jessybear

Hey all! I had my surgery done in April by Dr. Jason Balette, just a few days after my 18th birthday, and I'm loving the results. It's gotten to the point where I'm fitting into clothes that have been untouched since early school days (middle school!) and even past that. My feet have shrunk as well, which is kind of sad because I did have some nice shoes, but oh well. Overall, I feel so energized ever since getting my surgery. I find myself wanting to exercise, which is incredible for me considering before I never wanted to get out of bed. I've been using cocoa butter for the stretch marks (I have a lot, and the cocoa butter definitely helps them fade) and I've completely altered my diet--who knew organic food could taste so great? I haven't had many 'struggles' per se, as my taste for certain foods have also changed. I now hate the smell of popcorn, I don't like the feeling of grease/butter/too much oil on my lips and tongue, and when I do have that craving for chocolate, I just reach for a Protein bar! I'm loving this new healthy life I've been given! BEFORE/AFTER--52 days out, 33lbs down BEFORE/AFTER--3 Months out, 67lbs down

I cannot tell you how much I can relate to you right now. I had my surgery done literally just three days after my 18th birthday. I wish I had done it a little sooner, but I definitely don't regret my decision. I've felt what you've felt, and I can tell you right now that your life will change for the better after this. I went from plus-size shopping to wearing clothes I haven't worn since middle school for crying out loud. I can wear the pretty dresses I've eyed for years! And I actually have the energy to exercise! I hope everything goes well for you. Keep us updated!

You should be just fine, just be careful. Save the sweet treats for when you've reached your goal weight; in the meantime, try to find healthier options that can satisfy you! I'm a severe chocoholic, and it's barely gone away since my surgery. By your post-op, I believe I was on soft foods and was able to stomach sugar-free chocolate popsicles and frozen yogurt. However, even with those, don't go overboard, since they aren't as high in Protein, which is what you need the most of. As you progress into regular foods (if you aren't already) try getting Protein Bars. I have chocolate Peanut Butter ones (Nature Valley is my savior) and they are to die for. I'm sure they can serve as better (and healthier!) alternatives to nutty buddies. Good luck!

The P.T. pre-op visits were mostly to teach me about certain exercises I could and should be able to do soon after surgery that wouldn't strain my body too much, as well as just to be sure that I would follow through with exercising post-op (there was an online exercise session that I was in charge of--I had to record the exercises I was doing and the information would be sent back to my P.T.) The exercises were very simple and just for record purposes, I believe. I think you'll do just fine! I believe I have lost as much weight as I have because I stayed very close to the instructions and guidelines my doctor and nutritionist gave me, sticking to the Clear liquids to full and so on. It's within the first two-three weeks that the weight really seems to melt off, but even then, the more you work, the faster the scale goes down! I hope all goes well for you!

Thanks! And yes, I did have the same issue. However, after talking with my insurance, I convinced them that if I were to get this surgery, it would solve all future complications, as I have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), hypertension and whatnot. Eventually they agreed to approve me if I completed a "3 month program", which entailed for me to see a psychologist once (to ensure that I'm ready for the changes), a nutritionist 3x (once each month) and a physical therapist 3x. Once that was all completed, and it was proven that I would be able to work at my weight, they approved me. I didn't have any co-morbidities whatsoever. Considering the results, it was definitely worth the wait!

haha! I hope all goes well for you! Good luck!

haha! I hope all goes well for you! Good luck!

I've started eating the Cheerios Protein cereal with a little bit of light almond milk and it's delicious. I alternate between that, banana nut oatmeal, and scrambled eggs with a turkey sausage link.

Perhaps my reasons could be because I'm young and a high school graduate, but I'll share my past pain anyway. I couldn't fit into anything--XL sizes in stores were still too tight. And going into the plus-sized sections (though there is nothing wrong with being plus-sized, but this is me) only made me want to cry and leave. I would no longer be in the mood to shop. I never wanted people to take my picture, because next to everyone I felt like I looked like a pig. I would eat something ridiculously unhealthy and fatty at a restaurant and finish it all, but whether or not it was delicious, I found myself depressed and crying afterwards because of my lack of self control. But I suppose my final breaking point was when my OB GYN told me that aside from having PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and being pre-diabetic, my poor health could also take a toll on my fertility. While I'm still much too young to ever have children now, I definitely want to in the future, and just the thought of not being able to shattered me. I knew I needed help, and as diets and exercise regimes never helped, I turned to gastric surgery and never looked back. I'm happy with the choice that I made.

I had mine done almost four months ago! I live in the Kingwood area (North Houston). Good luck with your procedure!

I'm 6 days post-op, and I'm also a senior in high school. I've already been off a week (my procedure was Monday), and school starts again tomorrow. My bariatric surgeon/doctor has reassured me that he'll write any note he needs to in order to excuse my absences, but I don't want to be out more than I need to. I want to be sure that I'll be able to walk at graduation. My mother is concerned about me being able to carry around my bag for school. She's even been concerned for me to carry my dog (a 7lbs chihuahua). I would say that my backpack is no more than 15lbs. There are stairs in my school, but there are also elevators for those who need it and I can easily get a slow pass as well as a pass that will allow me to snack and go to the bathroom whenever I need to during classes. I don't think it'll be too much of a hassle, aside from the whole carrying my backpack as well as my Protein Shake and other things needed for my meals. I've already agreed with my mother to skip Monday, but would it be safe for me to even think about carrying that much weight for 7 hours of a school day? My incisions aren't too bad at all, aside from the one that they likely used to pull the stomach out which is just a little more sore than the others.

@@Fluffnomore honestly, I don't think he said much regarding the weight of my backpack, but that's my fault because I don't think I even brought it up. All he told me was to go back to school when I felt like I could, and that he'd write any note that he needed to.

I am also 6 days post-op and literally just experienced what you just experienced. Oddly enough, it wasn't difficult for me to just continue my own meal (consisting of medicine cups full of broth, water, and jello). I noticed the alarming portion sizes and was almost astounded by the simple fact that I used to eat like that, if not more.

I'm Jessy. I'm 18 years old, a high school senior, and I'm about a month away from graduating. Ever since about fourth grade, I've been obese. I've always been the "larger child". My parents have tried their hardest to help me lose weight, from diets to exercise, but nothing ever helped. I always heard people say "oh she's young, she'll lose the weight in no time", and yet I've never been able to, no matter how hard I tried. Temptation was too strong, resources were lacking, and an overall lack of motivation didn't help at all. Around 6th grade, I stopped menstruating.Upon seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome) and a Pre-Diabetic. As someone from a genetically diabetic (type 2) family on both sides, I was a likely candidate for the latter if I did not lose weight. The idea to go under the VSG did not come to mind until about my junior year of high school, as my weight increased along with my deficiencies in immunity, energy, and general health. There were many difficulties insurance wise, but finally I was approved and my surgery took place on April 14, just three days after my 18th birthday. It's been six days, and I am currently down about 10lbs, more than I've ever lost during my failed dieting regimes. I am determined to reach my goal weight of 125lbs, which is a healthy weight for my stature, not just for my health but for my self confidence. I want to lead a new life as I move on from high school to college. Honestly, I can't wait to buy some cute clothes~