seeingme

I am 5'4 and was 209 the day I met with my surgeon for the first time back in March. I have severe Obstructive sleep Apnea, and that is what qualified me with a BMI of 35.9. I just got insurance approval for surgery, hoping to schedule the first week of December.

Great idea!
I'm new here, just logged on for the first time today.
I am 49 years old and mom to 11 kids. Five are adults are on their own, 6 still at home. The 5 youngest were all adopted internationally over the last 5 years. All 6 kids at home have Down syndrome. I have 5 grandkids. Two years ago I arrived home from Serbia with one of our newly adopted kids, and the next day went for my routine mammogram. I ended up being anything but routine, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I ended up having a bilateral mastectomy and going through chemo. I had 14 major surgeries in 20 months. In my spare time I ride my motorcycle, unfortunately it hasn't left the garage in two years. I was hoping this would be my year, but life is still in the way. I love to do crafty things, like clay sculpting and oil painting. I'm not very good, I just like doing it.
Chemo did a big number on my body, but through it all my weight has stayed pretty much the same. I've gone up a little, but nothing exciting. I just can't move anymore. I have chemo-induced arthritis through my entire body. But my cancer is estrogen fed, and fat holds/produces a small amount of estrogen when I don't what a single cell of it in my body! My oncologist wanted 60 lbs gone as soon as I could do that in a healthy way. Unfortunately the stress of being told I "have to" lose weight sent my scale the wrong direction. I just finished 6 months of the dietician visits my insurance requires, and received approval from the psychologist. Now I just need insurance approval and hope to be on the surgery schedule early November.
So who am I? I am am wife, mother, grandma, biker babe, breast cancer survivor, warrior b***h!

Great idea!
I'm new here, just logged on for the first time today.
I am 49 years old and mom to 11 kids. Five are adults are on their own, 6 still at home. The 5 youngest were all adopted internationally over the last 5 years. All 6 kids at home have Down syndrome. I have 5 grandkids. Two years ago I arrived home from Serbia with one of our newly adopted kids, and the next day went for my routine mammogram. I ended up being anything but routine, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I ended up having a bilateral mastectomy and going through chemo. I had 14 major surgeries in 20 months. In my spare time I ride my motorcycle, unfortunately it hasn't left the garage in two years. I was hoping this would be my year, but life is still in the way. I love to do crafty things, like clay sculpting and oil painting. I'm not very good, I just like doing it.
Chemo did a big number on my body, but through it all my weight has stayed pretty much the same. I've gone up a little, but nothing exciting. I just can't move anymore. I have chemo-induced arthritis through my entire body. But my cancer is estrogen fed, and fat holds/produces a small amount of estrogen when I don't what a single cell of it in my body! My oncologist wanted 60 lbs gone as soon as I could do that in a healthy way. Unfortunately the stress of being told I "have to" lose weight sent my scale the wrong direction. I just finished 6 months of the dietician visits my insurance requires, and received approval from the psychologist. Now I just need insurance approval and hope to be on the surgery schedule early November.
So who am I? I am am wife, mother, grandma, biker babe, breast cancer survivor, warrior b***h!

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

Hey peoples!
I had my sleeve done on December 7, 2016, so I'm a little over 4 months out. Can I just say, I feel amazing!!!!!
I was wearing size 18 jeans on surgery day, and last week I bought size 10s, which fit me comfortably. With only 15 lbs left to my goal I will probably drop one more size, but I don't expect more than that. I am happy with it! I expect these last pounds I'll have to work a bit harder to lose. Time to ramp up the exercise now that spring has finally arrived!
A few weeks ago I started having problems with my gallbladder, which I had removed on 3/31. The last week or so before I had that surgery I was retaining a lot of Fluid, and anything I ate or drank caused excruciating pain so I was getting dehydrated, and the Fluid retention caused me to gain about 4 lbs. Prior to getting sick I was at a stall at 168, then gained to 172, which was very depressing for me because I couldn't figure out what was going on since I seemed to be living on air! LOL I didn't realize how sick that thing was making me until I got it out.The day after surgery I was running around like a mad woman, catching up on laundry and cleaning. I felt GREAT, except for the fact I couldn't eat anything. It took my body about a week to adjust without rebelling. Now I feel pretty good again, and all that fluid weight is gone. I still have to eat a bit more carefully without my gallbladder, but at least I feel good again!
I have no regrets about my decision to have sleeve done, and every day am amazed at how different I feel from just four months ago.

That doesn't matter, pain can radiate to anywhere in your body. I used to have sometimes sharp, but mainly dull crampy left side pain and it turned out I had a lazy gallbladder and had it removed (this was before surgery) so I if you have pain after eating AND the statistics stacked against bariatric patients are high for gallstones. So it more than likely is something within your biliary system.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.

I was sleeved two months ago today, December 7, 2016. I feel absolutely AMAZING!! I have more energy than i've had in years. Taking my kids (I have 11 kids, 6 who have disabilities) to Special Olympics basketball practice and being able to run up and down the court with the has been awesome. And I'm not even out of breath, or sore, or feeling awkward! My weight loss has really slowed down a lot. 10 lbs the last month, so I'm hoping I continue 10 lbs the next two months so I can reach my goal. But I'm also a realist and know as the weather is turning here in Minnesota, it is also time for me to ramp up my activity level to reach that goal.
You know, getting ready for this surgery, we call came here to read about what to expect; we inform ourselves. We take in as much as we can mentally digest. I can honestly say between my doctors and this site, I feel I was well prepared. I don't think I've had any real surprises, but that doesn't mean its all been super pleasant, Learning how to eat again is not really very pleasant! LOL So here are some things i have learned along the way.
1) If I am eating something that I am enjoying, then take another bite and have this feeling of, "This doesn't taste as good anymore." or "I don't think I want this now." Stop right there!! SPIT IT OUT!!! Self, if I swallow that bite I am in for trouble. My body just warned me, I had better listen!
2) keep an empty styrofoam cup ( preferably with a cover) in the car at all times, cuz guess what? lunch may suddenly decide to make a return trip and you'll want that cup handy to catch it.
3) Tell your doctor EVERYTHING. "I have diarrhea after I eat X", or "I found out if I do x I will vomit."
4) Sometimes all the chewing in the world isn't going to solve the swallowing problem. Sometimes you need medical intervention. Sometimes you need to have your esophagus stretched out. (thank you hiatal hernia repair)
5) pooping is now a very odd thing.
6) The numbers on the scale are different now. Be satisfied with what you see today. I have discovered I have this odd habit. (probably some of you do too.) For example, i was recently stalled at 185. Days and days and...10 days, two weeks, THREE WEEKS "Just let me see 184 for cripes sake!" When I finally hit 184 I barely gave it a second glance because I already had my sights on 180. When 180 finally rolled around i didn't give it the attention it needed, instead letting my brain slide to 179 and breaking that 180 barrier.
7) DO NOT eat while talking on the phone. BAD idea. I never remember to keep track of how much I'm eating or how well I'm chewing. The next thing I know I have my head in the toilet, paying for that mistake.
8) Don't drink Water after eating while talking on the phone. See #7
9) If I'm eating and I think, "hmm Have I had enough or should I have one more bite." DON'T DO IT! Its a trap created by your body to get you throwing up and MISERABLE!
10) Love myself. Every day looking in the mirror and love what I see. Put up "before" pictures so I can remind myself what I looked like before. Put up side by side before/after pictures so I can easily see the difference.