jenmcd623

My surgeon said that he does the test on anyone who said they were a smoker. Because i was a smoker and quit 15+ years ago, he did the test on me. He also did the test on my mom who was a smoker as well. We both had quit, but they don't take that for granted, you will not heal from this surgery if you are a smoker, and he said he has had to cancel surgery because some tests have come back positive. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's my 6 month surgeriversary. It's been a hard, long road. I've learned so much about myself over the past 6 months. I am a strong person, I can overcome the worst of situations, and I am beautiful. I've learned lessons about love, life, and pain. It has been the hardest 6 months of my life. It's not easy learning a whole new life habit, it's like I've learned how to live all over again. I've had some amazing family and friends stick by my side through all the times, they have cried with me, laughed with me, celebrated with me, encouraged me, and been there for me when I needed it. I have also learned heart break, I've had people who I thought were there for me leave my side, and even go as far as to say things behind my back, and even to my face (and not nice things). Through all this I have come out on top. See I'm a new me, the old me is gone, I am a more confident person today than I was 6 months ago. I've worked hard to get where I am today, and I'm not done yet. I've lost 120+ pounds since March 7, I've gone down 5 dress sizes, I've found the inner strength to join a gym, work out, and yes, I'm training for 2 5K's this spring. If you would have asked me a year ago about all of this I would have laughed at you. I never knew that I had this in me. My journey is far from over, but I know my path is not going to be smooth, but I know because of the love and support I have from family and friends that I will get there. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me, thank you to everyone who has said encouraging things to me, thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, and yes, thank you to everyone who didn't have my back, you've all made me the strong person I am today. I've included some pictures with this post showing my journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am no where near done with my weight loss, but I've got 125+ off and I want to get a tattoo to help push me, I don't want something huge, and I was wondering if anyone else has gotten tattoos, any suggestions, pictures!!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Forgot to mention..... SW: 386 CW: 264 Starting size: 30/32 Current size: 18/20, 22 I haven't been this size since high school!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery on March 7, I've lost 103 pounds and feel amazing!! My energy is way up, and I don't get tired like I used to. I can do soooooo much more. I had complications after my surgery and knowing how miserable I was I would do it over again just to feel this way. Here is a before and after my 100 pounds. I still have a ways to go, but I promise it will be worth it!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my sleeve on March 7, and have been doing really great, minus my little bump in the road 3 weeks post-op. I've been getting my Protein in daily and my Water. I've noticed that the last 3 weeks I've started to loss a little bit of hair, mostly in the shower. However the last week I've noticed if coming out all the time. When I shower there is a lot (enough to concern me), and throughout the day I am using a lint roller to roll hair off of my clothes and I'm always pulling multiple strands off my neck and shoulders. I've added in a Biotin pill ontop of my multi-Vitamin. Is there any product suggestions or tips anyone can give me? I've always had thicker hair, but it's really starting to thin out and makes me nervous. Doctor says its hormones and once the weight loss isn't so rapid the hair loss will stop. I don't want to go bald!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ok, I'm gonna get personal on this one, I am asking for someone I know who has her surgery in October. She had the sleeve and hasn't has any problems, but the last few weeks she has started to have some gas pains. She says that the gas is in her stomach and she feels uncomfortable and has pain with it. Another side effect is that she is passing gas, that smells really bad, to the point she can't stand being around herself. She has talked to her doctor and they suggested bean-o (which isn't working) and a probiotic, but she is still having the problems. Any suggestions what could be causing this, or how to help. She hasn't changed anything in her diet, she doesn't drink anything carbonated. She is desperate for answers/help with this. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've had the same thing. I don't turn the air on at all. The boys finally complain enough and turn it on and I wrap up in a blanket. I've never been this way before. It's so crazy to me!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. Since then I have lost 78 pounds. I went from a size 30 pants to currently 22/24 and some 26. I notice a difference because of the way clothes fit, and I can see a small change in my neck, but I don't really see the weight difference. I think it's because I still feel like the old me, and still see her looking back in a mirror. Everyone tells me I am doing amazing and that I look good, but for the most part, I really don't feel different. Am I the only one feeling this way? Does it get better? I know I feel better, I have a ton more energy, but I feel like I am being my own worst enemy. The picture on the left is taken last summer and the picture on the right was taken Mother's Day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am down 80 pounds! I had my first stall 2 weeks ago. But I have been fortunate to loose a little each week. I am sick right now, I have strep throat, and this sucks because I want to drink a lot of Water but my stomach says I'm full. Hoping to feel better soon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my sleeve done 3-7-16, I live in Michigan, and am looking for a buddy who has had their surgery around the same time as me. You don't have to be from Michigan, just want someone to compare notes with and have a journey buddy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@angelb429, no I can eat just about anything now. But the first few weeks I struggled to keep anything down. My doctor said that my case was rare, everything made me sick, but now I am doing amazing. I'm able to eat just about everything. Some things that I enjoyed before surgery I don't like or crave anymore. Sorry if my previous response was misleading. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I started mine a week early the day before my surgery. They had me wear something that was like a depends for the surgery and once I was able to get up and move around I was able to wear my own underwear and a pad. Just let them know, it's no big deal, they are totally used to it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How has your journey been so far? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you everyone. I did keep one pair of jeans from before surgery. I will try them on tonight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I struggled with dairy. It tasted sour and spoiled for the first several weeks. I am finally able to drink it in moderation, I was never a big milk drinker before, but never had the problem of it having a bad/sour taste. Bread still isn't something I can do, I used to love bread, and was worried how I would do, but now it doesn't sound good at all. Artificial sweeteners still can give me headaches and make me feel queasy. For the first 5 weeks post op I could only drink bottled spring Water, I threw everything else up. I was sleeved on 3/7/16, and I can drink regular water, and dairy. Never give up on something, give it a week and try it again. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in the same boat you are. I had no medical problems and felt like I was on borrowed time before I ended up with some medical problems. I'm 33 and decided that now is the time. I was sleeved on 3/7/16, and it was the best choice I ever made. I feel so much different and have so much more energy. I have lost a total of 76lbs!! It's not an easy journey, but one I know I can do!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm also from Michigan. I was sleeved 3/7/16 in Zeeland, that is west of Grand Rapids. Best decision I've made. I'm down 76lbs in less than 3 months!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. I had some complications and was off of work for a total of 7 weeks. When I came back I had a lot of coworkers who have been super supportive and have been encouraging me through my journey. I have been an open book with everyone about my journey. The problem is I have one coworker who came up to me yesterday and wanted to talk to me in private. She is a little bigger and I thought she was going to ask me for advice. Instead she told me that she doesn't understand why I did the surgery. She said in the 2 years she has worked with me she has never seen me try to diet or anything (which isn't true) and she said that I shouldn't have done the surgery snd I should have tried harder. She doesn't know my past and how I have struggled for years of dieting and failing. She said that I should have tried harder with dieting. By time I had stated working with her I had severe depression and had given up on weight loss working for me. She was really upset that the other day I had gone to Subway with some other coworkers and had gotten a salad, which she didn't go, and I had gotten less lettuce and more Protein, and also added my own protein that I brought (because I was prepared and knew I was going) she said that I shouldn't be going out and that I should be bringing my own food, that I am falling into my old ways and that I am going to fail at this weight loss too. She said she isn't the only one that feels that way at work and that there are others but they won't come up to me and tell me. I'm not sure of the truth to that, but it makes me feel extremely self conscious while I am at work. This is the first time I've had anyone have negative response to my surgery. I feel really defeated about this and it is bothering me so much more than I feel it should. Any advise? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you everyone. It's so hard to let stuff roll off, I've always felt judge my whole life for being overweight. I finally am feeling good about myself, I'm down 73 pounds and 3 pants sizes. I am going to try and let this roll off. I appreciate all the kind words and encouragement, you don't know me, but I know that we are all on a similar journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@schwa22 my energy level is day by day. I force myself to do things I don't think I can do, and to my surprise I can and I'm not super tired afterwards. Just start small, build up your levels. I walked over 8 miles yesterday when I went to a Detroit Tigers game, and I wasn't tired or sore!! That to me is a HUGE NSV!!! @@Lenoreholden you can do this!! I promise you it's worth it. Keep telling yourself that you can do this, and I know it seems so hard, but you will get there. Try cutting carbs and sugar out, that was a big help for me, also tracking calories was helpful. Keep us updated and we are here to help you through your journey!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@schwa22 I had my sleeve on March 7. When you eat meat try to use a FF gravy. This will help make it moist and go down better. I also have found white chicken hard to get down, so I've been sticking with boneless skinless chicken thighs and they go down much better. Ground turkey and chicken are also another go Protein for me. As far as quinoa try a little bit (if your plan allows). Mine does and it sat heavy. Brown rice is also better than white rice, I used that when I made stuffed peppers and was able to eat the rice!! I'd love to keep in touch with you, we have our surgeries one day apart!! I hope you find this information helpful!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just started taking Vitamins through my surgeon office. I will include picture of the bottle. I am having problems absorbing vitamins so they suggested these, they are specifically for bariatric patients. A little pricy, but worth it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved on 3/7/16. I have lost a total of 73 pounds. I had some complications after the first 2 weeks which landed me back in the hospital. Since I've been out it has been about 6 weeks. I am struggling with hunger. I'm not hungry on most days, I force myself to eat, and I get all my Protein requirements in for the day. Then there are some days that after I eat a meal (usually containing about 15-18 grams of protein) I am still hungry. The serving size is about 1/2 cup. I feel like I could eat a whole other serving. I am wondering if anyone else has had this before?? I don't eat more, I usually get a Popsicle or Water, but I'm usually still hungry for hours. Help!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm new to this app, you'll have to let me know what PPI is. My meal last night was goolash. I made it with chickpea noodles (high in protein), ground turkey and tomato sauce. I was thinking back to the meals that I fell hungry after and I am noticing that they are more acidic meals, i.e. tomato, or Pasta sauce. I contacted my NUT and am awaiting her reply, but I never thought of acid as being something that can make me hungry. I don't eat carbs, bread, rice, regular pasta, and I try to us low sugar items when I cook, unless I am making it from scratch. I don't do much tracking anymore, but I am going to start again and see if I can find a pattern. I'm just so scared that I am going to stretch my stomach out. Thank you for your input!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App