mrsdaniel2013

Lol. Mine are going to be non existent when I am done... At this point I can already practically roll them up....

HW 420
SW 347
CW 334
Sleeved April 10, 2017

I was a major volume eater prior to surgery...I was the type who ate 3 or 4 McDonald's double cheeseburgers with a large drink and still felt insatiably hungry afterward.
I'd eat 1 Subway 12-inch sandwich before eating another sub a few hours later and my hunger still wasn't tamed. I'd eat 3 or 4 plates of food at an all-you-can eat buffet and still feel hunger.
So, in that respect, the sleeve is great for those of us who once ate large volumes of food and still felt chronically hungry. It's knocked out 2 issues (hunger and portion control) with 1 stone.

First CONGRATULAIONS on your WL!! You look absolutelybeautiful, not even close to being overweight!! Hold your head up high and tell your BMI to kiss your Pretty little lips!! (I wanted to say I don't mean those lips but....) KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

It drove me crazy also with all the Dr appointments. But trust me it prepares you for this life changing journey. It's hard as hell and takes a lot to make sure your getting the most out of what your eating. I think it was close to a year before I could eat anything besides Protein. This hot dog size pouch (as it's called) fills up fast so get ready to say goodbye to carbs. My 2 year old granddaughter eats more than I do. It's a year an a half since my surgery and I've lost 95# and that feels amazing to say. I'm smaller than I use to be and the fat that never would leave on my thighs has melted away. I finally don't depend on muscle milk and Protein Bars but it really help to ease my mind that I got 60 grams of protein in. My biggest issue is drinking before eating and after. Getting enough Water. It felt like an all day event. Take this time to plan out nutrition and ask as many questions as you like. I love this group because we all have a story to tell and we teach each other as we go through this journey. Before you know it your day will be here. Good luck and we'll be waiting to hear how your doing.

Sent from my SM-N910V using BariatricPal mobile app

Well, it's a start alright... the finish has yet to come. But I'll document my sleeve story here in the hopes that it'll help others.
Surgery to lose weight? Peh!! That's for weaklings... I would never mutilate my body.... why take the easy way out... in short, wls was a remote concept to me. Honestly, it just never was on my radar, that's all.
But like many here I struggled.. and it was a constant battle in the back of my head. I've been everywhere on the spectrum from "a real woman has curves, damn it" to " this is a social construct; it's todays world that makes me feel bad about who I am... I mean look at norms from 50-60 years ago" to "I don't have to be thin/normal/etc, I have brains to prove myself... I will never be one to rely on how I look to get ahead".... you name it, I've probably been there.
I'm going on 40... years of this... and dieting... and gaining... and dieting... and checking out the newest fad... and shopping based on what fits... not what I like.... years of focusing on the 'content' vs the 'packaging', coupled with a very low idea of self-worth rooted in childhood... well, for one reason or the other we all end up in the same spot.
Last summer my family and I were at the beach; There I am, sitting at the beach and I just can't stop judging people. Nevermind the fact that I lost 20 pounds and gained 19,5 back... So technically I have still lost weight compared to same time last year; I am just sitting here, in the shade and I can't stop myself from passing judgment on everybody... Bad posture, wrong choice of bathing suit... Omg!! What was she thinking?!?!? I would kill to have the body of most of the women who unknowingly are subject to my internal rantings but there you have it. And then I caught myself... sort of saw myself from a different perspective. Is this really who I want to be? This constantly bitter, unhappy person who blames everyone and everything but neglects to take responsibility? And it was there the first seeds of change had been sewn. Althought wls was still a long ways off from being even an idea.
I came to the US 20 years ago... It's not easy being the 'outsider', less so when you're a parent. At times it feels like everybody knows each other; even worse everybody likes each other... everybody but you. And this even though we all started being soccer moms and dads at the same time. Granted, sometimes you'll have your neighbors who know each other and naturally gravitate toward each other... or those parents whose kids are besties in school and who automatically click.
Some days a parent will say hi... good morning... how're ya doing? And those days are good days because for the next 60 minutes of a game you re-live that moment when you were part of the in-crowd. On other days your good morning will be ignored.. sometimes on purpose. And those days you put on a brave face for your kids because no kid likes their parents to be the outsider. Some days it gets so bad, so lonely, that I feel like exploding... i feel like asking "guys... what is it? Is it because i'm fat? Wear glasses? Have an accent? All of the above? I see these posts for parents with tips on how to deal with socially awkward teenagers... or how to boost their kids' confidence and I gulp them up looking for a glimpse on what it could be I'm doing wrong. It is a sad state of affairs when you're diving into teen advise columns but you're almost 40.
I have two amazing kids... and I know how easily effected kids are by how they view their parents. All parents are an embarassment to their kids in one way or another but what all of this led to, what I realized was that unless I accept myself, unless I am OK with myself and unless I respect and love myself I couldn't possibly expect others to show me the same. And this sense of personal responsibility was the second seed toward change. You see, as much as it seems from the above that I am doing this so that others will love me, I have come to realize that I am doing this for me... and only me.
Then, in January my husband's friend comes to visit.. and I don't recognize him... seriously, different human being. I felt like on candid camera where they do a switcheroo, you know? And he tells me about how he got sleeved... and he is patient with me and talks to me, explains, shows, guides me and before I know it I know that this is what I want. I just do, it makes sense, it all clicks, falls into place... damn in, I want it and I want it now!!!
I talk to 3 different surgeons even though I have to pay for consults... one can't even be bothered to look me in the eyes... he's Mr super busy and important... you know, like a factory assembly line, you're just a number, not a human being. The second is nice...patient, knowledgeable but his staff is not well organized. Then I went to see my friend's surgeon. Staff and surgeon... good call; I clicked and knew I had found my surgeon. Of course I did my research, I read reviews, reached out to people but first impressions are so important.
My insurance requires 6 months of documented visits. I was ready to have the surgery; I was excited; I didn't want to wait.. I even considered doing this out of pocket but thankfully cooler heads prevailed. I still think 6 months is too long but I'm halfway there.
I am hopeful to have a surgery date in september for my sleeve.
I still do my homework, I day-dream and I make lists, I fantasize about shopping sprees (which will be fun now, not torture... right guys?) but I'm not in laland in terms of expectation. I think I have a pretty solid grasp on the difficulties ahead. I'm going to therapy to prepare mentally.

I have an incredibly supportive husband who's been with me through thick (and will be with me through thin!!)

And with your support I know I can do this.

Updates will follow!

(Disclaimer before I begin: I am not "losing" weight, I am deflating. The word lost gives meaning that some things are found, and i don't want to find any of the lost weight, I know, so sounds weird right..lol)
My name is Tonya, and I am a 43 year old mom of one and wife. I have been clinically morbid obese all my adult life. My "normal" weight should be 155lbs, but I have carried 250lbs, up until August 2015, when as a smoker, I ended up with sever pneumonia, and diagnosed with stage 2 COPD. My treatment consist of a lot of prednisone, and I quite smoking. My weight sky rocketed to 327lbs. I have always tried to lose weight with any new type of medication on the market, fad diets, nothing worked. I am not going to sugar coat anything, I was not motivated to exercise, and I was always exhausted. Since my illness in August of 2015, I have been on oxygen therapy 24/7, my desire for anything that would move me was gone.
I found out that my work insurance would cover bariatric surgery, and after some research I decided to go for it. I talked with my pre certification department with my health insurance and they stated I would need to have 6 month of weight loss management with my PCP, for approval. With this my doctor and I decided to contact Wesley Weight Loss Center to start the process. So September 2016 those monthly visits with the PCP started. They finished in February 2017. WWL Center required a list of other things, to complete the approval process. I had a few bumps in the road with thyroid issues, but I was finally able to schedule my Gastric Sleeve Surgery for June 20, 2017.
June 6, 2017 I started the two week pre op liquid diet. It was very challenging. Not so much of the diet itself, but because I still had to fix meals for my family. they are not heavy, and they did not need to eat broth, or sugar free Jello, Protein Shakes, or sugar free popsicles. Of course with their support they ate out most of that time. Those two weeks I rid 17lbs to shrink my liver and I was so proud of myself, because prior to this decision, I hated the way I looked, felt, I hated that I could not even reach comfortably enough to clean myself after using the restroom, if I am to be honest with whoever is reading this. Surgery day came, I powered through it, It was well worth it. This journey is just beginning, but I will say well worth the struggle. I am starting to love myself. I can comfortably reach where it is important and I have a lot more energy than ever. I find it so fascinating how a few bites of something, can make me feel so full. My only draw back from this whole experience so far is an infection where they put my JP drip. Nothing antibiotics can't handle. I am one month post op and down 40lbs!!!!
HW: 327lbs
SW: 310lbs (June 20, 2017)
CW: 287lbs
GW: 190lbs
Dr. Nicholas Brown, Wichita, Ks

That's great news. I have no problem not having sweets until I get to my goal weight and am happy to have the negative reinforcement for the first year or more. It was the word "forever" that was really stressing me. We all deserve a little reward when we hit out goals. I'm happy to hear it's possible.

Wow you went through a lot ....I too had my gastric bypass surgery at 2004 was 348 lb went down to 147 in a year ...after i lost the weight.. I have twin girls and one son.. the year is 2017 and I've only gained 55 lb still seeing my doctor and still fighting to cut those pounds down you can do this.... 🙄

Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

Pre surgery (about 2 years ago) I did low carb and went Water walking/jogging daily... Lost 100lbs. Didnt keep up the low carb or the jogging and thus the surgery... But I did find the water jogging to be awesome for my bad knees... So much so that over time my knees are fine now! It helps build muscle too! I park myself in water just up to my chest and jog back and forth. I love it!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 319
Sleeved April 10, 2017

Amazing!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 318
Sleeved April 10, 2017

I was told depending on your habit, straws are okay - as some people tend to "gulp" with straws. I couldn't ever gulp unless drinking straight out of a can, so they said straws I could try. However, they also told me soda might be okay in low quantities later on after surgery - I just put soda in my past and have moved on from it as a personal choice. Each surgeon has their own restrictions for their patients. No two people are the same

Keep going. Walk walk walk. Looks like you and I have similar numbers!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 310
Sleeved April 10, 2017

I would call the doctor. That's what he/she is there for!

Just shave it off. hair is overrated.

Thank you!!! I am 58 days PO and feeling discouraged but I am right on schedule according to this!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 318
Sleeved April 10, 2017

I suspect you are right.

HW 420
SW 347
CW 327
Sleeved April 10, 2017

Amazing!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 318
Sleeved April 10, 2017

Guys I've started writing all about my personal journey and how stick food has helped me eat more easily along with recipes. I've written about the emotions that go along with this experience you can find my blog at http://sticksandstones.blog I'm 6 months out from presurgery and surgery was 5 months ago. I've lost 130+ pounds. Please check it out and let me know what you think.

Quick update. I am now 14 months post VSG bariatric surgery and I am down 258 lbs. . My high weight was 560.lbs. the day i met the surgeon i was 509 lbs.. surgery day 424 lbs and this morning 249 lbs. Everything has been speeding up for me in the last 2 months . Physical barriers I had for years seem to be crumbling. 3 months ago I could not walk without using a walker. I exercised on a treadmill holding the handles in a death grip. Now I lift weights 5 days a week and I walk 45-60 minutes almost every day ( weather depending ) around my neighborhood, no walker, no problem doing it. I have started using the stairs as well. Something I couldnt do for over a decade. I still use my walker...as a rolling TV trable...I have 82 lbs left to reach my goal of 175 lbs but i probably carry 40 lbs of lose skin and lymphodema on my thighs. It is time to start the process to try and be approved for plastic reconstructive surgery. This is tough as I live in Canada and plastics are not covered by our healthcare system. To buy a plastic surgeon privately for the extent that I would require is around $45,000 . Not an option . I am still dropping around a pound every 24 hours at the moment With no stopping in sight. I am excited to begin this last leg of my losing phase and hopefully get some skin removal approved . Being a chef, having basketball sized Lymphoedema on my thighs make working impossible right now so I am working full time on myself. I am also working on a bariatric cookbook at the request of my surgeon for his future patients. I am on myfitnesspal with my journal open for all to see. I think the accountability is a great thing. Anyone who would like to add me is more than welcome the more the merrier my fitness pal tag is ShrinkingGordon. 

It's amazing--after spending so much time not eating real food at all, we crave the healthy food with a voracity we never had before enjoy, sounds yummy!

Thank you everyone. The surgery went very well. I am in a bit of pain now but nothing unbearable.

He removed 15.1 pounds of skin from my stomach!

Thank you!!! I am 58 days PO and feeling discouraged but I am right on schedule according to this!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 318
Sleeved April 10, 2017

At 8 months post-op, this is what I eat each day:
Meal #1: 1 scrambled egg with 2 oz chicken breast
Meal #2: 4 oz cottage cheese with 1 T sugar-free strawberry preserves
Meal #3: 3 oz chicken breast, 1 string cheese, and 10 ParmCrisps
Meal #4: 3 oz salmon with 1 oz green Beans, and 5 ParmCrisps
Meal #5: 2 oz hamburger steak (93% lean) with 1 oz green beans, and 5 ParmCrisps
Meal #6: 3 oz chicken breast with 1 oz green beans, and 5 ParmCrisps
Meal #7: 3 oz chicken breast, 1 string cheese, and 10 ParmCrisps
Meal #8: 4 oz cottage cheese with 1 T sugar-free strawberry preserves
I never get "full." I haven't let myself get there ever since the surgery, really. I have always focused on a set amount of food and gradually increased it over time. I could easily eat more at every meal; I just don't. (As an example, I could probably eat double the cottage cheese I eat, but I just won't do it.)
I'm up to 1500 calories now and I'll probably stay there for half the summer and then move to 1600. I'm gradually trying to inch my calories up as I am only 15 pounds away from maintenance. But I do that by adding an extra meal, not adding volume to existing meals.
Good luck!

Hey all, I'm 2 months out - curious how much you guys are able to eat? I can eat 1 cup of food and am worried that is too much? Curious to see how much other people can eat at this time. Thanks in advance

Pre surgery (about 2 years ago) I did low carb and went Water walking/jogging daily... Lost 100lbs. Didnt keep up the low carb or the jogging and thus the surgery... But I did find the water jogging to be awesome for my bad knees... So much so that over time my knees are fine now! It helps build muscle too! I park myself in water just up to my chest and jog back and forth. I love it!

HW 420
SW 347
CW 319
Sleeved April 10, 2017