Magsqoti

Hi, today is Thanksgiving Day and I am thinking of how much I have to be grateful for. I had my sleeve surgery done on March 30, 2015 and it has been nothing but good for my health, energy, well being, joy and enjoyment of life again. My loss has stopped and I am maintaining a very good weight for me. There isn't a day that I don't thank God for taking me to the gastric surgery information, resources and ultimate procedure. I was one sad person who felt locked in a body I didn't recognize and was becoming a person I didn't know. Now, I am healthier, happier, nicer, younger looking and embracing life again. The people I have come in contact with along the way who have helped me in this journey will forever be in my heart. Thank you.

Skmjs: Congratulations on your marriage! You are not alone as many of us have felt the same way about photographs. I got to the point where I refused to have my photo taken. However, since my sleeve procedure (March 2015) I now welcome the camera, enjoy being social again and embracing everything life has to offer. I wish you success and joy in your life.

Hi volsfan82. I've got some good news for you.....after my sleeve surgery within 1 month and walking regularly my knee and back pain lessened then disappeared. I had done so much research on every aspect of the procedure and outcomes plus discussions with my surgeon that I found I wasn't nervous but so ready. It was the best life and health decision I have ever made. Bless you on your journey and your wonderful life ahead with your family.

I had no blips pre, during or after my surgery (March 30, 2015). I am losing weight at a good rate, exercise and feel great.

Hi Smallbites, you are doing great!!! I know I could not have done this healthy loss without the bariatric surgery and am feeling so blessed, happy, healthy and more like my old (thin) self in many ways. Clothes shopping is fun, the airline seat was so much more comfortable last week traveling, I don't huff, puff and sweat profusely anymore and the compliments are humbly accepted. Please keep posting your progress should you be inclined and I think we all get inspiration from each other. Congrats again!

I love everyones' bravery in sharing personal feelings and stories. I also love that everyone has taken on this journey to health and happiness. Never underestimate the power you have and the ability to use it for the better good. Blessings to us all.

Rocket, you are going to do great because you have had it with being heavy and all the downsides of that plus your health motivation is on track.

tbaby10, I started at 100 lbs less than you but my pains were such that I didn't exercise or have the motivation. My surgery and recovery were uncomplicated and I have not looked back (surgery date was 30/Mar/15). The weight steadily comes off, the surgeon very pleased. I do everything he tells me from hydration and food limitations to exercise and am one happy person. I wish you the absolute best and hope you will work the system to your best outcome. xxx

tbaby10, if it's any consolation I too had the same aches and pains and they have disappeared with the post bariatric weight loss. I noticed a huge difference with just 25 lbs off and now I am 50 lbs off in 3 short months. I walk briskly 6 days a week, garden, stand of lengths at a time....all of this now but certainly not before. What a bonus and life is good!

Incredibleshrinkingnurse: Congrats on surgery date!!!! Embrace it with joy and follow all instructions at hospital and post - you will do great.

Having had my surgery (March 30) and living a healthier and happier life I can only say stay focused and continue with your journey and get the surgery. Each and every "straw" story written above resonated with me so strongly (except having a baby), I felt your pain, disappointments and hurt as I too had lived it. Blessing to us all.

Congrats on taking the initiative to research and learn about the sleeve. Keep your positive attitude and I wish you all the best. I am so very happy I had my sleeve surgery that I can't even begin to describe it and wish for you the same success. Embrace the change!

It all can be hurtful....comments from friends, family and strangers, their sideway expressions, and public humiliations. But we are the winners by making an educated decision to change our lives and love ourselves no matter what. Amen to that!

I would like to post this, have been waiting and wanting to write this: My surgery was March 30, 2015. Including my pre-diet to date I have lost 43.5 lbs for which I am thrilled and feel like a new person with no more than 20 more lbs. to lose to hit target. My point is that pre-surgery I had goals and desires and I am traveling later next week to see my family. Travel formerly presented issues like: Sweating and getting breathless lugging suitcases, etc. Feeling squashed in airline seats Feeling fat in anything I wore Dreading clothes shopping excursions Overeating the wonderful meals we create Feeling hot all the time when others are comfortable as cucumbers Tire easily NOW: I can sprint and carry things with the best of them effortlessly Will have plenty of room in the airline seat and be comfortable Cross my legs with ease and comfort Feel great in my clothes that are loose and look forward to shopping While shopping, ask for an item of clothes I try on in a smaller size Eating my smaller portions, thoroughly enjoying it and not craving more I wake early, get out to walk briskly and with joy Feeling happy and generous of spirit Proud of myself and at peace Sleeve surgery is the best decision I ever made and am grateful for the gift of health and happiness.

Hi, my surgeon said I could have any spices that I can handle. My grocery store had a hot bar selection of foods and out of convenience I selected 1 chicken enchilada. Later when I ate a bite it was so spicy (and I mean spicy) I had heartburn within 1 minute. I laughed and said "I won't eat that from there again!". Other foods that I spice I have had no difficulty with at all. Bon Apetit!