mae7365

Thru this whole planning stage, only my husband and I knew about our plans. We have 4 sons, 3 daughter in laws, a huge extended family, tons of friends. I have done the research, found the Dr. and facility that I feel are best for me, lots of hours online, on the phone, networking with doctors & veterans. I am going to Tijuana. Yep. Let the S#*T storm begin! I did not want to bring any negativity into this plan. So, we told none. Well, as Feb 4 drew closer, I was feeling more and more anxious. Snipping at Michael, cross. Crying. SO not me! I am having my surgery on my birthday, a national holiday in my family! Everyone was calling, scheduling multiple celebrations, casino trips, shopping trips, parties. I had to decline them all using our cover story of "Michael is taking me out of town this year". Not a lie. Not the truth. So Saturday I told the boys, DIL's and my bestie. Questions, tears, pleas, more questions, cautions, but they know me and know I did the hard work to come to this decision. Like I told them all, I have a wonderful life with all of them, I am doing this so I can stay in their lives for as long as possible. It felt like a rebirth! I am going to Tijuana with a much lighter heart. Now, 'cmon lighter body!

I shared with my immediate family (husband and children) and two neighbors/friends. About 6 weeks after surgery (Christmas time) I told other neighbors and friends from work. I really didn't want or need people to agree or disagree with my decision. It was mine to make and I wouldnt even try to defend my decision if anyone wanted to be negative. To me, I just told people in a matter-of-fact manor and all I've really had is people ask me curiosity questions like "Do you feel different? Did it hurt? How does it work? etc". I was a low BMI (36.1 on day of surgery), and I would have expected people to question why I did it. I've been pleased that people see how much better I look now.....I guess that could be why I don't get any grief over it.
I'm not sure if I helped, but its the way I handled it. I never want people to think I'm embarressed about having WLS. I'm proud of the decision I made.

Lost 110 lbs

LOL I figure I gave up enough I can keep the few "sins" that remain--real coffee, gum, cheese, Quest bars--I do all of em and don't regret any of it!

Worrying is normal. I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without the comfort of food. Well, my life is a thousand percent better. Without the constant hunger, I can control my food choices and amounts. I eat out, I eat all my favorite foods still. But I don't eat to excess and I am healthier and happier than I've been in such a long time.
I'm living my life again instead of watching from the sidelines. I can't say enough how wonderful it is to fit in the world again.
I'm not trying to sway you in any way. I went to a seminar and wasn't ready for surgery. I tried to diet for a year and only lost 25 lbs. The second time I went to the seminar, I knew I had no choice anymore and went ahead with the surgery. I wish I had known then what I know now.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This network of 'friends' is so amazing! I'm scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3 and as the day approaches, I begin to question my decision. My husband and those of my family whom I've told have been supportive and letting me know that whatever decision I make is fine with them. They don't push me either way and want this to be my decision. They love me unconditionally. This last week leading up to surgery has been emotionally difficult. It's on my mind constantly.
Then I read your blog Mae7365. I realized that at 52 years old, 3 children, and 6 grandchildren just beginning their lives...I want to be there! One of the more difficult things for me to wrap my head around is that even though I'm overweight, other health problems haven't started to plague me yet. That's the denial part coming out! High cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and that nagging bit of arthritis in my knee and shoulder and all the other things that remind me I'm fat get pushed out of my mind when the doubt creeps in. Funny how silent they become the closer I get to getting rid of them. "We're not really here" they seem to say. "You just keep taking medicine and we'll be quiet for a little while longer." I can hear them now.
Yea, I'm still scared of the life change. All change is scary to a point. But I look in the mirror now and look at a picture of me on my husband's motorcycle a couple of years ago. My belly halfway covered the gas tank! And it was a big bike!! There will be no more, "Let's play later" being said to the g-kids. No more, "I'll kill the horse if I get on him." No more "I don't feel like getting in the pool right now." No more getting discouraged when I go shopping cause it either looks like a tent or nursing home clothes. I'm ready for the "LET'S GO!"
Thank you to all those who share these stories of your victories! It's what keeps the rest of motivated!!

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

This is my first post, but I didn't know who else I could share my experience with who would actually appreciate the fun and joy of going shopping for real clothes in the mall. I've been trying to not buy anything new since my surgery back in November. I didn't want to waste money when I could see that my size was getting smaller each week. Even when the scale only changed a pound, my body changed a lot.
So my daughter and I decided to waste some time in the mall yesterday. Macy's had racks and racks of clearance items and lord knows I need sweaters that fit since I'm always cold since I had surgery (even living in sunny, but chilly, North Florida). So my daughter kept pulling these really pretty sweaters off the rack and begging me to try them on. Size Large when I was 2X 11 weeks ago. Then she kept telling me to look at my profile....."Mom you are so skinny"! I kept looking in the mirror and seeing a "skinny" version on myself. Then my daughter tells my how proud she is of me for changing my life. She's my youngest, only 20 yrs old, and she tells me she wants me to live a very long time so I can enjoy all her first....engagement, marriage, grandchildren etc.
I thought I had this surgery for me. To improve my health for me. Now I understand I did it for my family as much as for myself. My sons and husband weren't real supportive of my decision, but now the three of them are also commenting about how much better I look. That I look younger, have more energy. This morning as I was thinking of which new sweater I'm going to wear today, I was overcome thinking how much my family loves me. Sometimes it's easy to forget you're loved until you open your heart and listen to what they say (even when it's not "I love you"). I feel blessed and hope that many of you feel the same way!

Even when you're skinny you'll have a hard time seeing it. I'm still shocked when I see my reflection and when people tell me skinny, I immediately say "no I'm not".
It's a difficult transition but so very worth it. Best wishes!!

I hope all is well with you. Please go to the emergency room or urgent care if you don't see improvement very soon.

I'm 54 so I'm right there with you all. My children are grown (yay). I work from home (yay again) I find life tremendously exciting. I love watching the pounds melt away. (slowly, but I am determined) I love that I can touch my toes - hell, see my toes. I bought a second hand bike. I downloaded the couch to 5K app (running sucks) so i can surprise my daughter by running with her. I love finding hiking trails in the local area. I can FINALLY do the things I have always wanted to do but couldn't! I am about the most non-athlectic person in the world but I am determined to make use of my transforming body. I think the fresh air and exercise helps...If I didn't have to work I would volunteer -animal shelter, hospital, nursing home, etc...You have done great with your weight loss keep up the good work. Find something that excites you...write a book...ride a horse...your just beginning the second half of your life...the BEST half as a healthier new YOU!

I'm 57 and as much as I'd like to say retired, I really am unemployed. I didn't want to stop working, my job was abolished and I haven't been able to find a job since July of 2013. So I finally figured out a routine - daily chores, lots of longs walks, TV time etc when WHAM! my husband retires at 59. So now my routine is gone, he spends all his waking time with me talking about his job of 37 years, and I'm going crazy. I feel younger, healthier, so much better about myself since surgery and a 41 lb weight loss........but yesterday I wanted to just run away from home, no forwarding address and hide. food isn't comfort any longer, so I don't know how to find peace right now.
So I guess I understand what you're going through. I'd love to tell you how lucky you are to have an office to go to each day, but I don't want to minimize your agony. But I do want to share that there are other 50 somethings out here looking for more than the day-to-day, same-old, same-old routine. Since you're in a positive relationship, maybe plan a weekend get-away. Not a blow the budget type thing, but a lets get out of town and see something different type of weekend. Sometimes a change of scenery can help.
Good luck on your journey. Congratulations on your weight loss. Good luck finding your new "normal".

I'm 57 and as much as I'd like to say retired, I really am unemployed. I didn't want to stop working, my job was abolished and I haven't been able to find a job since July of 2013. So I finally figured out a routine - daily chores, lots of longs walks, TV time etc when WHAM! my husband retires at 59. So now my routine is gone, he spends all his waking time with me talking about his job of 37 years, and I'm going crazy. I feel younger, healthier, so much better about myself since surgery and a 41 lb weight loss........but yesterday I wanted to just run away from home, no forwarding address and hide. food isn't comfort any longer, so I don't know how to find peace right now.
So I guess I understand what you're going through. I'd love to tell you how lucky you are to have an office to go to each day, but I don't want to minimize your agony. But I do want to share that there are other 50 somethings out here looking for more than the day-to-day, same-old, same-old routine. Since you're in a positive relationship, maybe plan a weekend get-away. Not a blow the budget type thing, but a lets get out of town and see something different type of weekend. Sometimes a change of scenery can help.
Good luck on your journey. Congratulations on your weight loss. Good luck finding your new "normal".

Didn't drink enough fluids and had vomiting issues 2 weeks post op; ended up readmitted with dehydration and hypokalemia (low potassium). Lots of I.V. fluids, potassium and Vitamin cocktails and 24 hours later I was discharged. I was put back on liquid diet for another couple weeks. I now make an effort to drink more, eat at least 60 grams of Protein daily and I think I'm pretty much where everyone else would be 11 weeks post-op. I won't know for sure until I see my surgeon in March!

I only have 3 pair of jeans now. Well 1....1 pair that fits for the most part but are starting to get a little loose. 2 are too big.....but I still grab them and put them on thinking they will fit just fine. I take them back off immediately but still hang them where I can reach them....because they might fit again. ?? I have always had 2 or 3 different sizes in my closet. I think I'm still shocked that they no longer fit.
I also deal with the booth when I go out to eat....surprises me when I actually have room between me and the table!.
I am always shocked when I fit in the seat at the movie theater....don't have to fight for both arm rests because I need that extra room!
My son and I can pass each other easily in the hall way without him hugging the wall to let me through.
I still don't recognize myself when I catch my reflection in a mirrored surface or shiney glass window.....I always do a double take instead of avoiding them completely!

These are so great! I too look at booths for which side is bigger, but Tuesday found myself doing so to be sure my larger guest would not have to have the smaller side. Nice feeling for me, but my heart really broke for her!
Booth-reality part 2: Now when i'm at a restaurant and there are three of us, it's no longer assumed I'll be on the one side alone because I need the room, with the other two sitting side-by side. Nice!
When I'm REALLY hungry I find myself putting more food on my plate than I need or eat now - and then part way through ask myself "What were you thinking?!"
My hubby still wants to pull the car out from our parking space to give me plenty of room to get myself in, space that I no longer need!
My weirdest experience of this: I still think of shopping for and applying make up in an attempt to slim my chubby face and create the illusion of cheekbones, etc....if I di it that way now I look almost gaunt. So last time I went in I told the make-up artist I didn't know how to do make up any other way and could she show me! LOL.

My husband was buying us tickets online to a concert that's not until July. At first I told him to get aisle seats. I always opted for aisle seats because I was so wide, I felt bad for encroaching on a perfect stranger's space, so if I sat on the aisle, I'd only have to encroach on my husband's space.
There weren't any aisle seats available in the section he wanted to sit in and it occurred to me that by July, it won't matter at all if we're on the aisle, because I won't be too big for the seats anymore!

Since losing 107 pounds I have had to move the drivers seat in my car way up- I am short. Every time I go to get in my car I wonder if I am going to fit. Another incident happened the other day, a coworker was telling their weight and said they weighed 175. I was thinking wow she looks good I can't wait until I get to that number- then it hit me that I weigh 164. It's these small things that make us grateful. Our minds will eventually catch up to our bodies

I went shopping for new tops yesterday and kept defaulting to the larger sizes. Ended up in LARGE but kept walking back to the Women's sizes. I've gone from Size 2X to Large in 11 weeks. My daughter tells me I look "skinny" and I actually have a waist! I keep my sewing machine in the kitchen so I can take in the seams of my slacks before I leave the house.
I'm trying to create new habits - park as far out in the parking lot as possible so I need to walk further, I make a conscience effort to speak to people I know since people don't seem to recognize the thinner me........I'm proud of the decision I made and the changes I've made that have got me to this thinner me!

I went shopping for new tops yesterday and kept defaulting to the larger sizes. Ended up in LARGE but kept walking back to the Women's sizes. I've gone from Size 2X to Large in 11 weeks. My daughter tells me I look "skinny" and I actually have a waist! I keep my sewing machine in the kitchen so I can take in the seams of my slacks before I leave the house.
I'm trying to create new habits - park as far out in the parking lot as possible so I need to walk further, I make a conscience effort to speak to people I know since people don't seem to recognize the thinner me........I'm proud of the decision I made and the changes I've made that have got me to this thinner me!

I went shopping for new tops yesterday and kept defaulting to the larger sizes. Ended up in LARGE but kept walking back to the Women's sizes. I've gone from Size 2X to Large in 11 weeks. My daughter tells me I look "skinny" and I actually have a waist! I keep my sewing machine in the kitchen so I can take in the seams of my slacks before I leave the house.
I'm trying to create new habits - park as far out in the parking lot as possible so I need to walk further, I make a conscience effort to speak to people I know since people don't seem to recognize the thinner me........I'm proud of the decision I made and the changes I've made that have got me to this thinner me!