Aussiegirl

Thanks for sharing your story. You are doing great! So happy for you!

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!! I'm so happy for you I also just hit the 6 month mark so I'm right there with you! Can't wait to see where we are at the year mark!
Also, way to go on the exercise!!! That is the one thing I've been lax on but plan on boosting soon

While many on here will say you can not drink it, I still drink diet soda in moderation. I used to drink it regularily and very quickly. Since surgery I still consume diet soda, however it takes a long while to go down and is not a drink I crave anymore. I have been surprised by how my tastes have changed/evolved since surgery, my body actively craves the things that are good for them. This may also be due to the fact that I do not exclude anything specific from my diet (everything in moderation, soda is one of these things)

Congrats to you! You're doing a great job.

Grats! You provided more inspiration for those of us still early in our post-op period.

Congratulations! You look beautiful.

Hi All,
No, I'm not dead. Yes, my ticker is accurate. Here's the skinny:
1) I am a slow loser at approximately 1-2 pounds a week, stalling every 3rd or 4th week for 1-2 weeks per stall. But that's okay, because
2) The scale and the inches are still going down! I started in a size 32 and am now in an 18/20. I started in a 50G bra size and am now a 42F (the girls will always be big, no matter how saggy they get, lol.)
3) I am 5 pounds over my halfway-point in my weight loss!
I am eating well, living well, being healthy and happy and knowing that life will continue that way for the forseeable future. I am pain free in the lower-back, knees and ankles for the first time in years. My doctors are all surprised at how I look and when I went for a little pampering this weekend to get a pedicure for the first time in over a year, the ladies at the spa didn't recognize me.
I attribute my new awesome job to the surgery. I finally dug up enough confidence to go out and look for something new, and got it. So now life is even better than it was before because I'm not stuck at AwfulJob anymore.
Life is good. I'm so happy I can say that.
Hugs to all,
Bryn

ok this might be TMI.. but can i just say..... now that im seeing someone... my eh hem.. libido is getting worse...lol.. its like i get some and i just cant seem to get enough!!!! WTF?!?!?!?
I am officially a dude! lol
I think im wearin the poor guy out! lol
Might have to go find a spare...OK IM SERIOUSLY JUST KIDDING ABOUT THAT ONE... but it was too funny not to put in.

I have bought a number of diffferent goal pieces, each at different sizes.
Each size I go down is a goal, so I have something to work into.
The first one was a little black dress, which now fits and is a bit loose. The next is a cream suede jacket (which I saw in the store and could not leave without it). They are my motivation to keep going.
I had a goal size, which in some pants I am actually already in, my top half is way bigger than my bottoms, so have no idea what my end size will be.
So now I Celebrate the removal of a specific size from my wardrobe and work to the next goal item.

I hear ya girls!
Since hitting a 100 pounds lost and being the smallest I remember being in over 20 years (yea cant believe I am old enough to say that), suddenly everyone is telling me how well I am doing and are literally stopping me in my tracks asking whether I am loosing weight and how and keep up the good work.
We had a work party last Friday which was a big dress up event, so obviously I was dressed up, hair and make up done, and all night I got complimented, which I graciously accepted. However with a few people (and after a few drinks) they decide to also make comments about how I have tried to loose weight before (badly apparently) and hadnt cared about how I looked (not really true but it must have been what I was putting out). And then comes the lecture (as I am still overweight) about keeping going and not giving up. I really dont want to have a heart to heart with everyone who decides to say something about how much this is not just a surgery but a process that I have been going through to change my life, relationship with food and loving myself.
I know that I have alot of people williing me on and wanting the best for me and I dont mean to sound ungrateful for that, but I still have ALOT of work to do....imagine what they will be saying at the end of this journey.

I hear ya girls!
Since hitting a 100 pounds lost and being the smallest I remember being in over 20 years (yea cant believe I am old enough to say that), suddenly everyone is telling me how well I am doing and are literally stopping me in my tracks asking whether I am loosing weight and how and keep up the good work.
We had a work party last Friday which was a big dress up event, so obviously I was dressed up, hair and make up done, and all night I got complimented, which I graciously accepted. However with a few people (and after a few drinks) they decide to also make comments about how I have tried to loose weight before (badly apparently) and hadnt cared about how I looked (not really true but it must have been what I was putting out). And then comes the lecture (as I am still overweight) about keeping going and not giving up. I really dont want to have a heart to heart with everyone who decides to say something about how much this is not just a surgery but a process that I have been going through to change my life, relationship with food and loving myself.
I know that I have alot of people williing me on and wanting the best for me and I dont mean to sound ungrateful for that, but I still have ALOT of work to do....imagine what they will be saying at the end of this journey.

Today was a good day. I'm a year post op. My a baker by trade. I've been at my job as a baker for 3 years. I come from a long line of bakers in my family ( though I didn't find this out until after I got the job). After surgery, I quickly worked my way into management and today I was offered my own bakery in the company!!! I'll be moving to the new bakery just after Easter. I truly believe my surgery gave me a new lease on life and a strange and wonderful feeling of confidence. I can't wait!!!! ; )

I wanted to take a moment to share my experience with stalls, because I see a lot of people getting discouraged because of them and that's simply not necessary and really bad for your self esteem.
I was sleeved 1/20 - over the first 4 weeks I lost 40-freaking-pounds! Amazing! I was so excited and thought to myself "At this rate I'll be at goal by Easter!" And then, about half way through my 4th week something sad happened. My scale broke! I mean, it must have been broken because it kept saying 237 every-single-time I stepped on it, so SURELY it must have been broken, right? Wrong. I was stalled. I'd read the posts, I'd done my research, I knew it was possible but like most I thought "HA! Not me!"
For the next 2 1/2 weeks I analyzed every bite I put in my mouth, I doubled up my sessions with my trainer, I increased my Protein and fluids, to no avail! A week after my stall started, the scale still would not budge! Seriously, it's digital, how could it be broken? Maybe I somehow saved my last weigh in and it was just showing me that # every time I stepped on. Maybe? No. Maybe this was it. Maybe 40lbs was all I was meant to lose? No. Maybe I'm just built differently and the sleeve isn't going to work for me? No! It was a stall! A point at which the weight temporarily stops coming off and the scale stops moving. A time for my body to try and play catch up after the havoc wreaked on it for the previous 4 weeks.
Two 1/2 weeks after my stupid stall started, I noticed something - I was getting a LOT of compliments! I mean, sure people had been commenting before my stall but now, now people I NEVER talked to were commenting how good I was looking and what a great job I was doing. Surely they must be mistaken, I haven't lost ANY weight in the last 2 1/2 weeks. They're crazy. To prove it, I took a picture.
As I sat at my computer making my little collage so I could show them just how crazy they were, a gasp escaped my mouth when I added the last picture. Could it be? Surely it wasn't possible! I am the EXACT same weight that I was in picture #2, a fact that I was painfully aware of, but something was different. I actually LOOK thinner! Amazing! And to think I spent the previous 2 1/2 weeks silently stressing because the scale wasn't budging! The whole time while my weight wasn't shrinking, my waist was!
So to all of you out there stressing over stalls my message is this - Just because your weight isn't shrinking, doesn't mean your waist isn't. Just keep doing what you're doing and you will be successful - don't sabotage your success just because your scale is temporarily broken

As a joke you could always tell the waiter he doesn't eat because he's a vampire. I wonder what kind of looks you would get then. lol

Oh hun, you are seeing results and maybe possibly sabatoging your weight loss? Are you tracking your food? It is a real possibility that you are not getting enough calories and this can cause a serious stall. Body then thinks you are starving and will hold all weight.
Reevaluate all of the possibilities. You can do this because you are strong. Hang in there, we are here to cheer you onto your goal weight.

Hi everyone!
I wanted to touch base with you all... because I can! On Thursday I will be 18 months post op. One and one half years exactly. Yay! I'm happy.
Yup, that about sums it up right there.
Here's something I've learned and I think by sharing this bit of knowledge it might help some of you who might be struggling mentally with figuring out how - when - where - what - why's with the Post Op life of a VSG patient.
Notice the word "patient"... because seriously, you will never find this more of a virtue than after you have your surgery. This journey IS!! NOT!! EASY!! You're going to have so many ups and downs you won't know where you're headed sometimes. It's ok, and it's normal to feel confused by a lot of things! That's why this forum is so valuable, all of us pre-oppers and post-oppers coming together to offer support and some great advice.
Here is something to look forward to though... rather than become fixated on how much one will lose on the first month out, or for that matter 6 months... concentrate rather on how your life will look IN ONE YEAR from the date of your surgery.
You're going to have a Santa's List worth of NSV's, likely you will have cleaned out your closet and replaced all your clothes 2 or 3x over. Some people (for example my own Mom) will pass you right up and not realize that you're YOU... You're going to be bombarded with folks coming up and either congratulating you and/or asking you how you did it. You will probably get a little embarrassed by some comments. You won't need to buy your clothes in the Bigs & Talls anymore. Your shoes are going to fit like they should. You will be able to walk and workout with the greatest of ease and without much pain. Likely you will begin to feel more comfortable in larger crowds... and (if you're single) you might feel more empowered to flirt with others. You will fit nicely in stadium seats, in an airplane without extenders, chairs with arm rests... you will also be able to cross your legs like second nature. Your Before & After photos won't even look like you!!
These are only a handful of all the wonderful things you WILL experience at one year out... that you will still be dreaming of at one month.
Patience. It's THE #1 asset to have in this whole process.
Have a great day everyone!

I hear ya!!
It sucks being single and having all this "stuff" going on.
Atleast there is my battery operated friend TMI lol

Hello all! If Anyone on this forum was insanely worried about Hair loss it was me. My long blonde hair has always been my thing (especially being the "big girl" all my life) so when I started losing A TON of hair at 4 months out I was so upset. I was crying in the shower daily...... But Nobody could tell the difference, I never developed bald spots, my hair still looked good. I'm at 7 months and happy to report the hair loss has stopped and I have a half inch of regrowth already. I survived! And I'm 7 pounds from goal- woo! So all you ladies worried about the hair loss-- you will more than likey survive as well!

Oh my goodness!!! This weekend was HORRIBLE!!!!!! LOL... I'm like hanging out with ALL woman until I simmer down.. GEEZ!!! And all these brothers w/ nice teeth coming out of the bushes, trying to carress my hands and gazing into my eyes and.. LOL...

Omg I was sleeved a month and 2 days ago. I suffered from amenorrhea (no periods)due to PCOS. Guess
Who came this morning after years being MIA? Aunt flow! I know it sounds silly but I am so excited! My pipes work! Thanks to the sleeve!!

Have you considered counseling/therapy? Most of us are here because we've tried the "sensible diet and exercise" route, probably multiple times, without success. I know that I had a bit of regret early on because I felt like I failed myself, not being able to accomplish weight loss without resorting to surgical means.
However, now that I'm nearly 7 months out and eating foods that I enjoy again (in much smaller quantities, of course) I am beyond thrilled with my decision. I wasn't an emotional or stress eater - just had issues with volume and Portion Control. My sleeve has given me the control I needed to get myself healthy and happy(ier).
Judging from the posts I've seen from you, you've exhibited most of your regret over not being able to eat the foods you want to. Honestly, you really need to consider talking to someone to help you through this. Otherwise you are going to potentially damage your new sleeve by making inappropriate food choices.

I feel that way a lot of times,, but I usually get over it pretty quickly. The thing is you already had the surgery so why not try to be positive. You can't go back now so just work with what you have and try to feel good about it. You must have had reasons you initially wanted the surgery right? Focus on those things and good luck. It will all work itself out in the end.

So... I have had about 4 NSVs in the last week....

Last night I went to the Grand Lux Cafe.. When we were taken to our BOOTH, I just slid right in and my tummy didn't touch the table!!!! (I almost cried!! My best friend was smiling so hard I thought she was gonna have a coronary!!)
On Saturday, I was sitting on my sofa and without thinking and much effort.... I crossed my legs!!!!! Comfortably!!!
My bariatric center has a yearly celebration of life dinner/dance.. It's tomorrow.. and I haven't been able to wear heels for 2/3 years (and I have over 20 pairs).... anyway, I was like..let me just try these on and see if I can walk in them... Well, I tried on a pair of black 2 inch, brown 3 inch, silver and a few others... I walked around in them for a while without pain, stumbling or anything!!!!
Finally, due to a back injury and left side nerve damage, I've walked w/ a very noticeable limp... I happened to look at myself walking down the hall at school today... and it's almost gone!!! This is the best NSV I've had to date!!!!

Stay encouraged guys and appreciate every step of this journey to wellness, wholeness and the revelation of a new and improved you!!!

How about, "Me taking the easy way out? What about your short cut to being an idiot with the brainectomy you obviously had?"