tcon

I'm only four months out, and my problem is I can't stop smiling. It is worth every trade off I have made. Truly a second chance at life.

Some people do seem to regret the surgery, but it's usually briefly while they are still recovering from surgery. Most everyone I know personally and on this forum (which is self-selecting) seems to be happy with their decision with one or two exceptions.
I think the folks who have the biggest difficulty are those who:
experience significant physical complications (whether related to surgery or not);
those who have unrealistic expectations and think the surgery is going to magically make them slim, healthy, and happy without any effort on their part;
those who struggle with significant issues (like addictions, mental illness, marital problems, etc.) who think that surgery will magically cure all their ills;
And/or, those who are just generally unhappy with everything.
There is a reason a psych eval is required for most of us. Issues like those listed above won't bar us from having surgery, but it is extremely helpful to identify areas where we may need extra help.
I encourage you not to put too much weight on one person's experience when making your decision. Talk to lots of people (on here and in support groups) so you can make your decision based on a full range of experiences.

@@Inner Surfer Girl Basically what I was going to type but it would have taken me 45 minutes to do so

On November 19th I stepped on the scale and was shocked to see 198.9...,....ONEDERLAND
Today I was 198 and I officially weigh what my drivers license says I do! WOO HOO!! LOL
So now onward and downward to my next goal of 175lbs.

I just crossed the 2-month post-op mark and while I concede it might just be the honeymoon phase talking, I feel like I'm finally finding some emotional and mental stability. The past few years I've been a mess at times: Moody, socially anxious, angry... but I've (and family) noticed lately that I'm in a better mood with more patience. Just curious if others have experienced similar changes and if you found them to be temporary or permanent?

I flew to Dallas for my first post op appointment. I am 15 days out. I am doing fantastic. Could not be any better. At home it is easy to eat right because I have everything there that I need. This morning at the hotel for Breakfast, it was a "free" one with eggs, bacon, Cereal, Bagels, cream cheese, you know the ones. I have always pigged out at those. This morning I had a yogurt, juice, and milk. They may seem like a small thing but I actually made a good choice! I CAN do it!!!!!!

Run!!!!!

Run fast!!!

I stayed the same this week.
Don't forget I'll be at Disney next week, and won't be updating the spreadsheet until much later/the Monday after.
Also, I'm looking for someone to take over the challenges at the end of this one. I've got a lot of (great) things going on, and I don't feel that I can update the spreadsheet in a timely enough manner anymore.

One year ago today I had gastric sleeve and the removal of my gallbladder surgery. One year later, I have lost a total of 96 pounds. I feel great, look great, and will continue on with my weight lost journey. I can't say that this journey has been easy because it has not. Losing weight and keeping it off is a choice that I make daily. I choose to eat foods that will aid in my weight lost. Now I can't say I don't occasionally have cake, pies, Cookies and ice cream because I do. I don't believe in depriving myself of foods I enjoy eating however I know how to control my portions and not over indulge in it. My diet consist of almost 95% unprocessed food. I love eating fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat.
My blood levels started off really good although I continue to have low Vitamin D. My last test results revealed low thiamine and too much Vitamin B12, imagine that. I don't eat bread and that is what may cause my low thiamine therefore I have since begun to take a supplement for it. Taking your supplements is key in not becoming malnutrition. Also following the instructions of your nutritionist and surgeon. They truly have your best interest at heart.
Life this past year has been really good on this side of the losers bench. I hope everyone on this journey is having a great experience. If not, just keep at it. Never give up! Don't be afraid to try new things......Live outside that box that confined you for so long.
Here's to the Losers......on the Losers Bench!

I'll be 4 months post-op on the 30th and it's still hard. It's not easy and you will be tempted but remind yourself that it will be worth it. I remember the day before surgery going to church and watching everyone eat pizza...one of my favorites. I literally wanted to cry.
I also have 3 kids (almost 16, 14 and 11, all boys) and a hubby who love to eat. I'm almost certain he has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know. I can't expect them to eat like I do. I hoping they're picking up on my healthier choices.
You can do it. Stay strong and focused. Think long term not temporarily!

188.9

198.4 WOOHOO finally made it into onderland!!!

Stats so far! Still going:)

Today is 3 months post op and I have made it to onederland. I stood on the scale this morning and it said 198. I can't believe it. 79 pounds down total. Hw 277, Sw 246, Cw 198. Age 34. Still have 48 to go to get to personal goal. It now seems achievable.

Hey, here's a theory....maybe hairloss is the result of everyone stressing over stalls and not losing "fast enough", not the actual surgery!

Yes, some days I can eat more than others at 15 months out. That's why I'm extra careful with my choices now, because if I ate corn dogs and toast I would gain weight. Being able to eat more is the natural process of WLS, so that's why it's important to eat clean, non processed food and stick to mostly Protein, veggies and low sugar fruits.
The sleeve is not supposed to do the work for you. You have to work the sleeve by eating properly most of the time because it does lose its effectiveness as time goes on. If you haven't adopted healthy eating habits, expect regain. That's just the cold, hard truth.
Stay away from the corn dogs except as an occasional treat!

You look fabulous. Keep up the great work. If you don't mind me asking, What was you surgery weight?

You look fabulous. Keep up the great work. If you don't mind me asking, What was you surgery weight?

ABSO-F'ING-LUTELY. I can go on long hikes, mud runs, get dressed up and look hot for their events, keep up, do whatever I want, shop wherever I want, wear whatever I want, and enjoy myself without feeling self conscious... Totally worth a few pieces of pizza, some cake or potato chips. food no longer leads my life. I DO.

I'll be 4 months post-op on the 30th and it's still hard. It's not easy and you will be tempted but remind yourself that it will be worth it. I remember the day before surgery going to church and watching everyone eat pizza...one of my favorites. I literally wanted to cry.
I also have 3 kids (almost 16, 14 and 11, all boys) and a hubby who love to eat. I'm almost certain he has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know. I can't expect them to eat like I do. I hoping they're picking up on my healthier choices.
You can do it. Stay strong and focused. Think long term not temporarily!

Why did you buy them? Or, rather, such a big bag?
No judgment. It's all a choice.
What kind of ideas do you need?

It's not the calories or the salt or the butter. It's the empty carbs that really aren't recommended, especially when you are in your losing stage.
Once you have figured out maintenance, have at it, but until then *I'd SUGGEST* you proceed with caution.

I'm 20 months out, and have been at my goal for a few months now.
BEFORE

AFTER (Actually, I lost about 5 more pounds after the "after" photo was taken.) :-)

I'm on the left, daughter on the right.

@@smcbee79
Your nerves have been cut along with swelling in your remaining sleeve. I'm sure your full signal is not being felt yet for those reasons. Make sure you're still measuring out portions instead of trying to eat until you're full. It's just a good habit to get into, and you really should only eat until satisfied, not full. It does take a little practice to get used to not stuffing ourselves.
Remember, just because you can, doesn't mean you should