sassyfrass23

This is me at 126 pounds. I know the picture is sideways but I never thought I would look in the mirror and see myself like this in a million years!
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I had Gastric Sleeve surgery October 2014. I have lost 156 pounds and have went from a size 20 to a size 0. i went from 282 pounds to a 126 pounds and I feel amazing! the first pic to the far left was about 6 months post op after i had lost about 70 pounds, the middle pic was me about 4 months preop at about 285 pounds. and the last pic is me 12 months post op at 145 pounds. Currently I am 126. Needless to say life has changed drastically!!!

Sleeved: 04/03/13
Height: 5'3"
HW: 237
CW: 142
Adjusted GW: 125-130
NO PLASTICS 100% NATURAL

I just have to share because I'm finally seeing a difference in my body! I'm 3 months post-op and I have lost 74 lbs. I took a picture this weekend and finally could see a big difference. YAY for little victories and a place to share it where others understand completely!

Yesterday marked 3 weeks until my "BIG" day. And I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack.
I have always struggled with anxiety, and as I have aged, it has improved significantly unless something major triggers it. But even then, my rebound time is much faster than it was 5+ years ago. My coping skills have improved. Go me!
However, between the surgery being right around the corner, and a VERY stressful job...this little lady is all out of sorts. I tried the whole "retreat" mechanism which is my first instinct when things get tough. I shut down. I shut everyone near and dear to me out. And I process. And while I enjoy this option more, I know that it is unhealthy and what has played a huge role in my weight. Because while I am secluded in my own little world, all I need is me and my food. Gimme that chocolate and some of those potatoes. And I slowly begin to reappear, eventually. So here are my concerns:
-Work (stressful job + unhealthy relationship with a superior)
-Pre op and post op diet
(I've done the research. I have a ton of material from my surgeon's office. I truly am prepared. But I have totally allowed my mind to screw with me and convince me that I'm not. Anxiety, remember? I'm not worried about the length of the specific diets or stages or what I can or CAN'T have. I literally just feel like everything I've learned over the last 9 months has suddenly vanished. My diet starts Tuesday. So I plan to sit and dive right back into my manuals within the next day or so and re-educate/reassure myself that I do know and I do understand what I am to do.......)
-Energy levels after WLS (I've read where it is not uncommon to feel less than par for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Some sooner, some longer. I'm worried that I'm going to tire more easily and am concerned with how this will affect my job performance..if at all? I work as an IT consultant and we have multiple clients which include 3 hospitals + multiple physician and Lawyers offices. I am constantly on the freakin go. Work begins before I leave my house in the morning and continues after I arrive home. I am hands on and regularly crawling on the floor to look at/repair computers, servers, you name it. The one upside to my job is that I am on my feet more so than not. So, I'm always sure to average between 7,000 and 10,000 steps at work alone.)
-There are a few more concerns...but I'll stop there
So, my concerns aren't whether I'm going to lose fast or have excess skin. I mean...those are possibly there...but way way wayyyy down on the list. I'm mostly concerned about my emotional well being after surgery. I know that this is going to be as much mental...if not more...than physical. And I don't know whether to reach for a Xanax or a brown paper bag
I do know that I've got to get out of my head and some of my concerns are probably minute and a waist of energy. Which is why I am here. I know that I need to get these things off my chest and talk them out. Only then will I feel better and become more comfortable with what is about to take place in my life. So here is Megan...in all her glory....vulnerable and transparent. [patting self on back]
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You two are so inspiring to an old timer like me! I'm wishing positive outcomes for the new post ops.
So glad to see you are at the entry to a whole new life and healthy lifestyle.
You can do this. Every day you try to do a little better and follow the rules.
Have faith. This can change the whole rest of your life! Very exciting!!
Keep posting and updating and know there are many of us here behind you.
This is a nice community of supportive people and a very soft place to ask questions, chat or even just bi*tch about life

Everything went fantastic! I'm feeling much much better today although I just can't seem to wake up. So glad yours was a success @@choicemun !
Also- I did so well on my preop diet and shrank my liver so much, he didn't even have to do a biopsy! He is very pleased with my mobility and efforts thus far so I will for sure be going home today! He told my family that he wished all of his patients were like me. That was comforting to hear.
Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Yesterday marked 3 weeks until my "BIG" day. And I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack.
I have always struggled with anxiety, and as I have aged, it has improved significantly unless something major triggers it. But even then, my rebound time is much faster than it was 5+ years ago. My coping skills have improved. Go me!
However, between the surgery being right around the corner, and a VERY stressful job...this little lady is all out of sorts. I tried the whole "retreat" mechanism which is my first instinct when things get tough. I shut down. I shut everyone near and dear to me out. And I process. And while I enjoy this option more, I know that it is unhealthy and what has played a huge role in my weight. Because while I am secluded in my own little world, all I need is me and my food. Gimme that chocolate and some of those potatoes. And I slowly begin to reappear, eventually. So here are my concerns:
-Work (stressful job + unhealthy relationship with a superior)
-Pre op and post op diet
(I've done the research. I have a ton of material from my surgeon's office. I truly am prepared. But I have totally allowed my mind to screw with me and convince me that I'm not. Anxiety, remember? I'm not worried about the length of the specific diets or stages or what I can or CAN'T have. I literally just feel like everything I've learned over the last 9 months has suddenly vanished. My diet starts Tuesday. So I plan to sit and dive right back into my manuals within the next day or so and re-educate/reassure myself that I do know and I do understand what I am to do.......)
-Energy levels after WLS (I've read where it is not uncommon to feel less than par for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Some sooner, some longer. I'm worried that I'm going to tire more easily and am concerned with how this will affect my job performance..if at all? I work as an IT consultant and we have multiple clients which include 3 hospitals + multiple physician and Lawyers offices. I am constantly on the freakin go. Work begins before I leave my house in the morning and continues after I arrive home. I am hands on and regularly crawling on the floor to look at/repair computers, servers, you name it. The one upside to my job is that I am on my feet more so than not. So, I'm always sure to average between 7,000 and 10,000 steps at work alone.)
-There are a few more concerns...but I'll stop there
So, my concerns aren't whether I'm going to lose fast or have excess skin. I mean...those are possibly there...but way way wayyyy down on the list. I'm mostly concerned about my emotional well being after surgery. I know that this is going to be as much mental...if not more...than physical. And I don't know whether to reach for a Xanax or a brown paper bag
I do know that I've got to get out of my head and some of my concerns are probably minute and a waist of energy. Which is why I am here. I know that I need to get these things off my chest and talk them out. Only then will I feel better and become more comfortable with what is about to take place in my life. So here is Megan...in all her glory....vulnerable and transparent. [patting self on back]
Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks!! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Congrats @@sassyfrass23! So glad you are doing so well!
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Everything went fantastic! I'm feeling much much better today although I just can't seem to wake up. So glad yours was a success @@choicemun !
Also- I did so well on my preop diet and shrank my liver so much, he didn't even have to do a biopsy! He is very pleased with my mobility and efforts thus far so I will for sure be going home today! He told my family that he wished all of his patients were like me. That was comforting to hear.
Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Each pregnancy has made it harder to lose the weight. I am now about 40 pounds higher than my lowest weight, which was too low to maintain anyway. I had my last baby a year ago, and have only lost 10 pounds since my immediate post pregnancy weight. This time I am trying not to get obsessed and enjoy my life with my 3 boys, but I would really love to lose 20 or 30 pounds. I've been trying everything and yo-yoing for a year. I am really trying to stop dieting and just get back to a healthy gastric bypass diet. I also have been eating and drinking together and not doing Protein first. It's tough, but not impossible. It's also important not to go crazy while pregnant. I think I gave myself way too much flexibility while pregnant, eating things that no pregnant woman should have, let alone a baristric patient should have. Remembering that I cannot eat what everyone else eats because I have had the gastric bypass helps. Finding this website also has helped. I am really trying to focus on my bypass and make decisions based upon my needs as an RNY patient.

When I first came across this app during my research I was so excited about the wealth of knowledge and experiences that people shared.
Lately it seems as if these boards have been hijacked by the same gang of people who act like they're the forum police. What happened to giving advice or keep scrolling? I've seen people's post picked apart, taken out of context, or straight out shot down. Somehow the original posts gets hijacked and all off topic.
I appreciate the wisdom and support that has been given on this site. From what I have gathered, being exactly two weeks post-op, all of our experiences are different, backgrounds are different, we're just different. If you don't agree with something, that's fine, if you do that's fine too. Maybe a PM can be sent so that when we read a topic that we would like to know more about, two posts into it and there's childish bickering going on, completely off topic and it's annoying!

4.5 months and so happy!! 91 lbs gone since September 2015. Surgery was in December
I have so much more to lose but I feel so much better.

All I'm saying is that if "opinions" were expressed in a more tactful manner, it would be beneficial for everyone. But...I somehow forgot we were surrounded by the WLS police who know all and are entitled to be crude and bich*y because they're now vets or what have you. You have newbies here who ONLY view post and are too intimidated to ask questions or request help because they see responses from people like you. People who immediately feel the need to belittle someone over something simple. Aka...keyboard warriors. I didn't ask if I could cheat and advance my diet without my doctors orders. I didn't ask if I could resume carbonated drinks. I didn't ask if I could pick up smoking again. I didn't ask if I could begin weight training and dismiss my doctors orders to limit myself to 15 lbs for 2 more weeks. I believe my question was valid and for information only.
Now, had I gone out, purchased a waist trainer, tried it for a few days and then hit up BP for opinions, I may have reacted differently to your response. But it was a simple question.
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@@WLSResources/ClothingExch
I am definitely in the beginning stages. I think the many pictures on my IG feed over the past few days is what sparked my interest. I agree...IF they were to be safe and healthy, I am still too far out from benefitting from one. I was just intrigued and wanted to talk to the WLS community and see what everyone thought. The idea is off the table...I was just curious
I definitely don't have the anticipation of a perfect body after I lose these final 90ish lbs. I know there will be flaws, so I'm hoping I will truly learn to love myself and every wrinkle, roll and dimple that may stick around. Even if I were to, I know there will be days where I simply do not like what I see. I can already tell this will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one. But I'm up for the job.
I will say that I am walking away from this conversation with some good suggestions from @@OutsideMatchInside for the workout vest. But I won't put that into effect for another month or so and my Water goal is easily met on a daily basis.
Forget the cartwheels and backflips...I'd want it to do dishes and laundry!!
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I don't necessarily view it as an insult to women. My stomach is probably my BIGGEST problem and the one thing I'm most self conscious about. In almost 7 years, I have not been able to wear a shirt to work without a cardigan because of this. Or a baggy thirty on weekends when doing activities. My hopes are that as I lose the weight, my stomach will get to an ideal size that nothing more than Spanx is necessary. Hopefully even that won't be needed. This isn't for me to fit some mold of what society expects of me. This is for me to feel comfortable because I personally do not like to look at myself in the mirror while seeing every roll through my shirts. I want a smooth, yet curvy torso. Not because society tells me that's what's sexy but what I think is sexy. My legs on the other hand, I don't want pencils for legs. I want thick/fit legs. I have an idea of what I want my body to look like. And it's going to take work on my part to get there. Just looking at options. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I've seen quite a variety of opinions on the topic across social media and figured I'd come here for a few more. Wondering if anyone has used a waist trainer since WLS and if so, how do you like it? Any specific brands/styles you prefer over another? As I continue to lose, I have thought about the possibility of using a waist trainer to help give me the curves I don't necessarily have? I believe I have more of an apple shape than any. However, I don't want to waist my money if they're a lost cause?
Thoughts?
Opinions?
Go!!

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch
I am definitely in the beginning stages. I think the many pictures on my IG feed over the past few days is what sparked my interest. I agree...IF they were to be safe and healthy, I am still too far out from benefitting from one. I was just intrigued and wanted to talk to the WLS community and see what everyone thought. The idea is off the table...I was just curious
I definitely don't have the anticipation of a perfect body after I lose these final 90ish lbs. I know there will be flaws, so I'm hoping I will truly learn to love myself and every wrinkle, roll and dimple that may stick around. Even if I were to, I know there will be days where I simply do not like what I see. I can already tell this will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one. But I'm up for the job.
I will say that I am walking away from this conversation with some good suggestions from @@OutsideMatchInside for the workout vest. But I won't put that into effect for another month or so and my Water goal is easily met on a daily basis.
Forget the cartwheels and backflips...I'd want it to do dishes and laundry!!
Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, @@JamieLogical ! I truly hope it doesn't come down to plastics for me, but there's honestly no telling. I am still early on and haven't been able to get a good feel for how my skin is going to react to the rapid weight loss. But if I do end up considering, I'll definitely contact you! By the way- congrats on your marathon the other day! I hope to pick up running as I become more comfortable (physically). But I think I'm going to have to force myself to do it...lol. Even when I was in high school and super fit, I disliked it.
@@CowgirlJane I appreciate your words so so much. I know that the mental aspect of this is going to be far more challenging than the physical. And I do have emotions/thoughts that I need to address and work on as far as my appearance goes. No matter how I look in the end, I want to look at and love myself. But most of all, I want to be healthy. Sunday I experienced a horrible reminder of why I embarked on this journey to begin with. A very dear friend of mine had a massive heart attack at only 41 years old. He gave up smoking a few years ago, but remained overweight. His heart attack went on for 90 minutes and he had to be shocked three times to get his heart going. He's in CCU and has been in a medically induced coma since the accident (he was driving when it hit). They are warming his body back up slowly to begin assessing his brain activity for any damage. That's what I am trying to avoid.
I think the waist trainer is off the table (although it was never really a serious option). I've received plenty from this topic, most of which was unexpected but needed/necessary.

Lol ... I don't like waist trainers so I must be ugly, a self-hater, and ... I forgot the other thing.
Oh, don't know how to do my hair or apply makeup.
Bless your heart.

So, I have no idea except to share my own experiences. I thing I was overly concerned with stuff like this early on. I got to goal, and my waist was still over 30" - OMG - my mom always told me she couldn't imagine a young lady with a waist bigger than 28". I tried waist trainers. I tried working out about 2 hours a day. At some point, I realized that I was starting the process of trading one obsession for another... I DID look firmer, more toned fit into fitted clothes when I was working out like a maniac, doing strength training etc. That was 2013 - my year of hitting goal and as I like to think of it "my year of crazy".
Well, 3 years later the waist trainers sit unused. I stay fit so I can DO fun things. People that matter think I am one hot mama - and damn I am so much happier!
I guess this has little to do with waist trainers, but more sharing my own experience of getting my head on straight about how to live a great life.
As for waist trainers, you can actually change your ribs and internal organs, but I think if you are sensible about it you can get good temporary results without harming yourself. I just think that health should be the priority, and so as long as you don't go overboard, if it makes you happy - why not?
If/when you have plastics - do NOT use a waist trainer until recommended by surgeon. Recovery from plastics is no joke and you need good circulation combined with appropriate compression - not squeeze you hard kind of compression.
Good luck whatever you decide!

I agree with Babbs. Remember back when things like the machines that shook your whole insides were popular? You didn't have to do a thing but stand there with a belt around you and let this machine shake your body. What nonsense, but women fell for it. We unfortuntely will fall for whatever is out there that we think is a viable tool to give us what we've longed for. There is nothing like regular exercise and walking to give your body the shape it was born to be.

Waist trainers are just a fad.
Nothing more. Nothing less.

@@OutsideMatchInside and @@sassyfrass23 Just want to point out if you want to talk about skin removal surgery or whatnot, the community in the Plastic Surgery forum here on BariatricPal is pretty supportive.