MissME

@@nelle1230 I just signed up. How do you search by username? it is asking me for email or Facebook. My email is MaryerinGray@yahoo.com if you or anyone else wants to add me.

There is nothing easy about WLS. I educated the people I told before they could form a negative opinion because I know what is best for me.
If they ever bring up the word easy to me I will ask if they truly think having 85% of your stomach removed and permanently changing your food in take is easy. What about drinking your meals for a month? What about constantly making sure you have enough Protein in your diet or that you are taking your myriad of Vitamins everyday? What about giving up soda and beer for life? Not to mention all NSAID pain relievers which have always been the only pain meds that have worked for me? And besides that to be truly successful with this I still have to exercise like any other person on a weight loss journey... So please enlighten me on which part of this is easy?
If someone says that to you again you should let them know that having that mindset it taking the easy way out by not recognizing that it took a lot of research and hard work even to make the brave decision that you did.

But it's week two and I didn't lose any weight, and I lost 40 lbs the first week. I don't understand. This isn't working. I'm too weak from Clear Liquids to use the search box....
lol

The next time someone says your WLS was "the easy way out" , have them compare it with something like dental surgery or braces. They could have a mouthful of problems for the rest of their life, or they could have dental surgery or braces so that they could have a normal , healthy life . Which would they choose ?? Every single time they make a decision on ANYTHING, ask them if they chose the easy way or the hard way. Did choosing the "easy" way make them "lazy" ??? I dont think so ??? It takes hard work and dedication to make WLS work for anybody ! WLS is simply a tool, just like braces , etc. Good luck !

I used to get pissed at this but then I thought about it, it kind of is an easier option which is why most of us do it. Let's just start being honest with ourselves.
The only time I've noticed myself getting offended at someone's ignorance though is when they use that idea that it's an easier option to trivialize my opinions about weight loss. As if I have no say in the matter at all. As if I didn't risk my life to lose 100+ And honestly, it's usually the fattest people who do that because their addicted to their own vices and I challenge them. And I've literally said to someone 'don't you dare trivialize my experience and hard work because you can't handle it.'
Shut them up real quick. You have to re-find your power when you make decisions like this. People are only bullies if you let them bully you.
When you lose weight, no matter how you do it, everyone will internalize and personalize your experience to them.

I am a newbie - so please forgive me if this has been ranted about before...
I just need to get this off my (now smaller than it used to be) chest LOL
I AM SO ANGRY WHEN PEOPLE THINK SURGERY IS THE EASY OPTION!!!!
They treat it like surgery is being lazy:
Just don't eat so much...
Exercise more....
Etc...etc...etc
Sigh! It is a tool, i need to work at it. It is not a magic wand.
It hurts even more when it is family.... feels like i am the wee fat one and they dont
want that to change, well piss off that is YOUR problem!
I made the choice for me if you can't support my decision.... well.... tough!
Thank you for saving me from burying my anger in chocolate X

Today was my 3 month follow up with dr, and the first time I been on the scale since March, I weighted in at 203.5 lbs, can't believe how well things are going, the last time I felt this good was during HIgh school football.

My 1st week post-op I went through the, "What the Hell did I do to myself!" phase. But on day 8 or 9, everything got better and I've never regretted it for a minute. It was the best decision of my life and I'd go through every minute of it again without hesitation.

I did go through a couple of days where I said what the heck was I thinking but 1 1/2 months out. I have no regrets. I had sme nausea next day after only due to gas in my stomach. I am down around 40 lbs. You will not regret this. Energy, smaller clothes and satifaction.

Hello NJKelly,
I think most of us who have had this procedure have had an unhealthy relationship with food. I know I also didn't want food controlling my life anymore. I wanted to have a life and be able to get out and do things that my excess weight kept me from doing. To do that I had to decide that food was not as important to me as being healthy.
There was a mourning period after the surgery but I think that is because I used food to make me happy when nothing else could. So I had to find healthier ways to cope with difficulties. I also found that just because you have a sleeve doesn't mean you won't be able to eat some of the things that you love the most ever again. Instead, the sleeve helps you to regulate your portions and enjoy a small amount of these things instead of a full plateful like I may have in the past.
Above all I learned that staying positive and seeing this procedure as the best decision for you and your health will always trump the disappointment of missing food on those rare occasions when you do. Because most of the time, you're not even hungry enough to care about what foods you aren't able to eat right now.
As for your nerves, see yourself past the surgery. See yourself enjoying something else on your vacations, something that you would have never tried before because of your weight.
You've got this!
-MissME

There is nothing easy about WLS. I educated the people I told before they could form a negative opinion because I know what is best for me.
If they ever bring up the word easy to me I will ask if they truly think having 85% of your stomach removed and permanently changing your food in take is easy. What about drinking your meals for a month? What about constantly making sure you have enough Protein in your diet or that you are taking your myriad of Vitamins everyday? What about giving up soda and beer for life? Not to mention all NSAID pain relievers which have always been the only pain meds that have worked for me? And besides that to be truly successful with this I still have to exercise like any other person on a weight loss journey... So please enlighten me on which part of this is easy?
If someone says that to you again you should let them know that having that mindset it taking the easy way out by not recognizing that it took a lot of research and hard work even to make the brave decision that you did.

There is nothing easy about WLS. I educated the people I told before they could form a negative opinion because I know what is best for me.
If they ever bring up the word easy to me I will ask if they truly think having 85% of your stomach removed and permanently changing your food in take is easy. What about drinking your meals for a month? What about constantly making sure you have enough Protein in your diet or that you are taking your myriad of Vitamins everyday? What about giving up soda and beer for life? Not to mention all NSAID pain relievers which have always been the only pain meds that have worked for me? And besides that to be truly successful with this I still have to exercise like any other person on a weight loss journey... So please enlighten me on which part of this is easy?
If someone says that to you again you should let them know that having that mindset it taking the easy way out by not recognizing that it took a lot of research and hard work even to make the brave decision that you did.

omg!!! THAT'S AWESOME!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

There is nothing easy about WLS. I educated the people I told before they could form a negative opinion because I know what is best for me.
If they ever bring up the word easy to me I will ask if they truly think having 85% of your stomach removed and permanently changing your food in take is easy. What about drinking your meals for a month? What about constantly making sure you have enough Protein in your diet or that you are taking your myriad of Vitamins everyday? What about giving up soda and beer for life? Not to mention all NSAID pain relievers which have always been the only pain meds that have worked for me? And besides that to be truly successful with this I still have to exercise like any other person on a weight loss journey... So please enlighten me on which part of this is easy?
If someone says that to you again you should let them know that having that mindset it taking the easy way out by not recognizing that it took a lot of research and hard work even to make the brave decision that you did.

Hello NJKelly,
I think most of us who have had this procedure have had an unhealthy relationship with food. I know I also didn't want food controlling my life anymore. I wanted to have a life and be able to get out and do things that my excess weight kept me from doing. To do that I had to decide that food was not as important to me as being healthy.
There was a mourning period after the surgery but I think that is because I used food to make me happy when nothing else could. So I had to find healthier ways to cope with difficulties. I also found that just because you have a sleeve doesn't mean you won't be able to eat some of the things that you love the most ever again. Instead, the sleeve helps you to regulate your portions and enjoy a small amount of these things instead of a full plateful like I may have in the past.
Above all I learned that staying positive and seeing this procedure as the best decision for you and your health will always trump the disappointment of missing food on those rare occasions when you do. Because most of the time, you're not even hungry enough to care about what foods you aren't able to eat right now.
As for your nerves, see yourself past the surgery. See yourself enjoying something else on your vacations, something that you would have never tried before because of your weight.
You've got this!
-MissME

Day 4 post op and I can honestly say there is nothing EASY about this! People can be so ignorant.

Hi All!!! People can be evil!!! even Love ones!!!! I have type 2 diabetes, kidney issues, liver issues, and I'm 33. I want to LIVE LONGER for my husband and child. I will do this surgery no matter what!! But why do folks feel the need to say
" Oh you taking the EASY WAY OUT" ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! That strikes a nerve in the worst way!!!!
Is it really the easy way...because last I checked being overweight since I was 5 has been difficult! Having any surgery is not a walk at the park....especially recuperating... Having this disease is NOT AT ALL EASY!!!! if LOSING WEIGHT AND EATING HABITS would disappear than fine that would be easy but it's NOT!
This time around I'm hesitant to tell folks what I'm doing because of the STUPID comments......
Your thoughts please!!!

We have about the same amount of weight to lose! We can do it!

Congrats!

Hey Camper-Girl,
When I scheduled my surgery I told everyone. I told my family and friends that I was having this surgery because I need the extra help to lose weight so that I can be healthy and regain my self confidence. I am usually a self sacrificing person who puts others needs before my own but on this issue I had to let my friends and family know that this was me taking care of myself and ensuring that I was going to be successful this time.
I am not saying that you have to tell everyone, but tell someone. Tell them in such a way that there is no doubt in their mind that you are making the right decision for yourself and that they should support you 100%.
-MissME

Hey Camper-Girl,
When I scheduled my surgery I told everyone. I told my family and friends that I was having this surgery because I need the extra help to lose weight so that I can be healthy and regain my self confidence. I am usually a self sacrificing person who puts others needs before my own but on this issue I had to let my friends and family know that this was me taking care of myself and ensuring that I was going to be successful this time.
I am not saying that you have to tell everyone, but tell someone. Tell them in such a way that there is no doubt in their mind that you are making the right decision for yourself and that they should support you 100%.
-MissME

Hey there,
I have a dilemia, I am ready to have my surgery.. June 2 I will be sleeved!!! And I am travelling alone.
I have been debating this for a very long time.. Like 5 years long.... Been the "fluffy" sister/friend/daughter/cousin/inlaw for the last 15years.
problem is I don't know how to tell anyone I am having the surgery, let alone having it done in Mexico. Which I am completely fine with.
I want to tell someone, anyone cause this is a big life altering event , and kinda scary, (regardless of where I have it done)and I would really love to talk to someone, even would love to have my mom come with me, as she told me she would if I was having a Tummy Tuck (cause she beleives it is all in my head and it is just a matter of will power).
Has anyone dealt with this with a positive outcome?
or should I just resolve that it would be better to have it done and just tell them about it after the fact?

I am a Toyota guy and lately I've been seeing some ads for the new 2014 Corolla and so as a gift to myself and having lost 111 pounds now... I decided that a new body should come with a new car. So I replaced my 2005 Corolla with a 2014 Corolla.
And she's AWESOME. And because I'm totally worth it.

I am on day 3 of shakes and Protein bars. I think that if I were allowed a lean Protein and veggies I wouldn't have made it too far. Just remember that this is only the beginning of a journey to change your life. Hunger pangs won't kill you. If it gets too bad go to bed early. I've done that and work up feeling sated. Also make sure you are drinking LOTS of Water to fill you up.
You can do it! Just picture yourself at the goal line.

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