ANewBeginning15

I have not posted in over a year, but today I went on my annual zoo trip to Celebrate my new life. I had my surgery in June 2012 and I am 3 years post op. I had a rough first few months. I threw up a lot and generally thought I had made a mistake. However then the weight started to come off and I was able to get into smaller and smaller sizes. Finally my pouch and I figured things out. I am able to eat anything I want at this point. I feel like I finally eat like a normal person. I got my dream job about a year after surgery. I am really active now and completed my first triathlon in October last year.
I started out weighing 256 and today I weigh about 143. I went from a size 22 to a 2-4.
Please know that things get better and the weight will come off. All your dreams are possible!
I have added my official before and after picture that I take every year at the zoo!  

Don't wait do it now if u can while your young u can't really stretch your stomach I can't believe that u get full fast with a smaller stomach u can eat things just in smaller portions I'm a bit over three months post op if u are very heavy that's a hard job to have and why give your time to allow ppl to criticize you instead of living your life what if u wait and things change in health care as they are constantly doing they make us pay tons of money for insurance plans that cover less and less u may never get it why wait to have health problems go for it now

I mixed unjury chocolate Protein powder with fat free Greek yogurt (considered a full liquid). Very satisfying and 40g of Protein.

@checkmeowt@nervous nana I was very drained yesterday. Could barely keep my eyes open. I'm feeling much better been up walking around. Sitting up in my chair. I have the pain pum next to me, my new best friend...
Nothing by mouth. Only cool ice Water sponge in my mouth. Tomorrow i may get liquids. One possible setback in the OR... they had a hard time getting the breathing tube down my throat. They almost couldnt proceed with yhr surgery as I would have been truly brpken... Thanks to a very diligent surgical and anesthesia team. I will continud ro send updates!!! Thanks for your well wishes!

You're on the other side now!! Congratulations!! I hope you continue to heal quickly...welcome to your new healthy life. I can't wait to join you!!!

Good morning well its the morning of my surgery. For months I have been anticipating and wondering how am I going to feel. I'm absolutely NUMB!!! The excitement is in the back of my mind but fear, worry is in front. I'm getting out of bed laughing at myself because I have been so strong and fighting for this day... I'm DOING this no matter what so I'm getting my BUTT in gear. Just needed to get this out my head. Needing your prayers today family, lol!!! Ok wow, I'm feeling better just writing these words. This site has the most amazing energy!!! Thanks for the ear, prayers and encouragement in advanced. I will keep everyone posted!

The first 3 months were extremely difficult and down right frustrating to me....I was as hungry as ever, surgery or not, actually gained weight after my first fill of 4cc's, Was told I needed to start counting calories, measuring portions, etc, which is all fine...but that was everything I did on every diet I have ever been on....I didn't need to go through surgery to repeat the same old stuff that failed every time....Surgery was supposed to be different , No?
Felt I wasted all my time , all the preparation, the anxiety, and $$...all for a big nothing!!!!!
But know this, and this is from MY experience only....after a few months, a few fills, things did change....my hunger, cravings, the need for food all were taken care of...the inability to overeat...no more binge eating....all gone!
It did take a while FOR ME to adjust to what the band was doing, not the other way around....but once I did stat to earn new habits, this lap band surgery became the BEST, EASIEST, GREATEST thing I could have ever done....I lost all my excess weight...and it was, and still is, Heaven...
It did become "The easy way out".....HOWEVER...and I did have to go through Hell, (bandster hell) to get to Heaven. It was difficult, hard work.
Unfortunately, from what I read, many people are not up to the challenge, resist change...so they back down....then come back and say the band failed them, it's not working, or they can't keep anything down because they refuse to change what and how they eat...
So yes, it can be tough....and sometimes change is hard....we don't like change, least I don't.
But all I am saying is this thing does work!

Just my opinion, but yes, it does get much much easier. Remember, you have to go through each phase for a reason, and remind yourself they are temporary ,NOT forever. I was banded 2 weeks before Christmas, so I get your whole "cant eat like the others, etc. " But remember, the "others "didn't choose to have WLS, but you did to get healthy and strong ! So instead of trying to turn to food to deal with stress, try finding a non food hobby or something that makes you happy. We've all been in your shoes, so keeping a positive, '' I can do it !" attitude will get you alot farther than an "I can't have it " attitude . When your pants start getting loose and you start getting compliments, you'll know why it was sooooo worth it !! Good luck !!

I am not into telling people about my upcoming procedure. Too many judgy people. I've told my parents, boss, two coworkers, and my Girl Scout co leader. I'll probably tell a few others, but honestly it's none of their business.

Just left ER, they were concerned about my fever of 3 days...but no worries, all was good. Was just my body fighting off stuff. All labs came back good and no leak! Whew.

Thank you, Lady Rouge. I haven't even told my mother. :-/ I'm just private in that way.

Hello! I've been approved for surgery and I'm scheduled for surgery in Houston on June 19th. I haven't told anyone about this surgery. I've kept it private, which I'm sure I'll be happy abut in the long run,but for now that means I don't have a sounding board. I Also need a hernia repaired, which makes for a good cover. I'm ready to get this over with. I know it's what I need to do, but I feel nervous and a little alone. I have 2 kids and I'm divorced. I don't want them to worry about me. Well, thanks for reading this

Hello! I've been approved for surgery and I'm scheduled for surgery in Houston on June 19th. I haven't told anyone about this surgery. I've kept it private, which I'm sure I'll be happy abut in the long run,but for now that means I don't have a sounding board. I Also need a hernia repaired, which makes for a good cover. I'm ready to get this over with. I know it's what I need to do, but I feel nervous and a little alone. I have 2 kids and I'm divorced. I don't want them to worry about me. Well, thanks for reading this

Yay!! I'm still waiting for my approval to come through. Hope to hear something either today or Monday!!

@@Java91 I may get nervous about the surgery as I get closer to my date (June 15) because I had a mini panic attack before my sleep study (all I had to do was sleep!) and before I got my EGD done. lol. So we will see what happens. But for now I am nervous/excited about all of the post-surgery changes in my life.
Yes, the inspirational stories have really been very motivating! It's really exciting to see them all!!

@@Java91 Isn't it a crazy feeling? I keep thinking about what life is going to be like after being sleeved. I fell like I am going to have a completely different life, be a completely different person. I maybe wrong but that is what I am feeling right now, that is why I am nervous about surgery instead of being nervous about the surgery its self.

I can't believe I will be sleeved in less than two weeks! I called my surgeon's office to confirm that I had all my ducks in a row and they told me I am good to go on June 15th! I can't believe this is happening so fast, even though when I started this process in Octobter it seemed like it would take forever. Enjoying this last week of eating my favorite food and trying to finish up all my favorite wines I have on hand. I start my pre-op diet on Monday which consists of 1000 calories a day followed by a liquid diet three days before surgery. Good luck eveyone, I am looking forward to seeing everyone's progress.
On another note, my mom has come around, a little. She bought me a new robe for my hospital stay. She was not thrilled I was having this procedure, but at least now she will acknowledge it. See you on the losers bench!

Went through the surgery yesterday. I was in minimal pain yesterday. Today the soreness got worse. No nausea since right afterwards in recovery, but I have a good tolerance for Anestesia. 14 surgeries on grafts In my arms in a little over a year will do that. Just had my first oz of Water. Good luck to everyone!! Keep us updated. I know reading about what everyone was going through made me feel less alone.

I drink the clear Isopure in a bottle, it's 2g/oz and not as heavy as the shakes. However, I keep having to stop after each oz and wait for spasms...so I'm slow on intake.

I have an awesome post but I'm looking to share and receive this journey with other June 1st sleevers.
How's your pre liquid diet coming along? For me it varies, sometime through out the day it's easier then it might get harder. I think the hard part is when I start cooking dinner and my mouth starts to Water. After i doing some chores I just don't have any energy for the rest of the day. Starting weight 285, current weight 260/259 couldn't tell on scale.< /p>

What would you do differently based on the number on the scale to keep you "on track"?
Get in all your Protein and Water? Minimize carbs? Exercise?
If you are doing what you are supposed to do then the daily number on the scale shouldn't influence what you do every day. You will see trends better if you weigh once a week or less often. Then, you can adjust your daily goals.

I can't believe it. I started my liquid diet today. Got a call around lunch time that my surgery was bumped up 2 days to the 17th. Was supposed to be the 19th. Now I'm 2 days more nervous!!

If you're doing a documented 6 month diet program, don't they keep accurate records...weigh ins?
I know I had to go weekly......
Later on, after your surgery, you'll want to weight yourself often...it is a positive motivational tool to see the weight coming off....
I did, and even though I am done loosing I still weight myself everyday, sometimes twice...it's a positive reinforcement.

I can't believe it. I started my liquid diet today. Got a call around lunch time that my surgery was bumped up 2 days to the 17th. Was supposed to be the 19th. Now I'm 2 days more nervous!!

Hey! I'm a teacher and also scheduled for the 19th of June