ShannonK

My name is judy. i have done every weight loss program out there. i lost 125lbs in 9 months on this one intense program but gained it all back in a short time. since then i keep trying i have so many workout dvds. so many diets i can teach a class on weight loss. but cant teach myself. i decided to do the gastric sleeve surgery because i am tired of trying and failing. I am a single african american women I have two grown kids and one new grand daughter. I am very excited and terrified at the same time. I am afraid of going under the knife. kaiser seems to have it all toghter though. so i will trust in god that he will be with the doctors when i have my surgery. I really hope I don't need it after the pre op diet. if someone else is just starting i would love to have a friend to share with.

I am 56 years old and in relationship limbo-Married, but we haven't lived together for 8 years. I have stayed married for the health insurance-but that will change this year.
I had 5 children. 2 boys-3 girls ranging in age from 21-39. My youngest son was killed a year ago. I have 4 granddaughters.
I did work for about 20 years as a Tax Specialist, counseling people on their tax situations and preparing their taxes. I loved it-but computers took away most clientele. It was seasonal work and I stopped to go to school full time in 2006.
I graduated from college 2 years ago with a degree in Social Work. I haven't even looked for a job. At my weight I would never even think of applying for one-too much risk. It was hard enough to go to school. Couldn't fit in those stupid desk/chairs. It's a long walk from the parking lot to the classroom. I'm surprised I was able to finish.
After graduating I basically gave up on life. I had no energy, no stamina, no passions for anything. I was just sitting around waiting to die-hoping to die. I couldn't see a future. My health began failing rapidly and I just didn't care.
I had refused to consider WLS for years-but when I read about the sleeve that changed.
Having to lose 250+ lbs is a lot different from having to lose 100 lbs. I am so proud of those of you who took this step before you got to the place I am. My life would have been soooo different had I changed it around when I "only" had 100 lbs to lose.
I have a new lease on life now. A future I'm actually getting excited about. Other than my divorce I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

I am 46, married for 10 years, and mom to an almost 5 year old boy, who is the most adorable thing on the planet (biased much?) but who I really am is an artist, and more specifically a photographer. I have had a studio doing weddings and portraits for 10 years in the SF Bay Area, and am about to re-invent a scaled down version of my business in our new house up in gold mine country. The studio is all set up, just have to get some people in it and in front of my camera!! It's daunting and exciting at the same time. I am developing workshops to teach in SF, and really love working on some fine art photography projects that I have finally given myself permission to do... I was born in New York, grew up and went to college in Florida, and moved to San Francisco when I was 28... I knew one person. Best thing I ever did. California is my HOME!

I am a traveling notary in Florida, currently separated from my DH. I have two grown sons and a stepson that I will continue to claim as mine forever.
I'm 45 and just bought my first ever house alone!! I've been moving for days, so have been offline for a few days.
I've been self employed for 10+ years and I love it!
I see, read, live to garden and do DIY projects, and I am an aspiring writer. Someday...
Lissa

I love this idea.
My name is Karen, I am 36 and single. I work as a business analyst for a life insurance company c(pls don't hate me). I have worked for the same company for a
lmost 10 years. I have one brother and a nephew who is the most beautiful boy and brings so much joy to our live, I am completely biased.
I love travelling, it is my passion, have visited much of europe, 38 Us states, parts of Asia and Africa. I speak Hungarian as I was an exchange student there when I was younger, friendship I still maintains to this day.
I also love listening to live music.

Surely you are someone outside of your surgery and struggles with our weight. You have interests and dislikes and families- jobs and hobbies. And honestly- yes it is exciting to have this stool and to be on the journey- but hasn't there been enough focus all our lives on just our weight?
I know VST is dedicated to our VSG stories, but I sort of think that who we are makes our VSG surgeries that much more meaningful.
So I'll go first...
I'm Danielle. I'm 27 and I have three sisters and one nephew. I am unmarried and have no children. I work full time running the office for a respiratory company. This semester I am also attending college full time via online classes. I'm now also trying to squeeze in going to the gym three times a week.
I suffer from PCOS and had this surgery to help increase my chances of having a family of my own one day.
I am a TOTAL girly girl! I love the color pink, I like Hello Kitty the way others like Betty Boop or Tinkerbell, and I HATE HATE HATE spiders! I'm not much of an outdoorsie person- my idea of roughing it is five girls and one bathroom. That being said I do love to garden and can't wait for spring.
I love anything to do with 16th century european history and am a total fanatical nut when it comes to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. My favorite movie and book of allllllllll time is Gone With the Wind. I love watching old movies with my mom- our favorites are Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, anything with Doris Day and the Tammy movies. We also make a point of watching A League of Their Own together whenever it is on tv. I'm close with my Dad but sometimes I feel like we don't have anything in common.
Prior to surgery I loved home cooked food! (Along with chinese and pizza hut haha) I still enjoy cooking for my family (One sister, my parents and I all live together for economic reasons) and resumed cooking them meals within a few days of coming home from the hospital. I have a dog, she is a chihuahua/yorkie mix. Her name is Gypsy and well... she is sort of a monster!! I <3 her tho!
Now it's your turn!! Tell us who you are!

I agree with your premise that we are more than stories about our struggles with weight. Here's mine.
I am a 55 year old married career woman. I have been married for almost 31 years (next week). My husband and I own a marina and resort with two business partners on a lake about 75 miles east of Dallas Texas. We have owned the business for about 16 years. I do not take an active part in running the business, I have always kept my "day job" as an engineer and manager in corporate America.
Just yesterday, I took an early retirement with my company. I currently looking for another position and will be doing this full time starting next week. But since I am "retired" with health benefits, I now have the flexibility to maybe select short term contract positions rather than another permanent position. It is nice to be interviewing as a thin person, rather than someone who is morbidly obese.
I am a mother of one grown son and grandmom to two delighful little girls. I enjoy reading - both fiction and non-fiction and antiquing - both buying and reading about different types of antiques. I am addicted to home design magazines and food TV on the satellite.

Garnier Fall Fight Shampoo and conditioner. It contains Biotin... Have heard great reviews in regards to helping with Hair loss

Please read my other responses/ rest of this post + then tell me why this wasn't a good thing?

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.

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 will take thin and bald over fat and hairy any day! Lol

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.

Dr told me to monitor calories and try to get 1000 per day..... I'm not even close! All I have been watching is Protein and vitamins... Dr said I am not eating enough to lose weight! Go figure- from too much to not enough in 5 short weeks!

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....

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!

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!!!

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!!!

You look great. Great attitude. You'll get out of the stall!!!!

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!!!

You are rocking size 16's... and those knee-high boots as well!
Great job!!!

Try the parmesan crusted tilapia, without the Pasta (get a side of broccoli instead). Its high Protein, low carb, and decent calories