Becca

Awesome!!!

Hi Everyone, I am so excited to say that I am now a normal weight 14 months after my sleeve! I have been losing slowly the past few months, but I didn't give up. There have been times when I have made bad food choices and skipped working out. I had to learn from those mistakes and start strong again. It is so rewarding to be here after a painful failed Lapland. I am just so thankful each and every day for my sleeve. If you are struggling, don't give up. You can get to you goals!

I agree it is crazy how all the eating plans are so different. I remember having to strain everything for the first three weeks. I would just take it slow. It will get better!

I never got my weight down enough with the band to really tell about saggy skin. I have it now though! I really think it has to do with genetics, age, and whether or not you have had kids. I work out and I still have lots of skin. I do believe working out helps greatly. You are going to love the sleeve!

I would say that the band only surgery pain was worse. I had my band removed and sleeve done in one surgery. When I woke up, I had no pain meds in my system so it did hurt, like a burning sensation. Within ten minutes or so, my pain was pretty much gone with medication. The silly drain is what drove me crazy!!! WIth the band only surgery, I remember every hour or so, I would have horrible sharp pains in my stomach. I don't recall that at all with the revision. I was off all pain meds after a few days. Good luck! No matter what the pain was, I would do it all over again! LOVE the sleeve!

Red Lobster is a WLS friendly restaurant. They will let you just order a side of steamed crab legs if you tell the waiter you had WLS surgery. Yum!

I vote for Hernia. Around 40 % of WLS patients have to have their gallbladders removed after surgery due to the rapid weight loss. That would be awkward if you did end up sick from your gallbladder and had to have it removed if you already said you had it done.

Yay! I will find you on Youtube. : )

I think the reason this site is so great is because the sleeve works. Most of us are successful in the end (even if there are a few glitches along the way). I got attacked on Lapband talk when I asked for advice when my band broke. I love it here too! I truly don't think I would have had the courage to have my sleeve if it weren't for the wonderful people here supporting me and telling about their journeys.

I wish you the best with getting back on track. Food addiction is real and this journey is hard work. Just know we are here to support you.

I love the Melting Pot too. I had no idea you could split an entree! When we asked, they said no. Hmmm....I am calling ahead next time to check with management. We went for our anniversary and it was way too much food since we both got full meals. So good though!

I am happy that you were able to have the surgery so young. Use this opportunity to take back control. Avoid snacking. That is the main way we sabotage our sleeves. I know college life can be stressful. Enjoy the weight you have lost! 72 pounds is great. You can finish this!

Hugs! I have been there and those who didn't support me now do. Just be patient. When they see how well the sleeve works, they will come around. I had to learn not to take all the negativity too personally. We are here for you to vent to anytime!

I know how you feel! I have a friend that is a personal trainer and she has treated me like that. She has never had a weight problem and it just frustrates me. This is not an easy journey. It is very easy to gain the weight back if you don't eat correctly. Sometimes, you just have to let go of those who are not positive about your journey. This is about a new beginning. It still hurts though. Especially since you were friends. Your true friends are the ones who are happy for your success. Congrats on doing so well! I just noticed you don't live far. I am from Houston.

Maybe we can replan for a different Saturday? Sorry, I have been super busy at work and with my kids. I haven't logged on much this week. I will start checking in more often. I think bowling would be great.

I vote for waiting for your insurance. I had my lapband in Mexico due to an insurance exclusion. The trip and surgery went fine. I actually had a great experience. Then after two years, I started having serious issues with my band. NO DOCTORS where I live would see me or wanted anything to do with me since I had surgery in Mexico. I had the phone hung up on me numerous times the second I said I had WLS in Mexico. Luckily, my insurance started covering WLS and I found my wonderful doctor who took me on as a patient and did my revision to the sleeve. There are many wonderful doctors in Mexico and I am not at all saying it is bad to have surgery in Mexico. You just need to have money set aside if something goes wrong so you can return to your surgeon. That is something I just didn't plan for. Good luck!!!

I just finished..I am not so sure about the push up part. I may have to work up to that. I would say crunches definitely count. We should keep this going and think of a new challenge each month. I like the motivation!

I can't wait to go back and ride all the rides now that I am a normal weight. I remember when I rode the Harry Potter ride, they had to push the restraint down several times to get it to snap. It will be so nice to not have that issue anymore!

My YMCA is having a challenge for everyone to commit to doing 3,000 push ups and sit ups in February. I thought it was a great idea so I am sharing it here. You could even take before and after pics and see if there is a difference in your body. I am going to commit to try and do this. I sure do need the toning! LOL

I know it is so hard right now. You will start to feel better when you can eat solid food. Some things I tried, drinking warm drinks and 5 Hour Energy. Talk to your doctor if this continues. I know this is hard right now, but it will get better. HUGS!!!

Happy Dance Time!!! :purplebananna: Congrats!!!

One thing I tried was sipping a 5 Hour Energy. I got the idea from a post on here. When you can't eat and drink, you feel terrible. The drink gave me energy and helped me feel so much better. Just something you might want to try. Hot tea was also a life saver for me. The first couple of weeks are hard, but I promise you will get better each and every day. Hugs!

I am so glad you posted your story. The truth is that this journey is so difficult. This surgery does not fix our minds. Congrats on your success. I know you can keep it up and make it to your goal.

My doctor said the same thing about my stomach when he removed my 3 1/2 year band. I can only imagine what damage the band does at 10 years out. I am thankful everyday to have that thing out of me. I am so glad you are doing well. The recovery can be difficult, but just know it gets better every single day. Cheers to starting a new life with the sleeve!

You are looking great! Way to go!!!