NancyLF

You got this!!!

The day have finally come! Is anyone else having surgery tomorrow? My surgery is set for 7:30am tomorrow morning and have to be there by 5:30. I’ve been waiting for this and now that’s it’s here I’m nervous and excited.

Congrats on your weight loss and improved health.
I know exactly how you feel. I’m at 14 months post surgery and down 170 pounds...but still want to lose at least 30 more. So many compliments from friends but I always respond, please pray for me cause I still have a ways to go...and it is much harder and slower now. I still feel like I’m the fattest one in the room, so it’s hard to Celebrate even though I know I’m doing so much better.
I actually stopped coming to this site because I would see the success of people that had half the weight to lose as me...so many started at my 100 pound loss weight. It was depressing. I know we all have our own journeys. You are not alone...just keep going!

When I began this journey at the beginning of 2018 I was 426 pounds. Can't tell you measurements because all my clothes were in X's and not inches. But for reference, I was in a 5x shirt from Casual Male. I only wore sweatpants and those were also a 5x. People only saw me in clothes and the comment I often heard was that I carried my weight well. Being 6'1" I had the advantage of being tall and heavy vs short and heavy. It was all an illusion.
Medically I was prediabetic, on CPAP, could only sleep on my back, had knee pain and sweated like a frog fresh out of the pond in any weather over 72 degrees.
7 months post surgery and I am down 139 pounds. My A1C is 4, off the CPAP, I can sleep on my side, I can walk all day and not have knee pain...unfortunatley I still sweat a lot.
My physical appearance has changed in visible ways. Prior to surgery, I use to measure my weight loss and gain by how close I was to my steering wheel. If I was rubbing it then it was a bad week, if I could fit my hand between my belly and the wheel it was a good week (I avoided scales, I knew I was fat and honestly just wanted to get by in life). I look down at my steering wheel now and I see the marks where my belt scratched up the leather. Now there are a good 10 inches between me and the steering wheel. I can get in a car accident and not worry that the airbag is going to kill me.
I can see the weight loss in my face:

I also see the weight loss around my body. My shoulders are boney, my arms have lots of skin, my butt sags, the skin just hangs everywhere.
I'm down to a 2x and my waist is in a 50 pant which needs a belt. I hold these clothes out in front of me as I'm about to put them on and I say to myself, "There is no way this will fit me" or "Boy this is gonna look tight" and the clothes fits perfect. Not tight and hides my sag well.
Overall I don't want to sound like I'm not delighted, but I'm realizing just how large I was...and honestly still am.
I wish I were brave enough to take a photo so I could show you what I mean, but I can't believe after all this weight coming off I'm still so big. I sit and there is a huge belly still in my lap. My thighs are huge. Maybe as I continue to lose weight these two areas will decrease dramatically, but it seems like there must be 150 lbs there alone.
I never thought for a moment that after my surgery I was going to have a thin, fit beach body. I hoped though that it would be less fat looking when dressed and in public. I almost feel like I want to tell people "Yeah, but just half a year ago I was..."

I'm 28, had my sleeve done last year when I was 27. 7.5 months out...I had a lot of hair to begin with and have experienced Hair loss, so it's not too noticeable for me. I also started to lighten my hair as having darker hair you can see your scalp more. I have lost nearly 140lbs and do have sagging breasts (went from a 42F to a 34 DDD) and sagging skin on my belly, thighs and a teeeeeny bit on my arms. I feel like if you have stretch marks, wherever those areas are, they don't seem to recover as well as other parts (my experience). I've posted about this before though, it all depends on your genes...I have very sensitive skin and scar easily. Some people have hair loss, some don't, some people have sagging skin and others snap right back. At the end of the day, I chose to improve my health and expand my wardrobe and live with saggy breasts and skin...I want to fix it eventually but, am in no hurry. Reach out to me directly if you have any questions too! I know sometimes it can be hard to post in a public forum. I attached pictures of my belly and thighs and then a picture of me today. No spanks, no special bra (one of those new lounge bras by PINK), no control top leggings just me today. It's easily covered up. Everyone's different. Hope I've helped and not scared you, but I can tell you 1000% it was worth it for me. Best of luck on your journey!!!!

For any of you who love oatmeal like I do, and also want to get in your Protein I think that I may have a recipe for you. Today I am 8 Days post op and I am on a full liquid diet. My nutritionist says that watery oatmeal was okay. So what I have done is the following:
I take a premier vanilla shake with a half of a banana along with a half a cup of quick minute oatmeal. I add nutmeg and vanilla extract, cinnamon. I put it all in a blender and I blend for a good 6 minutes.
If I want to have it then I will but I prefer mine to be a little bit warm so I usually put it in the microwave for 30 seconds. It is delicious! It's also a great way in getting in your protein and also getting some energy. I have been doing this for the past 2 days and I have to say that it made me regular and I have some energy now.
Sent from my SM-J737VPP using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks everyone. Going to try this.y husband has stated be doing squats with a deck of cards. We'll see how that goes

Sent from my Moto E (4) using BariatricPal mobile app

Nine days post op and still going strong. My surgeons plan involved soft blended in week 2 and 3 so I have tried a couple of items off his list. Re-fried Beans, Ricotta cheese, and a bunch of different Soups. So far everything has settled well. I have not had any vomiting or food discomfort yet. I am down to 413 this morning, which feels like a lot from my surgery weight of 428.

The catheterization was done yesterday! No stent needed! So now the cardiologist has to give the OK & I’ll get a new date for my VGS. Here we go (again)!

The catheterization was done yesterday! No stent needed! So now the cardiologist has to give the OK & I’ll get a new date for my VGS. Here we go (again)!

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

And it may be more glorious for the delay, still will be praying🙏it smooths, you get reapproved and you'll be Soon with us " in the groove". And ❤caths, while not the most enjoyable way to spend a day. I have had 2 caths, mutiple ultrasounds, been punched, prodded and found out in February 2019 I have an thoracic aorta aneurysm. Luckily not enlarging or needing surgery but quite a scary thought.
Well, there is anything else I can do to make you feel Better now?🌸🌼🌺😳👍😛

I finally made it to Onderland! I am not sure how i feel about it. I am almost wanting to wait to lose another 2 pounds to make it Official! I do not ever recall being in the 1's LOL.. Mixed emotions over here!

That is horribly disappointing. It just means 6/17 wasn't your day. You'll get there.

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

I am totally bummed. I was scheduled for VGS on Mon, June 17, 2019. However, as part of my clearance from my Primary Physician, I had to undergo a Nuclear Stress Test. Well, I failed. There was some slowing of blood flow in my heart. I have to undergo a Cardiac Catheterization on Wednesday. After that, the doctor will see if any further action is necessary if not, he’ll clear me for the VGS. I realize it’s better that this happened. After all, my surgeon would NOT want me to flatline while he’s stapling my stomach! It’s just so doggone disappointing. I was totally psyched up& ready for the big day. I was ready to start my new journey. Oh, well. This too shall pass.

I had a bacon-cheese burger with fried onions, and waffle-fries. Ginger Ale. Yeah. I went there! 😂😋

I’m 67. My scheduled date is June 17, 2019 for the gastric sleeve.

I’d like to fit in an airline seat without spilling over into the seat next to me.
I’d like not to have to ask for the seatbelt extender.
I’d like to not have to scan the room for armless chairs.
I’d like to be able to sit in a comfy armchair and be able to get out of it easily.
I want to be able to move that “50 lb” thingy on the doctor’s scale to the left... twice, even 3 times! YAY!

It's Wednesday ... but ....

I had a bacon-cheese burger with fried onions, and waffle-fries. Ginger Ale. Yeah. I went there! 😂😋

I'm about 7.5 months out and reached the 100 mark this morning (down 90 from surgery date)! I have 10 pounds to my physician's goal, and 25 pounds to my personal goal of 150, which puts me at a healthy BMI for my height on all those terrible, old, outdated (but still used) charts. I hope to be at my personal goal by my birthday, November 10th. I'm still really struggling with being active enough, which is becoming more necessary as the loss has slowed significantly (averaging about 1.5 pounds per week for the last couple of months).
I have all the tools and resources to exercise, I'm just... not doing it. Time to get my @ss in gear so that I can meet my birthday goal! It's only 22 weeks away, so it's a tight goal to lose 25 pounds in that time frame.
I look very different than I did 7 months ago, and about a month and a half ago I had to change all my work directory pictures because I was getting confused looks and several outright "your picture looks nothing like you" comments. It feels great.