BrandyV2729

I want to thank all of you! I am slowly learning to accept me for me. As many of you know, it is easier to say I lost 88 pounds than to see it. I do, but my brain doesn't accept it as well as it should. About my mom....I appreciate all of your kind words. She was a huge part of our family and we are all learning to adjust. Cancer is a horrible thing.
I just finished my associates degree over an extended period of time, work full time as well. Now in August I will begin my journey towards my bachelors degree. I am double majoring in Human Services and Psychology.
Proudgrammy: my hubby is VERY helpful! He though also works full time and has also started working towards a degree, Our boys our almost 15 and almost 14 and they are both active in school and sport activities. We balance the best we can around our hectic schedules, but he does help.
I will be making some smaller goals to work towards, and I will be looking into the Labor Day Challenge Jane13, I don't know what this is. I am interested though. I have considered the 5 day pouch test and I am going to be looking into that as well. Anybody do that?? I have a hard time with the Protein drinks, they taste horrible to me...sadly. I might revisit them though and see what if any that I can get down. lol
Again thank you ALL for your help and kind words! It feels great to know that there are those out there who are going through the same thing as you and who support you.

I want to thank all of you! I am slowly learning to accept me for me. As many of you know, it is easier to say I lost 88 pounds than to see it. I do, but my brain doesn't accept it as well as it should. About my mom....I appreciate all of your kind words. She was a huge part of our family and we are all learning to adjust. Cancer is a horrible thing.
I just finished my associates degree over an extended period of time, work full time as well. Now in August I will begin my journey towards my bachelors degree. I am double majoring in Human Services and Psychology.
Proudgrammy: my hubby is VERY helpful! He though also works full time and has also started working towards a degree, Our boys our almost 15 and almost 14 and they are both active in school and sport activities. We balance the best we can around our hectic schedules, but he does help.
I will be making some smaller goals to work towards, and I will be looking into the Labor Day Challenge Jane13, I don't know what this is. I am interested though. I have considered the 5 day pouch test and I am going to be looking into that as well. Anybody do that?? I have a hard time with the Protein drinks, they taste horrible to me...sadly. I might revisit them though and see what if any that I can get down. lol
Again thank you ALL for your help and kind words! It feels great to know that there are those out there who are going through the same thing as you and who support you.

I want to thank all of you! I am slowly learning to accept me for me. As many of you know, it is easier to say I lost 88 pounds than to see it. I do, but my brain doesn't accept it as well as it should. About my mom....I appreciate all of your kind words. She was a huge part of our family and we are all learning to adjust. Cancer is a horrible thing.
I just finished my associates degree over an extended period of time, work full time as well. Now in August I will begin my journey towards my bachelors degree. I am double majoring in Human Services and Psychology.
Proudgrammy: my hubby is VERY helpful! He though also works full time and has also started working towards a degree, Our boys our almost 15 and almost 14 and they are both active in school and sport activities. We balance the best we can around our hectic schedules, but he does help.
I will be making some smaller goals to work towards, and I will be looking into the Labor Day Challenge Jane13, I don't know what this is. I am interested though. I have considered the 5 day pouch test and I am going to be looking into that as well. Anybody do that?? I have a hard time with the Protein drinks, they taste horrible to me...sadly. I might revisit them though and see what if any that I can get down. lol
Again thank you ALL for your help and kind words! It feels great to know that there are those out there who are going through the same thing as you and who support you.

@@BrandyV2729 - sorry about the loss of your mom, that's tough. I deal with some of the same issues and I knew going in for surgery 3 months ago that my personal life (stress) and not sleeping was going to slow the loss. I am THRILLED to have lost what I have. Be excited you have LOST 88lbs!!! Get back on track and think about plane tickets to fly to see that beautiful grandbaby. Do you want to sit comfortably in a seat in a car or plane? Three of my grandbabies are in NM...
Did you sign up for the Labor Day Challenge? I did to push myself.
WLS is a tool, be thankful to have it - use it.
Let us know how you are doing and set small goals for weight loss. Any loss, is a gain!

My condolences on the loss of your mother, lost mine to breast cancer several years ago. Kudo's on your degree! That must feel great!
Agree with grammy, hubby must pitch in and help relieve some of your stress, you have been carrying quite a load for the last year but the load you haven't been carrying is 88 POUNDS!! Congrats on your efforts!
Get back to the plan that worked for you and you will have many more successes! Good luck and know you have this!!

Condolences on the loss of your mother, and congratulations on your college degree!! I agree with everyone else that you've made tremendous progress amidst the turmoil in your life. I see it this way: one year ago, you wrote a "script" for your progress one year out. That script didn't include the death of a parent or your daughter's move, let alone the day to day difficulties in finishing a degree or raising a family. Perhaps instead of focusing on where you wanted to be today, think about where you actually were one year ago. You are an absolute success, a strong woman, and I wish you every happiness!!

My condolences, be encouraged. .. I'm only 55 pounds lost 1 year & 4 months later. I've also had some major family issues, but im happy that I'm not where i used to be. A lost is better than a gain.

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and all the other stress factors you've been experiencing. I think your weight loss so far is tremendous! Just take a little time to focus entirely on yourself and your wants and needs and I'm sure you'll start feeling stronger soon! And I'd toss that scale away for awhile and concentrate more on how you feel instead of numbers. Good luck!

I too didn't have 100 off at my one year, nor have I yet. I am trying to stay focused and positive even though it is difficult which is why I am becoming active on here to be around supportive and understand people. I wish you the best, and send condolences on the loss of your mother, I know that is challenging! Hang in there and keep your mind focused on what you already know.

I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I hope time will help you find ways to cope with your grief.
You should focus on yourself now. A good way to get motivated is to set and achieve small goals. The large, long term goals are daunting and can be discouraging when you don't achieve them in the time that you hoped. Set small goals based on things you can control, like go 10 days without eating an unplanned snack, or go 7 days without skipping exercise. Then give yourself little rewards for your accomplishments. These rewards should be actvities and things that lift your mood. Maybe something like long baths with aromatic soaps and candles, or pretty lingerie (that's my current favorite).

So, I will be one year out on August 12th. I have lost 88lbs and that is all!! I was doing sooo good. I have had some major life changes over the past year and some of them pretty huge, but I felt like I was still pushing forward. I lost my mom in November, two weeks later my daughter told me her family (my son in law and grandbaby, not even a year yet) were moving 9 hours away from me, and I graduated with my first college degree in May, all while taking care of my family (2 boys still at home and my husband). To say I have been stressed is an understatement and my doctor (GP) told me that stress and sleeping issues can have a big impact on weight loss and to be happy I am not gaining.
I wanted to be at 100 lost by my 1 year anniversary, but that will not happen and I am slowly accepting that.
I think that I have been so discouraged that I have been a bit more snacky and I am wondering what you all have done to help get back on track? Where do I start so to speak? I need some kind of intervention.....something!!
Any advice is welcome and appreciated!!!

So, I will be one year out on August 12th. I have lost 88lbs and that is all!! I was doing sooo good. I have had some major life changes over the past year and some of them pretty huge, but I felt like I was still pushing forward. I lost my mom in November, two weeks later my daughter told me her family (my son in law and grandbaby, not even a year yet) were moving 9 hours away from me, and I graduated with my first college degree in May, all while taking care of my family (2 boys still at home and my husband). To say I have been stressed is an understatement and my doctor (GP) told me that stress and sleeping issues can have a big impact on weight loss and to be happy I am not gaining.
I wanted to be at 100 lost by my 1 year anniversary, but that will not happen and I am slowly accepting that.
I think that I have been so discouraged that I have been a bit more snacky and I am wondering what you all have done to help get back on track? Where do I start so to speak? I need some kind of intervention.....something!!
Any advice is welcome and appreciated!!!

Ok, I have the same kind of slow add ins but I am a bit concerned. I had my surgery on 8/12 and I have followed everything by the book. The doctor said when I was leaving that if I didn't feel like having the SF Jello, and broth that was fine, just push the Water. So I didn't have my first broth or Jello until I was home about 48 hrs. The last few times I was only able to add like three bites of jello and three sips of broth. I have been doing really good (I think) with my water, but today when I sat down to eat some Jello, I have eaten almost a whole little container (almost). And that scares me. I feel ok. Like I could eat more. I hope that doesn't mean that the sleeve isn't working. I mean, I can feel it when I drink to much. I am not sure of that "feeling" of full yet. So this bothers me some. Also, I wasn't affected by food at all!! When the kids ate, or my husband or whoever...I just wasn't even interested. But last night, I felt like "mmmm that looks good" Today at church, my stomach growled and I thought the same thing...that looks really good. Am I broken???

So I was wondering if anyone is diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and has gotten sleeved. I have been diagnosed for over 10 years and I still work, I push myself everyday and I am one of the busiest people you would know. I don't ever let it define my life or get me down (often) When I have a flare up it is usually very brutal. If I can't push through then it is BAD. So I was sleeved on August 12th. I think I am doing Ok, I did my first week with Water, broth and sugar free Jello, then on Tuesday added some Meal Replacement drinks, cottage cheese, refried Beans, and egg. I thought on Wednesday that I was doing well but the last few days I have felt really just "icky." I am tired all the time, and I am sore (I am thinking it is Fibromyalgia related).
Everyone who has Fibro knows that it is an endless cycle...You hurt, you can't sleep, you can't sleep, you hurt. Well, since the surgery I haven't been able to sleep. I have insomnia and chronic fatigue (a lot of fibromyalgia patients have this as well) and even though I am able to crush my Ambien I still wake up almost every morning at 330. I toss and turn all night long and I am having a very sore low back, and hips. Laying on my sides (which I can finally do) is very uncomfortable and painful. I guess after this whole rant....has anyone with Fibromyalgia who has been sleeved, have/had pain after and what did you do that helped? Did any of you have a hard time sleeping? What worked for you?
I realize my body has gone through a big change and I am still adjusting, that it will take time to feel a new normal...all those things, but I am and have been miserable for a few days. Any ideas or thoughts to help me sleep are very appreciated!! (oh, and sorry about the whole story and blah, blah!)

Ok, so it has been awhile since I have done anything on here. Just trying to figure this sleeve thing out and this new way of life. I will say I am doing SOOOO much better. The Friday after surgery was probably my worst day. I was miserable and weepy and thinking "Why the Hell did I do this to myself!?" But I then woke up on Saturday practically a new woman and even over did it on the activity. The gurgling and pressure and bloating in my tummy was almost completely gone!! I was soooo relieved. I had to sleep propping myself up and it still feels better to not lay flat on my back, but I tried sleeping on my side (which is how I always have slept) and it was not to bad. Sleep has seemed to be my biggest problem. I wake up A LOT during the night, I adjust constantly and it is causing me to have back pain. (Once I can lay on my tummy I am going straight to the chiropractor!) lol. Other than that I am doing very well!!
I don't know the difference between my scale and the scale at the hospital but if I just go off numbers and no differential I have lost 21 lbs in a week and two days!! I don't say that to many people because it is just so surreal to me. I still can't even wrap my head around it.
Tuesday I went from Water, SF Jello and broth to being able to add a few things like my Protein Drinks, instant Breakfast, SF popsicles, and the three biggest ones are refried Beans, cottage cheese and eggs. I have been nervous to add these new things since I really just pushed my water more than ate to much broth, or SF Jello, but I have tried them and it is crazy how little of it fills you up. I am still learning "my full feeling" so I don't want to push it.
I hope everyone else that has been sleeved is doing well and pushing forward on this new life we made for ourselves!

I am not going to lie....I was worried about this as well, but then after talking with my husband who pretty much said the same thing I knew this was the best choice. I feel that as I progress on this journey I am going to only feel better about myself and that will show in our relationship in good ways. Several good ways (def. not trying to be racy....but, how could it not help in that area). I am very happy that I did this. I am only a week and two days out and I just get better with things everyday. It is new and I don't necessarily care for change, but it can only get better from here!
You will do amazing!! If your relationship is solid and strong, your relationship is going to be even better after doing this!
Congrats on your journey and Good luck!!!

Congrats, Brandi: You are my hero. Anybody that has done this and is contributing their input is so helpful for us chickens that are days away from taking the plunge.

Ok, so I just had my sleeve done on Tuesday the 12th. Today is the 14th and I think its going ok. I had gas pain, maybe still some at the moment. But I have a question. Or a few....
1. I keep having this rumbling, gurgling sounds in my tummy. More in the digestive track, not up high, but sometimes I get a pain high as well. Or a sharp gassy cramping feeling low. Has anyone else had this and does it just go away? Is it from drinking to fast, to slow?
See....I have been pleased with the whole drinking thing. I think it is going ok. I am to scared to take any bigger of a drink.
2. Did any of you gain while in the hospital, and if so (since they told me at the hospital that it was normal to gain some weight with the fluids they give you etc..?) How long until you saw the weight start coming off?
I think I am doing ok. I was scared to drink the stuff to check for leaking cause everyone said it would make me gag....but it didn't. I am drinking fairly good. I know I have to work up to more everyday.
On a different note...I can't get comfortable when I am trying to rest, and have woken up every morning I was in the hospital at 330am. I am home today, but getting comfortable is a huge challenge. I know it will pass, once I am healed, but it is making me cranky, and hard to be around I am sure.
Any advice or positive encouragement is welcome. I have a long way to go, but I am just a tad miserable at the moment. I also know it will be worth it in the long run. Just needing some pick me ups and to make sure some of the things I am experiencing is normal!
Thanks for your time!!!

Ok, so I just had my sleeve done on Tuesday the 12th. Today is the 14th and I think its going ok. I had gas pain, maybe still some at the moment. But I have a question. Or a few....
1. I keep having this rumbling, gurgling sounds in my tummy. More in the digestive track, not up high, but sometimes I get a pain high as well. Or a sharp gassy cramping feeling low. Has anyone else had this and does it just go away? Is it from drinking to fast, to slow?
See....I have been pleased with the whole drinking thing. I think it is going ok. I am to scared to take any bigger of a drink.
2. Did any of you gain while in the hospital, and if so (since they told me at the hospital that it was normal to gain some weight with the fluids they give you etc..?) How long until you saw the weight start coming off?
I think I am doing ok. I was scared to drink the stuff to check for leaking cause everyone said it would make me gag....but it didn't. I am drinking fairly good. I know I have to work up to more everyday.
On a different note...I can't get comfortable when I am trying to rest, and have woken up every morning I was in the hospital at 330am. I am home today, but getting comfortable is a huge challenge. I know it will pass, once I am healed, but it is making me cranky, and hard to be around I am sure.
Any advice or positive encouragement is welcome. I have a long way to go, but I am just a tad miserable at the moment. I also know it will be worth it in the long run. Just needing some pick me ups and to make sure some of the things I am experiencing is normal!
Thanks for your time!!!

Ok, so I just had my sleeve done on Tuesday the 12th. Today is the 14th and I think its going ok. I had gas pain, maybe still some at the moment. But I have a question. Or a few....
1. I keep having this rumbling, gurgling sounds in my tummy. More in the digestive track, not up high, but sometimes I get a pain high as well. Or a sharp gassy cramping feeling low. Has anyone else had this and does it just go away? Is it from drinking to fast, to slow?
See....I have been pleased with the whole drinking thing. I think it is going ok. I am to scared to take any bigger of a drink.
2. Did any of you gain while in the hospital, and if so (since they told me at the hospital that it was normal to gain some weight with the fluids they give you etc..?) How long until you saw the weight start coming off?
I think I am doing ok. I was scared to drink the stuff to check for leaking cause everyone said it would make me gag....but it didn't. I am drinking fairly good. I know I have to work up to more everyday.
On a different note...I can't get comfortable when I am trying to rest, and have woken up every morning I was in the hospital at 330am. I am home today, but getting comfortable is a huge challenge. I know it will pass, once I am healed, but it is making me cranky, and hard to be around I am sure.
Any advice or positive encouragement is welcome. I have a long way to go, but I am just a tad miserable at the moment. I also know it will be worth it in the long run. Just needing some pick me ups and to make sure some of the things I am experiencing is normal!
Thanks for your time!!!

I am having my sleeve on the 12th of this month and I am doing my pre-op liquid diet. I started out great, then the second day I felt like crap, then the third day I had to fast for blood work and got 440 calories under 1200 and I am having a hard time with getting my Protein where it is supposed to be, even for the pre-op, how am I going to get it in when I can barely do it now. I am worried about the recovery period, the pain, the nausea, eating this way for the rest of my life. I SOOOO want this. I finally want to be thin, healthy, and active. I want to wear skinny jeans, sit comfortably in chairs EVERYWHERE, maybe ride amusement rides and fit, chase after my granddaughter when she starts walking and running, exercise with ease, go up stairs without knee pain...I mean the list goes on and on!! I keep telling myself I got this! Being on this site mostly helps ease my mind when there is positive feedback and posts from people who have done it and succeeded. Then there is the one that scares me a bit more with excessive pain immediately after. Know I know that I will have discomfort and some pain. It is to be expected. But I am scared outta my mind at this point. 1 week, 3 days to go....I got this.....no, WE got this!

Ok, so I have to be at the hospital at 6 tomorrow morning. I am starting to get the anxiety mess. I am crying like such a baby. I want this, I really do, and I have come so far (been working on it since January) But I am starting to get the what-if's. My boys just went to stay with my daughter a night early so that they don't have to get up so early to go there, or sit around alone at home. Besides my youngest son is worried about me (which breaks my heart), and I just start crying when they leave. I know I will get through this, but why am I so emotional??? This has been one rough journey. Good luck to those who have surgery tomorrow! I look forward to hearing all of your wonderful progress!!

I'm tomorrow as well! I am so scared, but excited, and nervous, and just really an emotional mess right now!! It doesn't help that I had to drink that magnesium citrate and I am now feeling pretty crummy and nauseas. I felt positive all day too. Well...good luck and prayers for a speedy recovery!! Excited to see how it goes for you!

Ok, so I have to be at the hospital at 6 tomorrow morning. I am starting to get the anxiety mess. I am crying like such a baby. I want this, I really do, and I have come so far (been working on it since January) But I am starting to get the what-if's. My boys just went to stay with my daughter a night early so that they don't have to get up so early to go there, or sit around alone at home. Besides my youngest son is worried about me (which breaks my heart), and I just start crying when they leave. I know I will get through this, but why am I so emotional??? This has been one rough journey. Good luck to those who have surgery tomorrow! I look forward to hearing all of your wonderful progress!!

Ok, so I have to be at the hospital at 6 tomorrow morning. I am starting to get the anxiety mess. I am crying like such a baby. I want this, I really do, and I have come so far (been working on it since January) But I am starting to get the what-if's. My boys just went to stay with my daughter a night early so that they don't have to get up so early to go there, or sit around alone at home. Besides my youngest son is worried about me (which breaks my heart), and I just start crying when they leave. I know I will get through this, but why am I so emotional??? This has been one rough journey. Good luck to those who have surgery tomorrow! I look forward to hearing all of your wonderful progress!!