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I was 451 pounds before I had my surgery in September. Got on the scale today and saw the number 299! I know this is not a big deal for some people, 299 is higher than a lot of your starting weights before surgery, but this is a MASSIVE ACHIEVEMENT for me. I haven't seen a number lower than 300 on the scale since I was sixteen years old. So, yeah, I still have a ways to go, but I am so happy with this decision. I look better, I feel incredible, and I will never go back to being the self destructive girl slowly killing herself with food that I was a year ago.
Starting weight: 451 lbs
Current weight: 299 lbs
Starting BMI: 68
Current BMI: 45
Starting shirt size: XXXXXL
Current shirt size: XL
Starting jean size: 34
Current jean size: 20

Thank you for your reply James. I have a few months of liquid and/ or chewable vitamins on hand for the first few months. As long as these seem to be working well for me, I may continue to use them. I'll also look for another set (or two) of Measuring cups that carry the less common sizes. Thank you for the link to your blog.

I like the Unjury unflavored Protein because I can pack a lot of protein into my yogurt and it doesn't throw off the taste (I just do half a scoop). Pre surgery I loved GNC's optimum nutrition platinum hydro whey, but right now that's too much for my stomach to handle so I'm liking the EAS advantage premixed shakes, because I can have half then put the rest in the fridge if I'm not able to drink it all at once. I don't love the Premier Protein shakes but they seem really popular on the boards.
For Vitamins, I like the Celebrate chewable with Iron, but wish I didn't have to have 2 as the serving size.

Is chest discomfort a sign of fullness? I always stop eating when that feeling starts up or when I'm just satisfied because I'm not sure if that's what it is.

WOW! Thanks for posting about this! I'll be flying for the first time since losing nearly 100# the end of this month. I'm glad to have a heads up!

Thank you for your reply James. I have a few months of liquid and/ or chewable vitamins on hand for the first few months. As long as these seem to be working well for me, I may continue to use them. I'll also look for another set (or two) of Measuring cups that carry the less common sizes. Thank you for the link to your blog.

Katriena, thank you so much for the reply. I keep feeling like time is ticking out and I don't want to realize last minute I've forgotten something I'll need! I'll google for one of the plates you're talking about, and make sure to bring the mini storage containers I have with me too.
thank you again!

Hi guys, first I'm really sorry to post this because I'm sure it's been posted many times before. Unfortunately, the website won't load on my iPad at all anymore unless I wait about half an hour, and the search function on the app won't search the whole site or returns results that aren't relevant. It's barely functional on my iPad. So if you could help a girl out, I'd be so so grateful!
My RNY surgery is scheduled for May 25. I think I have a good handle on what I'll need food wise since I have a detailed manual from the surgeon's office. I've got sugar free Jello, Unjury unflavored & chicken Soup flavored Protein on the way. One of those big insulated cups that keeps my Water ice cold. I'll be picking up a few other things too, like crystal light for the unflavored Protein Powder, veggie broth, that zero calorie Gatorade, etc.
But other than the food stuff, I'm not sure what would be helpful. I feel like there must be other things I should have, and Im really at a loss!! Do I need a food scale? Some kind of....bariatric sized tupperware type containers? I'm wracking my brain and just don't know!! What was helpful for you the first few months post op? What could you not live without?
Thanks soooo much guys!!!

Katriena, thank you so much for the reply. I keep feeling like time is ticking out and I don't want to realize last minute I've forgotten something I'll need! I'll google for one of the plates you're talking about, and make sure to bring the mini storage containers I have with me too.
thank you again!

Something else to consider getting is a shower chair. You can get them cheap online or at Walmart. 20 days out from surgery and I am still using mine as I tend to get a little dizzy still and it makes for a safer environment for washing my hair and shaving my legs. While your bandages are in place your doctor most likely won't allow you to sit in a bath so that's why I chose a chair.

Hi guys, first I'm really sorry to post this because I'm sure it's been posted many times before. Unfortunately, the website won't load on my iPad at all anymore unless I wait about half an hour, and the search function on the app won't search the whole site or returns results that aren't relevant. It's barely functional on my iPad. So if you could help a girl out, I'd be so so grateful!
My RNY surgery is scheduled for May 25. I think I have a good handle on what I'll need food wise since I have a detailed manual from the surgeon's office. I've got sugar free Jello, Unjury unflavored & chicken Soup flavored Protein on the way. One of those big insulated cups that keeps my Water ice cold. I'll be picking up a few other things too, like crystal light for the unflavored Protein Powder, veggie broth, that zero calorie Gatorade, etc.
But other than the food stuff, I'm not sure what would be helpful. I feel like there must be other things I should have, and Im really at a loss!! Do I need a food scale? Some kind of....bariatric sized tupperware type containers? I'm wracking my brain and just don't know!! What was helpful for you the first few months post op? What could you not live without?
Thanks soooo much guys!!!

I too originally chose the sleeve. Had the surgery scheduled and everything. In fact, I would have already had my surgery over & done with if I'd proceeded with the sleeve, and I think (ok, I know) my family would have felt more comfortable with that decision. They feel it's safer, easier recovery, and lower complications.

But my bmi is just over 50, and I'm extremely concerned I will not lose all the weight with the sleeve. I'll be honest. I'm not going through this to lose "most" of the weight. I'm bound and determined I will get to a healthy weight for my bmi come hell or high Water. I have some issues now with acid reflux, and although I've not been diagnosed with GERD, I'm afraid the sleeve would exacerbate it. And I don't want to have to have one surgery, only to have to have the RNY further down the line. I think the dumping (if I'm one of the ones who have that) will be a bonus for me given my particular issues with food. I guess my biggest reason is....my head and my heart are in agreement that i truly feel this is the best choice for ME.

Please be aware I don't think one surgery is better than the other, I don't necessarily agree with my family's opinion, (insert all the other caveats and disclaimers here). All I can do, and all any of us can do, is make the best choice we can for ourselves, and be supportive of each other whatever that choice is.

I wish you the absolute best with your surgery and hope everything goes well.

Oh girl I feel for you. I really do. I'm sorry you feel so little support from your family. This is a huge, life changing thing, and you're gonna need their support to be successful. My surgery is scheduled for the day after yours, May 25. I'm not packed yet but I waffle back and forth between scared and excited. Please let me know how everything goes for you. I'll be thinking of you on your surgery day.
Are there any other support groups by where you live? If not, they have online OA meetings almost 24/7. I've been to a few and found them really helpful and welcoming. There are some OA meetings here, but they're kind of on weird days and times so I haven't made it to one yet.

Ok, tell her you thought about what she said about grazing, and realized 6 meals really is more than you need, so 3 meals and a snack is working just fine.
As for the book.. Just slog through it, and hopefully by the end there will be a couple memorable stories or examples in it. You just have to memorize those examples (1 or 2), and focus on that.
I asked about the reflux for me.. Was wondering how long it takes to show up

As a therapist myself as well as someone who is going to have WLS, it sounds as if this intern is probable unsure herself about how to approach your situation. Most likely, she is having you do what she has seen her predecessors do... which is assign a very good book (IF you were an emotional eater) and "force" them to discuss it, i.e. force the client to face their emotional eating issue.
I'm sorry you're being made to do this when it doesn't seem relevant, but it most likely isn't worth the fight to argue or discuss with her about her. She may deny your surgery just because she feels you're being non-compliant with treatment. Read the book, take notes as you read. That way you won't have to remember everything you read. It will all be written down in your notes. Then go back and review the notes before you discuss it with her. Also, you can go on Amazon and read the reviews. You'll usually find a synopsis there. Kind of like Cliff's Notes.

As for not contacting your therapist yet, if she's an intern then it's likely she isn't there every day. She's probably busy with a million other things right now including finals, work, etc. And, since interns are unpaid, she probably isn't going to be putting work in after hours in order to contact your therapist. I would gently remind her when you see her that you're on a timetable here and need it ASAP. Good luck!


Currently waiting on surgery date to transition from lapband to bypass.
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

I had to talk to my surgeon as my intern was emotionally blackmailing me. He, the surgeon put her in check. He also called the therapist and told her to move ahead... don't skip steps but be proactive for your care

today I hit
ONE-DERLAND. I have not seen a 1 in front of my weight in 18 years! I have not been losing as quick as I would like but it is coming off! Everyone raise your protien shakes and CHEERS! to us all being on the crazy journey together!!!

starting weight 265.2....today 199.8!

So I'm waiting on insurance approval for RNY, and I'm scared to death about surgery. I don't care about post op pain, etc. I Just want to live through it. I'm 5'5 264, and 35 years old. I have 2 young kids and just want to wake up from surgery. I can't get over this fear. I've had 2 c-sections, i shouldn't be scared, but i am. Any advice? Thanks.

I'm now part of the 100+ club!!! Started pre-surgery December 2nd, surgery January 23rd today 116 days later I hit 100lbs lost!!

Update on my transformation picture... left is September 2015 ~ 350lbs and right was today November 2016 201lbs

I'm a recovering alcoholic and have also been sober nearly 9 years. I've heard other recovering alcoholics talk about transferring addictions in the rooms, but I haven't heard a whole lot of people speak specifically about struggling with food addiction issues. I abuse food too. I find I get the same kind of mental obsession with it as I did with alcohol. I see a lot of similarities with overeating as I do my alcoholism.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and have also been sober nearly 9 years. I've heard other recovering alcoholics talk about transferring addictions in the rooms, but I haven't heard a whole lot of people speak specifically about struggling with food addiction issues. I abuse food too. I find I get the same kind of mental obsession with it as I did with alcohol. I see a lot of similarities with overeating as I do my alcoholism.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and have also been sober nearly 9 years. I've heard other recovering alcoholics talk about transferring addictions in the rooms, but I haven't heard a whole lot of people speak specifically about struggling with food addiction issues. I abuse food too. I find I get the same kind of mental obsession with it as I did with alcohol. I see a lot of similarities with overeating as I do my alcoholism.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and have also been sober nearly 9 years. I've heard other recovering alcoholics talk about transferring addictions in the rooms, but I haven't heard a whole lot of people speak specifically about struggling with food addiction issues. I abuse food too. I find I get the same kind of mental obsession with it as I did with alcohol. I see a lot of similarities with overeating as I do my alcoholism.

My fiance and I had weight-loss surgery within just days of each other. I'm down 125 pounds after RNY and he's down 150 after VSG. Photo is June 2015 to October 29, 2016