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billho

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    billho got a reaction from modDSer in getting rid of too-big clothing   
    There is something therapeutic about getting rid of all of your big clothes... this is a new life and you're not going back. But, I get it- if you're like me, this is a lifelong roller coaster of gaining and losing and gaining more, etc., so we don't want to get our hopes up.
    I took it a bit slow about getting rid of stuff. First I threw out (or donated) the big clothes that I didn't really like and kept some things that were my favorites. Over time, as my sizes changed, I periodically purged the largest stuff, keeping a buffer size or two.
    Even after losing 100 lbs., I still have some things I need to get rid of. As I type this, maybe I need to go through my closet again. I'm not going back! There is a ton of XXL stuff in there that I will never wear again.
  2. Like
    billho got a reaction from modDSer in getting rid of too-big clothing   
    There is something therapeutic about getting rid of all of your big clothes... this is a new life and you're not going back. But, I get it- if you're like me, this is a lifelong roller coaster of gaining and losing and gaining more, etc., so we don't want to get our hopes up.
    I took it a bit slow about getting rid of stuff. First I threw out (or donated) the big clothes that I didn't really like and kept some things that were my favorites. Over time, as my sizes changed, I periodically purged the largest stuff, keeping a buffer size or two.
    Even after losing 100 lbs., I still have some things I need to get rid of. As I type this, maybe I need to go through my closet again. I'm not going back! There is a ton of XXL stuff in there that I will never wear again.
  3. Haha
    billho got a reaction from star618 in Hospital Bag   
    I'd probably recommend not bringing bacon.

  4. Like
    billho reacted to skyewolfe in Lying about not getting surgery is awful   
    Honestly it does sound like you are. There is also a difference between having cancer and losing weight. Huge difference. There’s a strong stigma around bariatric surgery so yeah, of course people will lie. I only told a few close people. To everyone else I started eating healthy and **** because I don’t want to deal with the negative attitude. If I meet someone who tells me they are considering the surgery. I will talk to them about it. But otherwise it’s really no one’s business
  5. Like
    billho got a reaction from Coexister in Slow weight loss   
    based on your numbers (it would be helpful if you filled out your profile so we can see how you are doing), but it looks like you're right on track. I started at 284, was 255ish at surgery and got below 200 about 4 months later. So you're tracking where I did and I'm very happy with my progress. Just keep it up and you'll be fine.
  6. Like
    billho got a reaction from Arabesque in Hey retail workers   
    it depends- what surgery are you having? and how much will you be lifting?
    I had a VSG and was back to work in a 4 days (though I was pretty tired for a week or so after that) and I avoided lifting anything more than 10 lbs for several more weeks. I was pretty surprised how fast I felt good and how easy the recovery was, almost to the point that I felt guilty for laying around and not doing anything productive right after.
    The most important thing is that you follow your doctors instructions, as none of us here are qualified to make those recommendations (at least not me). Start walking as soon as you are able and keep walking as much as you can. You'll feel better and it will help with the gas after surgery.
  7. Like
    billho got a reaction from Arabesque in Weigh Ins w/ Nutritionist   
    I would be careful about doing anything that would be considered as fraud or inflation of your numbers, as that could really come back to bite you when it comes time for approvals. But, this is probably a conversation you need to have with your doctor/nurse coordinator. They should know the rules for approval with your insurance company, as they tend to vary.
    I was really worried about this for mine, as I was right on the 40 BMI line and, if I did the pre-surgery diet, I would have dropped under the line. But, since I had blood pressure and sleep apnea, the line was down to 35 and I was free to go ahead and get started losing weight. Assuming you have some other medical conditions, you might be OK. Even so, when I had my day-of-surgery weigh in, I was still worried that they would deny and I'd get stuck with a big bill. It turned out that my original weight was the only number they looked at and it was fine.
  8. Like
    billho reacted to jadepok in Reached my target weight today [emoji3][emoji3]   
    Hey all,
    This is my first time posting. Its just my husband that knows about my surgery but I wanna share it with you all because today I've reached my target weight[emoji1][emoji126] Im 7 months post op. I'm 5ft1 and weighted 15 stone before gastric bypass surgery and now today I've reached the 9 stone mark. Getting surgery was the best decision I could of ever made but the hardest thing I've ever done also. I travelled to nord bariatric clinic from Ireland to Lithuania in Dec 2020 solo. I was scared, ashamed nervous and so so miserable. I missed my kids and my husband so much for the time I was away it was scary being alone doing this but I knew I had to do this for me and for them. The first few months are a learning curve post op but honestly things get easier and you adjust. I still enjoy nice food and drink but know my limit. Having surgery has allowed me to feel like me again I feel the head demons are gone and I just feel free. Here are some before and after photos . Best of luck everyone with your journey. Its so worth it
    Sent from my SM-G781B using BariatricPal mobile app
  9. Like
    billho got a reaction from Luna Girl in Lying about not getting surgery is awful   
    my typical response when people comment on my weight loss is that I have been walking a lot (average 14,000 steps a day) and and eating less. That's all true and enough information to get past it. But I have told a handful of people that I trust about my surgery. I don't hide it if asked, but don't feel that it is something I need to broadcast to everyone. It's not everyone's business to know my medical history.
  10. Like
    billho got a reaction from Luna Girl in Lying about not getting surgery is awful   
    my typical response when people comment on my weight loss is that I have been walking a lot (average 14,000 steps a day) and and eating less. That's all true and enough information to get past it. But I have told a handful of people that I trust about my surgery. I don't hide it if asked, but don't feel that it is something I need to broadcast to everyone. It's not everyone's business to know my medical history.
  11. Like
    billho got a reaction from Luna Girl in Lying about not getting surgery is awful   
    my typical response when people comment on my weight loss is that I have been walking a lot (average 14,000 steps a day) and and eating less. That's all true and enough information to get past it. But I have told a handful of people that I trust about my surgery. I don't hide it if asked, but don't feel that it is something I need to broadcast to everyone. It's not everyone's business to know my medical history.
  12. Like
    billho got a reaction from Luna Girl in Lying about not getting surgery is awful   
    my typical response when people comment on my weight loss is that I have been walking a lot (average 14,000 steps a day) and and eating less. That's all true and enough information to get past it. But I have told a handful of people that I trust about my surgery. I don't hide it if asked, but don't feel that it is something I need to broadcast to everyone. It's not everyone's business to know my medical history.
  13. Like
    billho got a reaction from MandM1188 in What is the Nutritionist’s task for you?👀🤔   
    For those that in the pre-op phase, just know that there are lots of different opinions you'll hear about nutrition and getting ready for surgery, and after the surgery. The main thing they want to see in the beginning is that you can stick to a program and show progress before you introduce the element of surgery. Because after that, there's no turning back. Try to find a routine that you can keep up for months and months (maybe years), as this is a life changing decision.
    What worked for me- high Protein, low carb, kept calories below 1200 pre-op, and drank lots of Gatorade Zero and Protein Shakes. I had to read lots of labels and try different things to find foods/shakes/protein bars I liked enough to have every day. And I kept a log of everything I ate and drank for three or four months until I got into a solid routine. I stuck with it and am still following the program for the most part, although I have made a few changes as my body has changed.
    Remember that everyone is different and you may need something different - That's between you and your doctor and the nutritionist. They should be able to help you come up with a good plan that works and this forum has lots of people that have been down this road, so there is a lot of helpful advice and wisdom to get here.
  14. Like
    billho reacted to FINFAN3DP in 100LBS GONE! And anyone else have vapor lock?   
    100lbs Gone since the beginning of this, and 62lbs down since the surgery. So far, so good. Wondering though if anyone else has issues with what I call vapor lock when drinking. It's where you take too big a sip on something and you end up with it sticking around in your chest for a bit.
  15. Like
    billho reacted to blackcatsandbaddecisions in Onederland!   
    Just another onederland post. 198.4 this morning on the seven month anniversary of my surgery date. 140 down total. Feeling great, no longer obese, and 33.4 lbs from goal!


  16. Like
    billho got a reaction from DareMightyThings in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I had one a few months ago- I recently joined my local volunteer fire department and when they went to find turnout gear for me, they had to really hunt for some that was small enough. And my daughter (who is also a firefighter) wears the same size as me.
  17. Like
    billho got a reaction from DareMightyThings in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    another NSV: I have a large hill on the vacant lot next to mine that I mow every week (because the owner doesn't take care of it and I don't want his weeds spreading to my yard). Last summer, I had difficulty getting up the hill on my riding mower and couldn't even attempt to go horizontally because of the risk of rollover. Now that I'm almost 100 lbs lighter, I can go horizontally with ease and my mower has no trouble getting up the hill.
  18. Like
    billho got a reaction from learn2cook in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I have many I could mention, but one that has been important lately is that pre-surgery, I needed EE width stability shoes. About 4 months ago, I moved to D width stability running shoes. Now those aren't comfortable anymore, especially now that I'm running more, I just bought D width, neutral shoes. I'm looking forward to being able to do more running.
  19. Like
    billho reacted to STLoser in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    Right now I'm in Florida on vacation and this is the smallest I've ever been on a beach. It's SO much easier to walk on the sand and I even RAN on the sand today. I have not gotten short of breath at all. Last year a month before my surgery we went to Orange Beach, AL, and I had to keep stopping for breath every few feet and it was miserable. I was in so much pain too. swear I feel like a teenager again at almost 50!

    Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app


  20. Like
    billho got a reaction from XtinaDoesIt in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    184.4 (goal of 184.0) so I'm .4 away. Almost there. Got a little more work to do this week.
  21. Like
    billho got a reaction from learn2cook in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I have many I could mention, but one that has been important lately is that pre-surgery, I needed EE width stability shoes. About 4 months ago, I moved to D width stability running shoes. Now those aren't comfortable anymore, especially now that I'm running more, I just bought D width, neutral shoes. I'm looking forward to being able to do more running.
  22. Like
    billho got a reaction from Megz143 in Has anyone regretted getting the surgery?   
    I have no regrets and glad I made the decision to do this. I can eat anything I want, but I do have to make choices about what I eat and be prepared for the consequences. I eat some red meat and some other meats in small portions, but it sits heavy in my stomach and causes discomfort if I over-do it. But, that small negative is far outweighed by the fact that I am a completely new person, almost 100 lbs lighter, and doing things that I haven't been able to do in 30 years. I enjoy a Coke Zero from time to time, but not every day. I eat a hamburger once in a while (but maybe only half), but not often. As long as you keep the mindset to put down the food whenever it is time to stop, even if you aren't done, you should be fine.
    But, if sheer willpower was enough, all of us here wouldn't need this. The fact is that that wasn't working. I'm only 7 months out, so time will tell how successful I'll be. We'll see, but I'm happy with it so far.
  23. Like
    billho got a reaction from Megz143 in Has anyone regretted getting the surgery?   
    I have no regrets and glad I made the decision to do this. I can eat anything I want, but I do have to make choices about what I eat and be prepared for the consequences. I eat some red meat and some other meats in small portions, but it sits heavy in my stomach and causes discomfort if I over-do it. But, that small negative is far outweighed by the fact that I am a completely new person, almost 100 lbs lighter, and doing things that I haven't been able to do in 30 years. I enjoy a Coke Zero from time to time, but not every day. I eat a hamburger once in a while (but maybe only half), but not often. As long as you keep the mindset to put down the food whenever it is time to stop, even if you aren't done, you should be fine.
    But, if sheer willpower was enough, all of us here wouldn't need this. The fact is that that wasn't working. I'm only 7 months out, so time will tell how successful I'll be. We'll see, but I'm happy with it so far.
  24. Like
    billho got a reaction from blackcatsandbaddecisions in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I've been at the beach with my family this week and for the first time in a very long time, I'm comfortable walking around without a shirt on. Also, I'm really close to losing 100 lbs, so I thought I'd take this chance to kick up my walking routing up a notch. I've been walking about 25k steps a day, and after 4 days of this, I woke up this morning feeling my abs when I touched my belly. I'm eager to weigh when I get back home- I think I'm close.
  25. Like
    billho got a reaction from wlh75 in Ahem... 100 lbs down.   
    Progress photos: First pic at 273 lbs (I had lost about 10 lbs before I took a photo), and second pic at 184 lbs.

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