SleeveToBypass2023

Hi!! I was 421 pounds when I began this journey. I'm a mom and a grandma, and I know the seriousness and importance of this decision. Personally, it's the best decision I've ever made, and I'm thankful everyday that I did it. I tend to watch what I eat more than I did before the surgery, but honestly, I can still have what I want as long as I'm really careful about it.

How are things going now? Are you feeling any better? Did you get tot he bottom of what is causing the pain?

How are things going now?

How are things going for you now?

You're actually not doing bad at all. You're averaging 11 pounds lost per month. That's above average. Typical weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week (4-8 pounds per month). So don't worry about the number on the scale. You're actually doing quite well.

Hey girl!!! So how are you doing now? Are things better? I've been away from here for a good while, but now that I'm back, I wanted to jump on your thread and tell you how proud of you I am that you saw what was happening, you were honest with yourself how things got to where they were, and you worked to fix them. That takes guts and a lot of hard work.

Thank you so much, guys. I love that this is a safe space to speak our truths about this surgery. So many people think it's a miracle cure, and it's not. We have to do the work. It really is just a tool for us to use while we do the work. You guys have been so supportive. Thank you so much. I'm going to go back to weighing once per week, meal prepping again, sticking to my diet, and start back with my work out plan. I'll work to lose 10 pounds, to get back to the weight I'm happiest at. You all are awesome!!!

What surprised me was all of the food allergies I got after my surgery. I never had ANY, and now I'm lactose intolerant, allergic to peanuts, and DEATHLY allergic to shellfish. I also hate the constipation. No matter what I eat or how much I drink, I have to take Miralax every morning and sometimes at night, too. And when it's REALLY bad (as in, I haven't pooped in 4 or more days) I have to take a stool softener and laxative to get things moving. I use to poop everyday with no issues. Now...I have ALL the issues.

My initial goal weight was 200 pounds. I hit that and thought "I'd like to be in ONEderland so I'm gonna keep going" and I got to my new goal weight of 190. Then I dropped well below that, gained the excess back, and I'm at 190 again. I need to lose about 7 or 8 pounds to get back into "wiggle room territory" and maintain it. But yes, I definitely had a secret goal that i never thought I would see lol

I first came to this board in March of 2022. I had my 1st surgery (sleeve) in May 2022. I had my revision to bypass (due to A LOT of complications with the sleeve) in June of 2023. Since then I have been complication free. But I was struggling to maintain my weight. I was put on a diet and exercise regimen to gain and then maintain my weight. Well, my metabolism finally sorted itself out, but I wasn't paying attention. I was supposed to weigh myself once a week to see how things are going. I went 4 weeks without weighing myself. And I was just eating whatever I wanted in hopes I would gain. And boy oh boy, I did gain. I went from 176 to 190 in 5 weeks. That shocked me, because I wanted to get to 180 - 183. Now I have to stop eating willy nilly, get my diet back on track, and focus more on my workouts. I became lax with what I needed to do and I found myself going back to old eating habits. Examples include eating whatever I wanted, even when it went against my diet. Not working out as much as I was supposed to because I was tired or didn't feel like it. Eating when I was bored. Eating something because it's there, not because I was hungry. Grazing all day and night, which was ALWAYS my issue. I'm telling you all this because I've seen so many posts where some of you guys really beat yourself up for messing up. You're afraid you'll undo all your progress. I admit, that has creeped into my mind a bit, but I remind myself that I know what to do and what not to do. I know how to get back on track. And I know how to give myself grace while still holding myself accountable. It's just a matter of doing it. So I'm going to course correct, get back to the proper diet and exercise routine, and really work on my eating habits. Just know that EVERYONE can slip up. It's not the end of the world....even if it feels like it is. Just own up to your mistakes, correct your actions, eat and exercise properly, and it'll all be ok. And with that, I need to go work out. Have a good one, and wish me luck that I get this sorted.

When I had my surgery, I had long straight (with a slight wave to it) hair. After the surgery, I treated myself to a haircut (and I got it cut layered, which I normally don't do) and when I did, my hair literally curled lol I always knew I had wavy hair, but I had no idea it had so much curl lol People keep asking if I got a perm and I say no. But I don't think they believe me lol

I did super well with not paying attention to the head hunger, but in the last 3 months it's come roaring back. It's super hard to ignore sometimes. When that happens, I try to have smaller meals more often and add an extra snack. It's been a while since my surgery, and while I can't eat like I used to, I can eat larger meals now. And when the head hunger hits, I try to "fool" my brain into thinking I'm eating more when I'm actually eating the same amount but broken up into smaller portions so my brain sees me eating again and again and thinks I'm eating more. It sounds weird, but for me it actually works. And I prioritize protein (some days I hit 100g of protein) because it fills me up and keeps me full longer.

I am...now. I had a sleeve in 2022 and had SO many complications and I was miserable. I had a revision to bypass in 2023 and honestly, it's been amazing. I 100% love that I had the revision. I recommend the bypass to everyone. It literally solved all my issues. And I'm so thankful that I got my life back. I take meds for severe anxiety, for MS, and for lupus. The only real issue with meds are extended release with the bypass. But if you can find a way around that then you'll be fine.

I can't use any student loans for these certifications. I tried a loan and my credit isn't good enough. Part of the reason I want to get the certifications is so I can make more money and repair my credit. And also to catch up on bills and finally build my nest egg back up. My husband is disabled and I'm the main breadwinner, so this is REALLY important. I don't have anything left to sell, so the crowd funding is all I have left to try. But I'm not going to let it get to me. Or at least, I'm going to try not to. I'm going on a hike in a little while and then I'm going to take a long shower and take a nap. And then I'm going to spend the rest of the day chillaxing and watching true crime on youtube.

I'm just so frustrated. I have so many things I want to do and complete and accomplish. My GoFundMe has had zero traction (not sure if it's even being shared, tbh), money is so tight, and there's just no wiggle room right now. I need to get these certifications to move up and make more money, but I don't currently make enough to be able to do that, so I'm stuck at the wage I'm currently at. It's enough to get by and pay the bills, but there's NOTHING left over to pay for the things I need to get ahead and do better. UGH....... I made myself work out yesterday and today, and even though I didn't want to, I did it anyway. And I honestly felt a little better. I'm prepping some meals that way I can just grab them and go and not worry about it. I definitely still take care of my hygiene and I'm completely safe (and will stay that way).