weasle mama

How's everyone doing? I'm feelin great! 120# since surgery 6/17 and 170 total... I weigh what I lost!

How's everyone doing? I'm feelin great! 120# since surgery 6/17 and 170 total... I weigh what I lost!

How's everyone doing? I'm feelin great! 120# since surgery 6/17 and 170 total... I weigh what I lost!

@@weasle mama... You look WONDERFUL!!! Great job

This almost two years out

6 months out the 17th... starting weight of 339, surgery weight of 294, current weight of 188!!!
Now have to get the gallbladder taken out Friday by Dr. Smolik. Not feeling the greatest because of that, otherwise I'm feeling good!

6 months out the 17th... starting weight of 339, surgery weight of 294, current weight of 188!!!
Now have to get the gallbladder taken out Friday by Dr. Smolik. Not feeling the greatest because of that, otherwise I'm feeling good!

Sounds like you're doing great! Yes, I love Dr smolik, that's who I go to. Also the support group meetings they have on the first Tuesday of the month are very beneficial as well if you ever want something extra for support. Great job, you'll do great!

I love the imagery of this photo. It's so important to just keep chipping away, take our time, and be methodical yet gentle with ourselves as we transform.

I love it that she's not in a hurry and she isn't frantic. She actually looks relaxed and content, like she knows she's transforming, knows she is beautiful and is content and comfortable within the process of change. She isn't desperate and she isn't racing to be different. She isn't busting off huge chunks of rock which could actually damage the final product of her labor of love.....her labor of self-love.

And while she is relaxed and chipping away do you notice that she is half-way done? With no struggle, no war against herself? She is half way there and the bits of rock all around her on the ground are a testament to her gentle, persistent drive toward transformation.

I think all of us who sometimes struggle to change faster choose ways that aren't always gentle or kind to speed things up. We can forget, me included, at times that the transformation is in the daily process of chipping, rather than a destination we arrive at when a certain number is achieved. This is an image worth studying periodically on our WLS journey. Are we as comfortable in the present moment of our journey as she is?

What a great new years resolution for you! Start now on getting rid of crap food... fried, breads, sugar, starches and it will be easier to stay away a couple months after surgery. That's the best advise I can give. Do it now so you know you can commit to the lifestyle change you eed to be successful after surgery. Who is your surgery with?

I'm a hair stylist and I never even considered wls. About 5 years ago a new client came in, a man, skinny little fella. I asked him what he did for a living and he told me he was a bariatric surgeon. I was instantly uncomfortable. Then he went on for 20 minutes about how I should get wls, about how the odd are stacked against me for doing it on my own, about how while I may be able to lose weight on my own but I would never be able to keep it off. Well, needless to say all that did was make me mad and humiliated. He came in every month. He didn't always talk about it but he often did. Not the best bedside manner, but a brilliant and successful surgeon. 4 years after our initial meeting I had surgery, with him as my surgeon. He pissed me off but if he hadn't I may never had even had surgery on my radar. I've never been so grateful to be made mad and humiliated in my life.

My husband and I recently met a couple. The gentleman is in his late 60s and weighs over 500 pounds. He can barely get around. He spends his days in an armchair and then struggles to get into his electric wheelchair. I was over there the other day and I see some Protein shakes on their counter and I asked if I could look at the bottle (because I'm nosey about anything protein-lol). I confided in her that I had wls and she said - so did Frank. I couldn't believe it. He had surgery in August of this year and has lost over 80 pounds.
Wls for most of us just clicked that we were becoming overweight, had some health issues, and we were tired of being on this "roller coaster". Wls for others is truly a life-saving surgery, like it was for Frank.
I have such sympathy for anyone overweight and I completely feel their pain.

Your story has hit home for me because it reminded me of my grandfather. My grandfather will and always be my hero in my eyes. I come from a family who has always been bigger hardly any of us are "skinny" always had curves, and extra meat on our bones. My grandfather was always a big man, he was pushing 500 pounds. Growing up going to grandma and grandpas house was always the norm same with waiting to eat Breakfast with grandpa because he would make the best eggs known to man. Going over there was like the story book grandparents house. Grandma always had Breakfast on the table for you, we made Cookies together, drank the cold coffee that grandma didn't finish, made crafts, had grandma pre-school, and we always had big meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My grandpa would make us girls finish whats on our plate before leaving the table. When I was three we almost lost my grandfather from congestive heart failure. I remember the day going to see him in the hospital and not knowing my hero was going to return. I was only three but I understood what he was going through. The doctors gave him less than ten years to live.
​Well moving on to my sophomore year in high school, my grandpa became sick. I stepped up with my mom and helped take care of him. I watched my grandfather fall out of bed, and I had to pick this man up and put him back in bed. The strong man who I loved dearly was becoming weaker and weaker. He was the still the 500 pound man. Every morning he would tell me that I need to eat better, because he didn't want to see me be his weight or be like him. I would tell him I am trying, and promise him I wouldn't. Sadly on memorial day weekend 2006 he passed away in hospice from congestive heart failure from being overweight. My world ended.
Before having this surgery I thought a lot about those years with my grandpa and him telling me never be like him weight wise. I already failed one weight loss surgery and was thinking of a second. I told myself if my grandpa was offered weight loss surgery back when I was three I believe he would take it knowing he would be around for more of his grandchildren's lives. If he was given the choice for weight loss surgery back in 2006 before he passed, I know he wouldn't take it. Those thirteen years changed my grandpa and that last year you could tell he was giving up. I wrote my letter to the surgeon telling her this same story I am telling you and was approved. Had my revision surgery in November 2013.
It wakes a lot for somebody to really look at themselves in raw form to really make this life changing decision. This story hit home for me because my grandpa was a big man who I helped up many times and he had the bluest eyes and kindest soul around.

Protein is IMPERATIVE to bariatric patients. And the great thing is we have so many options!


Once upon a time it was nearly impossible for a bariatric patient to keep their protein counts up. We were taught to only eat certain foods and to avoid others. chicken breast, lean beef, and fish was the rule of thumb. The problem with these foods was that several people had problems eating, swallowing, and digesting them. And we were told that once we hit a certain point, to avoid Protein Drinks as we needed to be eating our protein rather than drinking it.
Isn't it nice to know that times have changed? New research and information has given the bariatric patient so many more options on foods we can eat now to keep our protein levels where they should be. We are no longer restricted to the leanest cuts of meat, but are encouraged to try other cuts such as dark meat chicken, 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef, and (a personal favorite) BACON. Additionally, we are encouraged to eat eggs and shrimp, salmon and pork. And protein drinks (when done RIGHT) are no longer a no-no!
How Much Protein Do We REALLY Need and Why Is It So Important?
According to most surgeons and nutritionists, we need about 65-70 grams of protein daily. That goes up a little bit if you're recovering from surgery or are sick or pregnant (to about 85-90 grams). Protein is an essential building block of our bodies. When we're losing weight, especially, protein is one of the hardest working macronutrients on the planet. Beyond muscle building, it also helps strengthen our immune system, rebuilds tissue, and can even improve brain function. Additionally, when we lose weight, our bodies burn protein. When we're not getting enough protein, our body takes it from wherever it can get it - typically our body muscle. What's more, it can actually take muscle from our cardiac system!
How Can I Get My Protein?
Focusing on protein is the #1 concern of many bariatric patients. Of course, eating your protein is the very best bet. Focusing on protein foods with a high protein to fat ratio is the very best bet. Some of the best protein foods are egg whites, chicken breast, and shrimp. Although other meats, poultry, and seafood are also good options. cheese is another great choice as are nuts and seeds. Beans do give some protein, but many bariatric patients have issues with digesting them.
Another good option is the Protein Drink. Once only encouraged in the early phases after surgery, now many nutritionists and dietitians are encouraging the bariatric patient to include protein supplements in their daily diets. Most contain high (35+ g) amounts of protein, and leave you free to consume other healthy (and needed) foods later on such as vital fruits and vegetables.
The #1 suggested protein drink that nutritionists suggest is whey protein. It is, by far, the most digestible and assimilated protein on the market (that means your body can use it a lot easier than other kinds). Sadly, many people can't tolerate whey or stomach it. If this is the case, there are other options available that are almost as easily digested such as egg white protein or vegan (brown rice, pea, and hemp) Proteins.
If I'm Focusing On Protein, I Don't Have Room For Other Foods, HELP!
VITAMINS! You remember those Vitamins and Fiber supplements the doctor sent you home with? TAKE THEM. It's true that we often have to forgo fruits, vegetables, and whole grains when we're focusing on protein. That's why these supplements are so important to our lifestyle.
Remember The Basics!
The basics of our lifestyle don't change with time. We still need to remain focused on protein, Water, and our Vitamin supplements. Keeping these three things at the forefront of your mind will help ensure you successful weight loss, successful maintenance, and a successful lifestyle overall!

Hi Jenn, I had my first RNY appointment 0n March 10, 2014... My Surgery date is tomorrow 7/30/14. I am (self pay) so I did not have to jump through a lot of the insurance hoops, red tape or special dietary that most patients do, however I still had to complete all testing and be healthy enough to have the procedure done.
My clinics requirements were (2) support group meetings, (2) NUT visits, (2) Pysch visits, Cardiologist visit, Pulmonologist visit, Xray, sleep Study, PFT Test, EGD, and Stress Test and so many labs that I lost count.
Everyone and their health conditions are different though, I am blessed to have no serious illness other than obesity, I can only imagine the test if your not 'semi-healthy' going into this kind of procedure.... Hang in there, spend as much time as you can researching and learning from the Post Op patients on this and many other WLS boards, it is truly helpful along the way and the time will pass by before you know it. Best of luck to you!

I get the Gold Standard Whey Double Rich chocolate. There are NO sweeteners and NO gluten. My sister is gluten intolerant and has no reaction at all to it. And I have reactions to artificial sweeteners except Stevia and this has nothing in it. I like to doctor it up with a half of banana and a tsp of PB2. If you don't know what that is it is a powdered Peanut Butter that has only 45 calorie per 2 tbsp.
Give it a try, I buy mine from Vitamin Shoppe or Amazon.< /p>
Hope that helps!!
Sara

I think your surgeon is crazy. If I read your post correctly he wants ANOTHER 50 pounds on top of the 30 you've already lost. That's almost 6 pounds per week and that's just not healthy....physically or mentally. What happens if you don't lose that much....he's just setting you up to feel bad if you don't. He should be more focused on making sure you are making healthy food choices and exercising. If you do that, the weight will come off at your body's own rate. Someone needs to explain to him that this is not a race. I think it's poor medical advice to give and expect timed goals.
I say f.... k his goal, just concentrate on getting in all your Protein and fluids and being physically active. Start adding in non-starchy veggies as you are allowed, and take your Vitamins. All basic rules at your stage. And don't worry what the numbers on the scale say.

I've been working up the courage to tell my parents about my decision to get VSG for about a week. Tonight I finally got a hold of them and broke the news. To my complete shock and amazement, they were actually SUPER happy and excited for me! It was so completely the opposite of what I expected, though in retrospect, I don't know why I thought they'd have a negative response. I thought I would get a whole spiel about why I didn't need to resort to surgery, how they knew I could lose the weight "on my own", and possibly some stories about people/celebrities who had bariatric surgery and regained the weight or whatnot. But my parents KNOW me. They've known me my whole life! So of course they have seen me through all of my ups and downs and struggles with my weight. Of course they would know how thoroughly I research things and carefully I make decisions! So of course they would be happy for me making a sound decision that will positively impact my life and my health. Duh!
I feel so relieved. Now I just have to tell my sister when she gets back from vacation. Let's hope she'll be as happy for me as my parents are!

My ONLY regret is not having it done sooner! I am the happiest I have EVERRRR been in the last 30 years of my life!!! I feel TERRRRRIFIC, starting to look great (almost 3 months out -- 45 lbs down!), almost out of the 200's and buying clothes "normal" sizes, not the XXX's sizes!! The BEST part is how i feel -- so energetic, so willing to go go go and just feel awsome and healthy! The love ( or should I call it -- obsession) I had for food is gone, it's not longer my priority, I am super happy with little morsels of my favorite foods from time to time, looking at the scale go down each week is a tremendous high!
Timing is everything, I had thought about getting this done for over 10 years and finally something in me clicked last year, started this process and had surgery May 5th -- a day I will forever Celebrate from now on!!! Go For it! It's life-changing! Good luck!

Do it!! Do it, and not look back, food is intended to sustain us, but you will find much more pleasure in so many other new things, a new body, and different outlook! Go go go! Forget the food thoughts!! When you are slimmer and agile and start having a different outlook on fashion and outside fun , believe me food is the last thing you will b worried about. Do it for yourself, your marriage, self image, HEALTHY, and sooo many other great outcomes with weightloss. Been there...done that. Had a Lap band after being g the size of a fridge, then lost 170 pounds, had Tummy Tuck, breast implants...and lots of exercise...I was so much better!! After a decade the band failed n slippage occurred. Had it removed and in one year... "started eating my life away again and packed on 70 pounds, I was terribly overweight again, so I did the sleeve in Tijuana Mexico with a great team and very cost effective result. I'm angry at myself for going back to the food addiction and pleasures it gave me, it did nothing but ruin my body again. Did the sleeve and already planning next year's body reconstruction. Bought a new cruiser bike in Wal-Mart and ready to ride 3 miles daily and get my self back in the saddle and in control of my life, don't give it another middle thought.....go for the surgery and give it all you got! I'm here to support u in any way I can. Mother of two, RN. Orlando FL.
Laura

I would do it again, hands down. My life is exponentially better at this weight than it was at over 300 pounds. I loved food, and I love to eat, and everything I did centered around it. I always knew that, but it really became evident after my surgery.
I have a much different perspective on this now that I'm 19 months out, and it has evolved over time. In the early days post op, eating was a CHORE. I couldn't believe that! I actually loved it. As time went by, eating became enjoyable again. Now I enjoy food again - too much. I can eat PLENTY. Certainly not like I used to, but I can eat like a normal person. My perception of normal has changed, and now I think it's actually correct, as opposed to the inflated idea of normal before surgery.
I actually wish I felt a little more like I did in the early days. I wish a few bites could fill me up. I wish eating was more of a chore some days. Now its ALL me. I have to count calories and really work at this, or I'll eat my way right back up to 300 pounds. So, unless a person comes to the realization only they can make the needed changes for themselves, the surgery will be a partial, temporary fix, at best.
I do think the surgery was the best thing for me, and I would do it again, but I caution people to really think about whether or not they WANT to make those changes. You probably will grieve the change in your life, but only you know if that's something you can handle. If you think you can't or are not willing to make that change, it might not be worth it. If you are willing to accept the "loss" and work through your issues, then it's a great choice. I could not have done this without the sleeve.

I think you have to be open to the journey. It's not easy to give up that "best friend" who has not really been the friend we thought. At nearly seven months out, I do enjoy food - it just doesn't control me anymore. I no longer think about it all the time.
There are (infrequent) times when I miss not being able to eat a big meal of something I enjoy (for me, that would be a big plate of Mexican food), but I appreciate the taste, still, and am glad that my sleeve and I are working together to keep me from eating more. I like having control over my choices and I really like how I look. I like being able to do things with my grown children without being left behind. I especially like that I have reduced risk of stroke and dementia, which run in my family.

I am 4 months along and 2 months ago I would have replied that I would not have done this but now I am just fine and very happy I did it. I cannot imagine eating as much in one sitting as I used to. If I really really really want a cheeseburger, I will (can only eat 1/2 without the bun) or if I want pickles I will have some. I watch what I eat but also will treat myself in moderation. Your life will not be over, it will be starting over and you will love watching the pounds melt away. Imagine fitting into clothes you have not been able to for a long time. Only you can make the decision but for me, I am glad I did even though it took me a while. Good luck.....

As much as I loved good food in the past, I have almost no regrets. Between the way I look at myself, loose skin and all to the way my wife looks at me and even the flirts I receive that were never there before.
The thrill of being slim far outweighs the thrill and comfort food use to give.
I will admit now and then I have a tiny bit of "food envy" but its nothing I dont get over very quickly.
7 months out and food is just something I need to survive. My diet is pretty limited. I eat almost the same things every day and I dont have a problem with it.

I just had this talk with my daughter tonight. I recently had Sleeve surgery and she is considering the same surgery in the near future. We were in the restaurant tonight on vacation. We ordered the most delicious tuna steak I have ever seen. She thoroughly enjoyed it while I could only take a few bites and was too uncomfortable to continue. I told her that the joy of eating great food, for me, may be gone forever. She asked me if I would recommend her to still have the surgery. I honestly was torn. Not sure how to answer. I know the weight loss may likely be the best trade off in the end, but like you, I have always enjoyed great food! I think as time goes on and I actually see and feel the weight loss the trade off may be totally worth it. But for now I am honestly not there yet with that thought. Been 5 weeks since surgery and I've been in a stall for over a week. I ask myself daily if it will all be worth it. Food is now simply a means of survival and body nourishment and no longer a source of enjoyment. I need to find other enjoyment and move away from the focus if food. It will take some time to get there.