traceyc

Finally brave enough to post a before and update pic. Still have a ways to go, but have made great progress! Before is October 2010 so about 2 years ago, close to my highest weight. The afters are from this past weekend.

Thanks! I am for sure much happier taking pictures.

Wow you have been through so much. Thanks for sharing your story. I agree, you have a great attitude considering all you have been through. Glad you are doing better and best of luck to you in your continued journey!

The carbonation can be uncomfortable. I have poured it into a glass and let it go flat some and that seems ok, but that wasn't until recently. I am over 8 months out.

I just posted some progress pics 8.5 months out. Here you go! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/56356-85-month-progress-pics/

I haven't been gaining a lot of chest muscles but I have the hardest time finding bras now. Nothing seems to fit right. If I get a band that isn't loose then it squishes all my extra skin and makes weird skin bulges under my arms. Now that you said that, mine are not really making it as close together anymore. lol A custom bra would be amazing! I don't mind them getting smaller as long as I can get them to stay above my waist!

Wow, is she counselling other surgery candidates regularly? Protein first is pretty much the number 1 rule! Is she part of your surgical group or separate? Maybe you should share with your usual NUT the horrible advice she is giving people.

What a great feeling! Congrats on your weight loss I primarily shopped at Lane Bryant before surgery and I swear I am having withdrawals. When I realized I could no longer fit into their smallest size, I had a panic attack. I hadn't shopped for non plus size clothes is such a long time I was lost. I love shopping for clothes now!

Great job! Not dorky, that is huge accomplishment.

Someone posted on here recently they had a twisted stomach and her doctor wanted to fix with bypass surgery. I think they bypass the twisted part of the stomach. Here is the post: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/54166-help-i-have-to-be-converted-to-a-full-bypass/ There may be some helpful information on there. Not sure if this is the correction for all twisted stomachs.

I would call, to be safe. They will probably tell you to wait until Thursday, but better to be safe. My large incision still hurt 3 weeks out, but it was getting better everyday and Tylenol was enough to make it feel better. If it is getting worse, I would call for sure.

I have been using liquid Allegra for kids. Works great! I used 24 hour allegra prior to surgery but those pills are way big. The liquid is 12 hour.

At 7 months out my drink of choice is vodka soda with lime so I dont drink a lot of sugar. I stir it a lot to kill the carbonation some. At 3 months I could only really tolerate wine. I tried vodka cranberry, skinny margaritas and blood Marys which all gave me heartburn. If heartburn isn't an issue for you worth a try.

I fit in one seat at 5'5'' and 285 with both arm rests down and no seat belt extender. I think you should be fine.

Sure do! You look great and I am sure feel better already!

I had severe reflux for years. I was taking 2 prevacids a day and still had issues. My hiatal hernia was apparently very bad once they got in there, but they fixed it. i have had no issues with reflux since my surgery. I don't even take a PPI anymore. I would do the surgery all over again just to cure my reflux issues! My doctor did warn me that some people's reflux get worse once they have the sleeve. Gastric bypass will cure reflux but I was not a candidate for it because of one of my medications. So I don't think you will not be able to do the sleeve because of the reflux/GERD but just be prepared for continued reflux issues after.

I only wore a sports bra. My under-wire bras were uncomfortable for a couple weeks. It didn't sit on an incision but it sort of added pressure. No problems lifting my arms at all.

Same here, I showered the next morning in the hospital. I didn't even think to bring my own shower products and wish I had. The stuff they had to use was crap. I had the glued on strips and didn't have to cover anything when I showered. I had to wash my abdomen very gently since it was quite sore. I was exhausted after, but felt so much better. The stuff they made me wash with prior to surgery was so itchy!

Awesome! I was sleeved around the same time as you. I have really been fluctuating around the same weight for a couple months now. I have about 40 more to go to get to goal, but I would love to go lower. I am hoping to hit onederland by December and then goal at the 1 year mark.

Good to hear no issues with lactaid. Yes, for sure share your experience with your doc. Hope you have a good recovery!

Developing lactose intolerance after surgery is common, it could be that. Try a lactose free milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc and see if that helps.

Every surgery has risks. They are rare but it is good to know about them before to prepare and be fully informed. You have to decide if the benefits of surgery outweigh the possible complications. Only you can decide this for yourself. I agree with the others that people are more likely to post stories when something goes wrong than when everything is fine. There are some great stories out there on the success stories forum. You should check out some of those if you have not. I am 7 months post ops with zero complications and couldn't be happier. Steak is still my favorite food and I can eat anything just smaller portions. I eat as healthy as I can, but I don't deprive myself and still eat in a social setting. My get togethers with friends have always revolved around food and I still have just as good of a time at them. Maybe even a better time since I am happier with my new sleeved self. I still enjoy cooking for people, I just don't eat very much of it. I went to NYC for vacation and I even tried NY pizza and bagels! I didn't have very much, but I couldn't pass up trying them.

Never thought I would need advice on underwear! I have really not been able to find underwear that are comfortable after my weight loss. I need to get something new since they are now way too big. My problem is I need something that will be sort of supporting to the hanging skin in my lower abdomen but aren't super thick. I am in Texas so it is still going to be hot for awhile. I have a support panty I wear over my undies with certain clothes but it gets crazy hot with the layers. I am lucky to not have a large apron but I still have enough of one you can see it in certain clothes. Can anyone recommend a good brand? Appreciate any suggestions!

I haven't looked at JCP, I will have to check there. I always forget about them! Thanks for the suggestions.

Mine was 20 grams of carbs or less per day, low fat for 2 weeks. Clear liquids only the day before. I was happy to not have to do the liquid diet before. It really varies so much by doctor.