Charlotte

Another week of the weight yo yo for me. I am back to drinking shakes to get enough protein in, and taking biotin to help with the hair loss. I still love my sleeve but not loving me or the choices I have made in the past few days. For every action there is a reaction and so that cookie or ice cream cone adds weight on. Better choices this week for that sweet tooth that has managed to show it's ugly head again. I found those Fiber one brownies are really good and only 90 calories so that is my choice for this week.
 
I wasn't going to write every week because it was getting hard to put feelings on page, then I thought about it more and am going to continue to write every week. This is the only place I have to put down in words what I am feeling and how having the sleeve is effecting me.
 
I love that I am getting smaller and changing shape, the down side clothes are expensive , I think I can live with that as a side effect heheheheheh
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sleeveshakes.doc

Almost forgot to write this week lol. This week has been better I am starting to feel like myself again and that is wonderful. This weekend I am going to a bowling tournament with my sister to watch her over at the Riverside Casino, it should be lots of fun. It has been awhile since we have gotten away even if it's only 15 miles from home.
 
Glad to know I did something right with my kids, my son called for a ride home this morning because he was to drunk to drive. Was more than happy to go pick him up and take him home. As he got out of the car he kissed me and said thank you for the ride mom and handed me a $20 made me smile from ear to ear.
 
As for my weight loss I am still losing YEAH! I can't believe how much I have lost in such a short time the scale read 245.8 and I am down 10 sizes from start. That is a size 18 and 92 lbs gone for good. I will reach my goal of 100 lbs gone by the end of the month and am tickled pink. By doing the weekly weight-ins and charting them I am averaging about 10lbs a month which is awesome.
 
I don't think I would have made it this far had it not been for this site and the people here. This is a place of lots of LOVE and SUPPORT, Thank you all.

My weight loss is at a snails pace right now and it is very frustrating. I know I didn't put it on over night but dang it I want it off over night!!
I want to look in the mirror and see the person I know, the one that is inside waiting sometimes impatiently to get out.
 
This is my fault though, I made this body over many years, and now it's time to unmake it.
 
First step this week is to work out a little more than last week. (without going over what the doctors set for me)
Second drop my calories back down to 800 instead of 1100
Third really pay attention to the amount of sugars and fat I intake.
Fourth If at all possible try not to stress over things I can't change in my life.
and last but not least get on my knees and pray more.
 
That should be enough to tackle for this week lol
 
May Jesus continue to bless me on this journey of a life time and help me to follow through with it.

Doctors appoint in Vegas went really good. I am above the norm for losing which is where I want to be. He increased the amount of protein he wants me eating and is very happy with my a1c count. He reminded me that as I get closer to goal weight I will have to work harder to lose the weight.
 
I have reached another goal 255lbs yeah, next goal is 200lbs so will increase the weight training as I can't do much cardio right now. According to the doctors I may never be able to much cardio because of the damage to my heart.
 
Had to buy new clothes to cover, every thing was falling off, down to size 18/20 tops and pants from 28's and 5x's it just amazes me at how many sizes I have gone through. I am hoping to be n 14/16's b the end of the month.
 
I am so thankful for all the changes taking place and I owe it all to God and the doctors for letting me have this surgery.
 
Well time to start a new week and new adventures. Day by Day Step by Step with Jesus is my prayer.

I knew this month was going to be bad and I was right. I gained 1.4lbs and 1.5 inches for the month. I can't let this get me down I just need to get on it and stay on top of things. But this does show me that making bad food choices and no exercise will result in a bad month or week.
 
I think I will write a letter to the hospital about changing the food in the vending machines so there are better and healthier choices. 5 days of that didn't help me at all. I am so thankful Tia (sis) is doing good and home again. She still has to have her wound packed and taped but at least that can be done here at home.
 
I had a doctor appointment and they have me so freaked out about going to the gym by myself, they are so worried that I will have another heart attack or stroke it is just driving me crazy. So I did some research on my health conditions and found that what they are saying is more serious then I thought. The chances of either of those happening is about 80 to 100% possible if I do to much of anything. So for now I will just be more careful and pay attention to the heart rates of the machines so that I don't over do, there is 1 good thing, they do have emergency buttons to wear at the gym when I'm alone.which is a good thing.
 
Well time for bed and prayers, tomorrow is another day and the start of a new week. I will do better I don't want to fail.
 
Day by Day Step by Step with Jesus

I have lost my butt and my boobs but can't seem to get to lose the middle of me. My stomach area is still as fluffy as it was or at least it seems that way. I measured and not many inches gone. So my plan for this week is to really push up the work outs on the stomach area. I hope this works.
 
I have lost 72.2lbs as of today and am losing my hair by the hand fulls. If I lose to much more I will have to look for wigs lol.
 
I still don't see a lot of change when I look in the mirror I still look big, but I do see the changes when I look back at photos I wonder why that is? I notice the changes in my clothes I'm almost out of clothes in the closet that fit I hate the thought of having to go shopping.
 
Well this is short and sweet.
 
God Bless this journey I'm on. Day by Day Step by Step with Jesus is my thought for the day.

Top of the morning family :D
 
Today is a great day to fill yourself with some spiritual vitamins, your body will thank you!!
 
 
Vitamin T: TRUST
 
 
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways, acknowledge him,
and he will direct your path!
 
 
We must understand that God has all power, and that it is he who sustains our life. He has allowed all of us to be on this journeys path,
so we must "Trust" that if "He brought us to it, he will see us through it!"

Wow it has already been 9 weeks and I still marvel at the changes my body is taking on. I weighted in this morning at 280.6 that is so awesome that puts me down 56.4 lbs. WOW. I have lost 23 inches over all and am feeling so wonderful (other than a stupid cold right now).
 
The doctor told me not to except large weight loss numbers now that I am further out but they keep coming off and I am so thankful for that.
 
I am still off all medication until the 16th when I see the heart doctor. I don't feel like I need them anymore but that will be up to him as to weather I get to stay off them.
I feel great even while at the gym. So I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for good news Thursday.
 
I have only one regret in all of this is that my mom can't be here to see it.
 
I wish I would have had the sleeve done years ago it would have saved me so much grief over the past years.
 
Step by Step Day by Day with Jesus is all I can hope for. I thank Him for so much and for making it possible for me to have this surgery.
 
Oh yeah this is such ego boosting for me, I bought a dress last year for Valentines Day through a catalog. When it got here they had sent me a size 22, no way was I going to fit in that thing being at a size 28. I didn't even send it back I was so upset. I just hung it in the deepest corner of my closet and forgot about it. Today looking for something to wear that didn't fall off, lol, I noticed it hiding there, so I took it out and laid it on the bed. Yeah right, I though, that thing is still way to small for me. I kept staring at it. Oh what the heck I tried it on laughing the whole time but slap me silly it fits and fits good. Will wonders never end, I hope not.
 
Have a Happy Valentines Day
and Good losing all.

Wow it has already been 9 weeks and I still marvel at the changes my body is taking on. I weighted in this morning at 280.6 that is so awesome that puts me down 56.4 lbs. WOW. I have lost 23 inches over all and am feeling so wonderful (other than a stupid cold right now).
 
The doctor told me not to except large weight loss numbers now that I am further out but they keep coming off and I am so thankful for that.
 
I am still off all medication until the 16th when I see the heart doctor. I don't feel like I need them anymore but that will be up to him as to weather I get to stay off them.
I feel great even while at the gym. So I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for good news Thursday.
 
I have only one regret in all of this is that my mom can't be here to see it.
 
I wish I would have had the sleeve done years ago it would have saved me so much grief over the past years.
 
Step by Step Day by Day with Jesus is all I can hope for. I thank Him for so much and for making it possible for me to have this surgery.
 
Oh yeah this is such ego boosting for me, I bought a dress last year for Valentines Day through a catalog. When it got here they had sent me a size 22, no way was I going to fit in that thing being at a size 28. I didn't even send it back I was so upset. I just hung it in the deepest corner of my closet and forgot about it. Today looking for something to wear that didn't fall off, lol, I noticed it hiding there, so I took it out and laid it on the bed. Yeah right, I though, that thing is still way to small for me. I kept staring at it. Oh what the heck I tried it on laughing the whole time but slap me silly it fits and fits good. Will wonders never end, I hope not.
 
Have a Happy Valentines Day
and Good losing all.

Wow it has already been 9 weeks and I still marvel at the changes my body is taking on. I weighted in this morning at 280.6 that is so awesome that puts me down 56.4 lbs. WOW. I have lost 23 inches over all and am feeling so wonderful (other than a stupid cold right now).
 
The doctor told me not to except large weight loss numbers now that I am further out but they keep coming off and I am so thankful for that.
 
I am still off all medication until the 16th when I see the heart doctor. I don't feel like I need them anymore but that will be up to him as to weather I get to stay off them.
I feel great even while at the gym. So I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for good news Thursday.
 
I have only one regret in all of this is that my mom can't be here to see it.
 
I wish I would have had the sleeve done years ago it would have saved me so much grief over the past years.
 
Step by Step Day by Day with Jesus is all I can hope for. I thank Him for so much and for making it possible for me to have this surgery.
 
Oh yeah this is such ego boosting for me, I bought a dress last year for Valentines Day through a catalog. When it got here they had sent me a size 22, no way was I going to fit in that thing being at a size 28. I didn't even send it back I was so upset. I just hung it in the deepest corner of my closet and forgot about it. Today looking for something to wear that didn't fall off, lol, I noticed it hiding there, so I took it out and laid it on the bed. Yeah right, I though, that thing is still way to small for me. I kept staring at it. Oh what the heck I tried it on laughing the whole time but slap me silly it fits and fits good. Will wonders never end, I hope not.
 
Have a Happy Valentines Day
and Good losing all.

Wow it has already been 9 weeks and I still marvel at the changes my body is taking on. I weighted in this morning at 280.6 that is so awesome that puts me down 56.4 lbs. WOW. I have lost 23 inches over all and am feeling so wonderful (other than a stupid cold right now).
 
The doctor told me not to except large weight loss numbers now that I am further out but they keep coming off and I am so thankful for that.
 
I am still off all medication until the 16th when I see the heart doctor. I don't feel like I need them anymore but that will be up to him as to weather I get to stay off them.
I feel great even while at the gym. So I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for good news Thursday.
 
I have only one regret in all of this is that my mom can't be here to see it.
 
I wish I would have had the sleeve done years ago it would have saved me so much grief over the past years.
 
Step by Step Day by Day with Jesus is all I can hope for. I thank Him for so much and for making it possible for me to have this surgery.
 
Oh yeah this is such ego boosting for me, I bought a dress last year for Valentines Day through a catalog. When it got here they had sent me a size 22, no way was I going to fit in that thing being at a size 28. I didn't even send it back I was so upset. I just hung it in the deepest corner of my closet and forgot about it. Today looking for something to wear that didn't fall off, lol, I noticed it hiding there, so I took it out and laid it on the bed. Yeah right, I though, that thing is still way to small for me. I kept staring at it. Oh what the heck I tried it on laughing the whole time but slap me silly it fits and fits good. Will wonders never end, I hope not.
 
Have a Happy Valentines Day
and Good losing all.

I had my check-up in Vegas this morning and most of it was really good. According to their scale I weight 290 but that is good 47 lbs for their records. I still like my scale better 285 this morning = 52 lbs lost.
 
Was given my card to show the buffet cashiers so I don't get charged a ton. Was cleared to do what ever I want and eat what ever I want (except soda). I don't have to go back for 3 months YEAH!!!!
 
Picked up a few snack bars and some more hot coco yummy.
 
It was a good trip all in all.
 
On the down side I was told I wasn't eating enough calories he wants me at 1000 to 1100 calories a day (instead of 600-900). I will give it my best shot.
 
Happy Journey trails for all.

Can't believe it's been almost 4 weeks (23 days) since my sleeve surgery. Went to heart doctor Tuesday and things are looking good weighted in at 305 and blood pressure was 130/82 such big improvements since my last appointment. (clearance for surgery weight 337 and BP 158/96) Today 302 (35lbs gone) and BP 129/76 Yeah!
 
I still am off all my medications, tried to take BP pills and Plavix but they dropped my blood pressure way to low, so, doctor said just keep eye on it and if it starts going back up again restart my pills and come see him. (so happy) I hate pills.
 
My husband and I have been cleaning the garage out so that he can put my "OLD" weight equipment up and hang the punching bag, am looking forward to exercising haven't been able to for over 10 years now and am so thrilled. I am moving on from just walking the block, maybe hubby will work out with me (I hope) again. Never thought I would use the "OLD" equipment ever again glad I didn't get rid of it.
 
My moods have changed for the better since surgery and I have found my voice again no more sitting on the side lines and taking everyone's crap. I can do THIS and NO ONE is going to tell me anything different.
 
I had no choice in having the surgery if I wanted to live, it was surgery or death and I chose surgery and life.
 
I have no regrets and am looking forward to a happier, healthier life ahead.
 
Bad mojo out and good mojo in.
 
Step by Step Day by Day with Jesus is all I pray for.

Right before I had my surgery my boyfriend broke up with me. The idea of me losing weight intimidated the life out of him. That was in May of 2011. I had my surgery in August 2011. I have lost 70 pounds. Recently I have been kicking around the idea of getting back on the horse so to speak. I have gone on a few first dates. I have tried to set it up to where we do not eat on these dates. More like a sit and talk and drink coffee date.
 
I honestly have no idea how to explain my decision to a stranger. So far it hasn’t been a problem. To be fair, the guys I have dated so far have been…well let’s just say we haven’t been compatible.
 
I’ve been talking to a new guy lately. I like him. I like him a lot. He is very different from anyone I have ever met. He wants to take me out to dinner. I am nervous about eating in front of him. I thought if I ordered soup maybe it would be okay. But I know from experience that people freak out when they see how little I eat.
 
I dread the idea of his first impression of me. I dread having to explain that I have had VSG. I really like this guy. And to be honest- I am tired of dating. I had pretty much just given up when I met him. He wants to go out next weekend. I am nervous and worried. I like him- I didn’t really like the others.

Today marks 1 month to date Dec 12 - Jan 12, and I have lost 43lbs(337/298) and 9.75 inches.
 
The last time I took any of my daily medicine (10 pills and 1 shot) was the day before surgery. The purple pill included (Nexium).
 
I love reading what everyone else is going through because it does help me and some of it I can relate to. Thank you all for your important input sincerely.
 
 
 
I am so thankful for all of you and your comments on this site.
May God keep and bless you on your path to weight loss.
 
Char

I have read a lot of the blogs and am wondering if I am doing things wrong because I have not stalled yet. I am 18 days post op and am still losing weight average about 1 to 2 lbs a day. What is wrong with me or the diet that I have not stalled?
 
I weighted 341 when I started this journey, before surgery I lost about 14lbs just by changing how long it took to eat my meals. They didn't tell to diet before surgery just thought I better get in the habit of eating slower. Since my surgery I have gone from 337 to 305 another 32lbs down. I am trying to do all the right things but am having trouble getting all the protein in. I have been using shots of protein to make up for what I am not getting in the shakes. Could this be the cause of NOT stalling I wonder.
 
I was told I could have soft purred foods at 2 weeks but they don't seem to light my new stomach at all. The food just lies there like a lump making me want to throw up.
I have found that if I eat just 1 meal (an egg) and 2 shakes a day I feel much better. Is this wrong? I don't know.
 
I don;t see much difference in my body shape, but I need a rope to keep my pants up lol. I did however manage to get into a size 26 pant compared to my 28's the other day, "Yeah" and my shirts are a bit loser so I guess that is a good sign.
 
My health was the reason for taking this journey. I was and still am in bad shape. The best news ever was the fact that I no longer have to take insulin shots everyday and my blood sugars are in the normal range again ( low 100's ). I am still concerned that I have not been able to swallow any pills yet, as I do have meds that I should be taking. My blood pressure and moods have not yet improved much, but that is because I can't take those pills yet. Oh well step by step day by day with Jesus is all I can hope for right now.
 
So much for my boo who;s today. May God bless and Keep us all healthy and continuing to lose in the New Year.

So I figured I would make another post since I left alot out of my last drugged up blog lol
 
I've now been home from the hospital for 2 and a half days.
 
Today has been ok, better than yesterday. I got 8 hours of sleep in 4 hour blocks. I went a full 8 hours without pain meds for the first time but i think only because i was asleep during most of that.
 
I've got this huge bruise on my inside arm from where they did one of the IVs, looks like chopped liver and turning all sorts of colors now.
 
The backs of my legs have been itchy since the surgery, its very weird. I'm not sure if its because of the inflatable things they had on my legs while i was in the hospital. Its not as bad as it was but still concerning.
 
I've also got 2 blisters under my steri strips. One is much larger than the other and its near the outside not near the incision. I just cut off the steri strip section that was covering the blisters and dabbed it with some hydrogen peroxide. Hope they clear up tomorrow. My stomach has also been itching all over since surgery.
 
I think i'm starting to get dehydrated, my tongue is whitish on top. I only got in 44 ounces today and i know even less yesterday. Its weird that I get more gassy when i drink plain water than when i drink crystal light water.
 
The gas is still a problem. Sometimes i have a gas bubble when i take a drink even if its a sip and it feels like i have to burp but usually cant. I've also had sharp gas pains that feel like they're near my back spine area.
 
I've been trying to walk every hour for at least 5 minutes at a time, not sure if this is enough, the Dr didnt really say how much.
 
I'm confused on what clear liquids mean because the box of powder they gave me to make into soup surely isnt clear, its also disgusting so i started taking canned progresso soups and draining them and having the broth from them. I figure as long as its pretty runny liquid(nothing creamy) it should be ok.
 
I've decided to stop reading the forums as they started freaking me out with the stories of leaks etc. Being self pay I literally cannot afford a leak. So i'm just keeping my fingers crossed and trying to follow every rule.
 
On the bright side the scale said 298 today, its the first time i've been under 300 in like 7 years.
 
So I lost 16lbs on the pre op diet and another 2lbs since Monday and i know I still have alot of water weight.
 
Well that's all i can think of for now. Off to bed.