dancingqueene

I have a neightbor who is always looking so fashionable and quite smaller than me. She goes through her closets often and gives bags to my daughter..now I am starting to go through them to save for me!!! This a huge incentive b/c she really has great taste!! I am going to start looking at summer clearance for a few tops and skirts/dresses for next summer soon!!

What an incrdible journey!! Mine is very similar honestly, so I can relate quite well. Grew up in a home where food was the anti-christ. It has taken me years to regain some 'control/ but now I am ready to go and accept this next challenge. You look amazing and I am very happy for you girl!! I have to say your jorney is an incredible inspiration to me. It's been for me to relate to others as not many people share our 'background' Your story has really made a difference in my day. Thank you!

You look AMAZING!! I can see a significant difference and you are glowing in your after picture!! Congrats!!

I will keep postive thoughts for you as well. I have been down this road too many times. I had to gain 10 pounds to get to a 40 BMI and I am actually at a 39.99 It's driving me insane. I pray that by gaining I will not screw things up, but like you, I have no co-mobidities. I have arthritis, and my cholesterol is slightly elevated! grrr. sad to wish I had something more to go on. I have 2 more appts. One in 2 weeks and another in Sept. before my final paperwork is submitted. Do you have BCBS for insurance? If I get denied I fear I will be a melted hot mess and it will knock me dow too far. We got this girl!!

I've had to think long & hard too... Although I'd prefer the sleeve the RNY is what I am choosing since I feel it has great long term effects & enough research to support it

I have been weighing option for surgery for a long time now. I'm one to do a LOT of research before making any decisions although I knew I would do a bypass surgery of some sort. Did anyone else weight heavily on the sleeve vs RNY before making a final decision? I have surgery this fall and I have to make a final decision by the end of Aug. I have several friends who have had the RNY but I don't know anyone personally who has had the sleeve.

You can eat anything on both of you chose to. The book I referred to explains how to eat good foods you want yet balance out to not gain etc. it's really helped me grasp the whole big picture. There's no solid evidence to show why one works better than the other. Many surgeons have varied opinions on this. I just suggest read, look in medical journals and books. I've been researching 5 years to truly understand the surgeries and eating patterns

This was my saving grace!!

I never realized my size either as I got attention, dated, etc until i saw a picture of me from a wine tour. I had never had a picture of me taken full body in years until that day...I brought me to my knees. But..it was a wonderful male friend who picked me back up. He made me realize how people see me...fun, loving, happy, etc and not for the body that I see in the mirror!! We are all here for similar reasons- embrace your changes, and be happy w/ who you are as a person!!

I'm surprised at the vitamin situation. Id be nervous to not take them. How do you manage alcohol? Do you drink anything carbonated? I have GERD as well and I take meds so thinking RNY might be my best option.

Bn.com or Amazon Hope this helps

Ong it's like you read my mind!!! I felt the same way!! I just read an amazing book that truly helped me beyond words!!! I high suggest it- especially if your a good addict!!! "Practical Advice for Long Term Maintenance of Bariatric Surgery " by Pamela Harrison. It's 5$ and an eBook!! Quick read and super helpful !!!

I think you should look at your accomplishments!!! Wow!! 140# in that short of time is incredible!! Ask your trainer to change things up a bit, work a new routine, change things around and that can help a lot. But girl..you have done amazing!! keep that hard work up and your chin!!

@ Babbs I've done a lot of research and I agree w/ you as well, but I'm fearful I won't lose as much and that I will 'hit a wall' so to speak as a lage amount of others I see and have read have hit. I've read more journals, books, meetigs, etc than I care to mention lol I know a deep part of me emotionally wants the weight to come off faster to keep me more motivated and that is what scares me w/ the sleeve- that I won't see the results as much. How has your experience been?

I've been researching for a little big time on this and have 3 surgeons go through the pro/cons of each. The sleeve- you tend to lose slower & less overall as a norm. It's a 50/50 shot with a plateau/ wall that many experience and I've read on here. There are a lot of pros and until last week it was my number 1 choice. I've been digging deeper & deeper ( and I love to research) and although bypass seems more invasive in the long run its not. You do lose more and faster as the norm! I've had to honestly sit and look at the statistics carefully and weigh each. I've read so much I know I'm informed well to make my own choice but I'd talk to others doctors to get another opinion

What made you choose sleeve vs bypass RNY? I've been going back & forth. My surgeon and I have talked long & hard on this!! I've been researching like crazy and have to decide soon bc surgery should be in Oct!! I'm exactly the same size as you also!! 5'4"-5'5" approx 226 pounds!!

Thank you so much for the link!!! Very helpful!!

I'm getting ready to have my surgery in the fall and have done extensive research (for more than 4 years now). I came across a book that I feel has been the best pre/post surgery book. For us food addicts/bing eaters, and those of us who think this surgery will be our 'magic pill' this has truly helped me make the best decision....'Practical Advice for Life Maintence after Bariatric Surgery" by Pamela Harrelson. Her story and journey is a reality check and has truly helped me. It's only available in eReader print and it's only 5.99$. She also has a forum on this site as well. I highly suggest this read...super easy read, great ideas, and puts the future into perspective!!

My surgeon's office suggests multiple powders. EAS is very reasonable and sugar free (sold at WalMart) If you add PB2 to that is really helps! I've used the premade shakes but if you make it I'm sure it can even taste better!

I was thinking to use the unflavored powder and add it unsweetened vanilla almond milk w/ PB2. Has anyone tried the unflavored?

I can completely understand where you are at. I've been trying for this surgery for 5+ years now and am on my final lap as well. I have 2 more 'weigh ins' before my surgery date and I fear the same thing!! Insurance looks at different things in regards to 'supervised weight loss'. For example- mine states the same thing but in reality I only had to have 6 consecutive 'weigh ins' rather than seeing the dietician for 6 months. I'm bracing myself for Sept when I have my last 'weigh in' that insuracne will the come back and do the same thing. Take a deep breathe (easier said than done). I have learned over the past 5 years that things happen for a reason. Have you read the book "Practical Advice for Lifetime Maintenance After Bariatric Surgery" by Pamela Harrelson? I highly suggest it as a pre-and post surgery book. One of the most enlighteing read for 5.99$. Her journey is amazing - she had the surgery 2x!!! As I am preparing and stressing myself I am takign the times to read up even more. I was planning the 'sleeve' rather than the bypass but I have changed my mind and will go the ruen-y route instead. I wish you the best!!

I can relate through my mother's story although a bit differently. My mom was heavier as a teen/ young woman. Growing up in an Italian home and being a depressed child she ate as comfort. Once leaving home she became obsessed w/ losing the weight. Since that time - 48 years ago my mom has been bone thin to the borderline of anorexia and still sees herself as the fat teen as she looks in the mirror each day. She's gorgeous, looks 45 rather than 67 but can't see her rail thin body. She works out hours a day and friends & family comment on her looking Ill. I'm getting ready to have the sleeve surgery and pray I don't react as she does. Take measurements , monthly pictures, and don't keeping looking back. Regardless of how much weight you lose stay focused on being healthier and knowing where your headed. Chin up...????

They also have rice like products such as risotto a well!!