Bob B

Had my sleeve gastrectomy on 12/16/14, and have lost 120 pounds in 7 months.
I am jogging, following the diet like crazy, and have gone from being a daily (heavy) drinker to only having two drinks (on my birthday in May) since the surgery.
My doctor is thrilled. All tests read great. I've lost more in 7 months than the doctor predicted I would ever lose (he said -110 was what he thought would be likely for a final loss, but more would be great), and I am still losing.
And while I physically feel pretty good, doing things I couldn't or wouldn't have dreamed of a year ago, I can't help but be uncomfortable in my (saggy) skin. I feel like I have that "used to be a fat guy" too-small head now. I have the droopy stomach skin, etc. I look in the mirror, and I don't really like what I see.
How have you dealt with WLS success by all measures that doesn't register when you see yourself in a mirror?

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.

Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".

Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.

Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!

My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.

I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.

My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.

I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.

I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.

Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!

I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.

Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.

Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".

Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.

Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!

My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.

I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.

My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.

I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.

I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.

Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!

I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.

Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.

Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".

Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.

Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!

My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.

I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.

My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.

I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.

I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.

Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!

I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.

Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.

Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".

Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.

Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!

My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.

I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.

My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.

I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.

I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.

Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!

I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.

Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Well done on that great result ! You must be so happy with it. It's hard work to get a result like that so well done again

Inspirational. I am working up the nerve to do my first 5K this coming spring, to Celebrate my first year anniversary from my sleeve. I am trying to encourage my sister and nephew to join me, she had her sleeve one year before me, and my nephew had his done 4 months after me. Thanks again!

Congrats!!! It is awesome to reach goal and even more awesome to surpass any expectations that you had, especially with the physical aspect of your body (from everyday activities, exercise activities to "extracurricular" activities ). I hope you continue with your success. The sleeve is so much more than a tool to eat less, it is an opportunity...an opportunity to create new, healthy habits that last a life time for a greater quality of life.

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Coming up on my one year anniversary of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Thought I would post an update.
Weighed 348 on day of surgery. Been steady for a month at +-210. Down from 3-4X to L-XL in shirts, and from 48-50" pants to 34-36".
Went from being a daily, heavy drinker and a glutton (of some renown!) to no drinks for six months, and 1-2 a week since.
Started a walking program immediately after the surgery, then started a C25K app, and ran (jogged) my first 5K on my birthday in May. Moved on to a 10K trainer app, and have since run (jogged) 4 10K's, each one posting a better time. I exercise frequently, and for the first time in my 45 years, I don't mind it! (Honestly, I don't love it, either!). I have been doing a six week 100 pushups workout, but can't get past 45, even though I've been doing it for 10 weeks!
My original goal weight was 240 (Doctor suggested), but I had a "dream weight" of 225. I've beaten that by 15 lbs, and think I still have a little more to lose, although I'm more interested in tightening stuff up. Lose skin in my belly, boobs, and thighs...some under my arms.
I miss the social aspects of drinking and eating, and I am still trying to figure out my new personality.
My wife has been fantastic support and has been instrumental in keeping my meals healthy. I would NOT have the success I have had without support at home, I am sure.
I have no food intolerances so far, and the adjustments too my diet haven't been nearly as hard to stick to as I once worried.
I'm now considering doing a half marathon in February, although that may be biting off more than I can chew.
Sex drive has dramatically increased, although sometimes I last too long, and that can be frustrating for my wife. For years we've had perfect "timing" when it comes to sex, and we have had to adjust expectations, but it is definitely better, more active sex. I feel a bit more comfortable in my body, which is great, and I don't sweat anywhere near as much!
I'm a different guy now than I was last year, and feeling mostly great about the journey. I hate to sound like a shill, but I wish I had done it ten years earlier.
Getting healthy has been wonderful, but it doesn't solve all your problems. It's not a "quick fix." But it is wonderful to have one less thing to worry about, especially when that one thing was almost 140lbs!

Having the surgery, never. Not having the surgery years back, yes.

I think the real question here is "what is the problem you are trying to solve?"
There are people who choose open relationships/poly marriages because they want that
There are people who choose to have uncommitted / not exclusive relationships
There are people who avoid the whole deal and essentially have no strings attached type hookups
Heck, there are full blown swingers/sex club people
Then there are people who only seek exclusive, committed relationships
While the last one is what our society says women "should want" maybe that isn't your reality at this stage in life. I do think that counseling to explore this a little deeper might be good to be sure that you are actually happy and content with your choice. I personally think that the deceit and hiding things is immoral but the rest is really a lifestyle risk vs benefit choice you should make.
It seems to me that part of the process you are experiencing is finding the lifestyle YOU want. Let's face it, for a reasonably attractive woman, it is super super super easy to find willing sex partners and can be an ego boost. The question is, are you getting what you really need /want or is it a substitute for something you really need/want?
Attention and that initial attraction feels good and exciting, but I can tell you for sure - I am SO OVER IT. I have been at goal since Feb 2013. Do you feel that some of this is you like being wined/dined/seduced and actually paid attention to? Nothing wrong with that, but again know your motives, know what you want, be clear with prospective partners and let them decide if they want to be a part of it or not.
Side note - I have the opposite bias. I am single, I still want a sex life but I don't feel "safe" in this world of lots of partners. It is much harder to find a high quality committed exclusive relationship. What makes it even harder is I am apparently still dealing with a little bit of "fear" of committment myself. So it creates this crazy cycle where I want an exclusive, loving relationship but I get a bit panic stricken about giving up my much valued freedom (I am not talking sexual freedom, I mean everything else - ha!)

Had my sleeve gastrectomy on 12/16/14, and have lost 120 pounds in 7 months.
I am jogging, following the diet like crazy, and have gone from being a daily (heavy) drinker to only having two drinks (on my birthday in May) since the surgery.
My doctor is thrilled. All tests read great. I've lost more in 7 months than the doctor predicted I would ever lose (he said -110 was what he thought would be likely for a final loss, but more would be great), and I am still losing.
And while I physically feel pretty good, doing things I couldn't or wouldn't have dreamed of a year ago, I can't help but be uncomfortable in my (saggy) skin. I feel like I have that "used to be a fat guy" too-small head now. I have the droopy stomach skin, etc. I look in the mirror, and I don't really like what I see.
How have you dealt with WLS success by all measures that doesn't register when you see yourself in a mirror?

Thank god a surgery like this was available to me! I have had had many ups and with this surgery and still am having some, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It was the best decision I could have made for myself.
I started at 250 pounds with a slipped disk in my back, terrible foot pain, exhausted all the time, very depressed.
I am now 124 pounds with no pain whatsoever and I love being me.
This surgery is exactly the tool I need to keep me on track and help me realize my goals.
I am a 35 year old single mom of two little ones and so glad I got my life back.
       

So I am headed to Vegas next week with my hubby and I thought, you know what....I want a more-sexy, less-mom bikini for this trip. SO I went out on a limb and ordered one from Victoria's Secret that I would normally never, ever think about wearing, let alone, buy, let alone post a picture of me in it.
But then today I was looking back through some old beach vacation pictures and I couldn't find one single picture of myself in a bathing suit or with my kids at all. Through 4 summers worth of pictures that I got through, I found ONE. One single picture and I'm trying desperately to hide behind my kids. It made me so incredibly sad because I remember so clearly what that was like. Can I just say, it is freaking amazing and freeing to be able to feel good in my skin and not feel the need to pull a kid in front of me when the camera is around.
Here is the ONE single picture I could find, along with the quick snapshot of the new bikini for Vegas. :-) (Don't mind my scar sheets from my TT sticking out...this wasn't a picture I intended to share), as well as one snapped this summer at the beach. I also did a side-by-side comparison of myself in basically the same "at the beach with my daughter's" pose. Just thought I'd put this out there for anyone on the fence about the journey or the process. It works if you stick to it!!!!!
*** PS be kind. I know that I am not perfect. I still have saggy legs and arms. It's a work in process!***

This post is damn near a copy of a post I made last November before my sleeve on Dec 12. That "identity" issue is a bitch.
I own two restaurants, and food isn't only my life's love, it's my life's work.
But my knees and back and gut, and everything else were screaming to me at all times, and I had to get where I was before I decided to take the plunge.
Today (five month anniversary) I am down 96 pounds. I feel great. Smaller than I've been in 20 years (I'm 44). Jogging daily, and actually enjoying it.
I'm not going to say that the identity part isn't tough-it is-but so far, it's been DAMNED worth it.
I wish you a lot of luck.

This post is damn near a copy of a post I made last November before my sleeve on Dec 12. That "identity" issue is a bitch.
I own two restaurants, and food isn't only my life's love, it's my life's work.
But my knees and back and gut, and everything else were screaming to me at all times, and I had to get where I was before I decided to take the plunge.
Today (five month anniversary) I am down 96 pounds. I feel great. Smaller than I've been in 20 years (I'm 44). Jogging daily, and actually enjoying it.
I'm not going to say that the identity part isn't tough-it is-but so far, it's been DAMNED worth it.
I wish you a lot of luck.

Sleeved on 12/16/14. 348lbs. 5'11". Male. 44 years old.
Doctor told me that a realistic expectation for me, if I did well, was loss of 60lbs after 6 months, and 110lbs after one year.
I have SHATTERED that. Where I was told that 240 would likely be my final goal weight, I am down 121 lbs after 7 months, and only 3lbs away from my "dream" goal of 225lbs.
Here's the deal: I will be at that weight in a week or so, but I look at my body now, and I still see a mess. I feel like if I lost 50 more pounds, I MIGHT be in a comfortable place, but I don't know. Am I struggling with dysmorphia? Something else?
I should be THRILLED that I am so far ahead of schedule. Last week, I even "ran" (well, no walking) my first 10K (unthinkable even a year a go).
What should I do, now that I know that my goal isn't my goal?

Sleeved on 12/16/14. 348lbs. 5'11". Male. 44 years old.
Doctor told me that a realistic expectation for me, if I did well, was loss of 60lbs after 6 months, and 110lbs after one year.
I have SHATTERED that. Where I was told that 240 would likely be my final goal weight, I am down 121 lbs after 7 months, and only 3lbs away from my "dream" goal of 225lbs.
Here's the deal: I will be at that weight in a week or so, but I look at my body now, and I still see a mess. I feel like if I lost 50 more pounds, I MIGHT be in a comfortable place, but I don't know. Am I struggling with dysmorphia? Something else?
I should be THRILLED that I am so far ahead of schedule. Last week, I even "ran" (well, no walking) my first 10K (unthinkable even a year a go).
What should I do, now that I know that my goal isn't my goal?

Had my sleeve gastrectomy on 12/16/14, and have lost 120 pounds in 7 months.
I am jogging, following the diet like crazy, and have gone from being a daily (heavy) drinker to only having two drinks (on my birthday in May) since the surgery.
My doctor is thrilled. All tests read great. I've lost more in 7 months than the doctor predicted I would ever lose (he said -110 was what he thought would be likely for a final loss, but more would be great), and I am still losing.
And while I physically feel pretty good, doing things I couldn't or wouldn't have dreamed of a year ago, I can't help but be uncomfortable in my (saggy) skin. I feel like I have that "used to be a fat guy" too-small head now. I have the droopy stomach skin, etc. I look in the mirror, and I don't really like what I see.
How have you dealt with WLS success by all measures that doesn't register when you see yourself in a mirror?