romafiori

There have been some interesting side effects post op.
I care much more about myself.
I've cut my hair to my shoulders (I'm sure I kept it long to "hide").
I've had my nails and toes done.
I've bought new clothes, perfume, jewelry.
I've gone to the dentist and had some cosmetic work done along with a good cleaning.
All of this keeps compounding and helping my self esteem.
I laugh and smile more. I move more. I'm friendlier.
I wasn't expecting any of these side effects!

Wow congrats!!! You look amazing!

Thank you!!

Wow congratulations!!!

I'm bearing my soul and body here. I couldn't be more proud of how my body has changed.
I've lost exactly 70 pounds since my surgery. Today marks exactly 24 weeks ( 6 months ) since my VSG surgery.
There's good, bad and ugly about VSG. A lot of days, I cried and wondered why in the hell I had this surgery, and what in the hell ive done to myself. Throughout this process, I haven't been able to REALLY see the changes. In my mind, I always see a 268 pound fat girl. Granted, I have seen the changes, seen the smaller clothes sizes, but still struggled with my self image in my head. But today that all changed....
I realized today as I was getting dressed that I had on the same exact underwear as the day I took my pre-surgery pictures. Then I realized that today marked 6 months since surgery. So, i decided to take pictures.
I haven't taken pictures in this process because of the absolute shame and disgust I feel towards myself. Shame and disgust are understatement words for how I feel about myself. Until today...
Today, I feel proud. For the first time, I can honestly say that I don't see "that fat girl" in the mirror anymore. It may not be pretty, it will never be perfect, but it's mine, and today I'm owning it, and FINALLY for once in my LIFE, I'm feeling proud.
It's NOT an easy decision to post these photos of me in my underwear. I feel absolutely vulnerable and exposed. Please be kind. It took all the courage I could muster to do this. The current pictures are not the best quality but the best I could take of myself at the moment.
All you new VSG-ers, stay the course and have faith. If you have body image issues as I do, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you are not alone in the dark!
Much love from me to you all! ️️️
 
DOS: 12/13/16
HW: 268
SW: 256.6
CW: 186.4

Yesterday was 6 weeks post TT/LBL, which meant I no longer have to wear my compression garment. I didn't wear it to work (which turned into an 11 hour day), and within an hour I just started feeling weird… not bad, just weird. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but it kind of felt like my skin wanted to come apart at the seams! When I finally got home, I immediately (right after I checked to make sure that I hadn't actually split in half… incision looks fine!) put my compression garment back on & felt much better!
I'm totally ok wearing this for as long as I need to, but I'm wondering how long it was before other folks felt ok without.

THIS! Thanks for this. FREEDOM is what I will focus on over the FEAR.

I just wanted to add one thing to this fear thread, in case it is helpful. I was so worried about how my new tiny stomach would feel and that I would experience regret and sadness that I couldn't eat more. I am only a few days out from surgery, so I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but so far, I am in love with how my tiny stomach feels. I am not hungry. I crave nothing. Instead of feeling constricting, it feels like freedom.

Anyway, I wanted to share that positive thought in case it helps with your fears going in.

You're very brave for saying that and for taking this step. I wish you so much health and happiness and look forward to cheering you on!

Nope, no problems! I was uncomfortable when I woke up and my stomach area felt tight and a little painful, but they gave me pain meds and I slept. Today, I feel much better.

Good luck in June - you've got this!

I was sleeved yesterday and was a nervous wreck leading up to it. Tried to talk myself out of it. Wondered if I had rushed into it (I hadn't). Wondered if it was too extreme (it wasn't). Just basically second guessing everything.

Logically, I knew this was what's right for me. So I pushed through all the fear and second guessing. I feel really good today and hopeful for the future.

This is a big decision. Fear is normal. But that doesn't mean it is the wrong path.

I love this thread! I most look forward to being physically comfortable in my body. I have a lot of pain and discomfort from my extra weight. I cannot wait to be free of it.

But I have to say, this post made me think that someday soon, I will be donating ALL my current clothes. The thought of throwing out an entire closet of fat clothes is pretty thrilling!

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to give an update as I recently hit my one year mark. The results have been unbelievable, much better than expected.
HW-380
SW-361
CW-180

Wow! I never imagined I would lose 200 pounds when I was thick in the misery of weighing 380 pounds. My initial goal was 220 with a stretch goal of 190. I flew past both of those in about ten months and have now stabilized at the 180 mark for a couple of months. I can do SO many more things now that I couldn't do before, it's amazing. On a recent trip to San Fran I could charge up down the hills without stopping every 20 feet. I nearly kept up with my 18 year old son and was well ahead of the rest of the group. I can tie my shoes! And despite some knee problems I can hike, bike, walk, canoe, work around the house and many other things without getting winded or cringing in pain.
I am wearing size 36 pants, which would probably be a size 34 if I didn't have the extra skin flap. My shirts are mostly a a medium and I can buy off the rack at any store. The transformation is simply amazing but not altogether perfect. I still really need to focus on hydration, my energy sometimes abandons me and I still sometimes eat one bite too much which causes me to vomit. I can avoid most of these pitfalls by being diligent and drinking constantly, eating enough Protein and general calories throughout the day to avoid an energy crash and eating SLOWLY! I am still learning and will be for the duration of this journey. But I would never, ever consider going back and opting not to do this!
I hope you are all well!

So much better - thank you!! The fever comes and goes, so hopefully it is just a little inflammation.

I just wanted to add one thing to this fear thread, in case it is helpful. I was so worried about how my new tiny stomach would feel and that I would experience regret and sadness that I couldn't eat more. I am only a few days out from surgery, so I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but so far, I am in love with how my tiny stomach feels. I am not hungry. I crave nothing. Instead of feeling constricting, it feels like freedom.

Anyway, I wanted to share that positive thought in case it helps with your fears going in.

I had to have them as part of the clear liquid diet pre-op. They're so so, in my opinion. GNC carries singles so you can try out different flavors.

I have struggled with this, too. For a long time, I only told my sister, my mom, and my husband. I have a close group of friends I usually share everything with. I decided to tell one, and she was so positive and supportive. So, I told my uncle (whom I'm very close with) and another close friend. As I explained to my uncle, I still feel like this is private "classified" information, so only the people in my life with top security clearance get to know for now.

YES!!

So I am just about a year out since my surgery. Had it on May 23rd of 2016.     
Far and away I can say this was the BEST decision that I have ever made in my life. My highest weight was 433 lbs with my surgery weight at 397 lbs. Proud to say just about a year after surgery I currently weigh 194 pounds. 203 pounds down since the surgery and 241 down overall.
I literally cannot even tell you how much this has changed my life for the better. I am posting this because I want everyone to know that if I did it you can too. If anyone has literally any questions at all for me please don't hesitate to reach out. I  

Today I Celebrate my 1 year anniversary of my sleeve surgery!
It's amazing how much has changed in a year! I've lost 118lbs. I've gone from a tight size 28 jean to a loose 18, and a 4X shirt to an XL. I recently fit in an airplane seat comfortably and didn't need a seat belt extender. I love clothes shopping now, can pound out an hour on the elliptical with ease, and can paint my own toenails AND breathe at the same time! =)
I still have about 60 lbs to go, but I have no doubts that I will get there. I feel amazing already, and it's only going to keep getting better from here.

It really depends on what stage you are on and what you can tolerate. I have never had issues with cheeses or fat.
Early on like the first 6 months.
Crab cakes
chicken quesadillas ( I just eat the meat and the cheese out, I low carbed for a long time before surgery off and on so no one cares they are used to it)
chicken salad, problem is a lot of places add sugar to it, so you have ask
After 6 month
Hot wings without breading, Lots of places have them, just make sure the sauce doesn't have sugar
Fried chicken, don't eat the skin or coating
Toppings off pizza
Steak
9 months on
Chicken Caesar Salad
Steak
It really depends on the restaurant if it is some place I have never been before I check the menu online. Don't be afraid to order you food special, places will accommodate you and you don;t have to tell them you have any specific needs. I just tell them what I want. Like I order Entrees with double veggies no starches etc.
It is pretty easy to make choices out once you are familiar with your sleeve, I never have issues finding something to eat any place I go. Even if I go some place that just sells cake. I just get coffee.

So much better - thank you!! The fever comes and goes, so hopefully it is just a little inflammation.

YES!!

So true!!! I was in costco yesterday and they were baking brownies. They smelled delicious. I could have smelled them all day. But I feel so full all the time - if someone would have handed one to me, I would have dropped it and run! That is a huge change for sure.

I was sleeved on Thursday, 5/4. I came home the next day. I was nervous going in, but it feels really good on the other side. I woke up from the surgery in some discomfort, but once that was managed, it has been pretty smooth sailing. No hunger, no cravings. I cannot even express how freeing that is.

Good luck May sleevers! Can't wait to read about your progress!