Heather_8.1.14

YES! I've worn shorts (bermuda since my legs are in bad shape from the weight loss) for the first time in 13 years! And I LOVE maxi skirts! I dont get the chub rub anymore!

"When are you going to stop losing weight?"
I don't know, when are you going to stop asking?
"You're getting too skinny!"
If you're implying I have an eating disorder, I don't.
I'm SO happy with my progress, being healthy and smaller feels amazing, but I'm getting frustrated with the constant questions and comments about how I look now. I understand that I've never been skinny therefore its almost foreign to others how I look now, but sometimes I cant handle it. Why is it easier to make these comments now that I'm thinner but NO ONE ever asked me if I planned to lose a few pounds when I was morbidly obese. I can see now why a lot of thin people can have so many body image issues.
I'm happy slipping on my size 8 jeans. I'll take these over a cheeseburger from McDonalds ANY DAY!

YES! I've worn shorts (bermuda since my legs are in bad shape from the weight loss) for the first time in 13 years! And I LOVE maxi skirts! I dont get the chub rub anymore!

YES! I've worn shorts (bermuda since my legs are in bad shape from the weight loss) for the first time in 13 years! And I LOVE maxi skirts! I dont get the chub rub anymore!

"When are you going to stop losing weight?"
I don't know, when are you going to stop asking?
"You're getting too skinny!"
If you're implying I have an eating disorder, I don't.
I'm SO happy with my progress, being healthy and smaller feels amazing, but I'm getting frustrated with the constant questions and comments about how I look now. I understand that I've never been skinny therefore its almost foreign to others how I look now, but sometimes I cant handle it. Why is it easier to make these comments now that I'm thinner but NO ONE ever asked me if I planned to lose a few pounds when I was morbidly obese. I can see now why a lot of thin people can have so many body image issues.
I'm happy slipping on my size 8 jeans. I'll take these over a cheeseburger from McDonalds ANY DAY!

What flavor are you using? I use the mixed berry and surprisingly I really like them. MUCH easier to take 1 chewable 4 times a day then try to swallow 7-8 pills a day (plus all the other meds I take, I hate pills LOL)

Just had my TT on 04/28! Feeling sore but totally self sufficient. So thankful for my surgeon and his team! Completely happy!

Heck yeah! 8 weeks ago tomorrow ... TT and abdomnoplasty outpatient... In by 7 out by 1... Just had galfriends come in everyday and check on me... Bring soup..
By far, the hardest thing was to get up and down for almost a week. I had a roll to the side, push up with your arm type system... Still hurt, but followed Doc orders and laid low... Walking blocks in 3 wks. Light workouts in 5.. Back to it at 6 weeks. Adore the results and to me, worth the pain....NOW!
I was completely out and I did need pain meds for about 10 days... Really glad I had them.

I was out patient also on TT, &hoping i get approval for Breast reduction in next 3 weeks & that also will be outpatient with same plastic surgeon.

i stayed over night and im grateful for the person that invented Morphine.... hehehehe. all i had was a TT it was 8800 and i put it on an interest free credit card and paid on it. For me it was better than putting on care credit...

All of my plastics procedures have been outpatient. I had an abdominoplasty done at the same time as Lipo on my legs, thighs, and back and a breast lift/ augment. I went into surgery at 7:30 and I was back home by 4:30. This was my first surgery so I had a friend stay with me for a few days and her job was primarily to go get me more to drink and to periodically find the remote when I managed to lose it somewhere in my giant stack of pillows or on the floor. I had two other plastics procedures where I had no one at home with me and I was just fine, so recovery is not bad at all. The first 24-48 hours are actually the best because you still have a lot of numbness and the drugs are good. You basically just sit, watch tv, and zone out, periodically taking naps. I stopped the drugs at 72 hours each time and I was fine without any other form of pain medication. The first week is the worst because you can't move freely, so you're hunched over, you can't reach things, twisting the wrong way hurts, getting up in bed is a challenge, and you're cranky. After that though it's smooth sailing and I'm sure you will love your new stomach! It is probably my favorite of the results I have had.

"When are you going to stop losing weight?"
I don't know, when are you going to stop asking?
"You're getting too skinny!"
If you're implying I have an eating disorder, I don't.
I'm SO happy with my progress, being healthy and smaller feels amazing, but I'm getting frustrated with the constant questions and comments about how I look now. I understand that I've never been skinny therefore its almost foreign to others how I look now, but sometimes I cant handle it. Why is it easier to make these comments now that I'm thinner but NO ONE ever asked me if I planned to lose a few pounds when I was morbidly obese. I can see now why a lot of thin people can have so many body image issues.
I'm happy slipping on my size 8 jeans. I'll take these over a cheeseburger from McDonalds ANY DAY!

At first I was the same way Steve, I'm usually pretty good with my answers but at times I want to say "Well when are YOU going to LOSE a few pounds?" (I dont LOL) Most days Im like the happy little duck but some days it hurts. I'm happy and healthy so thats all that matters

"When are you going to stop losing weight?"
I don't know, when are you going to stop asking?
"You're getting too skinny!"
If you're implying I have an eating disorder, I don't.
I'm SO happy with my progress, being healthy and smaller feels amazing, but I'm getting frustrated with the constant questions and comments about how I look now. I understand that I've never been skinny therefore its almost foreign to others how I look now, but sometimes I cant handle it. Why is it easier to make these comments now that I'm thinner but NO ONE ever asked me if I planned to lose a few pounds when I was morbidly obese. I can see now why a lot of thin people can have so many body image issues.
I'm happy slipping on my size 8 jeans. I'll take these over a cheeseburger from McDonalds ANY DAY!

Not in a million years!!! I had the lapband done in 2010 and in early 2014 it had slipped. I was sick for months after my 4th child was born and I didnt find out until the beginning of July my band actually slipped. I had 3 wks to decide whether I was going to have RNY when they removed my band (sleeve wasnt an option and insurance wouldnt pay for another band).
The recovery was much harder then I anticipated but once I learned to re-read my body and got into the groove it got a lot easier. I can now slip into a sexy size 6 and I am LOVING it! I am so proud of myself and the journey I have taken to ge here.
It might be lame but like they say, no pain, no gain (or, in our case, no loss). Good luck to you and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me!

How did it go?? How are you feeling?

Not in a million years!!! I had the lapband done in 2010 and in early 2014 it had slipped. I was sick for months after my 4th child was born and I didnt find out until the beginning of July my band actually slipped. I had 3 wks to decide whether I was going to have RNY when they removed my band (sleeve wasnt an option and insurance wouldnt pay for another band).
The recovery was much harder then I anticipated but once I learned to re-read my body and got into the groove it got a lot easier. I can now slip into a sexy size 6 and I am LOVING it! I am so proud of myself and the journey I have taken to ge here.
It might be lame but like they say, no pain, no gain (or, in our case, no loss). Good luck to you and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me!

How did it go?? How are you feeling?

And last but not least:

12. You learn to NEVER trust a fart.

(Re-printed from my Surgeon's website)
1. Your co-worker heard a strange noise and doesn’t bat an eye…knowing it was your stomach.
Patients often ask me why their new pouch makes odd gurgling noises. It could be too big of bites or eating too quickly. It could also just be your stomach moving around and making noises for all to hear
2. You have a space heater under your desk in the middle of July.
It may be in part to losing some “insulation” but many postop wls patients are colder than they’ve ever been using more blankets at night and space heaters to keep warm.
3. Your alarm just went off for the third time today to remember your next Vitamin.< /b>
While bariatric Vitamins have become much more simpler in recent years, it still takes reminders to get in your vitamins. Your family might even hear the alarm and hand you your calcium!
4. Protein is always first on your mind at your meals – it might as well be plastered inside your forehead.
Protein…protein..where’s the protein? Protein is what fills you up and keeps you full! You get the most out of your surgery when you focus on lean and solid protein sources.
5. Your waitress keeps asking if the food is okay. And if you’re sure you don’t want a drink.
When you can only eat an ounce or so, the wait staff may think something is wrong with the food. And what do you mean you don’t want anything to drink??
6. Your pants are barely holding on but you’re still holding off to go shopping.
Just make sure you don’t carry a heavy object and walk up a flight of stairs. At least not around anyone
7. Speaking of shopping, you still go to the plus sized section first out of habit.
It’s hard to wrap your mind around your new body. Leave plenty of time and stay patient with yourself as you find out what size your body is. Take a good friend to be your “runner” and someone to talk it out with.
8. You get overjoyed at the release of a new Protein Bar flavor…or a sale on your favorite Protein Bars.< /strong>
Quest® has a new flavor?!?!??! Ahhhhh!!!!!!
9. You rejoice at the small things like crossing your legs or getting a pair of boots that zip up your calves.
Some things you’ll never take for granted again. It may seem like nothing to others, but to you it’s something big.
10. You use lingo like “wls”…”bariatric friendly”…”pouch”…”vsg”…
You gotta know the lingo to be in the club!
11. You smile as you think of how far you’ve come and get excited to think of where you’ll be soon.
Patients wonder why they didn’t have their surgery sooner.

I would do it one hundred times again my only regret is that I did not do it early. The things that I can do now with my family as well as for myself is great. My doctor is so proud of me, I was off all of my meds before leaving the hospital but as of Friday it is official all of my comorbidity are gone which included a Type 2 diabetic, high blood pressure, and high chloysterial. My A1C level is a 4 . I am Loving Life agin and I am a gym buff and go to the gym five times per week and work out for 2 hours . I would have never even walk into a gym before this surgery , I have confidence and I am the now envy by others . I am only 9 months post opt but I know that I will reach my goal. This process and preparation has taught me a lot about myself as well as a lot about what is really important in life. As well as I learned that some of your so called friends are really not your friends . This is a new lifestyle changed that is very important for you. I wish your look on your journey. You got this,

One week from today I'll be having surgery! I have an appointment today for a pre op physical and I think blood work. I'm crossing my fingers my hemoglobin level is within range, as it has been low before. I'm scared it will get canceled if its low.

Good luck....Pre op tomorrow for me.

"When are you going to stop losing weight?"
I don't know, when are you going to stop asking?
"You're getting too skinny!"
If you're implying I have an eating disorder, I don't.
I'm SO happy with my progress, being healthy and smaller feels amazing, but I'm getting frustrated with the constant questions and comments about how I look now. I understand that I've never been skinny therefore its almost foreign to others how I look now, but sometimes I cant handle it. Why is it easier to make these comments now that I'm thinner but NO ONE ever asked me if I planned to lose a few pounds when I was morbidly obese. I can see now why a lot of thin people can have so many body image issues.
I'm happy slipping on my size 8 jeans. I'll take these over a cheeseburger from McDonalds ANY DAY!

Thanks again, and yes I am a Steeler, Pirate and Pens fan. I have lived here all my life. I see your from Pittsburgh area too. I live about 25 min. north of Pittsburgh.
I had actually been 410 lbs about 6 years ago or so and I lost 150 lbs in 8 months on my own. Eating high Protein and low carbs and working out and kept it off for a few years hovering between 260 and 290. If I went over 300 I would have to bust my butt to get it back off. a couple years ago I went up to 319 and then took it off when I got married and went back to 260 in July 2013.... but, I got married and got comfortable and began to eat and drink whatever I wanted and took things for granted and before I knew it. BAM up to 361 lbs. So, it was time to get help controlling this up and down nonsense.
It's awesome that you are so willing to help others.
Thanks again.

Your body just went through a huuuuuge surgery and change. You'll find that some weeks/months you'll lose more then others, but right now, dont focus too much on the numbers but letting your body heal and adjust. The first 8 weeks are crucial to heal, not so much losing weight. I've noticed that also between months 4-6 you may find yourself stalling or slowing down with the loss, thats also very normal.
You'll do great! Baby steps. I always told myself that this process is a marathon, not a sprint

Your body just went through a huuuuuge surgery and change. You'll find that some weeks/months you'll lose more then others, but right now, dont focus too much on the numbers but letting your body heal and adjust. The first 8 weeks are crucial to heal, not so much losing weight. I've noticed that also between months 4-6 you may find yourself stalling or slowing down with the loss, thats also very normal.
You'll do great! Baby steps. I always told myself that this process is a marathon, not a sprint