Madmax68

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm a work in progress (6 weeks out tomorrow) but I went shopping today and was feeling pretty good. Walked in wearing saggy 24s and left with these snug 18s.

12 weeks post op.
Down 90lbs.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

Awesome!! Congratz.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

Recovery from Obesity is a choice and, while your Recovery is unique, the ingredients in the Recipe for Recovery are not. What that means is, you determine what matters most in your life and then choose HOW to use the ingredients (Awareness, Acceptance, Commitment, Attitude, Accountability, and Effort) to live fully.
Before we get much further, let’s explain what we mean by “Recovery from Obesity.”


Is Recovery from Obesity…
…being skinny? No.
.,..a number on the scale? No.
…being cured and never having to worry about weight again? No.
Is Recovery improved health and quality of life? Yes.
Recovery from Obesity is learning to live life on life’s terms by making the next wise choice one day at a time. Recovery from Obesity is following the Recipe for Recovery to live FULLY and become your healthiest physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. You choose HOW to use the ingredients in the Recipe for Recovery to create your own healthy life! Recovery is a mindset, so it’s up to you to come to terms with the good, the bad and the ugly!
THE POST-OP: My Recovery journey began when I lost weight (the good), but stalled when I came face-to-face with the realities of the disease of obesity and my compulsive overeating (the bad and the ugly). I wanted to be cured of obesity and hoped surgery would do the trick. I wanted to be “normal” and didn’t want to worry about gaining weight again. I quickly learned that there is no such thing as “normal” and had to decide whether I wanted to spend my life worrying about gaining weight, or managing my obesity. The choice was mine, and I chose Recovery, starting with AWARENESS of my disease. Since then, I have had to ACCEPT some difficult realities.
Here are a few of the things I’ve learned to ACCEPT about myself:
I ACCEPT that I do not have an “OFF” switch around certain foods. Once I start, I won’t stop until I am sick or run out of food. Therefore, I ACCEPT that those foods are off limits for me. Period.
I ACCEPT that I have shrinkles on my belly, butt and legs. Needless to say, I choose not to wear a bikini.
I ACCEPT that I cannot take anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) to treat my joint pain because I had weight loss surgery and am prone to ulcers.
I ACCEPT that I am susceptible to anemia and vitamin deficiency and must be vigilant about taking my iron and supplements.
I ACCEPT that I don’t like to workout, but I know I have to if I want to be healthy.

That’s the short list of stuff I had to come to terms with (ACCEPT) if I wanted what I said I wanted in my life – to live fully, free from the unhealthy obsession with food and weight. Of course, these are just “physical” things. Doc, what about the mental and emotional realities in Recovery?
THE DOC: As Cari very often says, obesity is “all about the food but is not about the food.” Clearly, food is part of the problem when one is obese, and yet, obesity is so much more than just the food. For example, some people are “emotional eaters,” turning to food when they are upset, angry, bored, worried, etc. They eat in response to feelings. In this case, it’s not really about the food. Learning to deal with emotions in healthy ways is the issue!
If you are an emotional eater, then choose to ACCEPT the following:
ACCEPT that food is an unhealthy way to cope with feelings.
ACCEPT that you may need to learn about healthy coping skills via reading books and articles or, you may need to attend therapy.
ACCEPT that there may be unresolved issues related to the learned behavior of turning to food as a coping skill and ACCEPT that in order to live fully in Recovery from Obesity you will need to address those underlying issues.

Relationships often change after a person loses a significant amount of weight. It can be difficult for both people in a relationship to deal with their thoughts and feelings related to the changes that seem to be brought about by weight loss. If you are struggling with relationships after losing weight, whether they are marital, friendship or family relationships:
ACCEPT that changes in relationships are common after weight loss.
ACCEPT that the changes need to be addressed openly and directly, that feelings need to be acknowledged and discussed, and that wants and needs change for people.
ACCEPT that sometimes people need help from a professional to get through periods of significant change in relationships.

“Self” often changes after weight loss surgery… self-esteem, self-image, and self-efficacy. Along with the changes in “self”:
ACCEPT that these changes can affect one in positive ways and in potentially unhealthy ways.
ACCEPT that others may accept or reject the changes, may celebrate or dismiss the changes, may change with your or may choose not to change.
ACCEPT that you may feel uncomfortable with the changes as your body and mind adjust to them.

People sometimes report being disillusioned about not being “happy” after losing weight, which they expected they would be. If this is the case for you:
ACCEPT that “happiness” is an inside job and not based solely on your weight, size, appearance.
ACCEPT that there are other aspects of yourself to explore including your personality traits, your talents, your interests, your behavior toward self and others.
ACCEPT that “happiness” is closely related to your thoughts, then examine your thought patterns and ACCEPT that only YOU can choose if they will be positive or not!

Obviously, we could write for days about how ACCEPTANCE of the “good, the bad and the ugly” is a necessary part of Recovery from Obesity. What do you need to ACCEPT in order to move closer to obtaining those things related to obesity that are the most meaningful to you? What do you need to ACCEPT that is directly about the food and what do you need to ACCEPT that is not directly related to food, but does affect your eating and exercise habits?
Stick with the winners, get outside help when you need to, stay open-minded, use the ingredients of the Recipe for Recovery to live the healthy life you want…AND, be sure to join us daily on our Facebook page for ongoing motivation, education and inspiration. You can’t do this alone, and no one can do it for you!

I am one of those who HATES this show. I don't find it heartwarming in the slightest. I call it "fat porn". The few glimpses I saw of it I found the way they speak and the manner in which they treat these people to be completely dehumanizing. Then there's the articles like this one in the NY POST in which a former contestant spoke about the unhealthy things the show has them do in order to lose weight. The other troubling thing is that there is no option for a more natural diet plan. The show has sponsors so they are always promoting some diet food of sorts.
Then there's the sampling in this so called study. This show has been on for what, 10 years? The best they could do was 26 people? I call BS on that.

The main thing we are lacking here is a comparison of weight maintenance 5+ years out. That's the info that actually MATTERS. And I love how he lists the costs and risks of WLS as arguments against it and then advocates orthopedic surgery! The mortality rate for Gastric Sleeve is lower than the mortality rate for knee replacement.
Still everyone can lose weight in a million different ways, so comparing weight loss between WLS and Biggest Loser's extreme exercise plan is completely meaningless. What we really need to know is what the maintenance stats are.

Nutritional deficiencies are a major concern after weight loss surgery.
You eat less food, so you eat fewer nutrients.
Sleeve and bypass patients absorb fewer nutrients.
You eat less fat, which makes it harder to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A.

Some bariatric surgery patients take one or two multivitamins, plus an entire barrage of high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements. Others barely take any supplements. Which should you be taking? How do you even know whether you need a supplement? Can you prevent deficiencies just by eating a better diet?


VITAMIN A – Vision, immunity, and healthy red blood cells
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Very low-fat diet

Food Sources
Orange fruits (mango, cantaloupe)
Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes,
Green vegetables (kale, spinach)
Liver

Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum retinol (vitamin A)
Consequences of deficiency: impaired vision; changes in iron metabolism

Supplement Notes
High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them.

VITAMIN D – Calcium metabolism and bone health, affects immune function and heart health
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Very low-fat diet
Little skin exposure to sun, live in northern climate, or older age

Food Sources
Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel)
Fortified milk
Egg yolks (if you are a bariatric surgery patient, you might mostly be eating egg whites)
Some fortified cereals

Deficiency Information
Blood test: 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Consequences of deficiency: osteoporosis (low bone mineral density and higher risk for fractures); possible higher risk for heart disease

Supplement Notes
High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them.
Need for supplementation is very common.

VITAMIN B12 – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health)
Risk for Deficiency
WLS that reduces nutrient absorption: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS.
Plant-based diet.
Heavy bleeding: e.g., complication after WLS)
Older age

Food Sources
Animal-based foods: meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs
Some fortified cereals

Deficiency Information
Blood test: vitamin B12
Blood test: CBC (complete blood count)
Consequences of deficiency: risk of heart disease; megaloblastic anemia; permanent neurological damage; osteoporosis; depression

Supplement Notes
High doses not likely to be toxic.
Supplements may be necessary if you are on antacids such as proton pump inhibitors

FOLIC ACID – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health), prevention of neural tube defects (for pregnant women)
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS
Low dietary intake – especially when grain intake is low after weight loss surgery

Food Sources
Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal
Lentils
Asparagus
Orange juice
Spinach
Lima beans

Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum folate
Blood test: homocysteine
Consequences of deficiency: cognitive dysfunction; neural tube defects; megaloblastic anemia

Supplement Notes
High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies.

CALCIUM – Bone health, muscle function
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS
Diet low in dairy products – either because of lactose intolerance or other reasons (such as avoiding milk because of the calories).

Food Sources
Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt (choose fat-free)
Fortified milk substitutes (almond milk, soy milk)
Fortified orange juice
Canned bony fish (salmon, sardines)
Green leafy vegetables (absorption is poor)
Some fortified cereals
Tofu

Deficiency Information
Blood test: calcium levels – note: this is not a good test for adequate calcium! You can have normal test results and still not have enough calcium in your diet!
Dietary intake analysis: see if you get at least 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams per day from your diet.
Rough estimate of dietary intake: at least 4 servings of high-calcium foods each day
Consequences of deficiency: decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis and higher risk for bone fractures)

Supplement Notes
Taking too much calcium can cause kidney stones and be bad for the heart.
Ask your doctor how much calcium you should take in a multivitamin and as a calcium (or calcium and vitamin D or calcium and magnesium) supplement.
Don’t take your calcium supplement at the same time as iron because you will interfere with absorption

IRON – Healthy red blood cells, energy and other metabolism
Risk for Deficiency
Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS
Vegetarian or vegan (plant-based) diet
Adolescents and women of child-bearing age.
Individuals with excessive bleeding (such as with a post-op complication)

Food Sources
Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal
Meat, seafood, and poultry (animal-based sources have a more absorbable form of iron)
Beans and lentils
Green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli
Potatoes
Raisins
Deficiency Information
Blood test: serum iron/Fe
Blood test: ferritin
Blood test: total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (high value means low iron status)
Blood test: hemoglobin and hematocrit

Supplement Notes
Iron supplements can be toxic even if your dose is not that high. Don’t take them unless your doctor prescribes them.
That includes iron in multivitamins.
Don’t take iron supplements at the together with calcium supplements.
Try to take supplements with vitamin C (in food or as a supplement) to increase absorption.

THE OTHERS
The above deficiencies are most common among weight loss surgery patients, but other deficiencies are possible. You are at risk because of your low food intake as you restrict calories. Malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, also put you at risk. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about any of the following vitamins and minerals. Often, a simple blood test or even a run-through of your daily diet can help you figure out if you need an additional supplement over your daily multivitamin and mineral supplement.
B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin)
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Magnesium
Zinc

The Bottom Line
Nutritional deficiencies are a big risk after weight loss surgery, but they depend on a few different factors.
Type of weight loss surgery – sleeve and bypass patients are more prone to nutrient deficiencies than lap-band patients.
Your diet – eat protein first and choose nutritious foods to lower your risk of deficiencies.
Genetics and other uncontrollable factors – women are more likely to need iron supplements, for example, than men.

Megadoses of vitamin and minerals can be toxic, so don’t prescribe them for yourself. Instead, contact your surgeon or regular doctor. Simple tests can often let you know your nutrient status so you can know which nutrients to supplement.

Weight loss surgery can be a godsend. Getting the surgery could be the best decision you ever make. It can give you your life back and help you become healthier than you have been in years – or ever before. But what you need to do to stick to your new lifestyle isn’t so different from what other healthy people need to do. If you want to be thin and fit, you need to think and act like a thin and fit person.


Bariatric Surgery: Necessary But Not Sufficient
Weight loss surgery is a significant part of the solution to surgery. If you can’t lose weight without it, it’s necessary. But, on its own, it’s not sufficient for weight loss. As every weight loss surgery patient knows, weight loss surgery only works when you add other components, like a healthier lifestyle, to lose weight permanently.
Don’t Give Up
It’s easy to start feeling sorry for yourself when regular diets don’t work for you. You may feel that your doctor’s recommendation to get weight loss surgery is official recognition that your obesity is out of your control. After weight loss surgery, it can seem like you’re still working harder than the “skinny” people, and you may feel like giving up. There’s no point in feeling doomed to obesity. Don’t bother resenting your “bad luck” with obesity. The truth is that most fit and healthy people need to work hard at it, just like you do.
Have a Plan
Don’t leave things up to chance. Skinny people may not have as many dietary restrictions and requirements as you, but you can bet many of them think carefully about what they eat. They plan what they’ll order at a restaurant, and you should, too. They’ll also compensate for oversized meals by exercising a little extra or eating a little less at the next meal.
Be Honest
Are you really acting like a skinny person? Their behaviors are the same as many of the rules you’re supposed to be following on your weight loss diet. If you’re not losing weight like you think you should be, look carefully at your habits.
Are you ending your meal when you’re barely full, or eating for another reason, such as eating to keep everyone else company while they eat?
Are you driving straight home, or passing through the drive-thru?
Are you drinking only water between planned meals and snacks, or are you getting in calories from juice and sweetened coffee drinks?
Are you eating only at the table, or are you nibbling while standing?

Watch your skinny coworkers and even housemates carefully, and you may start to notice some of their good habits. They may be lucky enough have those habits formed naturally while you need to work a little harder on them, but you can do it.
Ask Away
Yes, you’ll see a lot of skinny people doing a lot of things you wouldn’t dare try because you’d be afraid of gaining weight. They may pack away a hot dog, an ice cream sandwich, and a few beers at a baseball game, or munch their way through a bag of potato chips with dip while watching television.
Ask them how they get away with it if it’s your friend or someone in your family and you feel comfortable enough. You may get a frustrating answer (“I eat whatever I want and don’t worry about it.”), but you may get something helpful (“I eat very carefully six days a week so I can veg out and eat chips on Sunday” or “I knew I wanted to relax and enjoy myself at the game, so I worked out for an extra hour this morning to burn a few extra calories”).
These tips can reinforce the strategies you already know and add to your collection of strategies. They can also help you realize that everyone works hard at staying fit and thin – weight loss surgery or not. You may not be allowed to eat an ice cream sandwich and drink beer on your weight loss surgery diet, but you can exercise ahead of time as a strategy against
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
Until you hit goal weight, you may be most self-conscious about your weight when you’re at the gym. You’re likely to be surrounded by fit people with strong-looking and lean bodies. Don’t just think of these people as another species. Instead, use them to your advantage.
Strike up a conversation with them, being careful not to interrupt their workouts. Catch them while you’re both on the elliptical, bike, or treadmill, or when they’re done with their workout.
Some people will let you know that they’re not interested in making friends at the gym. Don’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with your fitness level, weight, or personality. Some people just go to the gym because they want to feel alone.
Other people will be delighted to talk to you. Most people love talking about themselves, including their workout schedule and goals. They’ll be happy to give you pointers. You can learn what they do to stay in shape, and how often they hit the gym. Possibly most inspirational of all is what you’ll learn about their dedication to their health. They had to get up just as early as you, they’re just as busy as you, and they worry about their diets just as much as you – and they make it a priority to get to the gym almost every day.
It Comes Down to Attitude
So much of your weight loss journey success depends on your attitude. When you feel like you’re working harder than everyone else, you may be tempted to stop trying. Once you realize that everyone needs to work hard to be fit and healthy, you’re more likely to stay committed. Act skinny, and you’ll hit your goal weight.

Interesting topic
Glad to see an open discussion about a very prevalent herb that not only has been around for centuries, but seems to be making legal inroads in the us. Seems like some tolerate it and others are anti ..
I would think appetite stimulation is not cohesive with WLS. Others report it is useful at bedtime to sleep
I'm not here to judge anyone's preference on how to enjoy life on their own terms ( ok. I will judge how I really dislike methamphetamine and it's culture and poisons used)
I Just like open discussions.
That is why I like this forum so much

Oh, boy.
Guys, you're forgetting that marijuana is used medically in many states, and is used to treat many chronic pain problems as well as an assortment of medical issues/diseases.
Please educate yourselves and get out of the dark ages.
Many, many people who you never would suspect use marijuana do. I'm one of them. I've got two degrees, run two of my own businesses, and have debilitating chronic pain issues that I *might* wish on my worst enemy but certainly not anyone else. I've been a stoner for many years, and have been using it to treat chronic pain issues (metal rod fused in my spine) for several years. I'm grateful it's an option. You don't just have to smoke it-you can vape, do edibles, use a tincture drop under your tongue.
I'm 7 years out with my LapBand, and don't have much of an appetite these days. It actually helps me eat. It helps me sleep. It helps with so many things, and I wish people would stop being so closed minded about it because they're not educated about it.
I'm not sure I would recommend it on a regular basis as a new bariatric patient, because of munchies, that I will agree on. You're trying to learn new habits over years of developed bad habits, and I could see that as being detrimental in some cases, but certainly not all.
Once a week is not a frequent user. Not a bit.
If it helps you relax, and you can retain control over the munchies, you go right ahead.

"Be curious, not judgmental"
--Walt Whitman
Please be kind to each other on this site - aren't all of us trying to stay positive about perhaps the hardest things we have ever done? I know I am. I come to this site for inspiration and answers - not to read others being negative about others' choices. Be respectful please. You don't have to agree with what others do, but no need to hate. This is hard enough.

I have to agree, once a week is not frequent, funny thing is that I have not smoked for the last month because is something that I can stop at free will. To me an addiction is something you can't willingly stop on your own, such as tobacco users who can smoke up to a pack a day. I have recently stopped just because I don't need it, just like I don't need wine - While several months ago, I was having wine every week, I now have wine maybe once every three months, but with Marijuana being so widely used and now being legalized in several states, I was just curious. I am sure everyone has their own perception, and I have agreed for myself that smoking marijuana would not be best for me after surgery, but I would welcome open minded perspectives to this subject on those that have used it and what was the experience.

If you’re a weight loss surgery patient or patient-to-be, you’d better grow a thick skin if you haven’t already. Your thick skin will help shield you from negative reactions to bariatric surgery. People are not afraid to make personal and hurtful comments about this surgery, even they often have no idea about the facts.


One of the barriers to getting weight loss surgery is the fear of telling others about it. People are quick to make you feel ashamed about your choice. They accuse you of cheating or of making a dangerous decision.
But it’s not just uninformed people who can make you feel bad. What about the media, which you trust to get its facts straight, and which influences millions of Americans’ beliefs and opinions? Sadly, the media spreads its share of misinformation about weight loss surgery.
One striking example occurred on the final episode of this season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” For the record, this was not the first time this show publicly aired negative comments about weight loss surgery. On this occasion, Dr. Robert Huizenga clearly stated that weight loss surgery is an unhealthy choice. The implication was that it is a mistake in all cases, and far inferior to the weight loss methods used by “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
There was no mention of the fact that the weight loss methods used by the contestants are the exact same as the most effective weight loss methods used by weight loss surgery patients. That is, both use a low-calorie diet that dramatically reduces junk foods, and both encourage physical activity. The problem with weight loss surgery? Dr. Huizenga did not explain. Viewers can only guess at the horrors he was thinking of.
I’m certainly not the only one to notice such snubs on national television. The BariatricPal community had a thing or two to say about this particular episode of “The Biggest Loser,” and I invite you to check out the comments and add to the discussion if you haven’t already.
The Biggest Loser
Nobody’s dream in life is to get weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, nobody’s dream in life is to struggle with obesity, but many of us do. What options do we have? Those of us who have chosen weight loss surgery chose it because we exhausted our other options. Those options – regular diets – just didn’t work for us.
So, what would Dr. Huizenga have recommended in my case? A 16-week stay at the Biggest Loser Ranch, just like the contestants who made it to the season finale? Full dietary, medical, and physical activity support, just like the contestants? Sure, I would have been happy to try that option. Unfortunately, it costs about $3,000 per week to stay at the resort. That’s a value of $48,000, not including the longer-term support contestants receive.
Could I have lost the weight without surgery if I had had $48,000 to spend and the promise of lifetime support? I don’t know. What I do know is I did not have the chance to try. I did, however, have the chance to get weight loss surgery, and I made the most of it.
Don’t get me wrong. I really respect what I see on television of the Biggest Loser trainers and health staff that I see on television. Dr. Huizenga seems genuinely distressed about contestants’ poor health at the beginning of the show, and just as genuinely satisfied about their improved prognoses by the end. This season, trainer Jen’s tears were representative of the sincere stake the trainers have in the contestants’ lives. And, like many in America, I’d be on the first plane to Los Angeles if Bob or Dolvett offered to train me. But I do wish they did not feel the need to bash weight loss surgery without explanation.
The Truth of the Matter
Even if you have the choice between losing weight the Biggest Loser way or through weight loss surgery, which is better? There’s no question that you need to decide for yourself, but let’s take a look at each of these weight loss methods.
Losing weight Biggest Loser style means spending hours a day in the gym. The show doesn’t air nearly as much material on food as it does on exercise, although terrible eating habits got contestants to where they were, and good nutrition is clearly a part of their new lifestyles. It seems doubtful that Biggest Loser contestants can continue to exercise so many hours per day for the rest of their lives after the show, and I am certain that many other individuals just do not have this kind of time.
Weight loss surgery is…well…surgery. It involves going under the knife and changing something about your insides. There are inherent risks that are unavoidable when you undergo weight loss surgery. Aside from that, bariatric surgery requires a controlled, high-protein, nutritious diet, and exercise is recommended. Many patients can average about 100 pounds, or a respectable and reasonable 2 pounds per week, during their first year after surgery.
How do the results of losing weight Biggest Loser style versus with bariatric surgery? Initial weight loss seems comparable, according to a study discussed in US News and World Reports. But the study found Biggest Loser contestants ending up with a lower metabolic rate – making them potentially more likely to regain their weight. Granted, this study did not follow participants long-term, so we do not know what will happen in 10 or 20 years. What does seem clear, though, is that it is not yet justifiable for the “Biggest Loser” to state matter-of-factly that all weight loss surgery is bad.
Why Does It Matter?
Does it really matter what a reality television show says in passing about weight loss surgery? I believe it does. For one thing, the country already has a culture that largely views bariatric surgery negatively. We don’t need to increase the negative feelings with these vague statements proclaiming that the show helps contestants lose weight the “right” way, and other methods of weight loss are “wrong.”
Second, the show has millions of loyal viewers, including many who may be eligible for weight loss surgery. In my opinion, the show is doing them a disservice by stating unequivocally that bariatric surgery is a bad option. For some of these viewers, bariatric surgery may be the only option that would allow them to lose the weight that has plagued them their entire lives.
I don’t know what the solution is to this problem of negativity towards weight loss surgery and weight loss surgery patients. Education and patience come to mind – spread the word, when you can, about how weight loss surgery works and why some people get it. And, grow a thick skin. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, you’re bound to get some negative comments about your decisions. Just know that you are doing the right thing for yourself.

I haven't posted in several months but I wanted to post an update to my Gastric Sleeve story.
My surgery was July 12, 2013. I am 5'8" tall and at that time I weighed 296 lbs., and wore a size 3X or 22-24 women's.
Today, April 12, 2014, is 9 months from my surgery and I've lost 76 lbs. At 220 lbs., I fit in size 1X or 16 women's.
I would like to lose between 40 and 60 lbs. more by September of this year. My ultimate goal would be 147 lbs - a size 10. However, I will feel totally successful and satisfied to get to 170 lbs - a size 12.
I lost nearly every bit of my weight the first four months after surgery and have been at 220 lbs. since then.
I am enjoying this new weight and all that it has done for me.
I no longer have to use a CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea. I have no more heel or foot pain, very little knee pain, almost no more back pain. I have no more acid reflux. Even more good news is that I like looking in the mirror again. I can shop in normal size clothing stores. I am not embarrassed when I go out with my family and friends. I get very encouraging comments from people who have watched me go through this process.
I do sometimes get frustrated that I'm not losing any more weight currently, however, I am most often optimistic that I will continue to both enjoy my current good health as well as moving forward to meet my weight loss goals. Slowly but surely.
I can eat nearly anything - in small amounts. I have to be careful with milk (makes my tummy hurt), so I use unsweetened almond/coconut milk for my Protein or fruit smoothies if I need the extra boost. I avoid most sugary foods (thank goodness I wasn't really all that much of a fan of sugary foods before). I also still have to work to make sure I get the protein I need each day and have to consciously monitor my Water intake. I make my meals of high quality protein, fresh vegetables either raw or steamed or baked, and if I have any room, I'll eat some carbohydrates like whole wheat bread/grain, brown rice, potatoes, corn, Beans, peas, etc. I allow myself a small piece of chocolate once in a while. I can have a cocktail every other month or so when my hubby and I go out to eat.
I exercise sporadically and I know I need to work on this area. I walk and I use an elliptical machine up to 3 times a week.
I have the opportunity to encourage others in my life who are contemplating weight loss surgery and I never mind sharing my story.
I certainly feel super glad that I have this lifelong tool to help me work on my health and fitness!!!

I put off taking care of myself for years and years and years. I don't mean just being overweight or losing weight but truly taking care of myself. Making sure I was healthy and took the time out to make sure I was eating well, and sleeping enough and getting fresh air and sunshine. I was not living mindfully, I was living fully running around at top speed trying to cram a million tasks and to do's into the day. Only to crash into bed exhausted to "nap" as I liked to call it and then get up and run around again and again doing for everyone and everything but myself.
I don't know if I thought I wasn't worthy of my own time, or that I was thinking I'm so OK and together and all these other's knocking down my door are not and it's my responsibility to help them....? I was born with a super power...didn't you know?
Well, in my 20's and 30's it was easier to believe that, but as you cross that threshold of 30 something your body starts to say hold on there Wonder Woman you might be exceptional at a few things but you are no super human!! You are simply you and you need to slow it down and give it a rest or your going to break down.
So I let the body break down and I would get sick or hurt sprain this or that, and I would get back up again and keep on keeping on until the next time my body would break down. I would not fuel it correctly for the speed I wanted to drive it at and I did not make sure I checked the fluids and the tire pressure either I just drove her into the ground.
Finally she was breaking down, getting sick and not breathing right more often then not. I was spending more time at the Dr.'s office then time doing the things I loved doing, and I wasn't helping anything or anyone.
It was then that I woke up. I opened my eyes for the first time and took a good look in the mirror. I didn't see Wonder Woman I saw an sick, tired life beaten old lady who couldn't walk from her office to her car without her heart beating out of her chest and the need to know that one button on the phone could call 911 for help if the heart attack happened today.
It was time to make a change. It was time to take back my life, my time and put Lisa first. She was dying, I was spending all my time hiding behind the premise of helping others...and avoiding myself.
Today, I will admit that there are days when I allow myself to get too bogged down with a million other things...but those are rare days for me now. Today I take the time to be mindful of myself, what I am eating, when and how, as well as what I am doing and saying and my behavior as a whole.
It's not always easy, it's easier to hide behind "good intentions" and excuses but being honest with myself even when it's not pretty makes me feel AMAZING, healthy and happy!

I was in the pool around 3-4,weeks