Heather I

Do you want to have children down the line? Gestational diabetes and 10-lb babies 2x over here back-to-back. I controlled my diet for the babies perfectly and had great pregnancies, but now my kids are 2.5 and 3.5, and my knees crunch, I'm winded, and I feel like a lumbering oaf trying to run after them. I can't fit on the slides or swings to play next to/with them. I could barely fit onto the parent and child ride at the local amusement park, and I know I don't fit on the adult seats. I'm the heaviest mom at daycare, and it sucks. I feel invisible to the other moms because I'm the frumpy mom right now. Your fiance seems pretty self-absorbed to me; it's all about HIM and how HE *may* be inconvenienced. I think he's showing his true colors now and it's good to take a good, hard look at how supportive he will be down the line. It's not just WLS in your future. If you DON'T get sleeved, there's joint replacement surgeries potentially in your future and other medical complications. Possibly bedrest with pregnancies -- you just never know what life has in store for you. If he's not going to be helpful NOW, when you are still mobile and young to have WLS, how is he going to be in the future, as you age, carrying 200+lbs? Don't waste the best years of your life overweight, blowing out joints, missing out on fun, sexy times with your partner, and enjoying life with potential children. It sucks being on the sidelines of your own life. Your family can stuff it. Grab that brass ring and go for it! If he comes around; great. If not, consider yourself lucky you dodged a bullet with a potentially narcissistic baby.

I've been postponed twice, my "new" date is 9/19. I'm probably the only freak on the planet super excited about starting the liquid diet since I've had my hopes dashed and had to rework my life around the changing dates. Bring on 9/19 and a new way of life!

I liked this! I was expecting the usual busy-work like knitting and painting, cleaning, etc. It's so true, many of the things are women/people-pleaser time-suckers where we are on the bottom of the priority list. I'm struggling with this with two toddlers and a FT job. I got a mani/pedi and took the day off to just do -- whatever -- not rushing -- and it was AMAZING! I flog myself, don't need to let others lay more work on me. I'm going to the library to take out some books to read when I can. I used to love to read, and I honestly can't remember how many years it has been since I had a block of time to read an actual book.

@@Dub, my good friend is in an identical situation, age 45, needs both knees replaced, walks 15,000 steps a day at work, now has a limp and chronic pain. She went to have her knees injected and the doctor said her hip is now blown, goofing up her gait, which is causing her (new) back pain. She was surprised they were willing to do hip and knee replacements given her age, but the doc said it's bone-on-bone. I'm glad you are reconsidering having surgery sooner than later. You'll only hurt yourself more waiting. I know so many people in their 50s who had hip and knee replacements and feel AMAZING. My mother had hers done late 50s and said she felt like the Bionic Woman -- unbelievable improvement. My friend's husband had both hips and knees done and is now 55, retired, and hiking majorly every DAY and golfing his brains out, losing lbs like mad. I hear you on the FMLA/vacation/changing career atmosphere. I agree, and it sucks. IDK if you want to add yet another thing into your smoothies, but my husband swears by fish oil and gets a prescription one that doesn't have the gross taste and hideous fishy burps afterwards. While the pain/surgery/therapy sucks, this is quite the kick in the pants for you! You've totally knocked it out of the park with your sleeve success, and I have no doubt this is the last catalyst you'll need to hit your goal very soon. Super impressive! I wish you great, quick success! It's coming!

The Julie cut at AT Loft is for pear/heavier bottom/thighs gals like myself. I'm 5'8" and had enough hem to work with, but at 5'10", you may need talls.

Look great! How are you feeling?

This whole thread went in a totally different direction -- so much so I have to go back to the original post to refresh myself it was NOT about vets v. newbies and the various definitions of each, which I don't care about anyway. FWIW, I *think* if I remember correctly, the gist of the original thread was a bit of frustration that newbies/recently sleeved people asking questions about risky behavior very soon after surgery and getting bent out of shape if they are having their wrists slapped. Then there was the usual brouhaha about "vets" being snobby, rude, and unhelpful to the put-upon newbies. Whatever. I mostly lurk and read and try to absorb the knowledge of everyone on here; newbies AND vets. I have been very surprised at a few posts regarding, basically, people insisting they can eat/drink/smoke things off plan very soon after surgery or blowing the pre-op diet. Honestly, I thought a lot of these were trolls in the beginning, but at the informational seminar I went to for WLS -- the very first one -- they told the group within 30 minutes that, if they proceed with surgery, they will have to quit smoking for good, and quit caffeine, pot, recreational drug use, and alcohol for 60 days before and after surgery. Seriously, half the (large) group got up and left after that. The people remaining, several engaged in arguing with the NUT running the informational session who wanted to be the exception and still use pot/smoke/drink the whole time -- and who wanted diet pills to help them lose lbs before and after. IDK what the answer is. I used to be defensive and kinda pissy about telling people I was considering WLS and it seemed that EVERYONE *knew* an uncle's brother's wife's cousin's friend who died or regained 200+lbs after surgery. I THOUGHT it was BS and just ambulance-chasing mentality, but after the informational session and seeing people asking about bacon, booze, steaks, etc., I guess there ARE people out there doing this crazy stuff -- and they are ruining it for the people who are very serious and are paying big bucks to have this done. As well, they are truly risking their lives, and if someone gets their feelings hurt by yet another person who has insight telling them, no, young grasshopper, you really shouldn't do X when you are Y days post-op -- too bad! These are the people who regain and DO die that the rest of the WLS population has to defend the surgery from -- the random people who don't follow any guidelines and get horrible complications and regain or are in serious trouble for the rest of their lives. And I have seen some posts from people who haven't had WLS yet, or who are VERY post-op, basically saying, yeah, I did X/harmful thing and didn't die. Go ahead, you should probably be fine. Buyer beware.

Totally! Awesome results!

I haven't even been sleeved yet and always retain/gain 3-5 lbs beforehand, am starving the week before, and then quickly lose it by day 2 of my cycle. I wasn't aware of the pattern until I did WW a decade ago and had weekly weigh-ins. After six months I noticed the trend of gain/loss, and ever since I paid attention and have seen it's consistent. Diuretics and guzzling Water don't help me, either, but having ANY excessive sodium bumps up the scale even further! Ugh.

@@GinaCampbell, Oh, I am so glad your daughter is helping you out and you mended fences! Wonderful. While you are in a terrible place right now, it sounds like you may get admitted Wednesday night and get the scan done and IV fluids in, which is great. Getting the gallbladder out and surgical care after that procedure will be a godsend to have someone more closely monitoring your recovery. Thank God your nutritional levels are good! I can't believe it after all you have been through, but that's good! Praying you are in a much better place in a month from now; healing and feeling better -- and getting to finally enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Please keep us updated as you get checked out -- when you can and feel up to it. I'm sure you are totally overwhelmed and worried. We are thinking of you. I hope in a few short months this will be behind you and you can start enjoying what you've accomplished. I know your daughter was very hard on you before surgery and these complications will just "prove her right," but given the dire straits you are in, could she come in a day and help you? Especially since your condition is so touch and go. Even just the company would do you good.

Wow! You look beautiful! Love your shoes, too!

Your story is amazing! You did so well, and to have gotten yourself in such great shape with four kids?!?! That's awesome! My heart hurts for you that at every turn your efforts have been twisted into something sordid and gossiped about. I'm so glad you and your husband found your way back to each other despite adversity. Bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing.

Ugh, I've been dutifully using the stupid thing since December/January with great results, but ever since allergy season has kicked in, I'm chronically phlegmy/coughing/congested, so using the CPAP is torture. I feel like I'm suffocating at night. I have tried different face masks but am limited to one full-face style due to my "high bridge" nose, and have tried all sorts of meds before nighttime to either make me A) pass out (Tylenol PM,) or drain my face -- all in addition to a daily allergy pill I have been taking for months, along with a nasal mist. I wash our clothes daily, shower at night to rinse off allergens, and change bedding weekly. Nothing new has happened in the home regarding pets or anything, it's just seasonal allergies killing me. Sooooo, how soon after surgery were people done with their CPAP machines? I'm snoring like a wildebeest without it, keeping my husband up, but I can't stand the damn thing right now. My surgery is 8/1.

Thank you all, you have given me hope -- and a good laugh at the Python skit! LMAO! Love it! I'll change the filter and try nasal spray before bed. Here's hoping the Bane/Hannibal Lecter mask comes off by Labor Day!

Following. I just posted similar post on CPAP.

What the heck? That is stunningly offensive, mean, rude, and RIDICULOUS! What, losing 55+lbs in such a short period of time isn't good enough? Are they simple-minded? Have they EVER heard of anyone losing 100+lbs in 2-3 months? That's crazy to expect something like that overnight. Duh. I'm so sorry that happened. My in-laws are rude jerks who have commented on my weight in the past, so I'm certainly NOT telling them about the surgery. No point trying to educate asses.

@Km77942009, I'm so glad you are okay and got checked out! Wonderful news. And, yes, now that the initial hysteria is over and all's well that ends well, please do post again. No one is perfect, and honestly, everyone does want you to be a successful vet. Best wishes on a speedy recovery so you can enjoy some pizza toppings in peace a few months from now -- although, you may have had pizza ruined for you forever after this little blip! LOL.

My surgeon is kind of useless; have two toddlers ages 2.5 and 3.5, asked about lifting post surgery, and he just said "if it hurts, stop." No specific lb restriction given. Soooo, I'm sleeved 8/1 and will let you know how it goes. My kids are in daycare the first week and I have help the first week for pickup/diaper/PJ/bath lifting at night, but the 2nd week I'm pretty much back to on my own. Hoping I heal great and can get back in the saddle ASAP.

Maybe buy a pretty, small glass for the beer -- or buy those cute beer sampler holders and make the beer a beautiful treat 1-2x a week? Sometimes, yes, we have to cut out the bad stuff forever, but if you think you can handle much smaller quantities, but really make it an event of relaxation and luxuriating, that might make it not so horrible to tweak your habits? I'm pre-sleeve, but I'm huge on presentation for food. I really do believe you eat with your eyes, first. I have those Libby Tasting teeny plates, cups, bowls, and mini martini glasses with the corresponding teeny forks and spoons. I got rid of all the "big" plates and cups for the most part, just kept enough for hubby to use for his normal portions. When I open my cupboard, I see a beautiful variety of teeny plates and cups that I am learning to incorporate. Could you tweak your ritual/presentation so you can enjoy the beer but not drink it so often, and do smaller quantities? Or maybe focus on making your food more appealing. Have you become bored with the same old, same old? This is a problem for me. I rely on the same few things over and over again because they are quick and easy, but then I go crazy after a few weeks with no variety. I saw on Amazon an awesome cookbook all about Protein bariatric shakes/combos that turned them almost into frappes or real treats -- all still on program. Maybe jazz up the Protein shakes and do a 5-day reset to kick your butt?

Good to hear!

Okay, so I'm getting sleeved 8/1 and am very excited (and nervous) going forward. I've been sort of mentally looking online at what style of clothes I want to wear once I am out of LB sizes -- my only option for many years, basically -- and kind of, who do I want to be when I grow up and can wear prettier things? So I'm online looking at banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft -- typical chains you can find across American malls -- and all the models look sickly thin to me! I think they look terrible! Their posture is usually slouched forward; limp hair, gangly arms and legs, no boobs or butts. I want to be thin, but I want to still maintain my basic hourglass shape, too. I like juicy, toned belly dancer body as my goal -- JLO or Shakira come to mind. Am I nuts? Is this what normal women should be looking like? Am I so used to seeing plus-sized models, normal BMI people look like skeletons to me? Granted, I know they are models and on the thinnest extreme of the scale, but still -- these are not my goal role models for the end game. IDK. Am I so used to seeing plus-sized around me, I can't recognize normal?

@@GinaCampbell, please keep us posted. I have confidence things will improve quickly for you and you'll feel better. I hope your daughter swings by to check on how you're doing and mends fences:-)

My liquid diet starts 7/17 with a big colon cleanse 7/31 before 8/1 surgery. Am I nuts that I'm excited for this because that means surgery is imminent? LOL. I'm so ready to do this!

Holy crap! You're unrecognizable! Great job!