one_more_time

You look absolutely amazing....wow!!! Our stats are really close...I would LOVE to hit goal at 7 months. Did you work out? If so what did you do and how often? What was a typical day of eating like? Everyone on this thread looks great...you all should be very proud. I cant wait until im at goal. :-)

Speaking from personal experience... I had the Gastric Bypass procedure done... in 2005. I lost quite a bit of weight, but never got down to my goal of 145 pounds. I followed instructions.. was very active the whole nine yards. Didn't have any issues with deficiencies ( Vitamins, low blood, etc. ) was relatively healthy. Just could never lose the last 30 lbs. I started out ( back then) at about 260-268 got down to about 176-180 ( roughly). Size wise.. .I went from a 24/26W to a 10/12 depending on the make, cut..etc. Didn't have any hair loss issues due to the absorption issue and definitely have not had to use injections since then. Unfortunately... I did not research my surgeon as thoroughly as I should or could have. Was not as "internet/youtube" savvy as I am now.. (just kidding). But at the time I was SO elated about being approved( after a year and half of fighting with insurance companies) I just ran with the first doctor I found. Now fast forward about 9 years later. After my endoscopy with my current surgeon found that not only was my original pouch made too big to begin with...she got my bowels all twisted up ( don't think she really knew what she was doing) and had some serious issues going on that I didn't even know about. Bowel obstruction can kill you.. I had a friend who had the RNY ( not to scare you) just giving you the facts. We had the same doctor and her bowel obstruction got REAL about 5 years ago... she almost died! I was VERY blessed that Dr. Alexander caught mine before it got too bad and I had to be hospitalized. So not only did he revise my Gastric Bypass to a Sleeve he had to go in and undo what the previous doctor screwed up. My surgery was roughly 5 hours long when usually its about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. My suggestion.. and I think this is the consensus on this thread... GET A SECOND OPINION and quick. Not to second guess him or his practice...but this is your health and your LIFE and you want to make sure you are making a VERY educated decision before you lay down on that operating table. I had to endure the pains of bariactric surgery twice because I did not take the time to REALLY and truly learn about all of my options. She lied and told me that I could not ever have anything laproscopically done due to previous hernia surgery/scar tissue... so she opened me up. Dr. Alexander ( my new doctor) quickly informed me that I was a VERY good canidate for lap surgery and since he converted to the lap procedure in the last 11 years he had NEVER had to "open" any one up. And even his patients with severe complications still have been able to have it done via lap. Also... I had major gas, acid reflux and digestion issues since having the Bypass and as of right now... I haven't had any of my old symptoms.. its just been 11 days so might be too early to tell but so far so good. I said all of that to simply say... Gastric Bypass does not necessarily guarantee you extreme weight loss. I never made it to goal and gained all of my weight back except for about 20 lbs. Was I perfect...no.......but I followed instructions I would say 80% of the time...worked out..watched what I ate and still did not have the success I wanted. I am VERY confident that this time around things will be different. My doctor made sure that he gave me as much restriction as humanly possible.. .lol... WOW can I tell the difference. And I love the fact that with the Sleeve they remove the part of the stomach that produces Gherlin... so you are not hungry. I have to remind myself to eat most days..Looking forward to utilizing my tool... I know all of the do's and don'ts of weight loss surgery and I am sure this time I will reach my goal of 145 lbs. within the next 12 months.

I know that's right! Sounds just like me... trying to "balance" things out I would eat lean cuisines, healthy choice and weight watcher meals ( several times a week) thinking that I was "cutting" calories. When you look at the sodium content on the nutrition label...some of them have like over 500 mg of sodium..doesn't sound like a lot but when you eat 3 or 4 of those a week it can add up.. about 1,200 mg of sodium equals about 1/2 teaspoon. For someone like me with hypertension that is a serious no-no. In all of my years of dieting the only thing that truly worked for me is cutting carbs. When I force my body to use Protein for energy instead of carbs... I lose quickly. Combining the sleeve with a primarily low carb way of eating to me is a perfect combination for weight loss.

I use to stop at McDonalds 2-3 times a day... just to get a 32 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper. So was probably drinking a liter a day and had been doing so for the last several years. Caffeine withdrawal is not fun... I remember the mental "fog" and nagging headaches. Couldn't live without diet soda until now. I can not imagine trying to digest any type of soda diet or not..and like someone mentioned above its not good for you. I was researching and read somewhere that diet soda can actually cause weight gain and belly fat. I was always bloated and felt stuffed...not to mention the gas ( sorry t.m.i. I know). Disclaimer: (Personal Viewpoint) when I think of all that I have sacrificed ( the financial cost, physical cost, etc.) there is no way I want to chance the possibility of damaging my sleeve with carbonated drinks. There may not be any harm from drinking them...but I don't want to take that chance.

Wishing you the best and hope you get a fast approval!

Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery. Making room on the loser's bench for ya! :-)

Surgery was on 2/10 and I was out 2/12 so about 2 1/2 days... went home late afternoon.

Not sure if I had one done during...but I had two after surgery. One the morning after (Tuesday) and another one later that night just to make sure that everything was sealed up because I had a blood pressure flare up that was kind of crazy that night. The stuff you have to drink is absolutely devastating...but hey it has to be done...

I almost hate that I looked now.. lol.. I can get pretty scale obsessed myself and for me that's not good because I become completely consumed with numbers. But doesn't it feel good to see the loss?

Best wishes to you all... March 11th will be here and gone before you know it!

Personal Opinion here..... but I think that is very shallow and inconsiderate for them to worry about "how thin" your face looks. What about how much your health is improving? I had someone ask me ..."are you trying to be stick thin?" and I wanted to tell him...uh yea if it means I no longer have to take 3 blood pressure pills a day..and an occasional anxiety medication to help counteract the blood pressure meds. So if me looking too thin makes you feel uncomfortable... then that's something YOU are going to have to deal with NOT me. I would ignore them... friends they may be...but at the end of the day it is about your life, longevity and health and if they can't understand that..then shame on them. And you keep losing...don't base your goal on what you think is satisfactory for the others in your life. DO YOU!...

Yes ma'am.....me too I definitely want to be in "One"derland by the end of May... that's 3 months away and a very obtainable goal...I believe

I know... I know.. it's Water weight.. .etc. etc. etc.....BUT it's still weight.. lol I started out at about 248 pounds ( roughly what I was when I went for my consult on January 23rd) The day of surgery I was about 240 ( liquid diet prior to surgery) After surgery I weighed about 242 ( IV fluids... swelling or whatever) Today I dusted ...(yes literally dusted off my scale because I had become SOOOOOO discouraged/depressed about my weight I stopped weighing myself because the number fluctuated up and down so much *Life Long Yo-Yo Dieter here*) Anyhoo dusted off my scale and it read 230.4 lbs.... I am in total disbelief and amazed that I have lost 10 lbs in a lil over a week. I am definitely going to enjoy the "honey moon phase" of my weight loss ( this isn't my first rodeo) and I know there will be weeks with no weight loss, times when I might stall etc. but for now ...oh how sweet it is to be a loser!!!! I started out wearing 18 pants and XXL or XL shirts depending on cut/manufacturer. Tried on an outfit I wore to work my last day before I went out on leave for my surgery and it is actually loose... I couldn't button it all the way down because my stomach and hips were so big.. BUT TODAY... I was able to button it all the way down to the very last button (old navy) and it is VERY loose in the front. You can't see my back fat when I turn around. It fits wonderfully. My jeans (old navy as well) are very loose need a belt...but my stomach still hurts a bit from the surgery so I am going to pass on that for now. But at the rate I am going I should be able to fit into a 16, comfortably by the end of next month!!! I am TOO happy right now! Before and after pics coming soon... so stay tuned!

Sleeved on 2/10/2014 That's why I love this site....because its a constant reminder of WHY????...... I have always envied runners... lol and been in awe of their stamina. That is something that I most definitely want to start doing once I am cleared to "really" exert myself. You look great... keep up the good work. Total inspiration

Congrats on all of your surgery dates... speedy recoveries and here's to getting " Summer Time Fine" .....as my friend puts it.. lol...making room for you all on the loser's bench!

So far I have only had the Grape Frost.. but will probably end up getting a 12 pack of each flavor over the next few months to see which one I like the best. No... they don't taste all that great...BUT they have 40 grams of Protein per bottle...and if you put them in the freezer and let them get "icy" they taste much better (to me anyway). Syntrax nectar has some really great "fruity" flavors and its about 23 grams of protein per scoop. I've had the fuzzy peach and I believe it was green apple or something..... those were great. I got Carribean Cooler this weekend... (no aspartame, carbs and fat) and can be mixed with Water which is great way to get protein/water in daily (nothing can substitute just pure water of course). You can mix 8-16 oz. of water per scoop I believe. I went to Walmart and bout a Big Bubba thermos mug. It's 32 oz. and can be used for hot or cold drinks. So I plan on mixing ICE cold water with one scoop of the Nectar and mixing it in my mug and sipping on it through out the day. I think this is going to be a great for when I return to work. I digress.. but I like the Isopure drinks...since my surgery they have truly helped me keep my protein level up.

That is adorable! Looks like a mini boutique...aren't you just excited about going shopping for summer clothes this year...yay!!! My mom and I went shopping yesterday and I was SO tempted to buy clothes...but had to utilize some self control...lol...just gonna wear what I have and add new pieces here and there until my old clothes get too big. No more trying to cover up during the summer...cant wait to wear shorts without having to pry them down every time I take two steps. Wear maxi dresses without looking preggo...and tank tops...yes Lord...tank tops in the summer!! Im getting one for every color of the rainbow...lol...when my doc releases me im getting a gym membership asap. My goal is to be at goal by Christmas. :-)

Exactly! You will be okay and able to look back at your anxiety and laugh :-) I am exactly one week post-op and everyday things are getting slowly getting back to normal.

Oh my...he's really going to be lovin' you when you hit your goal. Just be thankful he allowed you to see whats really in his heart before you wasted anymore time. Life is too short...and it GOES ON! Best wishes.....

Best wishes.. I was right there this time last week... and it is going to feel so good to be on the "other" side when it is all over. It gets better everyday. Who said this is the "easy" way out????... its FAR from being easy...yet SO worth it... and I am seeing my body begin to change already and its only been a week! You will do great :-)

Everyone is most definitely different....im on "full" liquids...things like yogurts...sugar free puddings...optifast shakes/soups...etc. And the struggle has been real for me. Not eating solids yet and the liquids are filling me up quick. I am only able to take in about 1-2 oz. of liquid and I have to wait 30-60 min. before I can "sip" again. I am definitely not complaining...this is a Gastric Bypass that was revised into a Sleeve. I went out and bought nectar Carribean Breeze Protein mix and the Isopure Protein Watee ...like someone posted earlier they have 40 grams per bottle. Hoping these will help break up the chocolate and carmel shake routines. I wake up sipping....go to sleep sipping...but its hard to get at least 80 grams in per day ....but again Im thankful.

Congrats on your date! It's REAL when you have a date huh? This is basically a repost from another thread... we all have different needs and requirements away from home...BUT this is what lil ole me took to the hospital ..... Deodarant Huggie Baby Wipes ( if you get a catheter you will definitely need these when it comes out) Vaseline ( lips are going to be SO dry from no drinking) Couple of changes of underwear/socks ( but put the hospital socks on over my personal socks when it was time to get out of bed/walk, etc. Cell phone/charger Lotion Travel toothbrush Toothpaste/mouthwash Pair of pajamas and very over sized gown (didn't wear either due to the way I felt and IV's, etc. it was just easier to keep on my hospital gown. When it was time to get up and walk I asked for an extra gown to put on as a robe to cover my "opening" in the back. Hand towels ( to wash my face) Facial cleanser Satin or Silk Scarf/Bonnet ( for your tresses) those hospital bonnets are murder... The hospital supplied me with some of these things but I brought my own because I knew what I wanted, what brand, etc. Best wishes on your surgery and speedy recovery!!!

Congrats on your date! I took the basics...but the hospital still supplied most stuff.... Deodarant Huggie Baby Wipes ( if you get a catheter you will definitely need these when it comes out) Vaseline ( lips are going to be SO dry from no drinking) Couple of changes of underwear/socks ( but put the hospital socks on over my personal socks when it was time to get out of bed/walk, etc. Cell phone/charger Lotion Travel toothbrush Toothpaste/mouthwash Pair of pajamas and very oversized gown (didn't wear either due to the way I felt and IV's, etc. it was just easier to keep on my hospital gown. When it is time to get up and walk I asked for an extra gown to put on as a robe to cover my "opening" in the back. Hand towels ( to wash my face) Facial cleanser I think that's about it... my basic items and didn't use some of the stuff because they gave me a few things. Hey...as much as you pay to stay in the hospital... they should give you the world. Again..congrats...best wishes and a speedy recovery !

"Because shipment of this order has not yet been confirmed by the seller, your credit card has not been charged and we are not able to provide you with shipment details. If you would like to ask vitacost for more information about the status of this order, including the expected ship date, you may contact them directly. Thanks for shopping on Amazon.com. Amazon.com Customer Service" This is a portion of the email I received early this morning. I knew this was too good to be true... someone who works their Amazon account made a BIG mistake and should have posted the item for $39.99 instead of $3.99. And I don't think the mistake was really "caught" until this thread was posted. I was thinking okay one or two orders at $3.99 ...yea maybe....BUT this thread has over 1,000 views and before the link was disabled think about how many viewers clicked on that link ( including myself) to place an order for multiple 12 packs. Lol....they are very wrong for not honoring the posted price and I WILL NOT be doing anymore business with Vitacost ... I've been using them for years for supplements, etc. And I better get a full refund.. I don't want 2 cans... if I can't get 24 I don't want any and I am about to email them ASAP and let them know. Anyhoo... guess its on to the Vitamin Shoppe down by the mall :-)

Well everyone is different....and we all have different perspectives when it comes to bariatric surgery. Although I am a VERY private person as well...I am very proud and resolved in my decision. Therfore...I dont have a problem with telling the world. Are you afraid people will judge you? I know some people can be critical about the situation while others are curious and considering and you could be helping them make an informed decision if the have health/weight issues. I already know coworkers will know...I mean Im missing from work for the next month and when I get back and the weight starts to come off...im sure it will be obvious why I was out. At the end of the day its your personal choice...but I dont think you should be feeling guilty. Im excited...and at this point I dont care about sharing with others.:-)