Stephinae Howard

Just had my surgery on the 12/27, went great. Stayed in the hospital for 2 days,and have my first follow up appointment this friday. Still having gas pains and struggling to get in the Protein,but i feel great. Also headed back to work tomorrow!! Will keep you all updated on this part of the journey! 2 Week pre-op diet......565lbs Day of surgery....526 Today is 504!!

I went off them after 2 days because I just don't like taking drugs and they tend to cause Constipation. The muscle by biggest incision hurt but I found ways to tolerate it. Actually helped me to move around more. Also, i live by myself so i needed to get around and be able to drive. Totally about what works for you.

Everyone is different. Your pain level will vary from mine. I have used Tylenol once since surgery and I was off the pain meds within 4-6 hours of the actual surgery.

I had my gastric sleeve done January 11th. I weighed 333.1lbs.
I'm 10 months post op now and weigh 144.2lbs.
I've set new goal weights as I've gone along...first was just to get under 200lbs, then I thought I wanted my goal weight to be 180lbs. When I got there, I made the crazy goal of 150lbs never thinking I'd make it....but I did. So then I figured my goal would be 145lbs which puts me at a normal bmi...which I haven't been since I was around 10.
Now that I weight 144lbs, I've decided my final goal will 133lbs, which will mean I will have lost a total of 200lbs....and I'll do it, I know I can.
I never thought when I had surgery that weighing in the 130's would even be possible.
I've gone from wearing sizes 5-6x, and 28-30, now I wear smalls and mediums and am a size 8....I would be around a 6 if it wasn't for the large amount of skin I have around my stomach and thighs....but it's a price I'm more than happy to pay.
I've been extremely disciplined this whole 10 months. I can honestly say I've never put a bad food in my mouth...not once. I follow a very low carb diet still, drink about 85oz of Water every day and get in around 80oz of Protein. I take all my required Vitamins daily.
The gym has become a big part of my life. I workout around 5-6 days per week doing a variety of exercising....spin class, step  class, yoga, cardio machines....I like doing different things so I don't get bored.
Anyway, because I'm so close to goal, I just wanted to share this. And for the people who have a lot of weight to lose like I did....remember, you can do this! I'm living proof!!
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I ate perfectly, got all my Protein and Vitamins, took Biotin and B 12 and my hair fell out in clumps from 12 weeks to 20 weeks. Now at 7 months its growing back and I have an Albert Einstein thing going on. It is what it is. Either way, it WILL grow back
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I'm also 4 days post op. Feel fine except if I take too big a gulp then feels like it's stuck. Mourning the loss of food. Not really hungry but can't stop thinking about FOOD!
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Hey Yall. Just wanted some kind of encouraging words or advice. I'm 4days post op. Still dealing with some pain of course but I'm being more active. Of course I'm dealing with the gas pains when I try to drink anything and that's making it extremely difficult to take in my fluids. Today I've noticed a lot of head hunger and it's driving me insane. I'm sure my body is actually hungry since it's been about 3 weeks since I've had any real food and I'm having issues getting my fluids in... but please tell me this stops. I'm fighting through them obviously and I know I'll be alright.. I'm just struggling with it mostly today. Also, i haven't had any nausea, I'm definitely not complaining just kind of makes me nervous since I don't really feel any different. Anyone else? Advice , tips , encouraging words ? Thank you Fellow sleevers.
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I've been quite moody lol my surgery was 7 weeks ago and the surgeon told my boyfriend that after 3 months I should be better, if not it's just me. Lol
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Thank you! 9 months 110lbs down Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App
Thank you! 9 months 110lbs down Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I had to share the best thing I have found to wear after surgery. I am down 3 sizes and am broke so I can't afford to buy a ton of clothes. I have been living in these leggings and tunics from Amazon, the leggings are very similar to LuLaRoe but half the price! They will fit all sizes to like a 12 and don't need replacing like regular pants. The tunics also fit a wide range of sizes, I am down 47 pounds and still am wearing the same ones I bought right after surgery.
Leggings link- https://www.amazon.com/PLUS-Solid-Length-Leggings-VP103-BLACK/dp/B00XV1N8KE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1483388721&sr=8-1&keywords=viv+leggings+plus&linkCode=ll1&tag=t03be-20&linkId=3510a830dd023818f50943444185733d
Tunic top link- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWLFXRF/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=t03be-20&linkId=8b690b33c252d280ced1b70b6c0eb8c2
I just throw on some riding boots and a necklace and I look put together even though I feel like I am wearing my jammies. Hope this helps someone.

Don't let YOU stand in the way, your biggest why is that you have four babies than need you! I haven't had the surgery, but after years of trying to get the weight off with no avail, I made the decision a couple months ago to do whatever it takes to life longer for my son. It took so long to get him, I'd do anything to be with him as long as I can. You're stronger than your negative thoughts! I'm certainly rooting for you ????
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I do the ricotta cheese bake, soft white flaky fish (tilapia, flounder), crab cakes, and I have enjoyed the Target Italian meatballs. I heat them on the stove top in a half broth and marinara sauce mix so they are nice and moist.
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I make a black bean Soup that I purée! It's super savory and filling! I'd be happy to share the recipe!
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I've been eating sugar free Jello, sugar free pudding, creamy chicken noodle Soup, my Protein shakes, sugar free popsicles, non fat plain Greek yogurt (thinned).
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I liked all the Premier Protein shakes before surgery, but after surgery I can't stand the taste either. I use GENEPRO unflavored Protein Powder. It has 30 grams of Protein. I like to mix with SF hot coco, herbal tea or broth.

Happy New Years to all you losers on the losers bench. May your year be full of weight loss, exercise and Protein. We are all in this together and we CAN do this.
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I purée chicken with the pickle juice, mayo and mustard all in my ninja blender.
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Looks delicious I am in liquid diet, continue posting your food so I can get ideas when I get my purée fase. Thanks you lets continue in this amazing journey.
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I had that problem. Two pairs of socks, two blankets and still shivering. Went for my routine blood check and Surprise.. Iron deficiency. I have to take a pill three times a day and the doctor says, I will be good as new in no time.
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Yes every single sip I take. It sucks. Makes getting my fluids down miserable
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Yes same here. Had rny on 12-28-16. Trying to get the Protein and Water in on full liquids stage. But no BM. Since before surgery. Pre op I was on milk of magnesia and miralax. So I know I was cleaned completely out. But still nothing.
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Same surgery and same date, I feel better knowing Im not alone, I gonna get some milk of mag and Probiotics today and see how that works..
Loving the New You!!!

How about calling around to the local nursing college? I know a lot of nursing students look for side jobs to pick up some extra money, if you can swing something for 48 hours that might be a good place. They could come over after school study and stay with you to make sure you are ok.

Thank you, I didn't have that understanding that is is everything added.. I assumed it was after your protein just pure water. Now how long until I can use the bathroom?
Loving the New You!!!

I use crystal light in my Water and add PB2 into my Protein drink, it gives extra Protein so I can physically drink less.
Just keep constantly sipping. That's the key. Good luck
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