makemyownluck

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone. The encouragement is so appreciated!!
I wanted to add this: another NSV for me is that I am healthy. I'm off my bp meds (well, I have been since the week before surgery, but it's due to the weight loss!) and haven't had any complications. I see so many posts from recent sleevers that are having issues, or having weakness with their food, and I really just can't help but be so glad it's not me. I realize that may sound selfish, but my journey is about me after all! What I've learned through this process is that my body - it's an amazing thing. The fact that I've lived this long being super obese and ONLY had high blood pressure for the past year is a miracle in and of itself. Add in that I just had major surgery less than a month ago and you'd never know it from looking at me, I realize I'm blessed. My body is healing well. My body is getting stronger. As much abuse as I've put this body through, it keeps on going... for me, this journey, even though I'm not at the end, has really taught me to LOVE MYSELF in a way I never did before. To love this perfectly imperfect body - and not just because it's the only one I'll ever have - because IT IS RESILIENT! It really brings a happy tear to my eye to know that I have more respect for myself now, and I'm not even close to the finish line. I'll get there... I'll (try to) be patient... but for now - this feels pretty great, too.
Thanks again everyone! <3

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

Not sure if I'm one of the guilty ones or not, but I often look at the panel on the right, which lists new topics and reply to those. It doesn't indicate which forum there.
Lynda (will be 60 in 3.5 years)

makemyownluck hi there - you look and sound terrific
great about seeing your bones!!!! finger getting too big for ring!!!
great things start happening - and will continue day after day
is it ok that i "delicately" say............
i can only imagine that it must be a little harder/get discouraging when you have a little more weight to lose
takes a longer time period to lose all the weight bringing you to goal
that being said......you've gotten rid of 70 lbs so far!!!!
i can see you are standing 10" tall!!!!
you are doing great!!!!
on that road to a healthier, happier, longer life
good for you bud
keep up the great job/work
you are aces!!!!
seeing "less and less" of you around the neighberhood
kathy
congrats

Well, I have been reading even longer and I guess the questions have ALL been asked. Somehow when each person asks it - it seems unique and like the first time to them.
I let the not quite so new newbies answer those questions - and they are enthusiatic to do so because they have only seen the question 10 times, not 1,000 yet. LOL
I try to reserve my efforts for situations that i think I can add value to. People who were high BMI and really wondering if this can work. People who failed with the band and are afraid of failing again. I was in their shoes and appreciated that people "like me" took the time to answer MY fears - even though i was the millionth person to articulate those same fears.
But as far as "oh my god the sleeve doesn't work because I have only lost 95 pounds in 3 months" - I have never been able to relate to those posts and just don't read em.

It seems to me that lately being on this board is a waste of my time... sad to say because this used to be such a great place to meet people, talk about issues and feel like I was with "my people".
It's a lot of negativity lately - people dissatisfied with their weight loss - ANY loss should be a point of pride for us!!! And if it's not negativity about some aspect of this surgery, it's newbies who really don't seem to know what they are getting/have gotten themselves into. I seem to just answer the same questions over and over again, get no support for myself, and then come back in a couple of days only to see the exact same questions posted by different newbies. I mean, can't you READ the forum so you're not just repeating the same stuff over and over? And it honestly shocks me how little research people have done on this for themselves.
That said, I keep coming back, hoping to see something that will help me or at least entertain.

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I'll start with the update. I'm currently 389, which is 70lbs GONE FOREVER from my highest weight at the end of 2012. It's so exciting... it somehow seems less daunting to lose the weight since I got out of the 400s. I'm so happy and grateful for my progress so far!
My weight loss isn't really showing IMO, and by that, I mean I don't think others are noticing it. I certainly am, but all my usual clothes still fit, there are some that are bigger than others, but some that were snug before and now just fit like they are supposed to. I can see that the clothes are looser, though - just not quite enough that it's time to start looking for smaller clothes. That will come soon enough, and I'm not looking forward to it! I don't have many clothes in smaller sizes, so that means I'm gonna have to start shopping!
My NSV is: I HAVE BONES, Y'ALL. Bones in my hands! Collarbones! Bones in my feet! I saw my reflection when I was walking to the parking garage at work today, and I happened to see my bones in my feet as I was walking. I was shocked! It's been so long since I saw those bones!! Soon enough I'LL HAVE ANKLES! *gasp* As I write this, I have a ring on my finger that I used to wear as a left hand pinky ring and it's now fitting on my right hand ring finger. Whaaaat??? I can't remember what size this ring is, but I think it's a size 7 - I used to wear a 9 on my right hand ring finger (well 8 1/2 would probably fit, but 9 just felt better). I can see the change in my body and I know that with all this fat sliding off in those places that it's just a matter of time before it starts coming off my belly/hip/thighs. I'm starting to feel like a lady again, and it's wonderful!

I think it has a lot to do with the Mom living a healthy life style and not enabling bad eating habits in the children.

I completely agree that calling this a tool is oversimplifying the surgery. But if you don't call it that, people tend to think this is a miracle surgery that requires no effort on their part. It is a major surgery, one that could kill you. I had my surgery on Thursday and one of the other patients died on the table. My heart rate slowed to 40 with my bp being 80/40. I'm thankful I made it through, but it could have just as easily been that my heart stopped. I didn't consider these possibilities too much when I was pre-op! Now I'm just thankful to be alive and that every day is getting better.
But yes, there are many risk factors involved with this, few of which were discussed. Patients want to lose weight, surgeons want to make money, and while they try to minimize complications, the fact is that fat people are very, very risky surgical patients.
I'm glad to be one of the lucky ones.

I just wanted to add - to anyone who may need to hear it - chewing food and spitting it back out is NOT a solution to an eating disorder. It IS an eating disorder. Anorexics and Bulimics do this allll the time, it's part of their illness, and I would not encourage anyone to ever try this tactic, even in your most desperate hour.
I understand that we are all food addicts, to varying degrees. But please, don't start any new behaviors that are unhealthy in attempt to rid yourself of other unhealthy behaviors. We all need to get better - not find new ways to 'cheat'.
I've realize from reading posts like this that been fortunate - VERY fortunate - that so far, nothing has tempted me like that. I'm 3 wks post op and right on track with my diet and feeling satisfied. I attribute that to being single and living alone, so I don't have to sit at the table and watch the family eat something delicious. I also attribute this to being proactive and finding ways to make these stages more delicious! Ricotta bake, mini quiches, Protein pudding... I have lots of delicious options available, so I'm not feeling deprived.
That said, UPDATE US, Jeffie! Is all well?

I don't know what to call "the 300s". There's the cute names TWOterville and ONEderland, but no similarly cutesy name for the 300s. Some people DO want to Celebrate that!! LIKE ME!
This morning, my scale said 397. That's a total of 62lbs lost since November 2012 high weight, and 20lbs lost since surgery 11 days ago.
This feels so good. I'm succeeding! Hooray!

Congrats on the surgery date!!
I'll answer what I can:
How do u keep the weight off? ( I've always been able to lose weight, but then slowing regaining)
The surgery is permanent and you will never be able to eat as much as you are eating now. You could find ways to eat enough to regain, it will be up to you to make healthy choices. So far, I've stayed on track by using My Fitness Pal app to track everything. I hope that eventually it will become second nature to eat healthy.
How will my body look? ( the extra weight in my body is well distributed)
No one can answer that for you!
Will my cellulite get worse or better?
No one can answer that for you!
I've never really exercised will I be more motivated to do it?
You'll have to push yourself to do it in the beginning. It does get easier, even with a small amount of weight loss. Once you get stronger, it won't seem as difficult so you won't be as likely to avoid it.
Is there anything I can do before surgery?
Yes! Start doing a low-carb/high Protein diet now. Start reducing your calories now. Start exercising now. Start living your post-op life as much as you can RIGHT NOW. It will make the transition much, much easier!!
Will I have lots of loose skin?
No one can answer this for you! As far as how you will look, how your skin will react - there is no way to know. If you have cellulite now, that's not going to completely vanish. Even skinny people have cellulite. You skin and how it functions is determined by age, genetic factors, environmental factors and the shape it's in now. If you have lots of stretch marks and cellulite, those will probably be there when you lose weight. Anyone with 100lbs or more to lose (I have over 200lbs to lose, so I'm not trying to sound like a B when I say this) is more than likely going to have cosmetic issues to deal with when the weight comes off. The severity of those issues is really impossible to predict. The best you can do is keep it moisturized, use high quality skin products and exercise to tone the muscles underneath. And drink LOTS of Water and take your vitamins!
I wish you luck!

Congrats on the surgery date!!
I'll answer what I can:
How do u keep the weight off? ( I've always been able to lose weight, but then slowing regaining)
The surgery is permanent and you will never be able to eat as much as you are eating now. You could find ways to eat enough to regain, it will be up to you to make healthy choices. So far, I've stayed on track by using My Fitness Pal app to track everything. I hope that eventually it will become second nature to eat healthy.
How will my body look? ( the extra weight in my body is well distributed)
No one can answer that for you!
Will my cellulite get worse or better?
No one can answer that for you!
I've never really exercised will I be more motivated to do it?
You'll have to push yourself to do it in the beginning. It does get easier, even with a small amount of weight loss. Once you get stronger, it won't seem as difficult so you won't be as likely to avoid it.
Is there anything I can do before surgery?
Yes! Start doing a low-carb/high Protein diet now. Start reducing your calories now. Start exercising now. Start living your post-op life as much as you can RIGHT NOW. It will make the transition much, much easier!!
Will I have lots of loose skin?
No one can answer this for you! As far as how you will look, how your skin will react - there is no way to know. If you have cellulite now, that's not going to completely vanish. Even skinny people have cellulite. You skin and how it functions is determined by age, genetic factors, environmental factors and the shape it's in now. If you have lots of stretch marks and cellulite, those will probably be there when you lose weight. Anyone with 100lbs or more to lose (I have over 200lbs to lose, so I'm not trying to sound like a B when I say this) is more than likely going to have cosmetic issues to deal with when the weight comes off. The severity of those issues is really impossible to predict. The best you can do is keep it moisturized, use high quality skin products and exercise to tone the muscles underneath. And drink LOTS of Water and take your vitamins!
I wish you luck!

Congrats on the surgery date!!
I'll answer what I can:
How do u keep the weight off? ( I've always been able to lose weight, but then slowing regaining)
The surgery is permanent and you will never be able to eat as much as you are eating now. You could find ways to eat enough to regain, it will be up to you to make healthy choices. So far, I've stayed on track by using My Fitness Pal app to track everything. I hope that eventually it will become second nature to eat healthy.
How will my body look? ( the extra weight in my body is well distributed)
No one can answer that for you!
Will my cellulite get worse or better?
No one can answer that for you!
I've never really exercised will I be more motivated to do it?
You'll have to push yourself to do it in the beginning. It does get easier, even with a small amount of weight loss. Once you get stronger, it won't seem as difficult so you won't be as likely to avoid it.
Is there anything I can do before surgery?
Yes! Start doing a low-carb/high Protein diet now. Start reducing your calories now. Start exercising now. Start living your post-op life as much as you can RIGHT NOW. It will make the transition much, much easier!!
Will I have lots of loose skin?
No one can answer this for you! As far as how you will look, how your skin will react - there is no way to know. If you have cellulite now, that's not going to completely vanish. Even skinny people have cellulite. You skin and how it functions is determined by age, genetic factors, environmental factors and the shape it's in now. If you have lots of stretch marks and cellulite, those will probably be there when you lose weight. Anyone with 100lbs or more to lose (I have over 200lbs to lose, so I'm not trying to sound like a B when I say this) is more than likely going to have cosmetic issues to deal with when the weight comes off. The severity of those issues is really impossible to predict. The best you can do is keep it moisturized, use high quality skin products and exercise to tone the muscles underneath. And drink LOTS of Water and take your vitamins!
I wish you luck!

Where did you get those? Look great!

I think they're yummy & awesome if you want some crunch!

Fiddlemam, He's our man!