The Candidate

So I have posted my tummy and horrific eye bags and now for the boobs
I cant tell you how happy I am with the result. I am posting with Viamin E cream on the scars and nipples as I dont know how to cover nipples on photos. I am a complete tenchnaphobe. There are a couple of dressings on which will be removed on Thursday this week.. whooot whoot
Before
Three weeks out from surgery
At least now when I take my bra off my boobs don't hit the floor lol
Kate

Thanks for the recipe! I will definitely give it a try. ????

Your story is a reminder that wls is as much a mental adjustment, as it is physical. Like me you've spent the majority of your life invisible or sometimes, even the object of unwarranted ridicule.
It's an on going learning process, shedding the fat suit, as also is the lowering of the internal protective shields built up over the years to protect yourself from negativity.
You've already identified the subsequent behavior, which is a forward step in itself, and someday I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with them positively. In the meantime, give yourself some credit for just how far you've already come!
Best of luck!

Your story is a reminder that wls is as much a mental adjustment, as it is physical. Like me you've spent the majority of your life invisible or sometimes, even the object of unwarranted ridicule.
It's an on going learning process, shedding the fat suit, as also is the lowering of the internal protective shields built up over the years to protect yourself from negativity.
You've already identified the subsequent behavior, which is a forward step in itself, and someday I'm sure you'll find a way to deal with them positively. In the meantime, give yourself some credit for just how far you've already come!
Best of luck!

You start to have a little "thing" with your own shadow. Secret glances. Lingering stares. Looking for opportunities to be alone, just the two of you.
Yeah, I've got it bad.

I've been 14 months without them now. If someone had told me that before surgery I would make a clean break, I'd have called them crazy.
Not only was Coke my choice of drink since I was a child, it was pretty much the only thing I'd drink from am to pm. Even when I switched from real Coke down to Coke Zero, I still couldn't stop. These products are designed to keep you craving more. Being addicted to anything is not a good idea. I was drinking them right up to the day before surgery. It's hard to admit that something, anything, has that much control over your life. While it tasted good, it was harming me every bit as much as being fat was.
Yes, the craving was hard in the beginning, but I hung on, and just as I was seeing the pounds melt away, I was feeling the Iron hold that soda had over me begin to diminish. Now I only drink Water. And I enjoy it!
Yes, some post ops go back to it in moderation after surgery, and do fine. But if you're a hard core soda drinker, my advice would be to not drink it as a post op. Don't chance allowing that demanding monkey to take residence on your back again. It's the same approach I take with fast food, sweets, salt and other things. I know my weaknesses and I want to do everything possible to keep this weight off long term.
Plus, I've already consumed enough of this stuff to last several lifetimes. It's a big part of what got me here in the first place.

When you make it through a tiny space without your body touching on either side, and then have to go back and do it a few more times just to relive the moment.
I call this maneuver a "sideways" limbo.

You start to have a little "thing" with your own shadow. Secret glances. Lingering stares. Looking for opportunities to be alone, just the two of you.
Yeah, I've got it bad.

I'm surprised pizza Hut hasn't started putting up "missing" posters on me. I'm pretty sure I was responsible for at least a quarter of their net worth before surgery. ????

Your undies start drooping in the rear like a baby in desperate need of a diaper change!

@@zsnaani your story really touched me. We are close in surgery date and age. My RNY was on 07/29/15 and I'm 54.
I'm sorry to hear about your best friend not being there for you. I lost my best friend too, but it was to cancer.
I'm also disheartened to hear about your growth children's lack of support as well. No wonder you feel lonely. You have every right. This is a difficult journey even when all the cards stack up right.
If you ever need someone to talk to just send me a message. I'm a good listener. ????
Best of luck!

I am thankful that while in a stall I tried on a shirt that hadn't fit me three weeks ago. Today it fits perfectly!

My goodness you are both just images of walking beauty! Congrats on your amazing success!

I've been 14 months without them now. If someone had told me that before surgery I would make a clean break, I'd have called them crazy.
Not only was Coke my choice of drink since I was a child, it was pretty much the only thing I'd drink from am to pm. Even when I switched from real Coke down to Coke Zero, I still couldn't stop. These products are designed to keep you craving more. Being addicted to anything is not a good idea. I was drinking them right up to the day before surgery. It's hard to admit that something, anything, has that much control over your life. While it tasted good, it was harming me every bit as much as being fat was.
Yes, the craving was hard in the beginning, but I hung on, and just as I was seeing the pounds melt away, I was feeling the Iron hold that soda had over me begin to diminish. Now I only drink Water. And I enjoy it!
Yes, some post ops go back to it in moderation after surgery, and do fine. But if you're a hard core soda drinker, my advice would be to not drink it as a post op. Don't chance allowing that demanding monkey to take residence on your back again. It's the same approach I take with fast food, sweets, salt and other things. I know my weaknesses and I want to do everything possible to keep this weight off long term.
Plus, I've already consumed enough of this stuff to last several lifetimes. It's a big part of what got me here in the first place.

I am thankful that while in a stall I tried on a shirt that hadn't fit me three weeks ago. Today it fits perfectly!

Get a new doctor. This is your choice and you're over the age of consent.

I'm so sorry to hear about this. I have to admit that I live in mortal fear of this happening. So much so that in recent years I've turned down every thought or idea of vacation plans that involve flying. I tell everyone it's because of claustrophobia, which I do suffer from, but in reality, it's because I'm afraid of not being able to buckle my seat belt or being singled out to purchase a second seat as well.
Not too long ago I was given tickets to see the play Wicked. Unfortunately I could hardly enjoy the show because I was in so much physical pain from the sides of the seat digging into my hips. I've stopped going to similar events that would put me in the same awkward position ever since.
It's part of the reason that I made the decision to seek out surgery. I'm tired of putting my life on hold because of my weight. I want to truly live again! I'm still in the beginning pre-op stages, but I'm going to get there. We're all going to get there! And so will you. But until then just try and keep you're eye on the prize. You have an amazing future waiting for you just around the bend.
Once I lose my weight I'm going to fly like a bird. And I honesty hope I'm sitting in the airport some day waiting for a flight, and I happen to see an obese lady or gentleman being put through the public ridicule of being made to buy a second seat. Because I'll march right up to that ticket counter and say: "That's not necessary. This fine person is more than welcome to sit next to me."

Congrats! Those first months are wonderfully magical. You will have many more celebration days coming your way. WLS is for me, the closest thing out there to the fountain of youth. You expect to feel better, but you're completely overwhelmed by how it will positivity affect so many other aspects of your life: your mobility, stamina, confidence, belief in yourself and so many others.
WLS isn't just a cold sterile procedure. It's your life 2.0 reboot and a second chance to get it right this time around.
It's just going to get better and better!

A major transformation! You are beautiful! Congrats on your many successes!

Thrilled to be in the post menopausal stage as well. The day I threw out all the period related material (pads, tampons, etc), was one of the happiest of my life. ????
At least nowadays they've improved somewhat on the convenience factor. Anyone else remember the pads that came with gauze strips on both ends? The kind that you either had to safety pin to your underwear, or use with that ridiculous little white garter belt. Now that was suffering.

Don't go too overboard with stocking up. It's very common for your tastes to change after surgery. For example, I stocked up on Isopure, which isn't cheap, and then hated it as a post op. I ended up getting rid of a lot of stuff. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery! ????

First let me say that you are beautiful, and I thank you very much for sharing your story. I have no doubt that you will regain control and achieve your goal. I admire every single post op that has gone before me, and I hope you truly realize exactly what you have done for every pre op that came after you.
Without you and the many others like you, there would be no us. You are my hero, my teacher, and the basis of my faith that WLS could and has changed my life forever. I owe you everything, even if you never knew. You gave me courage and strength. I was thinking about you the day I went in for surgery, and you will be forever blazoned in my soul.
So whatever you need, a hand to hold, an ear to listen, a voice to remind you just how wonderful you truly are - you have it. And not just mine either, but every other successful weight loss patient out there.
Never forget how truly remarkable you are.

When you make it through a tiny space without your body touching on either side, and then have to go back and do it a few more times just to relive the moment.
I call this maneuver a "sideways" limbo.

I'm surprised pizza Hut hasn't started putting up "missing" posters on me. I'm pretty sure I was responsible for at least a quarter of their net worth before surgery. ????

First let me say that you are beautiful, and I thank you very much for sharing your story. I have no doubt that you will regain control and achieve your goal. I admire every single post op that has gone before me, and I hope you truly realize exactly what you have done for every pre op that came after you.
Without you and the many others like you, there would be no us. You are my hero, my teacher, and the basis of my faith that WLS could and has changed my life forever. I owe you everything, even if you never knew. You gave me courage and strength. I was thinking about you the day I went in for surgery, and you will be forever blazoned in my soul.
So whatever you need, a hand to hold, an ear to listen, a voice to remind you just how wonderful you truly are - you have it. And not just mine either, but every other successful weight loss patient out there.
Never forget how truly remarkable you are.