Malina

Hi and CONGRATULATIONS! You are about to start a journey you will not regret. I was sleeved on 6/1, so I'm only five weeks out. Here are some things that helped me. In no particular order...

1. Ask your surgeon/hospital about being or becoming an ERAS patient. It helps speed recovery.
2. Have someone who is willing and able to help you stay the night in the hospital with you.
3. WALK! WALK!! WALK!!! I cannot emphasize this enough. Start as soon as you can and do it as much and as often as possible.
4. sleeping in a recliner was really helpful for me. Especially in the first week.
5. Invest in a body pillow. When you do return to the bed, it will help make you more comfortable.
6. Keep a sweater handy. I was super hot natured. Now I'm cold all the time.
7. Fudge Pops. You're welcome. [emoji6]
8. A heating pad will help with the gas pains. I also had back pain from not being able to lie down for so long. It helped with that, too.
9. For pre-op and beyond, find a schedule that is doable. Eating, drinking, walking, the works.
10. Remember: This is a process. Be patient and kind with yourself. The weight doesn't just immediately disappear. Your body is going through a major adjustment. Things aren't going to feel the same, sound the same, smell the same, work the same. You are getting reacquainted with your body while it learns a new way of life. Don't be hard on yourself.

Well, those are my tips. I hope they are helpful. Good luck! And if you need to talk it through or have questions, please reach out. Support is vital. Blessings!

I was sleeved on June 21st and in this short amount of time I've gone from an 18W to a 16, I just had to share this news with one's who understand thanks for listening!!
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Had a post op check up today! I'm 8 days out from LBL and thigh Lipo. Healing has been going really well! Hardest part is just being stuck at home and not being able to do too much. I've had more energy the past two days, so I've been able to do a little cleaning. We've had painters and flooring people at the house since we're getting ready to go on the market (yep, terrible timing, but this surgery was booked months ago, and an opportunity to move from Colorado to Virginia came up after. It was an offer too good to refuse). Anyway, having everyone here during my recovery has been a bit annoying. I feel like I'm confined to my living room and I'm ready for everyone to just go away. Not very nice, I know...especially since they've all been very kind and doing a great job... I would just love some peace and quiet. Our dogs freak out every time they see the flooring Guy and bark like crazy! Very annoying!

Anyway...back to the post op... one of my drains was removed, as suspected, the other two stayed in. They're both right at the cusp of being removed, but I'd rather them stay in a few extra days than risk a seroma. They should hopefully come out at my next visit on Friday. They changed the tape on my incisions and everything looks great. My surgeon took a pic of the back incision so I could see it, so I'll attach it here. I think it looks really good! Peeling the tape off felt sooooooo good, lol. I have been so itchy, so removing the tape felt great!

I'm going to try sleeping in my own bed tonight. I still feel most comfortable at an angle, so I'll use a bunch of pillows to prop myself up.

I think that's it for now. So far so good!! [emoji1]

End of post op day 6: today was a good day pain wise! I took one Percocet around 7pm because I was a bit sore and we were planning on leaving the house for dinner (wanted to Celebrate my husband for Father's Day).

Tough part for me today was just being a bit grumpy because I can't carry my normal work load. I'm a wife, mom, and nurse...so sitting on my duff has not been easy. When I do get the energy to get something done, I wear out in about 10 minutes and need to rest. I know this is normal, and I really should knock it off and just rest...it's just Really really hard! I'll be sleeping in the chair downstairs again tonight, since it has been the most comfortable so far, but can't wait to sleep in my own bed again . Hopefully next week!

I can't believe tomorrow will be one whole week once I went in for surgery! Time is flying by! I'm still counting my blessings that recover has been smooth sailing so far. My incisions all seem to be healing well, no bleeding or oozing. I have started unzipping my garment once or twice a day for 10-15 minutes just to let my skin breath and take a small break from the compression. It feels sooooo good, haha!

Hopefully tonight will bring a restful night of sleep, and tomorrow will continue to reign my energy! I took a quick pick of my tummy while reclining in the chair... still can't believe this is MY stomach! [emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji173]️ 

Had my first post op visit today. Everything is going great! Everything seems to be healing well. They think my drains (some if not all) will get to come out on Tuesday. Today they just cleaned the sites and put new stickers down to help hold them in place. Next Friday I'll get the tape removed from my incisions and start the scar care routine.

I'm starting to be able to walk upright just a bit more, but not totally straight yet. They told me to play it by ear, and listen to my body. If I'm not feeling pain, I can continue to straighten up more.

TMI - but I finally had a BM today. I ended up needing an enema, which I did at home. Really haven't been taking much as far as narcotics, but despite colace twice daily, Fiber, increased Fluid, Miralax, and two doses of milk of magnesia I still couldn't go. I was starting to get really uncomfortable to the point t it was causing some pain, so I decided to do the enema. It worked, and I felt to much better.

I still tire out pretty quickly. I don't like being "lazy" but know I need to let my body heal so I rest frequently and take naps a lot. My husband has been so supportive and amazing helping with all the things I can't do. I'm really hoping by next week I'll have more stamina!

After my visit I took my garments off to snap a quick update picture. Of course I'm still super swollen, but LOVING my results so far!

This whole processing has been such a blessing, and can't wait to see continued changes as I heal more. [emoji173]️

Well done, I'm going in tomorrow !

My perseverance and dedication has paid off. I was sleeved yesterday and it's hard to believe. I lost 25 lbs during my pre op diet and was amazed. I can't wait to see what the future holds! Cheers to the skinny life ahead!
sw: 284
cw: 263
surgery 6/20/17

Good morning friends! I am excited about what today will bring as I embark on my journey of getting back to the basics. I plan on eating 3 meals today with no snacking in between and one Protein Shake to make sure I get in all my Protein. I plan on trying to plan out my meals for the week so I don't get overwhelmed. I also am striving to drink at least 64oz of Water if not more. I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day[emoji173]️


May God bless you and keep you[emoji173]️

-Mariela

Let's do it! Weigh in tomorrow and let's keep each other accountable! We can do it!!


May God bless you and keep you[emoji173]️

-Mariela

Don't worry about the NUT's reaction. You are doing great! As long as you feel good, the numbers are moving in the right direction, and you are following your diet plan, there isn't a problem. Moving from size 18-10 is huge progress and sometimes people will fail to give you the reaction you're looking for. You gotta be happy for yourself

I'd rather lose as slow as possible, so that the skin has a better chance to bounce back.

Wait. So you are saying the FDA and the food pyramid in specific might be just a little influenced by large farming special interests which push an 11/1 ratio of carbs to Protein? Never. Nope. They wouldn't do that.

Usually these are poor people. There is a lot more going on than just bad food choices. Too much to type about on an internet forum. There are seveal documentaries dedicated to the topic.
At the end of the day. The powers that be, and America in general doesn't care about good health and nutrition. It is basically fighting a losing battle.
Until the Food Pyramid is corrected, nothing is going to change. And even then, it will take 1 to 2 generations to fix this.

In a company of over 500 employees, I get 5-10 comments a day. I have to say, I have days like that too. I just want to go about life in a "normal" manner. Without someone making a comment about my weight loss. Yes, I am thrilled, and I know people are excited for me and feel they have to acknowledge it and find out the "secret", but I just want to blend in. I just have my answers down now - How did you lose your weight? Exercise and eating right. How do you feel? Great, thanks. I hope you don't lose too much weight? I'm sure you'll let me know if I do.

Well I am almost 6 months out from surgery. I am 159 lbs and my goal weight is 150 lbs. I am posting updated pics just so you can see my progress. Good luck to everyone that's still working hard , including myself . First pic in black dress I wa 242 and on left side I was one week out of surgery . The other pics are recent pics of myself.

You are not alone. No matter what you're feeling---no matter how silly, ridiculous, wrong, isolating, self flogging you are feeling just know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
If ever you needed someone to share what you are experiencing with----the time is NOW.
Please make an appointment with your therapist --one who specializes with bariatric issues.
He/she will be able to help you sort your feelings out and how to move forward.
WLS is a roller coaster. Mourning for food is normal for most. Not seeing the "new body" in the mirror is echoed by most of us. Not "knowing" the new body and feeling uncomfortable with it is real. ( I wonder if your body is just not comfortable at your lowest weight---just a thought)
BUT, it ALL of those feelings can be isolated and dealt with , with the help of a professional therapist. I'm five years out and I'm still seeing my therapist regularly. No shame in the telling--in the sharing.
Above all,I guess what I want to get into your head is: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Along with some therapy, keep posting here. There are members here who will care and emphalize. I certainly do.
Hang on and keep talking.

It's my 1 year today.  


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Hi everyone, I have not been on for a while. Wonderful to see all your posts and catch up on everyone's success. I thought it was time I updated with pics.
I am 19 weeks out and loving it. I still have reflux but mostly under control with one pill each morning.
I started at 121 kgs 266lbs. With 52in bust, 47in waist 56in hips
I am now. 90 kgs 198lbs with 41in bust, 39in waist 45in hips
Start size 22 (and tight) now wearing 16
I have met a wonderful man and as getting to know each other found he to was a big boy and about 5 months ahead of me had the same surgery
My whole life has changed. I actually like to exercise now
Some before and after pics, I wish everyone happiness, love and success

Two weeks before surgery

Today

Here is my before shot and after shot. My one year mark is this Friday, March 7th. I have lost over 100 pounds. I was a size 22, now I'm down to a size 2,3. I feel great. I work out almost every day and I thank God every day for this surgery.

Here I am at my highest and my lowest let me know what you think. Starting weight 387 current weight 230. Just bought my first pair of 36 jeans down from a size 50. And still losing yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

heres mine me at my biggest of 425lbs, then a the full body was oct of 2013 and the head shot was new years eve

225 to 140
size 20 to size 6
reached goal weight at 7 mths

Ok I finally found a pre picture so I will try to upload them.
The teal dress is a size 10!

Before/ during (posted in another thread previously)