Texy

Hi trekker,
I'm 64y/o, 6 months post op and live on the Gulf Coast with similar hot weather issues. My goal is to lose 90lbs, I've now lost 60lbs and I'm considered a slow loser....many seem to lose much faster. I've done really well with no complications or issues. The first 3 months I did a lot of walking and used my home Elliptical. My surgeon suggested I look into more "resistance" type exercising to speed weight loss.
I joined a Crossfit gym and began working with a personal trainer. Crossfit gyms are not air conditioned so I didn't think I would last very long. I've just completed 3 months and I'm amazed at the transformation. I'm physically so much stronger and have gone down 2 sizes with very few pounds lost. Yeah....it's been tough....that first month I was so sore I didn't think I could get out of bed some mornings but I did and just kept going. It's all been worth it....I'm becoming a new person.
If I can do this, you can too!!! After surgery just start walking and when you're able.... get on that bicycle You'll get stronger and find other ways to exercise. This surgery and losing weight has a way of motivating you......your life is about to change and I'm sure you will have no regrets.

Hi trekker,
I'm 64y/o, 6 months post op and live on the Gulf Coast with similar hot weather issues. My goal is to lose 90lbs, I've now lost 60lbs and I'm considered a slow loser....many seem to lose much faster. I've done really well with no complications or issues. The first 3 months I did a lot of walking and used my home Elliptical. My surgeon suggested I look into more "resistance" type exercising to speed weight loss.
I joined a Crossfit gym and began working with a personal trainer. Crossfit gyms are not air conditioned so I didn't think I would last very long. I've just completed 3 months and I'm amazed at the transformation. I'm physically so much stronger and have gone down 2 sizes with very few pounds lost. Yeah....it's been tough....that first month I was so sore I didn't think I could get out of bed some mornings but I did and just kept going. It's all been worth it....I'm becoming a new person.
If I can do this, you can too!!! After surgery just start walking and when you're able.... get on that bicycle You'll get stronger and find other ways to exercise. This surgery and losing weight has a way of motivating you......your life is about to change and I'm sure you will have no regrets.

Hi trekker,
I'm 64y/o, 6 months post op and live on the Gulf Coast with similar hot weather issues. My goal is to lose 90lbs, I've now lost 60lbs and I'm considered a slow loser....many seem to lose much faster. I've done really well with no complications or issues. The first 3 months I did a lot of walking and used my home Elliptical. My surgeon suggested I look into more "resistance" type exercising to speed weight loss.
I joined a Crossfit gym and began working with a personal trainer. Crossfit gyms are not air conditioned so I didn't think I would last very long. I've just completed 3 months and I'm amazed at the transformation. I'm physically so much stronger and have gone down 2 sizes with very few pounds lost. Yeah....it's been tough....that first month I was so sore I didn't think I could get out of bed some mornings but I did and just kept going. It's all been worth it....I'm becoming a new person.
If I can do this, you can too!!! After surgery just start walking and when you're able.... get on that bicycle You'll get stronger and find other ways to exercise. This surgery and losing weight has a way of motivating you......your life is about to change and I'm sure you will have no regrets.

Cathy48,
I had sleeve surgery 12/30/15..... right before my 64th birthday. I have sleep apnea and chronic high blood pressure due to my weight. The sleeve was the smartest decision I've ever made and should have done it a lot sooner. I wasted many years being so overweight and damaging my health. Good luck with your surgery......I'm sure you will have no regrets. I honestly do feel like a have a "new lease on life"!!

Cathy48,
Yes, yes the dreadful sweats will soon leave and be replaced with new found energy! I'm doing things now that I haven't done in years. My husband bought me a bicycle, today and we're going to start riding together. I'm 64y/o and haven't been on a bike in over 40yrs so this should be a real adventure. Next week, I'm starting at a gym with a personal trainer...I hope my new found energy doesn't exceed my physical ability. I was on 3 blood pressure meds and the side effects were ruining my life. Now, two of those meds have been eliminated and that has a lot to do with my since of a "new lease on life". Yes, you will be able to glide into spaces you never thought possible.

Cathy48,
I had sleeve surgery 12/30/15..... right before my 64th birthday. I have sleep apnea and chronic high blood pressure due to my weight. The sleeve was the smartest decision I've ever made and should have done it a lot sooner. I wasted many years being so overweight and damaging my health. Good luck with your surgery......I'm sure you will have no regrets. I honestly do feel like a have a "new lease on life"!!

Cathy48,
Yes, yes the dreadful sweats will soon leave and be replaced with new found energy! I'm doing things now that I haven't done in years. My husband bought me a bicycle, today and we're going to start riding together. I'm 64y/o and haven't been on a bike in over 40yrs so this should be a real adventure. Next week, I'm starting at a gym with a personal trainer...I hope my new found energy doesn't exceed my physical ability. I was on 3 blood pressure meds and the side effects were ruining my life. Now, two of those meds have been eliminated and that has a lot to do with my since of a "new lease on life". Yes, you will be able to glide into spaces you never thought possible.

Cathy48,
I had sleeve surgery 12/30/15..... right before my 64th birthday. I have sleep apnea and chronic high blood pressure due to my weight. The sleeve was the smartest decision I've ever made and should have done it a lot sooner. I wasted many years being so overweight and damaging my health. Good luck with your surgery......I'm sure you will have no regrets. I honestly do feel like a have a "new lease on life"!!

I've been using the sugar free liquid Coffeemate French Vanilla since the day I came home from surgery and my NUT has no problem with it. I've also used the sugar free Italian Creme and Hazelnut.

I've been using the sugar free liquid Coffeemate French Vanilla since the day I came home from surgery and my NUT has no problem with it. I've also used the sugar free Italian Creme and Hazelnut.

No problem with my Cigna. I was approved very quickly.

Bariatric Advantage Multivitamins were gross....stopped taking those after 4 days. I love, love, love the Calcium Chews. I'm using patch MD and feel great....I'll have blood work done in a couple of weeks.

Hi Friends,
I’ve taken a bit of time to write my story as it comes from my heart and I hope that it’s helpful. Let me say – I’m here if you have questions or if there’s anything I can do to help.
LIFE BEFORE: My quality of life wasn't very good, although my health #'s weren't incredibly high, I just didn’t feel healthy. My blood pressure was borderline high but otherwise pretty much normal. Personally, I just didn't feel good in my skin. Clothes didn't fit right or they just felt like potato sacks. I was a size 24 at my highest, 260 lbs and I’m 5’6”. My biggest worry day to day was – am I going to break a chair. It was dreadful. I hated airline travel, movie theaters, going to amusement parks (size of the rides).
I think the part that hurt the most was feeling like a “ghost” in society. People really didn't make eye contact or engage in conversation with me. Maybe that was my own perception but it was pretty consistent. Let’s be honest now: my go-to relief when feeling stressed was fast food. If I forgot to eat a meal, I'd just run and get fast food. The problem was the quantity and frequency I'd eat burgers, burritos, fries and so much diet soda. So much soda that even my little daughter would comment about it. She was 4.5 at the time! I recall a day where I had fast food for: Breakfast, lunch, a snack and then dinner. These were burgers and fries. It was just so tasty, fast and easy but I knew it was unhealthy. I just couldn’t find a stop!
I met my surgeon and instantly felt connected to him. I could be honest with him and he wouldn't judge or make me feel bad. I ran my "numbers" prior to meeting him -- I think this helped me justify wanting to do the sleeve and I’m a very analytical person. My numbers were -- how many diets I've tried and failed, how many years I've been dieting, max weight lost and then regained..... this all added up to spending 13+ years of my life on a diet! So eye opening. This wasn't a great quality of life! My surgeon showed me all of the options and spent probably 45 mins. during initial consult.
I read books about being sleeved, combed this forum to learn everything. When I was ready, I took home my information and reviewed it with my husband. For me, it was essential to have him on board and to be a key support. Everything aligned and I was approved by my insurance in about 10 working days. There really was no contest with a BMI of 41. I decided that getting the VSG was right for me. I was ready to make this life-long commitment. I had the mind-set that this was not a quick fix or a fad. My doctor recommended I lose as much weight as I could but required no specific pre-surgery diet, except no food 8 hours prior to surgery. I had no food funeral as I didn’t want to glorify food any more than I already had. I was also researching and really putting my heart into finding another stress outlet rather than food.
SURGERY: I was sleeved on Sept. 15, 2014 with a high weight of 260, BMI 41. On surgery day I remember feeling extremely nervous, scared and at the same time ready to open a new chapter of my life. Anyhow, the surgery went well and I remember having loads of pain meds if I needed them, using a button I would press and pain med would go into my IV. I had a bit of abdominal pain but otherwise surgery went well and my hiatal hernia was repaired.
POST-SURGERY: My weight loss was slow and I had several plateaus. I just let it flow and I chose not to obsess over the scale. It would come off at the pace my body was ready to let the pounds go. This is a lifelong commitment and I had/have the mindset that I would not freak out if I only lost .5 pounds a week or nothing at all. Just to be patient! I did have several chronic illnesses develop but I can't honestly say they were due to the VSG…. However, dramatic weight loss is a stressor on the body and stressors will make the body do weird things. Keep that in mind.
I had two instances where I threw up and I can say this was a complete learning experience! My food cravings slowly went from cheese burgers to things like fresh organic carrots… very weird, right?! I cut out the fast food for a year. I am at the point where I can only eat about 1/4 of a burger and then just toss the rest. It was definitely tough!! Learning how much my sleeve could hold, learning how to eat out and not feel uncomfortable, buying new clothes, seeing myself becoming "visible" to society again. Struggling with seeing myself as a different kind of beautiful..... getting the VSG is a lifelong commitment, you have to be ready for a complete rework. There will be loose skin but gosh, it's just skin. My biggest pain in the butt areas -- my chin and my belly loose skin. Ah, well.
FOOD NOW: I now spend a lot of time preparing fresh meals, going to specialty shops.... I have the mentality that if I'm going to eat 3 ounces, it better taste really darn good! I also just breathe a lot, consciously slow down when eating and just chew the heck out of my food bites. Ironically, I’m now reading a lot about food preparation and have taken an interest in cooking classes. Fast foods taste very salty tome. I probably should be drinking more Water. I do rely on Protein Shakes when I need food quickly – like for breakfast. I plan to take fruit with me or granola bars if I’m going to be out running errands and may get hungry. I eat more like 6 small meals a day. I eat out at restaurants but typically take ½ of my meal in a to-go box. My go to explanation: “I have a small stomach” or “I will enjoy the rest tomorrow!” --- be ready for this… there are food police that worry about you. They mean well (ex: friends).
LIFE TODAY: My family has been incredibly supportive, non-judgemental and very kind. It is absolutely crucial to your success that you have a "team" to be your cheerleaders. For me, there were points when I doubted my decision (I’m being honest with you) and just generally struggled. As I write, I’m feeling pretty darn good – except for chronic illnesses that make things very painful. Food isn't a really big deal in my life now. It's just food now - rather than my stress reliever. However, when I’m hit with bad news, I find myself thinking “gosh, maybe I should get some fries”. I don’t act on my thoughts.
I chose not to tell most people as I didn’t want them making a judgement call on my decision to do VSG. I “blame” my weight loss on my chronic illnesses and people will leave that alone. VSG is such a personal decision – it’s your body.
After 18 months - I have lost 85 pounds and I’m a size 12. I have 15 more pounds to go. I have not been able to really resume an active, exercise program as I'm fighting 3 chronic illnesses (Lupus, RA and Fibromylgia). I have had to absolutely reduce the stress in my life and stop working at my lifelong career due to my illnesses. My blood pressure is now well below normal and I feel really good about how things progressed. I feel physically beautiful and I'm okay if I don't lose the last 15 pounds. I would like to start running when I feel better and also resuming scuba diving! :-)
I am all over the place writing to you and it's 1 AM --- anyhow, I'm proud of everyone on this site. VSG is tough, it's a complete lifestyle changer and we are very lucky to have each other. I am here for you and happy to answer any questions. Please know that at ANY weight, you are important and you are beautiful. VSG is a tool and you can do it! Please really do your homework, find a support network and breathe…. It just takes time. This is a life long journey and will take months, maybe years.
I found a before picture but my now picture only shows my face. I can't find a full body right now. Will attach more to my profile when I find them :-)
Namaste and God bless each of you. Hugs. -- Alexsis

How many times have I said OK I need to start over? How many times have I told myself just one more time…and then I’ll start again?
How many times have I committed to recommitting? How many times have I told myself that I will write down every single thing that goes in my mouth? How many times have I told myself I WILL go to the gym today?
How many times have I found myself feeling guilty because of my perceived failure?
I go through these things and more too many times to count. My weight, my surgery, the scale, the gym, food they are always on my mind. When I wake up in the morning I think I need to get a weight today so I know where I am….that’s what’s going to tell me and help me get on track! So I go about my morning routine and the scale shines from the corner waiting for my feet to step up and weigh in but I have just one more thing to do…and I walk past the scale and escape into the next room.
I have defeated the siren call of the scale yet again! Sometimes, I drink coffee and think well now that’s not a “true” weight I just drank fluids! (Really?!) I have to go to the bathroom so weighing in will be better after that elimination of extra weight. (Really?!) Oops I just got dressed for the day including my socks and shoes and I can’t get on the scale now…that’s just too much extra weight and you know…you have to weigh with the least amount of clothing…and my scale needs bare feet and it’s cold and on and on and on…..
I sit at work and my smart watch tells me it’s time to stand…it might as well read “the beatings shall commence”. It starts with the guilt trip, why didn’t you get that weigh in this morning?! It’s been weeks…and you don’t know where you are, and you need to know that. (Really?) Why are you sitting so much..you should be getting up and being more active! You should bring your gym bag in and get your butt down to the gym! (The side commentary often replies with the standard “it’s January and all the resolutioners are in the gym, working out so they can pretend they are keeping their New Year resolution to get healthy. They are clogging things up and you can’t get in there with all that going on!” Really?!) and the beating continues as I guilt myself throughout the day.
I make the “healthy” food choices and for the most part when I am eating “food” I try to make sure I make the healthier choice steering clear of the fatty fried foods, eating my Protein and drinking my Water. So what’s my problem? My problem is that I am perfectionist. It’s all or nothing for me, and either way I have to do it to perfection!
If I have a bad day…well it has to be the badest of bad days. Complete with not only with lack of exercise, but forgetting to take my Vitamins, and consuming lots of all kinds of sugary Desserts. If you’re going to be bad might as well eat the ice cream and chocolate and forget the chicken breast right?!
If I am having good day well you know its perfect right? I wake up and the birds are chirping and the sun is shining and all is right in my world. My feet hit the floor and I can’t wait to step on the scale to see how wonderful I am and what a success I am! (Usually this is where the fantasy begins and ends)
On these days it’s the middle of the road for me. Reality has woken me up and given me that cosmic 2x4 womp upside my head and for a minute the obsessing stops. It’s not about what I did or didn’t do. It’s not about what I ate, but more about what I will do and what I will eat.
I don’t need to beat myself into submission to be perfect, I just need to live for this. Right here right now this very moment. I need to stop. Just stop, and be present. Right here right now. Nothing more and nothing less.
Yes some of those moments are going to be “bad” ones and some are going to be “good” ones. All that really matters is the reality of all of these moments. I don’t have to dwell on the past or the future I just have to live in the now.
It’s really all I am capable of these days. I don’t know what it is in me that strives for this “perfection” it is now and has been a flaw of mine. While it is true that in many ways it helps me strive to learn and grow and better myself, and it is also true that in many ways it holds me back and limits me, and it will even sabotage my success, when I let it (or use it as an excuse!).
I will look at my weight loss to date and I say I have ONLY lost….as though it is a negative. When I should be focusing on the fact that I have LOST that weight and it has not returned.
So today as I write this confession, and my smart watch is beeping at me to stand up and move around and I am taking that time to do just that and to look at it in a positive way. Not saying telling myself I am a failure for not getting to the gym today, but saying hooray you are moving more than you did before!
I am not going to beat myself up for sleeping later this morning, I am going to allow myself the extra Zzz because my body and my soul needed it. I am not going to beat myself up for not stepping on the scale this morning, instead I am going to commit to resetting the darn thing tonight and setting it up to move forward.
I am setting a reminder on my phone to prompt me to weigh in and take measurements and I am scheduling time for ME. Yes I am putting an actual appointment on the calendar to do things that I need to do for me. Including making lunch, getting to the gym, and having dinner out with friends. It’s important, and if I feel the perfection monster trying to sabotage me I’m going to come back here and refocus on the moment and get back to reality of being perfectly imperfect one moment at a time.

Hi Joanne,
I'm new here, too....just starting the process. I don't see my surgeon until Aug 20th. I've talked to my insurance and they will pay when I meet all the medical criteria. I'm 63 and I took early retirement, last year. My main reason for wanting the surgery is medical, too. I have severely high blood pressure and all the med side effects are killing me, I feel like I have no life. Plus I have other issues on top of that, too. I love to travel, too and I haven't been able to do anything since I retired....I feel like life is passing me by. I'm very anxiously awaiting the appt with the surgeon after he returns from a 2wk vacation in August. Least, I'll know he is nice and rested. LOL
Texy

I'm just now 4 weeks out. 2nd day was my hardest. I slept in the recliner the first two nights and then everything began to get better. I used nausea med on the 2nd & 3rd day and only recall using the liquid pain med for a couple of days. By the 4th day I was feeling much better and in the kitchen cooking, a little for my hubby.

glitterpockets, you & I seem to have a similar issue. I cannot tolerate milk & milk protein and I'm lactose intolerant. I don't have a surgery date, yet but I'm sampling protein powders & drinks and so far.... I've spent a small fortune to find what I cannot tolerate. No kidding....I've already given away about $200.00 worth of protein products. Ugh.. just couldn't tolerate it...caused severe congestion & stomach issues.
Now, I think my adult son has pointed me in the right direction. He avoids all dairy and is gluten intolerant. On his recommendation... I'm trying "MRM vanilla egg white protein powder" 23g protein and 0 sugar and has no milk protein or soy. Only comes in vanilla, chocolate & unflavored...so none of the fancy flavor choices like the others. I'm using the Torani SF syrups to change up the taste and it's working great. I don't know what my surgeon & NUT will say but I had to find something I could live with and so far....this is it.

Hi Joanne,
I'm new here, too....just starting the process. I don't see my surgeon until Aug 20th. I've talked to my insurance and they will pay when I meet all the medical criteria. I'm 63 and I took early retirement, last year. My main reason for wanting the surgery is medical, too. I have severely high blood pressure and all the med side effects are killing me, I feel like I have no life. Plus I have other issues on top of that, too. I love to travel, too and I haven't been able to do anything since I retired....I feel like life is passing me by. I'm very anxiously awaiting the appt with the surgeon after he returns from a 2wk vacation in August. Least, I'll know he is nice and rested. LOL
Texy

Hi Joanne,
I'm new here, too....just starting the process. I don't see my surgeon until Aug 20th. I've talked to my insurance and they will pay when I meet all the medical criteria. I'm 63 and I took early retirement, last year. My main reason for wanting the surgery is medical, too. I have severely high blood pressure and all the med side effects are killing me, I feel like I have no life. Plus I have other issues on top of that, too. I love to travel, too and I haven't been able to do anything since I retired....I feel like life is passing me by. I'm very anxiously awaiting the appt with the surgeon after he returns from a 2wk vacation in August. Least, I'll know he is nice and rested. LOL
Texy

As a WLS patient who is just two years out and has been at goal for over a year, I will say that I followed my diet 95% of the time. Yes, I did have "cheat" foods from time to time (although I hate the word cheat, I made CHOICES that my doctor may not have agreed with), but I tracked, weighed, measured and was very honest with myself throughout my journey. That doesn't make me a "shamer" (such a ridiculous tumblr word trend), that makes me determined to utilize my tool in the very best way I can.


If someone comes to this board and whines about "slow loss", regain or stalls, I am going to give them my straightforward opinion ESPECIALLY if they are eating crap and justifying it. If, on the other hand, one chooses to "cheat" and stray from their eating plan but accepts the consequences of their behavior, more power to them!
You're a big girl. Do what you want. It's your body, it's your journey. Good luck to you. I can't wait to hear how well you do.

I am 62 years old and have done every diet under the sun. One thing I have finally learned is that I cannot/will not be able to do "everything in moderation". I still have this little girl voice deep, deep down that says "you can't tell me what to do"! I know that I am like a heroin addict - I can't do a little just on special occasions. Once I let the sugar monster in - I will justify until I have f*****d myself once again. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I am not telling you what you should or should not do, just sharing my own experience and truth. Go read the honest gals on this thread "2 Years after Sleeve surgery - I have stopped losing". I need to re-read this every day. Diet doctors since second grade and here I still am at 62... I really have a disease, but I have one more new start with a new tool. Totally my choice and totally yours.