SharonL

I'll be 50 in November. Does that count? I had my surgery 12/1/10. So now I'm 8 months old. I've lost a total of 125 lbs. 42 before surgery. I stalled for a long time - since May. First my brother got married and I was traveling for that and then I fell and broke my wrist and was basically inactive for 8 weeks. I've just started losing again - lost 5.2 lbs last week.... Yea! Started back to exercise too. Went swimming tonight - felt so good to move again.

Agree with the others. You're not going to change - other than physically - your personality will be the same. Yes, you will be able to do different activities and be more active. If she's heavy - maybe you will motivate her. Talk to her and see how things progress.

And no way would I get in a public hot tub - even if it is in a private room. Hard telling how clean it is.

I actualy had a waitress ask me one time if I had surgery. I answered honestly. It doesn't matter to me who knows. I was very open about it when I had the surgery. The waitress just noticed that I didn't order a drink and that I ate very little of what I ordered. She had a friend that had the surgery and asked me if I did. My guess is that your mom is very proud of you and your choices and this is her way of showing it.

Biotin. Yes, it does make other hair grow more but it's worth it. My daughter was watching Dr. Oz one day and he said you can lose up to 150 hairs a day and it's normal.

My surgeon took my off all of my meds except my insulin (and he lowered that) the day after the surgery. For a couple of weeks after that my blood pressure wasn't stabalizing. It would be high and then drop low. I saw my endo about a month after the surgery and he put me back on 1/2 dose of my bp med. Seems to be fine right now but I hope to be completely off it soon.

Hmmmm. hard to remember and it hasn't been that long. I don't remember feeling hungry at that time frame. I'm still not really hungry. Are you drinking your water? Protein shakes? That might help. Might also be "head hunger". Is your stomach physically growling? Just some thoughts.

You look great! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, I'll do that.

Thanks Jeff.

Penzey's spices makes a garlic herb cheese blend that is incredible on grilled veggies or grilled fish!

I am so glad you posted this. I've been beating myself up because I haven't lost the last 2 months. Have been taking vicoden and tylenol / alleve for a broken wrist. Yes, I know lack of exercise didn't help - but knowing that there is possibly a chemical reaction as well.... THANK YOU!

I see lots of people on here and on other forums that are at goal - starting in the 200's or maybe even the 300's. I was exactly 400 lbs on the day of my surgery. My highest weight was 442 lbs. As of this morning I'm at 321 lbs. Is there anyone on here that started at 400 lbs or higher that is at or close to goal? I'd love to hear your story - how long did it take, any stumbling blocks, where are you now in your journey? And of course, pictures. TIA. Sharon

That "mistake" may just be a blessing. I'm not familiar with the Drs at St. Lukes but I do know the drs at KC Bariatric Center. My surgeon was Dr. Kowalski. And I love him. He's great. Dr. Sabapathy - the psych dr is excellent. The nutritionists are great and Becky in their front office is a joy. I had my surgery 12/1/10. I've lost 70 lbs since (a recent set back has caused a slight stall)... And the f/u support group is a great group of people. They are a center of excellence which means they have to meet certain requirements to have that "seal of approval". What insurance do you have? Their coordinators will work with you to get everything done as quickly as possible. I started the process kind of late last year and was going to barely be done by the end of the year with my requirements. Since at that point the surgeons were usually booked 3 weeks in advance - I was afraid I wouldn't get in before the end of the year - I wanted the surgery before the end of the year because I had already met my deductible and co-insurance for my health insurance so basically I paid nothing for the surgery other than their "extra fee" that isn't covered by insurance. Good luck. I hope to see you at the support group sometime. The VSG support group meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 3:30. Sharon

That "mistake" may just be a blessing. I'm not familiar with the Drs at St. Lukes but I do know the drs at KC Bariatric Center. My surgeon was Dr. Kowalski. And I love him. He's great. Dr. Sabapathy - the psych dr is excellent. The nutritionists are great and Becky in their front office is a joy. I had my surgery 12/1/10. I've lost 70 lbs since (a recent set back has caused a slight stall)... And the f/u support group is a great group of people. They are a center of excellence which means they have to meet certain requirements to have that "seal of approval". What insurance do you have? Their coordinators will work with you to get everything done as quickly as possible. I started the process kind of late last year and was going to barely be done by the end of the year with my requirements. Since at that point the surgeons were usually booked 3 weeks in advance - I was afraid I wouldn't get in before the end of the year - I wanted the surgery before the end of the year because I had already met my deductible and co-insurance for my health insurance so basically I paid nothing for the surgery other than their "extra fee" that isn't covered by insurance. Good luck. I hope to see you at the support group sometime. The VSG support group meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 3:30. Sharon