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Vixynne

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Everything posted by Vixynne

  1. Vixynne
    I was sleeved July 1, 2013 by Doctor Rayford Kruger at Tobey Hospital in Massachusetts. Here's my official before/after pic, with my stats for both the day of my surgery, and my one year surgiversary. It's mindblowing to me that not only am I NEVER again going to shop in the Plus Size section of any store, but I will willingly step in front of a camera, while wearing a bathing suit. Who is this person?! I have absolutely NO regrets and consider this surgery to have been a total success. For the first time in decades, I'm proud of the way I look and how hard I fought to achieve it, with my sleeve's help. Happy Independence Day, indeed!!
  2. Vixynne
    Hi, Jade---I'm just over the 1 year mark from being sleeved. All my stats are below in my signature, but I have lost over 90% of my excess body weight in a year. I think, like almost EVERYTHING to do with this surgery, from what our surgeons have us do with preop diets, NSAID advice, post op food schedules, etc., etc., etc, your mileage may vary. We're all different. If you really work hard at following your doctor's guidelines, eat accordingly, become more active, can you still only lose 40% of your excess weight? Probably. But are your numbers most likely going to end up being a lot higher than that if you DO follow the guidelines and move more? Yes. My doctor said (those must be the three most often used words in the forums, don't you think?) that there's no reason weight loss HAS to stop at a year out, or at 18 months out. If I'm willing to really push myself, I could lose as much as I want to lose. Easier said than done, yes. But doable! Other factors can affect it--like thyroid issues, just for one example. If you give this everything you've got and reach out to your medical team if you aren't progressing like you want to, then there's going to be NO stopping you until that goal is under your (much smaller) belt.
  3. Vixynne
    I went out with my Texan last night--and here's a little NSV. Sometimes it's these little things that add up to feeling like it's all been SO worth it. A year ago, there's no way I would have been willingly photographed. Also, a year ago, he couldn't have done this without grunting, straining, getting red in the face and out of breath. Kind of fun to be lifted up like you're dainty. I haven't felt dainty in years.
  4. Vixynne

    Vixynne

    Vixynne added images to a gallery album in Before and After Gastric Sleeve Photos

  5. Vixynne

    7 8 14

    Vixynne posted a gallery image in Before and After Gastric Sleeve Photos

    7 8 14

    From the album: Vixynne

  6. Vixynne
    I am 100% satisfied with my results--well worth every moment of struggle. You are going to be amazed at the changes in your body, your health and your life, I feel like it's a true rebirth and a second chance. I can't wait to see your 1-year post, you're going to do GREAT.
  7. Vixynne

    Here for my daughter.

    Vixynne replied to MammaBear2Kamp's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions

    Prayers and good thoughts will be pouring your daughter's way, and yours. You may not see it, but you are a wonderful ambassador to all family and friends of WLS folks. Your example could really teach a powerful lesson to those who are less than supportive of weight loss surgery patients' choices. Thanks for being that light in the darkness for your daughter--it will spread out like ripples in a pond, of that I am sure! Can't wait to see your babygirl on the Losers' Bench with so many of us!
  8. Vixynne
    I didn't have any pre-op liquid diet for Dr. Kruger. The only dietary restrictions they put on me pre-op was the day before surgery: nothing but liquids after noontime, and absolutely nothing after midnight. On my own, I did give up coffee and tried to eat healthier between April (my first consultation) and my surgery date (which ended up being in July of last year). I lost 18 pounds pre-op that way.
  9. Vixynne
    Oh, I agree, I definitely have no complaints about Dr. K or Southcoast Bariatric--great program and great doctors. Keep us posted on your progress, you Domestic Goddess!
  10. Vixynne
    I found this article REALLY helpful in understanding what obstacles can get in our way on a low carb eating program--do any of them apply to you? http://authoritynutrition.com/15-reasons-not-losing-weight-on-a-low-carb-diet/
  11. Vixynne

    July 2013 sleevers

    Vixynne replied to lilyrose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

    One year updates, anyone? Come check in and tell us how you're doing! PM me if you're interested in joining a July '13 only online support group, too--if you haven't already!
  12. Vixynne

    Made my one-year mark at just over 100 lbs. gone! I'm wearing size 6 (in some cases, size FOUR?!) and feeling like I could conquer the world. My divorce is finalized, and I'm living in a much smaller, healthier body. I LOVE my sleeve and all it's given me!

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. Vixynne

      Vixynne

      Thanks, Chelly! I NEVER thought I'd be this successful. Getting sleeved is the #1 best decision I've ever made.

    3. bon trin

      bon trin

      I just read where people had their hair fall out after surgery. Did you experience that? Can you still drink wine? Is it hard to go out to eat?

    4. Vixynne

      Vixynne

      Hi Bon Trin--I had very little hair loss, but yes, some. I honestly think some hair loss is inevitable, and my doc said it's one of the body's typical reactions to surgery. I did make sure to get lots of protein, though, which can help keep hair loss at a minimum. I didn't bother with taking biotin or buying expensive shampoos. I also made sure to use a lot of conditioner and GENTLY comb it through in the shower with a wide-tooth comb, instead of yanking and tugging at tangles.

      I'm not much of a wine drinker, to be honest, but I do have alcohol occasionally, since my surgeon clears his patients for it at the 1-year mark. It hits me harder than it used to, so I don't drink much!

      I LOVE going out to eat. I order a high-protein appetizer (shrimp or chicken skewers, or something NOT fried), or I order a lean-protein dinner and take the extras home. I have no real difficulties with the changes that come with sleeved life. Before surgery I had a solid preparation by my medical and psych team, and I think I definitely got exactly what I expected; the ability to eat like a skinny girl, and change my body by changing my relationship with food. Feel free to send me a private message if you have any other questions. :)

  13. Vixynne
    Hiya, Twinmommies! I hope you get your approval quickly, waiting is the hardest part. Have you met with Dr. Kruger yet? He's a great surgeon--but he's not exactly "warm and fuzzy" in his personality, LOL. As one of my friends who's also a Dr. K patient says, his hands are what matters, not his personality. He's all business--and he definitely knows his stuff. I have been seeing his nurse practitioners for follow up appointments, and they're awesome!
  14. Vixynne

    5:2 Links and info

    Vixynne replied to feedyoureye's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum

    Just one more quick question, sorry, LOL--can you clarify what "eat clean" means in the context of the 5:2 plan? Should I take it to mean that you eat real foods as opposed to things that are processed? Would that eliminate things like Protein shakes and Protein Bars? Thanks for your help!
  15. Vixynne
    I've taught at the same middle school for 13 years--my co-workers know the fat me much better than the thin me! The school nurse has been a big cheerleader for me this year, up until the final week of school, LOL. She approached me, with her "serious medical issue" expression on, and whispered, "I need to tell you, I'm starting to get worried about your weight loss. You might want to start thinking about slowing down before you become dangerously underweight." Seriously? I'm just BARELY over the "normal BMI" line, nowhere NEAR underweight. I think it made her feel important to have this come-to-Jesus talk with me, since most days, she is stuck dealing with nauseous pre-teens or sprained ankles from Phys. Ed. classes. It made me laugh, but I still thanked her for her concern. Some folks just NEED to involve themselves in your personal lives!
  16. Vixynne

    5:2 Links and info

    Vixynne replied to feedyoureye's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum

    I'm a new veteran (one year out as of July 1st, 2014), and the idea of a 5:2 eating plan to help me push to my stretch goal and avoid regaining is really interesting to me. The "food rest" time on fast days confuses me a little--does it mean that you eat a low calorie meal, then wait at least 12 hours to eat the next meal, with a total of 550 calories for both meals? Thanks for clarifying for me!
  17. Vixynne
    Hi, Jen! My dad's family is all from Dudley--my sister just moved from Dudley to Texas last week, and she's a Jen too.
  18. Vixynne
    I'm from Oxford, MA but living in New Bedford for over 25 years. Sleeved 7/1/13 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. My surgeon was Dr. Kruger. One year out, and only 1 lb from my goal weight. Very happy with my sleeve!
  19. Vixynne
    It's going to be FAR more worthwhile than you can imagine right now. Before surgery, I really thought, "well, I probably won't make my goal, I'll just be happy to make it from size 22 to size 14, if I can..." A year later, I now KNOW that I have a lot of control over how far I go! I would GLADLY do my surgery over and over again--I feel that it turned out exactly as my surgeon told me it could. All good, all worth it--and you if I can do this, ANYONE can!!
  20. Vixynne
    Your thyroid is definitely going to be a factor in your weight loss--talk to your doctor and see what is recommended for you. Folks with thyroid issues can do everything right and still struggle to drop pounds, don't get discouraged. Talk to your doctor, they will be able to dig to the bottom of the issue with you and see if it's a dietary problem, or a thyroid imbalance problem. Hang in there, and keep fighting the good fight!
  21. Vixynne

    Massachusetts

    Vixynne replied to teeny1202's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

    Hiya Zoesmom--I had Dr. Kruger at Tobey, same practice, different doc. I'm a year out and couldn't be happier with the program! Do you have a surgery date yet?
  22. Vixynne
    Thanks! I feel fantastic, and kind of stunned that it has all turned out so well!
  23. Vixynne

    July sleevers please check in..

    Vixynne replied to shannyd4's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

    One year has come and gone--it's hard to believe that all the changes this surgery has brought to my life are only just NOW 12 months old! It's amazing. As of July 1st, I'm only 1 pound from my first targeted goal of 135 lbs. My next step is to decide if I'd like to push for 130 or maybe even 125--but right now, this second, I am completely happy and content with how far I've come. I could stop here and claim a huge victory. Size six?? SIZE SIX? Not 26? Holy cow, I never really believed that would happen--but yesterday I tried on my first size FOUR shorts and they fit. It's like hitting the lottery. Apart from the ability to wear clothing I like--and like how it looks--I feel so much healthier. Almost every one of my aches and pains, that I used to chalk up to aging, are gone. I easily feel about 20 years younger. If not for this procedure, I'd still be miserable and trapped inside a body that was slowly becoming a prison, and would have probably shortened my life by at least a deade. How's everyone else in the July 2013 group doing? Hope it's been a wonderful year for you, despite the ups and downs, struggles and challenges along the way...
  24. Vixynne
    Vixynne's One Year Post-Op Anniversary Photo

    From the album: Progress Pictures

    Here's my side-by-side comparison for one year post-op! Photo on the left is me, on my way out the door to surgery on July 1st, 2013. Photo on the left is me exactly one year later, celebrating on the beach! Never EVER dreamed I'd let anyone photograph me in a bathing suit, but that's just one of many ways my sleeve has changed me for the better. Love my sleeve and my new life!
  25. Vixynne

    Progress Pictures

    Vixynne added images to a gallery album in Member Photo Gallery

    Surgery: July 1st, 2013 HW: 238 Weight on Surgery Date: 220 Weight as of 12/12/2013: 268

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