BarbHY

Kristy, I'm so happy that you reached out. First, 67 lbs is a great loss. You should feel good about your progress. My surgery was in 2104 and I have not been on this site in a long time. Something made me open your email this morning and I'm glad I did. I completely share and understand your struggle. Maybe we can help each other and hopefully others will join in the conversation as well. After my surgery I lost over 50 pounds. I was starting to feel pretty hopeful about reaching my goal of 160 pounds and somehow things stated going south. Like you, I certainly get full very quickly and I am so thankful for that. At the same time, I am ashamed to say that I have gained back 20 pounds of my weight despite that great tool. I don't think I overeat but I eat the wrong things too often. I wish that I could get my sugar and carb cravings under control. I know it's my downfall. When I was on a very strict nutrition plan in the months following surgery I was completely satisfied with my diet, but as soon as I allowed myself to stick my toe in the Water and allow myself an occasional treat, I think I slowly lost control all together and cannot seem to get back. I honestly have not been to my surgeon or nutritionist for about a year and half because I am so ashamed at my failure. This is actually the first time I am putting this all into honest words even though I think about it daily. I sit here near tears at the thought of not having a better handle on my eating habits despite an awesome advantage that so many people do not have. I so desperately want to do better. Like you said yourself, I know all the right things, why can't I make it happen. Maybe we can figure this out together. If anyone has had this experience and can share advice I would appreciate the help. I am now 40 pounds from my goal weight and feeling very discouraged and ashamed of myself.

March 31st is my date as well. Ever since I got my date, I've been counting the minutes. I feel so ready!

My surgery date is March 31st as well. I'm so ready and excited for this journey to move forward!

March 31st is my date as well. Ever since I got my date, I've been counting the minutes. I feel so ready!

I'm new to this site and I'm hoping to meet other March sleevers for sharing and support. I started researching this surgery over a year ago and finally started to put everything into place in October 2014. I have a March 31st surgery date and I could't be happier. I've done all my homework and feel very confident that I'm doing the right thing. Now that I have a date, it can't come fast enough. I'd love to chat with you.

Kim,
Not glad for your fears, but glad to see someone voicing some of my same concerns that I have wrestled with during my pre-op months. To answer your big question...I think it's a big YES, it's completely normal. This is a major life change. I will comment on each of your fears as you listed them. I hope it will help to give you some peace of mind or at least something to think about.
1. the right decision? -I personally feel confident in my decision because I know that it is the change that will enable me to regain the health (#1), energy, and self-confidence that will make the rest of my life so much better. I f you are at this point in the process, I suspect that you made your decision for similar reasons and I think it's something we have to keep in the front of our mind everyday, to give us strength and motivation. Keep your eye on the prize, so to speak.
2. scared of foods that you will miss out on certain foods....I have to say I still wonder, myself, how I will feel when faced with certain old favorites. I have spoken to people in my local support group who have said that they no longer crave the same foods at all. I'm hoping that this is the case. maybe we can muddle through this one together. ??
3. scared for pain - Not worried about this one. This is my 3rd surgery in 2 years (gallbladder and incisional hernia were my others). The pain is temporary and easily managed with meds. I don't know what your experience with surgery is, but don't let this one worry you too much.
4. scared of not getting enough Protein - At my most recent appointment with my dietician, she outlined the post-op dietary progression, complete with examples and daily schedules. This helped clarify a lot of my concerns with how this will all play out. She made this document herself and it's an excellent guide. I would be glad to email it to you if you'd like. Also, do you currently use Myfitnesspal app to track your food? If not, I recommend it. It makes tracking so much easier.
5. me too! I know it won't all fall out. It just doesn't...it might thin out though. My cousin had this happen to her. I personally couldn't even "see" the difference in her hair. I could feel it, only because I cut her hair. She didn't love it because at the time she wondered what the extent would be. It was temporary though. Not sure how long....6-9 mod? I forget. She's back to thick, beautiful hair and I'll bet none ever noticed anything different. I hope to be as fortunate.
6. My number 1 fear!!!! My nutritionist and doctor both said that the elasticity of your skin is largely genetic. Age and amount of time overweight and how much does play a part as well. They told me that exercise and toning definitely helps, but no way to totally control it, as far as what I've learned. Let's just pray for the best.
7. That's a really personal one and I think it depends on the degree to which your weight shaped your personality.
Bottom line.... your fears are completely normal. Just keep in mind how much better off you will be and how worth it all the work is. For me, when I compare what life would be like going on the way I am, and what life could be life with the surgery....there's no contest. I'm ready!
Good luck to you!!

I just ordered a sample pack of Protein Drinks from Unjury because they seem to be a favorite by many. I just ran out if my coffee creamer and that's it. I quit. I only drink a cup a day anyway and it's more about the time spent with my husband, watching the morning news with our coffee than about the caffeine. I'm officially switching to herbal tea tomorrow morning. I drink that a lot anyway. As for my co-workers, I didn't tell any of them. I do not feel like telling my story over and over and I don't want to open myself up to negative opinions. Not going there with co-workers. My mom, my husband, my sons, and my best friend know. Period...the people who I know have my back.

I'm new to this site and I'm hoping to meet other March sleevers for sharing and support. I started researching this surgery over a year ago and finally started to put everything into place in October 2014. I have a March 31st surgery date and I could't be happier. I've done all my homework and feel very confident that I'm doing the right thing. Now that I have a date, it can't come fast enough. I'd love to chat with you.

I truly have no idea what my ideal dress size should be but I selected an 8 as it seems more reasonable to me as a goal. I am not hung up on numbers for size or weight as I prefer to focus on being healthy and fit. When I get to my ideal weight, what ever it may be, and my ideal size, who knows what it could be, I'll know it by how I feel. I still have a ways to go as far as weight loss is concerned but I feel so much better and am able to do so much more. I have energy and I feel strong... how can a dress size compete with that??? When I look at a person I don't think to myself is she a size 6 or a size 14, no, I notice if they are fit and comfortable in their own skin, if they are... they are at their ideal size.

I got rid of all my clothes except my biggest pair of pants, a size 22. I hang onto them to remind myself where I have come from when there are days I still see a fat girl in the mirror.

How do you know you're a vet? You have at least one pic of yourself in one leg of your old pants!
Here's mine. Let's see yours!

I just ordered a sample pack of Protein Drinks from Unjury because they seem to be a favorite by many. I just ran out if my coffee creamer and that's it. I quit. I only drink a cup a day anyway and it's more about the time spent with my husband, watching the morning news with our coffee than about the caffeine. I'm officially switching to herbal tea tomorrow morning. I drink that a lot anyway. As for my co-workers, I didn't tell any of them. I do not feel like telling my story over and over and I don't want to open myself up to negative opinions. Not going there with co-workers. My mom, my husband, my sons, and my best friend know. Period...the people who I know have my back.

Kim,
Not glad for your fears, but glad to see someone voicing some of my same concerns that I have wrestled with during my pre-op months. To answer your big question...I think it's a big YES, it's completely normal. This is a major life change. I will comment on each of your fears as you listed them. I hope it will help to give you some peace of mind or at least something to think about.
1. the right decision? -I personally feel confident in my decision because I know that it is the change that will enable me to regain the health (#1), energy, and self-confidence that will make the rest of my life so much better. I f you are at this point in the process, I suspect that you made your decision for similar reasons and I think it's something we have to keep in the front of our mind everyday, to give us strength and motivation. Keep your eye on the prize, so to speak.
2. scared of foods that you will miss out on certain foods....I have to say I still wonder, myself, how I will feel when faced with certain old favorites. I have spoken to people in my local support group who have said that they no longer crave the same foods at all. I'm hoping that this is the case. maybe we can muddle through this one together. ??
3. scared for pain - Not worried about this one. This is my 3rd surgery in 2 years (gallbladder and incisional hernia were my others). The pain is temporary and easily managed with meds. I don't know what your experience with surgery is, but don't let this one worry you too much.
4. scared of not getting enough Protein - At my most recent appointment with my dietician, she outlined the post-op dietary progression, complete with examples and daily schedules. This helped clarify a lot of my concerns with how this will all play out. She made this document herself and it's an excellent guide. I would be glad to email it to you if you'd like. Also, do you currently use Myfitnesspal app to track your food? If not, I recommend it. It makes tracking so much easier.
5. me too! I know it won't all fall out. It just doesn't...it might thin out though. My cousin had this happen to her. I personally couldn't even "see" the difference in her hair. I could feel it, only because I cut her hair. She didn't love it because at the time she wondered what the extent would be. It was temporary though. Not sure how long....6-9 mod? I forget. She's back to thick, beautiful hair and I'll bet none ever noticed anything different. I hope to be as fortunate.
6. My number 1 fear!!!! My nutritionist and doctor both said that the elasticity of your skin is largely genetic. Age and amount of time overweight and how much does play a part as well. They told me that exercise and toning definitely helps, but no way to totally control it, as far as what I've learned. Let's just pray for the best.
7. That's a really personal one and I think it depends on the degree to which your weight shaped your personality.
Bottom line.... your fears are completely normal. Just keep in mind how much better off you will be and how worth it all the work is. For me, when I compare what life would be like going on the way I am, and what life could be life with the surgery....there's no contest. I'm ready!
Good luck to you!!

I just ordered a sample pack of Protein Drinks from Unjury because they seem to be a favorite by many. I just ran out if my coffee creamer and that's it. I quit. I only drink a cup a day anyway and it's more about the time spent with my husband, watching the morning news with our coffee than about the caffeine. I'm officially switching to herbal tea tomorrow morning. I drink that a lot anyway. As for my co-workers, I didn't tell any of them. I do not feel like telling my story over and over and I don't want to open myself up to negative opinions. Not going there with co-workers. My mom, my husband, my sons, and my best friend know. Period...the people who I know have my back.

Thank yall so much, I have never really posted like this and I am so happy that I did.
I am in tears, just knowing I'm not alone feeling this way gives me hope.
Tomorrow I will wake up and approach this with a new attitude, one foot in front of the other....

My surgery date is March 31st as well. I'm so ready and excited for this journey to move forward!

March 31st is my date as well. Ever since I got my date, I've been counting the minutes. I feel so ready!

I'm new to this site and I'm hoping to meet other March sleevers for sharing and support. I started researching this surgery over a year ago and finally started to put everything into place in October 2014. I have a March 31st surgery date and I could't be happier. I've done all my homework and feel very confident that I'm doing the right thing. Now that I have a date, it can't come fast enough. I'd love to chat with you.

YES YES YES I'd do it in a heartbeat and MY ONLY regret is not having it done sooner (I'm 53 and have been overweight since I was 13)! So much so that I don't remember ever in my life being this happy and feeling so healthy and energetic and good!
I've had a REALLY good outcome since day one. I walked 30 minutes after returning to my hospital room from my surgery and didn't feel any pain at all, only minor discomfort due to gas -- which walking helped tremendously, more than anything and I did so every 2 hours -- even at nights. I am down 73 lbs, 8 months out, am a size 10 pants (I have NEVER been a size 10 before) and loving my life.
Good luck, stay positive, stay excited and follow your doctors advises to a T. Keep us posted.

i didn't tell, and i'm getting sleeved tomorrow. i told them i needed surgery, and took one week off and then will be working from home for 3 weeks afterward. i may tell people afterwards, i'm not sure, but i didn't want to hear anything at all that would bring up any negative emotions (anger, fear, doubt, etc) plus i just wasn't in the mood to explain over and over again.
afterwards, i have a feeling i may become an advocate and broadcast it to the world... but for now, nope.

Kim,
Not glad for your fears, but glad to see someone voicing some of my same concerns that I have wrestled with during my pre-op months. To answer your big question...I think it's a big YES, it's completely normal. This is a major life change. I will comment on each of your fears as you listed them. I hope it will help to give you some peace of mind or at least something to think about.
1. the right decision? -I personally feel confident in my decision because I know that it is the change that will enable me to regain the health (#1), energy, and self-confidence that will make the rest of my life so much better. I f you are at this point in the process, I suspect that you made your decision for similar reasons and I think it's something we have to keep in the front of our mind everyday, to give us strength and motivation. Keep your eye on the prize, so to speak.
2. scared of foods that you will miss out on certain foods....I have to say I still wonder, myself, how I will feel when faced with certain old favorites. I have spoken to people in my local support group who have said that they no longer crave the same foods at all. I'm hoping that this is the case. maybe we can muddle through this one together. ??
3. scared for pain - Not worried about this one. This is my 3rd surgery in 2 years (gallbladder and incisional hernia were my others). The pain is temporary and easily managed with meds. I don't know what your experience with surgery is, but don't let this one worry you too much.
4. scared of not getting enough Protein - At my most recent appointment with my dietician, she outlined the post-op dietary progression, complete with examples and daily schedules. This helped clarify a lot of my concerns with how this will all play out. She made this document herself and it's an excellent guide. I would be glad to email it to you if you'd like. Also, do you currently use Myfitnesspal app to track your food? If not, I recommend it. It makes tracking so much easier.
5. me too! I know it won't all fall out. It just doesn't...it might thin out though. My cousin had this happen to her. I personally couldn't even "see" the difference in her hair. I could feel it, only because I cut her hair. She didn't love it because at the time she wondered what the extent would be. It was temporary though. Not sure how long....6-9 mod? I forget. She's back to thick, beautiful hair and I'll bet none ever noticed anything different. I hope to be as fortunate.
6. My number 1 fear!!!! My nutritionist and doctor both said that the elasticity of your skin is largely genetic. Age and amount of time overweight and how much does play a part as well. They told me that exercise and toning definitely helps, but no way to totally control it, as far as what I've learned. Let's just pray for the best.
7. That's a really personal one and I think it depends on the degree to which your weight shaped your personality.
Bottom line.... your fears are completely normal. Just keep in mind how much better off you will be and how worth it all the work is. For me, when I compare what life would be like going on the way I am, and what life could be life with the surgery....there's no contest. I'm ready!
Good luck to you!!

Kim,
Not glad for your fears, but glad to see someone voicing some of my same concerns that I have wrestled with during my pre-op months. To answer your big question...I think it's a big YES, it's completely normal. This is a major life change. I will comment on each of your fears as you listed them. I hope it will help to give you some peace of mind or at least something to think about.
1. the right decision? -I personally feel confident in my decision because I know that it is the change that will enable me to regain the health (#1), energy, and self-confidence that will make the rest of my life so much better. I f you are at this point in the process, I suspect that you made your decision for similar reasons and I think it's something we have to keep in the front of our mind everyday, to give us strength and motivation. Keep your eye on the prize, so to speak.
2. scared of foods that you will miss out on certain foods....I have to say I still wonder, myself, how I will feel when faced with certain old favorites. I have spoken to people in my local support group who have said that they no longer crave the same foods at all. I'm hoping that this is the case. maybe we can muddle through this one together. ??
3. scared for pain - Not worried about this one. This is my 3rd surgery in 2 years (gallbladder and incisional hernia were my others). The pain is temporary and easily managed with meds. I don't know what your experience with surgery is, but don't let this one worry you too much.
4. scared of not getting enough Protein - At my most recent appointment with my dietician, she outlined the post-op dietary progression, complete with examples and daily schedules. This helped clarify a lot of my concerns with how this will all play out. She made this document herself and it's an excellent guide. I would be glad to email it to you if you'd like. Also, do you currently use Myfitnesspal app to track your food? If not, I recommend it. It makes tracking so much easier.
5. me too! I know it won't all fall out. It just doesn't...it might thin out though. My cousin had this happen to her. I personally couldn't even "see" the difference in her hair. I could feel it, only because I cut her hair. She didn't love it because at the time she wondered what the extent would be. It was temporary though. Not sure how long....6-9 mod? I forget. She's back to thick, beautiful hair and I'll bet none ever noticed anything different. I hope to be as fortunate.
6. My number 1 fear!!!! My nutritionist and doctor both said that the elasticity of your skin is largely genetic. Age and amount of time overweight and how much does play a part as well. They told me that exercise and toning definitely helps, but no way to totally control it, as far as what I've learned. Let's just pray for the best.
7. That's a really personal one and I think it depends on the degree to which your weight shaped your personality.
Bottom line.... your fears are completely normal. Just keep in mind how much better off you will be and how worth it all the work is. For me, when I compare what life would be like going on the way I am, and what life could be life with the surgery....there's no contest. I'm ready!
Good luck to you!!

I'm new to this site and I'm hoping to meet other March sleevers for sharing and support. I started researching this surgery over a year ago and finally started to put everything into place in October 2014. I have a March 31st surgery date and I could't be happier. I've done all my homework and feel very confident that I'm doing the right thing. Now that I have a date, it can't come fast enough. I'd love to chat with you.

I'm new to this site and I'm hoping to meet other March sleevers for sharing and support. I started researching this surgery over a year ago and finally started to put everything into place in October 2014. I have a March 31st surgery date and I could't be happier. I've done all my homework and feel very confident that I'm doing the right thing. Now that I have a date, it can't come fast enough. I'd love to chat with you.