Sajijoma

I look forward to being able to go on rides and Water slides with my kids. It's the worse having to get off a ride because you don't fit.

Won't miss wearing a bathing suit that looks like a dress!

sleeping on five pillows so I could breathe. Not being able to lay on my back.
Yoga moves to wipe my butt. Not being able to shave my bikini line. Or cut my toe nails. Or put my shoes on.
Having to sit down to put on my underwear. Having to pee all the time.
The grocery bill. The restaurant bill. Eating alone out of embarrassment.
Using the largest bathroom stall and dressing room. The size of my underwear. Not being able to find my bra size. Plus size stores!!!!!!
The ugly shoes I had to wear, the ugly clothes. My hair always being greasy from the crap I ate.
The black stretch pants. Thigh rash.

Thank you!
This is why I said I already hired a personal trainer. I am starting tomorrow. I decided to go to the gym in the mornings. My main problem is that I am tired and lazy. With weight loss I will have more energy. But here I am, tracking what am eating and starting my exercise tomorrow. I want to be on track before the surgery so it is easier afterwards. Trust me when I am say am very dedicated to what I started. Enough is enough and I finally reached the point when am ready for all the hard work.
I also think this forum will be a great help and support.

A lot of people have already said it, but I'll just parrot that and say Do Your Research! You are the one who has to live with your body and you need to know what wls will and will not do. It is not a miracle cure. It takes a lot of effort and work and if you can't exercise NOW because of your schedule, where are you going to find the time after surgery to do it? Surgery isn't a cure, it's just a tool to help you out, more so in the beginning but somewhat forever. If you don't do it properly, you could possibly have gone through major surgery, changed the way your body functions FOR LIFE, and still end up overweight because you didn't change your life to support a healthier lifestyle. I'm working right now to make me the best me I can and lose as much weight on my own and incorporate as much exercise as I can NOW before wls so that I can maximize my benefits and get myself into a routine that hopefully will stick for life so I can keep the weight off. If that's not your mindset, it's not going to work long term and you'll be back where you are right now in a few years. I don't want to discourage you, but I want you to fully understand what you are doing and make that commitment to yourself to see it through from start to forever because there is not a "finish" there's lower maintenance but never a finish. You can never say ah I reached my goal so now I'm going back to my old lifestyle and my fav foods that got me to this point. It just won't work.

So today i took the kids school shopping. We were in old navy, when they were done I decided to venture over to the ladies section to check sizes out, to see If I would fit anything. I've NEVER been able to buy from the store, only online. I tried on a top in the biggest size I saw, XXL. It was too big! I bought an XL top, and a pencil skirt to go with it. I'm still elated over this experience!!

I'm having my pre op stomach biopsy tomorrow. They're sedating me. Have NO idea what to expect.
How long does it take?
How soon do the drugs wear off?
Is it painful afterwards?
Do you remember it?
Yes, I'm a chicken.

FYI it only took 3 days for my approval... So excited to get this over with! ????????

Strange thing happened today. I was weeding in the garden, moving around quite a bit, and just for a minute, I felt like I was not fat. It was sort of an out of body experience, I was shocked as I realized I was bending over easily as I weeded, I was not out of breath, was not making animal like grunts as I worked, and it felt pretty wonderful.
I had 170# to lose. In 14 weeks, halfway there, still formally fat, but I loved that sensation. Any of you have that experience?

Sounds cool! I'm going to check it out.

Cool. Thanks.
I'm at a point now where I've reached a "teachable moment" and can digest some good reading that will lead to insight on my weight and getting a strategy to losing and keeping it off.

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss and that you are going through a tough time. Good for you for not being "too proud" to get some help! I'm sorry you guys didn't have better food being offered to you. I know, I am guilty of this too, of going through the pantry to donate to our local church and picking either things I'm not a big fan of, or all the unhealthy sweet "treats" thinking that I was being nice because "they probably don't get much of these" type mentality. Next time I donate, I'm going to do better. Thanks for reminding me that nutrition is important in donations too!

I have a short list that I've been working on:
1.fit in swing at the park and swing race with the kids
2. go down the slide at the park and not get stuck in the tunnel like winnie the pooh
3. run 1 mile non stop then 2 miles, etc til I get to 5miles then I give myself a gold star of achievement
4. get some skin taken off and my boobs put back where they used to be maybe implants if they deflate too much
5. ride on a motorcycle(any volunteers? My hubby hates them)
6. plan a trip to Ireland to see where my family came from(we're from Northern Ireland from Tyrone County if anyone else shares the dream)
7. take a full length pic from head to toe-maybe do a full nude pic for my hubby(tastefully of course)
8. ride a bike and not just a big fat tricycle because I can't balance all of this awesome on 2 wheels
9. go to theme park and ride all the rides that won't give me a seizure
10. buy a bikini and wear it like a boss...at least in the comfort of my own backyard.
11. go on airplane ride and buy ONE seat and need only ONE seat
12. go hang gliding off of Lookout Mountain in Colorado
13. climb all the 14ers in Colorado
14. learn to swim
15. buy a single digit size piece of clothing and have it fit-I've been in plus sizes since I was in 3rd grade so this one is a super huge deal to me.
and that's what I have so far, but if I think hard enough I can find more but it's a start!

I have a book I'd like to recommend to anyone who would like to read it. It's called the Gabriel Method by Jon Gabriel. First off, I can tell you first hand, that it's not a solution to everyone's weight problems otherwise I'd be thin right now, but what I can tell you is that in his book he makes some good points about obesity, nutritional starvation, mental starvation, using food as a protective barrier in the case of abuse victims etc and it's a good resource to add to your arsenal. I don't think we can have too many weapons against our weight. I really don't.
To over simplify things the basic premise is that people are obese because their bodies are starving for the correct nutrition, they have suffered mental/physical abuse, or they are stuck in a miserable life that is making them unhappy or an ugly combo of all 3. To solve the nutritional side he recommends every meal consist of quality easily assimilable Proteins, omega-3's, and live uncooked fruits and veg. And to not deprive oneself of anything they desire in the beginning. There's also recommendations on how to feel safe after suffering abuse including a nighttime hypnosis type thing, and recommendations or inspiration to just go out and change your life to make yourself happy. I couldn't help but notice he was unhappy in his old job so he went into business making money off of people like us to solve his problem, but it really does have some good info in there and some lessons to take away from the whole thing.
I have followed the Gabriel Method for several years in the past, and in the beginning, I did lose a massive amount of weight following everything, but as I got pregnant over and over and my doctors took me off of things like the whole gram of Omega 3 supplements, told me the digestives could be harmful and to stop them, and changed around things etc, and the weight began to stick back on and with a vengeance so it's not something to quit if you start. It's not a diet to conform to, but things you can work into your already going routines.
I'm having a Reread of the book now during pre surgery, as most of what is involved also applies well to life post wls, so I thought I'd share for anyone who cares to pick up a copy. In the back there's actually a testamonial from Kaliah Ali talking about how she started using this method about a month prior to getting her lap band and believes it helped her lose weight in addition to the band alone. When I bought it at Amazon years ago, I paid like $11 and I know a lot of libraries own a copy or two as well. But just wanted to throw that out there. I know a lot of nutritionists and dietitians haven't ever seemed to hear about the Gabriel Method, so it's not likely that they would recommend it to their patients to read. But just wanted to pass it along I case anyone wants to read along with me.

I have a book I'd like to recommend to anyone who would like to read it. It's called the Gabriel Method by Jon Gabriel. First off, I can tell you first hand, that it's not a solution to everyone's weight problems otherwise I'd be thin right now, but what I can tell you is that in his book he makes some good points about obesity, nutritional starvation, mental starvation, using food as a protective barrier in the case of abuse victims etc and it's a good resource to add to your arsenal. I don't think we can have too many weapons against our weight. I really don't.
To over simplify things the basic premise is that people are obese because their bodies are starving for the correct nutrition, they have suffered mental/physical abuse, or they are stuck in a miserable life that is making them unhappy or an ugly combo of all 3. To solve the nutritional side he recommends every meal consist of quality easily assimilable Proteins, omega-3's, and live uncooked fruits and veg. And to not deprive oneself of anything they desire in the beginning. There's also recommendations on how to feel safe after suffering abuse including a nighttime hypnosis type thing, and recommendations or inspiration to just go out and change your life to make yourself happy. I couldn't help but notice he was unhappy in his old job so he went into business making money off of people like us to solve his problem, but it really does have some good info in there and some lessons to take away from the whole thing.
I have followed the Gabriel Method for several years in the past, and in the beginning, I did lose a massive amount of weight following everything, but as I got pregnant over and over and my doctors took me off of things like the whole gram of Omega 3 supplements, told me the digestives could be harmful and to stop them, and changed around things etc, and the weight began to stick back on and with a vengeance so it's not something to quit if you start. It's not a diet to conform to, but things you can work into your already going routines.
I'm having a Reread of the book now during pre surgery, as most of what is involved also applies well to life post wls, so I thought I'd share for anyone who cares to pick up a copy. In the back there's actually a testamonial from Kaliah Ali talking about how she started using this method about a month prior to getting her lap band and believes it helped her lose weight in addition to the band alone. When I bought it at Amazon years ago, I paid like $11 and I know a lot of libraries own a copy or two as well. But just wanted to throw that out there. I know a lot of nutritionists and dietitians haven't ever seemed to hear about the Gabriel Method, so it's not likely that they would recommend it to their patients to read. But just wanted to pass it along I case anyone wants to read along with me.

Book Review - Alex Brecher's The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery
by joatsaint
I just recently bought Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery. You maybe asking, "Randy (by the way, my real name is Randy), you're almost 3 years post-op, why are you still reading weight loss surgery success books?" Go ahead, ask me... I'll wait. :-)
(insert the theme song from Jeopardy)......
Okay, here's the answer. Years ago, I was listening to and still listen to a great motivational speaker - Zig Zigglar. He said champions never stop training and learning. Even after Micheal Jordan was at the pinnacle of his success, he still trained like he was a rookie. Even though the workouts were grueling and he didn't like it, he still met with a trainer that pushed him to his limits on every workout.
Champions in any area, read and reread articles, books, listen to audio books, and watch video on being a success in their field. I know I don't know everything there is to know about successful WLS. And by continually reading, I remind myself (I have the attention span of a gnat!) of the things I need to do to maintain my WLS success. Sometimes it's just a reminder and sometimes I learn something new that I can apply to my life.
So, on to Alex Brecher's book - The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery

My favorite quote from the book: "From recovering from surgery to losing the extra pounds to keeping them off, weight loss surgery is a part of your life forever. The path to losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging at times, but the rewards can be worth the investment many times over."

You need to know up front, this book is not about choosing the right weight loss surgery for you. It’s great resource if you want to know what to expect life will be like after weight loss surgery.

I found the book well written and very informative. The book's style is such that it doesn't assume that you know everything already, and is easy to understand.

The most important part to me was the emphasis on the importance of lifestyle changes. Weight loss surgery is not a set and forget procedure. WLS success is a continuing process that requires active participation from the patient.

Alex doesn't pull any punches in describing how hard WLS can be. I know! Been there, done that! Had 80% of my stomach removed and I didnt' even get a T-shirt!

You don’t just wake up after surgery and are magically thin!

For months after my sleeve surgery, I had trouble steadily losing the weight. I'd have stalls and get discouraged, or worse, I'd gain a pound or two and freak out. So I especially like emphasis on taking a long-term view of the surgery and life. Alex reminds the reader that successful WLS is not all about the scale.

The book is a great resource for information about:
discussing diet exercise mental toughness success factors that contribute to the long term weight loss surgery success setting goals dealing with friends and family members who may or may not be supportive eating right setting realistic expectations for your weight loss goal I walked away with new ideas on everyday things, like scheduling my meals and supplements, getting in enough Protein without getting too bored with eating the same old things again and again, and making meals that both my friends will like and that I can eat – so I don’t have to worry about social events!

Overall, I found it full of useful/practical information and even some funny parts.

Well-written and easy to read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery to anyone considering weight loss surgery, as well as to anyone who has had any type of bariatric surgery.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/books/recommended.html

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss and that you are going through a tough time. Good for you for not being "too proud" to get some help! I'm sorry you guys didn't have better food being offered to you. I know, I am guilty of this too, of going through the pantry to donate to our local church and picking either things I'm not a big fan of, or all the unhealthy sweet "treats" thinking that I was being nice because "they probably don't get much of these" type mentality. Next time I donate, I'm going to do better. Thanks for reminding me that nutrition is important in donations too!

You can buy them online at Kingsizedirect.com, but I have to warn you, they do what I call "therapeutic sizing" meaning they usually size it up so a 2x fits like a 3x everywhere else etc. so make sure you are aware of that when ordering.

I'm pre op. I've got about 45 days til we submit to insurance for approval. Looking at a late Oct. time frame probably.

Congratulations! I don't think I was 125 since like 4th grade maybe! I can't imagine how good it feels to reach that goal! So glad for you!

I'm pre op. I've got about 45 days til we submit to insurance for approval. Looking at a late Oct. time frame probably.

Congratulations! I don't think I was 125 since like 4th grade maybe! I can't imagine how good it feels to reach that goal! So glad for you!

Congratulations! I don't think I was 125 since like 4th grade maybe! I can't imagine how good it feels to reach that goal! So glad for you!

Congratulations! I don't think I was 125 since like 4th grade maybe! I can't imagine how good it feels to reach that goal! So glad for you!

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss and that you are going through a tough time. Good for you for not being "too proud" to get some help! I'm sorry you guys didn't have better food being offered to you. I know, I am guilty of this too, of going through the pantry to donate to our local church and picking either things I'm not a big fan of, or all the unhealthy sweet "treats" thinking that I was being nice because "they probably don't get much of these" type mentality. Next time I donate, I'm going to do better. Thanks for reminding me that nutrition is important in donations too!