amanda6033

Vsg 121213, 20 months out -- 240 to 170/173 at 5'8", highest ever 293 lowest post op 154 (due to flu) but I prefer 160/165   

2 1/2 months post op... -54lbs so far....

360+ lbs in 2010
314 DOS
234 lbs today
It's been 7 months and I now have faith that I will see ONEderland

3 weeks post VSG <20 lbs

I am 1 year post op today. Before pic I was 385 and after pic taken this past weekend, I am 215. 170 lbs gone!

These kind of thoughts and feelings are common during the first few months out. I went extreme (strong adherence to the rules, low calorie, low carb, no eating out, exercising everyday) for the first six months and then finally it all got better. This was not because I could eat more and go to restaurants, but because I got so use to the structure and routine that it became second nature.
So, my advice is to give it time. You said you lost your two best friends. Although they are not people, you may have to try and move on like they really were. When someone close to me passes away, it pisses me off to hear that it gets better with time. Because at that moment, the pain is real and its unimaginable how will your life could ever be the same without your "friends.". However, you learn strategies to help cope and have to reach out to others for support when you feel like you are losing it.
My best defenses are my CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), and medication. I take Wellbutrin XR to ward off binging, food addiction, and depression. It's not a wonder drug, but seems to help.

Good luck to us all...
Don't worry about what others think...
I for instance would rather them talk about me getting healthy, instead of talking about me at my funeral. Happy Place!!!!! .....Everyone one don't let negative take you from it. Every since I've started my journey I've been in my HAPPY PLACE( DAILY). It's been along time that I've had multiple days, unobtainable goal, that I believe in myself

I think most of us only tell people who we think are going to be supportive, and like me, are surprised to learn that they actually aren't. My brother for example, struggled with his weight all his life, yet still does not support my decision. Yes, I was shocked. I would never tell anyone who is knowingly unsupportive, and I'm sure no one else would either. Please don't assume.

2 half yrs out still maintaining

4 months out

Ill have to get a body comparison later but heres a headshot from before surgery and at about the 6 month mark with a weight loss of about 154lbs. Im currently at 174lb total loss as of my last weigh in

Will be 6 months out on the 27th

125 pounds lost

I'm almost 19 months out - 293 to 175

4 mos and 3 days post sleeve and I've lost 72lbs. I'm excited and can really tell a difference. I bought some new jeans (again), a fitted T-shirt, and a dress today. I remembered the love I had for the person looking back at me in the mirror. I've missed this me, for so long. And I'm so happy to have her back!!

January 2015, 2 month before surgery
August 2015, 4 months post

I'm still a work in progress! Almost 3 months post op, and I'm down 60#. @ 5'8"- 179lbs. The sleeve is the best decision I've EVER made, by far. More to come!

A few things that I learned:
I was told the surgery doesn't hurt. Whoever told me that lied! A lot of people feel great, I was not so lucky. I had a lot of pain (possibly from the gas) and dry heaved most of the night. By the next afternoon I was feel better, but, boy, it sucked!
The barium swallow/leak test is HORRIBLE! It tastes horrible, makes you sick and can give you the runs! Where I had mine done, you got a sugar free popsicle afterward...it will be the best popsicle you have ever had.
Your stomach will make noises you never knew it could
You will belch like a man (especially when you eat a little too much)...I could out burp anyone!
I never had trouble EVER with Constipation before surgery, now it is a battle even almost 2 years out. Not sugar coating it, it can be very painful and I had an episode that I would say was almost worse then the night after my surgery.
Chewing gum can cause pain...I never even thought of this. I can chew gum now, but a few months out, the air that I swallowed while chewing really hurt. I had to spit my gum out the first time I tried and didn't chew it again for a long time.
Head Hunger is a b***h...the sleeve is not a magic cure and the further out you get, the more difficult it can get. Make sure that you make the changes early on so they are habit later on. By the time you will be able to eat more and tolerate more, you will have a good base of habits to lean on.
A lot of people's tastes change, but don't be surprised if they don't. chocolate still tastes just as good to me now as it did before.
I forgot to ad this earlier...like someone else said, Water doesn't taste good or sit good with me. I have no idea why, it just doesn't. For the most part, I drink sugar free drinks. I know they are not as good as just drinking water, but I still get in all my fluids.
You CAN still have hunger, especially the further out you get. But let me reassure you that it is NOT the same as before surgery...it is not as intense, and for me, anyway, it takes many hours of not eating to even start to feel hungry (and don't get actual physical hunger confused with head hunger/cravings/emotional eating...they are not the same...learn the difference)
You will become more obsessed with the scale then you ever have been in your life. Try not to let it rule you, you will have stalls, your weight will fluctuate.
As a woman, I have noticed things about my body and weight that I never paid attention to when I was heavier...because who notices 1-2 lbs when you are 260lbs. When I ovulate, I gain 2-4lbs and bloat. When I have my period (sorry guys) I also bloat and gain weight. And I really notice it, my belly feels bigger.
Your brain might have trouble keeping up with your weight loss...it is sometimes difficult to see the changes yourself, but others will notice. So many people say "I really can't see the change", but, trust me, your getting skinnier!!
Everyone loses at different rates, try not to compare
Set realistic goals...if you set goals that are virtually unattainable, you will never be happy. Try to go by the clothes you wear and how you feel, not the number on the scale.

I know my list is long and a lot of different things, but they are all things that I have either learned along the way, or have struggled with and still do some days! Oh, one last thing, it is most likely going to be the best thing you have ever done for yourself, you will not regret it, and you will be happier than ever...pretty good outcome and worth the ride!

I had my surgery on July 9th at/around 800-900. I was terrified! I had read a lot of horror stories on the pain and discomfort and almost had myself psyched out the night before. Thankfully, after meeting the anesthesiologist (day of surgery), he gave me a Xanax and something for acid reflux. I remember being carted off into the operating room. The sterile smell was unlike no other, and the coldness even worse. Once inside, they moved me onto the operating table. I had 2 nurses helping with my transition as well as my anesthesiologist. I remember the anesthesiologist placing the mask on my face. The feeling of huffing the gas in was nostalgic. I felt light and airy and without a care in the world. I could hear the nurses making the sweetest comments to me for encouragement and well wishes, but obviously could not reply, thank, God! That was the last thing I remember until waking up. Then and only then do I remember being nauseated, which is to be expected. My anesthesiologist brought me an alcohol prep pad and had me inhale deeply. Wouldn't you know it worked!!
I do not remember much about being in recovery, but I vaguely remember my family and I being on an elevator going up to my room. Fast forward to around 1pm and I had gotten out of bed, on my own, to use the bathroom... DO NOT DO THIS. Not everyone recovers from anesthesia the same way. This is according to the nurse who busted me and almost scolded me for my own safety; however, after she realized that I was fine, she gave the clearance for me to begin walking. As most others have informed you, WALKING is key! Walk, walk, walk. Every time you walk, walk a little further or for a little while longer. This will help not only with gas, but help to minimize your soreness. One thing that I held onto like a life saver was a pillow! When you begin to walk, use that pillow to press into your stomach. It makes a world of difference. Also, use a pillow to prop you up on your side. I was lucky and had very minimal, if any, gas this time; however, I learned with my gallbladder surgery two years ago that this trick will help move it around as well. sleep in a reclined position, but not straight back. Its unGodly to have to get up from a prone position! With all of this being said, all I was given post op in the hospital was Tylenol and even then I didn't want it. The pain isn't a PAIN, its more of discomfort. I didn't use the hydrocodone I was given once home.
Now, that's enough about my surgery day and what I experienced. Here's a list of things to take with you to the hospital:
- Wear loose clothing. I wore a pair of comfy sweatpants and a t shirt. Upon discharge I wore the same home and even wore a bra with under wire and had no discomfort; I also wore flip flops with good tread to prevent slipping. You won't want something to have to bend over and put on.
- Chapstick
- Tooth brush and tooth paste
- Travel size Shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The hospital does give you their own, but it wasn't the best. Thankfully, I was allowed to shower the next day. This too helps greatly throughout your recovery. A warm shower ALWAYS works wonders
- Pillow. Take that thing with you every where you go. Its an aid to get up, down, and to get you walking and make you comfortable on the ride home (place it over your stomach prior to buckling! Hold onto it going over bumps and rough terrain)
- Cell phone charger
At home recovery:
- Pillow - I upgraded to my body pillow. The first few days I used two(stole the hubs') and put one on both sides of myself and slept in a recliner.
- Keep Water nearby. Sip. SLOWLY. Do not try to sip too much as you will end up with esophageal spasms and those are the devil.. Seriously!
- Do not let anyone force you to eat too quickly. And by eat I'm obviously meaning drink Protein or Soups. Your body is healing and right now you should only be worried with Water consumption. I also recommend a low sodium, low sugar sport drink for electrolytes!
- You know your body so listen to it. If you feel as though you need to have a bowel movement, get some Miralax. This was recommended by my physician and I've used it. Don't wait till it gets too bad.
- Your pee will stink... BADLY.. Mine is finally beginning to return to normal, but I have concentrated a lot on water consumption. You should too as this will prevent dehydration.
- Us women get thrown curve balls time to time... Be prepared for a yeast infection. Its quite common. Stock up on yogurt!
- Walk. Walk a lot!
- Don't over do it. You've just had surgery so don't push yourself beyond your means. Be prepared to nap a lot in the week. After week two, I began feeling almost normal. Here I am 20 days post op, back at work, feeling almost like myself. I get tired, but it's nothing unbearable.
If I think of more, I will surely post it here. Good luck and best wishes!!!

Hello everyone! So I was sleeved at 6:30 am this morning (8/03/15) and I am already back home!
Everything went wonderful! No gas pain and feel pretty good. Worst thing right now is a sore throat from the breathing tube!
I am walking, walking, walking....sipping, sipping sipping.
Thanks to everyone on this site I feel like I was well prepared!
So scoot over peeps...make room for me on the losers bench!

EASY WAY OUT!!! Oh how I hate to hear those words! There is NOTHING easy about this surgery AT ALL! Remember that with your looking better people get jealous.

Hello everyone, I am scheduled for Aug 26th to get the sleeve and begin my new life! Has anyone at this point felt withdrawn from people around you? I have a great support system but I am really nervous all of a sudden and scared I won't be able to get in all my Water and proteins.... Is this normal???

2 half yrs out just 6 pounds up from my lowest

Here's my before and after. Started at 231.8, weighed in yesterday (a bit dehydrated after a long road trip) at 139.8. Have gone from wearing jeans in a tight size 16, to anywhere from a size 4 to 10 depending on brand.