triplethreat

The moment when you decided that you would have WLS? My moment was when my doctor told me my BP was no longer being controlled by meds and he wanted to hospitalize me. He told me that if I didn't lose weight my heart would give out. I left there and cried because I realized that it was a very real possibility that i would not live to see my youngest graduate high school. Now I plan to be around for grandkids! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What?? Ok, he needs to do an ultrasound at the least. I'd be pretty unhappy! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Definitely aged me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would check out Mexico for sure. I also have UHC and they don't cover it... I paid out of pocket in TX and it was less than 9k for everything. Very pleased with my surgeon and my surgery! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Happened with me and most of the ladies in my FB group, we all were sleeved Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had one about 2 weeks post-op - I guess it's our hormones being thrown for a loop!

Every plan is different. My surgeon allows me to have alcohol. I can't drink red wine anymore (which I used to love) because it burns going down. I can drink something with rum or vodka but tequila makes me sick (which I also used to like). If you are going to drink alcohol be sure it's in your caloric budget for the day and that you are prepared to feel the effect of alcohol much sooner. I seldom drink now because I can drunk so easily and because I usually don't feel like I want to drink my calories for the day. I know many people will write and say never to drink, but again, every surgeon's plan is different.

I felt like this for a while as well, and even now, I have days when I don't want to eat. It made me sad to think I would no longer have any joy in eating, but it passed. I think I needed to learn what foods agreed with me and what foods did not, as well as accept, emotionally, that I cannot eat a regular portion of anything. I like cooking and I enjoy eating, but it took about 3 months for me to get to a place where a meal was enjoyable.

It looks like you are at a healthy BMI, congrats! My gw was to be in the healthy BMI range. My stretch goal was to be closer to the middle of that range, rather than the high end. I reached first gw 6 months after wls. I think I'm at 150ish right now (I am only weighing every 2 weeks), so I'm really close to my stretch goal. WL is slow but steady. I did encounter a stall of 3 weeks right around 6 months. I actually really do appreciate the lower rate of loss because it's nice and gradual and not so shocking to me or to others (although I still look at myself and sometimes can't believe it's me).

I can see why people think it's easy. And in some ways, it is, because the metabolic issues that prevented me from losing weight in the past are resolved. I simply could not lose weight when insulin resistant. I tried. So yes, it's so much easier now... but because I had a medical condition that required medical intervention! When people make those comments I have to remind myself that many people have outdated ideas about obesity and see it as a willpower issue. I've got an Iron will. My genetics, my insulin, those things won't change because I will them to change! I do remind myself that people have a lot of bad information about the causes of obesity (like, we all just ate too many burgers-- if only that were the case, we'd all be able to lose and maintain weight loss!)...specifically about the odds of losing weight and maintaining the loss via diet and exercise alone. A lot of veterans say that wls is a maintenance tool as much as a wl tool. That's something that is really important to understand and many people don't get it.

So glad you are having an easy recovery!! Hope the first day goes/went well!

I'm at my GW and working towards my stretch goal. I am very happy with my dress size, but I reached GW recently and I seem to be still losing inches! My stretch goal is not far from my CW and I don't really want to lose another dress size because I have been rebuilding my wardrobe (I could easily alter mist things but I don't want to!). At smaller sizes, does a ten lb loss roughly equal a dress size? Trying to plan ahead! I'm an 8 right now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I could have written that! Purging my closet was amazing-- I have a lot fewer clothes now but they all fit well. Yes to a 5k, and yes to a beach vacay! We go the beach several times a year anyway but this time I wiil be able to rock a cute swimsuit.

My hair stylist explained that the hair that is in the resting state at the time of surgery sheds around 3-4 months post op. Once it's out new hair grows. Not everyone has hair loss (or admits it) but she, my nut, and surgeon all told me it isn't preventable. My stylist estimates I lost 10-15% of my hair. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was BMI 35 and I'm BMI 25 now. Still losing but very slowly. Best decision I've ever made! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm mom to four. My oldest is 17 and my youngest is 10. I really want to be around long enough to see my future grandkids! I want to be able to do everything I can with the family and be more invested in their lives. Wls is for me but they have been my motivating factor! My entire family is very fit. All of the kids play competitive sports. The older two are in incredible shape and swim, run, and life weights. They coach me in the gym. All 4 keep me honest. They have been with me every single step of the journey from when I first started thinking about this 5 years ago. When I was four days post op and had my "what have I done??'!!" moment, they were there. They all exercise with me and they have all learned to cook low carb dinners . The biggest change has probably been with my teenage daughter. She's seen not only the difficult decision I made but the work it took to get here. She sees a strong mom who took steps to get healthy. It deepened our already strong relationship in many ways! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes! I passed my surgeon's gw some time ago. My initial gw was to be in the healthy BMI range, now I'm working on being 10-12 lbs smaller so I am not at the high end of healthy BMI ranges. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Nothing will prevent hair loss but Biotin will help with new growth. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi sleeveme17. I'm a teacher, but I teach high school. I had my surgery July 12. I had to attend a weeklong conference that started July 19. I was fine. I was tired, but ok. Pre-service days started August 1. By preservice I was so much better- about 3 weeks after surgery. Bear in mind I don't have to pick up little people and teaching high school is imo a lot less challenging than teaching kinder! Honestly, a week off would have been sufficient and two weeks optimal. I know everyone heals differently; for me, keeping busy helps me feel better. One issue I did have to contend with was managing to eat in 25 minutes. I still sometimes have a Protein shake for lunch because 25 minutes just isn't enough time.

Hi! I see you've received lots of advice and information. I want to add to that just to tell you that this surgery can save your life, but you have to be psychologically strong and ready. Keep us updated! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm a grazer too! I actually set my phone to snack at specific times. I prepare my Snacks for the day and take a long time enjoying them Before setting my phone alarm I could easily snack too much. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

FWIW I've only thrown up once, and I had a stomach bug. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've been saving $$ each month since June of last year and hit gw this month, and finally started to invest in good quality clothing. I have a lot fewer clothes but I love being able to buy off the rack with confidence. That was one reward. My husband, who is very fit, is taking me (just us, not the four kids!) to Spain this summer. Lots of hiking and walking. I'm ready and so apply that I can keep up with him now! Mini goals were celebrated with new haircut, investing in some quality skincare products (I think weight loss has aged me!), and a family photo session. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Looking good, RussT!! Amazing story. Congratulations!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It becomes a habit over time. It may help if you drink before eating if your plan allows it. I usually drink a glass of Water before each meal and it prevents me from being thirsty while eating. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App