T'snewstart

Hi.... When I started I was 358 # I am 5'6" as well. My goal is 195 # set by my primary Dr. Mostly because of bone structure and muscle mass. Anyhow, when reaching my goal my total weight loss will be 163 lbs. Our goals are pretty much the same. I will be 50 in August. When I first started and would think of the amount I needed to lose I would get overwhelmed also. So I broke it down to 20 # increments. That worked and took the pressure off. At 6 months I have lost over 100#. Honestly, yes I have hanging skin everywhere... My arms, legs, bottom and tummy. But trust me by the time you get the weight off you feel so much better the extra skin is a small price to pay. Have you ever considered donating the extra skin to burn victims? Are there any Dr.'S / hospitals in your area that will cover the costs for that type of donation? I know years ago a friend who did this..... I haven't a clue if this is still being done.... Something to research anyhow! Just think this time next year where you will be..... For me I just take it one day at a time..... I wish you all the best! Tina

I know some on this site might disagree with this.... But, I would add a protien bar. Most are around 160 calories. I only have pure protien... Because they are low on sugar and carbs. And high protien 20 grams. Some folks feel that they are too close to candy bars in taste and that will create the want for the real deal. For me that has never been a issue. I can have a protien bar and it replaces the sweets i used to want. Everyone is diiferent.... Best wishes!

Agreed loose fitting pants for the hospital. For home sugar free popsicles, things you enjoy to drink sugar free. Protien shakes etc. I would buy some gas x strips... they were a life saver for.me. Best Wishes

Shelly85 I am with you.... I found this site a month post op and it has been a life saver for me! I had so many questions. I have felt so much support. Now at 6 months it feels good to pay it forward!

Thank you for sharing that. For me I was so overwhelmed at that stage...... I am sure that folks could use that encouragement!

Congratulations.... Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Honestly I do not want to discourage you either way. But the truth be told there is failure with any weight loss surgery if we do not follow the guidelines. Yes, you will fill physically ill if you eat sweets after the by-pass. However, I have a co-worker who had the by-pass done. At the 2 year mark she has regained about 50 lbs. And yes she got passed the sick feeling eating the sweets and now eats them. That being said.... This decision is not a easy one to make. I also recommend you talk with your surgeon about the "why's" of a by-pass. One thing to note.... If I have understood this correctly... A sleeve can be converted to a by-pass. However, once you have done the by-pass there is no changing that. Just food for thought! Best Wishes on your decision!

Had to chime in on this one.... I to have been struggling with this thinking off and on. Mostly, on when the scale has stalled or only reads a 1 lbs loss that week. However, I will never forget the surgeon telling me the expectations for this surgery. She said: Most sleeved folks lose 50 to 70 %. Of their excess body wieght after "2 years" I was floored I said 2 years??? What???? Most of us are way ahead of the expected mark if we really stop and consider the numbers! Anyway, that is how I get through the tough "mental times". Honestly, I do not know if I will ever understand the "why's" ..... I hope you all find the answers you are looking for.... Best wishes" Tina

Well ow I am.... I always used to one around before saying I was just a beer can with flippers. I had no shape before.... Looking in the mirror now .... I can say yes I look like a pear with arms and legs lol!

I was a heavy soda drinker also. Crush sells sugar free packets you add to water. They taste just like crush soda w/o the carbonation..... I love them!

You look beautiful... completely different person.... kudos to you!

I was told by the surgeon and nutritionist that I could at anytime go back to previous stages of the diet..... A long as I am consuming enough protein..... For them that seemed to be the key....

Congratulations! And good for you helping others!! Paying it forward already! Best Wishes!

Yes I did..... I had that happen to me for the first few months..... It will go away and you will regain your stamina.... Hang in there!

When I feel the need to snack or crunch something.... I eat crunchy veggies... Carrots, jicama or cucumbers.... That seemed to do the trick!hope this helps...

I was sleeved Nov. 7th 2012. I am down 107 lbs

Yes..... I too have been having this experience... I can not explain it at all. I have never lost weight this way before... It has been one strange experience! You are not alone!

Yes it does get better.... gas x strips are high on list of necessities.... they really work. Walk as much as possible that helps as well... best wishes to you both!

I am sorry you are experiencing this in your relationship. I am glad you are seeking professional help. Hang in there! Best Wishes Tina

Pure protein bars....yummy low carbs & low sugar

I experienced the very same thing. At 6 months I can have a bite of corn muffin... goes down fine. If I eat wheat bread it is like I have swallowed a sponge... I am then miserable for hours. I can eat 1/2 of a corn tortilla .... flour tortilla does not go well.... its a whole new world!

You will like the next stage. I actually cooked veggies and a roast in the crock pot. I put some in my bullet and it was yummy pureed food! The key for me was flavor... I wanted flavor.... I did the same thing with chicken and veggies. It was much better than baby food.....

Best Wishes on your road to recovery.

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!

Best Wishes to all of you having surgery tomorrow! Hoping for a speedy recovery!