NancyJerry

What I had been looking forward to and have now received! Sitting next to someone without holding my breath to try and take up less space (I don't think it ever really helped, though). Buying something off the rack and having it fit when I got home. Being PAIN FREE - Well I am at about 90% and thrilled! My biggest fear was giving up Motrin (I took 800mg 2-3 times per day and was still in pain!!-feet, ankles, calves, knees, back, neck - literally in pain from head to toe). I haven't taken any pain meds since my surgery. Being able to run - I'm signed up for my first ever 5K!! And OH YEAH! Leaving the LIGHTS ON!! So much more. This sleeve has changed my life!! Fun Fun Topic - Thanks UT Gal!!

Thanks for the inspiration! I'll hold on to any glimmer that I can at this point!! :-D

It really bites! I've been reassured so many times that the loss will slow down soon, but every day I get sick to my stomach watching so much of it fall out! BTW - I love your new avatar picture!

Ugh! Find new doctors. Even before I had surgery my doctors sounded more supportive than that! Sorry they made you feel that way!!!! CONGRATS and good luck on your first 5K! I'm doing m first one on Aug 18th! Excited and scared all at the same time!

Lacie, Before I had my surgery I followed a woman's 2 year video log on YouTube and one of the last posts I watched was when she said, "Don't set a goal number!" She was speaking from experience. She said to make a list of what would "make" this surgery be a success (off meds, happy, etc.). She said this way no scale and no number gets to dictate if you are a success or failure. Last month, my WLS support group coordinator brought in a plastic surgeon and he spent a great deal of time talking about the stupid BMI calculator. He said, after about a year post surgery re-evaluate yourself to determine if you FEEL like you've met your goal. I'm "19" pounds from my "goal" weight, but I'm just waiting to see what my body is going to do. I'm personally choosing to follow the advice of these sources. It sounds to me like you need permission to trust yourself - so (tongue in cheek) I'll grant it for you! You look fantastic! You'll know when you are at goal!! Good luck to you!

Congratulations on your informed decision! Wishing you the very best!!

Suzanne! What a great and inspirational story! 4 years post op!!! That is the topic that's been on my mind a lot lately, that is; will this STILL work in a year? two? or even four? Thanks for reading my mind! Congratulations to you and your success!

Ha! That's fun. I put in my starting weight then my goal weight. Cool toy - Then I noticed that the girl representing my starting weight doesn't have her thighs touching - LOL - mine definitely did at my starting weight! LOL! Thanks for sharing!

I still cook in the same quantities, but use my food saver and freeze the finished meals. It's awesome for my husband who works ridiculous hours and I know he can have a good meal even if I'm just in the mood for a deli-meat & cheese roll and some cottage cheese. Cool Mason Jar tip!

It REALLY varies from person to person. You are doing FANTASTIC! If you want to know how you are doing, weigh it against yourself (it will help you remain sane). Always figure out how many pounds you've lost divided by the number of weeks that it took you to lose them. Medically speaking 1/2-2 pounds per week is spot-on. If you beat that due to this surgery - rejoice! If you make it - rejoice! And when you stall for a week (or two or three) - rejoice (knowing for once it doesn't mean you failed and will "quit" this diet - it will be short lived). Welcome to the loser's bench and keep up the great work!

Jane, I love this story! I have the same thing going on and I chopped my hair SUPER short so people are really shocked when they see me - IF - they don't walk past me - LOL! Funny for me, is I don't know what looks so different until I see myself in a picture. Now that I'm thinking that (as I'm typing) I think that's how it was when I was heavy too. I mean, I knew I was overweight, but the mirror made me think it wasn't so horrible; it was the PICTURES that couldn't lie! Good for you to have a body that can now keep up with your head, heart and soul!!

OH YEAH! And the noodle-less lasagna looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!!

I hope this works out for you! I would think that you either qualify for "bariatric" surgery or not! I can't believe (....oh but I should...) that the insurance companies are going to get involved to the level of telling patients WHICH bariatric surgery to have! Grrrr. I'll pray for your appeal! And if you get denied again....appeal AGAIN! GOOD LUCK!

Yay, Stelina!!! So happy to hear such positive news. I read in your tone how happy you feel to finally be validated! Sounds like you've got a good doc. Keep healing, and keep us posted!

Sleeved 3/27 with a dream goal to lose about 80-90 pounds but will be ok with 70-75. . So far I've lost 50-52 pounds. I walked regularly, right after surgery. Started biking by week two building from 5 mile rides to 25 mile rides in about 2 weeks time. Started the Couch to 5K running program at 6 weeks post op and joined a gym about 3 weeks ago. I now alternate between biking, running (end of 5th week of 9 week program) and I work out - step classes, Zumba, cardio/strength classes and yoga about 4-5 times per week. Tomorrow I meet with an exercise physiologist to work out a strength and toning plan for me to follow. for the rest of the summer. I could not do any of this except for walking and bike riding pre surgery! I love my new life!

What's wrong? Ill as in sleeve complication or is it unrelated? Hope you get home and feeling better soon!

Is almost time for me to get mine resized, too. I think I'm going to do like someone else said and put it up until I reach goal so I only have to do it once. Congrats on your NSV!!

Too funny! This Thread makes me laugh. I can't believe I keep commenting on it, but it's so funny to me! I actually like how the boy shorts fit in the front, but I must have too much butt in the rear to keep them from creeping!! LOL