Going in today to schedule surgery and I am nervous. I love the before and after pics. Any stories on how much better you feel?

Pains that are gone, energy levels, etc?

Thank you for the support.

I was sleeved almost 4 weeks ago and one thing for sure is less ankle and knee pain.

I walked for about 4 miles yesterday and didn't need to ice my ankles after!

Still new at this and looking forward to more NSVs [emoji3]

On October19th, 2015 the waist was a 52. A bit over 9 months later, it just dropped to a 38. I just had surgery on my hernia (Emergency, to address a blockage) and I had to ask the Doctors if they were using a different operating table - they were not. Why, in October of 2015 it looked like a bed slat. 2 weeks ago, it looked like a table that I could fit on!!!

Wow. I can only pray that I will have results like all of you. I am 57 and feeling 90. I can't go places if there are steps or chairs with arms. I have missed soooo much with my now grown children. I haven't told my kids or any family members yet. I know they will be critical and judgmental. They are cross fitters and can not and never have related to my weight or struggle. I don't think I can take the comments about just eat right and go to the gym. I know I've done that, Atkins, pills, starvation, liquid Protein, nutrisystem WW, band surgery..... I will be doing this alone and I'm feeling so scared and lonely. Surgery is Sept 13.

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I'm a month post-op. I've lost 58lbs in the last six months. I'm still somewhat tired from surgery and lack of calories, but I have more energy, flexibility and confidence. My back and shoulders hurt less, and the plantar fasciitis has cleared up in my left foot. I'm down two sizes.

I can do more now. Playtime with my husband is a lot more fun. This process has been so worth it.

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Thank you all for sharing! This is exactly what I needed to see. I often feel like an 80 year old in a very overweight 42 year old's body. My body just hurts. I'm out of breath so much of the time. I can't do the things I want to do. And I really want to be able to buy clothes in a regular store! Every one of your comments is just reminding me that this is the best decision I can make for myself. I can't wait to finish my requirements so I can get the surgery done and start a new life!

Wow. I can only pray that I will have results like all of you. I am 57 and feeling 90. I can't go places if there are steps or chairs with arms. I have missed soooo much with my now grown children. I haven't told my kids or any family members yet. I know they will be critical and judgmental. They are cross fitters and can not and never have related to my weight or struggle. I don't think I can take the comments about just eat right and go to the gym. I know I've done that, Atkins, pills, starvation, liquid Protein, nutrisystem WW, band surgery..... I will be doing this alone and I'm feeling so scared and lonely. Surgery is Sept 13.

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@cbonet: I to am 57, and do not have surgery date yet, but will be having a consultation with the surgeon on 8/31. I can relate to what you have said. I have missed out and don't want to anymore. Good luck to you. Please keep in touch, and let us know how you are progressing.

Ten months out from VSG surgery.

I feel much better in many ways.

At the time I had my surgery, I was having lots of back pain that was seriously impacting my ability to work and to enjoy my time off with family. I was also being treated for high blood pressure and taking lots of anti-inflammatory meds for joint pains. I was a couch potato....minimal movement due to my pain. I was really just a miserable feeling dude.

I'm no longer on the blood pressure meds.

My back issues are seriously improved and remain that way as long as I continue daily pt stretches and use very careful lifting techniques.

Spending some time every day or so in the gym. Feels great. Surrounded by motivated folks.

Before surgery, one of the things I really enjoyed was to cook & grill for my family. I had concerns that I'd lose this fun aspect of my life. I did lose it during my two week pre-op and for the first two months post op. Then, one day at around 8-9 weeks out I had the strong desire to fire up the coals and let it ride on the grill. I went to the grocery store and bought several types of meats and the sides for my tribe. During my stroll around the grocery store....I had to pull my pants up near constantly. My clothes were hanging loose on me and it was hilarious. Came home and had a blast in the kitchen and on the deck.....and haven't stopped since. Grilled food and my sleeve are a harmonious fit. Now I'm adding in some crunchy vegetables and life is good !!!

Emotionally........in a much better place. Tremendous difference, bro. Tremendous. That being said.....I did go through a "crazy period" while the majority of the fat was burning off. Hormones and Lord knows whatever else that was stored in that fat was released and I felt like I was 18 all over again. I went with it and it was a wild ride. The "crazy side" is still there but I've learned to control it......at least on work days, lol. Sorta like Spiderman learning not to walk around and shoot webs impulsively. Controlling the web slinging now.

Now...I'm in need of a shoulder repair, two knee replacements and have a hernia that's being monitored and will need repairing as well down the road. Add to that a tricky back. I still weight train and do cardio when my knees aren't screaming. The other day I took a kayak and put in at the river.....and went a few miles upstream. My goal was to make it ten miles to the dam, however, the Corps of Engineers began releasing Water from the dam and forward progress became impossible. still I was there....paddling my arse off....going nowhere. After I was spent....I turned around and drifted back downriver. What a cool workout. Opportunities like this come along and I jump at them. Looking forward to hunting seasons coming in.....I'll be out there climbing trees or wading into the swamp. Ducks and deer will be chased.

I'm enjoying life and looking forward to the future in a way that I couldn't imagine prior to surgery.

Life is great, boss. Come grab a seat on the Loser's Bench an mix up a pre-workout drink and get ready to do something fun that you've always wanted to do. Hell, you may even find yourself outdoors one night....and go with the feeling to howl at the moon and be a werewolf. Nobody will judge......go with it.

I can only echo all the positives that have come from other post op friends. I too wish that I had done this years ago instead of nine months ago. I feel WONDERFUL. I agree with Dub about the hormones after surgery. Heaven only knows what was stored in my lardy bits but it was like the gates of hell had opened for a while as all those guys escaped from captivity! Lots more settled now and have just gone back to being an old git. I won't say a miserable one though as I spend most of the time walking around with an idiot grin on my face. I love it when I'm dog walking and I wish someone who has a face like a smacked arse a cheery 'Good Morning'! That person with the SAF used to be me. Not any more it ain't.

I walk at least four miles every morning but five is becoming the norm now. I've even started to break into a sprint when there's no one around. Not for long, but a sprint nonetheless. My old injuries from being a ballet dancer for years are still there but so much easier to deal with now that I no longer have the weight of eight average new born babies clinging to my frame. The plantar fasciitis in my foot has gone dormant so hopefully it is considering leaving altogether. My knees are finding life easier so think the replacements can now wait for a while. My hip replacement is amazing. 18 months ago I was limping around but since having had the worn out one replaced and losing weight I can do great things with my leg. Arabesque? No probs! Going to attempt a ballet class for us older ballerinas soon so shall see how that goes. When I have time to go for a swim, I can now manage a mile in just over an hour. Slow but certainly sure.

When it comes to clothes, well, I'm having fun. Gone are the boring, hide the fat, tents. I am into stuff that is fun. I might still wear Sketchers for all my walking but my collection of heels is growing all the time and I LOVE wearing them. Less the Miss Piggy look around the leg and foot area and more Miss Whiplash!

My carb intake has, naturally enough plummeted. My protein intake has shot up. I always have some cooked chicken or salmon hanging around in the fridge just incase I get peckish. I stick to natural, unprocessed foods and when I have dairy produce I go for the full fat version. The satisfaction I get is immense, both physically through my stomach feeling full and mentally through my brain feeling satisfied and happy.

I've still got 20lbs to lose until I reach my goal and am again in the middle of a stall but I know that my internal stylists are at work on my body rearranging and reshaping so I'll just let them get on with it!

OK guys, it's Sunday morning, I'm sitting in bed with husband, three dogs and two cats and I need another cuppa. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and I'm a very happy punter. Have a great day guys x

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I'm about 30 hrs away from surgery and I'm feeling really anxious. Reading this has been really helpful. Thank you all for sharing!

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This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was so big that I could barely walk around the grocery store. I suffered from back pain, shoulders pain, joint pain.

My life had gotten very small, and I spent most of it behind a computer. I was afraid to accept invitations, because I couldn't keep up with even the most normal of activities. Or that I might not fit in the seat offered to me. Or any number of other things I associated with my weight, like sweating profusely attempting to complete ordinary tasks. I found that humiliating.

I had my surgery 11 months ago, and my entire life has changed. I gave up my apartment, sold all my stuff bought an RV and moved in. I get to travel all over the country, on my terms, for fun. Before, I really wouldn't have been able to fit in here, and I definitely would not be able to carry out the physical tasks necessary when one lives in an RV.

This has brought untold gifts and treasures to me! I get to live a life that was impossible just a year ago!

I just got under 200 pounds, and I feel great! It's almost as if my real personality was buried under 125 pounds of fat. I feel so much more myself. I am starting to feel sexy again. I am able to move my body now.

For me, the surgery was the kind of miracle. I feel like I got a second chance at life. And I'm going to make the most of it!

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Edited November 10, 20169 yr by JupiterinVirgo