Phoenix Rising

Hi Everybody,
 
Well I had a very relaxing and refreshing holiday. I came back feeling very good indeed (apart from the jet lag which luckily doesn't last long).
 
I had been having little treats while I was away including ice cream, and once a small half slice of chocolate fudge cake mmmmmmmmmmmmm! I also had not been able to weigh myself once during the whole three weeks. So of course as soon as I got home I jumped on the scales! I couldn't believe my eyes, I had lost ten pounds!!! OMG, how wonderful, as you all know I lose very slowly so to lose ten pounds in one go was just amazing, fantastic, wonderful...(you get the picture).
 
So, after I came down off the ceiling and stopped dancing around like a mad thing I tried to work out what I had done differently. The only difference I could think of was that I hadn't been doing quite so much exercise, and had had a few treats. Is this the answer, well no I don't really think so. Perhaps just relaxing and not concentrating on the scales all the time had something to do with it too.
 
I go back to my doctor in just over a weeks time and will be interested to hear what he thinks happened. But whatever the cause I am thrilled as I am just one stone (14lbs) away from my husbands weight, and with time I know I will weigh the same and eventually go under his weight. For so long I thought I would never get there and was sure I was the one, you know, the one person destined not to lose weight (or much weight) with the sleeve. This has stopped me thinking like that now. I really do believe that I will get to my target weight no matter how long it takes. (It has taken me six months to lose 35lbs) but with the weight that I lost before surgery and this weight I have now lost over 5 stone (70 lbs) Whoopee!
 
So for all those who are losing as slowing as I was, and probably will continue to do, take heart it will happen, you just have to keep on doing what you know you should be doing and eventually it will happen. I have now lost a total of 41 and a half inches all over my body, and 13 and a half of those were off my hips!!!!! :wub: (yes I am thrilled and also a little embarrassed at the size I was!)
 
My husband says I have lost a small person in inches and weight, that is just mind boggling. I am so so thankful that I found this board and read about the incredible weightlosses with the sleeve. It has made such a difference to my life, while on holiday I could walk easily and had no trouble on the airplane. I actually sat in comfort (in the cheap seats) was able to get my table down without it touching my stomach, and was only two inches away from not having to use the extension belt. (so, still quite a way to go, but not an impossibility.)
 
I hope that everyone is doing as well if not better than I am as we continue this journey to our new selves.(like our old selves only wiser and hopefully kinder to ourselves too)
Regards
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
You will all be delighted to hear that my oh so long stall has finally broken. Today I am 2 lbs lighter. Yeah. So this week I am 2 and 1/4 lbs down. I was beginning to think the scale would never move, but at last it has.
 
The stupid thing is, I never did anything different to what I was doing before. I really have got to accept that whilst I may feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes, in reality I am more a slow snail or tortoise!
 
I decided to set myself a goal, (another first for me) I want to lose another stone (14 pounds) by the end of June. That will give me another 6 weeks so I am hoping that is possible. I know for many of you on this site, you will probably lose 2 or 3 stone in that time, but remember I am that tortoise.
 
Wish me luck
Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone,
 
Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
 
I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
 
Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
 
I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
 
I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
 
Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
 
So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
 
I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
 
Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
 
I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
 
I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
 
Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
 
So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea!
 
I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall.
 
Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise.
 
I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot.
 
I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh).
 
Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going.
 
So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
As you can see from the title of this entry I finally got around to measuring myself again. Oh boy am I glad I did. I have gone down another 3 and 3/4 inches over my body. Yea! So I have lost a total of 9 and 1/2 inches off my hips. Isn't that fantastic, I am jumping up and down like a lunatic.
 
So even though the scales haven't moved in a very long 5 weeks I am still losing inches.
 
Not sure why the scales are not being friendly, as I am still walking, stepping, and now jogging (a little). I am eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids but it refuses to budge! In fact I was getting a bit stressed so I put the scales away today and won't get them out again for another week, when I hope it will finally start co-operating with me. I think my body has had long enough to 'catch up' and really ought to start getting with the programme! I know lots of you have had stalls for a few weeks but has anyone gone as long as 5 weeks? If so, could you let me know how you got things moving again? I know that eventually with the small amounts I am eating and the energy I am expending it has to happen sometime but I want it yesterday!!!
 
I also need loads of patience, so if anyone has any to spare could you please send it my way, my stock has run real low. Apart from that, things are tickety boo, (9 and 1/2 inches) Yea!
Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone,
 
Been getting out and about a bit more than usual so have not been on here for a while. As you can see from my title, I actually jogged! Me, who hasn't run since I was 11 years old. Ok, it was only for 3 minutes but I did it. I ran. Wow, it was amazing. My knees held out, my heart didn't burst and I felt incredible, well at least for a short while. After that I just felt plain knackered. Sorry, tired.
 
I have done this twice now, again only for 3 minutes, but I figure I have to start somewhere and I can build it up as I have my other exercises. My husband was absolutely gobsmacked. His face was a picture, I wish I had had my camera with me as he looked so funny. I don't think I will ever run that far, but at least I can run (in short bursts) It is not a pretty sight, as everything jiggles and flops around something terrible. I don't care only my husband can see, and he has seen me at my very worst.
 
So what else is new, not much: I have not lost any more weight so I will have to get out my tape measure again as I need a boost at the moment. This stall is lasting way too long! Oh, I went out for my first meal since my operation. It was lunch at a cafe near where my sister lives, we were having a girls day out. I had cauliflower cheese, I asked for and received a small portion and had a small new potato with it too. I ate all the cauliflower cheese but less than half of the potato. It was great to feel 'normal' again. Yes I could only eat a small portion, but no one looked at me as if I was a freak for eating so little. I took my time and enjoyed every mouthful. (My sister doesn't know about my operation). She had a dessert, and I had a teaspoon of her dessert just to taste it. It was a lemon and lime gateaux. Delicious, but after that teaspoon I didn't want any more.
 
I never imagined a day when I would be able to say that! I am beginning to enjoy the 'power' of the sleeve. Knowing I can try any food, but will be happy with just a tiny amount is empowering. Food doesn't control me anymore, I control it. I can take it or leave it. I know you will all understand what a huge change that is for me. I feel like wonderwoman or superwoman. At the moment I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I was able to leap tall buildings!
 
So if you see an old woman with lots of jiggly bits leaping a tall building, that will be me.
Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone,
 
Well, I am still on a stall, but I have decided that if that is what my body needs to do right now then I should help it all I can to feel comfortable enough to start losing again. So I am trying to chill out, and not worry about the scale. (I have put it away for awhile) I figure my body has always been pretty good to me, and when it feels happier it will let go of more weight. I guess it is a case of 'catch up' , and by that I mean my mindset as well as my body.
 
So, to help my mind feel better, I took some more measurements. Whoohoo! Another three inches bite the dust!!!!! Wow in the last year and a bit I have lost over 27 inches all over my body. That is amazing. Ok, with those sorts of changes I can begin to understand why my body needs some adjustment time. Besides, this isn't a race, this is the rest of my life. So slow and steady does it.
 
I have taken other peoples advice and found some flavoured waters that agree with me, so I have a change from squashes which is great as I was getting really bored with them. The other night my husband had steak with all the trimmings, and I had a small piece of his steak (2 x 1 inch) with a fried egg. I ate all the steak (which was so lovely and juicy) and the yolk of the egg and I was full up. Hooray. I love the fact that these small amounts of food are more than enough. I am also delighted that I am able to eat everything I try. My sleeve is so well behaved, and good to me. :wub:
 
I am still keeping up with the daily walking and the step every other day and feel quite proud of myself that I am doing it. Usually, if I am not losing I get bored or fed up and quit for a while. My step work is improving and I am thinking of moving on to the harder stuff soon. (At the moment I just repeat the easy stuff about 10 times.) I may leave it a bit longer though as I know how long it took me to feel okish about the easy stuff. I still don't like my feet leaving the floor, but I guess it is getting easier.
 
I have a dr's appointment for my first proper check up since my op next week, so will let you all know how that goes. Hopefully I will be able to report a bit more weightloss, but if not, nevermind.(perhaps I should change my name to tortoise!)
Best wishes to everyone
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
Well, if you have been keeping up with my blog you will know that I was a bit concerned as I felt I was able to eat far too much!!!
 
Today I again had a boiled egg with cheese for lunch. This time I made sure I counted how many teaspoons worth I ate. I realised that I only took about half a teaspoon at a time and by the time I had finished all the egg I had had eight half teaspoons. In other words 4 full teaspoons of egg and cheese. Woopee. Others can manage three teaspoons so my four, although more, is not too excessive. Boy was I relieved. Now I am sure they did remove most of my stomach and not just make some scars as a placebo effect!
 
So today is two whole weeks since surgery, and apart from the scars and getting tired very quickly I am extremely well. In fact I would say that everything was ticketyboo! I realise just how lucky I am and am indeed so very thankful. I hate feeling ill, so to feel this good so soon after a fairly major surgery is just wonderful.
 
Hope everyone else is doing just fine too
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!!
 
I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo.
 
Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something!
 
So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial.
Love to all
Phoenix

Hi Everyone,
 
Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.
 
Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!
 
The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.
 
Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.

Hi Everyone,
 
Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever.
 
Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!!
 
The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along.
 
Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.

Hi everyone,
 
Another good nights sleep last night. I was even able to lie down in bed properly. The first night I slept almost sitting up in bed. The best bit was this morning, I was able to get up out of bed by myself and it didn't hurt at all. I was ultra cautious but it was not a problem. Great, that had been one of my worries.
 
I also seem to be able to drink a lot easier than many on here. I am not sure why, I tend to sip slowly but am still able to get a lot down. I have had milk, orange squash, chicken soup and milk mixed with chocolate protein and have been able to tolerate everything. I am so thrilled that everything seems to be going so well, although a little voice at the back of my head keeps saying 'it's too easy, something must be wrong', 'perhaps they didn't really take out your stomach and it's still too big!'
 
I suppose we all second guess every move we make in the very beginning of this journey. My medication is getting easier to swallow, and now my brain is working I don't have to totally rely on my long suffering husband. (although I do tend to - as he loves to take care of me)
 
If anyone has any questions that I can answer then I most certainly will. If I can help others as so many have helped me I will feel that I have been able to give a little back.
Still on a high, happy with my decision and happy with life. Love to all

Hi All,
Thanks everyone for all your lovely comments they are really appreciated. Including the one for my husband too. Bless him, he loved that he got a mention.
 
Last night I slept reasonably well and woke up this morning with my head a lot clearer too. I guess that I am getting rid of all the anaesthesia out of my body. I am walking regularly and managing to take in plenty of fluid. I managed a final count of 50 ounces of fluid yesterday so felt pretty proud of myself.
 
I am thinking of asking for belching and burping to be made an olympic sport, if it was I guarantee that I would win a gold medal for Britain this year! Does that go on forever? Or does it slowly subside? I am hoping it does subside as this is rather embarrassing to say the least. On the other hand, if it is a lifelong thing I guess I will just have to learn to live with it. Given the burps or being morbidly obese I will happily take the burps thank you very much.
 
I am feeling very positive at the moment, but I am very aware that I could 'crash' down and feel pretty low. I hope it doesn't happen, but have read so many peoples blogs where they have crashed and felt very low and depressed that I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened to me too. Still, at the moment I am on a high and loving life.
 
My husband is still being so warm and supportive, that if I wasn't already married to him I would snap him up in an instant. I realise just how lucky I am to have him totally on my side and with me every step of the way on this journey. So nothing new to report except that I am a day further on and hopefully today will manage my magical 64 ounces of fluids. Good luck to everyone out there about to take this life changing step and I hope you have my luck and have a relatively easy journey.

It really has happened, I can hardly believe it myself. I went into hospital on Monday 19th March and they allowed me home on Tuesday 20th March. They also sent me home with a ton of medication.I am truly thankful that my husband is here to help me make sense of it all. He has already made me a wipe board with my medications and times to take them on. He is so supportive I couldn't manage without him.
 
Anyway, the operation went very well, I didn't need a drain thank goodness, everything looks good and my incisions were covered in a glue that holds everything together. They are beginning to heal well because they have started to itch. I am leaving them well alone. I am able to drink albeit slowly and steadily. I am also able to swallow all my pills even the large ones. (they are not comfortable but are doable) I have been both ends (if you know what I mean) so that is all working just fine. In fact, apart from the fact I feel as though I was kicked by an elephant I am just fantastic.
 
Although I was on a morphine drip the first day I stopped using it at two in the morning as I really didn't need it. I have been incredibly lucky. I haven't really had what I would call pain. I have been uncomfortable but I expected that as a minimum. I am sure that I was able to cope so well was because of everything I have read on this forum. Thank you everyone here, you made this so much easier for me and I am truly greatful. :wub:
 
I am drinking but not sure how much yet. I have been told different amounts by different doctors (!!***!!) But, I think the minimum I should have would be 1 and a half pints of liquid and if I can do 4 pints that would be amazing. At the moment I am on track for the 1 and a half pints, but who knows I may get better at it sooner than I expect. I will try and keep everyone informed on how I am doing as my head gets a little clearer and I have a little more energy.

Great news! I have some NSV's to share
1. my replacement wedding band no longer fits, but I'm still holding out for the big one, so this will have to do for now
2. My BMI dropped from 42 to 39.5. I'm still Morbidly obese, but hey, at least its coming down!
3. My fasting blood sugar usually runs 100-110. It's been 89!
4. I kinda sorta in a way can see my waist now! Thats always exciting!
5. I have so much more energy!! It's 3 AM and I'm up and ready for the day. Insomnia you say? Maybe, but at least I'm energetic!!
 
I've discovered a strength this week that I didn't know I had. I'm learning patience, perserverance, but most of all I'm learning to step outside of myself. I read Holly's blog (300 pounds gone, check it out, I love her writing) a couple of weeks ago, and she challenged her readers to help themselves by helping others. I may have paraphrased that all wrong, but that is the message I got out of it. Each of us is so caught up in the scale, the NSV's, our pain and suffering, that our focus is internal. I'm working on remembering to pull myself out of my own head and reach out to others. It's been fulfilling to give encouragement without expecting any in return
 
This surgery is not only good for the physical aspect of ourselves, but also the mental and spiritual. Then again, it is what you make it.
 
Have a great week everyone!!

Having re read my first entry, I knew it was too good to be true! Today has been awful, I have felt hungry all day and my stomach has been growling and complaining fit to be tied. I am still sticking to my milk diet, but oh dear me, it has been really hard today. I have a constant headache, and just feel terrible. (including feeling really sorry for myself). I have another 12 days to go and although I know I will do it (I must) it will be a very long 12 days. So what does everybody else do to distract themselves when they feel this way? I have tried some exercise, reading, doing sudoku and crossword puzzles but all my brain wants to think about is food.
 
My husband had a curry tonight as he knew I was struggling and also knows that I cannot stand curry, bless him. His way of helping at the moment is to eat only things I hate. Isn't that sweet of him. Trouble is, I feel so hungry that even his curry looked inviting!!!!!!
 
I know this will pass eventually, but waiting for that to happen is really tough.

Well, here goes, this will be mainly my ramblings about my vs journey. Never done a blog before so this is another first for me.
 
I started my pre-op diet on the 1st March 2012. This time around it doesn't seem so hard. I am not sure if it is because I know what to expect now or because at the end of it I get my op. I have lost another three pounds since starting it, but I know that I may not lose much more as my body retains water (on medication for it) and will only let go every so often. I will lose a few pounds then stay still for ages then eventually when I think it will never happen again I lose a few more!
 
My husband is being truly wonderful and supportive, in fact I have never known him to be this supportive before, but I am loving it. I think the hoops I have had to jump through to get this far have impressed him, and he has decided to be as helpful as possible. I am having my op on the NHS and they are very strict about a ten per cent weight loss and maintaining it before surgery. (We have been married for thirty years and I have been overweight for all of them, but seriously overweight for the last twenty).
 
I am a regular reader and lurker on this board, but have posted now and then. I have found so much useful information and help here, and have researched all I can, that I feel I am ready for this operation and will do everything I can to make it work. I know from reading other people's stories that it will not be a walk in the park, and that I will probably have to work harder than I ever have before, but I am ready for that. I also know that if I am worried, or down, or just wanting to share good news, I will be welcomed with open and non-judgemental arms here.
 
So, my posts may not be educational, erudite or that interesting to anyone else, but I will feel the benefit of unburdening myself and who knows, I may be able to help someone who may have felt what I felt, or will feel what I may feel in the future.

First, I should note I'm new to blogging, and new to this forum, so I will learn as I go. My hope is that I can verbalize my journey to the me I see through this forum and that it will be a way of support, healing, recovery, motivation, collaboration and reflection.
 
About me: Married, 2 kids, highest weight 334, surgery date weight 319. VSG performed at the Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Dr. Rosenthal & Dr. Sloan on 2/8/12.
 
For such a personal journey and private health issue - finding this forum has been a God send. I told no one at work, I told none of my family. I only shared the details with the people in my life that would be unconditionally supportive of this life changing decision. My husband and children, and my best friends Gina & Kathy. One person at work sort of knew - but I hope is going to respect my privacy. I even specified on my FMLA paperwork that only my HR Manager would be able to know. So, I pause. Why so much shame and protective privacy around making a life changing decision to improve my health? Because people are judgemental - they don't know what it is like to be in the skin that I'm in and they form opinions and have the nerve to voice them. They can be hurtful, demeaning, shallow. I came across this forum and observed acceptance, understanding, compassion. I lurked. Then I lept.
 
I have not been obese my whole life. Was taunted and teased as a child for being too tall and skinny - lean green string bean. Go figure? My mother, a vain critical woman, forced me into weight watchers as a junior in high school at 137 - thought I was too fat at a size 11. All my friends were 5, 7, 9, clearly I had an issue. So the seed was planted, and so I fed it. I was a healthy athletic young woman till about 21, and the freshman fifteen joined the party, and slowly my weight progressed. As the weight crept in, so did the bigotry, judgment and discrimination. My first experience was at 186, entering a bridal salon and being sized up visually by the counter person and her saying, "We can't help you miss...our dresses just don't go that big.". I was a size 18. My mother in law ended up making my dress. So rather than bore you with the details of my past - I will give you the abridged version. I got married. I had a baby. My husband came out of the closet. No, I did not know. I went into the pantry. I got on the band wagon of "embracing my curves" which, to some degree was a cop out for me, but easier than dealing with the emotional monkey on my back that fed my fat cells. I got divorced. There was a 7 year drought. I met Mark. We married. We had a baby. We are living the happily ever after.
 
I decided in 2011 to put my health first. I explored fixing my pelvic floor disorder - I had been living with since my first born, but when I went to the Dr. in the 90's for it - he made fun of my - "I'm surprised you are not wet all the time, you have so much fat on your stomach." - I was under 200 at the time. But it drove me back to my safe place - the pantry. People can be so rude. Anyway, so in December, I was on hold at the Cleveland Clinic and heard about the Pelvic Floor Disorder Center of Excellence. Long story short, that inquiry led to a consult that said, if we do WLS first, your pelvic floor surgery will be more successful - or perhaps not even be necessary.
 
To my primary care I went, I requested a letter of medical necessity, got it. To my surprise, my insurance paperwork was turned in on a Friday, I was approved on the following Monday, and I was scheduled for surgery on 2/8. Holy frijoles - this was now a reality! The jump is so far from where I am today, to what I want to become, I close my eyes and leap.
 
Surgery was done on 2/8 - I am now 6 days out and each day gets a little better. Less gas, less pain/discomfort, fewer tears, more hope.