*mariposa43

As a comparison here is a before pic, and a current pic.

What a difference! I am still a long ways from goal, but can now get in 5,000 steps a day, walk a mile without stopping, get through a day without sweating, look at myself in the mirror without flinching, and generally enjoy life, even though I have about 160 left to lose!

I am about 6 weeks out. My work pants are ridiculous! I put my cell phone in my pocket the other day and it nearly took my pants to the floor! Also, my chair is fitting better! I will take these as a sign that the weight is coming off!

So, I'm in a routine for my eating at 6 weeks out that has me at my 80 grams of protein and 64 oz water. Most days that is like 650-750 calories. I am literally eating all protein. How can I add vegetables to that without running my calories up? Or do I not worry about calories if I am literally protein and vegetables; The only carbs I get are in vitamins or my protein drink or occasional 2 oz of refried beans. I am content for now, but Just trying to see where his thing leads. Any vets out there care to talk about this? I have probably 18 months or more of losing before I ever hit maintanence, but wanting to understand how/ when to add vegetables or fruits. I have a nut appointment in a few weeks, but wanting practical, been there type advice.

Kindle: thanks for this thread! I do not currently own a scale, just weighing in at the doctors when I go. I was one month out yesterday, and I have been amazed this last week at how much I can function normally without being out of breath and sweaty at work( I teach at a LARGE high school). I have a long way to go, but feeling normal within my work environment is a great feeling. BTW, I have more than 200 pounds still to lose, so looking forward to lots of NSVs to come!

I have Aetna for TRS ( teacher retirement system) in Texas. They offered us 3 plans. One excluded bariatric surgery and the other 2 allowed it. You should look at the plan book for your insurance to see if it is specifically excluded. For what it's worth: At the end of the day, it would have been cheaper to go to Mexico, because I had a 6300 deductible and a 5000 copay. Almost as much as paying cash at my doctor ( I think he charges 12,700.00).

I was able to edit my profile on my phone, but I had to go to full site( it is at the bottom of the home page). Just FYI because I've seen people ask.

So, showering had been increasingly difficult in the months before surgery. I would have to sit down for most of it, and I felt sweaty and out of breath at the end. I am 12 days post surgery and was able to shower comfortably and not be either sweaty or out of breath this morning!!! First day back at work, I am anticipating other NSVs like that in the course of my work day as well!

This could have been my posting! I have until the 26th before I am cleared for puréed foods. My doctor does 3- 21 day stages. I am trying to be patient. At least the 21 days of purée will have wide variety. I just want some beans and cheese!

Phone and phone charger! The hospital had good service so I could watch Netflix!! I was sleeved 3/4. I was nervous, but it all went even better than expected. Good luck to you!

Sleeved 3/4. I have a little spasm- it feels like a contraction- everytime I drink, but It is more weird and uncomfortable than painful. I am assuming that will go away in time. I will ask my Dr. At Monday's follow up. Best of luck to you!

This is day 2 for me. Gas exiting various exits! Getting in my protein- 75 grams today and my 64 fluid ounces. It's a full time job to get all that in! A little soreness, but no pain really anymore. The blood thinning shot, which I was somewhat worried about, was thankfully not a big deal! 9 more days of that to go. That's the latest- thank goodness for Netflix to keep me entertained!

Congrats!! We are surgery day mates!! Glad we made it safely- good luck in recovery!

Thanks! Day two, and I am a higher weight female (412 at surgery), so my doctor said I would for sure be in for 2 days, but I was doing so well they sent me home yesterday. I can sleep on my side and I slept through 11 hours last night and woke up feeling really good. A little soreness and some occasional mild pulling contraction- like pains, but I can move and get up and down freely. I am drinking easily from my little one ounce cups, and just feeling fairly normal. I feel like I either hit the surgery lottery or I have the best surgeon in the world! Dr. James Davidson in Dallas, Texas, BTW. Best wishes to all the other March sleepers!!!

Pleasantly surprised with levels of pain and ability to move freely! Had surgery at 8:00 this morning, in room just before noon, no catheter, no drain, using the bathroom just fine. I credit all those who put their stories up on this site with making today much more routine and less dramatic, since I knew what to expect. Thank you