ShannonK

The hardest thing was the liquid diet for two weeks after surgery! Honestly, I would watch the food network 24/7! I wanted to eat!! After that, everything was EASY! I chose the sleeve because it scared me less than having my guts re-arranged....and I KNOW it was the best choice for ME! I can eat anything I want - just smaller portions...and portions were my problem! The recovery was easy - really, for me anyway. I am not worried about Vitamin deficiencies and being malnourished..... I just "reset" my stomach! I hope you choose what's best for you - and it is awesome you are taking the steps to have a healthier life! Good luck!!

I am half a year out from my life changing surgery. Today I wore a pair of skinny jeans, brown knee high boots, and a beautiful blouse to work - and I loved it! I used to fread picking out something to wear to work....what would "cover" my fat the best. (as if I could hide 300 pounds!) Now I love stepping into my closet and knowing everything fits...hardest part is some are too loose. I make quick runs into stores to grab one or two items a couple of times a month and am slowly building my wardrobe back up! It is wonderful to be able to find clothes in ANY store that will FIT! I feel so good! My life feels like it is my own again. Food does not rule me! Happy day for me - I hope your journey is going well - Exercise is my next challenge....and I can do it!!!

I am 6 months out - and I only want to lose about 30 more pounds...so hopefully I am just above the curve!! 8 pounds a month for the last 2 months - and I am fine with that! My skin is tightening up, and I believe my body has adjusted to my new life. While I LOVED the big drops early on, I always knew it would not stay like that. This next 30 pounds will be harder than the first 100 for sure Good luck!!

I am down 82 pounds from July 2nd. Jan. 2nd will be my 6 months out - and I have an appointment with my Dr. on Jan. 17th! I can't wait to see my awesome bloodwork! I have been doing really well and eating pretty much on target. I feel like I should be a poster girl for this surgery. I have never thrown up, been in pain, and things are going well. In fact, my 18 year old step daughter is coming to stay with us and see if she qualifies - what a life changer to have this tool so young. What a difference it could make in her life. I am a huge advocate of this procedure. I would never TELL anyone to do it, but if people ask me - I am honest and open about it. I feel so good! I know not every one has had my experience - but for me, life changing!!! I have more energy, every one has told me how much happier I seem (I didn't think I was unhappy before - but maybe I was....) I feel like - at 38 - I have a new life. Food doesn't control me. I don't think about my next meal or how much I can have....I am not embarassed about my back fat rolls and not fitting in a chair. My husband's arms wrap all the way around me and clothes shopping is FUN! If you are on the fence - jump over it! I was so scared before surgery - I am so thankful I pushed through that fear. God bless you - and email me if you have any questions - ssmonte72@yahoo.com I would love to be support for anyone that needs it.

Highest weight when I started the medically supervised diet was 307, day of surgery I was 292. This morning I was 210. I was wearing size 24, now a 14. I am tall - 5'10'', so I am very happy with how I look! A typical day is maybe a muscle milk or eggs for Breakfast, a babybel cheese for a snack, tuna and a few crackers for lunch - or maybe some rolled up cheese and lunch meat. dinner - whatever Protein we are having and some veggies. I do like chips and cheese dip, but only once in awhile....not good for me. I love crab. shrimp and fish - I really like the smoked salmon/cream cheese pinwheels at HEB - but they are a little pricey. I also like the greek yogurts for breakfast. Today - I actually ate a piece of leftover venison backstrap for breakfast, ate a little popcorn at the movie theater (no butter), then had shrimp on a skewer at Beef O'Brady's....I am stuffed! I didn;t touch the rice or even the broccoli - I didn't even eat all my shrimp! I did have a bite of my hubby's OMG burger - yummy! I don't feel like I am missing anything..... I am a happy camper! Good luck!

Just listen to your body! I weighed out my 3-4 oz in the beginning so I could LEARN what that actually looked like. Crab, shrimp and fish went down the easiest - and had the most protein! Drink water even if you are not thirsty - that was the hardest part for me. One of my most favorite quick meals is tuna is sunflower oil and a little mayo, cracked pepper and I COUNT OUT 5 crackers - yummo! I still get my coffee in the mornings, but I also use Advocare's spark for the vitamins and boost it gives me. If I am full - I stop eating, even if I didn't eat it all. I cook good meals for my family,but I generally only eat the protein and some veggies.... I dance with my kids a lot and like to walk, but honestly have not done any serious exercise...that's my next step. This is a great tool - almost fool proof I would think. I CAN'T binge eat - so I do other stuff. Best of luck to you!!!

Oh my Lord..... A little background...I have had LONG hair most my life. Long, THICK, beautiful hair..... My pony tail was THICK, could only wrap a pony tail holder around it twice.... I could braid it and have a long, thick, beautiful braid....I don't color it, so it was very healthy. My hair was my vanity. Lord knows I could grow booty and hair! December 2nd will be 5 months post surgery. I expected SOME hairloss - but HOLY CRAP! I cry every time I shower as I run my hands through my hair and HANDFULS come out. I cut it mid back with some long layers to give it a little more fullnes, but I think shoulder length is coming up after Christmas.... Please, please, please tell me it stops - that I won't REALLY go completely bald or be one of those women you can see their scalp between thin strands. Oh - my vanity..... For years, my hair was my crowning glory.....I feel almost like I'm losing a friend.... I bought some 5,000 mcg Biotin, but want some feedback on it... My nails are as long and strong as ever. Can't wear pony tails anymore...looks like a rat tail I wash it, air dry it, and fluff and say a orayer until 2 days later when I shampoo and cry again.... I didn't know it would be this bad..... I still would have the surgery - honestly.... but I am sad tonight.

I LOVED water before surgery, now struggle to get in what I need. Grape G2 gatorade was a life savor for the first 3 months post-op. Now I drink 20 oz of plain water before lunch (I have 4 hours to get it down before lunch time - I am a teacher) - then I drink another 20 oz in the afternoon mixed with Advocare's SPark - doubles as my vitamins!! Good luck! It gets easier every day!

Hi I am 5 months out! Congrats on making the best decision EVER! I love it! I was 292 day of surgery, 216 this morning. You can check my profile for some pics.... I thought cooking Hubby's favorite meals would be hard - but it's not! I even went to a chinese buffet for lunch today - and just ate some shrimp and crab. Now - I DID eyeball the lo mein...and missed it for a second - but nothing could replace how I feel about myself now!! You go girl!

Yay you!!

Just made a concoction I LOVE! For those of you that plug in all the ingredients to get calories, Protein, etc...Please do and let me know! I had some ingredients in the fridge to use, threw it together, and yummo! I hope y'all try it, I really liked it! I know it makes quite a bit, but you can make smaller batches...I am bad at following exact recipes anyway, so here is what I had and did 2 pounds 99% lean white ground turkey (Jenny-o) 1 package frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained, squeezed out. 1 can artichoke hearts quartered 2 eggs 1 cup fresh sliced parmesan - crumbled in 8 spicy crackers Seasoned to taste (I like a little garlic and cayenne) Mixed, formed 3 oz balls, baked on foil at 350' for 35 minutes (could be less if smaller meatballs) Delicious!!!

Thanks for the breakdown! I am surprised at the amount of carbs.....10 ritz crackers is 20g of carbs....for the whole batch! At 20 meatballs, that's 60g of carbs?! Maybe the spinach and artichoke hearts have some.....I should check Sure are yummy.

Highest weight 307 Weight day of surgery 292 Today = 219 November was a LONG stall - didn't lose a pound for 23 days...starting losing again around the holidays. This was also the month I started to C25K...go figure! I am wearing 14/16 clothes, and feel great. I am not letting stalls bother me, or even a measily 7 pound loss for a month bother me - it's 7 more pounds gone! According to the BMI chart, in 19 more [pounds, I will no longer be obese, another 20 after that and I won't be overweight! I have done things I would have never done before - canoeing and kayaking with my kids, jumping off a diving board, fit comfortably in student desks at school, going horseback riding this Saturday.....all successes! I hate my thinning hair, but love how clothes fit me now. I regret nothing - it is the best thing I have ever some! I struggle to hit my Protein - just get full easy! I struggle to get my Water in - FORCE myself to drink. I love Advocare's Spark - helps with my energy levels and just had my first Vitamin B shot the other day because I forget to take my Vitamins and sublingual pills. A normal day of eating for me - an egg and piece of bacon or ham for Breakfast, tuna and a few crackers for lunch, whatever protein we have for dinner with a few veggies... I CAN eat whatever I want - haven't puked once or been in pain....I have to CHOOSE the right stuff to put in my body....chips are way too easy - BEWARE! I hope anyone on the fence goes for it. BEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF!!!

Hello! I am scheduled for surgery on June 5th. I am using Dr. McDaniel in Victoria,TX. I start the pre-op diet of 2 shakes and a high Protein meal with veggies starts on May 22nd..... I am very excited...and nervous. My biggest worry is the lack of energy after surgery. I have 3 young daughters - and we are very active. I know I will be constantly sipping Water...but I worry how long I will be "down" concerning our beach trips, camping, swimming, etc.... I have tried downloading a bunch of before pics...keep freezing up. I am really hoping to utilize this site for support! Hopefully I will make some new friends with similar experiences and we can help each other through the tough times.... I already have a blog.... www.mightaswellbenow.blogspot.com Not sure if I would start a new blog on here though.... Well - Looking forward to meeting y'all!

I am 38. I have been married to my best friend for 13 years, have 3 daughters (11,9,6) and live on a small ranch in rural Texas. I am a teacher, writer, and love to read. I have a brother that's 18 months younger than me that has both Down's Syndrome and Autism, and we are very close - he is in my home daily. I live near my parents (my brother lives with them) and have pet fish, a snake, a rat, 3 dogs, 3 cats, chickens and cattle. I have always seen myself as "athletic" - and the outside of me is starting to catch up to the mental image I have! I love camping, hiking, and anything with water. I have been to the Bahamas twice - and can't wait to go back! I love the beach and the Frio River. I love to fish - fresh or salt water. I love to cook - especially the game my husband brings home. I would love to completely live of the land.... I am loud, opinionated, and extremely loyal. I have always viewed myself as more than my weight - and even after just 5 moths post surgery, do not define myself by that number on the scale. I LOVE the NSVs associated with my healtheir self though....and have a bucket list of sorts I am checking off.... Next Saturday - I am back on a horse....

I meant no disrespect Mina....I know female hairloss is a very personal and real issue for a lot of women....even without the surgery. Thanks for the info....

Go and have fun...eat 3 meals a day, focus on your protein, and do things you didn't/wouldn't/couldn't before!! I just got back from a camping trip where I canoed and kayaked and went on a cave tour....all things I wouldn't have done - or wouldn't have enjoyed before!! Have a great time!

OMG! I did the first work out for the C25K program - I can't believe I did it! The whole 30 minute thing! Walked for 5 min., then alternated jogging for 60 seconds and walking for 90 seconds for 8 times I think....then walked another 5 minutes! I am sore already - but i DID IT!!! I am doing it again Wednesday. I am a little over 4months out an this is my first attempt at scheduled exercise..... I plan on adding light weights with lots of reps for my arms during tv time....we will see...... I did get a little light headed at home...ate some dinner - feel fine now..... Please God - let my knee hold up..... Baby steps people.... I started at 292 and a size 24 on day of surgery July 2nd - Today I am a size 16 at 224 pounds.... It works. If you're lurking - do it!!! God Bless!

I have not lost a single pound since Nov. 2nd - my 4 month surgery anniversary!! I refuse to let it get to me - I started working out that week, and I know I am not gaining muscle - I am just in a stupid stall. I am watching my carb intake, and as I head into holiday chow hell, I m plan on making good choices - turkey first, followed by sweet potatoes!! Sweets are easy to avoid - but the rolls!!!! ANyway - I am very pleased with how I look these days. I am rocking my size 16's and anything I lose after this will really be a bonus.... Have a great Holiday!!!

Stalls happen! Kind of need the tshirt for us sleevers - ya know...instead of sh** happens!! I stalled at week 3, and now again at 4 months out! I haven't lost a pound in 2 weeks - and I started exercising this week with the couch to 5k program! I am increasing my water and I am going to start journaling my food and being REALLY careful with carbs (a few too many little crackers and chips may have been sneaking in!) I refuse to stress though.....honestly, if I never lost another pound, I wouldn't freak out! I am the smallest I have been in a dozen plus years, I am healthier than I have ever been. I like the way I look, and can't IMAGINE being smaller....so if it happens - what a blessing! AT my current weight and height, I am still considered obese until I am under 200 pounds,,,then have to be 180 to be at a normal weight...that is my goal. I just refuse to freak out anymore. I am so thankful for this tool and the progress I have made... I know you think it won't work for you...but it will. Take some deep breaths and relax...it WILL WORK! We have failed so many times before, we just can't believe it - it is amazing....I know! God bless you and hold on - it's a heck of a ride!

HOwdy! COngrats to you!! I was sleeved July 2nd, and was a 24 - now I am wearing 16s!!! I went shopping last week for new bras, underwear, a few dresses and shirts and pants.....it is expensive...but I think these 16s will last awhile since we don't lose as fast after this.......... It is an amazing journey!!!!

Howdy! Today is 4 months.... down 81 pounds from highest and 66 from day of surgery! I am feeling great....wearing size 16 bottoms and either a large or XL top. I had to buy all new underwear - size 8 thank you (underwear sizes are in their own world, and an 8 is for sizes 14-16, but I am not gonna lie...loved seeing the size 8 on the package!!) I am still struggling to drink as much Water as I should.....I am trying!! chips go down WAY to easy...gotta watch that - love all things seafood. And then they ask you..."So, how much weight have you lost??" I have been very honest with everyone, told them about my surgery.... If I can help ONE person in their journey - then yay.... But I balk here.... Early on, spoutin' off 20 or 30 pounds was awesome.... I DOn't wangt to tell work associates or acquaintances I have lost the equivalent of a German Sheppard off my ass!! I Celebrate that with my girl friends, but co-workers are a different breed (pun intended). The bitchiness is not appreciated, nor do I want to see raised eyebrows as they look at how much further I still have to go and strain to do the mental math to see I was a 300 pounder at one time.... Gosh NO! ANyway - That's my monthly check in. Going strong....going to try and get some intentional work outs in..... Glad to be a success story..... Still have never been in pain or puked... Just get REALLY full REALLY easy - Pretty awesome huh? Oh - here's a pic of my Halloween outfit....I chose not to wear it out of the house....

I teach 4th grade. I live in a small, rural community. Even with an undershirt and tights on underneath, I couldn't fathom having my 9 year old students seeing me!! Or my 21 year old former students either!! This is my 12th year teaching in this town.....my first group of 5th graders are having their own kiddos now....and I feel OLD!!

You WILL lose....weigh once a week (but I weigh every night and every morning - so I admit to being a hypocrit!!) I stalled for 3 weeks a month out!!! It can be frustrating - just focus on making good choices and it will happen!!!!

Thanks everyone!! For some reason this topic posted twice and it's driving me crazy!! Anyway - I used to be 5'10''....but last height check put me a little over 5'9''...... I am definetly not skinny - but I am wearing the same pant size as I did graduating highschool. Being pregnant 3 times and having 8 to 10 pound babies rearranged some of my figure for sure....but height has always been on my side.