ho11ieberry06

Thank you all for your AMAZING support! I cannot begin to express my sincere gratitude! I have decided to do the surgery alone. I am not going to let this set me back. I need to move forward with my life not backwards. I have put the needs of others before my own for far to long and I owe it to myself to look after ME for once! I'm going into this with a positive outlook and I'm not going to let anything stop me. In the end, we'll all be there for each other right?!?! Good luck to each and every one of you! All my best, Holly

I totally understood them being worried too. I even gave her the link to this site and this specific forum so they could read up more on it. Money is not an issue for them and even if it was, I told my sister I would drive her. My heart is hurt too! Thanks for your kind response.

Thank you everyone for being so brave and vulnerable. I love reading everyone's posts. Here are a few things that I definitely won't miss: Feeling invisible Feeling ugly Sweating profusely Having to buy ugly shoes Saying no when I really want to say yes Not fitting into movie theater seats Not fitting or barely fitting into restaurant booths Not being able to bend over to tie my shoes My back and knees hurting all he time Snoring My double chin and fat face Swollen ankles Being afraid to go on a date because of the rejection Being afraid Buying ugly clothes and speaking of clothes I won't miss wearing a 4X Not being able to get on the ground to play with my nieces Having to ask for a seatbelt extension when I fly Not having enough room between my belly and my steering wheel Not going to visit family because I'm so embarrassed about my weight Not being able to fit on the rides at amusement parks Things I'm looking forward to: Feeling pretty again Feeling accomplished Going on more family vacations Exercising and feeing good Buying regular size clothing Buying beautiful shoes Going on dates Having sex! (I'm so embarrassed at how long it's been) Showing my face and not feeling ashamed Feeling like I have a voice w/o feeling judged Being able to run, hop, skip Maybe having a family of my own Getting my hair cut and actually liking what I see in the mirror Going to Disneyland and having fun like a kid again I know there is so much more in each category. But it's all I can think of right now. Sending my best to all of you!

Has anyone had sleeve surgery in Mexico at Hospital Jerusalem? If so, can you tell me about your experience? I am in the beginning thoughts of having sleeve surgery in Mexico because I can afford it better. But I am a little leery. Just wanted some thoughts on the subject. Thanks, Holly

This is truly inspiring!!!! Thank you for sharing your story. Good luck on the rest of your journey!

How does everyone afford these surgeries? Seriously, I'd like to know because I'm sure I'll have to have something done eventually. Best of luck to all! Holly

Hi Everyone!!! I've been trying to lose weight and I've started my liquid diet. I wanted to let you all know of what I think is a great Protein powder. It's called CytoSport 100% whey and I found it at costco. It is kind of expensive but it's a huge bag, so I know it will last me a while. I tried the vanilla and it's so yummy, it tastes like cake batter. For one serving there is 140 Calories, 2.5 grams of Fat and 27 grams of Protein which is awesome! I was using the pre-made Protein shake from Costco called Premier Protein but I needed a change. That one is good too if you want to try the pre-made shakes. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that little piece of information out there in case anyone was looking for a good brand. Wishing you all the best with your journey's! Holly

This might seem weird, but has anyone who has had the surgery gone from have curly hair to straight hair or vice versa?

May I ask how much you guys paid?

You look awesome! So inspiring!

You all have inspired me to add a bucket-list of my own so here it goes... Fly anywhere and be able to buckle my seat belt without an extension Go on another cruise....this time fit and feeling great about myself Complete a half marathon running instead of walking Train and compete in an Ironman Triathlon Get a tattoo Zip line Fit on the rides at amusement parks Play on the floor with my nieces Date again Have sex again Feel confident without letting anything hold me back Travel Horseback riding (I’ve never ridden a horse) Shop for clothes in the normal section High Heels….as many as I want! Ultimate dream is to go to Ireland and Italy….I will one day!

I use "Lose It!" and I love it! Good luck!

How did you lose the weight? Did you exercise any? Good job and keep up the great work!

I just mixed it with Water and it tasted really good. I may try non fat milk later, but water for now tastes good. Best of luck! Holly

It's been rough! It's hard to find the energy to get out and exercise when you weight 325 lbs, like I do. I have really been focusing on my eating. The last month or so I've been drinking Protein shakes and have incorporated way more potein, chicken and fish in my diet. I've lost some weight but I still have a lot more to go. It scares me that the insurance co will turn me down because I'm required to lose 10%. But I have to keep trying. I started walking and swimming too.

Heather your story hits so close to home with me. I'm so excited for you! I am still in the process of getting approved by my insurance. It seems like the 6 months is taking forever, but the closer it gets the more excited I get. I have about 1 more month left before the doctor can send my paperwork into the insurance for approval. I know I will be nervous waiting to see if I get approved and I just hope everything goes right. Did you have to lose 10% of your body weight? If so how did you do it? Holly

Best of luck and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Hi Lisa, I'm new too. I'm still at the pre-op stage and I cannot wait to have my surgery. I am in the process of getting through a 6 month period which is required by my insurance. There is so much to do, so much planning and visiting with doctors, nutritionists and case managers that sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed but I know in the end it will be worth it. Good luck on your journey and hopefully we can keep in touch. Holly

You look amazing! I can't wait to look like that one day. Thanks for the update! P.S. Yes, I have been kicked off and if was the most humiliating thing that has ever happened to me. I've avoided amusement parks since.

I actually had breast implants 10 years ago and then gained all my weight so after surgery I'm looking to have them taken out. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm tired of big boobs!

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! Wow, I can't believe that happened to you! I never fly anymore for fear that the same thing will happen to me. I cannot wait until the day that I can sit in an airplane seat again. Good luck to you on your journey! Holly

Give me hope! Congratulations!

Reading these blogs and forums has been such a great help to me and I have started to realize that there is hope and better days to come. Everyone's inspiring stories has really made me start to think about what I'm looking forward to after I have surgery. Here is a list I will share with all of you: Going out - anywhere without feeling embarrassed Fitting in an airplane seat Going to the movies without feeling stuffed in the seats Sitting on the floor to play with my nieces and nephews Bending down to pick something up Exercising without feeling embarrassed Riding my bike Buying cute clothes from "normal" stores Dating Going to the park Going on walks Camping Traveling-anywhere-and not having my weight hold me back Swimming without feeling embarrassed Feeling like I'm worthy.....of anything Being taken seriously Not feeling shameful I know there is a lot more, but that's all I can think of for now. For all of you who are in the pre-op stages....what are you looking forward to the most? ~Holly