SusinMichigan

I can't wait until I feel like I have enough room to not need a seat belt extender in my new car. It fits but any sudden movement locks it ... I want room to spare!!!

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I can't wait until I feel like I have enough room to not need a seat belt extender in my new car. It fits but any sudden movement locks it ... I want room to spare!!!

I can't wait until I feel like I have enough room to not need a seat belt extender in my new car. It fits but any sudden movement locks it ... I want room to spare!!!

I can't wait until I feel like I have enough room to not need a seat belt extender in my new car. It fits but any sudden movement locks it ... I want room to spare!!!

I can't wait until I feel like I have enough room to not need a seat belt extender in my new car. It fits but any sudden movement locks it ... I want room to spare!!!

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I am almost 7 months out and down 106 pounds since surgery, 180 pounds from my highest weight. I still regret having the sleeve done. There are so many foods I can't eat, my stomach hates everything except a couple bites of steak (then I'm really full) or king crab leg. I can't eat ground beef, ground veal, chicken of any kind, eggs, Pasta, gosh I can't tell you what all it doesn't like, but I know within two bites. The things it hates it really hates and occasionally I can have something that I know is "off" but the next time it's fine. I would love to be able to eat a real meal. More than two bites of meat, one bite of a vegetable and then set my timer and wait for my half hour to pass so I can drink something or have a popsicle. I still can't eat anymore than somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of food at a sitting. When I was told I'd be able to eat 1/2 a sandwich ... I don't know when that will ever happen cause it sure isn't today.
I still have to carry something to drink in the vehicle, and things to snack on. It's not as bad as early on, but just last night hubby and I went shopping and I had to stop at a gas station to get unsweetened tea and sweet and low to be able to drink something. That was poor planning on my part though. Hubby misses going out for dinner or lunch. I'm having lunch with my sister on Monday and I know it will be 5 spoons of some kind of Soup at a local restaurant and then I'll be taking the rest home.
I hate taking +20 different OTC Vitamins and supplements as well as some regular prescription drugs. I hate the constant Constipation. I have had a regular "poop" less than I have fingers on one hand. Everything else has been done with lots of blood in the toilet (hemorrhoids) and laxatives. The span can be anywhere from 5 days to 13 days and when the day comes that I have to go ... I can't leave the house, just wait for the laxative to take effect.
That said, I love being in a size 18 jean and large top. I love the look on friends faces when they see the "new" me and know my voice but not the body. I'm even enjoying the exercise. I do hate the excess skin. I discovered today I won't be able to wear short sleeved clothing this spring/summer, it'll have to be elbow length blouses because all the skin fell and is hanging around my elbows, looking like elephant skin. The same this goes for my knees. I have a powder prescribed by my doctor for the lap that's hanging and suffocating my front bottom part, where the skin is infected all the time ... two showers a day.
I had surgery to save my life (literally) the cardiologist said I would be dead in 7 years (5 years now) and I wanted to live longer and not leave my husband ... in that regard, it is working. Sorry this is so long, just pouring out my heart.
Good luck and I hope you did this for the right reasons, it'll come back to you if you did and you'll be happy.

I kinda regret it as well. I deal with food addiction and overeating. There's no joy in eating anymore. I eat for fuel. I hate it. And yet at the same time, I'm elated by the weight I've lost. It's a mindfuck.

I don't eat "diet" food, either. Mostly lean meats and fish, nuts, fruits and veggies. I stay away from bread, rice and potatoes. I know a small amount of carbs won't kill you, but in my case I don't do well with them. If I start having carbs, my weight loss slows and I get hungry. That's the reason I stay away from them.

Take your measurements if you haven't already. I agree with the working out. Start with aerobic exercise 30 minutes a day and gradually increase. My surgeon wanted me starting at 30 and building up to 60 daily before surgery. I am supposed to be at 60-90 minutes after surgery. Make sure to do strength training also (weights). Women don't have enough testosterone to "bulk up", which a lot of women worry about. Muscle burns fat more efficiently and as Roo said, it will help to shape your body! You can do it!! I go in tomorrow and I'm currently in my manic, excited phase!! Keep working! (Also try some exercises/activities you may not think you are interested in - yoga, zumba - you may find some things that you really enjoy doing!)
Have a great day and good luck!
Karen

Just ... no. No on many levels. I see that you haven't had your surgery yet so you haven't experienced the normal stall at week 2-3 post op.

Proud of you!!!!! My husband and I had a lot arguements over this! We both grew up in a household of where you had to clean your plate because children in China are going hungry. I refused to pass this on to my children. My husband felt they should clean their plates and I didn't. I did not want them to be overeaters like me and him. My children are now grown and are healthy eaters with no bad habits of overeating!!!!

I grew up in a home with very similar eating habits. I can remember many nights sitting at the table until bedtime because I had to eat all the food on my plate before I could be excused...and we wonder how we got to where we are today...
That's an amazing accomplishment on your part and should be a great help to your weight loss and peace of mind
Summer

Yes, I am 6 weeks out and regret it every day. Thinking I should have tried harder with Atkins since that's what life basically is now. I don't like the stalls, it almost kills me to go 12 days without losing a single pound all while trying to drink 64 oz. of Fluid a day that I just about never get in. I'm lucky if I can get 350 calories in a day.
I don't enjoy eating anything it's a chore to do so. I eat by a timer, hell, I live by a timer these days. I have to take a cooler with me when I even run errands because there is something goofy going on that throws my entire body off whack. I'm always tired.
While I have lost 36.5 pounds since surgery, and am grateful for that, I have yet to have a single happy day. My stomach hurts with just about every meal I eat. I can slowly sip on bouillon and as long as it's only 4 oz. I can do okay. I can eat about 1 tablespoon of food at a sitting without severe chest through my back pain. About 30 of the 36.5 pounds came off in a week. Then there were 12 days with nothing ... not one pound lost. After that I've been losing maybe 1/4 or 1/2 of a pound a day when I have a loss. I think I might have made the wrong decision ... maybe I should have had RNY instead. My brother and friends all went that route, but I didn't want my insides all rerouted.
Think long and hard before you make this decision. It's not reversible and it's forever.

Yes, I am 6 weeks out and regret it every day. Thinking I should have tried harder with Atkins since that's what life basically is now. I don't like the stalls, it almost kills me to go 12 days without losing a single pound all while trying to drink 64 oz. of Fluid a day that I just about never get in. I'm lucky if I can get 350 calories in a day.
I don't enjoy eating anything it's a chore to do so. I eat by a timer, hell, I live by a timer these days. I have to take a cooler with me when I even run errands because there is something goofy going on that throws my entire body off whack. I'm always tired.
While I have lost 36.5 pounds since surgery, and am grateful for that, I have yet to have a single happy day. My stomach hurts with just about every meal I eat. I can slowly sip on bouillon and as long as it's only 4 oz. I can do okay. I can eat about 1 tablespoon of food at a sitting without severe chest through my back pain. About 30 of the 36.5 pounds came off in a week. Then there were 12 days with nothing ... not one pound lost. After that I've been losing maybe 1/4 or 1/2 of a pound a day when I have a loss. I think I might have made the wrong decision ... maybe I should have had RNY instead. My brother and friends all went that route, but I didn't want my insides all rerouted.
Think long and hard before you make this decision. It's not reversible and it's forever.

While I'm not a man, I would assume the same guy that would be turned off by extreme weight would be turned off by excess skin ... I'm not worried about my hubby, if he loves me at over 300 pounds, he'll love me at 150! He lost 100 pounds and has a little loose skin around his midsection ... doesn't bother me one bit! Been married 28 years now.

While I'm not a man, I would assume the same guy that would be turned off by extreme weight would be turned off by excess skin ... I'm not worried about my hubby, if he loves me at over 300 pounds, he'll love me at 150! He lost 100 pounds and has a little loose skin around his midsection ... doesn't bother me one bit! Been married 28 years now.

I was told no pool, hot tub, river, lake, bath, etc. until after 6 weeks check up. Too many germs, etc.

I feel you. My husband is a human garbage disposal. He will plow through every bit of food in the fridge and cabinets without a second thought of why it might be there or who it might "belong" to. (My kids have taken to putting post-it notes on certain things so he knows what's earmarked for class parties, teacher gifts, potlucks, etc.)

Right after my surgery I had a huge melt down because all the foods I had specially prepared for my food stages would disappear within hours of me making them. It wasn't pretty. After that, I cleared a cabinet shelf that is just for me along with a fridge drawer. NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO ENTER EITHER. PERIOD. I don't care if the food is rotting into a horrific science fair project, **NO ONE** can touch.

I also bought little round stickers that are different colors (green, yellow, red) and stick them on different items that are mine. Green means fair game, yellow means don't eat the last two and write it on the shopping list, red mean eat at risk of death. It's working.

My situation is a little bit different. I am almost three months out (sleeved 5/6/14) and have been nauseous ever since. Barely eat any food and have trouble getting in my liquid requirement, everything makes me sick. I regret my decision 1 million percent due to circumstances. I am losing weight rapidly, but being sick all the time, really can't enjoy my new found weight loss. This has resulted in depression and major body fatigue as well. So, like I said, I am not typical by any means, but given the choice, knowing what I know now, I would never EVER do it again.