Donnah

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Everyone here should be so proud of themselves! Took an update photo today. 4.5 months and 80 pounds down. Photo on left taken 3-4 weeks after surgery. Right taken today.

Feeling great. Surgery May 24. Down 80 pounds from surgery day weight of 336. I'm amazed at those of you who can jog so far! I lost a lot of muscle strength after surgery, and almost passed out walking 1/2 mile back in July. I can hike 2.5 miles with hills now, and jog 1/2 mile without stopping. It feels great to be able to do that! I'm catching for my daughter's pitching lessons now, and don't even think twice about going up flights of stairs- don't get winded and knees don't hurt now. I joined an exercise/fitness challenge group and in a month have gone from only being able to do cardio kickboxing for 20 minutes, to being able to make it through a 45 minute workout now. A "friend" told me the other day that my physical body had changed because of surgery, but he didn't think I will be able to beat the mental stuff, and was scared for what would happen to me because of my mind. That has messed with me quite a bit for the last few days, and I've been fighting a seed of doubt that I will be a success. Now, I'm so afraid I will fail and be told "told you so."

I'm down 72 since my surgery on May 24. Best thing I've ever done for myself. What an amazing process and journey!

Weight day of surgery 336, weight today 309. Surgery date May 24th

I haven't had it happen to me, but saw something similar happen between two people I know years ago. One of my friends had RNY and lost about 250 pounds. When my other friend realized the surgery friend was losing so much weight that they would soon weigh the same, he said to me "I have to lose weight. I can't be the same weight as him. He's always weighed more. I don't want to be the fat one." I thought it was a sad statement. I have heard that people do sometimes react differently when a friend loses a lot of weight. Partly, because we change as we gradually feel better about ourselves and interact with the world differently. People don't like change. I figure though that true friends will always be there- even in bumpy rides. On a positive note, maybe your weight loss journey has inspired your friends to start a healthy life, and you all can share in each other's journeys.

Very well said, Dave.

I have had both positive and negative comments. I told my family and friends, and the people that I work with know I am having surgery. I decided that if people asked what I was having done, I was going to be upfront and honest with them. The reason is, I am not doing anything wrong, and I think the negative perception people have about the surgery is only made moreso by not talking about it as if there is a shame involved. That being said, I've been really hurt by some of the negative comments that are both rude and insensitive. But, I've grown to understand that those comments define the other person and not me. I actually had a person I used to work with tell me "Why would you have that surgery? Wow, now you will have skin hanging all over." I often wonder if people stop to think about what comes out of their mouth?? On the other hand, I have a good friend that was initially hesitant to be supportive- maybe because he is a high level coach, and also because he worried about complications. But now he is very supportive of me and told me yesterday he is proud of me. Look at the negativity as ignorance, and know you are doing the right thing for you. I think by not talking about it if asked, and being open about it, it reinforces that there is some sort of shame or weakness involved. I want people to know I am strong enough to make my own decisions, and strong enough to stand by them- regardless of what other's opinions are. Be strong in knowing you have made a courageous decision to become healthy again and get your life back, and chalk up ignorance or negativity to what it is. Just my two cents (plus a few)

I had to have an endoscopy today because they thought I may have an ulcer (a radiologist though he saw "something" after my barium series in January). Turns out no ulcer! So happy... all downhill from here until surgery a week from Friday! Plus, my surgeon did the procedure, so I got to meet him today, and I see him again on Thursday for our "regular" meeting. Everyone at the hospital was great, and the OR and recovery nurses said they will probably be seeing me next week for my surgery. They were all very supportive and I feel really good going into my surgery now.

Sweetohiohoney, that is the same liquid diet I am doing. I start it this Friday. Only have to do it for 7 days before surgery. My surgery is at Riverside and Dr. Sonnenstine is my surgeon. I've tried it for a few days already. It's not bad. I use Slimfast high protein shakes and Smart One's and/or Lean Cuisine Entrees. Have to look really hard because it is not easy to find entrees that are less than 250 calories and under 30 carbs. My nutritionist recommended the Slimfast high pro shakes because they have 20 grams of protein.

I'm glad I found this site. It's nice to find support, help, and read everyone's stories. It helps to read other experiences. My surgery is May 24- just got the date last Friday. Tomorrow is my pre-op,and I meet my surgeon next Thursday. It seems like most people here have a liquid diet for at least two weeks, but my doctor's office has me doing it for 7 days before surgery. I'm both excited and nervous. I've overheard people at work talking and saying that I've been on so many diets and always gained it back, and that I'm just too lazy to lose the weight "the right way" (as they put it). I also have a lot of supportive family and friends. I was wondering how many of you have encountered negativity and unsupportive people, and how you handled it. I can understand now why people are hesitant to tell people they are having surgery and talk about it with others. We all have to make the best decision for ourselves. So many things I am looking forward to doing again... playing sports, walking up stairs without pain, hiking more easily, riding horses again, being able to fit in an airplane seat and not have to use an extension, and just plain feeling good about myself again.

Found out today I have to have a endoscopy tomorrow. Seems when I had the barium series done in January the radiologist recommended an endoscopy to rule out a possible ulcer- but no one in my doctor's office read that in my file until today?? Thing is, I have no symptoms of an ulcer. And really... someone should have noted the recommendation and told me the procedure needed to be done months ago. The nurse told me that maybe it was a shadow- since I have no symptoms, but they will not operate if I have an ulcer. The nurse told me that if they find an ulcer, there is still time to take antibiotics to clear it up before the surgery on the 24th. Just so worrisome and frustrating! Especially since just two hours before the news I needed to be scoped, I was told my pre-op testing came back normal and I thought it was smooth sailing... I hope its ok......

Good luck to everyone having surgery today! Happy for you all

Hi Suzu. I lived in Newark for about 5 years, and my 2nd oldest daughter was born at Licking Memorial I remember waiting (impatiently) for my last nutrition appt to be over and for a surgery date. I'm excited for you! Where are you having your surgery?

That is awesome- and it's not small! I know how you feel. I am 5'9" and pre-op wt of 338 and love to hike. A couple of weekends ago I went on a 2 mile hike up and down hills, over a stream, and had to climb over some big rocks. I was worried about what I looked like if people saw me, but I did it- and it felt great! On the way home I realized that in the fall that hike is going to be so much easier, and I thought about how much different I will be in 6 months. I kinda got teary thinking about getting my life back and being able to really enjoy the things I love. Keep it up, and don't ever let anything stop you from enjoying life!

Me too! That swish swosh sound my legs make has driven me crazy for years! And my pants always wear out the inner thighs. One time years ago I was wearing jogging suit type pants (you know, the slick and shiny kind), and I think people heard me walking a mile away! Lol

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I've been working on shrugging off negative opinions and remembering that opinions are just points of view that define the other person- not me. Everyone is entitled to what they think, but it is my journey and life to live. :-) I got my pre-op blood work done yesterday, and am getting excited. Meet the surgeon on Thursday. Two weeks from today I will be on the losers bench! Can't wait :-)

I live in Grove City, a suburb south of Columbus, and I work in Columbus. My surgery date is May 24. I would love to have someone to buddy up with and be able to share the journey with. Would be great to have a person to discuss things like experiences, eating, recipes, etc.

Congratulations! :-)

Great to hear! Curious... was your hospital stay one day? My insurance only approved one day. I was kinda worried about coming home the day after surgery, but maybe it won't be so bad. Reading that you are doing well makes me feel better

Hi everyone. I'm new here and love the support on this board. Congrats to those who have had their surgeries, and good luck to those who have surgeries coming up! My surgery date is May 24. Pre-op tomorrow, meet my surgeon and sign consents next Thursday the 16th, start my liquid diet on the 17th. So happy the ball is finally rolling faster!