mikealkay

I'm so happy! I had family in town over the holiday week, and I hosted a BBQ last night. I made chicken shawarma wraps that everyone assembled themselves, to keep it easy. After marinating boneless skinless thighs all day, and throwing them on the grill, I was successfully able to eat some of it! Everyone else had their chicken on some naan warmed on the grill and smeared with hummas, tabbouleh salad, and some tzatziki sauce. Yum!
And while I didn't eat all that, of course, I did enjoy tiny bites of that delicious chicken with some hummus and tzatziki to keep it nice and moist. It didn't get stuck and didn't make me sick! Huge blessing after everything I've been going through with the stricture or whatever is causing my swallowing issues. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Anyway, just wanted to share my little victory! 😊

Hey guys take a look on a before and after face selfie. To be honest I did not notice the difference until a friend point it out.

Almost 2 years out, 115 pounds down and still losing. Working on switching up to lose body fat and build muscle - so I'm not super concerned about the scale number right now. Haven't had plastics yet - that will account for another 10-12 pounds.
I eat 100-120 grams of Protein a day and drink about a gallon of water/unsweetened beverages at day. I work out 6 days a week. I fence competitively. I work with a personal trainer. I have learned to eat carbs again- which I only do when I am fencing multi day tournaments because my body needs the fuel.
My body fat is around 31% which rocks for a 56 year old post-menopausal woman. I went from a size 24 to a size 6.
Your sleeve is a tool. But the biggest, bestest, most badass tool is you brain. Get you head in the right place and don't accept failure as an option.

I'm scheduled for July 11th. I'm very nervous but excited! It's going to be life changing 😊

It’s getting a little better each day! I will try the straw! Thanks!

Time will help. It gets easier. You've gone through some stunning changes at break neck speed. Give your heart and mind time to catch up. It's ok to feel conflicted and unsure. The positive feelings will come if you're patient:)

When I'm around certain people or when I eat certain things, I feel like I haven't lost even one pound. I worry that I'll wake up the next morning, and the scale will show a five pound gain and the old me will come exploding out. The truth is I've lost a significant amount of weight and haven't gained even one pound in the year since I had my surgery. It's body dsymorphia. It takes a while for our minds to catch up with the new body. As far as social situations, I find myself wearing shorts and clothes I have shied away from for the past 20 years. I also don't hide behind people in photos anymore. I've practiced making good food choices this past year, so I can usually find something to eat or I eat very little if the choices aren't so great. If your anxiety is really distressing you, I would find a good counselor and talk it through with them. It also might help with your self-confidence and/or depression.

Mashed potatoes are part of MANY approved post-op plans. I ate a ton of them. Didn't hinder my weight loss at all.
We are at the mercy of an emerging science...doctors and nutritionists have their own ideas and prejudices...but the hard science has yet to written for these very grey waters.
Best to work with your group and follow their instructions. but be careful about believing you have the one answer for all....because chances are pretty good none of us do:)

I am at my first post op appt and had to log my diet. I had two tbl spoons of mash potatoes and wow that was a no no! Lol
She said of it hasn't once had a heartbeat don't eat it!! She said they would sabotage my weight lose. So glad I only had very little.
But on a good note I have lost 13 lbs since surgery 10 days ago!!
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It took me about 3 weeks to finally feel like I could drink something without the intense pressure pain in my chest. Surgeon said it was from the gas and the swelling of my stomach. Oddly enough, using a straw helped with my pain. They say straws can cause more air to be in your stomach, but I haven't had that issue!
(I'm not a doctor, but that's just what worked for me!)

Don't be too scared, but you're better off cautious than not. Start off soft and small, like a tablespoon of refried Beans or watery oatmeal. Then eat them slowly, like 6-7 bites per tablespoon. Let each bite settle before you take another. I was insane and started with chili, but that comes with living in a house with 4 men. That's what they cooked for dinner that night and I couldn't resist, the smell had been killing me for hours! I lucked out and handled it fine, but it could have gone soooo bad! chicken or tuna salad are usually pretty well tolerated, also moist, cooked fish. Good luck!

Is anyone terrified to put something in their mouth at the fear it will hurt you??
well that’s me. I’m scared to death to move onto another food.
im 4 weeks today and been eating yogurt, that’s it.
i did however eat a scrambled egg as I’m on stage 4, so far so good.
Let me tell you this, I will never be fat again, I will always remember this torture

For me.... I couldnt drink cold Water for a while. Still don’t like it (cold shakes were ok)
Try hot water (decaf tea)- workd for me

Just curious to see if anyone else will be getting sleeved this week. I will be getting sleeved on Wednesday and I am super excited!!!!!!!!
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Best wishes for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Hey guys I’m five days out after my surgery. I feel pretty good- I’m very tired generally and have stuck to full liquids and yogurt and apple sauce. I have to consume very slowly and often pause to pace a bit - pacing and walking really really help! I can’t recommend them enough if anyone is having problems- definitely walk after each meal and even during.
- I bought a small sized yeti mug which keeps my smoothie cool for longer and a mug warmer which keeps my warm food warm for longer so I don’t need to rush. I also bought these little four ounce cups which I drink Water from. Those have all been useful.

You got this ❤️❤️

I'm here in Mexico and having surgery in the morning! Finally....

I’m not sure what astounds you? It’s NOT a quick fix. Many people fail. It’s not just surgery but that of a lifestyle change. So, I expect weight loss while I alter my lifestyle and habits. I empathize with Brass as I may have the same concerns. Is it not ok that I’m afraid I may fail?

I think a pound a day is fabulous! Take a picture of your face, then take one in a week. You will freak at how different just your face looks. Mine looks like it shrunk! Good luck and take heart...you are on an amazing journey.

Thank you all so much for the support and good advice. It’s like being part of a big family, one person gives you a hug while another smacks you upside the head and you realize you badly needed both lol. Thank you!!

No worries, Mikealkay! Honestly, I only read the first few sentences. You were very clear in what you were trying to say...I wasn’t listening! Hahaha

OMG I'm so nervous! I get sleeved today!!! My alarm goes off in 2 minutes, but I've been wide awake for 30.. lol! I had a dream I slept through my alarm and woke up at the time I was supposed to check in... And did the whole mad dash to get there, but was too late.
Thank goodness that was just a dream!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions this morning though. Am I doing the right thing? Or am I brave? Am I going to be successful? Will I fail at this like I've failed so many other times? So many feelings!
Either way, it's time to get up! Please keep me in your thoughts today... This is my first ever surgery and I'm pretty scared!

My surgery is 6 days away - June 22. I’m 5 days into pre-op diet and actually doing well. I thought I’d have a headache and be starving but I’m not. I’m having 3 Protein Shakes with some milk for carbs and then some broth for savory. I hate Jello so none of that. I’m still enjoying my coffee too. I’m not tempted at all. Maybe because I know the end is in sight!!

June 21st, self pay
5'7 and 216 lbs