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Hi, I just passed my one year surgiversary and I wanted to offer up my thoughts on what this passed year has brought. My day of surgery weight was 285. My current weight is 138.5. I have read a lot of the forums and was surprised to see how many folks had regrets. I can honestly say I have none even though I had to have another surgery to fix an internal hernia and remove lesions. I feel blessed that I was given this tool, yes, it is only a tool. It is not a magical procedure that miraculously makes you thin and fixes all the problems in your life. Your struggle with obesity still continues long after surgery. The hard work really begins once you resume eating every day foods. I have not had soda (including diet), cakes, cookies, bread, pasta, potatoes, chips, any type of junk food, processed meats, etc since a month prior to my June 2016 surgery. Do I miss it? Not really as the trade off is much sweeter than any cookie. Instead of indulging in food, I can indulge in a smaller sized wardrobe. I do cook for my family and bake. I have become a master at washing my hands off as soon as I get icing, or cake batter or cookie dough on my fingers. I don't take tastes of these things either. I know it is a very slippery slope and these types of food are triggers to bad behavior for me. I struggle with the same bad habits that I had when I was heavier. These habits do not disappear with the rerouting of your internal plumbing. You have to look within yourself and decide what you want the outcome of this surgery to be. I wanted to be healthier and feel better about myself. I know that being happier about myself would spill over to family and friends. I am more confident about myself which has benefited me at work. If you are contemplating the surgery, go for it! If you are regretting the surgery, don't! Look at it as a gift that will keep on giving as you become healthier, more confident and ready to take on the world. This is a once in life time opportunity. Thank you.

Congratulations you look great!!! Thanks for sharing your progress. Any tips you want to offer that you attribute to the keys of your success.? Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all, I'm a loser! It's the first time I've ever been happy to say that! Truly, I am 13 days post surgery and really losing weight, something that has been so difficult for me since I had a hysterectomy. I'm a bundle of nerves, happiness and full of water (lol). I'm also full of questions... My doctor is never really forthcoming about how much weight he thinks I will lose. He gave me an estimate, grudgingly, but never really said he thinks I will lose ______. I'm curious to know how much weight everyone else lost 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1-year post surgery. Yes, I know, everyone's journey will be different, but I'm excited and nervous and I have no true knowledge to grab to level set my expectations. I looked for a local support group here in NYC/Brooklyn, but nothing. I know I could get this kind of feedback in that group setting, but since I don't have one, can anyone help me out here? For instance, I'm 13 days past surgery, and I've lost 11.5 lbs, a total of 28.7 since the pre-op diet. I know it isn't a contest, but I was wondering if that is on par with others. I don't have lofty goals, I want to lose 100 lbs total (from my pre-op weight), and I know that it will take some work - just the surgery won't do it, but I would love some ideas on how much others lost...The success stories are great but don't give me an understanding of the journey, the milestones. I mean, just that moment of stepping on the scales and seeing yourself under 200 lbs! When was that - post surgery? HOW was that? I'd love to hear. Also, those little measuring sticks below your signature... ADORABLE? Where did you get them? I love it! Thanks!!!

I was so excited about my vsg but getting jittery today, my surgery date is June 29,I am a DFW TX mom of 2, I'd like a buddy to help support along the way. Any Texas female sleevers?? I've wanted this for 2 years.

I do think my cycle is just off.. pretty sure I'm starting today... which would mean it's like every 45 days. I think. My skin has actually done the opposite.. acne cleared up and my mood swings calmed down

Does your hospital or surgeon offer support groups? Our team here has support groups meeting at the various hospitals about once a week for both newbies and vets. Look into something like that. There are also boards that are specific to the state you live in which might have some resources.

I ,point blank, told anyone with a negative opinion that I didn't have room in my life for that. If they can't be supportive and positive, not to talk to me about it. I almost lost a few friends... others quickly realized our friendship is more important and have been super supportive!

As a 16 year old having bypass surgery I was approached by many people who were either supportive or toxic. I say toxic because making the decision to undergo WLS is not something easily decided and many people try to persuade you out of it. It required a huge team of thinkers (including me) coming together to create a plan that would help me live my best life! A lot of people can't see what were trying to do because they lack empathy and they are scared for us, and fear manifests itself in many different ways (anger, anxiety, negativity), and yes it's true we could die on the table but we can also get hit by a bus, That's just life. 6 years out and looking back now I can say it was the best decision I ever made. I came to realize that there are three types of people in the world. People who: 1. Make things happen (Oprah, you and me) 2. Watch things happen (the spectators, the one's that root for us to fail) 3. Look at their life and say "what just happened" (the victims) You should feel soo proud of yourself for making a step in the right direction for yourself and the lives of the people around you. However you or any of you choose to move forward know that you're not alone and we're all hear to support you

Don't try it for the first time at your wedding! You don't want to feel sick on your special day! I am having surgery on Wednesday and know a couple of people who occasionly drink now after surgery but way after. I wouldn't risk it. Just have fun, plenty of time to drink later on!

Hope this comes across well in text - Have you tried your best with diet and exercise? I'm betting that you have, much more than he knows. For most people surgery is a last resort, not a first. Weigh the evidence against his opinion. Does it support it? If not then he is wrong. Move forward in whatever is best for you. You are the one that has your full story. Hugs and all the best!