MeganES

WOW!!! It sounds like you're having a great experience so far. I sincerely hope that it stays that way for you!! Thanks for checking in. Keep up the good work!!

I'm pre-sleeve but lost about 35 pounds a few years ago before a back injury. 35 isn't that much but on a small framed person like me it made a huge difference. I held onto my favorite outfit from when I was at my biggest. Unfortunately that outfit fits me just fine now...Lol. But when I was losing and dropping sizes it was a good inspiration...especially if I had a day where I didn't "feel" like I was being successful. Fully intend to hold onto it again. and good for you on such an awesome and exciting NSV!!!

Hey dude!! Good luck to you tomorrow. I'm loving your energy! Nice to see other people in their 20's here (I'm 20) and I'm glad that us younger folks have such a great opportunity to change our lives before we waste any of them! Props to you for being active. I feel the same way about getting all of this stuff taken care of before it starts to affect health and mobility. Wishing you the best of luck tomorrow!! Check in whenever you are able to.

GOOD LUCK!!!

WOW you look absolutely amazing!!!! it looks like we're somewhere around the same age too, so that's cool to see how much success you've had. Keep up the good work!!

Hi! So I was raised Mormon, really have fallen away from that line of thinking. Really don't know where I stand in the whole is there a god, isn't there a god thing. I definitely believe in an afterlife, definitely believe in the power of good thought. Often I'll say I'm praying for someone. The reality is that I'm sending good thoughts out to whatever there is in the universe. Specifically, sometimes, so it feels like prayer. "Universe, please let ____ have a successful surgery and healthy recovery." I'm not necessarily talking to god, but I'm not talking to myself either. Whatever someone says to me, if it results in them thinking positive thoughts in my direction, I'll take it.

I'm hoping for a moment like that. Good for you!!! Congrats on your success...keep up the hard work!

Hun you need to go to the ER. I don't know if it will affect your surgery date but you need to get this taken care of.

I'm sorry. I know it's hard. a big part of this surgery is to learn to eat to live rather than living to eat. Food is meant to be a fuel to us, instead for many of us it's become a driving force in life. It'll take time but you'll learn to change that way of thinking. Good luck to you!!

Found this SUPER cute and healthy Halloween treat on Facebook!! Would definitely be great to bring to a party.

My cousin, 41, had the sleeve in June 2012. She's lost about 120 lbs and has TERRIBLE back pain now. We were in Disney World a few weeks ago and she had to rent a scooter cause she couldn't walk that far. She finally had an MRI and it turns out she has quite a few bulging discs that were previously being held in by fat deposits. Crazy, right?? I don't know if that's what's causing your pain, but I'd suggest an MRI just to get it checked out. If it does turn out to be bulging discs, I had a lot of luck with the Laser Spine Institute. Two years ago I had a really severe bulging disc that had me almost paralyzed, I couldn't move at all without excruciating pain. Had the surgery in Nov 2011 and as soon as I woke up it was like a miracle, no pain at all. Recovery was VERY easy too. My cousin is looking into it now. Let me know if you need any more info on LSI. Hoping your pain is resolved soon!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It sounds like you've had so much success and this particular success is massive....life-changing!!! Congratulations to you and keep up the good work!!!

I'm feeling that fear too, love. A statistic that was helpful to me was remembering that you honestly have a greater chance of dying in the car on the way than you do dying during the operation. I know it's scary. Especially when you read and research everything as much as possible, it makes it so much easier to focus on the complications that might happen, when the reality is that the odds of that happening are SO minuscule. Whereas if you remain obese, your chances of premature death become almost definite. I know it's scary. I totally get it, that thought has kept me up at night! But weigh the odds. The odds are in your favor if you choose to go through with the surgery. The unknown is scary and I'm sure that you feel like me, you just want someone to tell you you'll definitely be okay and there's no way you're going to die. Unfortunately no one can guarantee that, but according to statistics, you will probably be just fine. Express these concerns to your doctor and anesthesiologist. They'll know what to say to make you feel better Do what you really believe is best for you!!

WOW....you look phenomenal!!!! Congratulations!!!! I'm sure that last 12 lbs is frustrating but you look so great, just focus on your success and keep up the good work. You're so inspiring!

GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL!!!!!!!!! ROCK THOSE SUITS!!! can I ask how tall you are? You seriously look phenomenal!!! I think I'm gonna go out and buy me a size 8 LBD. That's the size I really want to be eventually. I might never be able to wear it, who knows, but it'll be a fun goal

WOW, what a difference!!! Congratulations, keep up the good work!!!

Well. This thread has been quite interesting.

I'm shorter too, 5'3", and even though I weigh more than you did, my body is a lot like your Before pics and you look ABSOLUTELY STUNNING so you're giving me lots of hope!!! Congrats to you on your success!!!

welllllllll my goodness, aren't you handsome! LOL. congrats!! very well done. You look incredible! ETA: Also just noticed how you lined your body up with the wall. Not that your weight loss wasn't extremely obvious before, but that really shows what a difference there is. WOW!!

I've had the same thought. I eat from boredom, stress, sadness, etc., I'm also pre-sleeve and also in the "freakout" stage! We are not alone!!! A major part of this surgery is relearning how to eat and learning to redirect that habit elsewhere. It's good that you're so intune to your body now. Start now, before surgery, to try to pay attention to your body and when you find yourself eating when you're not hungry, refocus that energy elsewhere. I know, easier said that done. The sleeve will force you to do that in the beginning because you will be STUFFED and too full to keep eating, so you'll have to relearn your relationship with food.

OMG. I'm laughing my butt off. How weird/interesting it will be if this turns into something though!!

Is your blood pressure high or low? Have you started your pre-op diet? It's definitely a good call to get an MRI. It may delay your surgery if they find that anything is off. I'm praying for you that all is well. It's always better to be safe than sorry!!

Look at you ROCKING all of this pre-surgery business!! Love the "told him I had time this afternoon," I might have to steal that from you when I go to my consultation next week LOL. Good for you...good luck with everything, I hope it continues to be smooth sailing!!

I'm so glad to read this!! Congrats on all of your success. Thank you so much for sharing your story, I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds like your life has a much greater quality than it used to. What a joy for you!! Keep up the good work and enjoy every minute of your new life!

I think it's important that your PCP knows about your VSG. If there are any complications he needs to know that you've had this surgery. However, I totally understand your reservations because of the Mexico thing. You have the option of telling him in a "hey, just wanted to let you know this was happening" sort of way, without revealing further info. You could also have the sleeve and then immediately tell him when you come home. Either way, he should be told at some point. Good luck!