steph_anie

I was sleeved Oct 12, 2015. So far I'm down 60 lbs. I have 40 lbs. to go.

So today, just a few days before my 1 year anniversary of STARTING my program I've reached my goal weight! I started at 280lbs. I'm at 150lbs. Lost 60 of it before surgery! You guys this feels amazing. Size 24/26 to an 8.
Sent from my LG-H634 using the BariatricPal App

DIET SODA!
CAFFEINE!
A STRAW!
Ohhhhh, I am beginning to feel weak. I better lie down.

PS. Congratulations on your great weight loss efforts.

Truth. I'm very full after a Coke Zero.
Also true. If I drink a Coke Zero out of a bottle, the carbonation is too much and it can be painful. A fountain drink or a bottle poured over ice is much better.
Drinking your calories is bad, especially if you are getting zero nutritional value. Diet soda, on the other hand, is not an issue.
So NOT true. Air doesn't stretch a sleeve. In fact food shouldn't stretch a sleeve if the procedure is done right and the patient doesn't chronically overeat to discomfort. Even then, the "stretching" is minimal as there is so little fundus left over after surgery.
Straws have nothing to do with anything. I giggle every time I read/hear this.
For the record, I'm almost three years out, at goal weight, maintaining beautifully and sipping a Coke Zero through a straw as we speak.

When was the last time you were scared for your physical safety? I mean really scared? Middle school? In the military? Most women are scared everyday. You didn't probably realize this because you never thought to ask. They get scared in parking garages, walking to the car at night. I never made that connection. I used to get mad when my ex would wake me up to investigate a noise she thought she heard at night, but at least now I understand it.
That's why security is soooo very important to women. I have read a large number of books and articles trying to understand women. Most are sappy, and are opinions based on some observations or feelings, but I never felt that there was any hard science behind it. And look women are complex. Freud never understood women. Neither did Einstein. I mean really:
Why do they have to go the bathroom in packs? Why do they shop the way they do? Why do they keep getting upset when they tell you a problem and you try to solve it? Why does she need to be held? I just finished Dr. John Gottman's book: The Man's Guide to Women: Scientifically Proven Secrets from the "Love Lab" About What Women Really Want - https://goo.gl/x5hTjI. (for full disclosure, I don't read books, I listen to them while doing chores and exercising. This was a good and entertaining listen).
I'm not saying that you will understand everything the women in your life are doing, but thanks to the insights from the Gotman Lab, at least you will be able to understand the differences between you and her. This isn't a "blame the hormones" book, but it does explain just how profound the impact is. This one is a nice mix of humor, science, medicine and serious behavioral research to give you some clues as to what is going on, and how you can make the woman in your life happier.
We men are easy. What do we want? Less bitching, more sex. If you can break her code, you will get it. You will live longer and better in a solid relationship, so invest in yourself. My divorce cost me over well over six figures (and worth every damn penny), but my current relationship is one that I want to last. I think I picked up some good ideas to help make it grow.
If you are not in a relationship, there are some good tips on how to start one. There are good ideas on how to really seduce your woman. Some nice salacious tips on how to have an even better time in the bedroom.
In short, dang good book. If anyone has read it, I'd appreciate hearing some of your takeaways. This may not be a long thread, but if you do read it, feel free to post your thoughts.
(Note to lady lurkers: Feel free to chime in on this one. Because this book isn't a "blame" book, you might really enjoy it too.

Down 47 lbs since surgery, 100 since the start of the program. Still catching myself eating too fast unfortunately. Not to the point of being sick, just a notch or two too fast. Started going to gym 6 days a week, 1 hour a day since the new year brought a 24 hour gym to the island! No complaints or regrets!

Thanks so much for your responses. I spend hours reading what everyone on here has to say. It is helping with my anxiety.
Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App

hair - depending upon surgery YES you may have Hair loss. More hair loss with gastric bypass, less with the sleeve. I lost some hair, but it's regrowing and I never had a bald spot. I had the sleeve.
I did not have drainage tubes. I don't think most people do...but ask the surgeon.
I had some dry heaves and nausea post-surgery but I think mine was an adverse reaction to the type of anesthesia they used. I was fine after a few days.
As for gas pain - there is some gas left in your body after you have the surgery and walking around and moving gets it out. You can burp and/or fart (sorry if TMI!) but it will make you feel better to MOVE MOVE MOVE.
The benefits of the surgery far outweigh a little hair loss, the possible inconvenience of drains, or gas.
Ask questions of your surgical team! What surgery are you having? GOOD LUCK!

Surgery date was October 26 2015. Starting weight 280, surgery day weight 222. Today I'm at 169.3, meaning I'm only 9 lbs away from goal weight suggested by surgeon. I'm so excited!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

Surgery date was October 26 2015. Starting weight 280, surgery day weight 222. Today I'm at 169.3, meaning I'm only 9 lbs away from goal weight suggested by surgeon. I'm so excited!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

Surgery date was October 26 2015. Starting weight 280, surgery day weight 222. Today I'm at 169.3, meaning I'm only 9 lbs away from goal weight suggested by surgeon. I'm so excited!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

Surgery date was October 26 2015. Starting weight 280, surgery day weight 222. Today I'm at 169.3, meaning I'm only 9 lbs away from goal weight suggested by surgeon. I'm so excited!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

Stephanie,
You're making ME cry!
What a great story. You are a driven, dedicated person who can achieve anything you want. What a great life you're going to have.

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

My name is Stephanie, 25 years old. Been in the food industry since I was 16. I grew up with food and the idea that you had to clean your plate before you got up from table. It was insane how much I ate in general. I got to 280 lbs before I made changes. I went to UTMB bariatric program and was blown away by how ready I was. They really prepared me for it with their 3 month program (that turned into 5 months because I had to wait to save up the money for surgery). I lost 58 lbs before surgery. With a one pre-surgery diet day of inconvenient bathroom breaks, I felt it gave me less time to rethink/reconsider the surgery. I went into surgery at 222lbs. I joined a gym that allowed for my hours of working out at midnight. I went from couch potato to 6 days a week at the gym for an hour even after a crazy dinner service. See first photo, I was one of most active members of the gym for its first month! Today I'm a close to 4 months out, and I weigh 168lbs. I cried today when I bought jeans, and was able to buy a 13, in JUNIORS! I used to wear a 24/26. I cried. I can't tell you how much I love the surgery for giving me the opportunity to be a better me!

@@steph_anie
Beautiful!
You must be so proud of all the things you have achieved. Have a good cry over your size 13 Junior jeans. They are super cute. .......You are a certified GYM RAT.

Have you tried making Protein Mug Cake? I find that the Protein Powder is much more palatable that way. There are lots of different recipes online. Personally, I just use a scoop of chocolate Protein powder, some Stevia, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and sometimes a bit of PB2. Mix, add some almond milk (or real milk or water), mix again. Microwave for about 35-45 seconds. The key is that it is still a little runny. If it is dry you will probably hate it.

I only smoke pot, no cigs. And no problems as of 1 week post op.

I hear you. I joined a gym this week but so far I haven't included exercise into my program at all. I need to make time for exercising! I think as a mom of young kids (3&5) I forget about self-care. And exercise will likely help push us through these stalls.
Ok I'm committing to actually entering the gym I joined! Haha

@@steph_anie wow, you are doing amazing!!! I sometimes wonder why I was so scared of the surgery to begin with!! I had the Roux N Y. Lots of sleever's on here & everyone seems to be doing well with both surgery's!!

I was sleeved on 10/26/15. Started the program at 280 I'm at 180 now. Surgery day I was at 222. Feeling amazing.