fancypants

I agree with what most of your responders have commented. I did not want a surgery that was so invasive like the gastric bypass as well as the longer recovery time. I never considered the lap band, several people I know had this surgery and have ended up like a yo-yo, gain, lose, gain, lose. I wanted the least invasive, most successful procedure out there. I believe I found that with the sleeve. I am 26 months post surgery. I started at 279 lbs and am now at 149 lbs. It took me 14 months to lose 130 lbs, and I have remained stable for the past year. I have NEVER thrown up--maybe I'm one of the lucky ones. I don't eat any bread, it does tend to make me a little nautious, but that is the only food that bothers me. MODERATION is the definitive word here. Listen to your body and don't overeat. This surgery has changed my life and I have NEVER regretted my decision. I am 55 years old and feel like I wasted the last 25 years, allowing my weight to dictate my activity. Don't be afraid of the surgery, be more concerned that without the procedure, you are on a collision course with much scarier things. You know what I'm talking about. I hope you come to terms with your fears and move forward. Since I was self-pay, once I had the initial consulation, all the tests, etc, I had my surgery within 3 weeks. I never had time to fret over it--maybe that was good. Too much time = too much worry. You can do this!

I also lost a half a shoe size, didn't see that one coming and have had to get all new shoes to match all my new clothes

I eat alot of nuts

Great attitude, we are all pulling for you!

Funny you should say this. I bought a brand new car with 0% interest for 5 years. I borrowed an extra $2000. The dealership said as long as you have good credit, the finance company didn't care how much you borrow, crazy no interest for 5 years. He said people do it all the time when they need money.

My insurance didn't cover it either, but it was the best money I have ever spent. In the big picture of things, I felt that $12,500 was a small price to pay for leading a longer healthier life. I never really shopped around for price, but there seems to be a significant difference in pricing around the country, mine was done in Omaha.

good luck, you're gonna do great!!!

I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary. I also paid for the surgery myself. I am 5'9" and started at 279 lbs and a size 22. I am now at 150 lbs and a size 8. I don't plan on needing any additional surgeries and not talked to anyone here locally who has had to have a revision. If you do what you are supposed to and listen to your body, you should be fine. Exercise is also key, but for me, it was the best money I ever spent. You need to realize this is a life changing experience. Don't assume that you won't have success after this surgery. If you are committed to changing your life, you WILL!!

I started at the gym at 8 weeks out. I was at the point of who cares (size 22) and I don't know these people anyway. I will tell you after working out at the same time during the week, after about 6-8 months many strangers have come up to me to congratulate me on my progress, most of them men. It's a real boost getting positive reinforcement from people I didn't know. Now I look forward to seeing them. You will always have the slinky girls who are there to be seen, but you have alot more of those who are seriously trying to get and stay healthy. You can also hire a personal trainer for a couple sessions to come to your home and put together a program for you until you are more comfortable being at the gym. You can do it!!!

I do about 30 minutes on the treadmill, then another 45 on various weights. I alternate days doing legs , then upper body. I really recommend you spend a little money getting a trainer for a couple of sessions to get you started on a routine program, then review it after a couple of months as things get easier. I need to be focused and know what I have to do when I'm at the gym. My trainer started me doing alot of balance exercises at first. Funny, I never thought I had any balance issues but found out I had NO balance. Lunges and squats, rowing, I've done them all. I dont like spinning classes, but found out I kind of enjoy the rowing, leg squats and weights.

I think my sleeve is just as effective as it was 2 years ago. I am pretty careful about not overeating because I know the stomach can be stretched out agaiin. I still don't eat very much at a time. I still get on the scale once a week to make sure I am maintaining. I never want to go back to the way I used to be, unheathy and unhappy

I had lost 100 lbs at 1 year, then the last 30 during the next few months after that. You sound like you are off to a great start. I'm pretty sure you are ahead of where I was at that point. If you aren't going to the gym, try to go or at least start walking. Congratulations!!

Congratulations on taking control of your life. I am 2 years post surgery and down from a size 22 to an 8, seriously an 8. I never thought that was possible. My husband wasn't in complete agreement on my surgery either, I think more scared. Now he knows I am healthy and is very happy for me. Not to mention, some people think he had a new younger hot wife. For me, I drink at least one can of Pure Protein in frosty chocolate a day. Sometimes it's hard to find, but is the best tasting product I found. I think it only has 125 calories, but 30 grams of protein or so. One day at a time, you can do it. Trust me, once I was past the age of 50, I thought it was all over for me. If I did it, anyone can!

If you are working out, just remember muscle weighs more than fat. If you aren't exericsing, try adding 30 minutes a day, even if it's just brisk walk

Just celebrated my two year anniversary of my gastric sleeve. I began my journey at 279 lbs with a dress size 22. I am currently at 149 lbs and a size 8. I never would have believed I could ever be this healthy or happy. My weight has been quite stable for the past 10 months or so. This surgery was a wonderful tool on the road to healthy living. I spent most of the first 18 months in the gym working out 3 days a week with a trainer. I believe that was a big key in getting my body back in shape. At age 55 I think it took the gym to get my body toned. I have not had any additional surgery but am considering having the skin under my arms tightened. No matter how much weight I lift or exercise, that loose skin is still there. At this point I know it's just vanity, but feel I deserve a little something for the effort. I don't eat any bread or red meat any more, it just doesn't digest well and I don't really miss it anyway. Instead I do chicken, shrimp and some pasta. For those of you in the early stages of your recovery, I encourage you to hit the gym, I don't like to exercice, but it was worth the results. Take the stairs, park at the end of the parking lot, those little everyday things. Everytime I go up and down stairs, I remember it wasn't that long ago, that I couldn't make it without gasping for air, or stopping halfway up. Find a small victory every day and keep motivated. You can do it.