CTRose1160

VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Have no idea which blog site is best or even where to direct you to start, but I wanted to let u know that documenting your journey will be awesome. I so wish I had done that, with pictures and all. The transformation was just so fast...that even during some of my struggles, it was so worth it. Wish u all the best!

Appreciate the information. I had my surgery 10 yrs ago and have been steadily gaining weight, specifically the last 2-3 yrs. I have had my blood work done and have even had a doctors appointment about what might be going on. I have to now have an upper gi test to see what my stomach looks like, they r thinking it might be this fistula. If so, then I might have to have a surgery too.

You look great! To the a-hole of the guy who made the comment....tell him to suck rocks! You look strong, fit, have worked hard to get where you are now....don't let this jackass get you down! Besides, you probably could drop kick him like a football... Keep doing what you are doing!

When I lost the weight, one of my most memorable moments was going shopping and buying a size 2 pair of pants! I just about passed out right there. I couldn't believe I was able to get my rear into a pair, let alone the rest of my lower body. (Personal moment) Professionally, I was promoted after my weight loss (Not that my weight caused a non-promotion, but it was a highlight during that time). Also professionally, I complete a tactical class that no other woman had completed before (for the agency I work for). This was a major accomplishment for me! This was also the same week I was promoted. Personally - completed my first half marathon, did a swim around the florida keys, and completed a number of triathlons. What is your biggest accomplishment? Proudest moment? Or what are you striving to do? Would love to know

I am 10 years out from surgery. So many highs and lows, but was curious as to how others were doing with their continued weight loss or maintenance of this weight loss long after, what I call it the honeymoon phase. Would love to hear from those of you over the 5 year mark....what are your challenges? What differences have you been coping with as opposed to when you started. I have gained some weight back, actually a lot of weight back and I am coping with getting back on track. So far so good. I am just merely taking it one moment at a time and going back to the basics. Would love to hear from everyone else....

Congrats on your weight loss success. I am so very sorry you are struggling with the extra skin from the weight loss and truly hope the answers/resolutions you need are attended to properly. WhenI was in the beginning stages of my weight loss process, I too had a hard time looking at myself, primarily because I felt I looked so different. Hope you do not stay depressed and continue to push forward. Just wanted to reach out as your post seemed so very honest and heart felt. Best to you!

Not getting any surgery today, had mine a long time ago. Just wanted to wish you the best! You will be fine as your new life is just about to start!

Starting the process can be overwhelming and exciting! When I started out and went to my first support group meeting, I think I nearly cried just at how miserable I felt. Of course after giving myself this incredible gift and taking this big leap to have surgery, I can tell you it was one of the best decisions I have made. There are going to be ups and downs, but the results are so worth it. I have no regrets.....oh, and I had my surgery 10 yrs ago. Wish you both all the best! Welcome to the group! Would love to hear how you progress....it is truly life changing!

I can totally relate to your frustrations. But, try not to focus on the "smaller sized" clothing. I think women, and I assume men too, tend to focus on what size they are wearing versus the amount they lost...or we try to get ourselves focused on these normal sized smaller sizes. Keep in mind, everyone is built differently. You may be smaller then someone who is heavier then you, however, the heavier persons may be taller...have a smaller waist or just more,muscular on the upper half of their,body. These differences will obviously effect the size in clothing you will buy. Keep pushing forward...you will get there!

I had my surgery 10 yrs ago, so will try to enlighten you on what I remember. When I got to the hospital of course I, had to register and got assigned a room. Once in the hospital room, the one I would be returning to after surgery, I had an some pre-testing done and an IV line whatever it is called started. Soon after I was escorted (wheeled off) to the operating room. This is where they had a lot of patients all lined up getting prepped for surgery (not sure where u r getting it done, but this is when I became the most nervous). The anesthesiologist came in, introduced himself and administered something to calm me down cause I asked as I was getting more and more anxious. Ok, so fast forward some, after surgery I go back to the room. I was give a morphine pump and some good pain meds. The pain for me, I thought was horrible. But just so you know, I hate being in pain. Looking back now, it was not that bad. This was the first major surgery I have ever had in my life, so I had nothing to compare it to. I was checked every four hours and had to be up and walking within 4 hours after surgery. I also had to drink some liquid stuff and get x-rayed so that the surgery site could be checked...this was the worst for me simply because I felt nauseous. I was in the hospital for 5 days, probably longer then most surgery patients. I just had trouble with liquids...no big deal..My doctor i think was taking extra precautions. Overall, the hospital stay was not bad...the nurses were great. Its just getting passed the surgery part that gets everyone nervous. Once thats over, a i assure you, you will be fine!

I had my surgery 10 yrs ago and felt normal, where My weight leveled out and my body had adjusted to this new way of living at approximately a year out. I initially had a lot issues keeping food down, but that dissolved over time.

Thank you curvy and b-52 for sharing. These are great examples of just how life changing the surgery is for people....the surgery simply is life changing! B-52 I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for serving our country. Thank you for fighting for our freedoms!

Was trying to find other wls people who are avid in these sports. Trying to find more like-minded individuals who are training for a race, or just love their sport. What are you currently training for? What is the longest distance you have completed? What achievement are you most proud of completing or are looking forward to do? Any upcoming 5ks, 10k's, half marathons, marathons....century rides? I have competed in a number of half marathons, 5k events, 10k events, and all different kinds of triathlons. One event that I did a few years ago was a swim around the keys. This is a 12 plus mile swim. I completed this in part of a three person team, thus we each swam 4 miles. I would love to one day complete a full marathon, which I have not done Yet and complete a full ironman. What events do you have under your belts?!

Ok folks, since my initial post about getting back on track, I have truly stuck to regaining control of my food intake, exercise, and weight! I am feeling more confident that I will be successful and continue on this path. In actuality, this experience has been very eye-opening. For the first time, I think ever in my life....with dealing with feelings about my body, weight, and image..I feel so supported by others Just Like Me. It is crazy to think of all the support groups for gambling, drug addicts, anorexia, are available and most often acknowledged my insurance companies, when weight - obesity - is just ignored, and laughed at. You would think by now more insurance companies would take a more proactive role with these methods, like wls, to assist with getting people back to being healthier. Not to mention if they did take this approach, diabetes, heart disease, and other medical issues caused by obesity could be better managed. Ok so off the soap box. Thanks so much for everyone's continued support. I have lost some weight and have roughly 30 pounds to go. I manage to run 6 miles today and will be more proactive them ever with getting this weight off. When I feel more comfortable and confident I will post some pictures of my progress. Would love to see pics of your progress to....talk about inspiration! Much love to you all!

The weight can stay off long-term. I know this in seeing others who have had the surgery around around the time I did. I have made my mistakes, and ultimately and paying the price a bit on getting back on track. I am thankful I did not gain all of my weight back....in fact as of today I have about 30 more pounds I would like to loose. In essence, I did get out of control, but not to the point that I can't fix this. I am eating correctly, exercise and weighing myself daily (something I hate to do, because it just tends to work my mood). I am trying to stay positive and make better choices. Realistically, that is what everyone on this forum needs to do...stick with the plan the doctor(s), nutritionist, support groups and whatever else you have in place have discussed with you. Remain diligent! One thing I remember early on in this process, while attending a meeting (before having the surgery) was listening to other patients who spoke about their progress and results. I recall a few telling the group how they "cheated" on the food plan, eating 15 chips or whatever it was and that they were fine. Looking back now, I some comments like that made me think that you could cheat, I could go back to my old habits....I could be the skinny person that never had to diet.....hah! Wrong! If you are investing in this operation, whether you are self-pay, insurance covers, sleeve, band, Rny.....then you are very serious about your future. Take this surgery to be the biggest gift you could ever give yourself...cherish it! This surgery has truly given me a second chance at life, I just understand that better now then I need years ago....

I am not much of a joke teller, but thought this would be a change in keeping this forum a little on the "lighter side." Would love to hear what has happened, what you have experienced that maybe made you belly laugh..!

Ok here is my funny....after my surgery, I stayed at my parents house, as my mom being a nurse felt this would be best as I recovered. Ironically, my father was recovering at the same time from back surgery he had 3 weeks prior. The house essentially was more like an assisted living facility....my poor mom had her work cut out. So, here I am back at my parents house, in my old room....and my dad is down the hall resting from his surgery. Since my dad was resting this one particular day and my mom was out of the house running errands, I decided this would be a great time to take a shower. After getting cleaned up, I heard my dad in distress....so I bolted from the bathroom to my parents bedroom to check on my dad. Of course, I was not dressed covered only by a towel (barely). I was naturally scared as I really did not know what to do....my dad was having problems with his back, and all I could do was try to calm him down. As I am talking to him, my mom enters the bedroom and sees me barely covered leaning over my dad trying to help him get in a more comfortable position. Talk about feeling awkward. All a i could do is look at my mom and tell her "its not what you think....I can explain!" Not exactly as funny as the other posts, but thought I could share....

Very interesting.

I was just wondering, maybe the staff thought it was a no show based on the information they had....who is to say that other factors from the surgeon, or testing done previously were not allowing for the surgery that day. Sometimes there are people who tend to speak up out of turn with no real information other them this person failed to show up....you never know if there is more to it. Yes, unprofessional to hear these conversations, but I bet they happen often with no real malicious intent. The health professionals may have been annoyed just as you were as time was slated for them to be there too.

I have already had my surgery too, and have no regrets. Primary reason for surgery was I wanted to stop watching everyone live their lives while I was drowning in my own. I have no real advice for helping with the nervousness. I know that I was pretty good up until I dressed out for surgery. I began to get very very nervous.....so the anesthesiologist have me something to calm my nerves. But that of course was the day of surgery. I know one of my fears was not walking up after surgery, I was very worried about putting my parents through pain should I have not made it all over wanting to lose weight. All-in-all, it worked out. You just have to stay to course, remain positive and follow through with what you believe to be the best for you! Wish you the very, very best!

You know, when I read this thread I truly had my own opinions about why someone would look taller, and not once did it dawn on me consideration of ones back issues due to being overweight.... I just assumed the obvious.....such great info from everyone....gives me a better perspective as well.

Carlotta - love love love your accomplishments.....Its so nice to be able to go outside and feel free! Walking without getting tired, who would of thought! Keep up your amazing journey....oh and by the way, 60 is young!

Don't hesitate to ask me questions, I will do my best to answer them. If you are more private, then just send a private message....I will respond as soon as I can.

First, I have found that most people do not want u to succeed, they may perceive your new success as a threat and therefore may say things that truly do not make sense. A friend of mine told me that once, and My response to her was,,,,..this is the first time in my life I have ever been called skinny, let me enjoy it! Now my tact is not for everyone, but I found that its best to ward off these comments, because they truly r not helpful. Its almost like the person who says you are to skinny, just really wants you to stay fat....!