BackSpin81

I has gastric sleeve surgery March 30, 2015 and have not told many people. Medical professionals know, my parents know, my aunt, 1 cousin, and 2 close friends. Most others do not know unless they have speculated. I lived across country when I had surgery and only came home to Boston once a year for Christmas. So this has kept my "secret" safe. I am not ashamed of having surgery. However, I did not want to tell the world then run the risk of failing afterward. I didn't want others to watch everything that I eat with "no-no" eyes shaming me for having a drink, a cookie, or something they assumed I should not have. I did not want to be judged for doing well, or poorly, or for regaining any weight afterward. My poor cousin had gastric bypass surgery in 2013, lost over 100 lbs, and toned his body and looked marvelous. As his marriage started to crumble and fail, he slowly gained weight then quickly gained some more. He is now much larger than he was before. It hurts to see how hard he worked to have his progress erased. His surgery and weight gain are no secret and has been the subject of chitter amongst family. And that is exactly what I do not want for myself. As awful as it is, I must admit that my weight has become a complete OBSESSION for me. I truly do not want to be the cause of my own death. I do not want to be a size 2. I just want to be healthy. And I get there and stay there is my journey, and battle. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

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Surgical tape was placed over my piercings by the nurse before surgery. I don't believe the tongue piercing will be a problem as your mouth is closed/covered during surgery. But then again, I'm not a doctor. I say check in with your surgeon for the final word. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

If you're unsure, wait. Don't do it now. Wait until you are 100% sure. Because once it's done, it's done. I was sleeved 3/31/15. My insurance did not cover any part of the surgery. I took it upon myself to fund my surgery. Therefore I was not stipulated to do any intensive pre-surgery diets, counseling, etc. I met with my surgeon once, attended a nutrition class once, and a financing meeting to discuss my payment. Then had surgery 2 weeks later. Though it was a very quick turnaround, I was sure and ready. This was the surgery that was meant to save my life. And in a lot of ways, it has. However, there are often significant underlying internal struggles that are far more permanent than the weight and weight loss ever will be. For example, despite my weight loss I still battle with slight bouts of depression, random crying, occasional low esteem and obsess over any weight loss/gain. I'm not saying the "nagging feeling" you are having is doubt. However, I am saying that you should be 100% sure before having surgery. It has helped me get a "reset" on my health for sure. But it also exposed deep rooted, unaddressed issues within me as well. Good luck with your decision. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Onederland is still a goal for me. I was 13bs away... then 18... then 15... etc, etc. I'll get there one of these days. I haven't lost all hope (just a little though, to be honest). Ugh! Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I'm definitely in! Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

OK, I am 1 year post and still burp like a monster! Especially when I eat something that I shouldn't ????. I have no idea when or if this will stop. I would suggest speaking to your nutritionist to get a better understanding of the cause. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Chewing gum and carbonated beverages. I was never a big soda fan. But champagne or sparkling alcohol was always a joy. But thankfully I've managed to stay off carbonate drinks post surgery along with chewing gum as well. I surprisingly don't miss the gum, the alcohol is painful! Lol. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

sugar free syrup help. I added sugar free chocolate and caramel flavored coffee/tea syrups to spice up my shakes. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Very true. It seems as if the pre-diet varies dramatically from location to location. My surgeon only required 3 days of Clear liquids. But the NUT scared the hell out of me and my pre-op class saying that if the liver was not shrunk down enough, that surgery would and could be canceled. So to be sure to ONLY have clear liquids and absolutely no food or liquid at all after 10 PM on the night before surgery! I didn't question but I was definitely terrified. Lol. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

You are on it! I had my 1 year anniversary as well and hit a wall. Going back to basics and studying old photos has refocused my mind. Still struggling but working through it. As for the OP, you are not alone! Never feel that you are. I suggest and am also working on finding a support group near me. WE have come too far for self-sabotage. Remember why you started this journey and where you started. Trust me, I know where you are coming from. We've got this! And we will NOT let the weight win. It will ALWAYS lose Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Lol! Time for a makeover

I have a hard time believing it's real. Before surgery, I thought I would fail at this. I really did. I would read through all the NSV threads and never thought I'd be posting here!I completely agree with you! I kept my surgery a secret for exactly this reason. But I'm proud of what I have done for myself and my life.

Thank you! I needed to hear this today. I have been feeling so down and falling into old behaviors. Today is my reset button. ????

Ah! I see! Thank you for sharing. I appreciate that. Either way, if I could get your tummy and arms, I'd be beyond happy. Lol. Congrats, girl!

You look AMAZING!!

When the smallest size in the plus-size store is too big... I am still in disbelief that a plus size 12 was too big for me at Torrid. OR that I fit a pair of 12's at Express. I'm convinced both designers run bigger, however it was just so cool to see. ☺

You need to hike that skirt up and show more of dem legs !!!!!!!!! Well done. Getting new clothes is something that I've never been enthused about. I'm finding that is changing, though, as I'm leaning down. Some Western boots are in the future. By the time they fit me, though, it'll be Summatime. That's alright.....I'll be pimp walking around the swimming pool......wearing a bathing suit and those new boots and singing cowboy songs. Now show off those legs, young lady !!!! Bam !!!!! Congrats. You look great. That had to feel good to slip 'em on and look up in the mirror and see that. Very cool !!!!!! That is neat. Recently went to my favorite Mexican restaurant with some buddies. We sat in the outdoor section. I never sit there due to the cramped evil armchairs. I proceed with a bit nervousness.....I even veered off course on our way to be seated. I went to the bathroom and just stood there washing my hands and looking into the mirror.....wondering how to play it......what if I can't fit ???? Walked out and stopped at the bar and talked to the hot bartender a minute or two.....declined when she offered my usual, a 36 oz ice cold Dos Equis Ambar draft....just waved it off....we chatted a minute and then I finally faced up to the challenge.....and went to the crowded outdoor section and found my pards. There was one empty evil armchair sitting there waiting on me. I swear I got a lump in my throat. I sat down like I owned that damn chair. Room to spare. Hell yes !!!!! Fun and general chaos ensued that afternoon........ Woooooo! Watch out now! ???? CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Apparently... I can comfortably fit size 14 skinny jeans. This is definitely a HUGE win for me. I just can't believe it. I'm am beyond thrilled.

Congrats, @@stephh

Got my 212 back!

This week I'm at 213. Such crazy fluctuations. Ugh!! But at least I'm losing... again. ????

Small success: I bought a hoodie and coat from Express. I've NEVER been able to shop there. So this is definitely a victory!