hrhlaurie

I haven't made it a secret that I had surgery cause I did and it's legal and I'm pretty open I guess. Today I was glad because a co- worker asked me all about the surgery, sees how I am doing - well and happy and wants to look into it for herself. Its nice to be able to inspire others. We have an opportunity to be sleeve ambassadors.

Lost 20 pounds pre-surgery diet, was 250 day of surgery on May 29 and tomorrow is 7 weeks since surgery and am down 28 pounds to 222.

I am 12 weeks post op today (Sleeved 4/9). I had a rough time in the beginning (had to go back in for emergence surgery 5/12), but now I am 100%. Running and walking daily. I have so much energy. Always have to be on the go. I thought I would post a picture of me taken about 2 weeks ago. I am very pleased with the success thus far. Good luck everyone.

The green dress is June 2013- a tight size 20 dress from Lane Bryant... The white jeans and polka dot shirt were purchased from the regular women's section at Macy's today, June 28, 2014, (I didn't even look at the plus size section and didn't think about going to a plus size store) - the jeans are a size 14 and the top an XL. This is 79 pounds down from last June (49 down from surgery on April 21st). The next ones are from various weddings over the last couple of years next to the photo from today. I'm still a work in progress, want to lose 70 more, but am feeling quite incredible, am so excited and wanted to share! I had so many doubts before surgery, thinking I couldn't do it, that I'd fail, but I'm feeling great, doing well and just generally am super positive and happy. I hope everyone else is having a great and positive experience!! Hana
HW: 301 SW: 271 CW: 222.2

So I just realized that it is 10 months post op. It kind of sneaked up on me! So I snapped a quick pic for comparison. I'm still a few pounds away from goal, and wish that I would be there by now, but hey....I'm going to take a couple minutes and let myself feel pretty fabulous about this!
One of the hardest things I deal with now is doing the "head-work". Being ok with maintaining, figuring out how to be a "thin" person, figuring out the emotions behind my food issues, etc. It's been a pretty fabulous journey. And you know what? Screw anyone who says this is the easy way out!

UPDATES!
April 17, 2014 - Weight 298 lbs. (45.6 BMI) Surgery Day
July 14, 2014 - Weight 211.4 (31.2 BMI)
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS- 87 lbs. in 3 months
Waist Size Pre-Surgery- 46 in.
Waist Size July 14, 2014- 36 in
Shirt Size Pre-Surgery- XXL
Shirt Size July 14, 2014- L (Maybe a Med. if i streach it out.)
Addendum: Additional non-quantifiable changes post surgery:
solid food is easier...some things are still verboten. Salmon - Still awesome Rekindled love affair with sugar free popsicles Faster 4 inch vert. jump increase Fatigue is 100% gone - FINALLY I'm being noticed in different ways than I am used to. Not a bad thing. *Pic from last week and today (green shirt)

Eating out is easier than it sounds. Look at the sides and get a side of refried Beans, some baked chicken wings, a pork or chicken taco and eat just the inside, any baked chicken is good and I like Tomato basil Soup too. Worse case, see if you can order just half a sandwhich and just eat the middle tuna salad, meat or whatever and toss the bread. Ask the server if you can order just a scoop of tuna or chicken salad or whatever. Most restaurants are accommodating. We eat out a lot and I can get a side of ham for Breakfast and have enough to share or if my husband gets a steak, sometimes they will have a side of grilled shrimp he can add on so I take a few and that's my dinner. Fast food, look for small grilled chicken wraps and eat just the chicken and cheese. I love Carls Jr grilled chicken and you can order it without sauce and bun so they will wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves. I just eat the chicken, cheese and grilled pepper and toss the rest and its enough for two meals.
We are now officially really cheap dates!

If anyone needs to update their smaller wardrobe on the cheap...ARC thrift stores are have a sale this Friday and Saturday...99 cents for shorts, capris, tank tops and swimwear!
I was never a thrift shopper until wls....but I have found several shirts, shorts and two awesome pairs of jeans...one I just now fit in and a pair I hope to wear soon

I have to give out a big huge thank you to Evolving!!! You have been the cheerleader since Bea stepped aside, and I ???? you for it. We all do!! I have 2 small kids and a pt job that keep me busy...and those times when you post, you keep us all going and point the group in forward progress mode!!
And here is my little confession for the group.
My in laws were in town for two weeks. Living with us in our tiny 2 bedroom apt, with my hubby and our kids. We live in a large apt community, where I work also. But having them in my space for that amount of time wasn't so terrible.....it's seeing their eating habits that left me often times repulsed. I never thought I would get to that point..but after seeing father inlaw cook eggs with half a cup of vegetable oil, I was shocked.
Then, hubby and I were hit with a huge realization.....we could come and go as we pleased without having to plan out a babysitter!!!! It was like the gates of heaven opened up to me! so,. We went out every day. Had at least one meal out everyday. But you know what, I still made the good choices each time.
I'm far enough along post op to know that yes, I could choose the fried and fatty stuff...but I didn't want too. I knew how I would feel afterwords. Mentally and physically. So I would start with a side salad first if the main selection wasn't too great..making sure I filled up first on veggies. Otherwise I'd just dive right into my meat selection straight away.
I'm proud of myself. I didn't gain a thing. I didn't lose either. The stress of having 6 of us in a 1000 sq ft apt didn't allow me a loss. But...I did learn something far greater....it's that I do have the confidence and ability to make great healthy choices...not because I have too...but because I want to fuel my body better.
That folks is an amazing power to feel over yourself.
Stay strong you guys!! Make the change you want to see. Start today. No excuses!!

Today's weight: 180
But on an even better note, I bought a pair of jeans several months ago, it was my mini goal to fit into them eventually. Well yesterday that day has come. I was so happy to be able to pull them on with no effort at all and able to zip them up. It was a great feeling!

Checking in, week 1:
CW: 222
GW: 197
I think I started this challenge at 227.

Greetings all!
I don't post much but I lurk a lot and see how you are all doing. Good luck to all the newbies and those getting sleeved soon!
I was sleeved 12/10/12. I consider myself a slow loser as I'm still 50-60lbs from my goal weight. But I'm down a 103lbs and couldn't be happier! I'm in a way better place than I was 18 months ago.
We got pregnant last august and lost it in September and I haven't lost a pound since. No matter what I do i can't seem to get my weight loss started again.
I am seeing a new dr now who is helping me get my gut healed. I have leaky gut and am not digesting properly. On the plus side I haven't gained any weight which is key to being a success!
I just wanted to share because not all of us lose 150lbs in 6 months and attain goal quickly. I of course would of loved too but my body has other plans.
SW: 332 CW: 229 was 26/28 now 14/16. I'm 5'8".

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Anyone follow this diet post op? I don't bother with fat, I worry about keeping my carbs low. sugar free everything and full fat everything. It must be working...I've lost 61 lbs in 12 weeks! Remember, when it says light or fat free the fat is replaced with sugar. Read your labels!!!

Sleeved May 2nd. SW 215 CW 180. I love living life. Two BP meds gone. So much more energy. I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything.

Went to dinner and I ate some chicken breast until I got the usual hiccups, burping and rumbling that told me to stop eating. Since we were with friends, I quickly ate a mint so I wouldn't be burping the smell of chicken and what a mistake. I immediately felt sick and it's taken over two hours to recover. So dumb, chewing up a mint and sending it down to full tummy was like sending down a Grenade. Another lesson learned.
On the other hand I wore a pair 14w shorts today, down from my former size 20, got rid of a bunch of pants that don't fit any more and I fit, once again, into a pair of favorite jeans that I had outgrown a few years ago.

Had my surgery on May 28, 14 at first I second guess myself daily for about the 1st month. Then after talking to other that had the surgery they say it's normal to feel that way the 1st month. But I love my sleeve. 53.4 lbs and pushing for more lbs to go bye bye

Good for you! That's what the surgery is all about, creating a new, better lifestyle!

I was sleeved May 1 and I can honestly say I'm so happy. I have had lots of stalls along the way but I am loosing. Yesterday I had lost 42 pounds since surgery. I haven't had a day of nausea, or diarrhea. It's interesting how we are all built differently. I currently am eating whatever I want in small quantities. It's funny though I'm not wanting to eat "bad" foods at all. My calories are just around 750 per day. I don't exercise everyday but do find ways to stay active. And I love eating out too because I spilt small meals with my 4 year old - it's so cheap! I've got a long way to go (another 100 pounds) but I see my future is so bright! Keep moving forward May sleevers your goals are just around a few corners

Thank you and congratulations on getting your date. I started working out 3 weeks after surgery. No lifting just walking. The first time I did 20 minutes on the treadmill, just walking, then I moved up to 30 minutes. I also did 2 miles on the bike. Remember it's not a race. As long as you stick with your meal plan and walk 30 minutes 5 times a week you will be successful. I am a year out now and don't do Cardio just lifting.

CW 227
GW for challenge 197

I was sleeved on 5/28, an in down 33 lbs! It has been an amazing journey so far, an can't wait for the more to come;)
Still having hard time getting Protein in but I recently heard about click espresso drink, and ordered online. So looking forward to try it!
NSV
Since being released from hospital I Went from a size 22 to a 16! This is so amazing an I'm glad I didn't back out of doing this;)
Good luck everyone:)
SW 290
CW 257

i appreciate these forums too. although every experience is SO different- as are all surgeons, programs, eating requirements,etc,- everyone here is incredibly helpful and supportive.
i am always comfortable asking questions here and I know that we are all on the same path towards regaining our health.

SW 250
CW 227
Really want to get to 225 soon...

I agree with you. My weakness was carbs and my diet weaknesses were Pasta, nachos, pizza... see a theme? Carbs loaded with melted cheese. I'm so grateful that this surgery removed most of my hunger and food cravings. Right now, I'm good with Protein and as long as it lasts, I'm going to keep it up. Some day I'll have a nacho again but, since I know the foods full of empty calories are where I might overeat, I'll hold off for now. This is major surgery, and what I consider my last chance to have a healthy, slimmer body. I don't want to mess it up by giving in to non-protein foods too early. I did have a little piece of watermelon yesterday and it tasted sooooo good. Now, that bite was a treat!
That said, I'm still eating too fast. That's been the hardest bad habit to unlearn.

I went from 250 to 228. I didn't hit my goal of 225 but I came close!