't need to defend anything. Again, I have a good size circle of friends and family who support me. But not everyone will understand, or care, or "get it", or be swayed by research. Time is precious. Especially now that i ENJOY life do much more. I don't want to waste a second defending this to anyone. I also think your we have laws about HIPPA for this very reason. I had half my labia removed due to a mass. It was extremely embarrassing to talk about. "Why weren't you at work?" "I has surgery in my vajayjay". Nope, not a conversation I chose to have with others. Anyway.... You'll find a ton of threads on here with tons of advice. You just gotta do what feels right for you. Maybe someday, there will be no more prejudice in the world. But today ain't that day.

I'm going through the "shock and awe" stage right now. I've lost 78. I have 82 to go so I'm not small. I started at 325. I've told "my circle" and those are the only people I'll discuss surgery with. I did not want everyone's feedback, especially preop. Your emotions about this decision (at least mine) were fragile, or at least tenuous preop. I was certain I wanted it but the anticipation of so much change was tough. I think to tell or not to tell is a personal choice. To do this successfully, you will be more committed than you can imagine (or any thin person who doesn't struggle with weight) can imagine. It's on a "need to know" basis. I needed a few cheerleaders but I don't need acquaintance or strangers opinions. I've been very successful thus far and there isn't a day at work that someone isn't in "shock and awe" so I have developed a "I'm eating less than 1000 cal, high protein/low carb and exercising" spiel. None of that is a lie. I struggle when a very obese person inquires. Maybe I should share? Maybe not. It's likely I won't because I have had similar experiences that you describe. The exercise and diet industry does not favor surgery. They make money off people paying for diets and DVDs and gym memberships. They are "experts" but I've yet to meet one who really understood obesity. Do what is right for you. But you will not get 100% support. YOU are strong. YOU CAN DO THIS. It's not others who will walk this with you. Good luck. The emotional journey is probably slightly harder than the physical. It is sooooo worth it though.

Hi guys! I was sleeved on 3-14-14 in Nashville. I'm 5'6. My starting weight was 325 (prob higher but never documented(. I lost 28 preop (just doing low carb, didn't have liquid diet). As of this morning, I've lost 76.8 pounds. So 50 since surgery. I track everything. I weigh every day. I work out only 3 times a week but hoping to increase that. I've hit many stalls. My hair fall out is BAD and I'm having terrible hot flashes at night (cold during the day). I feel fantastic otherwise. I eat no more than 50-60 carbs a day most days but then increase to 80 once or twice a week (berries, whole grain crackers). I get 60-80 protein a day. I see a bigger drop when my protein is 80 but it's hard to get. I rarely ever drink shakes anymore. Had my 3 month labs yesterday but don't have results yet. Life is good. I get frustrated at how far I have to go still but I'm on track. Exercise helps me look less flabby (skin is bad too - I could fly into O'Hare with these arm wings I've developed. I'll definitely wish for a pot of gold to have plastics later on). A bit discouraging to know I'm not even half way to goal. But I've come a long way! I feel great though.

Welcome all! I am 3.5 months post op. This was an invaluable resource preop and immediately post. It was so important to me, as a teaching tool, as a support system, recipes, guidance, etc. I have met people who've had surgery without using resources like this and I think they felt more alone. Keep reading, it really helps, especially preop and during those early weeks. I said it was like homework, I was on here every day learning something new. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!! Glad you are here!

I had thrush too. Developed about day 4/5. I had the sore throat and horrible tongue. I did yogurt as soon as I could but I had to get a prescription for nystatin swish and swallow. It lasted a good while. I did probiotics about week 3 or 4. It WILL go away but it's a giant PIA. Good luck.

Another NSV I'm sure shared by many.... I went to my 3 month post op appointment on Friday. I was pulling into the parking lot at 1:57 and my appointment was at 2. It's a bit of a hike into the building (it's inside a converted mall). I hustled in and was there is on time. I sat down cool and relaxed and not short of breath. My BP was normal. Last year in August, when I went to my first seminar/apt I remember circling the parking lot to find the closest spot, feeling like I was walking "forever" to get there, was all sweaty when I got to the office and my BP was 160's when they checked me in. 75 pounds gone means I no longer look for the closest parking space and I won't look like I could be wrung out after walking. Just little things like this make you appreciate weight loss and health. I have a ways to go but I've come so far!!

Just heat. No sweats. It's one of those sudden flashes where you just feel intense heat but no sweating.

They are only happening at night. I'm otherwise less hot and sweaty since losing 75 pounds. I didn't have then last year at my highest. Could just be I'm moving closer to the "end" but just wondering if others have issues.

Suppose it's a lack of hormones. I'm almost 46 and have had hot flashes before but it was several years ago. Anyone have natural remedy ideas? Hormones aren't an option. GYN thinks I'm perimenapausal but didn't want to check levels since nothing else really wrong. They are starting to disrupt my sleep. Getting a little frustrating.

The most frustrating thing IS the hair loss. I have (had) super thick hair. Fallout is bad - real bad. I'm just over 3 months post so I'm fearful it will get worse. I hate this part - the unknown! I'm down 75 though and also riding a bike again so I'm right there with you in how great life is. Trade off I guess.

March 13-April 15 was about 20 pounds. Then about 10 per month the next 2. Those first two stalls are the worst. Hang in there. It gets better. And it is different for everyone. Try not to compare because that'll make you crazy. Just stick to the plan and program, you'll be fine.

It's the "3 week stall". We promise it passes. It's very, very frustrating but it will pass. Stick to the program.

Amazing!!! Congrats!