One year ago today, I took the plunge and revised from the band to the sleeve.

Everyone knows my story, and most of y'all have followed me for the last year. There really aren't enough words that can even remotely explain just how fabulous life is post-op, and just how amazing all the little victories make me feel day in and day out. As I've gotten further out, I noticed I started taking for granted the little things. Ya know, walking around the mall for hours without hurting or huffing and puffing, doing 4 hours of yardwork without a break and not having a coronary, sitting in the floor and not having to waddle my way up grasping for anything to support myself. All of these things are day in and day out activities that I found difficult, or completely avoided before surgery.

I've lost a total of 148 pounds since my journey began with the band, and with the sleeve alone I've dropped 141 pounds in less than a year.

Maintenance is now easier, and I'm assuming my body is content with 121-125 pounds. I'll not complain, and realize that this is where it needs to be.

This year, my focus is going to turn to toning up, getting in better shape, and making a baby with my fabulous husband.

I celebrated today by shopping (you didn't expect anything less did you?). I stopped by Ross with a girlfriend, and after she had to leave, I just kind of browsed. I ran across a pair of Calvin Klein crop pants, size 4. I thought to myself should I be brazen enough to even think I could squeeze into these. Should I even bother? I took them and a few other items into the fitting room. The shirts fit perfectly, and with slight trepidation I slid my pants off, and sucked in my everything with all my might in hopes of squeezing into them.

Well, low and behold, they fit, and I had room in the waist. Not having to suck anything in, not having to hold my breath, not feeling like I was being squeezed into a sausage casing.

The best part of the entire situation is that they are STARK WHITE! ! !

I can't count how many times I've wanted to wear white pants especially in the Spring/Summer, but didn't because light colors make us look bigger, and they aren't very forgiving.

I absolutely love this outfit, the little brown shirt/jacket thing is new as well size small ! ! ! I can't wait to see what the next year brings me.

If you are contemplating the sleeve, stop thinking about it, just do it. If you think for one minute that you won't succeed, please get rid of the negativity. All of the bad thoughts, and self-doubt are not going to give you the results you want in the end. Remember, the sleeve will give you exactly what you put into it. Work your sleeve, but do not beat yourself up if you decide to have an Oreo cookie. 1-2 Oreo Cookies didn't make us fat, the entire package of Oreos with a half gallon of milk made us fat.

And, the obligatory, side by side, before/after 1 year out pic ! ! !

Cheers to every single one of you regardless of where you are in the journey. Hang on tight, it's a wild ride, enjoy every minute, cherish the victories, move past the struggles, and come out on the other side BIG WINNERS ! ! !

Thank you so much! You have really put me at ease. Every day I find out something that I didn't know.. I didn't know about the hair loss, drainage tube:scared0:; stapling of the stomach (thought they sutured it).. You know when you think you know it all -- well, this has just gone by so quickly for me that I didn't have a chance to assimilate it all....

I am going to try and take my laptop to the hospital so I can let everyone know how it went. I have heard all types of things to expect when I am out -- so I don't know if I will be in the mood..

I guess I am comparing this to when I had my gall bladder removed two years ago.. I was out the same day and no pain, no gas..But, am sure this is different... right?:willy_nilly:

lillita, don't let my leak worry you. I was a revision, had tons and tons of scar tissue from the band slowly destroying my stomach tissue. I knew going in my risks were way higher. If you have faith in your surgeon, and he has positive stats for complications, please know you are doing something fabulous not only for yourself, but your family. My son(12 yrs old) has admitted that he loves that I'm not fat anymore. He loves that we go, go, go, go and I'm not sleeping all the time, hurting, and not being able to do certain things because I was too fat. Kids love us, but our obesity and inability to participate in certain activities affects them tremendously.

Thank you for the sweet compliments. Leaks are very rare. My surgeon is extremely skilled, and truly an amazing surgeon not only in the bariatric world, but as a combat surgeon as well. I mean, he puts troops back together overseas. I do not blame him for my leak. I knew that I was more likely to have complications. I wasn't shocked when I had a leak, honestly when I passed the first 2 leak tests, I was amazed. It was that stinkin' final leak test that got me LOL.

Go in positive, if you believe in a higher power, pray, talk to him/her, and ask for grace, peace, and for them to guide your surgeon.

You'll love the life that the sleeve affords you.

I had my gb out in February. I had some discomfort, but I was also scoped, and had additional scar tissues/adhesions taken down from various parts of my abdomen.

I was up and walking within a couple of hours of waking up from VSG revision. I wake up super slow, and need a lot of time. The quicker you're up and walking the better you'll feel.

You'll do great ! ! !

AWESOME YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION :0). Does that fat in your back actually disappear you have not had any surgery yet right? Let me know I am anxious this apron is killing me and considering a tummy tuck as soon as I hit goal. . .

AWESOME YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION :0). Does that fat in your back actually disappear you have not had any surgery yet right? Let me know I am anxious this apron is killing me and considering a tummy tuck as soon as I hit goal. . .

Thank you bunches.

I've had zero surgery. I do not wear shapers, pantyhose, anything to "suck my belly" in.

I hate wearing panties. I sure as hell ain't wearing that stuff. I tried, it sucks, and I threw it away. $30 bucks down the toilet.

My surgeon advised me to NOT do any plastics for at least another year. My tummy tuck will be covered by my insurance. He said that my skin looks amazing considering how fast I lost it, and with the 140+ pound loss in less than a year. He told me that he'd seen worse out of people that lost less, and slower.

Considering I have smoked for 15 years, that I'm in my early 30's and have been fat for over 15 years, he thinks my skin looks phenomenal. I have zero back fat. I have some flabby skin and a little fat on my stomach still, my arms are flabby, and my inner/upper thighs are wrinkly. I promise it's not horrible, and I'm not bothered by it all that much.

My advice, moisturize, exfoliate with a good sugar/salt/oil scrub, I've posted a homemade recipe that I use somewhere around here, or you can google them. It's cheaper to make them at home, and you can pick how "grainy/oily" you want it to be. Grapeseed oil is my favorite oil to use. If you can't find it, extra virgin light olive oil works the same, it just doesn't smell as good. I don't use any fancy lotions. Just some bath and body works body cream and lotion my husband buys for me. I like the Vaseline Deep Creamy moisture, and use that a couple times a week. I lotion up, and wrap a towel around myself and do not put on clothes until it's absorbed.

Tiffy,

I just have to say -- you look amazing! Also, you're such an inspiration to so many people on this board (and OH!) Thank you for being there and offering such sound advice.

By the way, I couldn't help but laugh at your 12 year old's comments -- my 9 year old keeps telling me that he preferred me fat because I was much cushier! Yesterday we were playing frisbee and he "ran into" my hip bone and complained that the band and now the VSG are giving him blacks and blues all over his body! :lol0:

Danielle

First of all you look AMAZING congrats! Second of all I LOVE ROSS lol

Wow! You look fantastic! You lost half yourself. I am new to the boards and am seriously considering the sleeve (hate the band). Did you have any negative experiences? How was your appetite? Any problems with any foods? Did you drink with your meals? Lose any hair? Did your stomach pouch stretch at all? It sounds like you have no regrets. I hope it will work for me.

Tiff,

Congrats of your anniversary. You are an inspiration to us all! I can't begin to tell you how encouraging you are to many of us on this forum. I also appreciate the amount of research you do for people who are either considering being sleeved or those who are struggling with post-op difficulties. Continued success and blessing to you and your family. Have a great holiday weekend!

Greg:thumbup1::blushing::thumbup:

Wow! You look fantastic! You lost half yourself. I am new to the boards and am seriously considering the sleeve (hate the band). Did you have any negative experiences? How was your appetite? Any problems with any foods? Did you drink with your meals? Lose any hair? Did your stomach pouch stretch at all? It sounds like you have no regrets. I hope it will work for me.

Hi there, and thank you.

I had complications due to my band destroying my stomach tissue. I had a leak, it was repaired, longer recovery, would do it all again, complications and all. ZERO REGRETS.

I technically do not have any food issues. Scrambled eggs and pork chops sit like a brick in my sleeve. I don't particularly like scrambled eggs and we quit eating pork with the exception of ham on accasion so I'm not missing pork chops either.

I did not, and do not drink with my meals regularly. I broke that habit with the band, and never really picked it back up. I don't miss it. The only time I really drink with my meal is if it's wine, and I'm not wasting alcohol. If I'm eating super spicy mexican or thai foods, I might take a few sips with my meal and it's just enough to wet my whistle. It's not drinking, it's taking a few tiny sips to quell the heat. I did accidentally take a drink early out too soon after eating, and it was immediate pain and discomfort.

We don't have pouches. We have normal, fully functioning stomachs. Our stomachs do not stretch after surgery. Our stomachs are extremely swollen post-op, and need time to heal and become acclimated to food going in there again. Once you are off the post-op diet, and introducing new foods, with each passing week and month, you will be able to consume a bit more.

I'm 13 months out today, and I can consume the same amount of food that I could 6-7 months ago. My surgeon believes my stomach is at maximum capacity. I can eat 3-5oz of dense Protein, and 6-8oz of mushy foods. If I eat 3oz of meat, I can fit a few bites of greens, or some veggies. If I eat 5oz, I'm topped out, and can not eat anymore. Chili, yogurt, thick Soups etc etc I can eat about 6-8 oz depending on the consistency. Also, if I take longer than 30 minutes to eat my meals, I can consume more.

I lost half of my hair. Yes, half. I had extremely thick, full, volume filled hair pre-op. I started losing around 3.5 months, and it last a solid 3 months. I had new growth coming in before the shedding stopped. There is nothing to stop it, but you can do things to help the regrowth such as taking Biotin or using Folicure extra care shampoo (found online or at beauty supply stores). No amount of protein, Vitamins, will stop the loss. It's a mixture of surgery, trauma, dramatic dietary changes, it's temporary and hair grows back.

I still experience zero physical hunger. But, I have cravings just like any other normal human being. Skinny b!tches have cravings for Thai food also LOL. I don't obsess over food. I eat on average 6 times a day. I eat about 1500-1800 calories per day, and eat anything and everything I want. I do not forbid any foods off my menu. I eat ice cream, cake, and Cookies, but everything is in moderation. Instead of eating an entire package of cookies, I eat 2-3. I eat 1/2 cup of ice cream etc etc. I eat white carbs, and refuse to deprive myself of any specific foods. It's what works for me. Not everyone can do it like this, and that's okay. It is the path I've chosen, and you'll find yours.

I truly love the sleeve. It's given me a fabulous life, and I live it to the fullest. I enjoy a very balanced, healthy and nutrient filled diet every day.

Thank you to everyone for your sweet comments, and I look forward to another year with my sleeve, and sharing it with y'all ! ! !

this is just inspiring. you look just amazing:) May Allah bless you and give you the very very best.

AMAZING.... what an awsome chic.

Hi there, and thank you.

I had complications due to my band destroying my stomach tissue. I had a leak, it was repaired, longer recovery, would do it all again, complications and all. ZERO REGRETS.

I technically do not have any food issues. Scrambled eggs and pork chops sit like a brick in my sleeve. I don't particularly like scrambled eggs and we quit eating pork with the exception of ham on accasion so I'm not missing pork chops either.

I did not, and do not drink with my meals regularly. I broke that habit with the band, and never really picked it back up. I don't miss it. The only time I really drink with my meal is if it's wine, and I'm not wasting alcohol. If I'm eating super spicy mexican or thai foods, I might take a few sips with my meal and it's just enough to wet my whistle. It's not drinking, it's taking a few tiny sips to quell the heat. I did accidentally take a drink early out too soon after eating, and it was immediate pain and discomfort.

We don't have pouches. We have normal, fully functioning stomachs. Our stomachs do not stretch after surgery. Our stomachs are extremely swollen post-op, and need time to heal and become acclimated to food going in there again. Once you are off the post-op diet, and introducing new foods, with each passing week and month, you will be able to consume a bit more.

I'm 13 months out today, and I can consume the same amount of food that I could 6-7 months ago. My surgeon believes my stomach is at maximum capacity. I can eat 3-5oz of dense Protein, and 6-8oz of mushy foods. If I eat 3oz of meat, I can fit a few bites of greens, or some veggies. If I eat 5oz, I'm topped out, and can not eat anymore. Chili, yogurt, thick Soups etc etc I can eat about 6-8 oz depending on the consistency. Also, if I take longer than 30 minutes to eat my meals, I can consume more.

I lost half of my hair. Yes, half. I had extremely thick, full, volume filled hair pre-op. I started losing around 3.5 months, and it last a solid 3 months. I had new growth coming in before the shedding stopped. There is nothing to stop it, but you can do things to help the regrowth such as taking Biotin or using Folicure extra care shampoo (found online or at beauty supply stores). No amount of protein, Vitamins, will stop the loss. It's a mixture of surgery, trauma, dramatic dietary changes, it's temporary and hair grows back.

I still experience zero physical hunger. But, I have cravings just like any other normal human being. Skinny b!tches have cravings for Thai food also LOL. I don't obsess over food. I eat on average 6 times a day. I eat about 1500-1800 calories per day, and eat anything and everything I want. I do not forbid any foods off my menu. I eat ice cream, cake, and Cookies, but everything is in moderation. Instead of eating an entire package of cookies, I eat 2-3. I eat 1/2 cup of ice cream etc etc. I eat white carbs, and refuse to deprive myself of any specific foods. It's what works for me. Not everyone can do it like this, and that's okay. It is the path I've chosen, and you'll find yours.

I truly love the sleeve. It's given me a fabulous life, and I live it to the fullest. I enjoy a very balanced, healthy and nutrient filled diet every day.

Thank you to everyone for your sweet comments, and I look forward to another year with my sleeve, and sharing it with y'all ! ! !

I am glad it has worked for you. I definitely would have a problem with the hairloss thing. That alone might be enough for me to say NO THANKS. What is the cause of the hair loss? Is it the procedure? I did not lose hair with the lapband. I had 3 C-secs and did not lose hair. Also, you don't get the weird feeling of food backed up in your gullet? I will be discussing this with my doctor next time I see him. I don't know if I am a candidate or if my insurance will cover it as a recent endoscopy has shown no defects or problems with the band.

I am glad it has worked for you. I definitely would have a problem with the hairloss thing. That alone might be enough for me to say NO THANKS. What is the cause of the hair loss? Is it the procedure? I did not lose hair with the lapband. I had 3 C-secs and did not lose hair. Also, you don't get the weird feeling of food backed up in your gullet? I will be discussing this with my doctor next time I see him. I don't know if I am a candidate or if my insurance will cover it as a recent endoscopy has shown no defects or problems with the band.

If you have general anesthesia, you can experience hair loss. With most c-sections, we don't go under anesthesia.

I lost hair with the sleeve. Really, it's a small price to pay for the wonderful success I've had. Also, hair grows back, fat has a less likely chance to come back with the sleeve.

If you gave me the option, lose hair or stay fat. I'd pick losing hair.

Here's an article that explains the hair loss. It's a combination of things. Anesthesia, rapid weight loss, change in diets, and drastic hormone changes with rapid weight loss.

Telogen Effluvium: eMedicine Dermatology

And, no I do not get the backed up feeling. I eat, get satisfied, and stop eating. If you overeat, you can still throw up, or get the slimies, but it happens with any of the surgeries. You really have to learn to eat with the sleeve. The difference between the puking or sliming with the sleeve is that it doesn't last forever, and your stomach doesn't revolt against you like it does with the band. I don't ever throw up with the sleeve and only did it a couple of times early out when I was moving to more solid foods.

Hair is hair. It grows back. Fat is fat, and it'll kill you. For me, it was a far better option to lose some hair than stay fat.

Thank You so, so much for your story!!! It is very inspiring!!! You look amazzzziinnggg!!!! Congratulations! You must be so proud!!!!

I have been praying about rather to have By pass or the sleeve. I have been researching like crazy and have finally decided to go with the sleeve!

I am going to tell my family this weekend, and I'm really freaking out!!! I am soo afraid that they will all flip out and will try to keep me from doing it!!! I really value their opinion and I want to have their support more than anything!

My husband has never liked the idea, but after going with me to the Dr. and asking a lot of questions he has come around. He is being very supportive. I would never be able to do it without him!!!

Thank you for all of your wonderful post and inspiring words! I pray that my journey will be as great as yours has been!

Kim