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LPSteven (lost 205 lbs/7years Lap Band) : OPEN Question forum I want to HELP YOU. Make it a success
 

Introduction (myself)

Just would like to say "Awesome job" for everyone coming to this site and strive for a better health. My family has a long hard history of generation of "men" having serious heart attacks. Just after my father had one this is when I found out of my blood line "GREAT" evening being at a heavy 414 pounds at that time , I really needed to figure things out. Once I returned home (father is ok, now) I really worked on what am I going to do with getting this weight off and off for good. Clearly , Lap band was my choice. Now, prior to doing lap band about 7 years ago. I tried all the weight lost schemes : Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons (old school), Weight watchers, and all the various others. After, my first visit with Dr. Levine (Ormond Beach Hospital , Fl) I knew this was going to be a success , but WORK and Dedication will have to be consistent.   So , I had to go through the 6 month process for the insurance company to approve my surgery. I was in and out of the hospital 4 hours and was on the couch for 1-3 days. I could have went to work on the second day, yet since I never take off of work I figured why not and give my body to heal more. Remember, I just had something attached to my internal body and really needed to know how to work with it. Lap Band is a tool and if used right it can be one of the strongest assets to your body to preserve it.   I have gone through the band getting stuck, even with changed jobs where I was working outside and needed more protein and fluids , I was in need of an adjustment (remove 1cc). When I return back to the office environment another adjustment was applied (inserted 1cc) "everything back to normal". My wife also had the lap band done 6 years for her and lost of 140 pounds. Having her with me in support of the goal we was looking for , really helped.   ** That is why I am creating this BLOG for people who are starting out or currently have lap band. This is a open topic. All information is good information.   With having the Band for so long I really feel above anyone when it comes to dieting. "yes" I don't have those 6 pack abs, well maybe it is because I haven't applied myself to do so. Kinda got very happy for the first time in my life I was able to do a "Pull UP" at the age 31 I finally got it. Bucket list item "Check" :-)   Biggest troubles I am seeing now and my wife is experiencing is our daily Vitamins to avoid any type of Deficiencies. My goal is done losing all this weight , Now keeping my vitamins in me on a daily basis is a hard task. For the past , year so far now I have used Advocare. NOT SELLING this product > but the powder formulas for my personal intake have helped me alot and I know with research I am getting the nutrients. But really with the various offers I have received to help people with Lap Band and now starting to know this is a calling for me. I need to help others, I love helping and especially seeing a strive to a better living then watching those goals reached. Its an amazing feeling.   My wife and I are good ol' people who use to work crazy hours only getting paid $8-11 an hour when we started our life together and in the work force. So I am on here for the real. I'll give answers that are true and share the passion as you trying to reach your goals. Also, raised a 10 year old son you may see on the pictures. I am here for you so please
LPSteven

LPSteven

0
Traci's Blog
 

Clothing off the rack

I had some time to kill while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled by the pharmacy at the local superstore. I decided to try on jackets in the women's clothing section. They only have clothing that typically goes up to 2X. I tried on the different sizes, 2X, 1X, and XL for each jacket. This was prompted by a discussion earlier this week that all of my 3X coats being too big on me.   In general here's what I found: 2X jackets - all fit me well, some were a little big 1X jackets - all fit me and I could close them, but there were a bit snug XL jackets - I could get them all on, which was kind of surprising. My upper arms were a little too big for the jackets made on non-stretchy material to get them on all of the way. I have a good 4-6 inches to lose around the gut before I can close them.   As I was trying these different jacket on, I kept thinking, in a few months, I hope be able to do this with the Medium, Large, and X-Large clothing. Back when I weighed 180 lbs, I was wearing X-Large t-shirts only because I wanted it to be baggy and hide my chest. I was huge for a teenage girl, and I didn't want to give the guys in school any more of a reason to feel me up as they passed me in the hallway at school.
Trace Lynne

Trace Lynne

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rubyjewl's Blog
 

Post Surgery

So, 4 days post surgery! I am doing very well and it has not been as bad as I thought it would be. I've taken pain meds only 1 day after coming home and anti-spasm meds a couple times. The process I went through to get the surgery was very well done and I was taught everything I need to know and feel confident I can do this. I'm already glad I've done this. I know there will be hard times ahead with relearning how to eat, etc. But I am looking forward to that.   I chose to tell no one I was planning to have this surgery. I didn't want to argue with people about my choices. I had researched the surgery and surgeons for a year and a half and felt I knew what I was doing. However, a month before the surgery I told my 2 sons and their families and two friends. One of those friends DID argue with me and it made me glad I didn't tell anyone else. But all the others were very supportive and happy for me. I'm sure now that I've done it I will eventually tell people. But no announcements at this time. I don't need their advice or negative comments. Will just plod along and take care of myself.   I really am not hungry but after 4 days on clear liquids I find that I really would like some "real food". I'm drinking a lot of broth to scratch that itch. I have lost 10 lbs from 2 weeks before surgery to today. This is the most encouraging thing for me as I've been so discouraged these past years trying and trying to lose and only being able to lose like 3 pounds in 3 months!   Onward, I begin!
rubyjewl

rubyjewl

0
newmetwenty15's Blog
 

Two weeks, two days!

I am feeling great! I know it's still early in the post-op phase, but I still haven't found a reason to be anything but grateful for my VSG. I am healing well and wearing jeans again. I have been a little crazy with the scale hoping for a huge weight loss number. I think 22.5 pounds is a pretty good start! I am thinking I am about to hit the dreadful three week stall and not looking forward to it, but I think I have made my mind up to stay away from the scale and maybe do a little measuring. I don't have to be ONE with the scale all the time!!! RIGHT? Actually, I am now down 23.4 pounds since my surgery date and that is working with me! I have started my work out schedule and actually have enjoyed getting up and working out (mildly). I am still a little slow on the walking, no brisk, fast paced, hard core walking yet, but I know that will come in time! I think I am most happiest about finally being able to eat again (chew, chew, chew) and not having to sip my meals! That sure was hard, but looking back, it seemed time went so fast!   I wish anyone thinking about one of the surgeries, doing one of the surgeries, or has already done one of the surgeries the best of luck in every aspect of this great life!   twenty15
newmetwenty15

newmetwenty15

2
mykdzmom's Blog
 

Reflections on month 1 of 6 pre op diet ~ I am all in

I know I have a long way to go in this process, but for the first time in a long time I feel good because I feel like I am doing something good for myself. It is not that pass fail feeling, but more like I’m investing in myself feeling. This first month I met with my surgeon again, (first time was 2012 see my story) and got tons of information and my check list for moving forward. I have had my pre op lab work done for a baseline and discovered I am low on Vitamin D which was addressed with prescript supplement. I was also instructed to start Centrum Adult multivitamin daily. I met with my PCP for my 1 of 6 pre op diet check in with a BMI 41.8 which means during this pre op phase if I fall below BMI of 40 I will not qualify under my insurance coverage specs. Don’t even get me started on this. Sigh.. I have spent countless hours on this site learning from your experiences, taking notes, celebrating your victories, and just drinking it in. One of the tidbits of advice was start preparing for your new lifestyle today. To me that equated to - start the behavior modifications required after surgery before surgery. This first month I gave up carbonated drinks of all kinds. It has been a real struggle doing just that single thing, but I am feeling a big sense of accomplishment knowing that I can actually do what I have set my mind to. I have also started counting my chews. I thought this was total garbage, but after 4 weeks, I am just amazed that, I guess, I have never actually chewed my food. It takes a lot longer to eat doing this…. Go figure? I know I have not written anything new or done anything bold but for me writing this profile feed was a step in accountability. I hope as the days and months move along I can look back and see how much I have invested in myself and not give up. For me as I look back, and anyone who is reading, a heart felt good luck to you on your journey!
mykdzmom

mykdzmom

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newmetwenty15's Blog
 

Two weeks post op!

I am two weeks post op and finally back in normal clothes! I have had to wear soft pants with elastic or sweat pants up until today! I have started a work out plan and noticed with only being 22.5 pounds lighter my walking seems much easier! I was up at 5:30 am and went on a two mile walk through our neighborhood. It was somewhat exhilerating with the light rain and dense fog in the pitch dark but I am motivated to work out along with my weight loss! I am on solids and have enjoyed finally having the taste of real foods that I have always loved in moderation. I will tell those of you in preop or thinking about gastric sleeve, your tummy lets you know when you are DONE eating! I have finally recognized what FULL feels like! Although sometimes I would love to finish my whole plate, I know I can't and I just remember to enjoy the flavor of what I can eat and push the rest aside! I have yet to regret my decision and would do it all again if I had to. I still sit with my coworkers and discuss the way I used to eat and WOW, what a change. I would keep on going until there was nothing left and still want more. I am so proud of myself for my accomplishments and how it seemed so easy to get through the surgery and recovery phase! I know you have it in you too!! I am a little eager to see what my final weight may be but I will patiently wait and let dreams come true!   Hope anyone contemplating one of the surgeries will research and get good advise from those that have already gone thru any of them! I will be the first to say that my VSG was far less pain and suffering than I ever expected!!   With love,   Christie
newmetwenty15

newmetwenty15

4
DizzyLizzie's Blog
 

VSG tomorrow!

I can't believe it is finally HERE!!!!! Tomorrow 21 Jan, to arrive 7am at the hospital!   Gosh I'm getting nervous now. I'm not looking forward to the tummy pain, but I know in a week or so it will be a distant memory, just anxious to get on with my journey. Not sure if I'll be able to post afterwards but i will update my Blog as soon as I can. I know how much I've enjoyed reading about everyone else's experiences. I've lost about 12lb on the pre op diet so I'm pretty happy with myself...a good start...can't wait for more!!!!   All the best to everyone about to embark on this journey and those already underway!   Lizzie
DizzyLib

DizzyLib

1
Inner Fat Girl's Diary
 

Diary of a Fat Girl, Day 7, Post Op

Day 7!   Today is the first day I am by myself. Finally! I have been surrounded by people since the day of the surgery. Sometimes a girl needs some "me" time you know? Just time to yourself to think and even if it is just slouching in the couch watching hideous programs. Today is just me and my protein shake finally. I enjoy the quiet, nothing but my dogs snoring, small chattering from the tv in the background, and just trying to quietly take what has happened in the past week slowly in.   It has been overwhelming. It has been an emotional rollercoaster ride, feeling depressed, in pain, in doubt, fear?, regret?, and happy to be slimming down even if it means eating like a chipmunk for the rest of my life. UGH.   BUT, it has to be done.. There was no other way out. I tried everything, and I consider myself pretty active compared to others. But the eating habits, the carb, the fast food, the fried stuff was out of my control.   Do I miss certain foods? For sure! My head does. I practically eat with my eyes now, while this surgery has put a muzzle on my mouth practically (virtually). I would kill for a chicken nugget right now. But if I can't even down my protein shake, what in heavens makes me think I can swallow a nugget?   I think as of today, I am parting with boiled eggs. Something I liked before, I just can't stomach the texture now. It is amazing how things change. The deviled ham (a.k.a. cat food) is out the door too. THat was a desperate attempt to eat something other than shakes, well, it turned out to be nasty to me. Can't stomach that either. Do I fantasize a hamburger from Red Robin? HELL YEAH, can I have it? The reality is even if I wanted it and grabbed it, my stomach will have no part of it. So, I will just be more active in "Food porn" what can I say? lol   I broke out the wii today and did some aerobics. I was really feeling it in my legs. Then I sat down to finish the shake I have been working on for the past hour and half.   I guess I took this day just to have my mind settle. Tomorrow will be a more active day I am sure.   I still sleep in a fort of pillows.....but pain is subsiding and boredom increasing. I have no idea when I return to work. Hopefully soon, cause the money and the activity is needed. I have no idea how I am going to handle the gawking from people when I return.   double ugh.
Pac-woman

Pac-woman

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Inner Fat Girl's Diary
 

Diary of a Fat Girl - Day 6 , Post OP.

Today is day 6 of post op. I have managed to make it through another day and moving towards the light. Right now, I have only managed to put it about 300 calories for the entire day. (30 grams protein).   I knew I needed to walk, and so we went to the mall. This helps me get out of the house since I am getting cabin fever, While I was at the mall, I walked slowly and carefully as my side still is sensitive and it hurts. As I walked, all I could see was all the pretty clothes that I knew I was going to sink my teeth into when this post op journey subsides. OMG! Those clearance racks. You know how much money I am going to save!!??   I looked at shoes, clothes, the PRICES, I was so happy as I dragged my @ss along.   Then we were driving in a shopping center an guess what I saw? I saw Lane Bryant with a 70% off of clearance sign outside. As my boyfriend drove by it, I first saw it, smiled.....and then stuck my tongue out at it. Lane Bryant, I won't need you anymore real soon! Thank you for all those wonderful years that you saved my butt and made me look modern, cute and decent for work. But our time has come to part and I have to move on to other new store friends. Yes, Lane Bryant, I am breaking up with YOU and your credit card!!! WOOOHOOO.   As I sit here, I feel full, satisfied. Yet I see all these commercials for pizza and hamburgers, chicken nuggets. My eyes and head are still hungry. My boyfriend must think I am nuts. I sit here and it seems I have food tourettes. All of a sudden, I look at him and say " I want a cheeseburger" or "I want pizza". Hell, I want beanie weenies!! lol All I hear from him is "get over it". (As he munches away on good delishes food and I sip on a protein shake)   Can't wait till I can make a homemade hamburger so I can kill that head craving!  
Pac-woman

Pac-woman

0
newmetwenty15's Blog
 

Post Op and Loving IT!

I am six days post op and what a journey it has been! It seems like yesterday I was counting down the hours until my surgery! I had an excellent surgery and a overall quick recovery in the hospital. I'm not going to say it was all fun and games, but I do know if I had to see one more Bariatric tray of popsicles, diet cranberry juice, and broth, I think I would finally have to let out a BIG NO MORE liquid TRAYS!! I am over exaggerating a little, but I find it comical that the hospital brings so much to offer but you can only sip enough to get your lips wet and then you feel full!! It seemed as soon as I finished one popsicle it was time for my next big liquid meal!! I couldn't sip fast enough before the next meal was being served! With all that being said, I am extremely grateful for making the decision to start a new healthier life and even though this is the beginning and I know everything comes with ups and downs, I am going to make the best of this decision. I have dreamed of the day I don't have to feel as though everyone is talking about me, the fatest mom, or my kids won't have to look embarrassed when I would have to turn sideways to get through the security area at a local concert or amusment park. I can think of so many times my weight has altered things I could have been doing and chose not to simply because I was too overweight and did not want to be looked at or talked about once again. I now have visions of being challenged with this new life, but I have outweighed the challenges with positive reasonings. I want cake... eat half a sugar free pudding and be full and still loose weight. I have noticed that the thought is less impactful when there is NO choice... I no longer have the choice to fall of the DIET and gorge myself until I was sick. It is now a thought, a solution, and with great reward.. I will still have remained loyal to my new eating habits and that thought is gone in just a few seconds, whereas, before, I would turn into a three year old hissy fit until I got my own PINT of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie and ate the whole entire pint alone. I guess the moral to this Blog today is most of my FOOD issues were in my HEAD and now that I can not allow my HEAD to make such crazy decisions... I now listen to my little tummy and when I am full I QUIT. Now, let me remind you, this is just the beginning and I am sure soon enough there will be a fit to throw and I will make sure I let you in on those too!   Good luck with your daily decisions and Blog soon!   Christie
newmetwenty15

newmetwenty15

4
Angela's Blog
 

Is it hear yet?

I am feeling very antsy today. My drive time into work was doubled, the roads were slick (it is winter now), and I am tired. Actually wore out is probably a better way to describe how I am feeling right now. This two hour drive to work literally has just wiped me out. I am wondering if it is going to have this same impact after my my surgery. How long will it take for the smallest things to stop tiring me?   I am also starting to feel afraid right now. The date is getting closer and fear is trying to wrap its arms around me. Questions of self doubt are creeping in. Being super busy at work isn't helping because I am trying to focus on getting things done there, but my WLS is interfering with my concentration.   So...I am going to try and stop and step aside and remember my goal for 2015. Step away from the things that you can not control and let it be free. Continuing to struggle with things you have no control over is a losing battle. Let them free and try to just relax and get done what needs to be done.
AngelaIsReady

AngelaIsReady

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Forsythia's Blog
 

Summing up 2014...

So happy 2015. Let's do a recap!   Surgery May 5th, 2014. Program start weight 312 All time high 335 Current weight 210 Goal weight 150 Height 5'5" Age 37 going on fabulous.   I feel like I'm in the home stretch. My immediate goal is to be 199.5 by February 7th. Why February 7th? That is my birthday. And my birthday is my favorite day, ever. So this year I want it to be fabulous by me being under 200 lbs by that day. I have a month to lose 10.5 lbs. Can I do it? Hell yes I can do it! (Despite my general downer attitude about society as a whole I'm remarkably positive about myself and my own motivations. LOL). I didn't gain any weight over the holidays, but I also did not lose any. But I'mma be honest, I had way too many coconut rum balls and I have no one to blame for those rum balls but myself because I made them. Dealing with ones own demons and weaknesses never gets easier, no matter how far along you are. Those weaknesses resurface.   I got rid of all my old clothes. There was a post on the forums where someone wondered why they were keeping their old too big clothes. I had bags of too big clothes in my closet just taking up space. I kept saying I was going to donate them, but I never did. It was the fear. I took the step to throw them out. I was just keeping them as a crutch to my fears. So bite me, demons. I am not giving into the fear. I am not keeping those size 28s anymore. I will not go back to wearing them, ever.
Forsythia

Forsythia

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newmetwenty15's Blog
 

Let the countdown begin!

I have exactly 21 hours, 21 min and 46 seconds until I am in the OR for my VGS! I am packed and ready to get this past me so I can start my new life!   I had my pre-op visit with the nurse this morning, I am pre-registered and I have everything on my list checked off! Now what do I do for the next 20 hours of my "life as I have lived with for this long"! I do not think I will be able to get much rest tonight, however, I am sure I will get a few winks of rest recovering!   To say I am excited about the decisions I have made, is putting it mildly! I am super, super, super EXCITED and HOPEFUL for the changes that are coming my way! Life will be so different, but I got this!!!   I hope all, that are thinking about or have done one of the surgeries, best wishes for a great new year!   Hope to post post-op!
newmetwenty15

newmetwenty15

2
DizzyLizzie's Blog
 

Pre Op Diet Begins

After a wonderful Xmas/New Year holiday in Fiji...here I am with only just over 2 weeks to go until VSG Day!!! It's finally nearly here and I can't wait. So much so I started my pre-op diet today (early) hehehe may be crazy but there you go! I feel so much brighter about my future and so glad I've made this decision!   I will add some more comments on how I go over this time.   **************************************************************************   Pre Op Diet Day 3 I'm doing ok - yes I've been hungry and yesterday grabbed a piece of fruit. Been filling up on water. Today I feel better. I can do this! I weighed myself this morning and I've lost 2kg (4.4lbs) already! Went shopping this morning for some fresh veges to make a soup for dinner...enter the supermarket and smells wafted from the bakery - bread ugh!!!!! Damn Carbohydrates! hehe Went to the hospital to drop off my admission forms - this is happening!!!   Pre Op Diet Day 10 This is hard but not impossible. Still filling up on water. The late afternoon to dinner time is the worst. Had a piece of lean chicken the other night - just craving meat!!! BUT I've lost nearly 4kg (8.8lbs). That's pretty good for me I'm thinking, as I know I do not have a lot of muscle on my body and I'm fairly inactive because of my feet. Only 4 days to go! I can do this!   Pre Op Diet Day 14 My last day "dieting" ever!!! I've done pretty well, it's definately got easier as the time has passed. Filled up on lots of good veges and a bit of fruit & jelly and lots of water! I've now lost just over 5kg (12lb) and my clothes are definately looser, especially my pants. I can't wait to feel MORE loose clothing!!!!!!
DizzyLib

DizzyLib

1
Traci's Blog
 

Wrapping my head around 100 lbs

I did it! When I weighed in on 12/16/14, I crossed the line from 98 lbs to 101 lbs lost! It was only three pounds, however, those three pounds pushed me into the 3-digit realm of weight loss. I was so excited. Now I'm down about 105 lbs. It is just crazy to say it, and I've been telling EVERYONE! People I know, people I don't know... EVERYONE... I'm just so excited about hitting this milestone.   As a result of this milestone, I decided to treat myself to a couple new clothes. I walked into Lane Bryant after work that Friday after the weigh-in (yeah, I had to wait until payday)... and said, so, I've lost some weight, and I have no idea what size clothing I am. It was actually FUN trying on clothes for 1.5 hours. To put it in perspective, the shirt I was wearing was a baggy 3x shirt and the pants were a size 22 jeans that I had picked up from good will the beginning of October. The size 22 jeans were so big that I could pull them on and off without undoing the button or zipper.   By the end of this trip, I walked out with size 18 trouser jeans, a couple size 14/16 shirts, and a couple 18/20 blouses for work. The idea that I am wearing size 16 or 18 clothing again is mind-blowing. I'm quickly coming to the bottom of the Lane Bryant size ranges, meaning I can start shopping in regular clothing stores again. However, I suspect the next down-sizing I do will be back at good will. I really shouldn't continue purchasing brand new clothing that I can only wear for a couple months.   Of course, I may need to go through my clothing again soon. Its been 2 weeks since that shopping trip, and I've lost enough weight that some things are fitting awkwardly. After going through 3-4 outfits the other day, I kind of missed the thing I was trying to dress for. I decided, instead, to tend to my closet. I pulled out all of the clothing I purchased at last year's end-of-year clearance from lane bryant, and found that nothing fits me, at all. Some of the stuff still has its tags, even. So, I started going through older clothing, which all ended up in that pile too. I have a huge stack of clothing to hand off to goodwill the next time I go in. I only have 2-3 pair of dress slacks to wear to work and some blouses (old and new). I would much rather have this problem than going the other way, but some days it isn't as easy as others to wrap my head around this.   I'm down over 100 lbs, which is unbelievable to me. If its this amazing at 100 lbs, what will it be like when I attain my goal and have lost over 200 lbs????? I can't even fathom that.   Of course, having lost over 100 lbs, I am noticing extra skin, which I have no idea how to handle, other than wearing compression clothes and/or always making sure I have a second layer of clothing other to help mitigate the jiggle. There is no way of knowing how bad the skin will be until I get to that bridge. I've started watching Vlogs for people who have lost a bit of weight and are going through the skin removal process. I'm a little nervous about that part... but I know it will probably be a year before I'm there. Some posts I've seen say that women should target body fat % of 17-20 before even considering skin removal surgery. Seeing as I'm still at body fat of 47%, it will be a while.   For the record, I'm ready to be at that point, I'm so ready to be past this current phase/stage of the journey... however, I was never given a FF button, so, I have to live through the next 6-12 months while I continue losing weight. It is kind of fun to think that soon I will be approaching the same size as my younger sister, who has always been much smaller than me. While she was in high school, she swam and did equestrian, and wore a size 4. She is currently wearing size 12-14 clothing.   Anyone else working to wrap their head around their new/ever changing body? I would love to hear from others about this.
Trace Lynne

Trace Lynne

2
newmetwenty15's Blog
 

Two days pre-op !

This is my first blog! I wish I would have found this website sooner! I have found so much useful information from many on here! My surgery date is set for January 6th, 2015 at 11:15am. I am finding my emotions to be swinging widely between terrified and exstatic! I have been on my two week pre-op diet and in hindsight, it hasn't been all that bad. The first few days were the worst until I called the doc's office to find that I was starving myself and I needed to add some caloric value to my straight protien diet. I was more than grateful to hear those words. I chose to do the pre-op diet through the holidays and that was a challange! I made it though and if I can resist Christmas festives as well as NYE, I think I got this in the bag! I am NOT going to lie, I have been tempted and I threw a few fits but I came out a winner! I have two full days of more waiting and then I will move from pre-op to OP! I have struggled with trying to keep myself overly busy so not to think of FOOD all day and how I chose NOT to wait for a later date which meant .... NO HUGE Christmas DINNER, leftovers or NYE party trays. I think a hurdle for me is the girls I work with. We have always been EATERS together and this year they would have to eat without me. I have to say ... I MADE IT THROUGH THAT TOOO!!! My husband and I just told two of my four children (younger), the older one's were told when I was given my date! It was so hard to explain why I needed to have this surgery. I take handfull of meds for this obesity related illness and I want to live long enough to know my great great grandchildren and the life I am living now, I will not see the beginnings of my first granchild if I do not do this. I am ready to be free of diabetes, sleep apenea, high blood pressure, migrains, and the fact that I have to literally help myself up from a chair because my legs are getting to weak to hold my weight anymore. My youngest says, "Momma, I think you are beautiful just the way you are"! ::TEARS:: I have fought this long enough and I believe they will love me when I am able to run marathons with them and play ball with them!! For now, I sit patiently and wait for my surgery date, drinking protien and reading blogs to make the time go by! I hope to hear many success stories if I don't blog again before my date!
newmetwenty15

newmetwenty15

0
Ready For My Next Chapter
 

Returning for Support and Reminders

So, I am back on the site for the first time since my bypass surgery back in July 2014. I never realized how much I actually need the support of others who have had weight loss surgery. I thought that having my mother around would be a great support system. Even though the therapist, in the pre-op therapy session, told me that she believed my mother sabotages my weight loss goals. When I said that carbs like potato chips and bread are my down fall, she started bring chips into the house 2 bags at a time, buying 10lb bags of potatos and started buying bread again ALL the time. I realize that it is my choice to eat the stuff but it has been hard to resist in the past two weeks. I have more support from my coworkers than I do her, which is amazing to me. One thing that I have learned is that I can no longer let her be the only person in the house who cooks. I have to take control of my kitchen and make sure that I have more healthy than not food in my pantry. If I hear her say, "Healthy food costs too much" one more time, I am going to SCREAM!!! Of COURSE healthy food costs more, but if she is not paying for it then why is she complaining. Anyway... That is what prompted me to come back to the site. I need support and to see some reminders that weight loss success can be attainable. I had slowed down my weight loss because I did not want it to go too fast and I end up looking like some kind of bobble head. That has happened to a lot of people. I also do not want to start looking too old. Hmmm...vain much? I suppose so. But, hey, I am being honest.
Shawnna1275

Shawnna1275

3
Tisa's Blog
 

Coming back to BariatricPal after WLS

It feels weird being back here again. Last time I was here I was post-op. Desperately reading every scrap of info I could get on WLS. It feels crazy to say it has been 5 months since I had my surgery. It feels like just yesterday that I was on the top floor of a hospital looking out the window at the world and daydreaming about how I was going to conquer it. Since that time, I have accomplished so much. I've finished my first semester of college, dropped around 80lbs and 6 pants sizes, made new friends, straightened my hair, and next Monday I am fulfilling one of my long-time dreams to visit California (San Diego to be exact). I feel like so much is now possible for me. I feel like I can date if I want to and find a decent guy, I can sign up for a 5k and know I'll do fine. I can be exactly who I want and say what I think without apologizing for it.   At the same time, I'll never stop being a fat girl. That's who am I at heart and it's someone to be proud of. I am different from most people. Now my weight loss is slowing down and I'm currently in a stall it's kind of nerve-wracking I sometimes feel like I'll wake up tomorrow and the scale will read 289 again. That fear always gnaws at the back of my mind. I need to come back here from time to time as to not forget how desperate I was, and how much having the sleeve means to me. It's truly a blessing, a lifesaver, but it can't walk for me it's only a crutch. I still need to take the steps, especially now so that self-control has become part of the equation again 5 months out.
Tisa

Tisa

2
Gastric Sleeve Surgery - An Unexpected Journey
 

Eating Out Post-Op

My best friend asked my how eating out was going to change post-op. We had been eating out every Sat. night for years and we always went to buffet type places.   I told him that nothing was going to change as far as I was concerned. I went out to eat with him for the company, not for the food. And as far as I was concerned, the $12 - $20 bucks I spent each week was nothing that would change my quality of life, so I didn't care about getting my money's worth.   I wish I had taken a picture of my plate the 1st time I went to a restaurant post-op. I think I had 1 fajita chicken strip, 1 tablespoon of guacamole, 1 tablespoon of refried beans... and I couldn't finish all of it.   Here's a before and after photo from last weeks trip to the buffet. . BEFORE:   AFTER:
joatsaint

joatsaint

1
MyJournry with Sleeve surgery
 

New years eve resolutions--and Christmas eating

Hello all Or anyone who might read my posts.... I have been struggling to lose weight even with the surgery. I tend to have stalls almost every week for weeks. I am 7 weeks out and so close to onederland its not funny. I can even taste it (no pun intended) I struggled pretty bad over the holidays, office parties and food and cookies and treats, OH MY! Thank god my sleeve does not like sweets too much so I have been throwing up a lot lately. A LOT! we went out to dinner for Christmas Eve and I ended up in the bathroom sick... then we went to dinner two days ago and I think I had my first dumping syndrome attack or something. the minute I was done eating I felt instantly sick to my stomach, I knew I had to throw up. We went shopping right after and I ended up in 2 bathrooms throwing up, Diarrhea, chills, shakes, sweats, you name it I had it. The good news is, I lost 3 pounds the next day...however that was yesterday and we went to visit our Italian side of the family and again cookies and italian pastries..I throw up all the way home, but this morning I was a pound heavier. UGH. I am now 202.4 I was 201.4 yesterday...SO CLOSE to onederland!! So today I have tried hard to get my head away from food and think about how good it is going to taste to be under 200. I'm praying this happens by new years, but again the dreaded period is approaching and so is New Years....But I'm seriously needing to stay away from the bad foods, I hate throwing up and its happening every day. I have a problem with eating slow, and that stinks, and I also have a problem with waiting after I eat to drink, all this makes my food come back up...I'M TRYING HARDER now! I set a timer after I eat so I know when it is safe to drink again. I'm trying to rid myself of the cookies and snacking, its so hard, I wish I could say this surgery was a cure for my eating issues but it isn't. It's up to me to do this, and damn it i am going to do this! Why did I put myself threw so much just to continue my bad eating? I think not! It feels so good to feel my bones again, when I lay down I can feel my hip bone, and ribs and shoulder blades, so cool. I am walking but I know I need to step up even my exercise plan. And I plan to! we just put a bid on a house, so thats scary not sure we will get it since there were 4 bids on this house. if its meant to be it will be. I'm going to try to attach a picture of my face, before surgery and after, and one day I will be brave enough to do a body shot. I still wear the clothes I wore since before surgery, they are getting big, but for some reason I can't bring myself to try on smaller clothes, I don't know why....anyway, Here's hoping you all are doing well and that the coming year we all reach our goals...my tiny good is Onederland! :-) by the way if my picture uploads...can you see a difference? not sure if I can... stats are Starting weight 244, weight at surgery 218, current weight 202.4
MariaW

MariaW

0
Blog 70454
 

Need a Restart

I am about 10 pounds away from my starting weight and I need some motivation and support. I am looking back to bariatric pal to help motivate me again.
AmandaC86

AmandaC86

0
jesslove84's Blog 2015 - Reborn and Ready to Live!
 

2015 - Reborn and Ready to LIVE!

So here goes nothing.. I'm two days away from my surgery date, full of nerves, but ready to start my new life. I'm 30yo and I've been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now. I'm currently 280lbs, 5'4" tall, and I wear a size 22. My BMI is 48. I am not married (yet) and I do not have any kids (yet)! I've been diagnosed with PCOS, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Sleep Apnea. I do suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety. I feel as if everything in my life revolves around my weight. It controls my every move. I go to school worried about being bullied or not fitting into the standard small desks. I apply for a job and wonder if they will judge me because of my size. If I go to a restaurant, I fear not being able to sit at a booth with the rest of my family. If I'm invited to go to a theme park, I cringe thinking about all of the potential rides I will be turned away from because I don't fit. I have limited myself from enjoying life to its fullest potential, and it is time that I make a change. I don't want my weight to bind me anymore. I vowed to myself that I wouldn't let another year go by feeling unhealthy, out of breath, and out of shape. I want to have energy! I want to have a family! I want to be healthy! I want to LIVE!   I decided that I would have to do something that would take a lot of courage and a lot of dedication to reach my goals, the Gastric Sleeve surgery. I had been researching this specific surgery for over 3 years, but never had the financial opportunity or insurance approval. My insurance company refused to approve my surgery because I didn't have any of their required co-morbidities (ex: Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.). I appealed that decision, and their medical director decided to create new approval parameters for patients like me! After the new changes were implemented, which took about a year, I got back on track with my other requirements and was approved October 2014.   My surgery is scheduled for December 30th, just a few days shy of the New Year. For me it’s the moment I've been dreaming about for over a decade. It’s my chance to feel like me, and to look into the mirror and see the REAL me in the reflection. I've been wearing this "fat suit" and lugging around it's baggage for way too long. I know that having this surgery is in no way "taking the easy way out". By reading everyone's blogs and knowing people who have had this surgery done, I know it's not a simple fix. But many have said it's the best thing they've done and wished they would have done it sooner. I'm glad to see that there are so many sites that offer support to those people who are pre & post op like myself. I hope to be a success story as well, and I want to inspire others to never give up. Don't settle for a "less than life". Lift your head up, dust yourself off, and go for what you know you deserve, and LIVE!   PS. I want to thank my family and friends, in advance, for their love and support during and I’m sure after my surgery, as well as throughout the years of my food addiction and weight issues. You all have stood by my side when I felt my worst, when I couldn't see the beauty of my soul, and when the light at the end of my tunnel was dim. Thank you for your loyalty, your encouragement, and your support! I love you!
jesslove84

jesslove84

2

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