As I sit here and try to say what the last six months has been for me it is really hard to formulate into words. A few years ago I remember watching shows where people had WLS and feeling like they took the easy way out. Mind you I would watch these shows at 200 then 250 then 300 lbs. Telling myself all along that when I was ready I would be able to buckle down and lose weight. I have since learned that weight loss surgery is not the easy way out. Many talk about this being effortless for them and that has not been my experience. I am doing it, my mind and heart and body are changing every day, but this has not been easy. It is hard to go from a life where you are able to find peace or pacify your feelings with a soda, a treat, or with the feeling of being so full that you are distracted from all other feelings. After surgery I was confronted with all new feelings. I was forced to feel discomfort, and I have realized that without discomfort we don't grow. I feel like I was a generally happy person preop. I had a healthy outlook on life. I thought I was attractive, always had friends, had a man in my life who I loved and who loved me. Now I feel like a fog has been lifted. Every aspect of my life is better and it was already good.

Six months ago when I headed to Mexico to get surgery I felt like I was going in my own rebellion. Those around me loved me and wanted to support me, but many didn't understand, had seen me struggle to lose weight in other areas, or were afraid that I didn't understand what this would mean in my life. I listened to all those opinions and then trusted myself. I knew what I needed and that it was time. I went alone to get my surgery and my days there are a strange fog. I remember staying in the hotel the night before surgery with a strange excitement knowing that my life would never and could never be the same. Those who were worried and struggled to support me have been my biggest cheerleaders. I have since had 2 other friends get surgery and we are all on this weird journey together.

I don't want to sugar coat this whole experience, I have dreams about drinking soda (something that in my waking life I have chosen not to do) I have had mini tantrums in my head when I can't eat the volume that I was accustomed to. I still have to be very mindful of why I am eating. I have discovered that if I am not careful I can still be eating out of boredom, or other emotions. I used to tell myself that was okay as long as I was eating healthy foods, but I have experienced what it is to trust myself and be in control of my actions and know that it isn't about what I am eating, but why.

I have learned to enjoy food more. I eat such small quantities that I refuse to eat things I won't enjoy. I still have treats, but I am aware of myself when I do and I savor them.

To those of you considering having this surgery, it is not easy, and I know that in my case I will always have some of the same struggles mentally about keeping a healthy relationship with food. But, I will also say this, my knowledge of myself has increased. I feel like as my booty shrinks I grow.

I have enjoyed loads of NSV's. I have collar bones, my cholestorol is down 70 points, my feet don't hurt, I am energetic, I have no need to take antidepressants because my hormones are in check, the jeans I buy don't have to come just from Lane Bryant or online. I can walk into Old Navy and grab jeans off the shelf. I am happier and more at peace than I have been in years.

The first pic is preop/The second is from my recent trip back to Mexico with my friend who also had surgery. I had just gotten out of the pool and was jumping on a hotel bed so please excuse the crazy, but please note the happy!

Anna

Hello! I am new to all of this- I was set to be "banded" on the 29 of Sept. but talked to a few people on lapbandtalk.com and found so many that had switched over to the sleeve. My insurance won't cover this so for me, finding the correct procedure the first time is so important. I have been one this site off and on for several days now and I am amazed and excited at everyone's results. I know that it is going to be a rough journey but you guys are helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Anna- You look simply amazing! You have been so supportive of others here and your kind heart shows. Congrats on all of your success and it keep up the good work!

My insurance would not cover the sleeve either. I had to borrow the money from my 401K. HR told me that it looks like they may start covering the sleeve up the road, but I did not want to wait. I knew a couple of people that had the band and were not happy with the complications. I am very, very happy with my decision. At 6 weeks out I feel back to normal in every way, except that I can only eat small portions. Not to say that my work is over, it has only just begun, with the exercise, making the right food choices, but I don't miss eating the way I did in the past at all!

Amazing... thank you so much for sharing your feelings about your experience.I am right there with you.

Once again, let me congratulate you Anna, for being within spitting distance of 100# lighter! I can only imagine what that is like, and your heartfelt letter to us here is an inspiration. I remember when I first contacted you before I had my sleeve. I really appreciated the help you gave me then and your continued support here on this board.

Thanks and congrats!

GG

Lovely words Anna, I can identify with a lot of what you are saying! Congratulations on you enormous success!

Anna, congratulations lady!! You have always been such a supporter of me and many others, and this post does that even more. May your journey continue to be as successful!!

I'm so very happy for you!!!!!!!!!

:glare: :cheers2:

Oh those are A&W Root Beers by the way. Always been my faves... lol Wonder if I'll start dreaming of those myself. :wink0:

so inspiring... wow.. congrats! I love the pic.. happy for sure, crazy no!!!

stories like this helped me make my decision and allow me to dream of what is ahead!

Great story!

Way to go anna

Congratulations! You look great, and thank you for sharing your story/struggles. I bet having -100 gone feels amazing!

I am so happy for you. I hope to be where you are in 6 months. i am having my sleeve in October. Congrats!

Congrats on having 100 lbs less of you!!!! And in 6 months...that's amazing!!! It's an inspiration to others. I'd love to hit the -100 at months myself!!! Good luck and keep up the great work!

Your pics and story are totally inspiring. GO ANNA... GO GO GO ANNA.:thumbup1: One hundred pounds gone forever... doesn't that feel awesome? Much more success as your journey continues sleeve sista : )

{{Hugs}}

Deb

As I sit here and try to say what the last six months has been for me it is really hard to formulate into words. A few years ago I remember watching shows where people had WLS and feeling like they took the easy way out. Mind you I would watch these shows at 200 then 250 then 300 lbs. Telling myself all along that when I was ready I would be able to buckle down and lose weight. I have since learned that weight loss surgery is not the easy way out. Many talk about this being effortless for them and that has not been my experience. I am doing it, my mind and heart and body are changing every day, but this has not been easy. It is hard to go from a life where you are able to find peace or pacify your feelings with a soda, a treat, or with the feeling of being so full that you are distracted from all other feelings. After surgery I was confronted with all new feelings. I was forced to feel discomfort, and I have realized that without discomfort we don't grow. I feel like I was a generally happy person preop. I had a healthy outlook on life. I thought I was attractive, always had friends, had a man in my life who I loved and who loved me. Now I feel like a fog has been lifted. Every aspect of my life is better and it was already good.

Six months ago when I headed to Mexico to get surgery I felt like I was going in my own rebellion. Those around me loved me and wanted to support me, but many didn't understand, had seen me struggle to lose weight in other areas, or were afraid that I didn't understand what this would mean in my life. I listened to all those opinions and then trusted myself. I knew what I needed and that it was time. I went alone to get my surgery and my days there are a strange fog. I remember staying in the hotel the night before surgery with a strange excitement knowing that my life would never and could never be the same. Those who were worried and struggled to support me have been my biggest cheerleaders. I have since had 2 other friends get surgery and we are all on this weird journey together.

I don't want to sugar coat this whole experience, I have dreams about drinking soda (something that in my waking life I have chosen not to do) I have had mini tantrums in my head when I can't eat the volume that I was accustomed to. I still have to be very mindful of why I am eating. I have discovered that if I am not careful I can still be eating out of boredom, or other emotions. I used to tell myself that was okay as long as I was eating healthy foods, but I have experienced what it is to trust myself and be in control of my actions and know that it isn't about what I am eating, but why.

I have learned to enjoy food more. I eat such small quantities that I refuse to eat things I won't enjoy. I still have treats, but I am aware of myself when I do and I savor them.

To those of you considering having this surgery, it is not easy, and I know that in my case I will always have some of the same struggles mentally about keeping a healthy relationship with food. But, I will also say this, my knowledge of myself has increased. I feel like as my booty shrinks I grow.

I have enjoyed loads of NSV's. I have collar bones, my cholestorol is down 70 points, my feet don't hurt, I am energetic, I have no need to take antidepressants because my hormones are in check, the jeans I buy don't have to come just from Lane Bryant or online. I can walk into Old Navy and grab jeans off the shelf. I am happier and more at peace than I have been in years.

The first pic is preop/The second is from my recent trip back to Mexico with my friend who also had surgery. I had just gotten out of the pool and was jumping on a hotel bed so please excuse the crazy, but please note the happy!

Anna

Beautiful post! Beautiful you :thumbup1:

I loved reading this...especially the part "I feel as my booty shrinks I grow."---that is SO TRUE!!! I feel the same way~~~ It's been hard learning how to cope with life without the volume of food like you mentioned...it's so nice to see that I'm not the only one who has felt that way. You've inspired me and congrats on your success so far~ Through my "testimony" to people while shopping I've put a seed of hope in others minds who are considering the sleeve...it's life altering and a beautiful process~ an amazing journey~ :thumbup1: