Nikki Monroe

The first pic was from prom to right before surgery and months after the next two was today and last month

Thank you so much for your feedback. I will definitely keep an open mind and probably will tell people when I feel I'm ready. My family/friend support is very small so I am definitely thinking about the negativity from others. I shouldn't but I am. I just kind of want to get a grip on my new life before I have to deal with anyone's unsolicited open about my decision. I plan to DEFINITELY stay in this board. I have found it so helpful already!???? Couldn't have said it better! Way to go keeping your priorities about your goals, needs and everything!

So I have made the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery. I also have decided to be very selective on who I share my journey with. A couple of reasons why I decided to keep my sleeve somewhat secret is mainly because I don't want to deal with other peoples opinions on what I have decided to do with my life during the most emotional time in my life. Some people think that losing weight is as easy as just pushing away from the table and have no idea what it means it means to live a life being overweight and unhappy. I'm not saying that I will never tell anyone what I have done to lose such a massive amount of weight in a short period of time. I am just saying that I want to decide when I want to tell people or share my story when I feel that I am emotionally ready and strong enough to do so. People will judge you no matter what you decide to do in your life. That is a true statement. I just choose to have more control over the negativity that I may be subjected to because of people's lack of understanding. I am not ashamed of my decision and I am only doing this because I feel is best for me and my future. I am already a sensitive person by nature and I feel that after surgery, knowing that my hormones will be all over the place, is a time I want to deal with me and my feelings and whatever buyers remorse I may be feeling at that moment without others people input. I may get to a point to where I do want to share my story and perhaps help someone else, but at this point my focus is on making sure that I am healthy physically and mentally. Please share your thoughts with me.

I did the same. I will tell people on my terms when I'm ready. No ones business.

I think everyone needs to do what works best for them! If that's your feelings on it, then that's the best thing for you! Congrats on your decision to change your life and its great you have selected the people you can trust to be on board with you during the process. Celebrate the successes!
Personally, I felt the same way. I was only telling immediate family. I am 5'7'' and started at 256lbs. After surgery and recovery (I'd say after the first month) I had a change of heart on telling my story. I decided I was viewing the surgery as shameful because I do have close family members who have very negative views on wls. However, as my confidence grew, I decided that their views are their issues. I cannot own them. I am EXCITED about the changes and progress. I am not ashamed to have had the surgery (I am also not saying you are. I understand you are different) It is not the easy road. I also only keep close friends who I trust near me or on social media and my profiles are public. Since I wasn't getting the type of support I needed from my family, I turned to Facebook and "came out of the closet" so to speak on surgery. It was a WONDERFUL response. Total support and encouragement. Other friends who have thought about surgery have privately messaged me for advice or my story as well. I am open about it with those I trust and sometimes with general people I see on a day to day basis (one, because I cannot deny the rapid change and two, because I'm proud of it)
It took many years to decide that being healthy physically, emotionally and any other way wasn't about anyone else. I am able to roll their comments off that I don't want and focus on staying true to the purpose of the surgery and life change. I only share this because while you are deciding this now, If I may suggest, keep an open mind about the decision. There are risks when telling someone... judgement, comments, etc. BUT there are also many more people who will support and encourage you as you go through the progress!!
In the mean time, stay on the boards They are a great support and we love helping each other!!!

I don't blame you one bit.

It was similar for me. Only my husband and my niece who took care of me the first week post-op knew about my surgery. 6 months later I've only added 4 people and of course my doctors.
I told one person I wish I could un-do. I keep thinking of what an old timer sleever told me, you can't undo who you tell so I'm very careful.
It's no ones business. It's personal. When someone asks me about my weight loss, I just say "ask me again in a year" and I'll let you know how it's going". No one has probed any further.

I did the same. I told only my 3 immediate family members and my 3 closest girlfriends. I was lucky that I had to get my gall bladder removed at the same time, so if anyone else found out I was in the hospital it was for Gall Bladder Removal. When people ask about my weight loss, I just say that I'm on a high Protein, low carb diet and eating 5 small meals a day.......exercising a ton. All of that is the truth, right?
It's your business, no one else's.

So I have made the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery. I also have decided to be very selective on who I share my journey with. A couple of reasons why I decided to keep my sleeve somewhat secret is mainly because I don't want to deal with other peoples opinions on what I have decided to do with my life during the most emotional time in my life. Some people think that losing weight is as easy as just pushing away from the table and have no idea what it means it means to live a life being overweight and unhappy. I'm not saying that I will never tell anyone what I have done to lose such a massive amount of weight in a short period of time. I am just saying that I want to decide when I want to tell people or share my story when I feel that I am emotionally ready and strong enough to do so. People will judge you no matter what you decide to do in your life. That is a true statement. I just choose to have more control over the negativity that I may be subjected to because of people's lack of understanding. I am not ashamed of my decision and I am only doing this because I feel is best for me and my future. I am already a sensitive person by nature and I feel that after surgery, knowing that my hormones will be all over the place, is a time I want to deal with me and my feelings and whatever buyers remorse I may be feeling at that moment without others people input. I may get to a point to where I do want to share my story and perhaps help someone else, but at this point my focus is on making sure that I am healthy physically and mentally. Please share your thoughts with me.

I have only told my immediate family and two work colleagues. I don't think it is anyone's business either. I know some people are curious and have asked me how I am losing weight. I just tell them healthy eating and exercise

I have been very selective in who I've told as well. I just don't think it is anyone's business. The only people in my life that know are my mom and two friends, and one of those friends I've only told because she underwent the same procedure with the same doctor a month prior to me. So it has been helpful to be able to compare with her.
If anyone asks me I just tell them that I've been eating healthy, which is true. If anyone ever comes out and specifically asks if I had surgery I won't lie, but I'm not volunteering that information.
It's totally up to each person who they tell. Some people are happy with telling everyone they know and having a huge support, while there are those of us who would rather be more private and don't necessarily need all their Facebook friends knowing every detail. I think this is why a lot of the vsg instagram accounts are pretty anonymous. They can get the support, without necessarily telling their friends and family.

I only told one person, and that person told one person. So best way to keep it a secret is not to tell anyone.

I can't say I blame you Nikki... I made a very similar choice (despite my blog), but I was fortunate enough to have my wife and 2 VERY close friends on board. I absolutely recommend letting at least 1 person you trust know pre-op for support, but beyond that, do your thing...

So I have made the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery. I also have decided to be very selective on who I share my journey with. A couple of reasons why I decided to keep my sleeve somewhat secret is mainly because I don't want to deal with other peoples opinions on what I have decided to do with my life during the most emotional time in my life. Some people think that losing weight is as easy as just pushing away from the table and have no idea what it means it means to live a life being overweight and unhappy. I'm not saying that I will never tell anyone what I have done to lose such a massive amount of weight in a short period of time. I am just saying that I want to decide when I want to tell people or share my story when I feel that I am emotionally ready and strong enough to do so. People will judge you no matter what you decide to do in your life. That is a true statement. I just choose to have more control over the negativity that I may be subjected to because of people's lack of understanding. I am not ashamed of my decision and I am only doing this because I feel is best for me and my future. I am already a sensitive person by nature and I feel that after surgery, knowing that my hormones will be all over the place, is a time I want to deal with me and my feelings and whatever buyers remorse I may be feeling at that moment without others people input. I may get to a point to where I do want to share my story and perhaps help someone else, but at this point my focus is on making sure that I am healthy physically and mentally. Please share your thoughts with me.

So I have made the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery. I also have decided to be very selective on who I share my journey with. A couple of reasons why I decided to keep my sleeve somewhat secret is mainly because I don't want to deal with other peoples opinions on what I have decided to do with my life during the most emotional time in my life. Some people think that losing weight is as easy as just pushing away from the table and have no idea what it means it means to live a life being overweight and unhappy. I'm not saying that I will never tell anyone what I have done to lose such a massive amount of weight in a short period of time. I am just saying that I want to decide when I want to tell people or share my story when I feel that I am emotionally ready and strong enough to do so. People will judge you no matter what you decide to do in your life. That is a true statement. I just choose to have more control over the negativity that I may be subjected to because of people's lack of understanding. I am not ashamed of my decision and I am only doing this because I feel is best for me and my future. I am already a sensitive person by nature and I feel that after surgery, knowing that my hormones will be all over the place, is a time I want to deal with me and my feelings and whatever buyers remorse I may be feeling at that moment without others people input. I may get to a point to where I do want to share my story and perhaps help someone else, but at this point my focus is on making sure that I am healthy physically and mentally. Please share your thoughts with me.

That sounds scary but thank you for sharing. Definitely something to look for afterwards. Hopefully it goes away soon!????

Thanks!

Anyone from the St. Louis metro area?

Syntrax Nectar Protein powders come in fruit flavors that are way better than any chocolate or vanilla flavors and way tastier than those nasty Premier Protein shakes so many people drink. The fuzzy navel and Roadside Lemonade are my favorites. Mix with Water and serve over ice. They're amazing. You can go on Syntrax's website to get their phone number and call for free samples.< /p>

I use Premier Protein drinks to get my Protein in daily - otherwise I'd be well below my needed daily amount. I don't know about free samples but I get cases of 12 for just shy of $12 at Sam's Club. Here's the website for the Premier Protein page:
http://www.premierprotein.com/tasty-shake-recipes/
I do the chocolate and the strawberries & cream. Both are delicious! Only 1g of sugar, 30g of protein and only 2 net carbs. I'm so glad I found them because I was having so much trouble getting my protein in. I take them sometimes and put fruit pieces in an ice pop mold and pour the Protein Drink in it and freeze. So yummy.

Depending on where you go in the future you'll probably find many times that you are much more educated about your needs and this subject vsg than some of the doctors, nurses and pharmacists you'll meet. Your maintenance for this is a life long affair, you're going to find that it's you that need check all your P's and Q's, teach them or tell them out right, making sure others are on focus when they work with you is a good thing to stay on top of.
Go to a meeting in your area if you find they have them, learn from others directly what they do and need post surgery and the effects of all things.
I gained a lot back also, but I still can't over eat a single dish and the less I consume it seems the stomach adjusts as well.
So Vitamins, B12, Calcium or no, vit D's ? get into it and know what's what BUT the diet is what's big here, perfect your know how and keep doing it all, added exercise is a key further on and easier with out being as big.
Oh, also bring flushable wipes to the hospital, you'll be messy afterward, some blood and poo can be so uncomfortable, LOL.
I have several injuries which set me back as well, I will be working harder and must go back to adhering to rules I set long before. Some are, no take out, no pizza, no alcohol, daily walks too. scales are handy at first, I should be doing it all the same and keeping counts but I fudge it all away since when.
Personal low is 255, after highest was 420, now above 300 again. Sorry, maybe not what you'd want to here, but I've seen others go all the way. And afterwards getting tucked and such a beautiful result, my never regret is comfort of still weighing less but not enough unfortunately. Take grain of salt, everything is not magic and not done 1'2'3, although at first it certainly is.

Start getting in better shape now. I walked, lifted, and did as much as I could 5 times a week getting ready for surgery. Started practicing eating slower for lunch. Watched many videos, talked to people who had been through it. Oh, but best work was preparing for the mental changes with my therapist and worked through this book: http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1436729032&sr=8-13&keywords=bariatric+book If you drink, like I did, you need to assess how to wean yourself off. Ditto cigs, and slowly cut the caffeine. Don't try to cram it into the final week, you will feel horrible, just put it on a calendar and do it in a controlled manner. Followed the pre-op diet to the letter Shopped two weeks before surgery for the foods I would need for the first two weeks. Revised my will and power's of attorney just in case something went wrong Tried pureed meal ideas before surgery so I had some meal plans. The result of this work - flawless surgery, up and running a day later, no real drop in energy, and ready for the change. Its been a great ride. Off BP meds/CPAP and the sex is incredible, but that's in a different forum (look up sex, oh my god sex in the men's room if you need motivation).

That's interesting! I love the Isopure Zero Carb vanilla powder. I'm including some recipes I got from the Isopure site except I use one scoop of powder instead of two in the shakes. These might be more for when you can add a little fruit, etc. When I was preop I made the simpler recipes that didn't have fruit. My husband even likes them and he's not even trying to lose or anything. I always make them with skim milk.
banana Egg Nog
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or Water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
1 banana chunk (2” frozen)
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or Water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Mocchachino
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
1/2 tsp instant espresso
2 tsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
chocolate Peanut Butter Cup
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
1/2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Banana Peanut Butter Cup
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Cookies and Cream
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
2 sugar-free chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies
1 tbs Cool Whip
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Pina Colada
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
2 pineapple chunks (1" frozen)
1/2 tsp pure coconut extract
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!
Creamy Banana
1/2 cup of milk, soy milk, rice milk or water
1 scoop of Zero Carb Isopure Creamy Vanilla Powder
1 cup of ice cubes
1 banana chunk (2" frozen)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Combine milk or water, Isopure and ice cubes in blender on high for 30 seconds. Then add additional ingredients and blend again for 30 seconds. Enjoy!

I got my Protein powder samples at Nashua Nutrition online. That's also where I ordered my Vitamins. Just a heads up, they came in clear plastic bags with a label that just had the brand and flavor - no nutritional information or instructions. The instructions came on a separate sheet of paper.
So far I've liked all of them except the Isopure Zero Carb (the pre-made drinks are my fave, but I'm not a fan of the powder).

What are some things you think people should know that may or may not be commonly discussed, do's or dont's or anything else. Please help! Thanks!