cornhusker

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

Surgery was Oct. 8 so I am just at the 4 month mark. Lost 90 pounds in that time. I track everything I eat, do not cheat...ever, and work out 5 days a week.

For me I would say there are a few things that have helped me. First was to stick to the plan pretty much religiously until I reached my goal weight. The weight comes off so quickly in that first year, maximize it!! A lot of the hunger I felt at first during the first few weeks was head hunger - not that it's not real, because it is- but it was more withdrawing from all of the carbs & sugars I ate for so long. Once your body adjusts it's much easier. I also found that I have to completely stay away from refined sugars or it's just a complete trigger for a food addict in recovery :-)
Another thing that has made all the difference has been doing the emotional work to end my eating issues. I started by reading When Food is Love & I meet with an eating disorder therapist weekly & probably will for quite some time.
Finally, exercise. Find something you love & do it! For me it was running. I actually just completed a half marathon this weekend - see pic- and it was AMAZING!! For me running gives me something goal related to focus on that is not scale related.
Finally, my blog is linked in my signature. Feel free to check it out to read more about my journey! :-) Good luck to you!

After much waiting...and much heat from my sleever homies...I'm posting my before and after pics!!! I hit my goal weight back in August, and haven't had any significant gain whatsoever...swearing that I'm never going back to 'Heavy B' again!!
 

Surgery date was October 8. Had been using a CPAP for 10 years. Had another sleep study mid January and was told that I no longer have sleep apnea and could stop using it. Was down about 70 lbs. at that point. Haven't used the CPAP since. But, I would suggest that you see a Sleep Doctor if you have questions. I went in hoping to just get me pressure adjusted because it had become too high. My goal was to be off it by this summer. Was pleasantly surprised after the sleep study results. Although losing weight can certainly help get rid of OSA it doesn't guarantee it. I know plenty of slender people with it as well. Good luck.

Today is my 4 month post surgery anniversary. Last time I weighed in was two weeks ago at which time I was down about 80 lbs. since my sleeve. Recently, my blood work came back perfect. I also just had another sleep study and was told by my sleep doc that I do my have sleep apnea anymore. Now, after 10 years, I no longer use or need a CPAP. I buy clothes in regular stores now. I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll fit in the booth at restaurants. I just got back from a business meeting in Florida this past week and didn't worry for one second if I'd finally be "that guy" that was told he needed another ticket, or be "that guy" that no one wants sitting next to him or her...spilling into their seat. I've had countless people literally gasp when they see me now after not having seen me for several months. My knees don't hurt, I'm not tired all the time, and I'm much, much happier. I haven't regretted this surgery for one nanosecond. I do however, think YOU have to be ready to hit this deal head on. I read a lot of posts on here where people are still mourning their old habits. I don't. I look forward. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life and this gastric sleeve has literally changed mine for the better. Good luck to you.

Surgery date was October 8. Had been using a CPAP for 10 years. Had another sleep study mid January and was told that I no longer have sleep apnea and could stop using it. Was down about 70 lbs. at that point. Haven't used the CPAP since. But, I would suggest that you see a Sleep Doctor if you have questions. I went in hoping to just get me pressure adjusted because it had become too high. My goal was to be off it by this summer. Was pleasantly surprised after the sleep study results. Although losing weight can certainly help get rid of OSA it doesn't guarantee it. I know plenty of slender people with it as well. Good luck.

Well this morning I finally made it to goal! It took me exactly 7 1/2 months to get here and I'm totally thrilled with the entire journey! For those wondering how it happened so quickly, I can only say that I followed all the rules meticulously: 80-100 grams of Protein, no starches/sugars, some veggies, no booze/soda, and 64-120 ounces of Water every...single...day, plus daily walking and once a week workouts. I always had a plan for what I was going to eat, even at parties and restaurants, and if I deviated from the plan, it was always protein-based, like cheese, nuts and beef/turkey Jerky. So... going in, was I worried about missing out on food? Yes. Did I feel deprived during my journey? Nope, as my tag-line says, "Nothing tastes as good as slender feels!" What's next? Lose 4-5 more pounds so I can have a little wiggle-room and still stay at or below my goal weight. Will I go crazy now and eat all the stuff I've missed? I don't think so because I've tried to get my head straight about this being a lifelong effort. Can you do it too? Absolutely!!! Thank you to all who have given me support and guidance along the way. I hope I was able to help you too. And my plan is to keep coming here and posting my message about The Dreaded Week-3 Stall, because it almost broke me at the beginning of my journey. I wish everyone who reads this a world of success!!! If you want to ask questions or get tips on how I worked my program, send me a message and I'll try to give you a thoughtful answer. Okay, here are some embarrassing photos and some slightly less embarrassing photos.....

I used a CPAP for the past decade. I had my surgery on October 8. Just had another sleep study in January. Now, I no longer have OSA and was told I no longer needed my CPAP. Haven't used it since. If you are very overweight it is likely you do have it. If you lose weight the is a reasonable chance you will no longer have it. But, OSA is a serious condition and if not treated it can lead to many other conditions...diabetes, HBP, stroke, memory loss. So, if you get diagnosed take it seriously, get a CPAP and use it all night, every night. It's no different than the choices you make regarding food and exercise after your surgery. Your success is entirely up to you.

I used a CPAP for the past decade. I had my surgery on October 8. Just had another sleep study in January. Now, I no longer have OSA and was told I no longer needed my CPAP. Haven't used it since. If you are very overweight it is likely you do have it. If you lose weight the is a reasonable chance you will no longer have it. But, OSA is a serious condition and if not treated it can lead to many other conditions...diabetes, HBP, stroke, memory loss. So, if you get diagnosed take it seriously, get a CPAP and use it all night, every night. It's no different than the choices you make regarding food and exercise after your surgery. Your success is entirely up to you.

Today is my 4 month post surgery anniversary. Last time I weighed in was two weeks ago at which time I was down about 80 lbs. since my sleeve. Recently, my blood work came back perfect. I also just had another sleep study and was told by my sleep doc that I do my have sleep apnea anymore. Now, after 10 years, I no longer use or need a CPAP. I buy clothes in regular stores now. I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll fit in the booth at restaurants. I just got back from a business meeting in Florida this past week and didn't worry for one second if I'd finally be "that guy" that was told he needed another ticket, or be "that guy" that no one wants sitting next to him or her...spilling into their seat. I've had countless people literally gasp when they see me now after not having seen me for several months. My knees don't hurt, I'm not tired all the time, and I'm much, much happier. I haven't regretted this surgery for one nanosecond. I do however, think YOU have to be ready to hit this deal head on. I read a lot of posts on here where people are still mourning their old habits. I don't. I look forward. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life and this gastric sleeve has literally changed mine for the better. Good luck to you.

Today is my 4 month post surgery anniversary. Last time I weighed in was two weeks ago at which time I was down about 80 lbs. since my sleeve. Recently, my blood work came back perfect. I also just had another sleep study and was told by my sleep doc that I do my have sleep apnea anymore. Now, after 10 years, I no longer use or need a CPAP. I buy clothes in regular stores now. I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll fit in the booth at restaurants. I just got back from a business meeting in Florida this past week and didn't worry for one second if I'd finally be "that guy" that was told he needed another ticket, or be "that guy" that no one wants sitting next to him or her...spilling into their seat. I've had countless people literally gasp when they see me now after not having seen me for several months. My knees don't hurt, I'm not tired all the time, and I'm much, much happier. I haven't regretted this surgery for one nanosecond. I do however, think YOU have to be ready to hit this deal head on. I read a lot of posts on here where people are still mourning their old habits. I don't. I look forward. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life and this gastric sleeve has literally changed mine for the better. Good luck to you.

Today is my 4 month post surgery anniversary. Last time I weighed in was two weeks ago at which time I was down about 80 lbs. since my sleeve. Recently, my blood work came back perfect. I also just had another sleep study and was told by my sleep doc that I do my have sleep apnea anymore. Now, after 10 years, I no longer use or need a CPAP. I buy clothes in regular stores now. I don't have to worry about whether or not I'll fit in the booth at restaurants. I just got back from a business meeting in Florida this past week and didn't worry for one second if I'd finally be "that guy" that was told he needed another ticket, or be "that guy" that no one wants sitting next to him or her...spilling into their seat. I've had countless people literally gasp when they see me now after not having seen me for several months. My knees don't hurt, I'm not tired all the time, and I'm much, much happier. I haven't regretted this surgery for one nanosecond. I do however, think YOU have to be ready to hit this deal head on. I read a lot of posts on here where people are still mourning their old habits. I don't. I look forward. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life and this gastric sleeve has literally changed mine for the better. Good luck to you.

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

I have Aetna and was told that gaining weight was a deal breaker. It seems ridiculous because the reason all of us are/were looking into the surgery is because controlling our weight is so dang hard. I will tell you this, my surgery was the absolute best thing I've ever done. I'm just under 4 months post op and I feel like a new person. My point is, I would move heaven and earth to get your weight under where it needs to be so you don't disqualify yourself. I'd find out if you can move your appointment back and get serious about trying to get off what you've gained. Also, after surgery the hard work begins. It's not a silver bullet. You've got to be diligent and very serious about eating right, exercising, and following your plan. It could be that you're not ready for this yet.

I've been using the myfitnesspal app every day for almost two months. I think it's a great tool to keep track of what I'm eating. I'm probably averaging 800 calories a day. I've never had a Protein Shake and eat real food, mostly protien with some healthy fats (almonds and avocado) mixed in. I eat 5 times per day and average probably 1 cup of food per meal. I also bust my tail at the gym 5 days per week. Been pretty happy with my results. I'm down just over 70 pounds since my surgery on October 8. Actually lost 6 pounds last week. Some weeks I lose more than others. Anyway, sounds like you are on a good path. Best of luck to you!

Hi All
I was a year out as of Dec 11, 2014 - over the weekend was with some gf and tried on dresses... got to say I smiled ear to ear when i zipped up a size 6 & their voices all said WOW!!!
First picture is from Nov 2013 size 20W and the 2nd picture is from Sun Jan 25, 2015 (SIZE 6!!!!)
3rd pic is from Oct 2013 - 4th pic is from Sat Jan 24, 2015
The sleeve CHANGED MY LIFE! best thing i have ever done!!! wishing you all a happy day!

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

I actually had a follow up appointment with my sleep Doc this morning. I've been on a CPAP for several years. However, since I've lost weight (75lbs. since Oct. 8 surgery) the pressure was waaaay too high. So, I went to see the doc just before New Years hoping to have he pressure adjusted. He told me it was likely my apnea was gone. I had another sleep study last week and lie I said, met with him this am. He said I was not showing any signs of OSA. This was great news because I thought this would happen around this summer. He told me I didn't need the CPAP any more. Was really great to hear! Good luck to you but I would strongly suggest going to a sleep specialist and having a sleep study.

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

Nothing. Little sore for a couple days, but other than that not a thing. Didn't even need pain meds. Eating was not an issue either. I'm careful to track and measure everything. Sleeved October 8. Down 80 lbs. Got blood work back couple weeks ago and everything is great! Had another sleep study two weeks ago. Met with the sleep doc last week. OSA is gone. And so is the CPAP. Life is good.

I've shopped at Mens Big & Tall and Destination XL for over 10 years. I'm 3 weeks post op and can't wait to shop at a " regular" clothing store. I like the idea of purchasing something nice in advance. Can't wait to be able to fly in a plane w 1 seat.

Sometimes it's good to remind myself that even if I'm not exactly where I want to be, I will never go back.
I thought that reminder might be helped by trying on the 1 pair of pants I kept....a size 20, down to a 4.
So here's a visual of what it looks like to be literally less than half of yourself, given that I've lost more weight than I actually weigh now.
I have to say I quite enjoyed the reminder :-)