ibsly271

Thanks But really, you wouldn't want me to turn around. My butt fell to my thighs...lol I say the back of my legs look like a rippled potato chip, but again, I will take it over my previous look!

I never dreamed I would actually be sitting here saying it has been 2 years since my sleeve and I have never been happier....except for the excess skin...my only negative, but I will take it!! The swimsuit pic is my step-daughter and me 2 years after surgery... the other is my husband and I 2 months after my surgery. Lets hear and see some other great post-op stories!!

I did it fairly slowly...started out 10 lbs per month the first 4 to 5 months, then 3 to 5lbs...until I reached 130 from 222 (again, the dr. expected me to only get around 160). Now I fluctuate between 127 - 131...my lowest being 125. Do NOT rush it! It will happen, but the slower the better for your body to keep up is my opinion. You also need the time to learn how to eat better and healthier. It took me a long time forcing myself to eat 5x per day small amounts. Even when you don't feel like eating, eat! When you don't feel like parking in the back of the lot at the grocery store or the mall (cold/raining/HOT)...do it; When you are shopping and don't know what the heck a certain vegetable is, buy it and try it! That is my new motto

I am 5'6...you WILL get there...but be prepared...I feel like I traded in one set of problems for another. Not that they are all bad, but when you have spent your life "not" being the one people look at to "being" the one people look at can make you just as or more uncomfortable.

Not at all...But by the time you get some appetite back, you should be on a road that "food" is not the most important thought of the day. At least that is where I am! Good luck to you and I hope all your dreams come true!

I do actually have an "appetite" now, which I did not for the first year or so. But I still have the quantity restriction portion so no matter how hungry my mind "thinks" I am, I can only input so much before feeling ill. It really is mind over matter. Even when I am hungry, I will look at the clock so I stay on a schedule and not snack too much.

I have found I hide it better with a tan....lol To be honest, my goal was 145. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would get there, let alone to where I am at. I don't think my dr. did either I don't know if I do it "right", but I have pretty much given up red meat. I eat soups, minimal chicken, fish, baked veggies and drink lots of water. I do not "think" about food, eating out is a waste of money, especially when you can't find healthy options (and the salads they serve are NOT always heathy!) I have learned that quantity is my downfall...I eat 1 to 2 cups 3x per day. I snack on fruits and veggies whenever I think I am hungry and never deny myself "food". I still do not tolerate milk products which is good because I loved ice cream and cheese. I used to buy butter like crazy...I now buy 1 lb every 4 months. I bake veggies with olive oil and seasonings like crazy!!! Other than that, I keep very busy at work and like to go to the water parks and swimming. Glad I live in Texas for that!

I started at 222 and have maintain at 127/129 for 7 months now.

Do not get me wrong, the Sleeve was the best decision I have made in my life to get healthy, but who would have known under all that charm and wit, was a beautiful rose?! I started at 222 size 18/20 and am now at 129 size 4. I started a new job and never knew the possibilities outside of my knowledge now that I have the "exterior" looks to go along with it. I have always had a lot of friends who wanted to be around me for my personality, but the type of attention I am getting now is very different and hard to digest. It is no wonder you read that such a high percentage of men and women who have surgery and are successful end up divorced. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I feel sometimes like I traded in one set of problems for another! Anyone else out there have these issues? I am considered the "hot" chic in the department and other women are starting to dress like me, etc. It is soooo strange! People who have not been through this just don't understand that when I look in the mirror I see the person I was for 39 years, not this new exterior.... so - FRUSTRATED!

Thank you for being honest without judging me! My husband and I too are working very hard on the adjustment. I took a job with a woman as my boss to ease his mind, but it doesn't do much good. I really don't ask for it, I just have a personality that has ALWAYS attracted men to just being my friend and was always "one of the guys". Now it has a whole new twist and I can't come to terms with it. I started telling them that the package is very pretty all wrapped up with a big beautiful bow, but once you open the box, you may not like what you get!

I have a feeling like my liquids are going down an hour glass. I take some sips and then it seems to "get stuck" then frees up. I have asked the nurse about it and they don't seem to give me any response. My sleeve was done 11/30 and from my pre-op weight I am down 22 lbs in just 2 weeks. I am scared that I am losing too fast! I can't wait to get some real foods in me as my stomach growls all the time!! Just can't seem to get enough liquids in during the day though.