back2barb78

I took one month off work- and it was wonderful! I worked like a dog preop to save money to actually "enjoy" recovering, not worry about going back, and to allow myself to heal. I had no swollen ankles, no aching feet, no bags under my eyes- I could go on and on. I hadn't seen my ankles in years (I'm not kidding). I'm an obstetrical nurse (from 20 weeks into the pregnancy to delivery to rolling you and your baby out the door), and have a very strenuous job- sometimes 12+ hours with no real break. When I went back, I had some issues with nausea/vomiting which hadn't happened ONCE the whole time I was out. I guess it was just adjusting to being back in the hospital. My thought is work will always be there when you get back, but you only have one shot postop to get recovered properly to prevent complications. My parents wanted me to take another month off I believe for selfish reasons that would've been a bit much. One month was perfect for me.

I too have a closet like yours thankfully. I refused to throw/give away my nice things as I got fatter and I'm glad I didn't so I don't have to buy a new wardrobe. Lots of dresses that will be great moving into spring. But that hasn't stopped me from buying a couple things to add that I will fit into in a couple months! I have been so lazy- I've been meaning to "size" my closet like a store so it will be easier to move in and out of sizes. I will however be getting rid of my big girl clothes. I have a shelter near me and they will be headed there

MsKeeKee, you're so right. I personally have been looking at that My Story spot and have wanted to fill it in for a long time now just didn't want to fill it in too early as I am only 3 months postop. I also just added before and during pics because I too like to look at pics BUT sometimes people post pictures and you can't see any difference because they post pictures like every week and I def don't want to do that. Thank you for mentioning this and I will work on filling in My Story

Do you have any update pictures?

OMG! Congrats on getting through your pregnancy and having your new baby. You still lost AND had your baby at the same time and that's wonderful! I'm sure it was very hard though. I'm terrified that I'm going to end up pregnant! Even though I would absolutely be ok with it as I have no children and I'll be 36 soon, I still have some things I want to do first. So funny because I was trying for a few years and now I don't want it (right now). I 100% HATE BC though, so I have to figure something out. Thank you for the reminder

Last time I got a message was Dec 27 and she was not feeling well and was asking about Raven and I and how we were doing. I messaged her around New Years to check on her, but she doesn't come on here that often either. I'm concerned too! Hopefully she'll log on soon.

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs Bea I agree with everyone else about reminders. You're instructions on the 1st post are very, VERY clear as to what to do and it's enough work to take care of all this data for everyone. You shouldn't need to remind us too! I absolutely appreciate you

I was working 2 full time nursing jobs during my preop diet, one an assignment I had to drive 3 hours from home for (yes I'm crazy). Anything is possible if you want it!! I don't know if you can find a calorie free balsamic but the diet calls for calorie free dressing (unless something changed). Bring your own dressing with you and I would avoid dinners and eat in my room unless you have crazy willpower. It's just easier. People ask so many questions. Or you could go to dinner and start getting used to people saying "Is that all you're going to eat?!" Preop really didn't pose a great challenge. For my salads I used Walden Farms calorie free dressings.

BryBro, thank you so much for your kind words And best wishes for a smooth recovery postop. Sleep and drink and sleep some more

Thank you J2BT, and you are already off to a great start! I barely lost anything the first few weeks, then it started to fall off, so you are doing wonderful. This sleeve is everything! The time goes by really fast and you should take pictures often, even if just for yourself to see your journey. It takes a lot to step out and share if you tend to be private (me). I didn't realize what has happened honestly until a couple nights ago- you have pictures but then you put them all together and go "wow". It's strange and it's mind blowing. Can't wait to see what happens in another three months. Much love to you and well wishes for success and NO complications

Hey ladies and gentleman. I've been on here for a minute and why am I not posting in this thread with my people?! Anyway, I'm 3 months postop as of tomorrow and down 76lbs total. I have before and during pics on my profile and in the before and after thread. Doing great and loving my sleeve 8)

Thank you so much Jaxtan . Wishing you nothing but the best with your journey. HooiserGirl, you are giving me everything I need right now! How are you doing mentally if you don't mind me asking? You kind of touched on it in your blog, but is it real to you yet? I see the shrinking girl in the mirror and the clothes and bras don't fit anymore, but it just doesn't seem real. I know I'm still early in the process, and I read so much here before surgery about how fast things change, but it's still strange. I didn't really "see" it until I put those pictures together. I don't know if that makes sense.

It's going great Lew. I posted some pics in that October sleevers thread. It's crazy how much has changed. I didn't see it until I saw all the pics together. So wonderful

Shel, Happy Camper has given you critical advice. All I did was sleep, drink, sleep, walk, sleep again and eat a little the first few weeks so I could heal properly postop. It's so important to have minimal complications. Good luck!

Congrats Davalrie!!! You are looking good girl!! So much change in a short time, right?

I know we are! You have done so well! Congrats! Kjuneau, hey girl!!! I hope you are well. My mom asked me about you. How are you?I'm good! I think about you and your mom and dad a lot. What is the weight ticker you were talking about on the Occ thread? I'm so glad you're good. I will tell my parents. The ticker I was talking about was the weight loss one we can create on here. The little icon slowly moves from left to right as you lose and get closer to your goal weight. I cant see mine or anyone else's on my iPhone but when I login on my computer, I can see them. Rensterness, loving the preop leg action!! 8)

</p></blockquote> <br> Lovely! How proud you must be! <br><br> I will be 3 months out on the 8th! Thank you! I am super proud but mainly thankful- for having no complications thus far and having a great support system at home and here as well in one of the threads for the Obesity Control Center BTW your hair is AH-MAZING!! Love it every time I see it.

OMG I saw your pics on another thread!!! You look GORGEOUS!!! You have to post them here so everyone can see!! I have such a great role model

Thank you so much ladies! I can't wait to see what the next 3 months bring. When I first created my weight ticker it looked like such a far off goal. I was sad thinking how long it would be before I got there or if this surgery would even work or if I ever would get there. It's crazy how fast everything changes postop. It's truly truly amazing and I am so lucky and will not forget that. Thank God for this sleeve!!!!

Congrats Lew! I'm glad all went well with your other surgery. Looking good!! Nothing wrong with a man in a suit

Are you kidding?! You put me to shame with your loss! Wow! Thank you I didn't know how to do it either until yesterday, and I was going to ask someone but then I went to my App Store. I downloaded PhotoCollage but they had a few to choose from. I wonder how the people who write the date on their pics do it.

I know we are! You have done so well! Congrats! Kjuneau, hey girl!!! I hope you are well. My mom asked me about you. How are you?

Another 3 monther checking in. I put these in a before and after so sorry if you saw them already Sleeved on Oct 7th

I posted these pics in one of the before and after threads, but wanted to share with "my people" a couple of my 3 month postop comparison pics Yay!!