Lillimint

Hello! Newbie here!
I received my insurance approval a week ago. My pre-op appointment is on the 21st and I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov 6th. I have read hours upon hours of people's experience. I have devoured this site and others as well. I want to believe that I'm mentally ready for what's to come, but the reality is that I won't know if I am until I'm fully into the process.
Thanks to all of your contributions to this site, I have a clear picture of the many possibilities. The gas pain, the incision sites, the stalls, the liquid stage, the emotional roller coasters... the list goes on and on. I'm praying for the best, but preparing myself for anything. All I hope is that I won't regret it. I've read enough to know that there is a regret phase that most go through. I just hope I don't stay there! LOL
I am 5'5 with a BMI of 34. I tend to fluctuate between 200-210 for the last 7 years and at most have never weighed past 213. I am a Type 2 diabetic. My A1C climbed to 7.4. My body responded well to a low dose of metformin so after 3 months I'm at 6.6. I DO NOT want to travel down the road of medication and I also want to do away with fatty liver. My stomach looks as if I'm 8 months pregnant, because my weight is mainly distributed towards my stomach. I've slowly stopped living life to the fullest. I am holding on to the thought that the gastric sleeve surgery will help me move towards a healthier self.
I look forward to the support from those who are walking this journey.
Please share the greatest and most important thing to keep in mind while going through the journey.

OMG! I finally made it to “one-derland”!!! After a one-month stall at 204.5, this feels great!! Great way to start the weekend!!! 🎉💃

Congratulations! Your loss is very inspiring!

I’m thrilled to have reached goal today! Coincidentally, it happened on the anniversary of my initial consult with my surgeon. I’m down 100lbs and feel lighter than air!

Pics are below! For those that wonder about loose skin, yeah I gots it! I’m having PS to remove it, but I’ll take the loose skin over fat any day! Tried to show what I look like with clothes on, with shirt pulled up and with loose skin untucked out of my pants! LOL!

I really like the idea of having a “red alert” weight. When I regained weight before WLS I would get frustrated and give up because it always felt like starting over. I let it get so far out of hand that it *was* starting over. I never halted myself quickly enough.

I really like the idea of having a “red alert” weight. When I regained weight before WLS I would get frustrated and give up because it always felt like starting over. I let it get so far out of hand that it *was* starting over. I never halted myself quickly enough.

Right after surgery I was able to lose weight faster than a speeding bullet, my restriction was more powerful than a locomotive and my metabolism could easily leap a tall building with a single bound. Today, my kryptonite is time. Time has made me once again a weight loss mortal. I am able to gain weigh even though my diet has remained healthy. I don't lose the weight gained as fast and I am able to eat more. What to do? I actually fore saw this problem.
The first year of my WLS journey when I was researching and going through the process to be approved I went to as many group meetings that I was allowed to attend. I always picked the brain of the people in attendance. Like many on this board they were ALL newbies with the success stories only newbies can tell. Not a single failure in the group. That is until one day a woman showed up and started telling us her story. She was five years out from surgery lost a lot of weight and put most of it back on. She warned everyone that things would change as you get further out from surgery and that it wouldn't necessarily be for the better. She had wished that she did not get caught up in the euphoria of her early success. She said that it's like winning the lottery. One day you have more money than you'd ever dream of having. If you don't plan on saving it you'll go bankrupt. That's what happened to her. She won the weight loss lottery. She lost more weight than she could have dreamed losing. Trouble was, she didn't plan her long term weight loss and now, she went "bankrupt".
As I went through my daily routine I came across others who had WLS and many had indeed gained the weight back. I was in my doctors office and the medical attendant there told me about her failure when I told her that I was going through the process to get approved for WLS. She told me that it creeps up on you. Two pounds turns to four, four to eight than you're back to where you started. You start to Feel helpless and give up. As I went to the group meetings pre and post surgery I noticed not many people stuck around. There were no veterans in the group just eager newbies who can attest to the success of WLS. Seems as if the veterans drift away and either gain the weight back in silence or just get tired of hearing the same stories of success over and over.
I knew that I would probably lose my WLS super powers someday and I had hoped to plan for it. First, I did lose a lot of weight in the mid 90's and I never thought that I'd get back to being obese. I was so wrong. Like my medical attendant experienced, five pounds turned to ten then to 20 and you know the rest. It took me less that four years to gain back the weight and then some. It took another 17 years to get WLS. I decided that I would use every tool that I could in order to keep the weight off and maintain my health. I joined Over Eaters Anonymous. It's another support group away from the support group my surgeon has. I started seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. ( I'm a compulsive over eater) and I have family and friends who have had WLS who I can call to get and give support to. I also weigh myself every week at the same time on the same scale and set a "Red Alert" weight of 160lbs. ( Have a log since the day of my surgery) If I go above the 160 I know that I must redouble my efforts. Here is where my lost WLS super powers comes in. Despite all this I am having a difficult time losing the five pounds that I am over. I feel as if I am now a mere weight loss mortal who has to work two to three times harder to lose and maintain the weight loss.
I can't say it wasn't expected. From all the people I spoke to I knew this day would come. It's that, I was once a WLS immortal and now I have to struggle like all others to lose weight. My saving grace (I hope it is) I planned for it since I went through it before and I took the advice of those who went before me seriously. For all of you newbies who are experiencing the euphoria of being WLS immortal plan for day like me when you lose that super power.
Just a note, there are many who do maintain their WLS super powers. They are on this forum and they are truly superstars. They unfortunately are the exception to the trend. I find their advice to be invaluable and I look for their posts for such advice. To everyone, good luck with your new found health.

Since we are talking shoes, can’t resist showing off my new kicks! #clickboom

One of the first questions that family and friends ask me now that I'm over 7 months' post-surgery is "How much have you lost?"
I used to respond by giving them a number, but realized that the number didn't really didn't give them the whole picture.
Instead, I now respond by telling them what I've lost...and what I've gained.
I've lost my high blood pressure. I've lost my diabetes medication. I've lost my high risk of stroke. I've lost my high risk of heart disease. I've lost the pain in my knees, my legs, my ankles.
But I've also gained a lot. I've gained new self-confidence. I've gained the ability to play tennis, ride a bike, ride a horse, go hiking in the woods, or ride on a roller-coaster. I've gained a new perspective on what it means to enjoy life (hint: it's not about how much food I can put in my mouth or how much beer I can drink on the weekends). I've gained self-respect. I've gained the joy of inspiring my children and my husband to live better.
It took a while, but I've finally realized that it's not about the numbers or the dress size (although it is nice to see those go down ) It's more about the gift of Life that we have given ourselves.
So how much have YOU lost? And what have you gained?

I am a social worker. I can do therapy, I just don't happen to - I work in case management as a supervisor in foster care and adoptions ( just to clarify ) -
So I kind of can see this from both sides. From the client side - take some time and think about what you REALLY want to work on in therapy. What do you see as possible things that you are dealing with emotionally or socially or in your own head that isn't working for you. Come up with at least 3 to 5 broad issues - and THEN try calling either your insurer or local department of mental health , or local hospital/medical center for referrals and get names of licensened social worker therapists or licensed counselors near to you. Then look them up and find out something about them. What do they specialize in ? You might want someone who is doing short term and maybe cognitive -behavioral therapy (CBT) - maybe someone who has worked with other folks with issues you are dealing with.
As a therapist I really appreciate people who know why they are in my office. I don't want to spend all of my time trying to guess why they are there. "Im upset all the time." When a client comes in with ideas of where they would like to be or where they are feeling stuck with something in life, or dealing with a specific change then I have a better idea where to start and where we want to head.
Hope that helps.

I started seeing a therapist as soon as I got on my husband’s health insurance back in 2013. I was worried that I was going to be a parent like my mother, and that terrified me. It took years of therapy to understand that I’m nothing like my mother. Anyway, back to the topic, in the years that I’ve been seeing my therapist she’s seen me gain and lose, gain and lose, over and over again. Finally, I told her that I was planning on having surgery, and she was extremely supportive. We’ve talked about it multiple times as it’s going to be a huge part of my life very soon. It also helps that her spouse also had gastric bypass, so I know someone that has been through it, too (her spouse also does her scheduling and whatnot). I was really lucky in that she and I really clicked within the first few weeks. Having said that, my parents forced me to see a therapist when I was in my teens that just agreed with everything my mother did, including the abuse. She would ask me questions like “well did you think maybe you deserved it?” And I don’t know if she was being the devil’s advocate there, but it really bothered me. I started skipping on appointments until my parents got tired of paying the $100 no show fee, and then they stopped forcing me to go.
My suggestion is to maybe ask around to people you know that might be seeing a therapist, and ask them who their therapist might recommend. I was actually told about my therapist through my husband’s coworker who uses the same group where my therapist used to work (She has since ventured into her own business and expanding it!). Another possible tip is to call your insurance and ask if they can give you a list of providers in your area. Then you can do some research online if you have the time, for someone that might be a good fit.
In the days of COVID, an online option could also be a good place to get started. It will probably be a while until you can see a therapist face to face in person. I haven’t physically seen mine since February. I’ve been seeing her so long though that she gets a good read on my tone or silence, and can tell when I’m trying to unpack something mentally.
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck.

My recommendation would be to look for counseling centers or groups in your area. Rather than having to search for an individual therapist, a center will usually be a group of many mental health professionals and they will work to pair you up with a therapist that they feel will be the best fit and have the most experience with the issues that you want to address.
And always remember that you control the relationship. If after a few sessions you feel it is not a good fit, you are under no obligation to continue with that therapist. Keep shopping until you find what fits best for you.

Talkspace and BetterHelp are great virtual resources that let you look at bios and pick someone you think will be a good fit. They only do telemed visits which is not always great, but they can let you expand your net of potential therapists wider than your local area.
For me it's a lot of trial and error. One of the most important things in having good therapeutic outcomes is to have a good relationship with your provider, which you won't know until you give them a chance. Don't be discouraged if you try a couple people and it's not a good fit. You will also probably have a credential preference -- anyone who is a PhD in psychology, licensed counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, etc, is a possibility, but each education path kind of has a different focus. I prefer psychologists, mainly because I am a clinical social worker and feel like they are the only ones smarter than me. 😂😂
I think it is important to go in with an open focus -- have a couple questions or ideas, but also let their questions or feedback help guide you.
All that said, I have had a helluva time finding a therapist that has been really helpful regarding weight. My therapist that I LOVED was more of an accept-yourself-at-any-weight-don't-diet kinda person. The following one that was more interested in health/weight stuff was not a good fit in other areas. I am trying a 3rd one now. I am not sold yet, but I have only met her once, so we shall see.

You mentioned the smell. One of my issues after surgery was was a crazy super-sensitive sense of smell. I had a hard time getting anything down, and everything made me gag (or worse). It lessened pretty quickly starting at about 7-10 days and everything got much better. I can drink or eat just about anything now at 2 months post surgery. Hopefully yours will go the same. In the meantime, breath through your mouth or hold your nose, or try to distract yourself while taking in those Protein Shakes. And some of those clear Protein waters can go down way better in the beginning.

You mentioned the smell. One of my issues after surgery was was a crazy super-sensitive sense of smell. I had a hard time getting anything down, and everything made me gag (or worse). It lessened pretty quickly starting at about 7-10 days and everything got much better. I can drink or eat just about anything now at 2 months post surgery. Hopefully yours will go the same. In the meantime, breath through your mouth or hold your nose, or try to distract yourself while taking in those Protein Shakes. And some of those clear Protein waters can go down way better in the beginning.

And now 5 months later.... I am down 45 pounds from last July. I weigh less than I did in graduate school in 1981 !!!! I started this journey wearing size 28 pants before surgery. I am now wearing either a size 14 or a 16 petite ( which I like the fit on better for my short self ! ) and had to shop "blind" with no stores open ! But I couldn't keep my pants up to go back to work ! This journey has been a gift that continues to give me benefits many years later.
I have never regretted it for a moment. Get your surgery. You will lose weight. Do not worry about how fast or how much or compare yourself to anyone else. Take each ounce you lose as a victory and Celebrate it !!!

I had no intention to exercise. Exercise was boring and very painful.
After about 2 months and 60+ pounds I felt lighter and wanted to try moving around more. I started walking about more. Went down on the strip, malls, museums, aquariums. Just around and people watching. Eventually we were walking about 8 miles several times a week. But exercise? No way.
After about 10 months and 200+ pounds, I just felt like I had and abundance of energy. Almost floating, it seemed. I thought I'd see if I could run. I bought "Idiots guide to running" which had a program to run 30 minutes in 30 days, and managed to complete it. I listened to audio books to pass the time. But exercise? No way.
Month 13 and 250+ pounds down, I was still running. Listening to the Dark Tower (7 books), so runs got longer until I was running 90 miles per week. Over the next year I ran 5 marathons.
I never did exercise. Exercise is boring and an obligation. I didn't have surgery to live on a diet and do things I never wanted or enjoyed doing.
Walking, then running, was a joy.
Do you.

Girls weekend at luxurious mountain retreat. (Can’t go to Spain as planned so this was our alternative. Glorious though cold: anoraks, gloves & hats. But just had hot stone massage, followed by about an hour in the bubbling spa. Now time for a gin in front of the fire with some Frank crooning in the background. Not a clothing shot but you can see some of the white robe.
We did arrive in style. The only way.

Love him, too! Eat a wonderful salad everyday. Hubby enjoys a green smoothie each morning. Most thankful and glad to have made it to the penthouse! Dr. V is spot on when stating so many in the field often have such low expectations for their patients. As my Naval Academy father use to say, "If you're going to do something half-assed, don't do it at all!" Dad was and Dr. Vuong is a colorful communicator, but I've never doubted his sincerity, intelligence + care for the bari community. Ditto... very supportive, informative and encouraging! ;]

dinner out tonight with hubby. New linen shorts (size 4) and white sandals (size 7). This time last labor day holiday during loosing phase - size 12 shorts and size 8 flats. It feels wonderful this summer to be leaner and lighter at goal. Hoping everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Hi everyone!!! Im almost at the 6.5 month mark & I feel absolutely FANTASTIC. I haven't felt this great since I was a freshman in college. I'm down 79 lbs- everyone is noticing a huge difference which is sometimes a bit awkward because they're like "you look so good" and in my head I'm like "I also looked so good before ...or did I?" Messes with the brain and self esteem in weird ways.. Anywho- I have my days where I look in the mirror and feel like I have a long way to go, but I'm actually 24 lbs away from my surgeons goal of 170lbs. Ive only dumped maybe 3 times "non-traditionally" I get the sweats and have to use the bathroom shortly after. I have had episodes of the foamies 2 times though (dry heaving with only clear slimy stuff coming out?). I haven't been able to pinpoint what triggers it, but I definitely hate it. Surprisingly I am able to tolerate just about anything.. don't judge me or just stop reading now lol.. I've had small portions of: Cake, chips, Fried Foods, Fast Foods, pizza, Ice cream the list of no-no's honestly goes on and on. You name it I've probably at least had a bite to test the waters, but I do eat clean 80% of the time- which is my long-term goal. I have been working out on and off. I completed a full body strength training 28 day challenge and worked my way up to running/walking (2.5 minutes running/ 30 seconds walking) 2.47 miles using the run keeper app. I then took a break to plan and have my micro-wedding which was 7/23/20! I'll attach some photos. The wedding threw me for a loop and I didn't workout for about a month after that, so I'm still getting back into the groove and trying to make it a habit. So far so good, I worked out everyday this week (Monday-Friday) I want to take weekends off. I have some loose skin that I think will need some plastic surgery later on in life, I'm not that worried about it right now. Hope everyone is doing well!

Hi Lillimint!
So I am 9 days out from sleeve surgery.
I'm sorry to hear about all your troubles. I Don't want to rub it in but I've had the opposite. I've felt great and was surprised by this. I do have to say that this in itself is a problem for me because I don't know if after all this if the sleeve is working. I think if I was told I had to i could drink 8oz all at once. I'm not starving but I could surely eat if I was allowed. I've stuck to my pre and post op diets to a tee!
I actually wish a had a wee bit of what you went through so I can rest assure this will work for me!
I'm glad you are on the mend.
I just thought that it might be nice to hear from someone who actually was envious of you!
Good luck and hopefully we will both be successful in our journey ahead!

please with your patch make sure you take it off with a glove or thick paper towel and thoroughly wash your hands. I find standing up and ice for spasms. find as many natural ways to get in fluids. cucumbers, melon and Fluid barring. process them down chill enjoy. I have been loving the watermelon. I ninja it and get it cold sooooooo goood

I am now 8 days out from surgery and today is the first time I’ve felt even remotely normal. The recovery has been ROUGH! The nausea was so bad I couldn’t get in my liquids or even take the zofran pill without throwing up. The stomach spasms are something else. Ended up back at the hospital for IV fluids and a CT scan. At least I know there’s nothing wrong with the surgery. I got a prescription for scopolamine Patches which has helped tremendously, and along with crystal lite I should be able to hit my goal for liquids today. I’m also able to watch food commercials on tv that don’t make me turn queasy. The stomach spasms are still there, but are no longer overwhelming. I tried to sleep as much as I could to make this period pass more quickly. I feel as if my progress on Day 8 is equal to what so many others have progressed to on Day 2 or 3. I was definitely full of regrets the first couple of days. Now I think I can see a path forward with being able to follow the recommended diet.

Cheers @Repeatingthoughts! I’m right behind you with my surgery scheduled at noon today. It was very hard to sleep, but 24 hours from now we’ll have this huge step behind us!