ALLABTME_KISHA

So Im 5" and the BMI charts I check online says 97-125 which I think is way too small for me, havent been that small since high school... Im hoping to get down to 130/135 pounds. Right now Im 148lbs and Im 5 1/2 months post op..

I'm celebrating my 6th month anniversary today! I lost 91 lbs and have had no complications so far (fingers crossing this trend will continue).
Prior to surgery, my medical team stressed that most of the weight loss happens in the first 6 months, so part of me now is thinking, "Oh shut, what if I don't lose anymore?" I still have at least 30 lbs to go... so this better not be it. I don't mind losing more slowly as long as I can continue to lose.
I have loose skin, of course, and I guess I'll just have to live with it for now. But I'm happy, healthier and this is still the best decision I've ever made. I walk at least 2 miles (and sometimes more) every day and I go to Zumba whenever I can.
Sometimes I get sad/angry and wish I had done this 5 years ago, instead of having that stupid lapband placed. But then I remind myself that I did the best I knew back then... and when I knew better, I did better.
Here are my celebratory B&A pictures.

My name is Cheyenne and I was 378 pounds at the age of 21, way too young to be so unhealthy! I was very unhappy with myself, my life, and the way I look in clothes. I was just tired all the time and had so many weight related issues until I began to give up on life itself and become a compete introvert! I tried walking, going to the gym, eating healthy/less, drinking more Water but the weight always came back because I just couldn't stop eating at all, I had no self control; not to forget I was/am struggling with Schizo Effective Disorder. So, one day, I got a call from my grandmother in Savannah (I was in Nebraska) and she relayed to me some shocking news which included her having lung cancer, my great grandmother dying, and more which I wish not to speak about; right then and there, something inside of me sparked like a person trying to light a mach and I literally screamed out "I WANT TO LIVE. I WANT TO LIVE FOR MY GRANDMA, MY FAMILY, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY ME, MYSELF, AND I, DAMN IT!" My mother came running into the room and she just automatically told me to get dress and get in the car, I totally thought she was going to take me to be admitted but, to my surprise, we rolled into Methodist and went to the barbaric office. That is when I met my saving grace, the man that helped me change my life, Dr. Daniel Cronk! My mother and I applied and did the six month requirements but Medicaid turned me down. I was disappointed but, the next year, my mother worked her magic and the surgery was approved! I had to do the pre surgical diet (which wasn't as hard as I thought) and lost a total of 67ibs which put me at 311 on the day of the surgery, September 2nd of this year. I had the surgery and the first two nights in the hospital were absolute hell, the third night was magical, the fourth day I was happy as heck I was leaving. When I got home, the first two weeks were really hard. Making this long story short. I am now 280 pounds!

Do you know that kiddie song?
"do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro, can you tie'em in a knot, can you tie 'em in a bow, can you throw'em over your shoulder like a continental soldier, do your ears hang low"
Substitute boobs for ears and you got me ????

Good on you I say!!
If you want to order Soup and just drink the broth then you go for it...
A lot in your position (me included) would opt to stay at home for a little while but if you're ready to get out there and be social then knock yourself out...
More power to you!!

Hi,
I am 3 weeks out of surgery. And I'm in pureed stage of my diet. I still want to go out and hangout with family and friends for meals. Some people think it's a waste if I go order a cup of Soup n only drink the broth part of it. I'm not tempted when I see others eating nor do I regret my decision.
I like the socializing part of eating out with folks. I understand it's not cost effective. But this is the new me. I will eventually be able to eat until then I don't want to miss out on social gatherings with family and friends.
I can't shut myself in because I made this conscious decision to get sleeved to get to a healthier weight. I have yet to eat or drink anything that is not on my bariatric diet menu. I have always been a social person and I don't want that to change as I love my family and friends.

This is why it's really important for us to focus more on the non scale victories (NSV's) as opposed to the numbers. We all have been guilty of getting too damn wrapped up in the numbers, and can lose site of what is really important, like feeling and looking healthier.
Good job on your progress! You've done great!

Great way to gain control of the scale issue. Congrats on your success so far!

I had my surgery just over 10 months ago and today I hit my goal weight of 125! I chose that weight with my doctor because it's half my starting weight of 250 and a perfectly normal BMI at 5'0.
My life has been saved and drastically changed FOREVER. I'm now the athlete I've always wanted to be, I can wear cute clothes and knee boots, my energy level is off the charts, I can cross my legs, I could go on and on.
This was by no means easy. I had to completely change my lifestyle - I eat roughly 800-1000 calories a day getting in a minimum of 80 grams of Protein. I work out 6 days a week and on wednesdays I work out twice. I run 25-30 miles a week, do hot yoga and work with a personal trainer. There are times when I struggle with head hunger, especially working at home, but because I have nothing unhealthy in the house I can't get into much trouble snacking so I find ways to distract myself and I get over it.
What I want people to know that you can do this and still live a normal life. I eat 2 pieces of dark chocolate a day, I eat out and I drink a couple glasses of wine or some tequila once a week. I've eaten slice of pizza twice in the last 2 months but because pizza is my nemesis, I waited until I was almost at goal to dare try it again. The key is continuing to monitor your portions, tracking calories and protein and balancing it with exercise which is what I'll continue to do as I venture in to maintenance.
I've never not been on a diet. I have no idea what this is going to be like. My doctor says not to be surprised if I get lower than 125 if I continue to run half marathons (never stopping already registered for my next one!) so we'll see what the next phase brings. I update my blog regularly if you want to follow along - tomorrow's post will be all about this monumental day http://www.fatgirldivesin.blogspot.com
    

Hey @@ThickFit504! So I am a little over 4months out and Ive had a half slice of pizza and that was really pushing it for me. Mainly because outside of that I eats NO bread or Pasta. Just dont have a taste for it. When I eat burgers it on lettuce or just plain without bread and its never a whole burger in one sitting. I can eat drumstick (fried chicken), if I get gready and eat 2 I always end up throwing up(no matter how slow I eat it. Fish I can get a good amount in... But I find myself trying new things weekly to see what works for me and portions works without me having to throw up or just straight discomfort! I feel like Im in this try & error phaze. But its coming along... Hopes this helps! Wish u luck on ur journey

Hey @@ThickFit504! So I am a little over 4months out and Ive had a half slice of pizza and that was really pushing it for me. Mainly because outside of that I eats NO bread or Pasta. Just dont have a taste for it. When I eat burgers it on lettuce or just plain without bread and its never a whole burger in one sitting. I can eat drumstick (fried chicken), if I get gready and eat 2 I always end up throwing up(no matter how slow I eat it. Fish I can get a good amount in... But I find myself trying new things weekly to see what works for me and portions works without me having to throw up or just straight discomfort! I feel like Im in this try & error phaze. But its coming along... Hopes this helps! Wish u luck on ur journey

Before surgery I was 320, surgery day I was 305 and as of Monday I'm 205 ..

I am sorry that you were sick after surgery. I didn't have anything like that but I did have a rough first month because the liquid diet and pureed foods were not appetizing and I wasn't getting the Protein that I needed. Eventually things got better. As you heal the fatigue will wane. You will be able to eat more choices which helps to ease anxiety about eating.
From your post I see that you feel bad that you won't be able to overeat and drink with your friends. That may be true, so why don't you do something different with them? Go to a concert, dancing, rollerskating, miniature golfing.... You can be social. You don't have to overeat to be social. Also, try not to mourn the things that got you to this point in the first place. At 20 you have some unique opportunities that the rest of us didn't have, the biggest one is to nip your health problems in the bud before they could become unmanageable.
My advice to you is have faith in yourself. Your experience is not going to be that same as someone else's experience. You have to make the choice that once you are feeling better you will stick to the diet plan laid out for you in order for you to meet and maintain your goal. Don't worry about gaining weight back. Have confidence in yourself that you can and will keep the weight off.
I know you can do it!

So I am coming up on five months post-op now... (Surgery date June 10th) I had VSG done and I have never been happier. I have had ZERO complications, no throwing up, now problems drinking fluids, no adverse reactions to any type of foods (except of course anything with too high fat or sugar), and I just broke through today a seven week stall I have been in!!!
This past weekend we had a halloween party and for the first time in my life I was able to buy a costume that wasn't PLUS SIZE and it felt great! :-) I'm just not used to buying size medium anything still! So here's some before and afters.. For the first time in my life I actually felt like a pretty girl at the party instead of hiding in the crowd!
Starting weight: 262
Surgery weight: 224.9
Current weight: 168
Height: 5'5"
Pants starting: 22
Shirts starting: 2XL/3XL
Pants current: 8
Shirts current: M/L

Hey @@ThickFit504! So I am a little over 4months out and Ive had a half slice of pizza and that was really pushing it for me. Mainly because outside of that I eats NO bread or Pasta. Just dont have a taste for it. When I eat burgers it on lettuce or just plain without bread and its never a whole burger in one sitting. I can eat drumstick (fried chicken), if I get gready and eat 2 I always end up throwing up(no matter how slow I eat it. Fish I can get a good amount in... But I find myself trying new things weekly to see what works for me and portions works without me having to throw up or just straight discomfort! I feel like Im in this try & error phaze. But its coming along... Hopes this helps! Wish u luck on ur journey

Made a video about you ?
F*%K that B!#*h. No way, shape, or form that can be legal.
Sorry, I have no advice, but that blows. You should get a free pass on pimp-slapping that worthless piece of crap for as many times as you'd like.
Manipulative, petty, low-class heifer. I'm very sorry you had to be subjected to such a spineless piece of garbage.

If that was my boss, I would turn her ass in to HR and get an attorney.

Hey @@ThickFit504! So I am a little over 4months out and Ive had a half slice of pizza and that was really pushing it for me. Mainly because outside of that I eats NO bread or Pasta. Just dont have a taste for it. When I eat burgers it on lettuce or just plain without bread and its never a whole burger in one sitting. I can eat drumstick (fried chicken), if I get gready and eat 2 I always end up throwing up(no matter how slow I eat it. Fish I can get a good amount in... But I find myself trying new things weekly to see what works for me and portions works without me having to throw up or just straight discomfort! I feel like Im in this try & error phaze. But its coming along... Hopes this helps! Wish u luck on ur journey

This is so great and so true. I took me over a year to lose 85 pounds, and I feel I'm more prepared to tackle maintenance at this point because I had plenty of time to educate myself about diet, proper nutrition and excersise. I had time to prepare myself for the challenges of actually maintaining my weight once I got to goal. That's not including all the emotional aspects of it, because life doesn't turn into this magical kingdom where everything is perfect just because we are no longer obese. Just like losing weight, maintenance takes work...even more so...and sometimes I think we get into such a hurry to get there, we aren't prepared for the challenges of it.

If you search around here, you are going to find that those last pounds especially when you are mid to low 100s are going to come off really slow. You lost the bulk of your weight faster than most people.
It would probably be better for you to accept the rest is going to come off slowly.
You said you aren't exercising. If you want to try and break that stall, get some serious exercise in, but that last 20lbs will probably take you as long as the other pounds.

If by mini goals you mean you are expecting to be a specific weight by a specific date - don't do that. ????. That's almost as bad as being a scale vulture. Multiple mini goals like that can lead to multiple mini meltdowns. As long as you're following the rules, your body will get you there - but in its own time.
Sounds like you're doing great though, and should be very happy with your progress so far!

You need to set goals for things you can control, not the results.
You can control meeting your Protein goal daily.
You can control drinking enough fluids.
You can control getting yourself to the gym or taking a walk.
These are the types of things you can set goals for.
The results are out of our control.

@@ALLABTME_KISHA - venting, I get it
Keep on track, like you said, and try to get some cardio in your exercising. I don't exercise because my job is pretty physical. I am up and down all day (stairs, squatting, lifting, walking) so I am pretty exhausted when the day is done. On the weekends I have tried to maintain that level of physical activity and that helps me get that extra scale movement - everyday try to do 30 minutes of something that keeps your heart pumping!!!

Mine is whatever size my surgeon chose to use.
I trusted him to do his job and did not ask for stupid customizations.

Here is an article on the subject, hope this helps:
Sleeve Gastrectomy – Does Size Matter?

by Kimberly Taylor on August 21, 2013 · Comments | Weight Loss Surgery


The gastric sleeve procedure has quickly become one of the most common types of weight loss surgery, jumping from obscurity to importance in only a few years.

Despite it’s newfound popularity among patients and surgeons, there are many technical aspects of the procedure including bougie size that remain controversial.

What is a Bougie?

The bougie (prounounced BOO-zhee) is a measuring tool in the form of a long, thin, flexible tube. The surgeon uses it as a guide when dividing the stomach.


During surgery, the bougie is put into the mouth and pushed down through the esophagus and stomach to the pylorus. The tube creates a bulge inside the stomach that the surgeon uses to guide the stapler when dividing the stomach. After the sleeve is formed, the bougie is removed from the body.

Bougies comes in a range of sizes that are identified by a unit of measurement called a French. 1 French is equal to 0.333mm (1/3 mm) and is abbreviated as F, Fr or FR. For reference, a 40F bougie measures about 1/2 inch (40F x 0.333mm = 13.32mm, converted to inches is 1/2″).

Standard bougie sizes in the United States range from 32-50F. The bougie size is not the same as stomach size, although it does influence the size of the sleeve.

Generally, the smaller the bougie, the smaller the new stomach size, but the same size bougie does not always create the same size stomach. The finished sleeve size is determined by how close the stapler gets to the guide and whether the surgeon oversews the staple line and if so, by how much.

While the gastric sleeve is now widely accepted as a primary bariatric procedure, there is not yet unanimous agreement on an ideal bougie size. The decision is trying to find the size that will provide the safest results with the most amount of weight loss.

With a smaller bougie size, the smaller the sleeve and greater the restriction, but greater the risk of leak and stricture rate.

A stricture is an excessively narrow section that develops when scar tissue grows and interferes with the normal movement of food and liquids into the stomach. It can cause upper abdominal pain after eating and chronic vomiting or regurgitation of undigested food. Symptoms usually start in the first 6 weeks after surgery. Strictures are very uncommon, but surgery is required to remedy the situation.

If a larger bougie size is used, the sleeve will be larger and the operation safer, but the concern is that it may not produce enough weight loss.

2008 Study

A study in 2008 found that a bougie size of 40F compared with 60F did not result in significantly greater weight loss in the short term.

Comparing 40F versus 60F:
At 6 months, the excess weight loss was 38.8% versus 40.6%.
At 12 months, the excess weight loss was 51.9% versus 45.4%.

(Study: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: does bougie size affect mean %EWL? Short-term outcomes. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2008 Jul-Aug;4(4):528-33. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2008.03.245.)

2013 Study

In a 2013 study, researchers wanted to find out if there is an ideal bougie size. To do this, they did a search of medical literature published in the last 5 years and analyzed 32 publications involving 4,999 patients.

What they found:
The use of bougies 40F and larger had a leak rate of 0.92% and excess weight loss of 69.2%.
The use of bougies smaller than 40F had a leak rate of 2.67% and excess weight loss of 60.7%.

The results show that larger sizing bougies had a lower incidence of leaks with no change in weight loss. The researchers call for further studies before a decision is made on optimal bougies size, but recommend caution in using the smallest bougie possible because the risks may outweigh the benefits.

(Study: The Effects of Bougie Caliber on Leaks and Excess Weight Loss Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. Is There an Ideal Bougie Size? Obes Surg. 2013 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print])

2012 Surgeon Survey

According to a 2012 survey of surgeons experienced in sleeve gastrectomy, the bougie size used ranged from 32F to 50F, with the most common size being 36F (used by 32% of surgeons surveyed). Studies show that the procedure is relatively safe, but there are still many variations in bougie size.

(Study: Survey on laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at the Fourth International Consensus Summit on Sleeve Gastrectomy. Obes Surg. 2013 Aug 4. [Epub ahead of print])

Bougie Size

Bougie size is based on patient input, height, weight, and surgeon technique. The bougie size is typically smaller when the procedure is performed as a stand-alone procedure (32-50F) rather than part of the duodenal switch (50-60F).

Depending on the bougie size used by the surgeon, the new stomach size will be about 60-80% smaller after surgery. The average stomach holds 30-40 ounces, or roughly 4-6 cups per meal. After surgery, a small meal of 1/2 cup to 1-1/2 cups will fill the new stomach pouch. The sleeve will stretch somewhat from the surgery size, but will get no where near the size of the original stomach.

If you are planning to undergo the sleeve gastrectomy procedure, make sure you discuss the bougie size with your surgeon during the pre-op process. It is important that you understand the rationale for your surgeon’s recommendation and to feel comfortable with the size of your post-op stomach.

While bougie size is a consideration, healthy weight loss will ultimately depend on following a reduced-calorie, nutrient-rich diet. The sleeve will help reduce hunger and limit food intake, but it is up to you to choose the foods and liquids that you put into your body.



I made a quick EXCEL spreadsheet converting the size to mm and inches based upon the formula.
Note: Per this article, the surgeon's techniques contribute to the overall size ("...how close the stapler is to the guide...", "...whether they oversew"..., etc.)

Bougie Size mm Inches
32 10.66 0.42
33 10.99 0.43
34 11.32 0.45
35 11.66 0.46
36 11.99 0.47
37 12.32 0.49
38 12.65 0.50
39 12.99 0.51
40 13.32 0.52
41 13.65 0.54
42 13.99 0.55
43 14.32 0.56
44 14.65 0.58
45 14.99 0.59
46 15.32 0.60
47 15.65 0.62
48 15.98 0.63
49 16.32 0.64
50 16.65 0.66