cyates

Great job! Thanks for inspiring me to strive for "normal" as well - haha. I have a long road to go yet, but I can do it! Keep up the great work!

I had a summer sleeve. It will be one year on June 13th! I had it three weeks before a scheduled three week vacation to Lebanon. I don't regret it one bit! It was harder for my husband's family than it was for me, because they love to feed you there. I was transitioning through to solids by the end of the trip, so I was able to have some bites here and there. I think there were major benefits to having it done before my summer trip. I was so busy exploring the country, swimming, walking, go-carting, playing with the kids, praying while in any sort of moving vehicle, shopping (you get the picture) - that I never really missed not being able to eat. Also, I was getting fantastic exercise in. If I had waited until I came home and then went right back to work, I don't think my healing process would have gone nearly as well. I would have been stuck on the computer all day with my butt in the chair and we all know that isn't good for healing! The only downfall was that I tired out a little more easily and sometimes I had to opt for sleep instead of going to a nightclub. I say start your new life as soon as you can. When you look back, you will be very glad you did!

Wow! That is amazing progress. Good for you. As for your question, I actually started losing my hair about 4 months out. I was hoping it wasn't going to happen to me, but it did. I am almost 11 months out and I guess it slowed down at about 9 months. I have a ton of hair, so it wasn't really noticeable except to me (and my husband who constantly was brushing hairs off the bathroom counter).

Wow! I can't imagine losing 100lbs in 4 months. But I know we all start out a different sizes, shapes, etc... I am so happy for all of you that reached those goals! It took me about 8-9 months to lose 100, but I never got impatient and am so happy to have reached that milestone! Now, I seem to be at a standstill. I still have almost 40 lbs to go. I have switched up my workout (and am kicking it back into gear) and I am really trying to get myself drinking more water - I slacked off there for awhile. I know that if I had pushed really hard, I would have lost faster. However, I really feel I have been able to adjust to my new self a little better this way and really work at a lifetime of change - something I can maintain forever. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

Make sure you're getting enough fluids in. Sometimes thirst can feel like hunger. At 5 weeks, I didn't feel any hunger yet, but I constantly had a water bottle by my side (usually with Protein water - like K20 in it) .

I had trouble sleeping there too - strange place, bed not very comfy, arm swelling up and IV popping out - ha. Don't be afraid to ask for a sleeping pill, it helps and resting your body is important to the healing process. I'm so glad you're doing well. Keep up the walking and just know that each day will get better and better!

Ah, as an old married woman, I'm jealous! I remember those days. Have fun, keep it casual, and when the right one comes along, you'll know!

Keep up the great work! We all know how hard this is and what a great accomplishment you've reached.

I am yet another "satisfied customer" of Dr. Aceves. My care was fantastic and I am so happy that they keep you in the hospital for recovery and any aftercare needed. I have two friends who had WLS within a month of my surgery date. One had bypass in the U.S. and one had Lap-band with another doctor in Mexico. My friend who had bypass was released the SAME DAY as her surgery!!! Just to clarify, she wanted to go home, but the fact that they let her amazes me. My friend with lap-band also was released to her hotel the same day. While they both returned for leak tests afterward, I just cannot imagine having to spend that first night away from qualified hospital staff. I have also had two other surgeries in the US, with both I was sent home the same day and with both I ended up with infections that kept me laid up longer than expected. Based on my previous experiences and those of my friends, I feel the research that I put into choosing my surgeon paid off.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race! I never thought I was losing all that much, just a pound or two here and there. At some points I just stop. Then, all of a sudden, I will lose 5 lbs. I just keep eating right, getting in my exercise, and taking my vitamins and protein. When I was 2 months out, I had only lost a little more than 40 lbs (I started at 302!). At 8 1/2 months out, I have now lost 100 lbs. I know people who have lost faster and slower, but I am extremely happy that I am where I am. Keep up the great work, your body will work in its own way and you will soon be at your goal!

I was 302 on the day of my surgery and so far I've done great. I'm glad I didn't go with the bypass.

Spaz, I went through a similar journey for about 8 years. I actually had everything ready to go and my insurance denied me the first time around (I was 25 then). Appeals did no good, so I gave up. Then I lost weight with a hospital liquid weight loss plan - 115 lbs! I gained it all back and more as the story usually goes . Finally, I started researching WLS again but did nothing for 3 more years. Then one day, my friend told me she was having bypass and I thought - that's it, I'm not living like this anymore (age 32)! I cashed out my IRA, went to Mexico, got the sleeve, and I haven't had a regret in the 8+ months since my surgery. For me, the sleeve was the best option - less "rearranging", fewer complications, and less long-term maintenance. Keep your focus, do your research, and go with what you think will be best for you. Don't let fear or other's opinions steer you away from enjoying the rest of your life as a healthy person! You are worth it! Good luck with your journey and keep us posted on how things are going.

One question my husband asked before my surgery was if I could drink. Dr. Aceves said the occaisional glass is fine, just count it into my calories. I do not feel the desire to drink nearly as much as I used to. I have had wine, vodka mixed drinks, and a margherita since surgery (6 months ago). It takes me much longer to drink and I found that the margherita was just too strong for me now - my husband drank most of that one. My friend also had some hard cider, that was a bit bubbly and made me burp a lot. I have felt fine with the wine and vodka mixed drink. I find that I do tolerate less (I used to be able to keep up with the big boys). But now, one glass of wine lasts me all night! Wine seemed to affect me a little more than the vodka drinks, that went down a little smoother and didn't make me feel tipsy. To lower my calorie intake, I have made some adjustments - I use crystal light cranberry or orange and a shot of vodka. This keeps the drink around 70-100 calories (depending on what kind/how much vodka you use). If you're going out, take the crystal light singles, order vodka and Water, and just add your own flavoring. Wine is about 100 calories for 5 oz. (depending on kind/alcohol content) or about 500ish calories per bottle to put it into perspective.

It's the fall bug hitting - I've been cleaning out my closet too. I put down a laundry basket on the floor and every time I put on something that is too big, I just throw it in the basket. The basket is overflowing onto the floor and I still have a ton of clothes to go through - wooho! I'm going to let my mom go through everything when she comes for a visit. Recycling amongst friends has been a savior to me. I was in a 26 and had plenty of 24s and only a few 22s. Luckily, a friend of mine has been getting rid of her 20s and that is carrying me right now. I did have to buy a pair of jeans now that it's getting cooler. I get so many more comments on my weight loss when I wear clothes that fit. Some of you with more professional clothes may also consider donating to Dress for Success. It provides interview appropriate clothes for women in need that are trying to enter the work force. If you find someone to swap with - great! But if not, maybe consider checking out the DFS option Dress for Success : Locations : DFS Affiliates.

I was constipated really bad while I was visiting Lebanon. The pharmacist there gave me glycerin suppositories. Worked like a charm! I had e-mailed Dr. Aceves' office and they said very thin Benefiber and plenty of liquids should keep things moving.

I didn't get to meet Eyfura while I was there. And once Vegas and Ruthi left, it was a lonely last day! I need to get down for my 3 month check-up before my passport expires, but work has just been sooooooooooo crazy. Those of your traveling down, Dr. Aceves and his staff are fantastic! Good luck with the beginning of your journey.

I always watch the show! This time I will be losing along with them. I love watching the different personalities and how they change throughout the show. And while diet changes aren't the main focus of the show (that just isn't very entertaining) they do spend more time teaching the contestants healthier food options than they showed the first few seasons. They also wear that bug thing now and dowload their calories expended along with their daily food log into the computer each day. This season they are also having the contestants participate in obesity research to see the before, during, and after effects on the body, brain, hormones, etc... I do think it is difficult for the average person to not feel inadequate watching people lose 20 lbs in a week. But we just have to remember that their full-time job on that show is working out and eating right. If I were working out 6 hours a day, I'd be skinny in no time! Maybe Jillian needs to come visit me for a few weeks.