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Finally in the 200's! I'm halfway there! Pics too :)

deedeemuffin

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deedeemuffin    346

deedeemuffin
Posted

What a LONG, strange trip this is that I'm on. I was sleeved on 11/27/12 at 418 pounds. I am now at 298. That's 120 pounds down & about 120 more to go. Being under 300 pounds is monumental for me, though. I honestly wasn't sure that it was ever going to happen.

I am obviously not one of those uber success stories that took off all their weight in one year & I am learning to be okay with that,

My experience was that for the for 6 months after my vsg it was like the weight melted off. 100 lbs. in 6 months. I thought that I would be to my goal weight in no time. Then it was like I hit a wall. Now if you look at my other posts you will see that I struggled. Struggled with getting in Protein. Struggled with avoiding carbs. Struggled with exercise. Struggled with what a drastically different lifestyle being sleeved is. I even gained back about 10 pounds. I did not do "everything right".

It took me about a year to really revamp my lifestyle and find out what works for me to lose weight but feel balanced. I have now losing consistently at about 2 lbs a week for the past 12 weeks. It appears that I have found my groove. I have no doubt that I will get to my goal weight. It might not be as quickly as other people have, but I will still get there.

It might be literally 3 years after my surgery before I get to goal, but so what? Even if I was not still losing weight, the weight that I have lost already has changed my life. My health has improved dramatically. I actually went hiking last weekend! I'm going camping in a month. That's something that I've missed doing for years.

Getting sleeved is not a magic bullet. Losing weight is still hard. I still struggle with my self-esteem. I truly miss eating the way I used to, and sometimes I literally feel sad that I can't eat more. I still don't like exercising. I have come to see it as a necessary evil. I might never like exercising, This is just the truth.

I'm getting married at the end of September. After we got engaged in January, I spent months beating myself up that I am still so heavy. I thought if only I had tried harder then I could have been a thin, beautiful bride. That may be true. It may not be. What is true is that I am certainly more ready to walk down an aisle in front of 100 people now than I was at 418 pounds.

I have not given up. I am still moving and look forward to someday posting that I'm at my goal. I hope that this post is helpful to someone. You might be considering surgery. Maybe you're newly sleeved. Maybe you're where I was 6 months ago...gained back 10 lbs & not moving. You can do it! I can do it! Just don't give up.

Here are a couple before & after shots at this stage.

post-168230-0-03451100-1405006055_thumb.jpg post-168230-0-92465400-1405006071_thumb.jpg post-168230-0-57950500-1405005917_thumb.jpg post-168230-0-46388800-1405005929_thumb.jpg

Mrs.RRn, Pookeyism, jessiquoi and 9 others reacted to this

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sweetie716    270

sweetie716
Posted

Congratulations! That is amazing. I'm so glad you shared this- especially about not doing everything perfect, and then doing the work to turn it around. For me, it's scary to go into this having never been long-term successful and to hear this story where you hit a bump and were able to correct course and then continue is very inspiring.

You will be a beautiful bride! Congratulations and best of luck to you as you keep on going!

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Terri Lynn1383837796    139

Terri Lynn1383837796
Posted

You look great! Keep up the good work! You have found your groove. I think alot of people go in thinking it will be an easy journey...boy do I have news for them! lol Congrats on your wedding! You will be a beautiful bride!

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BeagleLover    1,020

BeagleLover
Posted

Congrats on losing 120lbs! That's a tremendous amount! You've probably saved your own life... AND you look so happy. That's terrific!

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ChavaBling    145

ChavaBling
Posted

It sure isn't easy...thank you for sharing your truth & your struggle. Your post will help others! Great job & you're still kickin' @$$!

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barbb3    115

barbb3
Posted

Good for you for not giving up! 120 lbs loss is a great success and I know you are going to be even more successful! And congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

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Pookeyism    1,143

Pookeyism
Posted

No matter how "successful" you are at the beginning, this is a life-long commitment. Glad you found your groove! Keep up the fight!

We all have things that we have to work harder on, and for some of us it is weight. It's OK. You sound successful and awesome and thank you for sharing!!!

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Lady VS    1,147

Lady VS
Posted

Awww, congratulations to you getting married first of all. Secondly, bravo on the weight loss so far. Keep up the great work. Woohoo!!!

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ho11ieberry06    39

ho11ieberry06
Posted

Congratulations! Your story is very inspiring. I had surgery on June 16th and I've been at a stall for 2 weeks and I'm frustrated. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work. You are going to be a beautiful bride!

Holly

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deedeemuffin    346

deedeemuffin
Posted

Thanks, ho11ie. :) Stalls are very common. Especially in the beginning. I think almost every person has had a major stall shortly after surgery. In the beginning it's kind of like a roller coaster ride. You drop weight, drop weight, then nothing...even though you're following your plan. Just have faith in the process. Hang in there!

Congratulations! Your story is very inspiring. I had surgery on June 16th and I've been at a stall for 2 weeks and I'm frustrated. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work. You are going to be a beautiful bride!

Holly

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deedeemuffin    346

deedeemuffin
Posted

I have never been successful long term either & I got very scared when I gained that 10 pounds back. I thought that my surgery had been "wasted". For me getting back on track was more of a change in my thought patterns. When I stopped beating myself up & focused on just being healthier in general the scale started moving again. Just surround yourself with as much support as possible. You'll do great!

Congratulations! That is amazing. I'm so glad you shared this- especially about not doing everything perfect, and then doing the work to turn it around. For me, it's scary to go into this having never been long-term successful and to hear this story where you hit a bump and were able to correct course and then continue is very inspiring.

You will be a beautiful bride! Congratulations and best of luck to you as you keep on going!

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deedeemuffin    346

deedeemuffin
Posted

Thank you to everyone who has responded to this post so far. It's funny, I noticed that a few people mentioned that I look so happy now. I looked at my pics & I DO look happier now! I am happier. It's nice to be able to do things that I couldn't do before. Like fit in a booth at a restaurant, or hike with my fiancé, or play in the pool with my nieces & nephew without being exhausted. So, yes, I'm happier & much healthier. I can't wait to see how much more I can do the smaller I get. :D

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kathysleeve    38

kathysleeve
Posted (edited)

Thank you to everyone who has responded to this post so far. It's funny, I noticed that a few people mentioned that I look so happy now. I looked at my pics & I DO look happier now! I am happier. It's nice to be able to do things that I couldn't do before. Like fit in a booth at a restaurant, or hike with my fiancé, or play in the pool with my nieces & nephew without being exhausted. So, yes, I'm happier & much healthier. I can't wait to see how much more I can do the smaller I get. :D

Hi Deedee, I have about 150 pounds to lose and my surgery is Monday, I am scared nervous excited and happy all at the same time. I have lots of support from phone tele support groups to support groups led by my surgeons office. I have a friend who lives close by who is one month out, I have another friend who is scheduled for surgery two weeks after me. The process is exhausting and exciting at the same time. I think the most encouraging thing My dr has said is that I will be someone's inspiration a year from now, how awesome is that? And that's what you are. thank you for sharing your journey! No ones struggle is without bumps in the road but it's awesome, it's courageous and it's inspiring. I have been perusing the forums all evening, and your story touches me deeply. We are all proud of you. You can do the rest of the journey. Thanks for your honesty and your trust that you have in us as well. we can so this!!!!

Edited by kathysleeve
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Go To Topic Listing Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories

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      Hey everyone!
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    • LeighaTR

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      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

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      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
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      1. Phil Penn

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        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

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        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

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        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

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      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
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    • Doughgurl

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      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

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        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

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