Shrink&Grow

What an awesome thread. Mine is easy. I’m in a wheelchair and before my lap was occupied by my stomach. Now I have lots of free space and more every day. I can put a shopping basket on my lap without holding onto it and my little doggo can ride on my lap instead of carrying him.
It’s an amazing feeling to see these non scale victories. To an outside viewer they might not seem huge but to us who both have them and get to read each others is a sense of pride and accomplishment that we get to feel for ourselves and each other. We’re all in this together like a family

Not sure if this has been said, BUT being able to shave - you know where - without turning into some type of gymnast/contortionist is the best feeling!

Ahh congratulations! Very weird time to be going into hospital for the first time, I was a bag of nervous energy for the 2 weeks before! I had RNY 4 weeks ago today, and it has been easier than I feared. I read and absorbed every horror story imaginable, and even walking down to theatre was thinking "am I mad.."! My main advice for pre-surgery is DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOUSE! If you live alone book visitors, and recruit them to do stuff like hang out a load of washing or take the recycling out or walk the dog.. move any Soups, Protein Shakes etc to a place you can reach easily, you won't want to be stretching or scrabbling about in the back of a cupboard. If you're thinking about getting an online food shop in the first couple weeks, make sure someone is there to help you unpack it and put it away! Ask friends for film and telly recommendations to add to your Netflix/Amazon list so you can just stick stuff on and doze once your back home. Take some measurements if you've got a tape measure handy (I did my bra line, narrowest bit of waist, belly button line, widest part of hips, bicep and thigh).
Post-surgery, my life is WALKING, FLUIDS, Protein, pills. Those are your essentials from day one, at first it's slow and difficult but it gets a teeny bit better every day. Don't get obsessed with the scales!! Be kind to yourself, and when it all gets a bit overwhelming, remember 'this too shall pass' and then jump on here to find a whole world of people who've been through it.
I liked that there's loads of people in America on here, because they're awake if you can't sleep with nerves/excitement/or anything else..

Ahh congratulations! Very weird time to be going into hospital for the first time, I was a bag of nervous energy for the 2 weeks before! I had RNY 4 weeks ago today, and it has been easier than I feared. I read and absorbed every horror story imaginable, and even walking down to theatre was thinking "am I mad.."! My main advice for pre-surgery is DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOUSE! If you live alone book visitors, and recruit them to do stuff like hang out a load of washing or take the recycling out or walk the dog.. move any Soups, Protein Shakes etc to a place you can reach easily, you won't want to be stretching or scrabbling about in the back of a cupboard. If you're thinking about getting an online food shop in the first couple weeks, make sure someone is there to help you unpack it and put it away! Ask friends for film and telly recommendations to add to your Netflix/Amazon list so you can just stick stuff on and doze once your back home. Take some measurements if you've got a tape measure handy (I did my bra line, narrowest bit of waist, belly button line, widest part of hips, bicep and thigh).
Post-surgery, my life is WALKING, FLUIDS, Protein, pills. Those are your essentials from day one, at first it's slow and difficult but it gets a teeny bit better every day. Don't get obsessed with the scales!! Be kind to yourself, and when it all gets a bit overwhelming, remember 'this too shall pass' and then jump on here to find a whole world of people who've been through it.
I liked that there's loads of people in America on here, because they're awake if you can't sleep with nerves/excitement/or anything else..

Hey everyone, just checking in cause I haven't in a while. My scars are healing nicely. They're little pink thin things. Much, much better than the ones from my gallbladder out where they sealed the incisions with glue and the scars left are big circular deals.
Had my first post-op appointment with the surgeon and my dietician cleared me for all foods, not just soft. However, I've still been sticking to soft foods just cause they're easier on the tummy. Getting in around 500-600 calories a day, which my dietician mentioned was to be expected this far out. So feeling better about that. I had been worried that I wasn't eating enough even though I sort of felt like I was eating all the time. Still so strange to feel like I'm kinda constantly eating but still only be eating so few calories. I am down to 242, so my stall is long gone, which yay! It lasted about 2 and a half weeks total when I was at 252-251. Total of 28lbs lost since surgery on the 8th which is pretty amazing. Also down 12 inches over the past 3 weeks, not all from one spot but an inch or from various spaces (thighs, biceps, chest, hips, waist, neck).
Starting to feel more "normal" again which is amazing! Getting on soft foods and more regular foods really really helped. I think my favorite meal right now is just deli turkey, cheese, and some olives or dill pickles.
Hope you are all doing well too!

A little flower power worn at lunch date with good friend today.

Ahh congratulations! Very weird time to be going into hospital for the first time, I was a bag of nervous energy for the 2 weeks before! I had RNY 4 weeks ago today, and it has been easier than I feared. I read and absorbed every horror story imaginable, and even walking down to theatre was thinking "am I mad.."! My main advice for pre-surgery is DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOUSE! If you live alone book visitors, and recruit them to do stuff like hang out a load of washing or take the recycling out or walk the dog.. move any Soups, Protein Shakes etc to a place you can reach easily, you won't want to be stretching or scrabbling about in the back of a cupboard. If you're thinking about getting an online food shop in the first couple weeks, make sure someone is there to help you unpack it and put it away! Ask friends for film and telly recommendations to add to your Netflix/Amazon list so you can just stick stuff on and doze once your back home. Take some measurements if you've got a tape measure handy (I did my bra line, narrowest bit of waist, belly button line, widest part of hips, bicep and thigh).
Post-surgery, my life is WALKING, FLUIDS, Protein, pills. Those are your essentials from day one, at first it's slow and difficult but it gets a teeny bit better every day. Don't get obsessed with the scales!! Be kind to yourself, and when it all gets a bit overwhelming, remember 'this too shall pass' and then jump on here to find a whole world of people who've been through it.
I liked that there's loads of people in America on here, because they're awake if you can't sleep with nerves/excitement/or anything else..

I have had major surgery for what was thought was ovarian cancer. My mother died several years prior to my major surgery from ovarian cancer. I had verified tumors and incapacity causing pain. I did not tell "everybody" nor did I tell anyone who asked. I took care of business - went to an attorney who helped me with financial and legal issues for my then underage daughter. I made arrangements for who would take care of my pets. Those people, of course knew. But work colleagues, acquaintances, even many friends and relatives, I did not tell. NOT their business. AT ALL. I do not need people talking about what is clearly not about them. I was very lucky to have been opened fully from above my belly button to my pubic bone. I was very lucky to have had benign and rare tumors that had only just begun to be "funky". I had some specialized treatments that I also do not share with others. That was 15 years ago. No one needs to know. In my opinion - telling the world about one's medical information is an attention seeking behavior. Acceptable for some; but not for a me and not for many others EVER. I am NOT saying YOU shouldn't share - by all means go out there and do what makes you comfortable. But for many - sharing personal information is well, like going outside in public naked. Totally not necessary.

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.

I have been waiting 3 years to post this. Today I had my mommy makeover! Breast augmentation and lift, and a fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck.

Hey all,
I’m Lozzii, very new here and received my letter confirming my surgery date for 29th July 2021. I’ve been on the pathways programme through the NHS since June 2019 so when the letter landed over the weekend it took me by surprise! I’m very nervous about the whole thing for a multitude of reasons, one of which being the fact I’ve never been admitted to hospital before. I don’t know how I’m going to respond to general anaesthetic or how I’ll feel afterwards and it’s just making me a little anxious.

Apart from that, I’m really excited and if anyone has any hints or tips that helped them through the pre and post op initial few weeks, it’s be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Lozzii ✌🏼
insta journey - @fat_and_flawless

Ps: I told one person. This topic can really divide the community, but personally I needed to do this myself without judgement or questions. I told my boss and colleagues I was having a procedure, fit note from GP just said "post op". Told my family I was having a hiatus hernia repair (as I was at the same time so not total lie!) which helpfully also means you have to stick to a puree/soft diet for a few weeks so I could be open about that. It has come up in discussion with friends that I am doing a lot more walking and my meals are very Protein focused, and I don't feel one bit that I have cheated because at the end of the day, bariatric surgery is a tool and I'm putting in a hell of a lot of work. Your body and your health is noone else's business, unless you choose to tell them!
There can of course be power in sharing your story and distigmatising WLS, and you might have some very understanding and supportive people around you 🙂

I really enjoy My Level 10 Life on YouTube, Erin really helpfully answers loads of questions about surgery, diet etc and generally seems like she's been through a lot of **** and remains upbeat.
sugar free ice lollies/ice pops were really helpful that first couple weeks out. Good luck for Tuesday squidgy.

Hey Em, am also with Ramsay Health - just waiting for formal approval and a date. Had my first consultation with the doc and the dietician - really excited but also bricking it. I got given a milk/yoghurt diet and then a low cal one, might give the milk one a go as it seems straight forward and doesn’t require too much thinking about. How long was your wait from approval to date?

Are you telling people? I don’t think I will. There are a lot of fattists in my family/circle of friends who will just throw some negative comments about cheating or laziness so keeping stum I think.

Absolutely, very wise to recover fully first. After our bodies have been through so much like BS and plastics over the last few years - I have not felt comfortable introducing a pre-qualified vaccine - experimental therapy just yet. I have never done well with flu shots understanding this is much more serious. I continue to research the latest information and glad you are doing the same. Hubby has had his shots. So kind and supportive of him to still wear his mask when we go out together... I know this is not an OOTD but a well dressed master bedroom - so cheerful and happy!

*Headphones* for sure!! I also got an *eyemask* off Amazon that was sort of moulded so didn't touch my eyelashes like the regular fabric ones? Imagine a little face bra 🤣 it was fab for getting rest in the day. *Meditation app* really helped when I was nervous waiting to be taken down and when I woke in the night (I like Insight Timer, and listen to lots of Glenda Cedarleaf relaxation.. find someone's voice that works for you!) Also really glad I took my own *small pillow/cushion* from home in a super soft pillow case - nice to have an extra one, and was such a comfort to hold against my front on the car ride home. *Lip balm* helped a lot, and I was glad of a *second nightshirt* to feel a bit "fresher" the second day in hospital.
Once home, I liked my *wedge cushion* for sitting up watching TV and dozing, and couldn't have survived those first couple weeks without a *blender* and a *pill cutter*. If you've got cash to splash, get yourself some nice *little bowls* and a *water bottle* that you enjoy drinking from! You'll be doing a lot of that.. depending what your hospital recommend, you might also want to have a look at *clear Protein drinks* too.
I made a box like a little christmas hamper with some of the first foods I could have, nail polish, nice hand cream, which sat on the kitchen side ready for me to come home so I didn't have to look for them!
Good luck all of you July crowd!! I had an RNY on June 15th and am doing great. It can be nervewracking but this community is great for answering questions and offering support.

Another June 9th here!

*Headphones* for sure!! I also got an *eyemask* off Amazon that was sort of moulded so didn't touch my eyelashes like the regular fabric ones? Imagine a little face bra 🤣 it was fab for getting rest in the day. *Meditation app* really helped when I was nervous waiting to be taken down and when I woke in the night (I like Insight Timer, and listen to lots of Glenda Cedarleaf relaxation.. find someone's voice that works for you!) Also really glad I took my own *small pillow/cushion* from home in a super soft pillow case - nice to have an extra one, and was such a comfort to hold against my front on the car ride home. *Lip balm* helped a lot, and I was glad of a *second nightshirt* to feel a bit "fresher" the second day in hospital.
Once home, I liked my *wedge cushion* for sitting up watching TV and dozing, and couldn't have survived those first couple weeks without a *blender* and a *pill cutter*. If you've got cash to splash, get yourself some nice *little bowls* and a *water bottle* that you enjoy drinking from! You'll be doing a lot of that.. depending what your hospital recommend, you might also want to have a look at *clear Protein drinks* too.
I made a box like a little christmas hamper with some of the first foods I could have, nail polish, nice hand cream, which sat on the kitchen side ready for me to come home so I didn't have to look for them!
Good luck all of you July crowd!! I had an RNY on June 15th and am doing great. It can be nervewracking but this community is great for answering questions and offering support.

I have not. My Dr. said my pre-surgery weight loss (30lbs) was good so he said I can do Protein Drinks with one small meal for three days prior to surgery. I plan on doing full liquid though just to help with my mind set.
What about you?
Im currently cleaning my house, figuring out meals for my family and trying to figure out what to take to the hospital with me.

i just my surgery scheduled for July 29 2021 im so excited

Today marked my one month sleeve-versary! I’ve lost from 1-3 inches throughout my body. The scale has been stuck for a while for me. My nutritionist told me I’m not getting in enough Protein so it’ll be hard to support fat loss. I like focusing on fat loss instead of weight loss. My greatest struggle is getting enough Fiber to support healthy bowels. I get bloated sometimes. Still navigating through learning my hunger and full cues. My scars are almost invisible! I’m so impressed with the overall surgery. I’m looking forward to more consistent results.
Hope you all are doing well!

Ive been pretty good staying positive and focusing on non scale victories like walking every day but this week has been a doozy for emotions.
Oh my! What kind of songs do you sing? I wish I could sing. Do you get stage fright?

I can't remember if I mentioned it here or not, but I'm off of my blood pressure medication! Super happy as that was one of my goals. I am down to 246lbs as of today as well, so 19lbs lost since surgery on the 8th. I hit my 4 week mark and am now getting to reintroduce some soft foods, which I am loving. I can say that I now understand people mentioning certain things, such as chicken, sitting in the stomach like a rock. lunch today was 4 pieces of deli turkey and two slices of cheese, and dinner was a tiny bit of shredded rotisserie chicken, with a little bit of feta cheese and some buffalo hot sauce. Most my Protein for the day is still coming from liquids though. I am finding it hard to get enough protein from food alone, mostly because I don't feel like I can eat frequently yet. It takes quite a long time after eating for the "full" feeling to go away. So between that and drinking Water constantly, I just don't feel like I have the time to eat more actual food.

Hey y’all- day 6 here & feeling great. No incision pain, just normal bruising discomfort. I haven’t needed prescription pain meds at all, just Tylenol. No stomach pain, but taking small sips. Only challenge is I ended up with thrush- yuck! But got medicine for that and it’s fine. Cannot stand Protein Shakes anymore, so mostly living off of Soup with unflavored Protein Powder mixed in. No problem getting enough Protein & Water. I’ve been using the Baritastic app and it’s perfect- I often have more water & protein than I realize.

Aw I needed this today - was having a wobble about my newly wired body and having to wait between drinking and eating feels a full time job. After a few weeks of low pain, my fibromyalgia has flared up a little (weird weather pressure and lots of stormy rain in the UK this week) and I've got the grumps.. but really I have done SO MUCH WALKING this last week. So much. No wonder I'm a bit tired haha. Really appreciate your positive reminder 😊