JupiterinVirgo

Kapow! Stunning. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery done at Einstein by Dr. Dallal. Some of the people who work in his office, are not people I would choose to work with, especially one of the psychotherapists there who seem to border on psychopathology when doing my interview. She was one of the kinds of people who smiles and speaks in a sweet voice while taking a knife and cutting your organs out emotionally, five minutes after you meet her. She was terrible. But the surgeon, was great. Smart, experienced, instilled confidence, and it was not misplaced. As such experiences go, mine was great. I had my surgery right before Thanksgiving-like the day before. I ended up with my own room which was a godsend for me, and the hospital staff was attentive and competent. The surgeon who did my sleeve was friendly, fast, and it all went off without a hitch. My scores were small and they healed up quickly. I had no complications from the surgery. What I will say, is there a pre-surgical and post surgical education and care is most certainly lacking. There were a lot of things that I was not told or taught, that would have made my recovery after leaving the hospital smoother. For instance, nobody told me it was possible to become impacted from the opioid painkillers and the lack of activity. Also, no one told me to take milk of magnesia to prevent that from happening. This is just one example. So I highly recommend Einstein for the surgery, but I also highly recommend you get yourself educated elsewhere. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so thankful for all your supportive comments. Thank you so much. I remember looking at these forums when I was over 300 pounds, and other people's success stories helped me a great deal, especially in the pre-surgical phase when I was still struggling with my courage, and postop, when I felt discouraged or fearful that I might fail. I used to dream of the day when I could post something that might uplift somebody else who is destined to change their life in a positive way with this powerful surgical tool. I thank every single one of you for showing up and showing us how it's done! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I honestly didn't know if I would ever make it here. I don't own a scale, on purpose. I weigh myself according to opportunities. So it's been a while. And I am finally under 200 pounds. I am down over 124 pounds! The anniversary of my surgery isn't until the end of next month, but I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my entire adult life. I am so grateful I could cry! I have not weighed under 200 pounds since my mid-20s. I never thought I would again. I feel like I have been given my life back! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was so happy to see your replies! Thank you. I didn't do a great deal of research before choosing my fit bit, because the truth is that in my head I wasn't at all sure it would do anything for me at all. So I bought an older cheaper model on eBay-brand-new but an older version, and it's great. I believe I got the flex. It's a little bit glitchy, specifically when it comes to sleep monitoring. However I have found that when it comes to steps it's quite good. Also, fit bit seems to integrate well with a lot of other apps, including weight watchers which I like because it gives me good meal ideas, and keeps me in the ballpark of what is reasonable as I can tolerate more food. When technology works, it's stinking awesome! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I ask myself that same question today, and what I decided to do is make sure I have the tools to get all the way to my goal, so I purchased a fit bit, and a few good implements for the kitchen that will help me to cook more, and I am going to join weight watchers just for help with continuing accountability and increasing my effort. My big gift to myself when I reach goal is to have my breasts lifted! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thank you so much for celebrating with me! I had no idea I was under 200 until today and I'm so happy I could weep with joy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much. These forums encourage me and gave me so much courage for my journey, and to be on the other side of it inspiring others makes my heart soar! I'm so happy for you. I know you're going to do great! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery less than a year ago. And it has changed everything. When I made the life altering decision to have the surgery, I gained the courage by imagining what life I might live if I were healthier. A few months after my surgery I bought an RV, and moved into it full-time in June. This gives me so much freedom, and the ability to travel full-time. It is an amazing gift, that I would be physically incapable of enjoying at my previous high weight of over 300 pounds! I am so grateful that I was able to get the surgery. It has truly changed my life. I know I will always have to be careful about my relationship with food, but this surgery has truly given me a chance to live the life that I've been dreaming of. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are such an inspiration! I think you look beautiful! I am still learning how to love my body. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you Mimi Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dr. say that because for a lot of sleeve patients the first half of your excess weight comes off very quickly. And easily. Speaking relatively. That doesn't mean there is no effort, but in the first six months your body is scrambling to gather nutrition and other resources from its storage! Most surgeons tell people to do a form of Adkins old diet, low-carb and high-Protein. People who get the surgery already know that sheer force of will/dieting is not a lifelong answer to healing or issues with food. Basically, I think the development of new better and healthier habits, a more intimate relationship with ourselves, and a recognition that there is no race to the finish line here because we will always need to be careful about our relationships with food. It takes more effort to get off that last 30%. I am just under a year out of surgery, and down over 100 pounds, with another 40 to go. Two thirds of my weight to practically fell off of me. This last third, I'll probably have to work for. But that work, will allow me to really step into the power of learning to take care of my body. There are a lot of people who have had the surgery that have gotten all of their extra weight off. All of it! Like anything, it's all about what you put into it. I know you can do it! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much everyone. It was post like these that I was looking at a year ago that gave me the strength and the courage to give it a try and I'm so happy I did Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Less than one year. I think I was down at least 80 or 90 in the first six months! I started in the low 300s. But honestly, I encourage you not to worry about the speed at which the weight comes off, because this fantastic sleeve is a lifelong companion and those of us who have struggled with our relationship with food will always need to keep an eye on that. All that matters is that you get to a place we are comfortable in your own skin, healthy, and stay that way! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Eat your greens as soon as you can tolerate them. Replace one meal every day with only veggies and your body will be able to lose weight faster. There are so many toxins released as fat cells break down and our bodies desperately need the nutrients found in vegetables, that many misguided surgeons tell patients to replace with "protein, "which is mostly going to be highly processed dairy products or meat. These add to the causes of inflammation and are hard on the organs working to flush all the toxins from the fat breaking down. Greens clean the body!

Smarty Pants Gummy Vitamins.

Thank you!!

8/8 is also called "the lions gate." Seems almost like some kind of sign! Wishing you the best!

Down 110 pounds, and never once logged my food.

The first step is to find a surgeon who takes your insurance, and research the crap out of them. Then, Call their office and make an appointment.

I use dr axe Collegen powder everyday and I'm 7 mos out, 110 down. If you want whey I recommend "naked whey" and finally the healthiest I found, "Phood," which is plant based, real food protein powder.

So so cool. Thank you for sharing this!

You're beautiful. Maybe the numbers are no longer the right guide. Trust your intuition, and how you feel in your body.

Thank you, everyone! So close to Onederland I can smell it on the wind.

Congratulations! It's a huge relief to know that you don't have to special order your clothes anymore.

Amazing! You look great!