endless80

So I've been getting a few requests to post some updated pics. I had surgery on 9/10/13 and I took this pic tonight. Best decision of my life. I'd probably still be that guy on the left, in total denial about how obese I really was.

That's how I quit! Amazing book. Puts your mind in just the right place to walk away from your addiction.

I have! It took a minute but I'm finally grown into it and now the weight is coming off pretty steady still. I have about 40 more pounds of fat I would like to lose but I would also like to gain about 20 pounds of muscle so in reality I will need to lose about 60 pounds of fat to be at my goal weight of 230. How I am going to do this? Have no idea. lol I guess getting my butt to the gym more often is in order.

I am an ATL September sleever. I had Dr. Steinburg in Decatur.

^^^what she said. The McButterpants wisdom is vast.

Cocoa butter works for me. Staying hydrated. You probably should talk to your surgeon about working out and when they will clear you. Two weeks seem a little soon to me. You're still healing. Also, patience is key to skin. When I first started I had a TON of skin but it just took a month or so to bounce back. Not completely but it's MUCH better than it was at one point.

Oh yeah, I usually cut into smaller pieces and roast at 375 for about 45 minutes and then fork off the "noodles".

Whatevs, you're the rockstar. All of you are and have been a huge inspiration to me. I love before/after pics.

Aww shucks. Thank you Comfy.

Oh I would never discourage them. I had a friend who got the surgery on my recommendation and she had some pretty awful complications. So now I tell my story and let them decide if this is right for them. As long as they have a good balance/understanding of the highs and lows of such a dramatic surgery.

OMG you look radiant. Beautiful! Congrats.

I had surgery on a Tuesday and that Tues, Wed, Thurs I could only have Clear liquids (broth, Water, gatoraide, SF Popsicles). By Friday (day 3) I could go on full liquids and I had the same as above but strained Soups and Protein shakes added. Did that for about 2 weeks. On week 3 I started pureed foods. Week 4 soft foods and week 5, soft meats. Hope that helps.

I don't recommend the surgery to anyone. But I don't stop them from noticing how far I've come and what the surgery has done for me. They can make up their own mind.

Concerned enough to probably call your doctor in the morning. You're right about the kidney stones bit. I've read many stories where kidney stones showed up after surgery due to dehydration. Also some folks have Gallbladder issues.

Bypass seemed like a more risky venture than the sleeve due to the malabsorbtion issues. I don't for a second knock anyone who has had bypass though, it just wasn't for me. I also read an article that the bypass procedure has a higher rate of acquiring a leak.

I love hearing stories like this. Congrats.

Wow you look awesome. Congrats!

I drink Starbucks multiple times a week.

Personally I do not recommend this surgery to anyone. That's a decision you make yourself. I also think (and this will be unpopular, I'm sure) that if you have less than 100 pounds to lose you should look into other less extreme options. There are variables to that of course.

Girl you did that! LOL! You look fantastic.

I got sleeved and my partner didn't. I was 360 pounds to his 320. I'm now 274 and he's about 295. He has been nothing but supportive and encouraging for me so regardless of what he weighs I don't discourage him. I do point him in a healthier direction because he asked me to hold him accountable. If we're out at a restaurant and he wants a coke I say no. Because he asked me to. We work together to share food when we eat out and I cook pretty healthy meals. Like tonight I am cooking shrimp in yellow curry with carrots and instead of regular rice I am making cauliflower rice with some Thai basil. It's a healthy alternative and we went shopping together and work out at the gym together. I think it's about working as closely together as possible on your health goals rather than 'this is me/this is you'. Have your own vision of your health but a partnership is a partnership. If they cannot honor their end, then re-evaluate the partnership based on your changing needs but I think you have a responsibility to not give up easily or throw your hands up in the air. That's you honoring your end. Its easy to forget that they didn't get this life changing surgery while you're dropping weight almost effortlessly at first. We just choose this path. Just like there are many paths to God, there are just as many paths to better health. You're in this together. We're all in this together. Just my 2 cents.

lol! Yeah I hear a lot of people have gallbladder issues after this surgery.

Take some time to get your mind right with this because for me it is 90% mental. You're starting a journey that is going to change your life forever. The liquid diet is the hardest, especially with your full stomach but keep reminding yourself that #1. 2014 is YOUR year and #2. that you're doing this to reclaim your health and mend the disconnect you have with your body and with food. Good luck.