bbp4114

I'm 5'5" and started at 255....my pics are on my profile.

Keep in mind that every body is different. 5'4". SW 268, CW 168.

HW 286, CW 183. Still hoping to loose another 40 pounds. I'm 5'4.

Almost 11 months post-op, from 252 to 175. Have been stalled for some time (at least 3 months, perhaps longer), but I'm running 5 miles at a decent 11 minute pace, and feel outstanding. These pics help to make me feel better about my accomplishments as well.

I just had my EGD yesterday and I have had acid reflux for years that is managed with diet and over the counter omeprazole. My gastroenterologist said that as long as I did not eat large amounts and stuck to the recommended diet and portions I should not have problems with the sleeve.
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I went with the gastric bypass because I had diabetes. I am almost two weeks post op and it looks like it is gone. *fingers crossed* My understanding it it has a better success rate with diabetes remission than the sleeve. My understanding is it also has overall better weight loss success than the sleeve. My doctor also said there really isn't a lot of long term data on the sleeve. I did debate it since there is a huge commitment to taking vitamins/supplements but in the end, I felt like I wanted to attack my weight loss aggressively. I want to add as many happy and healthy years to my life as possible. Best of luck to you.
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I agree with everyone here! I'm 5 weeks post up bypass and happy as a clam spared from the bake! Lol
Couple of things I've learned- healing and progressing through foods is easier with RNY. Because the surgical area with the sleeve is a greater surface area, takes longer to heal. With the sleeve, if you aren't super careful you can really stretch it out faster. Not saying you can't mess up with bypass- you can- but there are more stop-gaps to help you along: inability (for most) to properly process sugars and fats making the possibility of getting sick a plus--- you don't ever want to experience "dumping syndrome"! Sleeves and bands don't have that issue.
You will be closely monitored to be certain you are getting the proper Vitamins and nutrients.
Just remember- any of these surgeries are a TOOL. And with any tool, you have to read the instructions and follow the directions to safely reap the benefits.
I would also imagine that your insurance won't give your new procedure a second thought and approve it right away. The educational part is easy. My doc has us watch videos at home that are monitored by his staff for completion. I would lay money your surgery won't be delayed!
Good luck!

I got RNY...no reflux ...no regrets!!!!

Well only knowing what Gastric Bypass RNY is like, being 10 weeks post-op I can
tell you that so far it is the best thing I ever did. I wish I had done it 10/15 years ago, but it's
wonderfully life-changing. It is a powerful behavior modification tool that with a strong exercise and
careful eating program is the ticket to a new kind of life. You see with the sleeve you will still be able to eat anything
you want and eventually as much as you want, whereas with RNY I simply cannot eat anything with very high fat content
and almost NO sugar, which is fantastic because it MAKES me change. I wish I could show you before and after photos, it's unreal
I've gone over 10 lbs lower than my original goal weight, and now have re-assessed and am
headed for a new goal weight 20 lbs lower than I thought possible. The reason I had
set my goal as I did was because after so many years quite overweight, I had lowered my
expectations of what I thought was possible. Anyway, I would not be worried, this is great!!

I am almost 3 years post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. One of the reasons why I choose this type of surgery was because I had severe acid reflux (GERD). It is a very good type of surgery. It has been around awhile and it is almost a gold standard. Here is my experience. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

I've had 2 cs and for me, the sleeve recovery is much easier. With a c section there is all that Fluid and hormonal stuff, this doesn't. HOWEVER. I still have that "falling out" feeling when I stand up- the feeling where my tummy is gonna just go "bloop" and pop out of my body. Quite a visual huh? I agree with a lot of the posters who where in for unexpected pain. We are all smart, read, ask millions of questions and there are still things that take you totally by surprise. I think it's better that way sometimes.... The worry can be worse than the actual event. Take care and be well all!!!
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I'm 5 days out, and waking up from the sleeve was worse than being awake for the c's. I even said waking up from the anesthesia that it wasn't supposed to be harder than the c sections. But overall I feel like recovery is about the same. Both my c's were fairly easy recovery and with this sleeve I'm feeling pretty good. I've been driving since Thursday, haven't taken pain meds since hospital. I don't feel too lethargic, and keeping up with those now 5 & 6 year old c-section babies, I just don't have time for discomfort lol.
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I had to go purchase a few new items to boost my wardrobe (if you can call it that). I noticed that suddenly I am drawn to bright colors. Usually I will try them on, look in the mirror and head back to the racks looking for black or navy.
Well, I got this new very colorful Ann Klein wrap blouse! I also never ever would have worn a wrap blouse but this one looks very nice for my now boyish figure. My hubby loved it on me.

I was approved for my surgery today!! It only took a week. I have BCBS of Florida. Aiming for June 13th!

Exactly one year ago today I got my sleeve.
As part of my process of losing weight, I have decided to post my story. Warning, emotional dump below. Thank you to everyone who reads. I am so grateful to BP and to everyone who has the courage to share as I learn and am inspired by your stories – so I decided to post my own. I cannot imagine going through WLS without BP and you all.
Figuring out why I got fat – and how to heal myself
I have literally spent the past 30 years in different types of therapy trying to figure out why I do not take care of myself, love myself or feel worthy of love. Through the process, I have learned a lot about myself, done some hard work yet was still very overweight (high 421) and struggled daily with basic self-care.
I am a social worker and have also spent the past 25 years working in the helping profession, yet I was not helping myself. I am so grateful to be able to say now that I am taking care of myself, really for the first time in my life of 44 years. Thank you WLS.
I have been in talk therapy on and off since I was 14 when I tried to kill myself because of nightmares and flashbacks from childhood trauma that scared the hell out of me. I was in a group for sexual abuse survivors for many years because of the sexual abuse from my grandfather - a known sexual perpetrator that my mother moved into our house for free babysitting. I have done focused healing work on my abuse from him and the immense abuse and neglect from my mother. I have done somatic body work and EMDR for trauma, couples therapy with my husband to work through how my trauma and his trauma trigger each other, a formalized emotional eating disorder program for my binge eating (and of course Weight Watchers numerous times, nutrisystem, South Beach, Optifast, you name it) and copious amounts of psychoanalysis, CBT, solution-focused therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, psychotropic medications, self-reflection and journaling, self-help books etc…
And I weighed 421 pounds.
Enter my decision to get the sleeve. I had been resistant, buying into the myth that if I tried hard enough, I would figure out how to take care of myself and not overeat. After struggling with enough energy at 421 pounds to run a non-profit, take care of my family and go to school for a masters in social work, I took a year off from school and signed up for the weight loss program at Kaiser. I always heard that in order to take care of others you must take care of yourself, but for some reason I thought I could be the exception. I was finally motivated enough for WLS.
A year later I got my sleeve at 385 pounds, and today, exactly one year after my surgery I am at 253 pounds with another 100 to go. I could never be here without WLS and my learning to finally and truly start taking care of myself. I realized that the solution was inside me the whole time – realizing that at my core, I felt I was a bad person and had to show everyone else this by my weight. I was using my weight as a boundary because I couldn’t say no or take care of myself.
In addition to WLS, I have started mindfulness training, worked hard on self-compassion (based on Dr. Neff’s work) and letting go of the shame that kept me big (Brene Brown’s work). I still have a long way to go, but today I wanted to honor how far I have come from the scared little girl who was traumatized to the adult I am today who finally is not scared to be healthy and take care of herself. Happy one-year surgiversary to me!

Hi i got 6 weeks of short term disability and i used it. I have a very physically demanding job and i needed every bit of it. If you get it i recommend using as much time as they will give you, sup you can take your time healing and really be able to focus on yourself.
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I am still pre op but what I heard from everyone in my support group they were back at work in a week. I know the way it worked for my Dad when he was working he could get short term disability if he was off work at least 7 consecutive days.
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Woo Hoo Wed 3/16 was my 1 year since I had my sleeve done!
What a whirlwind year it's been
Starting weight 221lbs
Weight after one year 128!
I have so much energy and am feeling great.
I went from wearing a size 18/20 pants to a
size 4.
Went from wearing a 2X shirt to wearing a small
This was the best decision I ever made 

So, I went shopping yesterday for the first time in a couple of months. And I am proud to say that NOTHING was "plus sized". It was my first non big girl store shopping trip in more time than I can remember. And on top of that, I was buying Large shirts and size 10 jeans. I never thought that I would feel this good so soon. I am so happy! As many others say, wish I had only done this sooner!
If I feel this great at 5 months post op, I cant wait what the future holds!!

Surgery date was 12/15/15. HW 293 SW 286 CW 226 The first pic is at my HW the second is a lil over a month after surgery and the third is Valentine's Day

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

Age: 34
Personality: INFJ
Weight: 288 lbs
Relationship status: Committed
Location: Florida
Health: Good, but not much stamina
That's me, in a nutshell. My favorite thing to do is to travel and explore everything around me. I'm insatiably curious and love interacting with different cultures. I've traveled to several countries with various missionary and relief projects because I believe in spending my resources helping those less fortunate. I love hiking in the woods, zip-lining between mountains, scuba diving, getting intentionally lost in new cities on foot, and meeting new people. Skydiving is on my bucket list. I'm fiercely independent and stubbornness is my fatal flaw.
History: I've done all of these things overweight. I've lost up to 60 lbs (twice), my lowest adult weight being 220 at one time. I felt marvelous and my energy was unending. The weight stayed off for about two years, but when it came back brought another 10 or 20 on top of what my highest had previously been.
Recently, the scale tipped 296, something I never thought I'd see. I was mortified that I'd let myself get that high, as I'd started feeling the physical signs of that much weight: Being physically uncomfortable with that much bulge (sitting comfortably), energy sapping quickly, sore feet after just a couple of hours of exploring New York. Knees painful when climbing stairs.
I noticed in myself the last few months that I've started withdrawing from social situations and meeting new people out of embarrassment over how I look. I had an internet friend visit the states from the UK recently, and I wanted to fly out to meet her. I didn't. I want to visit my dad back home in Minnesota since it's been six years. I'm not.
I've tried two dieting attempts in the past year. I lost 12 lbs doing very strict low carb, which was confusing to me since usually I dropped weight quicker with healthy eating. My doctor explained it as my body becoming resistant to low carb dieting, since I've tried it and failed so many times before. I knew I needed help this time, so I made an appointment with bariatrics to talk about getting put on a dieting pill -- they had another solution for me.
Present: Long story short, I've come to the conclusion that the sleeve will be the help I need to really make a lifestyle change. I know it won't be easy, and due to my stubbornness, I'm not used to doing things the easy way. I'm ready. My excitement is growing. I've been stalking and lurking this forum and youtube for the past two weeks, learning all I can.
Here're a few things that really were the tipping point for this decision:
-Getting rid of my PCOS. I want to bear children sometime soon! I know PCOS will complicate that.
- Airplane seat belts. I fly every 3 weeks or so, and having a seat belt not fit was mortifying. About 50% of seat belts fit me, depending on the plane. If they don't, I tuck the buckle under my belly. Also, seats in general.. not comfortable.
-Ahem.. intimate positions. I really enjoy sex, and have been increasingly sad that I'm not able to do the things I once could.
-Social embarrassment/afraid to meet people
-Meeting my boyfriend's parents is sometime in the near future (They're Asian. Even though my boyfriend is also overweight, he's dating a white girl.. and a fat one at that. Two strikes against me in Asian culture)
-Wedding pictures.. nuff said.
-I've always dreamed of a trip around the world, and I finally have the funds for it. How much fun would it be if I tire easily, though?
-How far away is diabetes with my sugar addiction and weight, really?
-I completed a GoRuck (physical endurance) Light challenge this summer and loved it. I want to do more.
Things I just can't wait for:
- Stamina! Being able to explore all day and not have to stop to rest my aching feet and knees.
- Traveling comfortably. Airplane belts that fit. Not having to squeeze between people in a restaurant.
- Forgoing that first assessment when entering a room where I look around to see if I'm the fattest person there... you know what I mean.
- Summer dresses!!
-Cute shoes and cute clothes. Not having to shop in Lane Bryant for everything.
-If I need something, being able to simply go to the store and get it. Explaining to my boyfriend why I couldn't just go into the mall and get a winter coat was embarrassing. Not being able to buy emergency clothes in Central America.. ugh. Packing light and buying clothes wherever I travel to would be a real possibility.
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-Theme park rides. I love roller coasters, and the last time I went, it was touch and go whether or not I fit in the seat.
-Boots that fit my calves!
-Skydiving
-Being able to do more than a couple sets of stairs without my knees starting to hurt
-Enough room to snuggle comfortably on the couch with my boyfriend
-GoRuck Tough!!
Anyway.. that's me! My name is Rio and I'm starting this journey now. I'm telling very few people in my life..my direct coworkers, my wonderful, supportive boyfriend, and a couple of close friends. I'm not close with most of my family, and I know there will be a lot of judgment there, so I've chosen to not tell them. I'm trying not to go overboard and over-prepare.. already looking at bariatric plates, collagen cream for loose skin.. lol. When I'm excited, I prepare (I've mostly contained myself, but I did try a Protein drink powder and I bought a cute bento bowl for my lunches). I'm about two months away from surgery with no firm date set yet. I'll be getting sleeved at the mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. I am just one EGD and two classes away from my workup being completed.

Ok so today I went shopping because my size 12 jeans were getting fairly loose. I went to my favorite place to buy jeans since having WLS. Lucky Brand Jeans.
I grab a pair of sweet and straight jeans in a size 10 and I am grinning from ear to ear because I am confident they are going to fit and I love that feeling. I have not fit into jeans this small since I was a teenager.
I put them on and I am right! They fit fantastic! I come out of the dressing room and model for hubby who promptly says, those look a little big. Maybe you should think about a smaller size.
I the immediately say "no way!" An 8 is not going to fit me. I am honestly not sure if I have ever worn a size that small. I decide to encourage him and prove there is no way I will get them up.
I grab an 8 and head back into the dressing room. I look at this tiny pair of jeans and go, here goes nothing. They fit perfectly! I could hardly believe my eyes.
Then the sales clerk tells me that they are buy one get one half off but she says the darker dyes seem to be more forgiving so she gives me an 8 and a 6 to try on. I laughed but thought well just see how far off you are.
Well, I put the 6 on, buttoned them up and stood there in shock. Now, I didn't buy the 6 because although I could wear them, I do like my jeans to be comfortable and have a little room.
So when I started this journey I wore 24 jeans and 26/28 tops. I am now in a size 8 and a medium or large top. Sometimes I have to get the large because I have a lot of loose skin.
I cannot believe where I am today! For me, clothes shopping is when I can really see the thinner me.

My surgery went well yesterday. I had no complication. My surgeon did the leak test while I was still in the OR so when I made it to my room. My urination was green. Kind of weird it started returning back to yellow in time. I got up and walked around a lap around the floor twice yesterday. I tolerated small sips of Water, Propel, chicken broth very well. My pain was manage with liquid Lortab every 4hrs. The surgeon saw me this morning told me I was doing exceptionally well and I could go home. So he gave me a bolus to give me a head start on hydration and I made it back home today. I must say surgery wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. ????

@@Amberbo , my short answer is to hang out and read through the various forums and take in the success stories and the way folks have shed the various pains and ailments as they shed the weight. Also gone from their lives are pain meds and such that were instrumental in the simply getting around.
I was a broke down 47 year old guy who was freaking miserable and fast making those around me miserable, too. The final straw was a herniated disc in April 2015 that sidelined me and forced me to contemplate an aggressive source of relief. Spinal stenosis, severe advanced arthritis in my left knee, plantar fasciitis, right ankle that'd been repaired a few years prior and was always screaming at the end of the day and another umbilical hernia that had already been repaired with open surgery twice before ( you can see it really well in my "before" pics).
Miserable, I tell ya.....but the back thing was what it took to get my big arse into a bariatric program as soon as I could.....seemed like it took forever to get to my surgery date in mid October 2015. It gave me the needed time to make the most important change.....GETTING MY MIND RIGHT AND SQUARELY EMBRACE THE CHANGES THAT HAD TO OCCUR. Most important !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surgeon repaired the hernia at the same time as my sleeve.
Recovery was smooth.
Now, some 3 months away.....I can only say that my only regret is not doing this sooner.
The pressure off my back has allowed tremendous healing to occur and I take no meds for it. No more spine injections, either. Everything else on my list of ailments is way, way better, too.
The weight is coming off in a steady way and the sleeve is very, very, very, very, very easy to live with. There is nothing that I can't have or do with it.
Also....what I can't stress enough is that the physical changes are probably only 1/2 the story.....if even that much.
Please read that above statement again.....and again.
'Tis true.
The real benefits....the stuff that truly makes me happier is the mental-emotional-motivation-optimism that has been showing up daily in greater amounts.
I may have slept past only two sunrises since my sleeve and they were due to late nights of having F-U-N.
I'm normally up well before dawn and ready for the day's tasks and challenges. I sleep righteously and do so with a smile on my face. Life is good. It is good because it will only get better.
We fail to see how much pain can drag us down to become miserable. When it's removed and the source of that is something that you own and will continue living with...a tool that you control.......POWERFUL things will happen.
Don't walk, but run your butt to the nearest bariatric center of excellence and take to them. Do it now and have a wonderful Summer.......but even better......live the Winter of your dreams next winter.
Trust & believe !!!!!