Reason to Believe

I really wanted to share this, because I feel very proud. And because I often see people posting about whether or not they should do it and how afraid they are, but I am one of these people who says: this is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my adult life!
The pic on the left was taken Aug. 31 2015 at around 320+ pounds. I had my surgery Nov 23, 2015. The photo on the right was taken a little over a week ago. 54 pounds until I reach my goal weight.

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Just had to share my 2 month post-op photos! Look at them hips, though!
Starting weight was 254. Day of surgery I was 240. Today I am 200. Doctor's goal is 140.
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July 7 and I cannot wait. I am so excited. I am on full liquid as of yesterday but just realized I didn't need to start it until tomorrow. Doh! I have been doing a modified for the last two weeks...two shakes, yogurt snack and high Protein meal.
Had a last weigh in with the nut today and am so happy I am down a total of 30lbs from my highest weight and I am hoping for another 7lbs before surgery date.

@@Marc F your post really resonates with me.
I'm a guy just about your age and was just about your weight (Just turned 58, was 250# at 5'8"). food was very much my best friend and my worst enemy. I consider myself a "foodie" and was totally addicted to sugar. I've struggled with my weight for decades and lost the same 50 pounds several times only to gain it back more quickly every single time. I've had severe sleep apnea and been on CPAP for about 13 years but was basically fairly healthy although my usually good BP became totally out of control about a year ago and I was still trying to get it under control with medication. (Oh, and I was having knee pain too.) My doctor told me I was bordering on diabetic and I just felt as if I was going over a metabolic cliff.
I had a VSG on April 28, 2016 -- so I'm two months post-op. First, my personal experience was the the surgery was pretty much a breeze. Your results may vary of course. I felt like someone used my stomach as a punching bag for a few days but I was off all pain meds in a few days and within a week I was feeling remarkably good.
Here's the kicker -- as of today I've lost 40 pounds. Now, that's just a number. Let me tell you how my daily life has changed:
(1) I no longer have the food cravings I had before -- my relationship with food has totally changed and I don't find that I miss my former "frenemy" at all. I'm trying to be pretty good but even at this point I seem to be able to eat whatever I want, and I'm perfectly satisfied after just a small serving. At this point I can eat about 3 oz. of food at a sitting without being uncomfortable. While I'm eating low-carb to enhance my weight loss I can still eat well. Last night I had my favorite Boeuf Bourgignon from a local restaurant (I skipped the mashed potatoes). Three little ounces of heaven and I was more satisfied than I would have been with a huge serving before. I also get take-out from a local Japanese place (wonderful grilled fish). I do cheat on occasion -- I was on a business trip last week in Arizona where it was 115 and I splurged with some really good ice cream -- half a scoop was all I wanted. (Sometimes I get Halo Top ice cream too -- it's high Protein and the half serving I eat is about 35 calories so why not?) I haven't had the slightest desire to stop in the donut shop I pass on the way to work every day -- that used to be my worst addiction and I'm just not interested anymore. I thought I'd really miss all my favorite foods and I just don't. In time I'll be able to eat more but I'm perfectly fine now.
(2) My BP is textbook now -- I made the mistake of staying on my meds until it dropped pretty low at two weeks post-op (probably the worst complication I had!).
(3) I just feel better in almost every way. I can easily bend down to pick something up (which was becoming difficult) and I don't avoid the stairs anymore.
(4) I do have some work to do today -- I have to get out some of the smaller clothes I had packed up because I couldn't fit into them. I had reached the point that I could barely fit into a size 18 dress shirt. Now -- eight weeks after surgery I find that the size 16.5 in my closet is just right. Similar with the suits. One of my "tipping points" was finding I didn't have a suit I could get into -- and there wasn't one in the store that would fit me either (I didn't go to the "big & tall" store but that would have been my only hope). Now my larger suits are a little big on me -- and I'm just about into the next size down.
(5) I do a lot of public speaking for my job. I was getting really embarrassed to be in front of a group because I was so heavy. It was really messing with my self confidence. I spoke to a group this week where I had been a year ago -- and darned if someone didn't come up to me and say "you've really lost weight -- you're looking great!". (I've got a long way to go but I was really surprised by that spontaneous compliment.)
So in short -- I don't have a single regret. Not one. It's been fairly easy for me, although I did have a pretty long stall after the first month but I seem to be past that now. It's just part of the process.
I hope you'll have the same experience, and that by sharing the above you'll feel better about this decision. Feel free to send me a private message if you've got more specific questions you'd rather not ask on a public forum. I will say I got a lot of information from reading these posts and it helped me a lot.

July 7 and I cannot wait. I am so excited. I am on full liquid as of yesterday but just realized I didn't need to start it until tomorrow. Doh! I have been doing a modified for the last two weeks...two shakes, yogurt snack and high Protein meal.
Had a last weigh in with the nut today and am so happy I am down a total of 30lbs from my highest weight and I am hoping for another 7lbs before surgery date.

Hello All,
Making the decision to go to Mexico for a Gastrc Sleeve has been pretty loaded. I'm sure none of us saw this type of choice coming as we gained hope and enthusiasm for the latest diet miracle or relight loss research. Sigh...
Growing up in the 1970's, I had no way of knowing that I was going to be part of the generation who:
- was a test market for sugar cereals
- was drinking more sugar than any children in history
- watched home cooked meals replaced by fast food and pre-packaged foods
- was bombarded with imagery of skinny women...everywhere
- fell prey to the diet industry
I could go on and on. Bottom line, I've been on every diet known to man, have banned most food groups and items at one point or another. Finally, my head was spinning. I had no idea what the truth was: fat or no fat? Rice cakes or whole wheat? Even, Water or no water?
I'm tired. Let's face it. After being treated for breast cancer in 2011, I couldn't get a grip on my already tenuous metabolism reality. Chemo killed my hormones and stopped my cycle. Then I had my ovaries removed in order to reduce my estrogen levels. The cards stacked against me, I went to my primary care doc who suggested, "why don't you stop eating anything white for a month and see how you feel?" Really, that's all you got? Skinny bitch.
I took myself to the PENN Bariatric center to hear what they had to say. I was only at a 35 BMI so they dismissed me and asked if I had ever counted calories. As you all know, the medical industrial complex is holding out on preventative gastric surgery. So, I gave it another year of suffering. I even went on a round of medically supervised HCG, which has an estrogen component that is not good for my type of cancer. I lost 20 pounds in 40 long, hard days.
After gaining most of that back, I decided to go for the sleeve. I am scheduled for 7/5/2016 in Tijuana Mexico. I have not told my doctor because, frankly, I think she has no idea about the real suffering around weight issues. I don't have time for that anymore. When I get back, I will be looking for a better doc fit.
I know it will still be a lot of work but I know I need an ace up my sleeve! LOL!

Hi Friends,
I am a teacher for children with severe autism and cognitive deficits. I love it, but chronic pain has really weighed on me. I work with 3-4 year olds and some days are so physical and it can be like herding kittens.
I am 3 1/2 weeks post op band to sleeve revision. This is not my first rodeo!! I feel amazing. Down 24 lbs. and ready to take on the world. My clothes feel great and just back to feeling healthier. So, it's time for my 3 month transformation. Today I got rid of the gray. Cut some new bangs. Getting some highlights in a few weeks.
I love the difference in my feeling of satisfaction after I eat a small amount of food. I am on mushies still. The lapband worked great for two years. Then the tube moved and was causing spleen and diaphragm pain daily. It took 2 years to figure out the problem along with a 30 lb regain. I am so happy to be pain free. Today I finally decided to work out. I am a swimmer. It was great to get back in the pool this morning.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and thanks for letting me share. Any other teachers doing the same thing?
SW 252
CW 227
1st GW 198
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So I am only just under 5 weeks post op and I am loving life. This is easily the best decision I have ever made. I have lost 45 pounds since my surgery on May 23 and lost around 95 overall. I was just offered an amazing job that I truly believe I never would of gotten if not for the surgery. For any people who are skeptical about getting the surgery just know that I sure was and I am so damn glad that I decided to get it. If anyone has any questions at all please do not hesitate to private message me.
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Realizing you have gone from a size 24 to a 16, in under 14 weeks, does wonders for the soul. I'm actually on my way to the second workout for the day. This is gonna be an awesome summer!!

Scheduled my surgery today for July 25th. Told my manager and he started to argue and get angry and then I told him I was approved for FMLA and he just said "OK then." He was really mad. But I feel better already. Just knowing it's scheduled and he can't hold me back from this is making me so happy!! Thanks for all the advice!
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July 7 and I cannot wait. I am so excited. I am on full liquid as of yesterday but just realized I didn't need to start it until tomorrow. Doh! I have been doing a modified for the last two weeks...two shakes, yogurt snack and high Protein meal.
Had a last weigh in with the nut today and am so happy I am down a total of 30lbs from my highest weight and I am hoping for another 7lbs before surgery date.

I can't believe how much has changed in 3 months. At my follow up, I thanked my surgeon for changing my life.
I still have a long way to go, but I'm trying to Celebrate every victory.
This is the same dress in both pics, but now is far to big and before I had to wear serious shape wear.
SW:265 CW: 205 surgery:3/31/15

On June 28th,2016 I am getting sleeved. On June 16th, 2015 I had a massive heart attack. I gave myself a year to lose the weight, I only lost 27 pds. I decided to do the surgery to get healthier and try to live a longer life. Night before surgery I'm sitting wide awake a little nervous but I am very surprised I'm not a basket case. Lol. My highest weight was 311, my surgery weight is 293. My goal weight is 170. I'm so ready to say goodbye to this body, looking foward to seeing the new me.
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I decided to have surgery to help me with my weight loss. I went to my first appointment on June 18,2015 and attended my first nutritional class that same day. I weighed in at 464 lbs. I could not believe I weighed that much. I began to exercise and eat healthier. I had to do 12 months of nutritional classes for my insurance. My doctor required a 2 week liquid diet pre op. I had my sleeve on 6/14/16. The day of surgery I weighed in at 371 lbs. That is 93lbs. I lost on my own. The day I was released from the hospital I weighed 379 from all the fluids they were pumping in me. Today makes 2 week post op and I weighed in at 345 lbs. I cannot believe I am down 119 lbs since this journey began. I have an awesome family who encourages and supports me 100%. I WILL SUCCEED!!!!!!!
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DAY 2
19 days Pre-op
CW: 351
Good news this morning! I am 6 lbs down after one day of shakes and 120 oz of Water. Thank goodness the unexpected Water weight left as quickly as it came.
Today is still hard to be on liquids. I walked a bit on the treadmill, but I am pooped right now and I really want a cheeseburger. I always crave meat when I am on shakes.
Technically I can have 300 calories of lean meat and veggies everyday, but I have found it easier to go hard or go home. I typically don't do well with wiggle room. We will see. I have a couple of client dinners next week and I will probably have to compromise for those.
Anywho. Another day closer. I cannot wait to get this show on the road!

T-minus 1 hour.
Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life. I guess that is true for everyone, but for me tomorrow is my first day 100% focused on my gastric sleeve journey. Tomorrow I am starting my pre-op diet, 20 days before my surgery date. My doctor only requires a two week diet, but I am tired of waiting. I am ready to get started now. The sooner I start, the more weight I will lose, the sooner I will hit my milestones. Besides, there is something powerful about not waiting until I am forced to go all in. By starting early, I feel more in control.
I am hoping to use this journal to chronicle my experience. To keep me accountable. To share my feelings and to get support. Generally I am much more of a browser than a contributor in forums like this, but this time I decided to put myself out there.
So here goes. One year. My journey.
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I went to my 5 month appointment today and was down 92 lbs! I'm super excited about my progress but still have a long way to go.
I told my doctor that I have been feeling tired and sluggish. I have been getting in the 60 grams of Protein that was recommended but I have been doing Zumba class 3 x a week. And I'm only getting in about 800 calories a day. Most everything I put in my mouth has Protein, then some veggies and very occasionally carbs.
So, my doctor said that because I was working out that I needed about 90 grams of protein....WHAT THE HECK! I can hardly get in my 60 grams! I do drink Premier Protein shakes sometimes but I honestly hate the protein taste of almost all shakes.
I have no idea how to get in all this protein! Any ideas would be great. Thanks so much.

I am July 7 and have found oddly that I am getting less nervous as it gets closer.

My surgery is next Thursday. I started a full liquid diet today and had been doing a modified diet for the last 3 weeks. My last meal was going to be a salad with chicken but I decided at the last moment to do my favorite Breakfast, porkroll, egg and cheese sammie. I felt guilty at first but now am ok with it.

My surgery is next Thursday. I started a full liquid diet today and had been doing a modified diet for the last 3 weeks. My last meal was going to be a salad with chicken but I decided at the last moment to do my favorite Breakfast, porkroll, egg and cheese sammie. I felt guilty at first but now am ok with it.

We've seen the success stories here - given what this surgery does, your body cannot NOT lose the weight. Know that the pounds will come off - it's only a matter of time. Continue soaking in the successful YouTube videos, be excited about the next few months as you learn to 'drive' your new stomach and remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust your body and be kind to yourself.
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The stomach/sleeve "stretching" is a myth. It just doesn't. The problem with carbonation is that is often very painful, esp. early on. If you search "alcohol" you will find a bunch of info on the subject in various forums on the site. It is a subject that is highly controversial and there is great division within the medical side, and the patient side. Some of it's personal preference presented as fact.
But the empty calorie argument is a fact. And you did invest in your health. You have a six month or so honeymoon phase. This is the time when you are most likely to lose the most weight. You have a great second chance. Now this is my opinion: it's just too easy to lose this great opportunity if you drink before you hit your goal. Then proceed with caution. We are all adults, we can make our own decisions. I think if you poke around, you will find people who have no problems alcohol and others that do. (Just like non-WLS people). I'm a bit of evangelist for WLS, and I hope everyone who uses the tool, really grabs this opportunity for a very abundant healthy life.

Note to would be trolls ...This is supposed to be the way a controversial subject should be discussed. Good information, a few personal observations which might be very helpful, and some camaraderie and NO name calling nor accusations. Kudos to everyone involved. Just saying...@@bini120 I'll quit hijacking your thread now.

I had my RNY done February 11th 2016 and as of today I have lost 101 lbs! I was just as nervous as you even up to the morning of the surgery. Having a wonderful support person helps. Good luck to you all!
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