nasuscat

Never going back to being fat! Love this vitality. Up at 4:30 thinking how long until I meet up with today's walking partner. Fitting into regular clothes -- medium right off the rack. Not out of pain (arthritis) but so friggin happy. Funny, even when I was heavy I was more self conscious in clothing then out of it. It's being out in the world and feeling judged that kept me down, not being naked at home with a spouse who loves me young, old, heavy, slim. I'm 52 and every one is saying how much younger I look. Snow white hair since 30. I think that perception about youth is about how happy and confident I am and choosing sassy clothes, holding my head up, laughing my crazy loud laugh and not hiding. So, after this great thread I am going to reconsider my extreme fear of sleeveless tops and dresses. Maybe I should not give a damn. Maybe my arms are fine -- after all, when I was thin in my twenties I thought I was fat -- had no idea then what was coming. So maybe that's a lesson to enjoy the bodies we have while we have them. Age happens. Life happens. Let's enjoy our lives and our bodies.

APPROVED!!!!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY.... MAKING SURGERY APPOINTMENT TOMORROW.
Had a voicemail on my phone during a hard sweaty exercise. Called the clinic back. They approved me. Less than 48 hours after paperwork was submitted. words can not describe how happy I am. I am thinking that I will be having my surgery on Sept 10.

I'll get my two cents in here.
For me, weight loss is emotional. Very emotional. It is personal.
I recognize that we're all different. But we are all human beings. We all started perfect, normal, ideal.
I'm not even consciously aware of when I started to gain weight. I was not a heavy child. I was a normal weight child. I believe I am not meant to be heavy. I do recall my 16th birthday and being appalled to realize that I had nothing to wear that made me look good for an evening out.
In our household, junk food was not allowed. Babysitters hated coming to our house. Yes, I had tasted soda pop and potato chips and chocolate. But not at our house! And it tasted good! Very, very good. And when I was 13 years old, I started babysitting, and had some of my own money. Guess what I bought with it? That's right. Junk food.< /p>
I was also an emotional person. Still am. And I was never close to my mother, though I dearly wanted to be. She just didn't want it. As an adult, I recognize that was her doing, not mine, but it still affected me. But I found some comfort in music and in the taboo foods. So, is that where it started? Food replacing affection?
But I saw other kids eating it. Why weren't they getting heavy? Why was I?
I actually didn't really know that my weight was not normal as a teenager. Until seeing cousins one summer who I hadn't seen since the summer before. And in greeting, the cousins happily pointed out that I "GREW"!! And then the 16th birthday with nothing flattering to wear. The other kids at school ranged in sizes, so it wasn't apparent that I was overweight. Though, there was some name-calling "Cow" in junior high. Oh, and my mother decided that she would also call me a 'big, fat, cow' whenever she was irritated (mostly at the sight of me). So, there was the stigma now. I am being likened to a cow. I got through high school all right, (though another emotional time during my parents separation and divorce), and made my first registration at Weight Watchers at age 19. I was done with being a cow.
By the way, my two sisters were not overweight at this stage.
And, yes, I lost a little weight before I gave up on the effort because I felt like I wasn't part of things. That was almost 70 pounds ago, the first time I joined Weight Watchers.
Are relationships partly to blame for gaining weight? I mentioned my relationship with my mother. And, of course, teenage siblings can be cruel. And their friends, too. Where my friends, some overweight, too, accepted me, fed me, supported me.
And go on in life to my naïve feelings for someone not being reciprocated; to no real interest shown to me by a man; to an abusive marriage, which I entered full of love; to divorce; to losses of loved ones. To where I am now.
I want to get off the cycle now. I'm ready. I don't want to have (emotional) excuses that make it okay to be overweight. I want to stop the insanity.
But I really do feel that you have to look at why you are overweight to begin with. Then you can heal. And normalize.

I beg your pardon for the title but a young person of the male gender (won't refer to him as a man since that implies a level of maturity that he obviously doesn't possess) hollered at me whilst I was riding my bike "you have a saggy ass so you better move it!" Although it is true that I have a saggy ass and many other saggy body parts, I've gotten complacent I guess about fitting in with regular, non-obese, folks and was rather taken aback. Having been obese and for my entire life I have been on the receiving end of many a cruel remark or look of disgust, pointing, stares, snickering, even unwanted groping, more times than I can count, sometimes from members of my own family. I usually turned the other cheek and went on my way. Today, however, I found myself boiling over with anger. I caught up to said young person of the male gender at a stop light and yelled at him "my saggy ass is better than your flat dick!" Then I stood up on the pedals and rode furiously away. I'm feeling a bit ashamed of myself for stooping so low.

I was SO excited this morning to weigh in and see that I passed my goal of 145 pounds. I am about 10.5 months post-op and down 133.6 pounds. I could still stand to lose a few more pounds, but I am super proud of myself for reaching my original goal in less than a year. I'm also super proud of my non-scale goals that I've accomplished like improving my health, training for a 1/2 marathon, and working on my emotional eating issues. I've done a lot of hard work this year, and I wouldn't trade the changes I've made for the world.
For those of you just starting on this journey, hang in there! It's so worth the effort!

JUST UPDATING YOU...I WAS APPROVED TODAY IM SOOOOOO HAPPY...THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Only you know the answer to your question as it pertains to you. For myself, although I also love the taste of good food, I don't miss being tempted to overeat because the food tastes good. I'm still only two months out and no sweets or starches are currently allowed, but I'm looking forward to the future when I hope to enjoy healthy food choices 99% of the time and have a taste of cake on my birthday without the urge to have seconds. There are many on this site who advocate 100% compliance with the program 100% of the time. They say that most people who keep the weight off for the long term adhere to that policy. I don't think that would work for me. I enjoy family celebrations that include fabulous foods. I don't want to be so strict that I don't ever allow myself any indulgences. I just want to be mindful and accountable, not a food nazi. I believe the sleeve will help me achieve that goal.

I won't lie to you. The pre-op and post-op diets suck big time. But you just have to do it. It's as simple as that. I doesn't last forever and you just have to put your big girl panties on and follow the rules.
If you do...and continue to follow the rules, you will do well and be successful. I was so terrified of what my life would be like after being banded and now I can't imagine life without it.
I had no life before. I was morbidly obese and quickly losing my mobility. Now I'm normal. I fit anywhere. My forum name is gowalking because that was my hope. Well guess what? I can walk again. It's a friggin' miracle to me. No more cane, no more having to struggle to walk one lousy block.
I wore a size 26/28 pants. Today I'm a size 10. I love to shop again. It's fun instead of something to fear. I exercise...I talk to people again. I love my life and this band made it all possible. Do you think I care that I had to do liquids for a few weeks? I didn't. And neither will you in a year.
Good luck honey...you will be fine...I promise.
Oh...and I attached my before and after pic so you can see what the band did for me.

I find it amazing that a Kaiser dietician would make such a ridiculous statement. With a very short list of exceptions, I eat anything I want to eat. The success of the surgery is not about what you can or can't eat. I find it unforgivable for a healthcare "professional" to suggest otherwise. It's about what you choose to eat. Or not eat. Lifestyle changes.
Apparently Bariatric Pal should be required reading for bariatric dieticians - for life!

I too was told this story of no bread, no tortilla, no beer, etc. 3 years ago a family doctor told me DON'T DO IT-you will never ever be able to eat normal food again. That scared the poop out of me. So I dropped the idea of WLS.
Then last summer I was wondering about WLS surgery again. Went to a weight management seminar (government hoops to jump through-Canada). they basically said it didn't work. I was looking at a 3 to 5 year wait, and the results would be disappointing. I was also told that after having WLS I would be back to see them about getting the band removed due to problems of illness.
Then last fall I ran into a friend I had not seen in a while. wow, he was thin. This guy loved his beer (works for a brewery) and loved his steak. I was amazed at how he looked-happy and healthy. He had the band 5 years ago, lost 100 pounds and has kept it off. Now came the big question: What can you not eat? He said he eats and drinks what he wants-just in small portions and slowly. Hmm, conflicting stories here.
I called a surgeon for info on the band. He told it like it is. No miracle, just a tool to aid in weight loss.
Then I found this website, wonderful advise and a realistic insight into WLS from real life people who have had it done.
I was banded Jan 22 2014. I followed the food rules to the letter for the first 6 weeks after the surgery. then onto normal food. I have since had thin crust pizza, steak, red wine, Mexican food etc. I eat a very small portion and watch my calorie intake per day. On a regular daily basis I avoid all starchy foods, sugars, and high fat foods as much as possible. I can eat a tortilla, but choose to make it a special occasion only. Any refined sugar and I will not lose weight, in fact the next day, the scale goes up.
Your band will signal you on what you can and cannot tolerate.
the bottom line is that you have to make healthy choices with the food and it will work. You say you love to cook, great that is 75% of the battle. I have found by feedback on this website that most people struggle because they are hooked on fast food, frozen processed foods, prepackaged foods. Look at the labels on foods-high fats, high sodium, high carbs-this is what made us FAT! Cooking fresh is the answer. Get creative in the kitchen. Take those high fat, high sugar chef type recipes and put a spin on them. If you feel like a sandwich, make a sandwich roll in a piece of lettuce instead of bread. Like spicy Mexican-skip the rice and tortilla, serve with a homemade salsa and a 1/4 cup of refried bean etc.
You don't have to eliminate food, you will become conscious of what you choose.
Good luck in your journey

That stinks! Surprised at how many so-called medical professionals will ask such inappropriate questions.
For such intrusive questions, I recommend saying "why do you ask?". It's usually enough to get "Nosy Nate" to back off. As for the unsolicited horror stories, I would interrupt immediately with "thanks for your advice, but my doctor and I know this is the right decision for me".
Good luck to you!

At first I didn't want to tell people specifically at work because I didn't want them to react negatively for me taking off the time away from work for what they would see as "elective" or "cosmetic" even. Since then, I have not told a lot of people about my surgery, but others I have. It is kind of a case-by-case basis. I have told the majority of my close friends and family, but not my co-workers and acquaintances. I view it as any other medical procedure, because it is just that, a medical procedure. I don't feel the need to make a blanket announcement about it. I just kind of view it as personal....if I choose to share it then, fine.
But in reality, while the surgery is an amazing tool, it is not what makes me choose the right kinds of food to put in my mouth, and it does not make me get out of bed every morning to run at 5:30, or it doesn't make me go to cross training while my family is still in bed sleeping on a weekend. When people want to know how I've lost weight, yes, surgery is a huge part of it, but in reality, it's so much more than that. So I can answer them honestly without disclosing my medical history should I choose to take that approach by telling them that I am eating a high Protein low carb diet, completely changed my lifestyle, and started regularly exercising.

Hello All,
I am 43 days Post-Op and so far I have lost a total of 73 pounds. I am so happy that I made this choice to take back my life. My weight loss has slowed, but fortunately it has not stopped nor stalled yet. At first I was losing around a pound a day, then 1 pound every two days. Now I am losing about 1-2 pounds every 5 days or so. I am completely ok with this and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will continue at this rate. I am however mentally prepared and emotionally ready for when the dreaded stalls come a knocking. I have had such positive results from the weight loss to date that I cannot express my gratitude that this option was available to me. I now walk 18 holes of golf and instead of being tired, I am ready to shower and go on to the next adventure that awaits. I also want to thank everyone who has sent along positive comments and well wishes. It really does make a difference when you know you are not alone and have the support of a community of individuals who all share a common goal and are venturing down similar paths. Good Luck to Everyone! We Can Do This!

This is my first vacation since my VSG, and I'm just surprised at how comfortable I feel- comfortable walking around (my feet don't hurt, I can keep up without getting out of breath), I feel comfortable in a swimsuit (really, I walked around all day in my bathing suit without feeling the least bit self-conscious), and best of all I feel comfortable being in photos --- I feel like a normal person! LOL
Here's one from Vero Beach,FL.. And heading to Disney in a few days!!! AND I WILL BE ABLE TO FIT IN ALL THE RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi there, I'm only 7 days post-op but I've actually have some thoughts prepared about this.
So far since pre-op, I only told my close friends and family because I knew I'd definitely need their support.
I don't think that I'll tell anyone else about the surgery at all, I probably tell them that I have been eating right (which is true) unless that person really need advice like if they've been struggling for weight loss for years as well.
The thing is all those questions people might ask, I already asked myself since I was doing the research on the bariatric surgery. The question that I kept asking and asking myself was 'Don't you think that you can do it on your own?'
The answer was -- 'probably' but it's been almost 20 years I've been struggling with my weight and I failed.
I asked my husband and he said, it seemed very difficult for you.
I've been on a diet for half of my life but I kept gaining, I don't regularly overeat any greasy or junk food. I don't graze, I don't snack, I'm not a sweet eater, I eat normally but still be able to gain weight so easily! while those people who are luckier with their normal BMI never did and never will understand what it's like to be obese and suffering with diseases.
I don't think I owe them anything to answer their silly questions, unless of course if it could be helpful.

So yesterday was my 11th anniversary. I have lost about 65 lbs since surgery and nearly 90 lbs since my highest weight. So my husband brings in a Victoria's Secret bag and I'm thinking to myself, that had better be body spray because that's the only thing that I can wear from Victoria's Secret. But no, he bought several pair of "cheeky" panties. Mind you, I have been shopping for undies at Lane Bryant for nearly all of my adult life but my cute LB panties have become Granny panties. So my husband decided to take matters into his own hands and buy me some new ones. But from VS? I would never dream of buying anything from VS. so, I reluctantly try them on. Drum roll... They fit! And my butt actually looked good in them. Score one for me... And my Hubby.

Hi all. I am now down roughly 60 pounds and seven weeks out from when I started my liquid pre-diet. Am also having some awesome NSV moments. Some are:

No longer wearing 3x shirts. They are packed and ready to be taken to Goodwill. My size 48 (expandable) pants? Gone too. Can button my pants at my belly button. No more "slant pants." I wore a much smaller belt...and it was a new one! Went three days this past week without needing a mid day nap. Three days now without any slimes or throwing up. Joined a local health club to work out. Snoring is all but gone. No more BP meds at all (125/65 is normal now). And BMs much more normal and less stressful. Bought myself an I-touch. That was my 50 pound loss gift to myself. Any suggestions for the 100 plateau? That's a short list, but ones that come to mind.

Please, share yours!

Let's look at the fact that this journey is not just about the weight loss, but about all the wonderful things that continue to happen along the ride!

If change were not possible, not a single one of us on this planet would have any reason to adopt or replace any positive habits.
Yes, I have a sleeve. I can still choose to sit on my couch and eat ice cream all day long.
I was having this discussion with two other sleevers about accelerating weight loss by either ramping up the cardio and eliminating weight lifting, or doing a 12-week on, 12-week off program with heavy weight lifting (I do CrossFit now.) At the end of a long debate about what would work better, we all had to laugh. This would have been a non-conversation a year ago. It would have been, "Hm, wonder if I should have a third margarita with my quesadilla."

i truly think change is possible. absolutely. no question about it. just deciding to have surgery is resetting our entire mindset about who we are. i know that each one of us is capable.
however, we are all still human. we are bound to make decisions that are less than stellar. We are probably all going to eventually revert back to one or two of our bad habits. however, when you look at who you were prior to surgery, i'm pretty sure it wasn't just one or two, or even three bad habits that got you to where you were.
i know for ME, it was dozens of bad decisions every day, from WHAT i ate, to HOW MUCH, to choosing not to exercise, choosing to drink a gallon of regular pop every day, always going for the most fat laden choices, choosing to go to buffets over getting some healthier chinese option or sushi, choosing to eat out lunch EVERY day and making it a big ole celebration. choosing to quit weight watchers multiple times. choosing to quit eating well when i started trying to.
ok, so maybe the doubters in our lives have a small point. maybe some of our behaviors that we have adopted will lessen in the long run, but i know personally, i won't be reverting back to all of the behaviors i had before.
having support here is a huge help and when those weak moments hit, i'll be running here for support!

I was sleeved May 8, 2013 and my wife July 8, 2013. While my surgery and recovery were textbook, hers was a bit more challenging. She had two hernias repaired and it took about 3-4 weeks for her to quit complaining...uh-hm, I mean start to feel better!

Now, that period of time is a distant memory! I am down 119 lbs. and hit my original goal around 5 months ago.

My wife is down 80 lbs. and hit her goal about 3 months ago (She looks fantastic, but she's on a mission to lose more...I told her not to get carried away, I don't want to feel like I'm hugging a sack of hammer handles!).

It is perfectly normal to question whether or not this was a good decision, especially during the first few months. Don't worry, give your new tummy time to adjust...it will get better.

You're in for one heck of a journey...hang in there, it is definitely an incredible ride!

I learned about a new breakfast treat yesterday. Take a small container of greek yogurt with the fruit flavor of your choice. Add one packet of instant oatmeat meal stir then let sit over night. The oats absorb the liquid and it turns into a thick frosting consistancy. Was very suprised at how delicious it turned out. Fiber, Protein and only 160 calories. Very filling.

I always weigh myself once a week not that I'm being obsessive about my weight loss journey but I feel it is important as you get to and pass your goal that you stay in focus with your progress. I never thought I would lose almost 200 pounds. Starting at 387 and now weighing 200 is in my opinion a miracle. I am forever thankful to my wife and healthcare professionals for their support in my weight loss success. I wonder just how far this weight loss journey will continue. But I am super glad I lost it and feel so well.
Mark, Edmond Oklahoma

Yes that's right! Anything I want! 6 months ago I was absolutely miserable. While eating anything I wanted, I was gaining weight like crazy. My body would hurt and I could not fit any shoes with the exception of loafers. I would plan my my whole day around eating. I would plot how would wake up early just to stop by Dunkin Donuts. There I would by about 6 donut holes and 2 chocolate covered donuts and wash them down with a 20 oz soda. When I arrived at work 2 hours later ( I know, hell of a commute) I would be hungry again and would most likely eat another whole Breakfast or snack. I would down coke before lunch and couldn't wait for 11:00 to come to indulge in whatever the hospital cafeteria was serving. I would cancel meetings some days because it was too far of a walk across the hospital and my feet would hurt terribly or I would be too embarrassed to walk in out of breath. By 3:00, I was ready for a sweet indulgence and when I left, on my way home I would eat McDonald's. If my husband cooked. I would eat again once arriving home. That was my life.
6 months later. I wake up early to make a smoothie made of spinach, blueberries, strawberries and Water. For lunch, I eat a lean and green never eating more than 4-5 mouthfuls (I throw away so much money). For dinner I juice all sorts of fruits and veggies. If I'm hungry in between? Nuts. Do I have something carby from time to time? Yes! Do I have something sweet from time to time? On my way to get frozen yogurt now! Do I eat anything I want? Yes! So how have I lost 80 lbs in 6 months? Because this surgery has made it so that I mostly only want clean, healthy foods. I hate eating out of a bag or box or can. I love colorful foods and fresh foods. I crave them!
This surgery has changed my life! I still have about 50 more pounds to go, but I am looking forward it! New day! New life! New me!

Hello friends!
It's my Birthday today! I am 42 today and haven't felt this healthy since I was 20.
As of this morning, my wt. is 220.6 pounds, down from my HW of 265!
So, I want to share my thoughts/experiences about the topic of food and fun based on this weekend and plans for today:
Social event # 1:
This past weekend we had some friends over for an overnight stay. I had a full house with 7 adults and 5 kids. Spent almost all day Saturday cooking. First of all, 6 weeks out of surgery, it is pretty darn amazing that I cooked up a storm and did not feel any pain!
I did not taste the food I was cooking, no licks, no tastes! My hubby was glad to help with that part .
When everyone was enjoying the appetizers, I was sipping my Isopure and had a have an Avocado.
While playing cards with friends for fun, I had 3 Organic Strawberries and continued to drink Water.
At night for a late dinner, I had a spoon of some of the veggies I had made only because I had already fulfilled my Protein requirements for the day. No dessert for me! Sunday morning, made Breakfast for everyone while enjoying my Protein shake and had a Faye non-fat yogurt while everyone was having Breakfast. But I had a blast with my friends! Playing cards, watching movies, staying up to chat.
Social event # 2:
Sunday evening, BBQ at my brother's house for my Birthday. I had a drumstick, .5 oz pork loin, one disc of grilled yellow squash and 3-4 Edamame Beans. My niece made a cake for me and I had a very small bite to make her happy.
Main event: My Birthday today:
My wonderful hubby and lovely daughters decided that we should go to Dave and Busters tonight. A little bit of food and a lot of fun!
I did not feel deprived or depressed. I guess working with a psychologist about meaning of food in my life is helping Moral of the weekend? FOOD DOES NOT EQUAL FUN!
Did I mention that no one outside of my hubby and kids know of my surgery? People think and see what they want to see. They see me losing weight. They can think whatever they want. I do not owe them any answers. But they did notice how I eat and commented, "No wonder you are losing weight. You eat like a mouse. Good for you!"
One last thing, my Birthday gift for myself: Starting to work with a personal trainer from tomorrow, twice a week! YAY!
Life is good! Can't wait for the Onederland!
Take Care all!

heres mine me at my biggest of 425lbs, then a the full body was oct of 2013 and the head shot was new years eve