DeniseNCC1701

I only told my parents, my boss and one close friend before the surgery. On surgery day, I "went public" on Facebook with it. Post-op, I've been telling everyone who's expressed an interest in what I've been doing. I'm lucky that people have been either supportive or don't say anything at all. I also told a few at the fitness center I go to. Their words were kind, but their body language spoke otherwise. In all cases, I care little for what others think anyway. I was on a fast track to an early grave. I do, however, make a point to surround myself as much as possible with positive people these days. I never realized how much energy negativity saps out of you. Be well…

Browsing through some pictures at work a short time ago, I came across one of myself taken during a lunch party of sorts. It's quite possibly the worst picture of me ever taken, and I was mortified to see it! (and tempted to remove it from the company image servers, but I digress). It was taken sometime last year in late spring or early summer. I have no idea what my weight was. Fast forward to a picture taken this past Wednesday when I played hooky to go cod fishing. Really? Really? I didn't think I've changed that much because I still have quite a ways to go, but... really? It blows my mind. Be well…

I had that too. Heating pads really helped a lot to ease the pain. It was gone in a few days. Be well…

Thank you! I appreciate the kind comments. Be well…

Greetings everyone, I am a smoker, and I'm thinking about quitting soon. I'm 9 weeks post-op, so I have a long way to go with my weight loss. I'm concerned that: A ) it will be too much of a shock to my already confused body, and B ) that it will halt any further weight loss (or even cause a gain). And while I know the benefits of quitting outweigh any perceived disadvantages, I'm wondering if I should wait until I'm closer to my goal, staying focused on one thing at a time and maximizing this honeymoon period with the sleeve. On the other hand, if the weight loss is easier in these earlier months, maybe that will minimize any potential weight gain from quitting? I have a follow-up with my surgeon on Thursday, so I'm going to ask him, but I'm curious if anyone here has quit smoking in the early (or any) stages of post-op, and what were your results? Be well… D

eggs would be my suggestion. Scrambled eggs whites are a daily staple in my house, and was the first thing I had when I switched from liquids to pureed. My doctor said that was fine, and they don't bother me at all. Now that I'm at full solids, I still have scrambled egg and/or egg whites every morning! Be well…

You're doing great. If you do a search on the forums on week 3 stall, you'll find lots of company. Including me. It's simply your body adjusting to all the changes it's just been put through. Once it realizes it's "OK", the weight will start dropping again. Stalls/plateaus are pretty common. Just follow your surgeon's instructions and trust the process. It's going to be OK. Be well…

Here's a follow-up after meeting with my surgeon and PCP. My surgeon, after thinking about it for a bit, decided to make a compromise. He wants me to get to the 100lb loss mark and address the smoking issue at that time. He also "threw down the gauntlet" and challenged me to get there by the Forth of July (!). He also said I should start cutting down. My PCP would like to see me quit now, but is OK with the surgeon's decision so long as it means I'll be smoke free eventually. She's been after me for years. Be well…

Wow, what wonderful before and after pictures! You should be very proud of yourself, and I'm inspired by what you've accomplished. Take a bow sexy lady! Be well…

Food bandage. LOVE THAT. So simple, but says a lot. As a fellow binge eater/bulimic I really relate to that. Be well…

Welcome to the "loser's bench"! Here's to a super speedy recovery! Be well…

The road to success is not a straight line from a to b. We veer off left and right throughout the process. I've learned to not expect perfection of myself. And while I don't rationalize/justify "off" days, I take it as an opportunity to really dig deep and look at what's going on. And I keep moving forward, comforted in the knowledge that if I return a close as I can get to the "a to b" road, it's all going to be OK. Be well…

Hey sexy lady, nice work! wooHOOO!! Take a bow… Be well…

I think your weight loss is amazing. Your NUT? Not so much… The next time you see them, consider calling her out on her comment(s). Make her explain the motivation for saying what she did. They need to be on your side, and work with you through the process. And while intentions might have been good, explain to her how the comment(s) made you feel. You've been working too hard at this to let some random thoughts derail you. Be well…

I'm type II, and was able to cut my nightly Metformin in half after the first month post-op. My A1C, one month post op in March was 9.2 down from 12-something at the end of January. I'm having bloodwork done again at the end of this month (I'll be 3 months post-op), and for the first time in a million years, I'm not terrified. Be well…

I always keep a cans of tuna or sardines in my car. Beef jerky, Muscle Milk, hard boiled eggs or string cheese from the convenience work in a pinch, too. Be well…

It's going to be fine. Just stay focused and follow your surgeon's instructions. I stalled for almost 3 weeks, then BOOM! Big drop. My own surgeon explained that the body is simply trying to figure out what's going on, and at times will try to hold on to everything until it realizes it's OK to "let things go". So take a deep breath, try not to weigh yourself too often. Trust the process. Be well…

Welcome to the "loser's bench"! Here's to a speedy recovery… looks like your off to a great start! Be well…

Nancy: take a moment, right now, and picture yourself 6 months post op. You would have lost a significant amount of weight. You can bend over and tie your shoes. There's a spring in your step as you walk over to the garbage pail with your bi-pap machine. Think of how vibrant you'll be. How much healthier. How much happier. Now, take a moment and think of yourself right now. How do you feel? Do you feel old and haggard. Right now? You're not that old, hon. And only you know if you can "do it on your own" over a longer period of time. But… something bought you here. Something triggered you to start this process for WLS. Something is motivating you to take your efforts to the next level. Reflect on those motivations. And then repeat the exercise above. Be well…

My doctor cleared me for whatever exercise I wanted 2 weeks post op. I've been doing boot camp 1-3x/week since, and I go fishing at least every two weeks. I've started doing a little yoga, and I've been using my Wii Fit Plus now that I under the weight limit on the balance board (yay!) Be well…

All of the above! Plus I have these recommendations: Give your dwelling a good cleaning. You're not going to want to do much for awhile post-op If you can afford it, get a massage as close to the surgery date as possible. Really helps ease the tension and helps release toxins. Comfy slippers that slip on easily DVDs, games, and things to keep you entertained/engaged during your recovery period If you cook, make batches of stock and freeze in pint containers Select the room that will be your "sanctuary" for at least the first few days. Fill the room with things that make you smile. Maybe pictures, candles or some flowers If possible, rid your dwelling of foods that are not allowed, especially chips and sweets Good luck, see you on the "loser's bench"! Be well…

Heck, yeah. I had no idea what was really going on in my head the weekend before my surgery (it was on a Monday). I went shopping. I got a massage. I cried. I looked through before/after pictures here. I read success stories. I got excited. I cried some more. I was terrified. And it's all normal. You're going to be fine. Please keep us posted, and see you on the "loser's bench"! Be well…

Wow! You look great! Congratulations! And you made me realize that I'm really looking forward to the day where I can sit with my legs crossed! Be well…

HA! You just made my day. Thanks for the laugh! Be well…

You handled it beautifully! If she's your friend, she'll come around. Be well…