Sleevedreamz

9 months ago (Sept 4, 2012) I went in to have my surgery. This was my last attempt to get back the life I loved and missed so much and little did I know at the time that it would be the best decision I'd ever made for myself. I want to share this because I remember looking to these boards trying to find out what to expect and how to know if I was making the right choice. Only you can decide what's right for you, but after everything I'd do it again 100x without hesitation. I had a few small hurdles to overcome after my surgery, but they were small in comparison to the reward I feel now. I will be forever grateful for the decision I made. I couldn't walk without feeling miserable, going out made me feel terrible because I never felt good about the way I looked after gaining the weight and I just wasn't living life to the fullest. I wish I'd had the surgery years ago, but what's important is that I had it. 9 months ago I was in a tight size 20 jeans and XXL tops. Today I'm wearing a 9 in jeans which are super loose so I’ll probably be going down another size within the next couple of weeks and a small or medium in tops. Knowing I can walk into any store and buy clothes makes me jump for joy. Every time I pass Lane Bryant I say a quiet thank you that they were there when I needed them and then smile because I know I'll never need them again. I can go into any store I want and try on and wear nearly anything I want. Don't get me wrong, there are still things I see that I love and I'm not able to wear just yet, but I'm almost there and I could not say that a year ago. I'm going to touch on some of the things I had so many questions and curiosities about so that maybe I can help someone else with the same concerns. First of all, my BIGGEST concern throughout this process was the possibility of hair loss. I had very fine hair to begin with and it has never been extremely thick. It was perfect for me, but I didn’t feel like I had any to spare. At pretty much exactly 3 months out the dreaded hair loss started and my heart broke. I was terrified that this was happening to me. I was finally having success at losing weight and now I had to deal with something else that would make me feel bad. I was losing hair with a vengeance and I remember saying to myself, “it’s going to be okay, just roll with the punches and it’s going to stop before it gets too bad” until one day I realized I had thinned enough on top that it was noticeable and I broke down and cried. Listen up ladies; this is about 98% likely to happen to you so mentally prepare for it so when it comes you don’t lose your mind. I wasn’t happy, but I was prepared as much as I could be because I’d done the research. I had beautiful and long straight blonde hair. It was my staple and always had been. I held on for as long as I could and started getting weekly salon treatments to help with regrowth (which if you can afford worked AMAZING), but I did finally have to cut my long locks into a cute and sexy short style. I have NEVER had short hair and I was terrified, but because I was no longer “fat” it looked amazing on me and gave my hair the volume it was lacking since it was so long. It is still short (I have since cut it again bc I loved the way it looks so much) and all of the hair I lost is coming back in thanks to my treatments and the hair loss coming to a stop. I think it stopped falling out after about 3-4 months so it was a while before I noticed I was no longer losing fist fulls of hair. I kept my long hair in a cute braid to the side or French braided for a few months before I finally cut it because it was thin enough at that point that leaving it down just wasn’t an option anymore or everyone would have noticed. Another concern I had was “what is my body going to look like after this surgery if I lose a lot of weight?” Well, I needed to lose a little over 100lbs and have lost 92 so far. I feel very lucky because it isn’t too bad. My arms underneath are a little flappy, but I also haven’t worked out like I should and am currently working on that and can tell it’s getting better. My tummy is pretty much what I expected. I do not have any loose skin there at this point (and don’t think I will), but it’s not my favorite to look at for a few reasons. I have a ton of stretch marks, particularly on my lower tummy area) and since losing weight they definitely make it hard for my lower tummy to not hang a little. Now, I have seen some bad pics of bellies and mine isn’t horrible at all, but I don’t love it. I also hate my surgery scars because I want to be able to eventually show my stomach in a swimsuit and they will keep me from feeling comfortable doing that. I want to get a tummy tuck, but that will have to wait for now. I did do a consult and the doctor wants me to wait until a year out and then of course I have to figure out financing. She did say, however, that I won’t need a full tuck because my muscles underneath are in great shape so technically I’ll only need the panniculectomy done. She is trying to get insurance to approve that, but I don’t think it will happen because it doesn’t look horrible or hang much at all and I can’t imagine they will cover it, but we’ll see. My breasts are another area that has been significantly affected. They are much smaller than they were (although still considered large and well-proportioned for my body size) and they are hanging down lower than they should now. This again seems to be because of the stretching (stretch marks). They could use a lift and the doctor thinks around 350cc’s implant to fill in where the skin is loose. I’m hoping to have this done at the same time as the tummy tuck. All that said about the surgeries I’m looking at, I could never do the surgery and I would still look great guys. So, if you’re concerned about not having the money for surgery later on, don’t let that be a deterrent. I still look pretty fabulous naked compared to a year ago. I have had a thousand compliments on my change in appearance since my surgery and the men I’m around are falling all over themselves and not just any men, but the hot and fit ones, so don’t let something like a few imperfections keep you from following through with your surgery because if I never get plastics done I will still be more than okay with the way my body looks and I have done virtually no physical exercise up until recently. I saved this for last because it is for me the one place I do have some loose skin. It is very little, but trust me, I hate it and it’s something I can’t help but notice and it’s my inner thighs. I’m very short so for me my fat distributed more to my backside and thighs than anywhere else. I was fat all over, don’t get me wrong, but this area took a lot of what the rest of my body couldn’t hold so when I lost weight, that area became very flabby because it’s such a fatty area. Again, I have not worked out like I should so I KNOW I can improve this by leaps and bounds which is what I’m working on now. I will try to update you on that progress later on for those who are interested. I am hoping to eventually get it to a point where it’s virtually unnoticeable and think it’s possible aside from the stretch marks which I could care less about for the most part since even the skinniest people I know have those. As far as my body, that is all I can think of that were huge concerns of mine going into this last year. I really do look amazing and feel like I’ve won such an amazing prize by getting my life back. It’s been so long since I was smaller I hadn’t realized how much differently I was treated from before I gained the weight. It isn’t right, I will agree, but there is a definite difference and I was even extremely confident for someone who was overweight. I always thought people treated me the same, but now I’m realizing they didn’t. I am called sweetheart and darling all of the time now where I didn’t get that as often before. I’m constantly complimented on my clothing, hair, smile, face, jewelry, etc. I have always been very fashion conscious so I did get compliments when I was bigger, but nothing to the magnitude that I am now. It really does make you feel amazing and I can’t stop smiling. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of walking into a room or up to someone and having them call me “skinny”. Some people take offense to that from what I’ve read on these boards, but I think everyone is also entitled to their opinion. For me, it makes me feel like all of the effort I’ve put into making healthy eating choices and watching my portions to aid my sleeve are just being complimented every time someone says “Oh my God, you look amazing”. And, this post has gone so long that I’m just going to briefly touch on food and stalls because I read a lot about that before and after my surgery too. I think everyone is different and should treat this surgery in such a way that will benefit their weight loss goals. While I was definitely addicted to food for a period of time after gaining weight, I have not always been big so for me, after the surgery, I did not miss food at all and I know everyone isn’t so lucky. So, I have been able to possibly indulge a little more than someone who would never be able to stay on the wagon if they did. My diet is pretty lax compared to most I see on here, but I also do not eat much at all even almost a year out. Up until recently I was still only eating 3-4 bites before becoming full. I think that is different for everyone. I usually do something small in the mornings (egg or oatmeal) and then eat pretty normal the rest of the day. I try to make healthy choices such as choosing a lean Protein, but if I have a bite or two of a side it’s usually what everyone else is having. The beauty for me is that I only eat a bite or two and if you can’t do that then stay away from the carbs because it isn’t worth damaging your weight loss for. I look at it like this, I spent 8 years eating myself to death so I’m going to skip the pie or cake because I ate enough of that for a lifetime. If there is cake, I’ll take a bite of my husbands if I just really want to try it, but usually it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I have stalled a few times throughout, but unlike some, I don’t worry about it because I know I’m eating small portions. I was stuck at the 150 mark for probably longer than any other stall (a complete month with not losing even a pound) so I went back to Protein shakes for Breakfast and then made sure I was only eating lean protein for lunch and dinner with minimal carbs and I’m now down to 145 so that proves to me that if I’m stalling I can break through with a little effort on my part. Another thing that I know is controversial is sodas. I used to drink Dr. Pepper like crazy and since surgery I will admit that I do have the occasional Dr. Pepper. Now, that said, by occasional I may do this once every three to four weeks and when I do it’s one of the tiny 90 calorie cans. Again, I am not easily persuaded back into old habits so if you are DON’T do it! I just want one occasionally and I don’t deprive myself of it. Some people can’t even tolerate it anyways so it’s not an issue. I tend to be able to tolerate most anything. The only things that have changed pretty drastically are that I don’t like the taste of milk anymore so I don’t drink it at all where I used to drink a glass every couple of days. I can’t stand it now. I also can’t really eat anything super spicy anymore which makes me a little sad. I love jalapenos and used to eat them with everything and I just can’t handle it. It doesn’t hurt my belly, but gives me horrible acid reflux/indigestion so I just don’t go there. I have eaten ice-cream a couple of times and it was bad. I had symptoms similar to dumping and that will make you stay away forever because it’s no fun. I think it was because it was liquid and ran straight through so quickly because if I eat something sweet that’s solid such as a small brownie or cookie (which is rare, but does happen once in a blue moon) it doesn’t have the same affect. Again, I just think everyone is different. I was never one to eat a lot of sweets or snack so it is pretty much a non-issue for me. I really hope there is some useful information in this post for those of you who are new or thinking about surgery. I just know I would scour the boards for hours trying to find info and compare notes and find people that were close to me in size and stature. It always gives you something to look forward to. If you have a specific question about something I didn't talk about here, feel free to ask me. I'd be happy to answer it for you.

Mine stopped at 6 months. It will stop. Hang in there.

I'm so glad it helped. I have been in your shoes not long ago and if I can help I'm more than happy to do so! Good luck! Keep me posted on your progress and let me know if you need anything.

Thank you. My starting weight was 237. I'd be more than happy to chat over private messaging if you want. I was terrified before my surgery so I can appreciate how you're feeling. Hang in there!

Ha, well, thanks and the stupid program wouldn't allow me to separate them my dear. It has been driving me a little crazy so thanks for pointing that out. Hopefully it will be fixed soon because it still won't allow me to use the return function.

Thank you and I want everyone to feel as amazing as I do! If I don't share then I'm not helping others and while it isn't the "easy way out" as so many think, it is a way to save a life that is important. I wish you the best on your journey. I also went three years before my surgery and backed out and I WISH every day I had done it sooner. Hang in there girl. By this time next year you will be well on your way to freedom!

Surgery: 9/4 Starting weight: 237 Current weight: 175 -62lbs and 50 inches Feeling amazing although I am pretty sure my weight loss has started to slow at this point. I still have 40-50lbs to reach goal. I do not struggle with wanting food anymore and I am extremely grateful. Seems like my life the past few years revolved around when and what we were going to eat and I just don't think about it anymore. I am one of the lucky ones where that is concerned. Even if I do crave something bad, which is rare, I can usually take one or two bites and it either grosses me out or it just doesn't taste nearly as good as I remember and I'm done. I am struggling to get all of my protein in as I hate all of the shakes and I have tried them all. I have always struggled with drinking things like that and now it's even harder. I gag and I just can't do it and since I can really still only eat very little it has been tough. I am probably still only getting 700-800 calories and that is me working very hard bc I just can't eat more than 3-4 bites of anything most days. I have also lost a significant amount of hair. My hair was very fine so even though I had a lot, now that I've lost so much (probably lost 60-70%) my remaining "fine" hair does not hide the loss well. Obvious thinning can be seen on my scalp. I am just trying to deal the best I can and hoping it stops as grows back ASAP. I look ridiculous in wigs bc they're all so thick and my hair has never been thick. Haven't gone down in sizes as quickly as I thought I would after such a large loss, but I'm also very short so I carry more in the middle and I have accepted that it'll take longer for jean sizes to change. I have gone from a 20 to a 14 or a size 34 waist so I am still happy. Sorry for the novel. Has been a while so thought I'd post what I could think of. Glad to see everyone doing well and love reading about everyone's victories. Some days it's so hard to imagine making it to goal, but look how far we have all come. Amazing!

My goal for this challenge was 170 from 185...I'm only down to 175 right now so it isn't looking like I'm going to make it by Valentine's Day. We'll see what happens in the next 6 days. Hope everyone else is doing good!

I posted a few weeks ago as I was going in to see my stylist and since then I've started going in for weekly scalp/hair treatments. The products I'm using are Rene Furterer from Paris and are amazing. This product is high end and is used in high end salons around the world and will be found being used on celebrities during NY fashion week, sets, etc. as the products are awesome. I have used these products for the past couple of years, but that being said, I have now switched to part of the line that is used for thinning hair as well as new growth, etc. I'm going to give you a list of the products I'm using and tell you how they are being used. If there's any way possible you can get on board and use these products you will see a difference. Today was my 3rd week going to the salon for a treatment (can do these yourself at home, but I go to the salon because I know my stylist does a much better job than I can do) and I am already seeing regrowth. I am still losing hair and will probably continue until I reach the end period for that, but at least I am now seeing regrowth from these products which I was not seeing before. I am hopeful that I've started on these products in time to keep the loss from being too noticeable to anyone else. Below you will find all of the products I'm using and a link to each product so you can read about it for yourself. As for where to buy, there is a salon locater on the Rene Furterer website so you can find someone local to you who carries these products. The products are awesome to begin with, but now that I'm using the ones specifically for thinning, hair loss, and aged and damaged hair; I can really see a huge difference which has given me hope. With my weekly scalp treatments, I can actually feel the blood flow as it's being applied and that is just amazing to be able to feel the products working! Good luck and please let me know if you have any questions. I am NOT stylist or rep for this company, but I do believe in their all natural products. I do not want to use Nioxin because I learned that our hair can become addicted to the product so even though it promotes growth, it will start falling out again once that product is stopped. The thing I love about the Rene Furterer line is that it's all natural so that is not going to happen because there are no harsh chemicals for the hair/scalp to become reliant on. Okay--products I'm using and how along with links so you can see and read about each individual product At home: Rene Furterer Paris-Tonucia Anti-Age Toning and Densifying Shampoo (in shower) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/product/tonucia/toning-shampoo Rene Furterer Paris-Tonucia Anti-Age Toning and Densifying Conditioner (in shower) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/product/tonucia/toning-and-densifying-mask Rene Furterer Paris-No Rinse After Sun Moisturizing Spray (after shower to damp hair-1st) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/product/sun-care-in-the-sun/no-rinse-moisturizing-spray Rene Furterer Paris Volumea-Volumizing Conditioning Spray (after shower to damp hair-2nd) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/product/volumea/volumizing-conditioning-spray In salon weekly scalp treatments (remember these can be purchased and done at home I just choose to have my stylist do them for best resulsts for me): Rene Furterer Paris-Essential Care Complexe 5 (purifies the scalp and increases its microcirculation for healthy hair and is massaged into the scalp before shampooing) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/products/line/complexe-5 Rene Furterer Paris-RF80 for sudden and hereditary thinning (this is massaged into scalp before styling and is a leave in product after shampooing, conditioning) http://www.renefurtererusa.com/product/thinning-hair/rf-80-sudden-hair-loss

Just ordered some of this to try. This is the first post I've seen about flavors besides chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in milk--all of which I hate since surgery. I'm still struggling 4 months out to get my Protein in and all of the thick stuff makes me nauseous so I am just not getting it in. If this works, you will be my new favorite person. I love fruity drinks so here's hoping. I have to find something soon!

Really jealous that you've managed to skip hair loss. Happy for you, but jealous none the less. I really had hoped I'd be able to do the same, but as I sit here nearly bald on the top of my head, that has certainly not been the case. I have not heard of the vitamin crystals or about taking collagen. Going to have to look into both. What type of collagen are you taking and is that for hair loss or skin elasticity? Thanks!

I KNEW hair loss was coming. I did my research, I read every post there was along with tons of research beforehand and I had prepared myself. I knew it could be little or lots, but of course, like anyone I hoped for a little. I'm young and healthy (minus the weight issue) so I hoped for the best. Had my surgery 9/4 and just as was predicted my hair loss started the first week of December. I have long blonde (fine) hair that has been my staple forever and it's falling out BADLY! I am so sick I do not know what to do. I'm getting in my vitamins, protein, biotin (which I started months before) and I'm at a loss now as to where to go. It's getting so thin I can't hide it much longer and I'm starting to become self conscious. It's only been a month and everyone says it can last for up to 6...I will be a 30 year old bald person if I keep losing hair at this rate. When it first started I just stayed calm bc I knew it was coming and I just kept telling myself it would be ok. But, today when several large handfuls came out I just stood in the shower and cried. I wasn't prepared to go bald. I want to lose weight and be healthy, but NOTHING about my hair falling out feels even the tiniest bit healthy. I know I've read everything there is to read at this point, but this feels like a moment in my journey that I need support and encouragement even if I already know what everyone will say. Am I going to go bald and is this going to start turning around? My NUT told me to cut my hair. Please don't tell me that. I have been growing my beautiful hair out for 4 years. I'm not ready to hear that. So sad and discouraged right now.

First, congrats on your amazing accomplishment! How often and what type of workouts did you do?

Awe, hang in there. I feel your pain. I was sleeved 9/4/12 and have lost 55lbs total and it seemed like forever before I was able to go down a size in jeans. I think the first size drop (for those of us who are in bigger sizes anyways) takes a while to happen and then once we get below a 16 it is much faster with smaller weight loss...at least that seems to be the consensus from everything I've read. I was in a size 20 and am finally into a size 16. I bought a pair of 13/14 with hopes that they would fit, but they're still so tight on my belly I couldn't move or breath if I did wear them. That's the other thing, my belly is shrinking at a much slower pace than everything else...my legs fit fine into the smaller pants...evil stomach fat. Anyways, you are doing so great and seem to be on track so just hang in there. It seems like when I tried on smaller and they didn't fit it was less than a month before the smaller size slid on without a problem so maybe try again in 3 weeks! Good luck.

Sure! I'd love to have someone to compare notes with! Just message me when you get a chance.

It's very frustrating when nutritionists and doctors are telling patients if they do everything by the book they won't lose hair bc that's just NOT the case. I started Biotin and all required vitamins 3 months prior to surgery and have followed that regimen to a T. I also take zinc daily and have been using top of the line hair products (shampoo and conditioner) along with two different conditioning treatments (one with keratin and one without) after showering and I'm telling you, my hair is falling out faster than I can type this message. Because of how attached I was to my hair, I have taken EVERY precaution and here we are anyways. I would normally be fine with wigs, etc., but in my line of work it will be difficult to keep a wig on. The whole thing is super frustrating and especially these professionals giving false information to those of us who are asking for guidance. Grrr. Anyways, I meet with my stylist (from a very high end salon) on Wednesday and she is doing some type of scalp treatment and supposedly has some miracle vitamin/supplement to introduce me to. I'll be sure to check back and keep you all posted. Hopefully some of us can report that the loss has stopped at some point soon. Hang in there ladies! I'm trying to have an "it'll be ok day" bc I was freaking out about this on Wednesday.

I feel your pain. I started Biotin 3 months prior to surgery and I am still losing hair at an alarming rate. Surgery was 9/4 and hair loss started in Dec. Those of you who are newly sleeved and saying you're not losing hair yet...just wait. Mine started at exactly 3 months after surgery and has become horrid. I have no actual bald spots -yet-, but I worry they're coming bc my hair is getting alarmingly thin. Seeing my stylist Wed to talk about possible extensions or a wig. I'm a basket case bc I really want it to stop! So sad...good luck, but I have done all vitamins and proteins right and it still happened. I think we just have to suffer through and one day it will stop. Ugh...

Highest weight: 240 Day of surgery: 237 (9/4/12) Current weight: 185 (12/31/12) Valentine's Goal: 170 Let's do this!

I finally made it! I would always get so close on my own (before surgery) and I'd always manage to sabotage it. I've been waiting the past week and it kept saying 200. What a wonderful surprise to wake up to today! This surgery has given me my life back and I know I'll only keep losing and I'll never be above 200 again. If you are on the edge of making a decision, I would strongly suggest you choose this surgery. It is truly a lifesaver. So happy!!!

My 1st goal was to be under 200 and twice this week I've been 200.4...lol. Seriously, I just want to see the hundreds again. It's been too long. Anyways, I am really happy with my weight loss so far. I think it would be even better if I could eat, but ever since I was sick in October I've barely been able to eat anything. Never thought I'd have that problem! My surgeon is trying to find out why I can't hold as much as I could in the beginning, but I think my tummy shrank while I was ill bc I just couldn't eat for being nauseous for at least two weeks. Hope everyone else is doing well. Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

Did anyone eat scrabbled eggs during the puréed food stage? They are such a good source of protein and seem like they could be chewed well. I tried them blended and couldn't do it bc of the consistency.

I ordered several pair of knee boots last winter knowing they probably wouldn't fit, but always seemed to do this to myself. They arrived and didn't fit and of course it made me want to cry. However, I pulled them out tonight and thought I'd give it a try and they zipped up with no problem! I was so excited. I now have 3 more pair of boots that suddenly fit which thrills me. I have a couple pairs that still wont zip up, but they are so close which has not been the case for a long time. YAY!

I do live in the south! haha. They are dress boots not cold weather boots.