The Candidate

Congrats! Congrats! I'm so very happy for you!

Thank you, that really touched my heart deeply. What you said also illustrates exactly how I feel towards the WLS community myself. I've always been the only fat person in my family and I've tried many times to explain to them about how it negatively affects every quadrant of your life, physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. The closest I've ever gotten to making them understand is by saying: These are my people. They're the ones I never even knew were missing until I found them again. It was like finally, there were all these people who are just like me. I never would have gotten through the process without the forums here and the wonderful people (sisters, brothers) I've met along the way. And I definitely count you among them too! Thank you again!

I'm trying to understand why this is still so difficult for me, sharing my before/after pics. And I think, in part, it comes down to the fact that no matter how much weight I lose, or what number I am on the BMI chart, in my head, and through my eyes, I will always be obese. But you know what? That's okay, because if that's the highest price I have to pay - just tell me who to make the check out to, because it pales in comparison to everything I gained in return. Plus I will never forget as a pre op how motivating seeing other before/after pics inspired me. It's really important to me to pay that debt back. Brace yourself, because here comes the dreaded cliche: Weight loss surgery was the best decision I ever made! ???? The before pic was taken the night before surgery. HW: 248 SW: 218 CW: 130 5'2" RNY surgery date: 07/29/2015

It sounds fantastic! You should definitely indulge. ????

Congrats and best wishes on your surgery day!

Thank you so much! ????

Thank you! ????

Ouch! Hope you're feeling better. ????

Welcome! Your story is inspiring and I'm so happy you were finally able to fine the help you needed. You new surgeon sounds like a gem. ????

Thank you! I agree completely with everything you said. As a society and as women especially, we are as much obsessed internally as we are externally with a image of perfection that doesn't really exist. WLS provides us the chance to finally get off that self destructive cycle forever.

Thank you so much! That means a lot. ????

Everyone's experiences are similar, but no two are ever exactly alike. At this early out your body is going through the equivalent of major trauma. Give yourself and your body the time it needs to figure this out and heal properly. For what it's worth I never had a problem with liquids. I was able to gulp Water from day 1 and it worried me too. In the end my body figured it out and the weight came off. Good luck and hang in there!

Thank you, your words really moved me. It took me this long to work up the courage to post the pics sans face. I'm a work in progress and I'm trying hard to sync the inner with the outer. I'm definitely making progress though. Yes, that is a tattoo on my foot, it extends from my toes to mid calf. The bottom portion is a flower scene, the upper is a face. There hasn't been any noticeable change, except the face looks thinner Thank you again! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thank you! You made my heart smile. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look fantastic! And your happiness certainly shines through. Congrats!

I had my plastic consult in August, which was 13 months post op. However I reached goal in April, and I'm (tentatively) planning on having the surgery in January 17. By then I'll be 1.5 years out. There was no charge for the consult.

Congrats! Your surgery experience sounded very much like my own. The surgery went well, no complications, minimal pain. It's common too that you feel very emotional the first month or so. All of this will fade in time as you get stronger and the weight starts dropping. The food commercials bothered me too initially. But honestly now at 14 months out, they kind of repulse me. The cravings are pretty much nonexistent now too. The longer out you get the better you will feel. Use this golden time of rapid weight to your benefit. The sooner you adopt a healthy food and exercise lifestyle the easier it will be. Rest and allow your body the time it needs. Stay as hydrated as you can too. Congrats again on making it to the other side. You're gonna love it!

Day one is such a pivotal moment. The journey may be long and at times arduous, but it's worth it in the end. You are now one day closer to a happier healthier life. Congrats! Many don't even make it this far so be proud and stand tall.

You can certainly dare, but alas you are mistaken. ???? I was speaking to the original poster.

Try your best to distract yourself as much as possible. Go out and have sone fun. You've done all you can and it's in someone else's hands now. I'm sure it'll be the good news you're waiting for when it does come, despite the agony of waiting. And let me tell you - you are gonna love your new life! Best wishes!

A setback has nothing in common with defeat. I don't think I've ever read a more stirring testimonial than yours. You acknowledged the problem and are taking concrete steps to remedy the situation. Accountability, taking responsibility and a definitive plan to make it all happen are all the keys you need to succeed. Best of luck!

I was in the hospital for four days and still hadn't pooped. It took a full week for me, and I definitely experienced bouts of constipation for the next few months. I started taking s stool softener three times a week. I still do at over a year out. It's been very beneficial. I expected to be dealing with this issue for a long time. I was wrong. Now I'm amazed at how often I go. Sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. No constipation, no straining. Now I'm regular to a fault.

Hang in there. It's rough for the first few weeks, but you'll be surprised how quickly time goes by. Before you know it you'll begin feeling like yourself again. In the meantime rest, stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There's a major difference. Congrats! You're doing great and look amazing! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good vibrations on their way. Congrats!

I celebrate with you your many joys and accomplishments. You should be proud. Congrats!