I_did_it!

I have always been heavy...but proportionate. I too have always thought I looked good though. I was very confident, and I knew I was pretty. It didn't help that my husband loved me just the way I was and would, and still does, tell me how hot I am every single day! But then, the same thing, I would look at pictures and say, OMG, look how fat I am, holy crap...I don't look that fat in real life, lol! I am not sure what it is, but I definitely understand it. I have even actually used the term a couple of times that "I am a skinny girl trapped in a fat girls body"...and that is how I truly felt...and part of the reason why I had the surgery...yet also the main reason why I think I am having "buyers remorse" right now. I am still trying to tell myself that I looked good and there was nothing wrong with me, so why did I do this?. But at the same time I know what kind of damage can be caused by the fat resting on my vital organs, joints and bones, and I have to remember that health is the main reason why I had this surgery. Good luck to you!

I never really had an upset stomach, or acid reflux for that matter, before the surgery. I am four weeks out now and I have and upset stomach everyday, and tons of acid reflux. Everyone is different though. Good luck!

I would still call your doctor to make sure. They might want you to come in for a visit.

Part of my decision too was because my mom was diagonsed with Lung Cancer back in November and they said obesity is a huge contributing factor to cancer. I too wanted to be healthier, and I am sure that in the long run I will be. I just hope I get happier. Kala, just so you know, some plastic surgeons will take payments toward tummy tucks and lypo! That might at least make you feel a little better.

That is supposed to be "I am NOW holding out hope...

Kala, I am soooooo sorry to hear that. It really sucks, and we can't take it back. I am only 33 myself. We have to live with this for like 50-60 yrs+. I only wish that one person had recommended that I not do this, I might have listened. Instead, every single person I talked to thought it was a great idea, and almost everybody knew somebody... Furthermore, I wish I would have found this site prior to my surgery. I had looked up toooonnnns of you tube videos and everyone seemed happy. Nobody really complained or regretted it. In fact, many actually said they did not regret it. I also went to a support group, where all the people said they didn't regret it. WTF right? I still keep hoping that one of these days I will wake up and it was all a dream, but that hasn't happened yet... I am not holding out hope for the future of medicine...stomach transplants maybe?? Are you married, and/or do you have children? What made you do this at such a young age?

I want to thank everyone soooo much for being here. I appreciate all the help I can get through this tough time. I know that I knew all of the stuff that I was going to have to endure after the surgery, but, as with most things, its very different when you actually get there! It's kinda like having a baby...you think, oh yeah, I got this, diapers and bottles and sleepless nights, but nothing really prepares you for when it actually happens, and then you start to realize that it is more than just that...you are actually raising a little adult and it becomes challanging on a million new levels! That is kinda how this is for me. To be honest, I didn't think that I had a problem with food prior to surgery...but in hind sight, I suppose I did, cause I couldn't stop myself on many occassions. I would always clean my plate. I am definitely grieving food, I can admit that, but I am also having a big problem with this heartburn and vomitting. I go to my doctor this Thursday, so I will see what he says. I suspect he might want to do a leak test because of the vomitting. I will post after my appointment! I have also read that your hormones are all outta wack after this surgery and some girls have said that the PMS like triple what they did before, and my time is coming soon, so perhaps this is part of my problem. I am thankful for you guys, and the fact that my hubby will hug me and let me cry for as long as needed! Thanks for the recommendation on the EAS shakes. I have seen those at my Kroger, so I will pick them up next time I go! -Caren

Southfield Michigan here, I was sleeved on June 11th, 2012 at St. John Weight Loss Center, Macomb! Anbody near by that might want to meet up and have a jam session or something?

I too love cheese curds!! You can also find them at Joe's Produce, or Whole Foods Market, if you guys have either of those near you!

I too have to force myself to eat, and I no longer have the same desire for food that I once had and it makes me very sad. I am four weeks out and definitely going through a grieving process. I really thought I would still enjoy food - just in smaller quantities. I am mortified to hear that lots of people are losing their hair. When I talked to my doctor about this he made me feel like it was rare and I shouldn't worry about it...and then I read tons of posts on here of people losing their hair. To top that off I am sick everyday and have tons of heartburn. I cry almost daily. Why the F**K did I do this to myself??????

It happens. Don't be so hard on yourself, get back up, dust yourself off and try again. July 25th is over two weeks away. You can do it. Instead of donut holes, next time try a sweet flavored protein shake. That will increase your muscle and burn after the work out and satisfy that sweet craving! I take you have not been sleeved yet? Is July 25th your date?

I did have the traditional three week stall that many people on here talk about. I went a whole week without losing a pound, and then bam...it picked right back up! No worries carriecat, you will start up again!

I am 33 and I have three children, 2 girls, ages 16 and 7 and a boy age 9. I was sleeved on 6/11/12. I was very honest with my kids from the beginning...in fact, I even asked there opinions and had them help me make my pro and con list...they were still coming up with pro's two weeks later, lol...everytime they would see a commercial about like a sport or something, my little one would say, "hey mom, you'll be able to do that when you lose weight". And now, after surgery, they are always asking me if I can have this food or that food, and my son will ask me if I want to taste something, and my youngest daughter will check him, like "brother, mom can't have that stuff yet" I love it! Plus they are always concerned about me, asking if I'm okay, or if I need anything. I love them sooooo much, I am so glad I was honest with them from the beginning - I would hate to undergo this process without them. Sara, Maybe you could tell your children that this is a personal and private matter, only to be discussed at home with the family. Not sure if that will work with your's but it definately does with mine, we have mutual respect that way. However, I have been completely open and honest about the surgery with everyone that crosses my path...I am an open book! Labubakari, I feel ya, my husband was not okay with me having the VSG, but I went ahead and did it anyway - it's practically the first thing I have ever done for me! Things have been a little different between us since, but I do believe we will bounce back...I just keep telling him to wait until I can buy something from Victoria Secret, then he'll be happy!!! He seems to be coming around little by little each day. Good luck to everyone!

I am four weeks out and I have had quite a few regretful moments, and shed many a tear since surgery day. I have bad reflux, and throw up almost daily, oh and my belly button is still oozing...gross! I get very sad that I can't eat some of the foods I love, mainly bread right now, since I am not allow to have it for 3 more weeks. I also get really annoyed when I eat with others and I am done in like 3 or 4 bites and they continue to eat for like 10 more minutes...urgghhhh! I am also incredibly tired, despite the vitamins and protein. It is all very frustrating. I just keep trying to tell myself that it will get better, and that all of these people that are "loving their sleeve" can't be wrong. I do however long for the day when I can eat at least a little bit more.

I am the total opposite, I wish I could get to 1200 calories a day....I might eat 750, maybe 1000 if I have an extra protein shake. I wish I could eat more...I am four weeks out and still eating about 2 oz., possibly three if its like soup or applesauce, and I only eat like 3-4 times a day. I am going nuts because I feel like I am not feeding my body enough food. I also have bad acid reflux and throw up almost daily...I am going insane. I do drink tons of water though...in fact, it seems like that's all I want...I have to force myself to eat actual food, and I am misrable over it.

I am so glad to see that I am not alone! My doctor gave me no prilosec or anything, just told me to take gas-x as needed, but that doesn't seem to help. I am going for my one month check-up this thursday, so I will tell him my issues and see what happens. @ girlfriday - My pain is also up higher in my esophagus, feels like a big lump, just stuck there. How far out are you? @ aldmb2 - I too have asked myself many times now "why did I do this." I just keep trying to tell myself that this too shall pass, and that the hundrends of people who are soooo pleased they did this can't possibly be wrong!

Shelby21, I am glad to see that you are feeling better - it gives me hope. I am four weeks out and I have has many moments of regret and shed alot of tears over the last few weeks. I had very little pain, but I do have tons of acid reflux and I have absolutely nooooo energy, despite the Vitamins and Protein. I seem to be a little depressed, and I wonder if I will ever feel normal again? I find it incredibly difficult when I eat with my family or co-workers...I am done after like 2 minutes, maybe 3 or 4 bites and yet I have to sit there and continue to watch them stuff their faces for another 10 minutes. I so desperately want to eat more. I have literally cried a couple of times at the dinner table because I can't "enjoy" eating with them. Does anyone have any good tips for getting over this? And how long did it take you guys before you started to feel "normal" again?

I had never heard of Barretts esophagus before this post. I have had tons of acid reflux daily since I was sleeved four weeks ago. I NEVER had this pre-surgery...it really sucks. But now that I have read this I will be sure to alert my doctor to test me for it if the reflux continues. Now I have two questions: 1.) Did anyone have bad reflux after the sleeve, that eventually subsided? 2.) What are the treatments for Barrett's if caught early?

I do have this problem. For me I guess it doesn't really feel like normal gas pain...it feels more like a hard lump in my esophagus and back. I do know it's gas though, because I feel like I just need to be burped, and I have on occassion had my son karate chop my back which does help...the more I burp, the more it loosens up. I find myself grunting and hitting my chest whenever it happens. I too am afraid to eat sometimes, for fear of the pain. I am four weeks post-op.

How can you guys eat so much? I am 3 weeks out today and I can barely eat a quarter cup of anything - and pretty much I have to force myself to eat that. When I do eat I get so full that it starts coming back up my throat and I feel like I am gonna puke. I am longing for the day when I can eat a little more, maybe even three different foods in one sitting! Why can I only eat this much? And when will I be able to eat more? I also feel like I have a rock in my stomach like all the time - will I ever feel normal again?

I also fed my family the same stuff that I was feeding them before. I agree that this was my choice and they shouldn't suffer because of it. I will admit that cooking during the pre-op diet was very hard for me, but post-op it's not such a big deal...I don't even really want the food! Good luck JenniJune!

Hello everyone! I have been reading posts on here for the last couple of days, and I am soooo thankful to see that many others are going through some of the same stuff I am! I even recognize of a couple of you from you tube as well! I must have watched like a thousand videos before my surgery!! I am 11 days out and feeling pretty good, but still adjusting to how little food I can actually consume; 1-2 oz. max. I find it incredibly difficult to get in my Protein, but I am having no trouble getting in my fluids. In fact, I would just drink Water all day if I could! I have pretty much been heavy my whole life, and pre-surgery, I was at my top weight of 248 for the second time in my life - only this time I decided to make a permanent change, and I can't believe I actually did it!!! I am a 33 year old wife, mother of three, graduate student, and professional, who wants to be the healthiest me that I can be!! I am soooo excited for what my future holds! Good luck everyone! I look forward to sharing in this journey with you!

I'm don't think my tickers are working. Can someone guide me in the right direction?

I'm not allowed any fruit yet :0( I went online and bought a bunch of variety packs, so that I won't get bored of the same thing. Some are better than others - unjury and nectar are pretty good! The cappuchino flavored ones are a great replacement for coffee in the morning! However, I cannot wait for this Monday when I can start eating tuna and eggs, so that I can cut out at least one protein shake! Good luck.