gottadosumthin

Congratulations on starting your new life! 2017 is a "one" year, which means new beginnings are highly supported! I know that the days right after surgery are pretty tough, and all the old fears are still there. I was terrified that it would work for everybody except me. I still struggle with fears that I won't make it all the way to go, or that I will gain weight. But the truth is, the surgery was a miracle of grace for me. I have a whole new life. My body is almost half the size it was a year ago. And even though I fall off the wagon occasionally, because the surgery is a permanent thing and my life is no longer a diet, it's just not that big a deal. I just try again. And in this way, I have lost 130 pounds with 30 more to go. You can do this! I'm so happy for you.
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I'm 6 weeks out today, sleeved 11/11. I think my experience has been fairly uneventful compared to others. I haven't had any lasting reflux, my period was a week late, but now I'm back on the pill, I can tolerate almost any food (though sausages with casing and red meat are still tough), pain only lasted a few days and I was back at work a week later. Losing 1.5-2lbs consistently per week. For me, there were a few things that were tough to transition to:
1. Round-the-clock Vitamins (at least for me it FEELS like round the clock). I'm on 2 multis, 1 B12, a D3 and 2 calciums per day, and you have to space them out otherwise you won't absorb them correctly. But that's more annoying than anything.
2. Water. This is probably the ONE thing I really struggle with. My surgeons office suggested we follow the 60/60 rule - 60gs Protein daily (no prob), and 60oz Water. I maybe get in 40oz average. Rarely 60 or more. Which leads to my next point:
3. Constipation! If you don't drink enough water, you'll get super constipated. I've never had Constipation this painful in my life. But it doesn't happen everyday.
4. Like others that have posted, your brain won't change right away. I still get cravings, still sometimes take more food than I know I can eat, and I still think about food a lot. So that parts' tough.

January 4th!!
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January 4th!!
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January 4th
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My only regret is not having the single incision operation, which would have cost only $1000 more through my surgeon and left me without visible scars. The coordinator I worked with when booking my surgery (I had it in Mexico because I didn't meet insurance qualifications for having it locally) had encouraged me to opt for the less expensive procedure, with the rationale that I'd probably have loose skin I'd eventually want to have surgically removed, so the scars would't be as relevant. She'd lost over 200 pounds after having the VSG and said the surgery to remove the excess skin removed the scars. I had far less to lose, and doing so at a slower pace resulted in having no loose skin, and therefore no need for a second surgery. The scars aren't horrific, but for they are visible. This summer was the first time since my early teens that I felt truly confident to wear a bikini at the beach, but the scars held me back. Still, I felt fortunate to have that problem, since for years I didn't want to go to the beach at all out of self-consciousness, despite living near it.
I also wish I'd been less worried about all that could go wrong and instead more focused on all that could go right. I do think it's very important to make yourself aware of complications, and all the other potential problems or setbacks you might face, prior to having surgery, so that you're prepared. I've had no complications, no loose skin, minimal hair loss, and was able to lose weight as hoped. The coordinator was sincerely trying to be helpful in making me aware of what many other people have experienced. She'd asked me if I wanted to have my gallbladder removed during the surgery, free of cost, and said that if I didn't I'd likely need to have it removed within the year. My doctor disagreed, and I didn't have my gallbladder removed, and have had zero problems with it.

I'm almost 1.5 years out.
I wish I knew most of the things I was worried about were temporary. I can drink Water fast now, I can eat "normal" when around other people if I so choose to. I basically have a normal life except I eat healthy and I am not a slave to my appetite.
You can take normal Vitamins, no reason to take nasty chewables. I really hated them to the point I didn't wan to take Vitamins. I wish I had went back to my normal vitamins sooner.
Losing weight, a lot of weight is a different set of problems from being morbidly obese. Being thin or thinner isn't a magic solution to life.
The hormonal issues for me have been pure torture. I won't go into them but they are the biggest long term side effect and no one tells you about them or properly prepares you for them (talking about medical professionals) and even worse, there is no help, you just have to let it work itself out. Pure hell.

I wish people had told me less to be quite honest with you. But I do wish they had talked more about how to handle family and friend's reactions --especially the negative. People have asked me how I'm losing or why I'm not eating at all or much at all and I haven't been honest. I feel like a fraud.
I was expecting nausea, vomiting, smell and taste changes, constant coldness, no hunger, etc. I have only vomited once and it was early on. Everything smells and tastes the same except peppery things. I am very sensitive to hot food at least for right now. Even lemon pepper bothers me and I used to LOVE hot food. I'm average cold; I'm never really freezing or super hot. The scale has moved but my clothes size really hasn't. Water can make you nauseous. Yes. Water. I get hungry but it's a different kind of hunger which will not make a bit of sense until after surgery. I tried to understand it before surgery but you just can't understand it accurately when you've got an abundance of ghrelin I don't think. Some days I'm realllllly hungry and some days I feel no hunger at all. They tend to rotate. You may not feel like a new person immediately. I get tired. I get little aches and pains. I get little asthma flare-ups. I get grumpy.
Keep your mind open and remember every day is different. Take it all in stride and remember that you are unique. No two people will have the same experience.

Pmease check with the Dr on tje Iron. Taking Iron by itself can kead to nauseous ness and you will want to take that a few hours after or before your Calcium as both fight for absorption. All of this takes time to develop a routine but it is so worth it!!! I am nearing 2 years post op and still learning. 2 years ago, I was 405 lbs....weighed myself yesterday and was 230.8!!

I'm 2 1/2 months out, all in all almost 50 pounds down, and I'm sooooooo happy with the results so far. The only drawback is the Constipation, but other than that, this new like is more than what I could ever dream of.. From a size 26 to a size 16... I'm forever grateful for this second chance!
HW 262
SW 244
CW 213

"We're On This Journey Together!"

SLEEVE VS BYPASS this is a personal decision in the beginning I was scared of having my intestines rearranged. Now I’m left with no choice!!!
Even with my issues and recent complications I still don’t regret my sleeve. I never knew LIFE would happen the way it did AND didn’t know I’d be affected by GERD so terribly.
I’ve wanted to be able to do this for a while and I thank God Bariatric Pal is STILL here 4 years later after my sleeve providing a community of release. Judgement or not it’s good to get it out!
I hate a lot of text so I’ll try to get straight to the point lol
HW-324 SW-312 LW-224 CW-250.3
Gastric Sleeve 11-6-2012
After my sleeve I was able to lose 100lbs in 10 months….Nov of 2013 my dad passed away from a sudden heart attack the day after his 60th birthday and at that time I fell into a SAD bad depression and instantly went from 224 to 236 and stayed there. I then had a divorce and my older sister passed away 9 months after my father to a heart attack as well. COMPLETELY DEVASTATED I was now at 258, I still decided I had to take my life back and I got back on track getting back down to 236.
Fast fwd to 2014- July of 2015 a new relationship (got WAY 2 comfortable) and I ended up pregnant. Sadly having a miscarriage last year which has brought me to where I am now.
After we lost the baby I was having horrible excruciating heart burn but no surgeon would give me a chance because I moved from Connecticut to South Florida they didn’t wanna mess with it.
I finally found a surgeon who sent me for an UPPER G.I. on 11/8/16 to see that my sleeve is slightly twisted up top adding to the GERD and heartburn pain and he described it as “very big” and said almost looks like a normal stomach. The pain I feel is in my chest but also under my left breast and it is SHARP and ive avoided and cut out ALL trigger foods. Even with Water. It hurts.badly.
I now have Cigna insurance whom requires nothing but a medically necessary letter and mental evaluation for revision surgery sleeve to bypass approval BUT I am still seeing a dietitian monthly and my last appointment is Dec 8th. We are submitting to insurance this Friday.
HAD to get this out because seeing those xrays I knew something was wrong, I STILL DO NOT REGRET MY SLEEVE. I am thankful for this journey and how far I’ve come. And I know with the bypass I will be out of pain, my twisted sleeve will be fixed and I have confidence ill hit my goal!!! Anyone else looking into revision December of 2016? I have to share because NOT EVERYONE is vocal about their journey but I have nothing to hide. Im already bariatric For life!! People have been evil and critical but I choose to dismiss them because I will never be 324 again and that I have to be thankful for!

SW: 416
CW: 359
Height: 5'9
Apple shaped body.
Pre-op diet:
December 3rd=last day of solids.
December 4th=liquids.
(He doesn't require a rigorous pre-op diet.)
I started this process in April and time has flown by. I'm looking forward to being a more active mom. (I have two sons; 5 & 1).
I've only told my family and one close friend.

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I was on this site a while back but I forgot my username. So here I am again! My name is Tiffany, I'm 31, I was sleeved 13 months ago. Best decision of my life! I started my journey at 258 lbs. I was sick, my dr told me to check out the program offered through my insurance. I was reluctant but once I started attending the weekly classes I knew the sleeve was gonna be for me. I am 13 months post op, I reached my goal weight at 8 months post op. Since then I've gone on to lose another 13 lbs. My current weight is 132. I couldn't be happier with my success. Here's a few pictures from the journey me at my biggest! 258 lbs
Thru the process
the day I came home from vacation and realized I had lost 6 pounds and was under my goal weight! The first picture is from Hawaii vacation 2013.
Face to face one year apart

Almost one years difference

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Hello everybody I have not posted on here for while but I thought this might be some motivation for people that are struggling. I weight . 276 at the hospital on 2/29 now in with 175! It's been a crazy journey but it has changed my life. Here's some pictures  
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You'll get there, Im considered a success story, i lost 241 pounds in 368 days. Your mileage may vary, and its been the greatest part of my life outside of my wife of course, but the point here, is literally during the first week after surgery i told my wife If i could go back and undo this I would do it. I said that repeatedly. Now id like to go back and show myself what the results can be.
You can get there,
You WILL get there.
People here will help you.
You can do this!

I had my surgery June 16th 2016 and I am down 72 pounds . I am extremely happy with my decision even though after surgery I experienced vomiting throughout the summer and ended up having my gall bladder taken out in August . I really feel like having the sleeve was the best decision I ever made .

I had the sleeve. I have had no real issues, my hubby had the bypass and he had a longer recovery. He lost weight faster than me at first, but now we're pretty much at the same rate. I take meds for other issues not related, the sleeve seems to not interfere with them at all. My hubby had to stop some meds like advil and it has been frustrating with his arthritis. Tylenol just doesnt do it for him. I honestly love my sleeve and am happy to have chosen it. But neither of us regret our choice to do this. The plus outweighs any negative.
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So last night after almost two years post surgery, I finally cleaned out my closet of all the old clothes,     I seriously can no longer wear. A friend of mines in need of clothing, as he's going through some hard times, gladly took my old clothes off my hands. Over 15 pairs of pants and at least 20 to 25 shirts ranging from polos to dress shirts. He even got my old business suit.
So before I let those things go, my girlfriend helped me take some goodbye photos of my old closet clothes. For they've found a new home.
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Yay!! Congratulations to all of you who are pregnant! I actually am hoping to get this surgery to improve my fertility chances. The doctor said to wait 18 months after surgery to start trying to maximize weight loss, but I'm glad that those who got pregnant earlier didn't have any complications. Keep us posted!
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Yay!! Congratulations to all of you who are pregnant! I actually am hoping to get this surgery to improve my fertility chances. The doctor said to wait 18 months after surgery to start trying to maximize weight loss, but I'm glad that those who got pregnant earlier didn't have any complications. Keep us posted!
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The day of surgery I weighed 370 lbs. Diabetic, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, kidney not 100%, just am all around, typical obese individual with no drive, no energy, just a desire to eat, always planning my next meal. The attached picture was yesterday's walk. By no means am I ready for a marathon, and there are definately people doing better then me, but I'm not in competition with anyone. I just left the doctors office where I was taken off of ALL MY MEDICATIONS! I weigh 317 lbs as of this morning and I haven't felt this good in MA NY years! Have a great day and thanks for reading. ????
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I do wish I had waited sometimes. Only because I haven't lost anymore weight since I became pregnant. I'm the same weight. Kinda discouraging but at least I haven't gained.

@@acm22_ Keep a list of all the things you want to do once you've lost weight and when you're having a tough time- review it and remember why you're doing this! I had surgery 10/18 - stayed in hospital for 4 days due to nausea. The first night and next day I was in regret mode. I've been home since Friday and doing fairly well. I'm looking forward and keeping my eyes on the prize! Be sure to take your PPI (acid reducer), drink plenty of fluids and keep your mind occupied(read, color, go for a walk, talk to a friend, add to your goal list, write in a journal, etc). Rest and take care of yourself both physically and mentally! Stay strong!

We all been there especially in the first few days weeks after surgery. We have to prepare mentally as well and keep moving forward and remember why we did the surgery. It's definitely a change of lifestyle. I'm 17 months postop
HW 340 CW 200. I passed my goal weight of 230. I'm starting the gym again to reach my new goal of 190 or 185. Be strong. It's worth the struggle in the beginning. I added some pics to maybe help.   

I find it interesting to see this topic come up so frequently. I will normally pass these by, but your concern seems genuine and not a run of the mill cry for attention.
When you were approved for surgery, did you have any comorbidities? I would wager you did not or if you did they were minor. I do not say that to downplay or belittle your situation! You may have had high blood sugar or blood pressure or something along the lines like that, but those are manageable things. I had them too! But I also had several other things going on as well. I could not lift my left leg up to walk normal. I was literally dragging it at times. My back was screaming in agony 24/7. I had a standing prescription for painkillers and muscle relaxers for the past 10 years. Can you imagine that? I didn't even have to go to my Dr's office for a renewal script of Percocet & Vicodin.
So when I had my surgery did I have those feelings of regret? Sure I did. But I also had it in my head that the trade off was going to be worth it. So in under 2 years, I went from unable to lift my own leg off the ground to doing a 230lbs deadlift. I am now able to do things that were impossible for me before. That's what I recommend you set your eyes on. Find a prize and go after it.
As a comparison example, my wife did not have any comorbidities. She was a wreck after her surgery. A seriously emotion mess. food is for her a emotional as well as cultural thing. Being Costa Rican and unable to eat carbs was enough to reduce her to a sopping wet wad of tears and over-sized clothes! Once she got past the first month and the hormones started getting under control, she has grabbed life by the horns and not looked back.
Best of luck to you.