SummerWheeler

Congrats on your milestone!!! It's a great feeling, isn't it?
As far as coloring your hair, I think it is a personal decision. But, I too was told by my surgeon and stylist that coloring my hair would weaken my hair further and increase Hair loss due to the harshness of the chemicals. I rocked my grays for almost a year! I thought, in the long-term-scheme-of-things, a year isn't bad because by then I can rock my new hair and body even more !
Good Luck!

I have read about this pain from so many. We had only a little pain in the shoulder. We both had hiatal hernias but I am sure it is from the sleeving itself. The doctor mentions it could be another complication to cover his bases, but always remember when in doubt, trust your gut instinct and get to the ER! I hope you feel better son. Relax and rest.

Thanks for posting, Mary - you are an inspiration and you look great! And happy . You should not be embarrassed about your before photos - you should be proud - just look at how far you've come.

@@livvsmum
great pics
lookin' terrific
you lost almosts the same as you now weigh!!!!
133.6 lbs gone!!!!
party dance, party dance
keep up the good work for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life
kathy
congrats

Get back to the basics, which you already know you need to do. Drink Water, eat your Protein and add in some exercise. You've lost 42 pounds already, and you will lose more! My weight loss has really slowed since the six month mark, as well, but I've been adding in exercise and I'm seeing the results in my clothes sizes and my measurements. It's not as bad as you think it is, but you've identified a few things that you want to change, so change them.
You can do this! You will get to goal!! I have faith in you!

You are an inspiration, glad you had the guts to say it out loud. It is good for us to see this for people who have made this great accomplishment.
PS You don't even look like the same person, you look so HEALTHY

Congrats with your success. You inspire others, like me!

Tell her, "You're right, I do need new clothes. These are just getting so big they're starting to fall off of me. I'd be happy to donate them to you. You're about a 24, right? They'll fit you great."
......to be said in front of a crowd of people in your office, in a loud, cheery voice........

Kindess always wins out. I also work in a small office environment with a very bitter somewhat envious woman. I have had to bite my toungue almost off !! A smile and always backs off ugly of any kind. Good luck and enjoy your success :-)

Congrats on your weight loss. Thanks for posting your beautiful pics. You have come so far. Remember when u share your stories, it inspires others like me !

Congrats on your weight loss. Thanks for posting your beautiful pics. You have come so far. Remember when u share your stories, it inspires others like me !

I had a hiatal hernia repair with mesh at the same time of my gastric sleeve on 4/28/14. I have not had one problem of reflux since. I used to sleep with 3 pillows propping me up crossing my fingers that it would reduce the nightly reflux. My only problem now is that I am so used to using the pillows it is a slow release to let go of all the pillows. I am down to 2 pillows. Just like the comfort I guess. I have not had to take any Prilosec and any acid reducers since the 2 surgeries. Best 2 surgeries I have ever done.

chocolatr48diva said it best! Stay on track. Follow the plan it works! It doesn't mean you will be perfect. None of us are. I was sleeved on 4/28/14 and down 53 pounds. I walk 4-5 days every evening. I love the feeling if getting in the shower and I notice there is a little bit less of my belly to wash. Weird but exciting for me.

Just remember your goal. I was a volume eater and still have a hard time only cooking not only for one but only half cup at a time. I don't know if I will ever be perfect. I have very small baby food containers that only hold less than a cup of food. I take one of these cups to work for lunch. I got them at Walmart. I got a great tip to buy the small ramekins to use. They are great to use in the microwave. It also gets a good visual on your proportion sizes. Give yourself permission to toss food if needed. You are worth it.

Hey guys! Sleeved 2/19. Down 79lbs since preop. Just work the plan. Be committed! You can't just eat whatever you want in small amounts & be successful. I have no doubt that I will lose over 100lbs. As the weight comes off you will feel so much better!! It is a HUGE commitment though. Just prepare yourself for that. It has not been as hard as I anticipated. Best of luck to you!!

I really don't believe there are limits to what you can do as long as you are committed to following a strict eating plan and reaching out for help when you need it. I have about 15 lbs to go to reach my goal but I am confident I will get there, and yes I have lost well over 100 lbs (check my ticker). I am on plan and still losing, even if not as fast as I was 9 months ago.
I know plenty of other people on this forum and others who have lost significantly more than 100 lbs and either are still losing or are successfully maintaining their weight loss. You can do this!
eta: 2 before pictures, and 1 "during" - 185 lbs down. I feel self-conscious posting these pics but I know that before & after (or during) pics really helped me a lot pre op. Hopefully these will show that yes you CAN lose over 100 lbs! I have been struggling with obesity my entire life and had never had this kind of success before.



excuse my messy hair and room in this last pic - it was never intended for public consumption but it's the best I've got right now!

Eat enough calories
take a Vitamin
sleep sleep SLEEP
drink enough Water
exercize a little each day
If you do thi, you will lose. The scale will not always move, but you will lose.
No one can tell you exactly how this is going to proceed. You are unique and your equation will not equal mine, but I can make one suggestion I feel is almost 100%: get a tshirt that is too tight, try it on, put it away. try it on every week or so...you will see the difference in that even when the scale does not budge for weeks. if you are an extreme "pear", do it with jeans, too.

Refried Beans with cheese were a good starting point for me.

Learn to be very creative. Use greek yogurt or cottage cheese with unsweetened Jello powders for different flavors. Put chocolate Protein Powder and PB2 powder in yogurt for a great Breakfast that reminds you a little bit of a reese cup. Refried black Beans with a little taco seasoning and melted cheese is great. pureed chicken with alfredo sauce or marinara sauce and cheese is great. Pureed tuna salad or egg salad is also good. Instant potatoes with cheese is also very good and when you use powedered milk in it, it increases your Protein. Become a mixologist with those protein powders using jello powders and sugar free syrups as well as instant coffee to make some really great treats. Especially when you blend with crushed ice! Eating shoudl never be boring after this surgery because you sure don't automatically enjoy the food like you use to! Good luck and get creative!

Haven't really needed the pain meds.
Gas pains suck . . . My appetite is back . .
I've lost 12 lbs since Monday & 30 since the summer .
Just waiting on these results to come in !

Hey guys, well tomorrow is my day April21st.. I'm
Beyond anxious. Wondering is my house clean enough the the hubby ok taking over my usually duties. Dear god I hope he feeds the dog. Etc I'm shakey and anxious yet excited and impatient. I just want to do it already and start healing. Any last tips?? My anxiety is so high I feel like I am about to pass out I know I am being a baby but I can't help it. Starting weight was 273lbs but now I'm weighing in at 253.2lbs after the preop diet... I really want to get down to 135-145lbs. Is that likely possible? I'm 24 athletic flexible etc... Sorry I'm rambling. Good luck fellow 21st sleeves!!

April 28th for me. Wish all of u the best. I do read a lot of these threads and feel even though we r all over the country, we all share a common bond that can express what others don't understand. 5'7" 260 lbs. we'll wishes for all!