Hi. My name is Nikki. I had the vertical sleeve on September 24th. I'm having a hard time navigating basic life with the sleeve. I used to use food as a reward to myself. I enjoy new foods, and now I'm having a hell of a time navigating life without it. I can't just ask a friend to lunch because I eat a few bites and I'm stuffed!

I'd love someone to go to for advice and guidance. Let me draw on your experience and knowledge?

Hi. My name is Nikki. I had the vertical sleeve on September 24th. I'm having a hard time navigating basic life with the sleeve. I used to use food as a reward to myself. I enjoy new foods, and now I'm having a hell of a time navigating life without it. I can't just ask a friend to lunch because I eat a few bites and I'm stuffed!

I'd love someone to go to for advice and guidance. Let me draw on your experience and knowledge?

Hi Nikki! I was sleeved in February and am down 77 lbs! Hope I can help or offer suggestions.

I think the mental changes that come with this physical surgery are the most challenging part of all this. Totally get where you are coming from. For me, it was a big buzz kill to no longer be able to socialize with food. Plus, it's expensive to go out and eat when you cannot eat much. Then there are the occasions when you want to eat, but cannot. Over time, your feelings will change and your choices will change. In some ways, your friends will change.

Have you had the experience yet of watching how much the unsleeved can eat? Have you had the feelings of embarrassment and disgust?

Really believe your success with the sleeve is mental. The pre-op diet is mental, staying on the post op diet is mental and making the changes stick are mental.

Hit me up with questions anytime!

Hi Nikki! I was sleeved in February and am down 77 lbs! Hope I can help or offer suggestions.

I think the mental changes that come with this physical surgery are the most challenging part of all this. Totally get where you are coming from. For me, it was a big buzz kill to no longer be able to socialize with food. Plus, it's expensive to go out and eat when you cannot eat much. Then there are the occasions when you want to eat, but cannot. Over time, your feelings will change and your choices will change. In some ways, your friends will change.

Have you had the experience yet of watching how much the unsleeved can eat? Have you had the feelings of embarrassment and disgust?

Really believe your success with the sleeve is mental. The pre-op diet is mental, staying on the post op diet is mental and making the changes stick are mental.

Hit me up with questions anytime!

Hey HoosierGirl,

Thanks for the reply. It is good to know it is not just me! As questions arise, I'll let you know. Thank you for your help and support. I'll contact you with future questions.

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I can't just ask a friend to lunch because I eat a few bites and I'm stuffed!

....

Hi Nikki,

You really can ask a friend to lunch. Just order an appetizer and if you don't eat it all take the rest home with you. When you ask a friend to lunch you should not be going because of the food -- after all you could eat the food by yourself. Instead, you should be going because of the companionship of your friend, and you get that companionship regardless of how much or how little you eat. Just don't make the lunch be focused on how little you are able to eat, or any other focus on yourself.

I encourage you to try this approach of having lunch with friends and focusing on the companionship. It may take a little work at first, but once you accomplish it, I think it will be a big step in your healing process.

Looking for a mentor/buddy. Nov surg date set for me. Thank you kindly.

Looking for a mentor/buddy. Nov surg date set for me. Thank you kindly.

Malaki - good luck with your surgery! If you need anything, let me know. Coming up on my 9 month sleeve anniversary! It's been a great ride. Hope you have all the success this surgery has to offer! Let us know how your surgery goes.

Size 12 jeans large shirt... Use to be a 18/20 jeans and 2xl shirt

I am here if you need to talk. Heighest weight was 285lbs. Surgery weight was. 245lbs and current weight is 202lbs. I was sleeved on Aug 2nd 2013. It is a strugle but def worth it.