Aurelius

Yo yo dieting loosing and gaining for over 20 years. Standing on my feet for 10 hours a day a feeling the knee and lower back pain along with tired burning feet every night for 7 days. Not wanting to ever look in the mirror. Avoiding going shopping looking for clothes. Avoiding public gatherings every time someone invited me. Not being able to find something that I though would look good on me as far as clothes. Basically I was living a secluded life and shutting people out. I said enough is enough life is going on without me. Everyone seemed happy except me!!!!!! I said the time is now. I'm gonna make a change.

Yo yo dieting loosing and gaining for over 20 years. Standing on my feet for 10 hours a day a feeling the knee and lower back pain along with tired burning feet every night for 7 days. Not wanting to ever look in the mirror. Avoiding going shopping looking for clothes. Avoiding public gatherings every time someone invited me. Not being able to find something that I though would look good on me as far as clothes. Basically I was living a secluded life and shutting people out. I said enough is enough life is going on without me. Everyone seemed happy except me!!!!!! I said the time is now. I'm gonna make a change.

Remember 80-100 grams of Protein a day. Two servings of fruit. Lots of Water. Stay under 30-40 NET carbs a day. Start moving.

I am so sorry for your loss, I am completely compassionate about what your going through. Some people say "you don't have a clue how I feel" but I actually do..lemme tell you why? <-- should make you feel a little better.
February 2013 I had to have an emergency gallbladder operation, simple 1 day procedure you would think, but ended up getting aspiration pneumonia from the anesthesia which left me with 6 days the hospital. Wasn't planning that but had to use some of my vacation time from work. Then I found out I had Thyroid Cancer in October and had my Thyroid removed in November 2013, (no more cancer) then my boyfriends son and his girlfriend decided to do drugs and get caught so their 2 year old was brought to us temp. custody on Thanksgiving 2013...then my 24 year old son and his 2 dogs were brutally murdered during a burglary at his house...imagine loosing a child!!! then in March the druggy son of my boyfriend goes to court and tells the judge that his father is an alcoholic and is denying them court ordered visitations with their son to which is not true...they NEVER showed up and my boyfriend hardly ever drinks...but the judge took the child away from us and gave him back to the druggies <-- see how our justice system works?
Then to make matters even worse, when I finally had enough...it was time for me and I decided to do my homework and educate myself on the Gastric sleeve to wit I made my appointment with Surgeon at the end of May 2014 and found out my insurance will cover it...but also found out I am now a diabetic.
So..this surgery is the best choice I can make in my life..funny tho...if I have no appendix, Female parts (hysterectomy), gallbladder, thyroid and now soon to loose over half my stomach...why does God give them to us if we can survive without them?
Anyway...I hope that makes you feel a little better that we all have our trials and triumphs, one is no worse or better than the other..but to us..they are tragic. Just know that no matter where you are..someone is listening weather it's someone in your personal life or someone from this forum...your not alone. Keep your chin up...smile and get back on the program expeditiously and that in itself will make you feel so much better. I promise you!!

Loving my new body!
Surgery: lower body lift with butt flap augmentation, arm lift (with lipo), breast lift/augmentation (240cc), neck lift
Surgeon: Dr. Sauceda
Stats:
49 yr old
5'10"ish
Size 12
183 before 180 after (still have some swelling)
4 pounds skin removed
38D (barely a D) before
36DD after

After surgery and weight loss, I found that I had to completely replace my wardrobe. Since I like shopping (bargain shopping), this was fun. Well now my closets are full and I have to stop shopping for myself. Too bad, it was so much fun.

Have you gotten off track and lost your "Bariatric Brain"? Maybe it's time to start thinking like a bariatric patient again!


Let’s face it - after bariatric surgery, life is not the same. Your diet will change, your body will change, and in many cases, your attitude will change. For many of us, however, a point in time comes when we find ourselves in a different state. In some respect, we almost forget that we’ve had bariatric surgery.
After our initial phases of being on liquids, soft and chopped foods, and transitioning into full solids, we spend some time reveling in our ability to eat a ton less and to be able to only eat certain foods. For the first 6-12 months, we are in a “honeymoon phase” of sorts - we’re losing weight easily, we have the assurance that we just CAN’T eat certain things such as rice, bread, Pasta, etc., and we’re in a certain mindset that I’ve dubbed the “Bariatric Brain”. For some of us, that mindset remains because we are never able to eat certain things without them getting stuck or without experiencing dumping syndrome. For others, that mindset all but disappears when we discover that we can eat certain foods without sliming or them getting stuck, or that other foods no longer send us to the bathroom for an hour.
From my own experience, the downfall out of the “Bariatric Brain” began 6 months after my surgery. I was told my my nutritionist that I was allowed to have carbonation from that point on. I was a little confused, as all of the other people I knew with the sleeve had been told they could never have it again, but my addiction to diet soda was stronger than my common sense. From that point on, I learned I could also eat bread (8 months), pasta (10 months) and rice (14 months). From there, it was no-holds barred.
Something else that happens with the sleeve that they don’t tell you is that at a certain point - your stomach capacity will increase after a time. This is because for a few months, it’s swollen to a point that you can only hold about ½ a cup of food at one time. After the first year, and it is completely healed, that capacity increases to about a cup. For someone that’s not expecting that, it can be a little confusing. For a food addict, it can be exciting and tempting. At that point, you are no longer bound by restrictions.
When this happens, some people begin to forget about their surgery. They begin to get back into a different mindset. One of “oh, I can eat this!” instead of, “Nope - gotta leave that off”. When this happens, the diet shifts to one of fast food, sugar, carbs, soft drinks, and alcohol (not every food in every case, mind you). It is that moment when the tool that we so greatly loved and admired begins to fail us. Or, rather, WE begin to fail our TOOL.
When this happens, it’s time to return to the mindset we were in during the first year. It’s time to think like a bariatric patient again.
This is no easy feat, after all, we’ve returned to our addiction - FOOD.
But at the same time, in the case of most other addictions - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. - there is almost always a backslide. A heroine addict may sneak out of rehab for that one more fix, an AA leader might get depressed one night and get insanely drunk, someone trying to quit smoking might sneak a puff or two at a rock concert. These instances are normal and, some believe, even a healthy part of the healing from addiction. If this is acceptable in these cases, why is it not acceptable in the weight loss world?
When this happens, take a step back. Look at yourself from the outside in. It’s important here to remind yourself that getting off track is NORMAL and OK. Although not everyone has done it, many MANY people have - and some of those people have the most successful weight loss stories on the Bariatric Pal forum.
With that in mind, how does one go back to the “Bariatric Brain”?
Go Back To Basics
Remember what started the weight loss to begin with? Protein, Water, walking? Get back to it! Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 60g of protein a day (even better is 80-90g!). Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 64oz of water a day, and make sure you’re getting some kind of activity for AT LEAST 15 minutes a day (30-45 minutes is better).
Return To Liquids?
Some people return to a liquid diet for a few days (no more than 3). They feel that this helps “reset” their system and returns their mindset back to where it should be. One way of doing this is through the “5-Day Pouch Test” (designed for RnY or Gastric Band patients) in which you return to liquids for a few days then gradually return to solid foods.
For those that have the sleeve or the duodenal switch, the pouch test might not work for you as it’s not designed for that kind of surgery. That being said, if you feel the need, you can also return to liquids for a few days.
Return To Support Groups
Support groups are the #1 key to a successful weight loss surgery, regardless of your surgery or your stage. If you are a year or more out, consider returning to a support group. Hearing what the people in the early stages are having issues with, and helping them work through those issues can, in fact, help you work through yours.
Read, and Educate Yourself
Consider finding books, articles, cookbooks, and magazines on bariatric surgery. Do research on one aspect that really interests you. Immerse yourself in it again like you did in the beginning!
Remember Your Motivation
What was your reason for having Bariatric Surgery to begin with? Your health? Your family? Your looks? Looking at what you wanted from your surgery and where you are now might help you to refocus.
In The End Remember …
What you are going through right now is okay, and completely normal. Thousands of people are going through exactly the same thing you are. You are not alone!
Remember that if you’re REALLY struggling, you can always find help. Talk you your nutritionist or dietician, seek mentorship in a support group, or find a good counselor that has experience with food addiction and bariatric patients. And ALWAYS remember - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

I do the exercise bicycle for 40 minutes on level 7 and do roughly 8.50 miles.

I do plan on getting a trainer to show me some more exercises that won't hurt myself with because I have fibromylgia, arthritis, RSD and stenosis of the spine. I have to be very careful of what I do and need guidance.

I need to tone up my body as best I can.

So far only have done the bicycle and every couple of weeks I up the level to get more resistance.

Have a good workout and feel good.

I finally managed to lose 70 pounds!!!!!! This is a milestone for me, since I haven't been at this weight for almost ten years.
After being in a rut and at a plateau for several months, I decided to get back to the gym on a regular basis. That helped, but once I decided to push myself for an hour on the treadmill and watching my heat rate, I was able to burn 800 calories in an hour and resulted in some fantastic weight losses that showed on the scale.
NSV, and like many bandsters, we've fought for and earned every damn pound that we've managed to sweat off and keep off. Ideally, I need to lose another 80 pounds according to the BMI calculators, but the day I reach 250 pounds (46 to go) will get me back to where I was 35 years ago. I just hope there aren't too many plateaus between where I am, and where I want to go...I really get angry at folks who think that WLS is a cop out, and an "easy way" to lose weight. I'd like to slap them across the head several times whenever I hear those comments. Every pound lost is a victory over fat, and it is a hard fight, regardless of how you do it.

I had my breast done when I did some other skin removal surgeries. My breasts were like empty tube socks. They didn't look too bad when I would roll them up and put them in a bra, but lookout if I wasn't wearing one. I know I needed a lift, wasn't too into getting a implant, but was told by my surgeon that there wasn't enough tissue to fill an A cup so I went ahead and had a implant put in. I wasn't prepared for the emotions I would feel after having the lift. One morning I was walking past a mirror in the bathroom caught a glimpse of my new look and was stunned, I started to cry, had no idea what they meant to my self esteem. No longer embarrassed, and now able to hold up a dress without sagging boobs bringing it down. I am happy I had the lift and implant.

I'm 3 years post-op (today!! woo hoo!) and honestly I probably CAN eat double what I could at 2 weeks post-op (which was probably an ounce or two at a time). It's a natural expansion that happens as the swelling goes down and your stomach organ settles into it's new shape, size, etc.
But I still max out at about 4oz of dense Protein. I will never again sit down and eat a 6oz, 8oz, 12oz steak...not going to happen from a physical standpoint.
Also you need to remember, just because you CAN eat more doesn't mean you SHOULD eat more. Controlling your portion sizes is basically what lies at the root of this surgery. It can't do all the work for you, as you have to be in control of your portions.

Not at first. Right after surgery, I had to force myself to eat. I can still remember my Dr G telling me over and over again "you must eat!" (Smile)
Later on, yes, I made sure to only feed my body with healthy foods to avoid weight gain. Also, with my tiny tummy and the compression garment on, it was hard to hold much food anyway. I knew it was more important for me to heal first before exercising.
9 months after my plastic surgery, on March 1, 2014, I ran my first 15K marathon. You see, exercise will always be available, but after plastic surgery, give your body time to heal. Trust me, time will pass, and you will be back to exercising in no time.
Sweet Pee

I had my plastic surgery with Dr Victor Gutierrez as well. I would highly recommend using him if you want a extremely caring doctor who has consistent magnificent surgical results.

You look spectacular congrats. I know you feel so much better

Two weeks has passed since my body was transformed yet again by board certified Dr Victor Gutierrez who specializes in weight loss patients. After losing over 120lbs, I had a lot of hanging skin all over my body. Two weeks ago I had a thigh and a arm lift with magnificent results. My scars are unbelievable thin, flat and straight, even after this short period of time. I know these are the two surgeries that most people want to avoid. I know I did, but since I know my plastic surgeon is highly skilled and specializes in Bariatric Weight Loss Patients, I knew I had nothing to fear. My arm incisions are already almost invisible, and the flat thin groin incisions are easily covered by my panties. Also, I am happy to say, just like my surgery last year, when I had my lower body lift, butt lift and breast lift (no implants) with my plastic surgeon, this surgery was virtually painless as well. I can not believe in a years time I have a new beautiful sexy body. I am so happy about my surgery and my total experience. I was treated so wonderful, and felt so great that it was hard for me to leave and come back home.
The pictures of my plastic surgery last year are posted on this site as well. I also wrote a full summary of my plastic surgery under MY STORY.
http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/116222-sweet-pee/
http://www.bariatricpal.com/user/116222-sweet-pee/

4 weeks update with pictures!!!

When people say wow you've lost a lot of weight. How did you do it. I don't mind telling them. This is my life. I'm 43 years old. I have been dieting since I was 12 years old. Ups and down. Okay now my body is different. It metabolizes food different, the rate at which you loose weight is different, being overweight starts to be a catalyst for certain health issues. So guess what I made the right choice because of the shoes I have walked in. If you don't know my struggle than shut up. Everyone is different. You do you and I'm doing me. This is the best thing I could have ever done on my life. So whoever don't like it I don't care. This is my life and my decision and I feel soooooooooooooo good. Congrats to all sleevers, banders and everybody who has made the decision to be a better you kudos!!!!!!!!!!

When people say wow you've lost a lot of weight. How did you do it. I don't mind telling them. This is my life. I'm 43 years old. I have been dieting since I was 12 years old. Ups and down. Okay now my body is different. It metabolizes food different, the rate at which you loose weight is different, being overweight starts to be a catalyst for certain health issues. So guess what I made the right choice because of the shoes I have walked in. If you don't know my struggle than shut up. Everyone is different. You do you and I'm doing me. This is the best thing I could have ever done on my life. So whoever don't like it I don't care. This is my life and my decision and I feel soooooooooooooo good. Congrats to all sleevers, banders and everybody who has made the decision to be a better you kudos!!!!!!!!!!

Hey all! I already wrote this and thought I posted it, but I guess it didn't work! Hate it when that happens!
So I had the surgery this morning at 7 am. It took 4 hours. My implant size was 457 cc's . That sounds like a lot, but they ended up being only slightly bigger then my original ones. They are so full! Pain is minimal compared to what my Tummy Tuck pain was like. They are so perky! I am so thankful for Percocet!!! Well if there is anyone out there who needs/ wants to know anything just message me! Good luck to you all! Hope everyone can come out of their surgeries as well as I have!

I will post pictures as soon as I can

When people say wow you've lost a lot of weight. How did you do it. I don't mind telling them. This is my life. I'm 43 years old. I have been dieting since I was 12 years old. Ups and down. Okay now my body is different. It metabolizes food different, the rate at which you loose weight is different, being overweight starts to be a catalyst for certain health issues. So guess what I made the right choice because of the shoes I have walked in. If you don't know my struggle than shut up. Everyone is different. You do you and I'm doing me. This is the best thing I could have ever done on my life. So whoever don't like it I don't care. This is my life and my decision and I feel soooooooooooooo good. Congrats to all sleevers, banders and everybody who has made the decision to be a better you kudos!!!!!!!!!!

I had the best experience with Dr Victor Gutierrez, Elsa and the whole team, I love my new body and I love my Artist!!! Pictures are from before and the same day of surgery. More pictures to come this week.
Dr. Victor E. Gutierrez is not only a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, but also an Artist!!!
You can completely put your trust in him to make the best decisions for your reconstructive surgery. I could not imagine myself going to any other PS after the excellent care I received from Dr. Gutierrez, Elsa and the whole team. You will not be a patient to them, you will become their family, that's how much they care.
Dr. Victor Gutierrez is a Board Certified Plastic surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico.
The entire process before and after surgery was an absolutely unforgettable awesome experience. I have never been cared for by another doctor so compassionately and lovingly the way that Dr. Victor Gutierrez and Elsa did.
After my lower body lift, thigh lift, breast augmentation, butt lift surgery and TT and Nable revision my transformation is amazing. I am in love with my new body!!! His perfect and brilliant work has changed my life forever.
Dr. Victor Gutierrez is absolutely without question the best, most highly educated doctor and amazing Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I recommended Dr. victor Gutierrez 100%.

Per my surgeon, a sleeve will not stretch very much. It will relax as the swelling goes down and your ability to consume more will increase as your stomach heals, but it will only stretch a little, even with abuse. Most of the stretchy part was cut away with surgery, leaving the muscle part which is much less giving.

Liquids (even carbonated) will not stretch a sleeve according to my doctor. Constantly over stuffing yourself with food may stretch it a bit, but nothing significant. It's the all day grazing and bad choices that usually causes regain.

pdx, check this interesting article i found. dr mercola can be a nutloaf, but i still found this interesting.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/sore-muscles_b_3398611.html