ShapeShifter

Today I weighed in at 220.4. So I lost 1.6 lbs this week. My total weight loss is at 25.6 lbs. I'm glad I hit the 25 lb mark and now my goal is to be out of the 220's (FOREVER!). On average (since surgery) I am losing 2.6 lbs a week.
 
I am in a 1x comfortably in tops (I have a NSV - non scale victory - of fitting into several tops that I kept but I could barely get into on the 1x side). My pants are probably an 18 and a half (but since they don't make that size I am wearing 20's and some 18's). I bought a pair of 18W white jean capri yesterday at Kohols that i will have to "strech out" before wearing and I bought the CUTEST linen tops in XL from the women's section and I think I can get away with them if I wear a compression tank underneath (or strech them). If not I'll wear them when I start to go down to the XL size (they were that cute
 
The only planned exersize I got this week was dancing in a Zumba flash mob this past Saturday (fun but boy do I look HUGE on the video).
 
I've collected quite a bit of small containers and make my Bento lunch each day. I like that I can snack all day by just grabbing one (I usually have four containers). The other day I had greek vanilla yogurt in one 4 oz container. Go lean crunch cereal in a 1 oz container to mix into the yogert, a 4 oz container of cottage cheese, a 4 oz container of hamburger with mac and cheese, a 4 oz container of marinated cucumber, onion, green pepper mix. It was an eclectic mix but I ate them so spaced out that it didn't bother me.
 
I am currently contemplating joining the Y for $50 a month to go to the aerobics classes and to use the pool for lap swimming. Part of me wants to start a walking program first at home using my zillion Walk Away the Pounds tapes first and then join the Y when school gets out and I have a more flexible schedule.
 
I still need to work on remembering that I have had the surgery so that I stop grabbing larger portions of food that I can't eat AND remembering to eat on a pretty regular schedule. Yesterday I had breakfast and didn't eat again until 3:00 p.m. I was STARVING (I was shaking and the start of a headache was kicking in) and wolfed down some rolls at a restarant and was so sick until I walked around until I felt better (thank goodness...the person I was with was worried about me.). My lesson learned from that experience was to pack a protein bar when I know I am not going to be eating for awhile and to not start with the bread basket!
 
Attached is a picture of me in my Zumba Flash Mob tshirt.
 
Until next week!

well i weighed myself today and i have lost 55 lbs since my sleeve surgery March 5th. I haven't been doing my walking due to high pollen count that is kicking my butt. I peaked my weight at 442lbs summer of 2011 and by the time i decided to visit the bariatric clinic at Jacobi i got down to 431lbs oct. 2011 ....after my surgery i weighed 417ibs now im at 362lbs. Still got alot to go but one day at a time. so all together i have lost 80 lbs since last summer.

Hard to believe that it's been 1 month today. I really can't believe the difference! This weekend has been absolutely awesome. Saturday, we worked at the Food Bank, then came home for lunch and a nap (I had tuna salad, hubby had tuna salad sandwich with fresh fruit and potato salad). Then we worked on the fence around our barn, as some of our hens have been sneaking out during the day to go foraging around. We live out in the country where we have foxes, racoons, possums, bobcats and even black bear. Not to mention the dogs that everybody seems to like "dumping" out here. So now the girls can't get out and get eaten. I would dearly miss their fresh eggs! Their eggs have been a god-send during my initial recovery! Later we went to town, and went out to eat. I was nervous about going, but felt that it was time for me to step out and see what I could handle. We ended up at Red Lobster. I ordered the wood-grilled scallops, shrimp and chicken, with asparagus on the side, hold the salad please. I was able to eat 2 scallops and about 5 stalks of the Asparagus - they were super tiny. Got a "to go" container and brought the rest home. DH even ate super slow with me, (got a to go container too) and we spent the time talking and catching up on stuff from the week.DH even confessed that he was absolutely terrified for me having the surgery, but wanted me to be happy, and felt that if this was what it took, then he would support me. He said that he was so thankful that it was working for me, and that I was feeling really good, and he was also very glad that the first month was past.
 
Today, while I was getting ready for church, I noticed that my pantsuit was way too big. So I had a mild panic attack thinking that I didn't have anything to wear. I looked further back in the closet and found another pantsuit that I hadn't worn in a long time. It was a size 20. I held the pants up to me and told DH that there was no way I could wear them. He said for me to try them on. So I did. And what a shock it was that they went on with no problems, and even after I zipped them up . . . they weren't the least bit tight!!!!! I was so shocked!! I've lost 30lbs so far, but I didn't know it would make such a difference. Prior to surgery I was a 24W, and now I'm in 20's. I keep thinking that maybe they have the wrong size tags in them. After church, DH and I enjoyed our leftovers. I still couldn't finish all of mine, so I had them for dinner tonight too.
 
On Friday, as I was taking Mom to town for 2 of her doctor's appointment's, she said, "I don't think you notice this, but you have so much more energy". I said, "Well, I'm almost a month out from surgery, and if my energy wasn't starting to ramp up, I'd be a bit worried". She said, "No, that's not what I meant. I mean your energy is much more that it was even way before the surgery. Before the surgery, you always seemed tired. I am really proud of what you've done. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did, and I'm really proud of you for doing it". Wow - Mom made my day! I know my Mom loves me, but I can't recall the last time she told me she was proud of me. And, since she's mentioned it, I have to say, that of course she's right. I hadn't really noticed it, but I DO have more energy than I've had in a while.
 
What a blessing this has been for me so far! I look forward to the next 30 days to see what is in store for me

Welcome. This blog is dedicated to all the people out there who didn't take the easy way out. It doesn't matter if you had the bypass, the sleeve, or the lap-band, it's not easy going through all the changes associated with weight loss surgery. This is why I wanted to bring some comedy to the table. I can't really bring anything else as I wouldn't be able to get it down but, laughter makes everything better and I hope this blog makes your experience just a little easier during those tough times.
 
I can't promise everything I type will be funny...hell, I can't even promise a little bit will be funny. All I can promise is that I will be honest, blunt, and sometimes I will look at situations a little differently than most people.
 
My name is Tricia and I have been fat my whole life. Even when I look back at photos of myself where I was "thin", I remember still feeling fat in compassion to my friends. However, I was always active and in shape so I didn't really let being the bigger one in my group bother me. Then when I was 20 years old and in college, I developed really bad back issues. In the past 17 years, I put on over 100lbs, began feeling like a blob, and I felt my self esteem fall drastically. Three years ago, I watched my sister, Cherie, go through gastric bypass surgery and I have to admit, watching her loose the weight made me very happy for her but not so happy with myself. I would watch her sit at family dinners and nibble on very little food and then announce how full she was. I remember thinking that I could never give up enjoying food like she did. But, the more she lost the more I thought about giving everything up just too be thin.
 
Then in December of 2010, my back finally gave out and I had to leave work. This was devastating for me as have always been a worker and the idea of going on disability was heart-wrenching for me. After many doctor's apts, I was told that I needed a new disc in my back but the only way to be able to have one is if I lost a LOT of weight. Apparently, fat people can't get new discs as the disc doesn't seem to set right. Who knew a titanium disc was so picky? So, I began the long process of nutrition classes, Life Skill classes, doctor's apts, and finally surgery. On April 12, 2012 I had Dr. Gail Wynn, from Christiana, De., remove a big portion of my stomach. Since then, I have experienced so many funny, strange, crazy things that I figured it would help if I shares some of them. I don't know if anyone will actually read this Blog, but at least I'm getting my thoughts out there. Hope you all enjoy them.

So my journey started over ten years ago. Thats when I decided I need WLS, over the years I gained more and more wieght. Countless diets and atempts to lose wait failed. And with no means to afford WLS. I even tried to purchase Insurance to have WLS but to my surprise you cant buy Insurance if your Obese. I am a Barber by trade and one day I seen an ad for Insurance for Barbers no questions asked if you joined this association for barbers. I joined and was able to purchase Kaiser Ins. They truley are a blessing they got me on the right track. My first doctors app. was on Nov 8. 2011. I had many issues I wieghted in at 458, much to my surprise. Anyway they signed my up for options program that last 12 weeks long, taught me how to calorie count and got me on right track. I have lost 63 pounds pre-op. My surgery is scheduled for tomarrow April 20 at 1pm at Kaiser West La. I am not scared maybe a bit nervous but definatley ready. Today i have to be on a liquid diet, lucky i think because I hear the horror stories about 2 week pre-op diets. So tomarrow is my big date i am so ready to start my new life , with the instructions I have receaved and this tool I am ready to jump in head first. I will keep you all posted. I am gonna start blogging more often , because i found it very conforting to hear from other people that going threw this journey.

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

My how time flies. I think this is week 6 for me! I'm dealing with a few hiccups but overall I'm doing very well.
I've been stalled for about 2 weeks now. It has a lot to do with my gallbladder issues and I'm going to see the surgeon about it tomorrow.
 
Now here is the kicker. I gained like half an inch on my arms and chest while stuck at 237 but I had to remind myself that it will pass. PLUS I've been working out like crazy and lifting weights so OF COURSE I'm gaining inches of muscle! I just wonder will it sabatoge this golden window everytone speaks of the first 6 months being for weight loss.
 
Back to the gallbladder. I don't want to go into the appointment like "I told you so" but I did ask him to take it out with my sleeve and he told me it was not neccesary because most patients don't have issues. I should have insisted on it, but you live and you learn. It really does lower my respect of his opinion. I swear sometimes I feel like I know more about this surgery than him or my NUT.....
 
 
On a good note, my confidence is through the roof. It's such an eye opening to feel good about myself and realize just how much I turned down chances to hang out or try different things when I was 40 pounds heavier. I've been running, playing basketball, going to bootcamp classes on campus, and tonight I'm going to a Zumba class. I can get through an hour or dancing without realizing how much time has gone by.
I'm making plans this summer to go rafting and hiking with friends. My energy level is through the roof! I'm no longer living, I'm finally Alive!
 
Since the scale isn't moving, I'm motivating myself by trying to claim as many NSVs as possible.
1. All of my labs are...normal? What is that word? Normal. I don't remember the last time I had normal labs.<--- Wow!
2. I painted my toes. I was even able to rest my knee as I painted! <----That is EPIC!
3. I can cross my legs. I do it without even realizing it now. <---I've NEVER been able to cross my legs comfortably.
4. i went to a international festival and bought a bracelet. It fits!. <----- I couldn't buy normal jewelry for the past 5 years without some kind of extender.
 
Thank you for reading. I hope each one of you has a wonderful rest of the week!

I have since surgery lost 52 lbs....I have been dwelling on where I had lost the weight...to me my face looks no different (but people keep saying your face is thinner) to me my waist does not feel or look smaller (yet I am wearing a 24 vs. 28)...but I just do not SEE the difference...I still see myself as Fat (well I still am but a thinner fat...LOL)
 
I was sitting in my office yesterday when in came a woman from out in the county who is a very good and loyal customer....Who by the way did not have a clue that I had undergone sleeve surgery. She came in looking to purchase a product and before she could get out what she needed she burst into amazement and said
 
"What on earth are you doing to your self...you are like half the person!' You look absolutely great. You are just glowing....You look Great!"
 
Well Thank You Melinda, for complete validation. I know truly if someone who doesn't know about the surgery can see the loss then there must be some changes happening.
 
I am still swimming 3 X a week for and hour and soon I will begin walking the dog. I am getting ready to redo my dining room and living room, fresh paint and waines coat in the living room. I have so much more energy and my knees have quick screaming and my back doesn't scream as much!

It's amazing that what I've heard all along about not being hungry post-op is sooo true! I'm 3 days post-op and I could care less about food or eating right now. My hubby is sitting right here eating a bratwurst sandwhich, chips, and soda and it is not bothering me in the least. I looked at the sandwich and thought "Oh that looks good" but then moved on in my mind to something else with no real difficulty. Now there's a side affect of the surgery that I can live with! lol

Saturday, my DH and I hooked up our trailer, loaded our zero-turn mower, and headed to the church. I mowed while he did the weed-eating, and picked up trash around the property. Afterwards, I couldn't stop talking! I had the most energy that I've had in a month, and I think because of being outside, and the physical activity, it got some endorphins bouncing around inside. He was laughing because he said he hadn't seen me this "pumped up" in a while, and he was glad to see it. - He always knows what to say, and that's why he's a happily married man -- go ahead and ask him
 
Today, Sunday, church was wonderful, and after we got home, we both laid back and chilled. That is until the storm was blowing in. So it was a quick run out to the barn to put up all the animals, when suddenly the 70mph winds hit. Thankfully we had just gotten everyone inside, so we hung out with the chickens, goats, and ducks, until the unbelievable downpour slowed enough.
 
I guess this means that I'm going to have to mow our yard this week. Thankfully, I am up to the task!
 
My energy level is better than ever, and I'm really looking forward to what this next week brings.

Haven't been on the website much the past 2 days, but been busy running errands, and working up at the Fire Dept. Boy, my stamina is pretty much zilch. Don't know if that's due to the surgery, the lack of calories, or what -- maybe a combination of both. At least I'm back to sleeping better at night.
 
So I'm starting to get a little bit bored with my food choices, and "regular" food is starting to invade my thoughts. I haven't been cooking because I'm concerned that I might "cheat". I've got another 4 weeks before I can get back on regular foods. Right now, my usual food choices are Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Instant Grits, Tuna Fish Salad, Avocado, mashed potatoes with gravy, scrambled eggs, yogurt, jello, and protein drinks. What I'd really like is something crunchy and salty -- that was always my biggest food issues, fried stuff and salty stuff.
 
Hard to believe tomorrow will be 2 weeks since my surgery. What a difference 2 weeks make!

Hello VST...
 
So last night I was really getting down on myself because I knew it was time to challenge "me" with better eating. I've been going through a lot of emotional dramas lately and I've found that my eating habits have been downright stinking it up. Well, I'm tell you this! There's no way that can become a habit because quite literally I've gone through far too much to slip back into the old me. No way no how!!
 
So last night I made a pact with myself... I have a 60 challenge coming up. It's called the Insanity! Challenge. I don't know if any of you know what this is, but here's a link if you'd like to check it out. Anyway, upon completion you send in your before and after photos to Beachbody and they will send you a prize T-Shirt with the Insanity! Logo on the front, and "I earned it" written across the back. Heck yeah!! Are you kidding me? I'm so going to wear this every chance I get this summer. I know I'm physically capable of doing it. It may be tough but I will DEFINITELY do it!!
 
My motto has always been "Every day is a new chance to start over". I believe this with all my heart, and quite honestly is the sole reason I got to where I am today. My attitude always kept positive that I will get to my goal and I got here. Whatever that means... but now I'm wanting to work on my fitness level. I'm taking it to the next step now, and I'm excited about it. HOWEVER... I cannot do that if I keep eating junk! Last night I decided I needed to do the flush to get those sugar demons out of my body.
 
I know some of you have heard of my Basics Bootcamp? Well, I've tried to start it a few times, but haven't really been able to grasp on. So, I needed to do something a little deeper, hardcore and unforgiving. That's right... the dreaded liquid diet. AUUGGHHHH!!! I've been avoiding this like the black death but you know what? If I don't do this I'll likely just waste more time getting back on track.
 
So...
 
Here I am nearly 21 hours into this. I'm doing 2 full days of liquids, which ultimately translates into a total of 62 hours without food. I'm drinking 64 Oz. per day of water, 4 - 8 Oz servings of G2, Unjury Chicken Soup 3x (which translates to my Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and for my 3 Snacks I'm doing an Atkins Advantage RTD. *Whew*!!! Once the two days are up, I plan to do 3 days of super clean eating which every meal will consist of lean protein and green veggies. After that I'll go back to my mindless sleever rules and stick to good healthy meals.
 
Right around lunch time today I already began to miss food!! I felt a little panicky and I heard that voice in my head saying "Oh it's okay... you've done good today - think about what you're going to have for dinner..." So I decided to leave a status on Facebook to get it out of my mind! I must do this!! I need to detoxify my body and brain from sugar and I'd really love to drop some water retention if I can. If not, oh well - but I have to get over this sugar.
 
Wow... I feel better already getting all my thoughts out. If you're still with me (because I know I can go on forever if I really wanted to) thank you for listening and reading.

Its been 5 months and 63 pounds ago that I was sleeved. After my first couple of weeks of being sleeved I couldn't see THIS happening, I thought I would never get here. Here for me is just about at goal. I'm currently 189 pounds, and I guess I will settle at 185 just because I think 185 sounds better than 189. When I started this journey I had no idea of what my goal weight was. The experts suggest that someone of my height and age should weigh somewhere around 150; if I went down to 150 i would definitely look like a q-tip. I'm very happy and comfortable where I am now. I am able to fit into a size 10, which blows my mind because I started this journey wearing a size 22. I'm finally accepting my new size. Early on I was having a hard time visualizing myself in this thinner body. I was struggling when I went clothes shopping because all I've known for the past 25 years is plus sized clothing. when I finally realized that I had to shop in the "regular" sized stores, I was so intimidated and unsure of myself (weird right?). I would wear clothing and everyone would rant and rave about how thin I looked and even though I would see myself in the mirror, the change wasn't as significant to me as it was to everyone else. A couple of weeks ago I went to a beauty pageant with a friend of mine and she asked me to wear something short because she wanted to wear a cute short dress that she recently purchased. I agreed. I had to run to a store and purchase a short dress because frankly I've always felt like I was too big for short dresses and didnt have one. I ended up buying a cute black dress with a nude lace overlay that was slightly form fitting and stopped right above my knee. I tried it on and could not believe how great I looked. no girdle, no spanx, just me. I had a tiny belly bulge, but hey, i've got four kids, I'm entitled to it! I wore that dress that evening with my 5 inch pumps and looked like a freakin supermodel (well I felt like one anyway!) My husband, kids, and girlfriend couldn't stop telling me how great I looked, and I was finally able to agree with them. My AHA moment!
 
 
This surgery has done so much for me. I'm no longer gorging, and even when I have the desire too, I just can't because I'm sleeved. I sometimes get cravings for super sweet junk food that's no good for me, and when I try to indulge, my craving is usually curbed after the first or second bite, because I'm sleeved. My health concerns regarding diabetes and high blood pressure have eased because I'm so much healthier and even going to the gym. All because I'm sleeved!
 
My issues with self esteem and confidence have been taken care of...yes, because of my sleeve.
 
I know that every now and then I will doubt myself, but I promise you it won't be as much as it was before my sleeve. I'm eager to live and try new things - the things I wouldn't do before because I thought I was too fat and didnt want to bring attention to myself. My relationship with my hubby has rekindled as well. We were ok before I was sleeved as he has been nothing but supportive and caring through our 10 years together, but now that I'm more confident, I'm willing to do more and try new things with him (get your minds out of the gutter). I'm more anxious to go out of the house and just see what life has out there to offer. It's a great feeling. I'm over the moon and under 200 lbs!

Today I met with my surgeon for my final visit before surgery on April 12th next week. I had him on the hot seat as I grilled and drilled him with 2 handwritten pages full of questions. He answered them all patiently and we laughed and visited more like old friends than doctor and patient...lol He was so kind and and walked me through everything that I should and should not expect on surgery day. My husband got a real kick out of him too. He not only dismissed my initial consultation fee but today he also let me know that he would not be charging me a penny extra to repair the hiatal hernia they found during my endoscopy! I love my surgeon!!!

Wow, I've had a doozie of a week, ya'll! So, granted the 'stranger' was my boss, but I'm never taking juice unless there is an ingredient label with it.
 
Picture this: The plucky (and devastatingly beautiful) protagonist Lyra goes in to work to do battle against the Hoard Of Rampaging Customers Needing Cake Right. This. Minute when her boss offers her some pineapple juice. Plucky and Sassy Lyra loves pineapple juice so drinks a good 8 oz of it. Everything seems to be going well until her stomach starts cramping up and hives start breaking out in her mouth and on her skin. (Okay, enough of the third person). I went to find the juice container and discovered that there was apple juice listed as an ingredient. Did I mention that I'm highly allergic to apples? Luckily I always carry emergency allergy meds with me but it still about kicked my tail!
 
The moral of the story: Never take juice from strangers. Or people you know. Although I did joke with my boss that if she was trying to kill me so she could hire a younger, prettier cake decorator that I was on to her and that it wasn't going to work!
 
Maybe I should hire some hot, European bodyguards while at work...I could declare it as a business expense on my taxes....*wicked smile*

I am home at last. I crawled into bed at approximately 1 a.m. I don't feel any pain or discomfort and I worked hard to get in liquids the whole day flying. I should have kept the compression socks they put on me for surgery and worn them as it was definitly uncomfortable sitting for so long. I got an aisle seat and got up at least once during each flight but I kept thinking of those darn blood clots!
 
I'm alive so I think I am good to go
 
My liquids yesterday included an 8 oz bottle of water, a 15 oz bottle of apple juice, a 16 oz bottle of apple juice, 2 oz of water on one plane and about 4 oz on the other plane. I wasn't hungry at all.
 
I had to go back to work today but I kept to a desk most of time and got up here and there. Had normal energy levels. Didn't feel like I was dragging (in fact if it weren't for the bandages still on my stomach and my inability to consume large sips of liquids I wouldn't even feel like I had a procedure). I keep waiting for an energy crash of some kind with the level of calories I am consuming but apparently my stored fat is keeping everything in check for now.
 
I am making my husband do my "heavy lifting" which included getting my luggage out of the car and bringing the full dirty laundry basket into the laundry room.
 
So far today I have had 8 oz of water, 16 oz of light cranberry juice, 8 oz beef broth, and 2 popsicles. I'm going for some light apple juice next and more beef broth for dinner.

So, today I looked in the mirror. I mean really looked in the mirror and what I saw was a new me. I haven't really noticed how much I have really really changed because everytime I would look in the mirror I still saw the old me. The fat me. How is that possible to still see that person, honestly Im not really sure.
 
I am amazed at my journey. How I have gone from a size 20-22 to a size 6. From 240 lbs to 143 lbs. I am 3 lbs from goal of 100 lbs. That is an amazing accomplishment. It wasnt always easy. Surgery is NOT an easy way out. Its the tool that some of us need to help us.
 
When I was diagnosed with Severe Sleep Apnea in December 2010 I knew this was it. I had been fighting with my weight from my PCOS and was getting depressed and frustrated that nothing was working. Diets and exercise were not working either. The PCOS had made it very difficult. Which then caused me to have this severe Sleep Apnea. My PCP was so concerned about the Sleep Study that within 4 days I was given a CPAP machine.
 
That was enough for me to talk to her about getting referred for a lap-band (which was what I was thinking of doing in the beginning). So she referred me to a surgeon and I started the process. It was quick I was surprised, but then being military...Triwest stopped my surgery referral and sent me to the Naval Hospital Surgery Center where I pretty much had to start my process all over and take even more steps. I did get to finish quickly since most of my testing was already done outside.
 
The surgeon was awesome. He explained all the different types of surgery to me and I researched them all. I got to choose which one was best for me. I wasnt swayed one way or the other. They let me decide. So I chose the Sleeve. That was awesome.
 
My Niece was also seeing the same surgeon I was and she had told me about the sleeve. The two of us took this journey together and we ended up having surgery on the same day back to back. It was awesome having her as a support system as we started our journey down the liquid phase and so on together
 
I will be 11 mos post op on April 18th. I have found that things I used to eat are nasty and gross now. I have found that I can tolerate somethings more than others. I have realized that even though I was eating right before the surgery that it wasnt enough to help. I don't eat much anymore, I try to eat every 2 hours but for me thats hard. I don't enjoy food like I used to. Yes there are times I will eat something and think Im in heaven LOL, but there are many times that food just doesnt interest me.
 
I am thankful for the sleeve. I love that I had the loving support of my Husband, my parents, my grandmother, and several friends. I didnt care what the negative people had to say. If they couldnt be happy for me or support my decision then they were not worth my time. This was a life changing decison that saved my life.
 
I went hiking and boulder-ing for the first time in my life. I can keep up with my kids. My husband loved me before and still loves me after. He has always told me that I was beautiful. I have to admit the SEX (LOL) is amazing I know TMI, but trust me, you will see too I had to share Im not embarrassed to admit that at all.
 
I look in the mirror and I see the new me. My self-esteem is high, Im happy, I love riding bikes with my kids. They love that I can chase after them, play with them and I dont get winded climbing up a flight of stairs.
 
Each and every surgery is a personal choice. I tell everyone do your research and don't let anyone discourage you. This is for you and you only. You have the power and the strength
 
Be happy with who you are and know that no matter what there are others out there that can be your support system. I am happy to share things with each and every one of you. Just ask I will share food ideas and other things with anyone who wants to know.
 
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE ON YOUR JOURNEYS AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS HERE WITH ME

Yesterday afternoon, I suddenly became ravenously hungry! It was like I hadn't eaten in 3 weeks -- which I really hadn't. It was such a surprise. I also noticed that I could drink without any issues. I guess maybe the swelling in my stomach has gone down . . . I just don't know.
 
I ate some tuna fish salad, and avocado AND some cottage cheese with pureed peaches.It seemed to take forever to begin to feel any sense of fullness. I ate slowly, and it took me about 45 minutes, but I finally felt satisfied.
 
This morning I woke up, and I was back to "normal" -- not the least bit interested in eating. Well, I have a TON of errands to run today, and I will be away from home for about 7-8 hours, so it remains to be seen how the day will progress. I am taking my cooler with snacks and drinks just to be on the safe side thought.
 
CONFESSION - After the "eating binge" I seemed to have had last night, I stepped on the scale . . . terrified that the needle had gone the wrong way, but BEHOLD . . . more weight loss still.

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

Every ending is a beginning...endings are hard...change is difficult...so why do we change?
 
 
I have a tendency to over think things but I can't stop thinking that I'm experiencing a beginning and an ending at the same time. I’m beginning a more sane controlled relationship with food, and I’m ending my relationship to food as my toxic and nourishing best friend.
 
I have my first appointment this Wednesday, April 4. I am scared, excited, happy, and worried. I worry that I will fail to lose weight--I will be the only person who doesn’t lose a pound after having this procedure. I think I am insane for entertaining such a preposterous thought. I want to concentrate on all of the positives about the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery and I feel horrible for allowing myself to get SO fat in the first place.
 
I’ve told my family and friends who are for the most part supportive but a couple of people wonder why I don’t just lose the weight in the regular way. I have been trying the regular way. I did weight watchers and NutriSystem; I hired a trainer; I counted calories; I even tried to be a Vegan once. I gained and lost and gained. I would not consider doing surgery if I didn’t feel that this step is the only way I’ll be able to sustain a considerable weight loss. I don’t mind losing my best friend now. I’m tired of being ashamed of myself. At the same time, I’m scared that this is too hard for me! I’m going to stop whining (for the night at least) and I’m going to take care of myself in a positive manner. After all, that’s why I’m having the surgery in the first place.

I am grateful to report that while the inital response from my insurance was that the sleeve was not covered, it turned out they just mis-read the policy. It is covered. Now, begins the hoop-jumping. The traditional 6-month, doctor assisted weight loss program is required, and since I had already started such a thing with my chiropractor (an herbal cleanse that helped take off a whopping 12 lbs and then stalled) in January, I believe that June or July would reach the 6 month mark. She has already offered her full support, and will provide the necessary check-ins and documentation to support my endeavor. I've been with my chiropractor for nearly 20 years, and she has witnessed my struggle. She told me she was proud of me for taking the necessary action to improve my health. I keep expecting those I tell to exclaim their horror at my choice, and not a single person has done so.
 
Today, I saw my Internist for severe body aches I've been suffering (turns out it may be caused by the antibiotic I've been on for an upper respiratory infection), and I also received her full support and enthusiasm. I wonder how my Neurologist, whom I see for my severe sleep apnea, will respond when I see him next week. We check in every few months so he can read my CPAP card and ensure that I am truly breathing through the night. Since I still suffer from fatigue, I often wonder if I'm not holding my breath while I sleep.
 
I dedicated 2011 to resolving my fatigue issues, and decided that since even Provigil (made for Narcolepsy) couldn't keep me awake, I would be open to any form of healing that is presented. So, this week, I sat down for BioMeridian testing, and it determined that I have issues with my digestive and endocrine systems (duh), and so I'm now taking supplements to support them. I'm not absorbing protein well, which is actually backed up by blood work that consistently shows low protein. If it turns out not to be just a bunch of hooey... then my body should be in very good shape for surgery down the road. I was also introduced to something called Cell Food, which are oxygenated drops of minerals and amino acids that are supposed to conquer fatigue and inflammation. I tend to be a skeptic, and so I reserve my opinion on said healing effects for some time down the road, when my body ceasing this aching and my head is clear of fog.
 
I met a woman in a WLS support group I've joined, who is using a FITBIT, which is sort of like a super-fancy pedometer, but it also tracks your sleep, not just your movement. So... I ordered one. I figured that I need to start adding more movement into my life, and I am fascinated by the sleep monitor. I feel like I sleep pretty well with my CPAP machine, though some nights it seems I am adjusting the mask all night long. I'm curious to learn, of the 8 hours I'm in bed, how long I'm actually asleep.
 
In summary, I am 43 years old... and I hurt like I'm 83. I dream of feeling well. I am not fantasizing about being a size 2 (which wouldn't be possible, anyway)... I am yearning to be free of back pain, knee pain, foot pain, ankle swelling, and suffocating in my sleep. I am on a path toward healing and wholeness. Because... I'm worth it.

It's hard to believe that a week ago I was in the hospital getting my lap band removed and my sleeve done. This past week has been really amazing, and in some ways really surreal.
 
I'm feeling really good, not having any issues with anything that I've eaten so far, and I get to start my "blended/puree" phase tomorrow (1st thing on the list is soft scrambled egg).
 
If it weren't for this website, and the friends that I've made, I don't think I could have been nearly as successful.
 
Really looking forward to week 2 and the new things I'll learn!

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

About 15 years ago, the insurance my (then) company offered started covering Gastric Bypass Surgery, and multiple co-workers made that choice with hope to improve their lives. I was envious, and curious, and admit that it did cross my mind. But at that time, for whatever reason, I was not ready to make such a life-altering decision. As I learned more about the procedure and the results, I worried about the issues with malabsorption. And years later, when Ann Wilson (from Heart) was open about Lap Band Surgery, I studied up on that process and the results, and found myself turned off by the need to make frequent return visits to the doctor for checks and fills, and the possible complications scared me.
 
Recently, maybe early February, I was checking in on a friend in another state who had Gastric Bypass in December. During our conversation, she told me about a woman she met in her WLS support group who had VSG four days earlier... and she was upright, energetic and feeling great. She told me a little about the difference in this 'new' procedure, and I made a note of what it was called. That night, I started my research. I LOVE THE INTERNET, don't you? Can you imagine how difficult it might have been to find such detailed information and great support 20 years ago? Over the weeks that followed, I spent all of my evenings after work online searching for more. Honestly, I was searching for the horror stories. There is great affirmation out there about this procedure, but very little about complications and regrets. I watched many hours of video logs on YouTube, and worried about the people who stopped recording after a few check-ins. What happened to them? Are they okay? Did something horrible happen to them as a result of the surgery?
 
But then, there were people like AmySDMom, who has kept an incredibly honest video log, almost weekly, for the entire two years of her journey. She is very thoughtful and thorough in the details she chooses to share, and I've learned a great deal from her about what life looks like post-surgery. If you've not spent any time with Amy, and are pre-op OR post-op... I highly recommend looking her up on YouTube. And on this site, I found the link to Holly's blog at 300 Pounds Down, and find her so wonderfully inspirational that I now check in daily to see if she has checked in. Her writing is powerful, honest, painful, witty, and as I said, inspiring.
 
From the women I've been following, I have written down tips and preferences, and ordered protein powders that I've added into my diet. On one of the sites I read that a woman my size should be consuming 90 grams of protein and 1600 calories. I thought, I am likely not consuming half that much protein now. So I decided to go ahead and add that to my already low calorie, low carb diet. Did it help me lose weight? No. I continue to gain and lose the same two pounds each week, with great discouragement. I thought that maybe this would be the answer to why I couldn't lose weight. I just need more protein! Maybe I don't need surgery after all! Ha! Not so, said the Universe.
 
And so, I decided that I would continue my research, step-by-step, and watch and listen for signs from the Universe to decide if I am on the right path. A local friend, who had surgery last year at Celebration Health in Orlando, held my hand and went with me to the information session that is held each week at this bariatric center of excellence. I wondered if I would sit through the session and hear something that frightened me, or meet someone with a real horror story, or have a gut feeling that this was the wrong place or time. But none of that happened. I left feeling like this was the place and this is the time. And so, I decided to complete the paperwork, and wait to take the next step. I received an email a couple of days later which requested my medical and weight history. I completed the form, and waited for the call from the hospital about my insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses... waiting to see what the Universe had to say about that. Well, the hospital did call, and said that my insurance only covered lap-band and gastric bypass... and I didn't cry, but with a lump in my throat told her to go no further... because those were not an option for me.
 
I did not let that stop me, though. My company is self-insured and works with United Health Care and UMR. I knew that United Health Care was covering VSG, and so I called UMR to see why they denied the request. They said that my company did not have it on the list of approved procedures. I did not let that stop me, either. I sent an email to the SVP of Benefits and told her the story, and she responded with an explanation that our plan is outdated, and when something like this comes up, they take it to a committee and decide if they will add it to the policy, allowing UMR to approve the procedure. She checked in with me today, and shared her progress and next steps. With all of the changes in the world of Health Care, we aren't really sure what will happen next year, or what options will be offered - there is a chance our options will be even better than they are now. But I did remind her that I am eager to improve my life, that I am suffering with quite a bit of pain NOW, and that if I could have the procedure completed this year, with the insurance I am sure of... considering there could be a 6 month dr. assisted weight loss period... having the committee decide one way or another would be better for me, sooner rather than later. She understood and is moving forward. As am I. One step at a time... the Universe has not yet given me a sign to quit.
 
And so, I am here with each of you... yearning for your success, longing for success of my own, and wishing all of us a future that is free of shame, suffering, illness, and pain. Here's to our future! May we learn to shine in new and wonderful ways.