thesuse2000

I know my "word" is probably unpopular and some might roll their eyes, but it works for me on a couple levels. I call my experience "recovery."
In a very real physical sense, I'm still recovering from the surgery and the dramatic weight loss side effects of the first six months. Some peoples ride down is smooth and easy, but not mine. Reading about it ahead of time is nothing like living it.
Deeper, I am recovering from a lifetime of unhealthy use of food as an emotional numbing agent and my weight as an emotional barrier to meaningful relationships. I am recovering from those behavior patterns because my buffer and my numbness are being stripped away as the pounds melt. I have to deal with things like emotions and relationships now instead of hiding.
I also never want to forget where I was and where I'm coming from, so calling it recovery reminds me that its not a dream, it's not a magic fix and life isn't going to be all roses and butterflies when I hit goal. I could end up living large again if I'm not diligent.
Some people need the optimism of inspiring language when talking about their experience. I need a reality check.

Struggle. The struggle is real, people! LOL
Seriously though, this is "my ride". And I'm enjoying it.

TRANSFORMATION. I am truly transformed.

I cringe everytime I hear someone use the word "journey" when describing any life realted event - not just for WLS. I've never felt comfortable using the word... so I'm not knocking anyone that likes to use the word. But I finally found my word - adventure. What's your favorite word to describe your "adventure" in WLS?

I felt the same way in the beginning. Instead of a full workout, how about walking as you're able to?

Sorry...that's supposed to read "140 pounds lost and holding" but it wouldn't let me edit the title.....
I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I would share a pic I snapped from this morning, a little over 14 months post op. I've lost 140 pounds and I am holding steady, rocking a size 4!!! I would love to lose 5 more, but hey....considering where I started, if I never lose another pound, I am ok with that too. My life has definitely transformed in a lot of ways. I have more confidence, more energy, I've run a 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, and am currently training for my first full marathon, and I'm healthy which is one of the best parts! I know that I have a much better chance of being around for a long time for my kids. I've learned a ton about myself, loving myself, and my vices through this process.
Good luck to all of you at the beginning or in the middle of this crazy journey!

I don't know if it's more of a "realistic" issue as it is a willpower issue. Pre-op is not easy and it does Take some major willpower at times to make it through. Also avoiding food commercials, food images period can help. Out of sight out of mind (hopefully). Hang in there it won't last forever!

Drinking chicken broth can be helpful - not much calories, but it's warm and kind of satisfying and feels like Soup. I like drinking a big mug of tea with a little milk - same idea as the broth. Fills you up a bit and makes you feel a bit nourished.

Drinking chicken broth can be helpful - not much calories, but it's warm and kind of satisfying and feels like Soup. I like drinking a big mug of tea with a little milk - same idea as the broth. Fills you up a bit and makes you feel a bit nourished.

yea I def have been expanding my broth range. I bought tons of it to see what I like what i don't. i know a lot of people say my taste for food my change but I'm hoping it doesn't change that much thanks for the suggestion. I also bought a lot of warm teas to drink. I'm lactose intolerant and don't take the milk but it does help!

Drinking chicken broth can be helpful - not much calories, but it's warm and kind of satisfying and feels like Soup. I like drinking a big mug of tea with a little milk - same idea as the broth. Fills you up a bit and makes you feel a bit nourished.

So I met with my hematologist today and he was like what's it doing? What's going on with the surgery? I was like I just need clearance from you and I can get a date. He was like I sent your doctor a letter a few weeks ago clearing you. (I last saw him 10/13/14 and did blood work and CT scan) Also I called the last week in Oct to remind him like he told me to and the lady (she can be so rude and mean at times) was like Ohhhh no Dr. Rosen doesn't clear anyone without them coming in again and going over the results, I tried to tell her no he told me to call. Then she was like Oh no in all the 30 yrs I been working here this is how he does it. And she was WRONG!! He already cleared me.
Then In my head I was omgosh my pcp got the letter and didn't reach out to me. I could have been scheduled already. I had to laugh smh, so I asked him to write another letter and send it to the surgeon please. So hopefully they get the letter next week and I can get a date. He was like next time I see you you better be skinny and good luck my dear! Yes Dr. Rosen I am gonna be thinner next time I see you! When I was leaving the office he was telling the receptionist to call the dr and get the address! I'm gonna really enjoy thanksgiving this year. Have so much to be thankful for!

Yep...I did low carb high Protein and lost 25lbs in two months. So I was definitely in the supermarket on my Protein scout...had nothing to do with WLS.
Unfortunately I gained it all back ????.

And that's exactly why I decided to shut up and move on lol! Don't want to offend anybody.

Could be! Although lots of people who haven't had WLS are doing the low carb, high Protein thing these days.

Could be! Although lots of people who haven't had WLS are doing the low carb, high Protein thing these days.

I chose lap band first, and revised to sleeve after complications with the band. I agree with the points above about the sleeve - the only thing I'll clarify is that while there are more minor complications with the band than the sleeve, there are more risky complications with the sleeve - and more with the bypass.
But really I think you should discuss options with a qualified surgeon. At 500 pounds you will have different factors that will need to be considered than someone under 3-400 would. I would strongly advise that you find a surgeon who has a lot of experience with surgery on larger patients. Apologies if this sounds insensitive! Not trying to offend. But there are increased risks of surgery with patients over 400 pounds, and the more experienced surgeons generally have fewer complications.
There are also different factors to consider in terms of longterm success, so what works for others on this board may not be appropriate for you. In order to get to your goal weight you may need the malabsorption of the gastric bypass. Another possibility to perhaps discuss with a surgeon is the duodenal switch - in this approach you could start with the sleeve, and then if your weight loss slows before you've hit goal, you could add the duodenal switch, which adds a malabsorption factor, so you don't digest all the calories you eat. One of the benefits of this is that the sleeve is a shorter slightly safer surgery than the bypass or duodenal switch, so it would be a safer first surgery, and then you do the 2nd one once you've lost some weight and it can be done more safely.
I wish you the best in your journey!

OMG OMG OMG!!!!
I just got a call, yes on Sunday night at 6:50pm, from MBC. I didn't answer because the phone number was weird. I never of course thought it would be them.
They left a message saying to call tomorrow to set my date!
OMG OMG OMG!
Is it Monday yet? Rofl

Before n After. Started at 277 n now I'm 130.

I had my surgery June 26th and I am about 9 pounds from my doctor specified goal.
HW:226
SW: 205
GW:128
CW: 137
Oh and I am 5'1

I feel badly about how things went in this thread and I regret hurting anyone's feelings, but at the moment anyway, I still hold my same beliefs that I've shared here. And I still assert that I never called anyone a liar. I judged certain statements while acknowledging that there are perfectly good rationale's for people to make those statements (thus not being liars).
The only thing I'll add is that I've been really cranky lately. Might be due to not using food to soothe me anymore. Not sure. Honestly I'm not sure if that's impacted anything I've said on this thread or not. But I'm mentioning it because I wouldn't be surprised if in a week or two I look back at this and think "why did I get into such a tizzy about all this??"
I will continue to consider the perspectives expressed here and re-evaluate my perspective as well. That's the best I've got right now in terms of seeking common ground and mending fences. I truly wish everyone the best in their journeys, and (as I've said in my prior posts) for everyone to feel comfortable discussing their surgery as they fit based on their own lives.

I'm not done yet - but feeling good!
 

Thanks for sharing such a lovely story! Wonderful in terms of how far you've come, and also such a nice example of people being kind, generous and appreciative of each other.

I chose lap band first, and revised to sleeve after complications with the band. I agree with the points above about the sleeve - the only thing I'll clarify is that while there are more minor complications with the band than the sleeve, there are more risky complications with the sleeve - and more with the bypass.
But really I think you should discuss options with a qualified surgeon. At 500 pounds you will have different factors that will need to be considered than someone under 3-400 would. I would strongly advise that you find a surgeon who has a lot of experience with surgery on larger patients. Apologies if this sounds insensitive! Not trying to offend. But there are increased risks of surgery with patients over 400 pounds, and the more experienced surgeons generally have fewer complications.
There are also different factors to consider in terms of longterm success, so what works for others on this board may not be appropriate for you. In order to get to your goal weight you may need the malabsorption of the gastric bypass. Another possibility to perhaps discuss with a surgeon is the duodenal switch - in this approach you could start with the sleeve, and then if your weight loss slows before you've hit goal, you could add the duodenal switch, which adds a malabsorption factor, so you don't digest all the calories you eat. One of the benefits of this is that the sleeve is a shorter slightly safer surgery than the bypass or duodenal switch, so it would be a safer first surgery, and then you do the 2nd one once you've lost some weight and it can be done more safely.
I wish you the best in your journey!

I agree with the concerns mentioned above. Have you discussed this with your surgeon? I would discuss with them to see if they have any suggestions for how to make it work, or to find out if it's just a deal breaker. You want to set yourself up for success, so even if you have to wait a little longer, just make sure you plan this out in a way that will be safe and healthy for you. You'll get there!