QueenA

I haven't posted in a while but wanted to share how I have been feeling recently. Nothing could have prepared me for this journey I embarked on this past May....I am amazed and feel rejuvenated, invigorated and ready to take the world on head on!! I have gone from wearing 20-22W pants and 2X tops to wearing size 14 pants and L tops. Not a day goes by that someone from the gym, work, party....doesn't recognize me or if they do, marvel at how much weight I have lost. Would you believe it if I told you that I still instinctively navigate to the plus section is stores and that it is not until one of my besties brought a full length mirror to my home and had me take a GOOD look at myself that I actually connected my brain with my body to align on the fact that YES I have lost 73lbs!!!! The health benefits are immeasurable: all my blood work came back great - pre-diabetes: gone with the wind; blood sugar, cholesterol, Iron, Vitamin D: all back to normal levels. My knee pain which once had me living by bengay and icy hot is non existent (so yes, my PCP was always right when he gently told me that I did not need to have knee surgery nor therapy but needed to lose weight). This is coming from someone who had to spray or massage bengay ointment on her knees religiously at least 3 times a day and most importantly before going to bed. A girl that could not go up a flight of stairs without cringing. A girl who could not sit comfortably on a plane seat and the list goes on....Today is a better day as this girl is WINNING! I am beyond stunned and thank my family and friends for all their support and encouragement EVERY single day. I miss my old girl ~ she was spunky, classy and always jovial but she hid behind her great humor. I love the brand new me ~ she is doubly confident, still classy and has added sassy and doesn't turn down any outings anymore cause now she has a problem whereby her clothes don't fit because they are TOO big! So for any of you hesitating out there, know that this surgery changes your life forever. This new way of life is by no means easy. It is challenging every day as you have to make sure you don't slip back to your old ways with slider foods etc. BUT it's so worth the long term benefits. You have to find WHAT works for you and stick to it. I know I still have some pounds to lose and am ready and determined to meet my personal goal. Thanks Alex for setting up this great site as reading personal stories every day is inspirational! Thanks my bariatric family and wishing everyone continued success!

You continue to look amazing!! Beautiful transformation :-)

Am 4 months and 4 days out and down 68lbs :-) Its been an amazing transformational journey.

You are on the right track emotionally and physically! Celebrate your 1/3 loss with joy as you have done a great job this far. Keep it up!

Really sorry to hear about your experience and hope that you feel better very soon. I wanted to share with you that I can understand how you feel as I ended up staying in the hospital for a week. I was sleeved on a Tuesday (5/6) and my surgeon also repaired a hiatal hernia. Unfortunately after I got to my room, I was unable to swallow ANYTHING. I was literally sitting with a small bucket spitting nonstop and threw up a few times. I went for daily barium swallows and thought I would die of a heart attack every time I drank the liquid barium. I would break out in cold sweat with a shooting pain in my esophagus. Initially an NG tube was inserted to see if it would alleviate me but by Friday, I was rolled down for another surgery. Basically they found out that my esophagus had moved up post op and never went back down and this was due to my reaction to the anesthesia. I had woken up from it heaving very violently. Net is that my bariatric surgery was a success but I just need to be aware that I don't do well with anesthesia so require an anti emetic for surgery. I share this to encourage you to have hope and my prayers are with you. Please continue to keep us posted.

That is definitely some serious haterade! You look so great! You are so right - this is major hard work. I was just talking about this with my sisters who have been extra supportive. Everyday is hard work. Making sure you are eating right and exercising but it's all worth it :-) I keep asking myself why I waited so long to get this surgery. Anyways you look amazing so keep it up!

Quite honestly everyone loses weight at different paces as you will hear from responses not to mention the stalls you will experience. Don't be discouraged when that happens though It will be your body's way of adapting and you will find encouragement in the dedicated forum. For me, I lost a lot in the 1st month ~ 30lbs. I have now been averaging 1-3 lbs a week give or take since I have stalled twice. 1st stall lasted 3 weeks and the 2nd lasted 1 week. Good news is that I still lost in inches during those instances and am happy with my overall progress so far: 62lbs lost in 3.5 months. Good luck with your surgery!

Glad to hear that I am not the only one. Although I have clearly lost more than half of my excess weight and wear a much smaller size, I still struggle with reconciling my actual image today. It has taken my sister to put a before/after and so many people telling me how small I am to remotely see myself as smaller. It's still a struggle though. Wishing you the best with the therapy. Keep us posted on your progress:-)

I couldn't drink plain water till about two weeks ago (~ 3 months out) and my NUT had recommended I drink fruit infused water. For me, it was the best thing ever since I can't stand crystal lights etc. Here is a link to some of the recipes: http://www.fruitinfusedwater.com. My favorite was strawberry, mint and lemon. The good news is your taste for water will eventually come back. One difference I noticed in my case though is I drink better when using a straw. Good luck.

May 6th was the day that changed my life ~ happy to report 62lbs lost so far. Wishing everyone continued success.

Awesome job!!! Congratulations :-)

What an inspiring story! I congratulate you for sharing your most intimate struggles, overcoming them and being a spokesperson. You were destined for success and your picture speaks a thousand words. Way to GO!

Had my surgery @ Inova. Excellent hospital! Good luck!

You look great????

Take it out is what I highly recommend. I had minor surgery a few years ago and the dr didn't recommend I take it out and I ended up with a blood clot. It's just safer to have it out. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck with your surgery.

Wow RJ, you look so beautiful. Your outside is a good reflection of your inside. Judging by the pictures and your smile, no one would believe you have been through so much. Thanks for continuing to share your story with us and inspiring us! You are a handsome couple. Sending blessings your way for continued triumph! :-)

You look fantastic!!!

Very inspiring. You look fantastic!

Sleeved may 6th and as of last Saturday was down 55lbs. Good luck everyone!

Absolutely amazing transformation! Thanks for sharing. You are a great inspiration!

When I started this journey, I was determined to win yet dreaded my lowest weight reached after multiple failed diets which was 241lbs. I had reached that weight at least 3 times over the last 6 years only to balloon back up +50lbs. Well yesterday, I weighed in at 237 and it felt so surreal as I had only dreamt of being in the 230s. Now that it's become a reality, I am stunned, happy and slightly nervous but I know this tool is working and I am determined. I still have 62lbs to reach my first goal weight but am super happy to have lost the 55 so far in less than 3 months. The best thing that could have happened. My lab work came in with great results last week: pre diabetes - gone; blood sugar - normal; cholesterol - down to normal....and the list goes on. Happy Sunday to all!

Thanks @RJ'S/beginning for your kind words. You remain an inspiration as I read through your journey and how despite all the complications, you continue to encourage everyone. My mindset has definitely changed for the better! @@BladeFox it seems like you are getting VERY close to your first goal and I encourage you. WE CAN definitely do this! It is our time to get our healthy bodies back. Keep me posted on how it goes :-) @@rossigrl84 thank you and best of luck! It's a great mini goal to have :-)

Awesome - I encourage you to keep it up :-)

I work as a consultant and it seems I will need to travel for my next gig. It will most likely be the standard Monday through Thursday for anyone that works in the consulting world and am curious to know how many of you are in the same boat and how you have coped while being on the road. At this point, I have no restrictions on food but have been eating mostly homemade food. Would like to know what your experiences have been and if any of you are on myfitnesspal, would like to see what your typical days look like. Thanks in advance for any info.

Thanks @@JeanZ_RN - will definitely look into those bars :-)