marycw1955

Thanks you for sharing your experience with the gallstones. I think any discomfort, especially post-op, should not be ignored...

Thanks you for sharing your experience with the gallstones. I think any discomfort, especially post-op, should not be ignored...

Thanks you for sharing your experience with the gallstones. I think any discomfort, especially post-op, should not be ignored...

"My suggestion is to get your head straight before surgery - I was not prepared for the emotional part of this process. I researched enough about the procedure itself that I probably could have assisted the surgeon. I had to address my emotional eating issues while recovering and not able to eat. It's hard."
This statement, to me, pretty much sums up the entire surgery scenario. It has already been studied and proven that this surgery will assist you in your weight loss journey. What most people struggle with is redefining their lives. food had become the focal point of our lives. As much as we kidded ourselves that family, work, etc were important, food was our best friend, lover, compadre. That's why we wanted more and more of it. We all need to put other things above food, things like our health, feeling and looking great, our families and friends.
I am only 4 weeks out and the doctor told me yesterday that I had lost 24 lbs since my pre-op visit on 6/20. I had also lost 12 lbs during the pre-op diet. I know in my heart I would never have this weight loss I a year if I had not done this. These numbers are fine with me but more importantly, what I have lost is my relationship with food. I have walked by the shore boardwalk with the pizza, steak sandwiches, ice cream and just kept walking and smiling because I know those foods were not my friends, they were killing me slowly.
I have tried to psychologically prepare myself for this journey and as others say, you have a good day and a bad day. But this surgery is now my best friend who is steering me away from those foods and towards a better life all around. I know it's a long road but I feel that we will all get there as long as you keep your eye on the prize. Best wishes to everyone who has made this trip and to others who are thinking about it.

"My suggestion is to get your head straight before surgery - I was not prepared for the emotional part of this process. I researched enough about the procedure itself that I probably could have assisted the surgeon. I had to address my emotional eating issues while recovering and not able to eat. It's hard."
This statement, to me, pretty much sums up the entire surgery scenario. It has already been studied and proven that this surgery will assist you in your weight loss journey. What most people struggle with is redefining their lives. food had become the focal point of our lives. As much as we kidded ourselves that family, work, etc were important, food was our best friend, lover, compadre. That's why we wanted more and more of it. We all need to put other things above food, things like our health, feeling and looking great, our families and friends.
I am only 4 weeks out and the doctor told me yesterday that I had lost 24 lbs since my pre-op visit on 6/20. I had also lost 12 lbs during the pre-op diet. I know in my heart I would never have this weight loss I a year if I had not done this. These numbers are fine with me but more importantly, what I have lost is my relationship with food. I have walked by the shore boardwalk with the pizza, steak sandwiches, ice cream and just kept walking and smiling because I know those foods were not my friends, they were killing me slowly.
I have tried to psychologically prepare myself for this journey and as others say, you have a good day and a bad day. But this surgery is now my best friend who is steering me away from those foods and towards a better life all around. I know it's a long road but I feel that we will all get there as long as you keep your eye on the prize. Best wishes to everyone who has made this trip and to others who are thinking about it.

"My suggestion is to get your head straight before surgery - I was not prepared for the emotional part of this process. I researched enough about the procedure itself that I probably could have assisted the surgeon. I had to address my emotional eating issues while recovering and not able to eat. It's hard."
This statement, to me, pretty much sums up the entire surgery scenario. It has already been studied and proven that this surgery will assist you in your weight loss journey. What most people struggle with is redefining their lives. food had become the focal point of our lives. As much as we kidded ourselves that family, work, etc were important, food was our best friend, lover, compadre. That's why we wanted more and more of it. We all need to put other things above food, things like our health, feeling and looking great, our families and friends.
I am only 4 weeks out and the doctor told me yesterday that I had lost 24 lbs since my pre-op visit on 6/20. I had also lost 12 lbs during the pre-op diet. I know in my heart I would never have this weight loss I a year if I had not done this. These numbers are fine with me but more importantly, what I have lost is my relationship with food. I have walked by the shore boardwalk with the pizza, steak sandwiches, ice cream and just kept walking and smiling because I know those foods were not my friends, they were killing me slowly.
I have tried to psychologically prepare myself for this journey and as others say, you have a good day and a bad day. But this surgery is now my best friend who is steering me away from those foods and towards a better life all around. I know it's a long road but I feel that we will all get there as long as you keep your eye on the prize. Best wishes to everyone who has made this trip and to others who are thinking about it.

I'm 58 and decided after 28 years of being overweight and yo-yo diets, I needed to do something drastic. I was sleeved on 6/25 and figured my experience was going to be so slow due to my age. I have lost about 25 pounds since my pre-op visit on 6-20 and 30 since I began this journey. I feel good about my decision and am adjusting to my new lifestyle. Everyone is different but I'm not attempting to have the body of a 21 year old, I'll be happy to get within 25 lbs of my doctor's goal. The surgery was the easiest part so far, the planning and time spent finding new and interesting Proteins is the tougher part. But I think it's a great option for many people and I look forward to many healthy years ahead. Best of luck to you!!

I'm 58 and decided after 28 years of being overweight and yo-yo diets, I needed to do something drastic. I was sleeved on 6/25 and figured my experience was going to be so slow due to my age. I have lost about 25 pounds since my pre-op visit on 6-20 and 30 since I began this journey. I feel good about my decision and am adjusting to my new lifestyle. Everyone is different but I'm not attempting to have the body of a 21 year old, I'll be happy to get within 25 lbs of my doctor's goal. The surgery was the easiest part so far, the planning and time spent finding new and interesting Proteins is the tougher part. But I think it's a great option for many people and I look forward to many healthy years ahead. Best of luck to you!!

Hey everyone,

We've hit the 12 week/3 month mark.... How is everyone doing?

Because I enjoy emotional spewing and sharing, I'll give an update and I hope to see some of yours!!

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday This has been an awesome and incredible year.

This time last year, my awesome family and friends got together to throw me an epic, Hawaiian luau themed surprise party. It really was a fabulous surprise and such an incredible birthday. So I felt that the year started off well. Unbeknownst to me, I was an undiagnosed/untreated hypertensive diabetic that had just hit over 300 pounds (301 was my highest recorded weight).

I would find all this out about 2 weeks after my 31st birthday. It was one of the lowest points of my life. I was devastated.

But I stopped there. I cried for a weekend and then said "Enough."

A year later, I am no longer hypertensive or a diabetic. The only pills I take are Vitamins and minerals. I am down 88 pounds as of yesterday and I look flipping incredible (if I say so myself). I've got another 60 lbs until I reach my goal but for the first time in my life-long dieting career, I no longer doubt myself. I know I will reach that goal. I know that I will keep myself healthy.

Part of my journey included having weight loss surgery. I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy on April 21, 2014. (I've lost 58 pounds in the 12 weeks since surgery) It is a decision that I believe is saving my life. It was one of the hardest decisions to make. Every day is a struggle and hard work. The hard work tripled after surgery. It's not been easy and I do not regret a single moment of it. I am more determined now than I ever was before to make me a priority in my life - my health, my happiness, my future. It's been a lesson a long time in coming but it's one I'm grabbing onto with both hands.

Next stop - 100 pounds lost and weighing below 200 lbs. I think I can do this over the next 4 weeks but I am giving myself until Labor Day. I'm trying to manage expectations throughout this process to make sure I don't get discouraged and I think I have been doing well with that.

I'm fortunate to have friends and family that have been super supportive and being a part of this community and other fitness/weight loss communities has been inspiring and motivational.

Keep kicking ass!

How is everyone doing?
I had a bumpy ride 3 weeks out but I'm much better now. I'm careful what I eat but I'm used to the small portions now and happy/satisfied with it. I've had a few people call me "skinny"! It's been decades since anyone called me that.

It did for me too but eventually when I got off the liquid phase it came back so to speak. Nothing pleasant about drinking our meals.

I am three weeks out. I am on purees stage. Mostly doing Protein Shake and mashed potato. Feel like Ill never eat again lol

I was sleeved June 24. Exactly two weeks today and I'm down 15 lbs. my doctor has me on a liquid diet until July 23.

I have a funny- I live alone and so don't fill up the dishwasher very quickly. And even slower now. But I keep running out of spoons and cups!

thanks and it sure is. I'm excited to see what the next year has In store for me.

The first 20 was before surgery on the pre-op. So 17 since. Still, I'm happy!

I too have "hunger" but as you stated, once I have a few bites, I'm full again...I experimented with ricotta cheese by adding my homemade Tomato sauce...pretended it was lasagna!! It filled me up and was a whole lot better than awful puréed meats. I decided after having black bean Soup for lunch and the ricotta for dinner, that I will concentrate on other types of Proteins during this second phase. Not the same as having my old 4th of July BBQ but I'm very happy that I had this procedure because with each small victory, I feel in total control.

I too have "hunger" but as you stated, once I have a few bites, I'm full again...I experimented with ricotta cheese by adding my homemade Tomato sauce...pretended it was lasagna!! It filled me up and was a whole lot better than awful puréed meats. I decided after having black bean Soup for lunch and the ricotta for dinner, that I will concentrate on other types of Proteins during this second phase. Not the same as having my old 4th of July BBQ but I'm very happy that I had this procedure because with each small victory, I feel in total control.

My surgery was June 23 so glad to be in the other side!
In less than 2 weeks I've lost 16#. So happy to finally be on my way to abundant health....
Total lost since mid-May 39#

Hi all! I was sleeved on June 16th. I had my two week weigh in on Tuesday and had lost 23 pounds. I've lost that kind of weight before, so it doesn't feel real to me. I ran into a snag after I came home from the hospital that no one warned me about. I'm a medicated bi polar and after 5 days of hyper mania (feeling over the moon, invincible), I realized my meds weren't being absorbed in my system to do their job. I figured out that i need to take my meds later when i'm eating, but really panicked! What's everyone doing for the 4th?

@@wittygirl
Happy you've got it all worked out. I'm so happy I was taken off my blood pressure and diabetes medicine before I left the hospital. Wonderful feeling!
What I'm doing for the 4th....being a couch potato! Thinking about what I was doing this time last year......I was in San Antonio with a guy that I love so much. This year.....well, let's just hope it gets better.

jennyinky Wow 37 pounds in 3-1/2 weeks. That is awesome! Thanks for posting. That is so encouraging!

tiffnichole76 That's fantastic that you have already gotten off two meds! So happy for you. My doctor told me to watch the BP closely as it should drop quickly. So, far it has been about the same, but very good this evening! To me, this is as exciting as the weight loss!

wittygirl It's real! That much that soon is great! I am taking it easy for the 4th. I am looking forward to continued loss! If I hadn't done this, I am sure I would still be gaining. So happy with the decision. Congrats to all of us for being brave enough to take this big step!

@@ChristmasJanet
Congratulations!! Way to go!! So happy for you. Besides us, I haven't seen anyone else mention the Fluid weight gain after surgery. ....but it sure did happen and at first it was so scary but thank goodness the scale is moving in the right direction now.
@@marycw1955
I bet we will all get real creative before te solid food maintainence phase kicks in. I don't like ricotta cheese but I've seen it mentioned a lot.