Summer Rain

*First is my MAJOR scale victory, I am 100lbs down as of Sunday. Hw 290, Sw 282, Cw 190 from a size 20/22 to a size 8/10. Shoe from size 9W to an 8 regular.
*I no longer snore at all, which is big for me since it recently started and was so loud and disruptive to both my family and I. Now, nothing at all, they say im so silent they wonder if im breathing. I sleep so much better and more comfortably.
*Also, the late night cravings have gone away and I never wake up at night anymore so no more late night snacking.
*I no longer have pain from my Fibromyalgia and have stopped my medications completely!!!! I hate meds!!
******Sad to say that I have had serious negative responses to "MY LIFE" decision, here are some of the daggers in my heart...
-I've had family tell me, I didn't need the surgery, I was pretty enough even though I was "BIG"! As if I am so vein that I would do something so serious to my body just to look good...smh
-I was told, "I don't like this on u, it's not YOU, you're not meant to be this small"...SMH
Then, "I could never make myself sick every day just to look good". WAH? Who's that, I'm not sick at all...uneducated speakers make me wanna vomit if that's what u mean...UGH.
-another family member, "don't lose no more, we have enough crackheads out here, wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea". WTF???
THEN THE ABSOLUTE WORST OF ALL.....
-My husband threw me a big party when I hit my first goal of 200lbs. I invited all my favorite girls to a Glam Session to do makeovers and a photo shoot (my first pics public photos other than on BP) as a girls night but also as a celebration of my successes since at that time, I had also gotten a raise at work (Which is also suspect), a new luxury apt and a new car. I struggled over 2 years to gain these things from a 1 bedroom box apartment and no car to the new life that my hard work paid for. Do you know one friend was heard saying, "Why she gotta show off, now she think she something special because she lost weight, who's gonna shrink her head?" This hurt me the most because my husband offered me anything I wanted to Celebrate and all I asked is that he treat me and my girls, 17 of us to catered food from Carrabbas (My Fav), dj for the room, make up sessions with Mary Kay, we had a pure romance presentation, a man that was selling jewelry to enhance our look and a photographer to document the whole evening and take personal photo shoots as well, all this at no cost to them and this man made that happen just to celebrate me and my accomplishments and I was extremely thankful beyond belief but also so hurt by not only the person making the comment but the 4 that entertained her, 2 by saying, "that's alright, when she fall, she gonna fall hard" "she got a new 2014 car but just asked me for $60 bucks just last week, she's a phony" -this was when I lost my bank card and had to wait for another and she was with me so I asked her instead of calling my husband. Lesson learned!
Basically I learned that people are not always who you think they are. Thank God I did what I did for me and not to impress anyone or seeking anyone's approval. I am happy with my decision and since I've noticed that ppl seem to be down for you as long as you stay down in life...on their level perhaps but the minute you move up, now your not good enough for them. I have since been uninvited to 4 events and the excuse was, " Oh I thought You'd be busy or traveling" REALLY? I was suppose to be celebrating but I literally cried for 3 days. Beyond the gains (materials) and the losses(weight), I thought I had support. I learned an ugly lesson that day and here's some I wish to pass on...
Make your moves for YOU!, Seek only approval from YOU! Make sure you have a true support system. Then my daughter sent me a comment picture that reads,"Don't dim your light simply because it's shining in their eyes" That's for you too. Be positive and don't let the haters tear you down.
I don't have a positive relationship with my family, been on my own since 16, so these women have always been around but now that I can't even share my life losses or gains with them...my husband is taking me away from it all, no more pain, no more tears, no more haters, we are moving to California, his home town and I will make new friends and hope and pray to share a good life together. He even says we will renew our vows so I can get a new dress vs the size 26 I had to wear in Jamaica. After 18 years, we will renew our vows in Santa Monica!!! Haven't told any of them yet but I bet they act like they care... but they probably don't and who cares, I'm over it!! It will be a last minute goodbye and an AWESOME 2015!!!!

I am happy and I will continue to be, I could have uplifted others but I will reach out to the real ones and help bring them up and we can pray together for those too busy hating on others to ever come up in life!! Good riddance to em'...
Love you guys, needed to get that out!! Thanks, whew!

Gosh Kathy that is awesome. You should be so proud of yourself. I hope next November I can say that I met my goal at a year out
Congratulations!
Summer

who would have thought??

3 years ago, a scared little (big) rabbit had WLS

i was scared about the unknown - what to expect in my future

i crept down 105 lbs/GOAL in one year
past two years fluctuating/maintaining 3-5 lbs
at times i have weighed a "little" more

honesty, confession is good for the sole
i'm not perfect, welllll actually
i do graze sometimes
or eat more than i should during the day
i don't enjoy not drinking while eating
i don't always get my 64 oz of Water
i don't exercise
but............
i don't weigh 235 lbs anymore

many wonderful things have been going on in my new life
my health is wonderful
this "sexy at 60" looks pretty HOT!!

we built a beautiful new house last year but.............
I don't hide in the house anymore
i find reasons to leave the house
drive here there and everywhere
love running errands
of course clothes shopping toooooo!!!
I do volunteer work
(I would never have put myself "out" amongst people pre WLS)
my confidence, happiness have gone through the roof
many other things i can't think of
(my memory hasn't improved )

with the "assistance" of the sleeve - my new world is amazing
that is my story and i'm stick' to it!!!

my wishes/thought/hopes
that everyone in the "world"/especially my fellow sleevers
be as happy as i am today - for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer, life

kathy
congrats to me

It is amazing to me the freedom I feel not to have to think about what diet I will start on Monday morning!! I feel so free!! Monday morning would come ... I would start a new diet... Would stay on it a week... Maybe less... And of course cheat and hate myself later. A vicious circle!! I was driving yesterday thinking how free I feel not having to think about diets anymore!!! I was sleeved August 27....almost four months... 63 pounds down ... And 43 inches!! #freedom

Today I am 3 months post-op. I can tell you that my life has changed. nothing was given to me and I worked my ass of for every pound. I have logged every single calorie, hitting the gym multiple times a week working out so hard it hurts the next day. I wish I had a photo of me at my high weight... this is me at surgery 305# today I weighed 250#
55 hard fought pounds lost in three months. (last 1 or so I have been in a stall....) I am very private so it took a lot to share with you all, but I think all of your photos have inspired me so I owe it to return the favor.

I just had to share my excitement... I finally reached onederland!!!!
My surgery was May 20, 2014
day of surgery I was 296 lbs
today I weighed in at 198.8!!!!
What a journey this has been so far! I have not seen under 200 lbs in over 10 years! I know I have a long way to go, but I just had to scream it somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am gonna try to put up my first before and after pic 

My surgeon has been outstanding. And yes I do have both zofran and phenagrin from the dr as well as a script to reduce tummy acid. I think I'm just in a learning curve lol. I got to start many new things on Thursday. So far a soft scrambled egg is just simply amazing!

I know exactly how you feel. I look at pictures from last summer and everything is different. I feel so much better. You hit the nail on the head, it is hard work. I am really proud of the work that I put in over the last 4 1/2 months. You have every right to feel excited. This is a really exciting time!!

I'm just in awww. Looking at myself in the mirror knowing where I was a year ago, months ago. Im so excited I can't even show it as much as I would like to. No one understands your battle but you. However you guys can relate as we all are on the same journey here. I just want to scream odd times, burst out into tears of joy and stair at myself saying is this really real. Am I going to wake up and it be a dream. I know I may sound crazy but I'm so emotional right now. Understand, how I feel right now I haven't felt in so long and the best part is this is the beginning of an extraordinary new life for me. While nothing around me has changed much, but my mind has and that makes all the difference. To anyone that is newly postop hang in there on those tuff days and get ready to get excited and to anyone contemplating on what to do, just think of feeling so good you can't stand it. Trust me it's not the easiest no matter what folks say like you cheated blah blah they don't know what they are talking about. This takes work but it's so rewarding.......once again EXCITED!

Athena My first egg after surgery was the best egg I ever ate! This is just an incredible time in our lives. I am so happy I had this done. I was sleeved 5 weeks ago today and I am down 20 lbs! I hardly ever feel hungry and I am doing well with eating only the foods that are allowed.
I hope everyone else is doing awesome. If you feel like bragging about your weight loss I would love to hear what you have lost!
Summer

.jpg]

I hope you have continued success. You have done an awesome job!
Summer

Even though my surgiversary is December 20, I consider today my 1 year mark since it was December 4 that I started my preop diet. Hey, 16 days of liquids and leafy greens and 22 pounds lost deserve to be counted! I really don't know where to begin to describe how wonderful this past year has been, but here are some highlights...
My surgical experience at Obesity Control Center in TJ was better than I could have hoped for. It was more of a fun mini-vacation with my sister than anything. Recovery was nearly painless and I have had no reflux, food intolerances or Hair loss. My sincere thanks goes out to everyone there who took such good care of me.
I discovered what a wonderful, supportive community I live and work in. I was very ashamed and angry about letting myself get so fat. But despite the initial embarrassment, I chose to be honest about my surgery and talk about it openly. Turns out that was great therapy. I am now proud of my decision rather than feel it's something I need to hide. Literally hundreds of people know I had WLS....friends, family, clients, fellow beauty shop patrons.... and no one has made me feel bad about it. Nobody treats me any differently and turns out people like and respect me whether I'm fat or thin. Everyone is just happy for me that I feel better, both physically and mentally. I see from a lot of posts that not everyone has such accepting, non-judgemental people in their lives so I am incredibly grateful that I do.
The first first 3-4 months postop were certainly not without struggles.... Feeling bloated and full all the time that first month, Trying to get in all my Protein and Water despite having no appetite, learning how to chew and eat slow, almost 2 months of diarrhea from a C. diff infection from antibiotics for a tooth infection 6 weeks after VSG, being on medications that made me nauseous, getting IV fluids 3 times for dehydration because I couldn't drink enough water with my tiny sleeve, and needing a fecal transplant to finally cure the C. diff. It was at least 4 months before I felt normal, but I never once regretted surgery and would do it all again. Although I wouldn't particularly care to relive the two excruciatingly painful gall bladder attacks I've had....by far the WORST part of this journey.
First NSV....my rings fit! (they have since become too big and I've had to resize them down...even my high school ring)
I learned from these forums that stalls are normal, so I never worried about them. In fact, I never even bothered to buy a scale. NSV's are much more satisfying and mean more than numbers on a scale.
Went from size 22 relaxed/curvy fit jeans to 6 or 7 slims. XXL tops to mediums. Size 44DD to a very saggy 36B (but I still consider this a good thing). I can shop in regular stores and even online because I know the clothes will fit and look good!
I can wear tall boots because they fit over my calves.
I can swing up into my saddle without having to find a log or rock to climb on. Even had to buy a new saddle to fit my new skinny butt. And I have no doubt that my horse is at least as thrilled with my weight loss as I am.
I am saving hundreds of dollars every month on groceries....good thing since I've had to buy a whole new wardrobe.
I can easily cross my legs, kneel, squat and sit "Indian style". I can bound (yes, bound!) up several flights of steps without even breathing hard.
My blood pressure is normal and my PCP is thrilled with my bloodwork. I had my first normal PAP and negative HPV test in 7 years....eating healthy has allowed my immune system to finally clear the virus and abnormal cells from my system.
My feet and ankles and knees haven't hurt in at least 10 months. I'm on my feet all day and went from daily NSAIDS and occasional tramadol to zero of both.
Blew past my surgeon's goal weight at 6 months, passed my personal goal around 7 months and have settled in the middle of a normal BMI range....100 pounds lost forever! More than I ever dreamed possible.
I have maintained within a 5 pound bounce range over the last 3 months with very little effort. Getting enough protein and water, taking my Vitamins, eating a well balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains and limiting white carbs seems to work for me. No counting calories, tracking or measuring. The sleeve does its job of Portion Control and I do my job of making good choices. I live and eat like a normal person and enjoy everything in moderation.
And somewhere along the way I've learned how to deal with life's stresses without turning to food and alcohol. I never thought I could feel this good about myself. I am truly blessed and I sincerely wish everyone as much success, confidence and happiness as I have found. (Sorry this was so long, but I just have so much to be grateful for)
Before/after pictures taken Dec 4, 2013 and 2014. Competitive Trail Ride Event pictures taken September 2013 and 2014.
 

Thank you all for your input, I called by surgeons office and spoke to the nurse, she explained as long as i follow the diet and take the meds for the ulcers I will be fine.
Thanks!

thank u for that info. I am on prilosec. That makes me feel better lol.

I went to the GYN today. She looked at MRI results and did an exam and took a couple of biopsies. She then told me that I have a prolapsed uterus and 2 large cysts in the area of my right ovary. She highly recommends surgery for removal of my right ovary and due to thickening and prolapse she will also do a hysterectomy. The cysts are so large that it will need to be done by laparotomy (open incision). She also ordered blood work for CA-125. Results should be back from everything by the beginning of next week and then we will schedule surgery.
Thank you all for your prayers and I hope you all are doing well with your weight loss.
Summer

Thanks Barb

This is startling news and definitely hard to hear right after sleeve surgery. Ovarian cysts are indeed very common, so don't cause yourself tons of worry. Many, many women get these every month and never even know they are present.
I would not jump to the big C as a cause of worry. The urgency is usually not about cancer, but the threat of the cysts rupturing, which would require emergency surgery. The size and location of the cysts is more than likely what they are concerned about. Everything will be fine. I'll say a little prayer for you and please let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow.

@@jessiquoi I am glad yours went away. I do try to not imagine the worst but you know how it is lol Thank you for replying. Your surgery went well I hope.
@@Miss Mac Thank you for replying. I am 51 so I am finished having kids thank goodness. Thank you for being on these forums and always being so open about your life. You have helped many people get over a rough spot or two. I appreciate your openness and honesty.
Summer

Yes!! FINALLY!!!!

Congratulations! Isn't it wonderful to say a final goodbye to all those pounds

I'm about 8 months out. Down 66 lbs. Feeling good! Just wanted to share my progress.


Everyone have a great day.

Down 6lbs!!!! ????????????????This makes this liquid diet I prematurely put myself on soooo much easier!

Congratulations! You look great and more importantly, I am glad you are FEELING great!
Summer

Hello,
I'm 49 and I've got lots of loose, saggy skin. I think I may be too old for it to have a chance to "bounce" back. Ironic using that word since, well, that's what my skin would do if I jumped up and down .
I've had some Venus freeze done on my neck and THANK GOD it worked. It was worth the $1,000.00 I spent for the five treatments. I use moisturizer that is supposed to firm your skin. I use it religiously every day. Might work better on those that are younger ? I've used Jergen's and I'm using Nivea now.
I can't afford plastic surgery to rid myself of my "bat wings". Sure wish I could. I won't feel comfortable wearing tank tops or short sleeve shirts once it gets hot again. . I've been told it costs about $12,000.00 for "bat wing" removal.
Oh well. I'll just have to look good with clothes on and not so good naked . I'll take the better health and much less knee and back pain---ANY DAY.
Blessings,
Kathleen