Molly23

Had another NSV tonight! I haven't worn heels in a very long time. I've been wearing a size 12W for a while but when I ordered a 12W and 12M both were too big! I get to return them for an 11M! Just reminds me how much the extra weight affected so many other little aspects of my body and life. I didn't expect to go down a full shoe size and width but I'm relieved! It's nearly impossible to find large stylish shoes. Not to mention that my ankles couldn't even take the strain of wearing heels before weight loss. Now that I'm not carrying an extra 125lbs heels don't feel so bad!

Almost 9 months from surgery. I've lost 125lbs so far. Last time I met the nutritionist she said my goal should be around 170 so I only have 15lbs until I hit that. I plan to reassess how I feel at that weight and if I'm happy at 170 or if I want to lose more. I've taken up sewing over the last few months and customizing my clothes for my changing body is a huge help since I'm losing more in different places and don't always fit well into ready to wear clothes. I made myself the first form fitting dress ever and hopefully find somewhere to wear it soon!

Congrats!! Long term maintenance is one of the hardest parts!

I asked my NUT about adding vitamin B specifically since I've heard that before but she said a lot of the time when it's added it just results in high vitamin B levels. I had my blood tested at 3 and 6 months and my vitamin levels were good so she said there's no need to add it. Forgot to mention that she is having me take two Flinstones per day, not sure if everyone's plan requires 2 daily vitamins or not. That may also be why my levels are okay. Definitely take your NUT's advice but the Flinstones are so cheap it may be worth it to price out what it would cost to take them with the additional vitamins too. I usually get two big bottles on Amazon for $25ish. They last about 3-4 months so compared to other vitamins that would be double that for one month I'm happy with them!

I'm not sure about the other brand mentioned but I got some protein water from Target. It has 20g protein per bottle and I didn't find that there was a weird taste. They're much better cold then room temp but that was just my preference. They tasted similar to G2 or a melted ice pop. Trust me, you're going to want something that isn't so thick and milky like protein shakes and these are a HUGE help for those moments. https://www.target.com/p/glanbia-trusource-protein-water-orange-16-fl-oz-4pk/-/A-51224464#lnk=sametab

Congrats!! Super exciting milestone! Keep up the great work!

Yes!!! I was always hot pre-op and would sweat a lot unfortunately. I’ve lost 122lbs so far and I don’t have this issue. I went to Disney World a couple months ago and the temps were mid 80s. Normally this combined with walking all day would have been super uncomfortable. While I did sweat a little since it was hot and sunny it was nothing like it used to be. It didn’t feel as hot as it did when I was at my highest weight either. I’m much more comfortable. I hated being hot all the time!

Propel. I felt really dizzy in the morning and that helped replenish me enough that I would feel better within an hour or two. Blender bottles to shake up protein powders. Oikos zero yogurt was a huge life saver. I basically only ate that and shakes for a couple weeks. Memory foam pillow. When my stomach hurt it felt so nice to hug the pillow. It had enough density and was also soft on my sore tummy. I agree that those gimmicky vitamin machines are just unnecessary. My NUT recommended Flinstones vitamins and I've been taking them ever since now 8 months later. All blood work has come back normal so they seem to be just fine. They have more iron than adult chewable and WAY cheaper. Ask your doctor/NUT if they recommend them for you.

Sitting in a seat on the plane without my hips touching either arm rest!

I don't have locs but I'm pretty obsessed with my hair. I have long curly hair that I feel like is a huge part of me. I haven't experienced any more hair loss than usual. I normally have a bit fall out, especially when I wash it. Losing my hair and having loose skin were two of my biggest fears about surgery. Looking back I realize those things shouldn't have held me back because the benefits have been so worth it. With that being said I take 1000mcg of Biotin every day. I took it for years before surgery and the doctor approved it to be used after surgery. I think it's helped prevent hair loss and would highly recommend it. I've lost 122lbs so far and I'm surprised at how minimal the lose skin is also. There's a very small amount on my underarms, tummy and inner thighs. It's not noticeable to anyone but myself thankfully. I'm only 8 months from surgery so I hope that within a year of leveling out my weight the skin will be able to retract some. The biotin may be helping with the skin as well. I'm also relatively young (32) so that helps with lose skin. Another important thing to consider is that as long as you are getting your recommended protein intake post-op this helps your hair from falling out. So if you are committed to the nutritionist's plan the more likely your hair won't be an issue. Best of luck!

I'm about 8 months from surgery and I've only just started to add in very small amounts of rice or bread once or twice a week. Usually 1/4 or 1/2 a serving. My nutritionist recommended adding these in small doses around the 6 month mark to help with workouts but I was nervous and when I did it was uncomfortable and hard to get my protein intake. I increased my protein shake to make sure I get as much as I need. At the 7 week mark I was only having protein shakes, yogurt, fruit, veggies and lean meat. Definitely ask your nutritionist to see if they have a specific recommendation for you.

Congrats!!! You look amazing! Great inspiration! I’m getting close to goal and need to keep pushing myself to get there! Your post reminds me that it’s worth it! Great job!

Congrats on taking this step to improve your health! There’s a wealth of knowledge and experiences here! This forum has been a great help during the recovery process. Feel free to reach out and post something if you ever have questions or converns! Best wishes!

I'm just too excited for this milestone and I know that you all would understand how major this is. Today when I got on the scale it read 198.8! This is the first time I've been in the 100s since probably high school (but I have no idea what I weighted then). I know in junior high I was 186 and I was probably shorter than I am now so this is a pretty huge success. I've never been able to lose weight like this with all of the different diets and workout plans before. I'm so thankful for the sleeve and that my doctor encouraged me to go forward with it. Since the sleeve my high blood pressure has improved, I was able to get rid of a CPAP machine and my chronic ankle pain from a childhood injury has improved a great deal. My last vacation in December I needed to use an ECV because walking was excruciating. I had another vacation last week that was three times as long and my ankle was sore some days but I was able to keep up and walk the entire time. The entire process has been so motivating and positive I couldn't possibly ask for any more. I've now lost 112lbs since my highest weight and I'm thrilled. I definitely hope to lose some more, likely about 30-40lbs. Hopefully this will put be in a good goal range and I can focus on maintenance. I'm a little under 7 months from surgery and it feels amazing to actually have my goal weight in sight. I got to recreate my 'before' picture and I love having the side by side comparison. I even took the same shirt and remade it into a much smaller size!

Still kicking butt and taking names! 10 lbs into Onederland and I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize. Having the sleeve was hands down the best decision I've ever made for myself! My goal weight is in sight and I'm really excited about the possibility of getting there especially within a year of my surgery date! I'm 8 months out and my goal is between 160-170lbs so it seems like a real possibility! December 2016: 311lbs Size 24/3X December 2017: 190lbs Size 12/L

Aw thank you!

Thank you!!

I'm 8 months post op and super thankful that I had this opportunity to improve my health. This surgery has given me so much I couldn't be happier with where I'm at. Goal weight is so close I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! December 2016: 311lbs, Size 24/3X December 2017: 190lbs, Size 12/L

Gorgeous!! Thank you for posting! I see you around here often and your advice is always appreciated. You’re a huge inspiration! I’m 7 months out and seeing your success 3 years out is so motivating!

Since having surgery on 4/20/17 I’ve been really successful losing weight. My highest weight was 311 and this week I weighed in at 194. I went from a size 24 and currently between 12-14. I’ve enjoyed the compliments most of the time and I love buying trendy clothes. Despite all of this I find that a good amount of the time I’m still struggling with seeing my results, especially in the mirror. Last night it hit me hard and I was just disgusted by my reflection in the mirror. It’s like the old me was staring back and I couldn’t do a damn thing to stop it. I just hate those moments especially since it feels like no matter how supportive my friends and family are they just can’t understand. I think that it’s also linked to the fact that ever time I lost weight in the past I gained it all back and then some. Now that I’ve lost 117lbs it’s my worst nightmare to put all of that weight or even some of it back on. I’m terrified of back sliding more then ever, possibly because this is the most successful I’ve been losing weight. I was also on vacation recently and gained 1.5lbs. I know that isn’t significant and I’ve lost it since but it’s just another reminder that it’s possible to gain it back. I’m getting worried too because my appetite is close to non existent and I’ve been having a protein shake, yogurt, be protein bar as my only food for about a week now. I’m getting my recommended protein but I know it’s not a good pattern. I’m especially concerned because it’s at the same time I’m having a hard time with my BDD. Has as anyone else been through either of these phases and what did you do to move on? I’m considering seeing the therapist I saw pre-surgery but I’m on the fence about whether it would help or not.

Sorry to hear that it has been difficult recovering at home. After sleeve surgery I would feel faint a lot and drinking propel helped a ton instead of just plain water. I hope that every day gets a little better. You've come so far! Congrats on your progress. You look fantastic, just hope you start feeling better too!