lindz17

I've had a few friends who were concerned, tried to talk me out of it bc it's "a big surgery," tell me I don't really need it bc I'm already beautiful, blah, blah, blah. I had a legit reason for getting sleeved (besides being fat, ha) - my thyroid doesn't work and it is almost impossible for me to lose weight on my own. My friends and family know this, yet they still insisted I might be making the wrong choice. So I asked myself with every piece of information I could find and when they pounced, I attacked back with info, data, facts. I came prepared and that showed them I was dead serious about this.
Some were jealous. One friend came right out and apologized for not being supportive bc she said she wanted to get sleeved but didn't think she could actually go through with it. That's not my problem. I am the queen of quitting things and I made a vow to myself that I would do this 100%, and I am. I'm sorry if you want to take your own woes out on me. It won't phase me.
Everyone came around and ended up being supportive when they realized that this really was a good thing. And when I told them I'm down 10 lbs in a week? It really hit home.
Bottom line - arm yourself with info, be confident, and show them amazing results. You're doing this for YOU. Your support team is on this website. We're all here for each other!
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Best decision I've made in my life.
I'm down 75 kg (165 lb) in around 11 months and working for the last 17 kg to reach my goal weight.
A small advice to all weight stuck sleevers, GYM GYM GYM !

SW: 176.6 kg (389 lbs)
CW: 102 kg (224 lbs)
GW: 85 kg (187 lbs)

Doing pretty well today! I slept in my bed last night after sleeping on the sofa/chaise since Thursday (it hurt too much to lay flat or on my side) so it was nice to curl up next to the Hubs. (And by "curl up," I mean "slightly bend." I'm not that flexible yet.) Plus my dogs weren't so confused about where Mom was - ha. I woke up this morning with very little pain - the largest incision is still a bit sore but overall I'm feeling a lot better.
I still have 2 more days left on my "Week 1 - Clear Liquids" phase but I have introduced some diluted Tomato Soup and that's gone well. I've also had teeny bits of goat cheese (in the soup) and haven't had any issues. Other than that I've just been drinking my Protein shakes (I use Premier Protein and like them), chicken broth, diluted apple juice (only if I start feeling shaky), and SF popsicles. But I CANNOT do Jell-o. I tried all kinds of flavors and I just can't. Texture maybe? Regardless, not for me. Ha.
The biggest news is that I am down 9.8 pounds in one week! That is crazy. Yay!
My one week follow up is this Thursday so we shall see how that goes! (SD was 1.11)

OK peeps - when does the gassiness start to die down? My SD was 1.11.17 so I understand this will go on for a bit, but wowza. The chest pains I'm getting from all this damn air in there is ridiculous. I'm burping with no problem, and Gas X Strips do help - just wondering if there's an end date to this.
Let me know how you all dealt with this/are currently dealing with this. Thanks a bunch!

I can't believe the difference in these pictures! In the before picture I was feeling so self conscious and dreaded being in pictures! It is so nice to feel confident with myself again! Only 25lb more to loose and I reach my goal! Just over 4 months post op! Best decision of my life!
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115kgs to 71kgs 10 months out
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I've had a few friends who were concerned, tried to talk me out of it bc it's "a big surgery," tell me I don't really need it bc I'm already beautiful, blah, blah, blah. I had a legit reason for getting sleeved (besides being fat, ha) - my thyroid doesn't work and it is almost impossible for me to lose weight on my own. My friends and family know this, yet they still insisted I might be making the wrong choice. So I asked myself with every piece of information I could find and when they pounced, I attacked back with info, data, facts. I came prepared and that showed them I was dead serious about this.
Some were jealous. One friend came right out and apologized for not being supportive bc she said she wanted to get sleeved but didn't think she could actually go through with it. That's not my problem. I am the queen of quitting things and I made a vow to myself that I would do this 100%, and I am. I'm sorry if you want to take your own woes out on me. It won't phase me.
Everyone came around and ended up being supportive when they realized that this really was a good thing. And when I told them I'm down 10 lbs in a week? It really hit home.
Bottom line - arm yourself with info, be confident, and show them amazing results. You're doing this for YOU. Your support team is on this website. We're all here for each other!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

True to the above, but Biotin will help strengthen/thicken what you've got now. It's not expensive and it's a natural supplement. Better to be prepared!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

Try Biotin. They sell it at drugstores and you can also find it online - I've seen melts for this (where they dissolve on your tongue) so that might be a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. Most doc's are OK with this med as well. It also helps to grow stronger nails. Good stuff!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

True to the above, but Biotin will help strengthen/thicken what you've got now. It's not expensive and it's a natural supplement. Better to be prepared!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone! I just thought I would share my story with everyone who has had bariatric surgery or who is considering it. I say if you are considering it and can afford to do it, then do it! I have absolutely no regrets. My weight loss journey has helped me in so many ways. Now I know getting surgery is not an easy decision. I struggled with this for about a year before I fully dedicated to doing it. In my mind I would go back and forth yes, no, yes, no, until finally I decided you know What? I am the only person holding myself back. So I decided to finally get it together. I stopped drinking soda, quit smoking, and lost about 20lbs before my surgery by going on the Atkins diet. Once I lost the weight on my own and had quit smoking for 6 weeks I was able to set a surgery date. It was so nerve racking because surgery of any kind is just scary for me. But it went very well and I woke up just fine. Very sleepy but so happy to have gotten it over with! The hardest part of the post op for me was the diet transitions after the surgery. For example: the liquid diet, puree diet, soft foods diet. Also, re-training your mind is very very hard. Instead of thinking oh I need all of this food to fill me up, it was now oh I just need this small portion. The mental part of the journey for me was the hardest but yet the best thing about the surgery. As much as I still love food (as in I'm trying new things) I'm not thinking I'm in a rush to eat or just thinking about food all day. That's just not the case anymore which is amazing. Since my surgery on May 2nd 2015 I have lost 103lbs. I have so much more confidence. My relationship with myself has grown through the roof. I no longer look in the mirror and think ew. I'm no longer afraid to go out in public. I push myself more to do things such as hiking and outdoor activities. It's been an amazing journey and I can't wait to see where the rest takes me. ❤
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True to the above, but Biotin will help strengthen/thicken what you've got now. It's not expensive and it's a natural supplement. Better to be prepared!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

Throughout the course of this day, I was able to eat about 2/3rds of a can of cream of chicken Soup, and I've gotten in about 40oz of Fluid (not counting the soup). I am going to really try to drink another 20oz of fluids before I go to bed tonight.
I did try a tiny nibble of meatloaf a few minutes ago (about the size of a pencil eraser). It definitely caused some pain, so I won't be experimenting with that again any time soon. I'm perfectly happy with my soup. I do have some low fat cottage cheese that I'm going to blend up with some milk tomorrow for Breakfast.
The pain has been so manageable today. I was up and moving around for most of the day. I even had my husband drive me to the store so I could do some grocery shopping!
My incisions are looking pretty good. I don't think they are going to scar too badly at all. There are 5 in total, one of which is in my belly button, so that one hardly counts.
This is the first time in years that I have had any true hope that I would be able to get down to a healthy weight. It's like I have a whole new lease on life. A chance to start over. I could not be happier with my decision.
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I took my first steps towards gastric sleeve in February of this year, 2016. The process was a bit of a nightmare, and I was denied by my insurance the first time around.
Once I did finally get my approval, it was so late in the year that I just knew that my surgery wouldn't be until January at the earliest. Which was very depressing because that would mean that my insurance out-of-pocket maximum would start over, and that would cost us thousands extra.
But my surgeon Dr. Shadle gave up his holiday vacation time to ensure that myself and many other patients got their surgeries before the end of the year. I cannot say enough good things about my surgeon. If any of you are in the Sacramento area, see if your insurance will work with Dr. Shadle. You won't be sorry you did.
I started my 2 week liquid diet on 12/14. It was pretty tough, but I knew what was at stake so I pushed through. Dr. Shadle even gave me permission to eat Proteins and vegetables for the Christmas holiday. That was great, but my body pretty much rejected it because I hasn't eaten in so long.
The night before the surgery I was so nervous and scared I could barely sleep. The next morning I paced around the house and sliced fruit for dehydration to keep my hands and mind occupied until it was time to go to the hospital.
The check in went smoothly and quickly, and before I knew it I was being wheeled back to the OR. The next thing I remember was waking up after the surgery. I was in sheer agony. Crying from the pain and desperately dry heaving. It took several hours for my pain to come down to a manageable level. Part of the pain was from the incisions themselves, and part of it was from the gas. The gas itself feels like a tight band around your chest, and it eventually settled in my shoulder. The gas pain has mostly subsided at this point.
Another aspect that I was not at all prepared for was how dry my mouth was. For the first 36 hours or so my mouth felt like sawdust, no matter if I just sipped Water or took an ice chip the moment before. This did eventually alleviate itself, thankfully.
One of the things they really monitored in the hospital was my liquid output (pee). Strangely enough, no matter how badly I felt like I had to go, it would only come out in a tiny trickle due to the fact that my insides were still asleep.
I was given a few doses of milk of magnesia to try to wake my bowels up, but to no avail. I also spent a good amount of time walking while I was in the hospital. It felt so good to get up and stretch out my torso.
I was released from the hospital yesterday morning. There was a bit of a kerfuffle with my prescriptions. I had thought that I couldn't pick them up until after the surgery, but they had apparently been sent over weeks beforehand, and to a different pharmacy than I thought. So by the time I got my pain meds, my pain was out of control again. I have oral dilauded for pain to take every 4 hours, but it wasn't taking the edge off. I was told I could take it every 2 hours until it was under control, but even then the pain wasn't receding. I finally sent my husband to the store to get some extra strength liquid Tylenol, and some milk of magnesia. I've found that taking 1 dilauded every 4 hours, and 30ml of Tylenol every 6 hours is the winning combination for me. The pain is still there but it is very manageable and I can move around without too much trouble. I have also found that putting a heat pad on my belly is very effective for helping me manage my pain.
I took a dose of milk of magnesia last night and finally had a bowel movement this morning! Tmi warning* it was completely liquid and did not cause any pain or discomfort at all.
I was technically supposed to start the "full liquids" stage of the post op diet yesterday, but I was too scared to try with all the pain I was in already. I just stuck with water, and a few sips of a pomegranate flavored bariatric Protein Drink (clear). This morning (12/30) I was actually feeling pretty good, so I tried about 1/4 cup or so of cream of chicken Soup. Took me about 30 minutes to get it down, and I have about 15 more minutes before I can start sipping liquids again to take my pills. It went down very well. There was one sip that I took a little too quickly that caused a little pain, but other than that there was no issue.
In addition to the dilauded and Tylenol, I also have zofran (nausea), colace (stool softener), pantropazole (anti-acid/reflux), and Vitamin D (because I'm deficient). This is on top of the daily Vitamin regimen that we are required to do. If you are reading this and don't already have one, I HIGHLY recommend getting a pill organizer. I have a 7 day, morn/noon/eve/bed organizer. It's a little bulky, but it is so very helpful.
I started my pre-op diet at 343 pounds. The morning of my surgery I was 326, and I am currently at about 325. I expect this will continue to go down as my swelling recedes.
I will be posting to this blog as often as I can, mostly for my own records so I can look back and see my progress.
Of course any comments, input, or tips are most welcome
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Here goes nothing, I'm at my very first doctors appointment about to begin the biggest journey of my life! I'm nervous, excited and anxious. Fingers crossed that I get good news!
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Hi my name is VaNeSSa I had my surgery on April 2014 and I have to say it's been a journey but don't regret having the surgery done .. My weight was 360 and right now I weight 204 I'm so exited knowing I'm almost in onederland lol.. all I have to say is keep it up never give up I thought I would never ever be in my 200s and look at me now almost in my 100s it's an amazing feeling... trust yourself cause you can do it  
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Hi I am 9 months post op vsg! 104 lbs down!
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Day 10- liquid pre op diet.
I am below my required pre-surgery goal with 4 days to surgery!!! I am so glad I have no more work until February I woke up this morning thinking of me not cases and my employees. I love my job but on no food it was very mentally draining.
I plan to spend the next few days prepping my house, running errands and ensuring after surgery I can rest and recover.
In September I had my first visit and was 243. Today I am 229 and ready for more.
HW 330
CW 229.2
Surgery date 1/19/17-Sleeve

Sharing, I first was going to keep it a secret. Now I have told everyone employees, family, friends and I was surprised on how many positive comments/support I had. Even the person I thought would be negative was super supportive and asked so many questions.
I am glad I shared and was surprised by people.
I love this forum and am now starting a list of foods to try based on other people's posts when I am ready. Ricotta bake is number 1 on the list.
HW 330
CW 235
Surgery date 1/19/17-Sleeve

I want to journal my story, and if I can help anyone along the way I am glad.
I am at the end of pre-op day 5 liquids. My dr requires all liquids; 3 shakes with 3 extras the choice of Jello or broth or SF popsicle.
I have been doing two premier Protein shakes and the dinner shake is almond milk with MuscleTech % whey chocolate powder. Grinded with some ice I feel like it's a chocolate milk shake for dinner. snack 1 is broth, snack 2 is Jello, snack 3 is a popsicle. Lots of tea, Water and 1 cup of am coffee. I kept the caffeine for the morning to function and asked my NUT. She explained I may have headaches after surgery with it and that I'm ok.
Day 1 I felt like crap at the end of the day, sugar and carb withdrawal headaches were a doozey.
Day 2 was better and I used Tylenol pm to sleep off the last of TH headache.
Day 3 and 4 we're the weekend so I rested and drank Water.
Today day 5 was a busy work day. I am a supervisor and my work is non-stop. The busy was good kept me moving and going and no hunger pains. I think I have found my groove and look forward to what's ahead.
HW 330
CW 235
Surgery date 1/19/17-Sleeve

Haven't been on this app since a few weeks after my surgery (4/19/16)! I am officially 100 lbs lighter and off all meds... Forever thankful I had the courage to take care of myself! Take care and let's make 2017 ours! To better health!

HW 322
Pre-op weight 296
Post surgery weight to date 288
Last year this time I had pneumonia. Then in February I was hospitalized for it. I was diagnosed as type two diabetes. I have hypertension and high blood pressure. I hated my weight so it was then I decided to go after Bariatric surgery.
I had done three years of research. I talked to people who had it done. In June of 2016, I began the 6 month process to do it. I'm was sad it couldn't be done quicker but now I'm glad I went through it.
I began therapy for my food issues. I'm so glad I did. I'm learning I cope with stress and life by eating it. I learned I was obsessed with food.
On January 9, 2017, I had the gastric sleeve surgery. It is so hard the first couple of days. I'm very emotionally raw right now. It's so hard being on this liquid diet. I just want to eat a pizza!! But I know I'm worth it and my kids need a more active mommy. I struggled with my weight when I was skinny and now being obese I was ashamed even more. I've learned to love myself through this journey. I'm afraid of screwing it all up.
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I appreciate you saying so. To be frank, I was feeling a little embarrassed about my original post, but I'm so glad you found solace in it. We will get through this.
In that moment, I definitely had to vent. It's really cool to get such positive feedback. I'm new in my town, so my local support system is nearly non-existent. Hoping BP will be a good place to come as an alternative.

The frustrating posters! Please don't get discouraged. I hope you took measurements before surgery. You might be at a stall but, if you are walking everyday the inches are going down and you are building leg muscle which weights more than fat. If you have not started tracking the inched lost I encourage you to start now.
I have been stuck for almost a week at the same weight but lost a half inch in that time frame. I am a month and 3 weeks out and lost 5 inches so far from head to toe. My hubby measures me. He is worried about me loosing my boobs !
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So, I have completed 2 of the nutrition classes. 1 to go. I have not smoked in 25 days.....Almost a Month! I am really getting anxious. I see all these success stories and I am excited to join in. Still here.....ready to keep moving forward!