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I had surgery in December and was out in the open with everyone. I totally understand why it's something you would hide, but my thought was that people are going to notice and I wanted to share my experience as well as the struggles. This was a difficult decision for me, but a necessary one. I post updates regularly on facebook and instagram. I think that's my way of making it less of a stigma. It isn't easy at all. The sleeve works based on what YOU do to help it along. Anyone who says it's an easy way out is plain wrong. You struggle every day. There are foods you just can't eat. There are days when you wonder why you aren't losing faster. There are moments when you know that your entire mindset has had to change. That isn't easy at all. Being extra picky about what you eat isn't easy. Working out and toning isn't easy. But, it's all worth it. Just my experience. Goodluck to all of you!

I agree. I don't think it'll make too much of a difference for you! Have fun. I'm 6.5 months post op and get tipsy on half a glass of wine!

I'm sorry you are without support. I was pretty out in the open about everything on my end. I'm 6 months post op and it has its ups and downs. For me, it was the best decision of my life. I'm down 108 lbs from my highest weight a few years ago and 67 since surgery. It isn't easy, though. My hormones are a mess and I'm still trying to find out a good balance with calories, etc. However, it IS worth it. Hang in there. You can do this.

I'm a new poster, but am trying to find a good group to be in. I'm not planning on having surgery of any kind. Instead, I am using diet and medication to help with weight loss. I have had decent success in the past 6 months. My main issues are a lifetime of being overweight, having three children back to back and having hormone imbalances and now PCOS. So losing weight is difficult to say the least. At any rate, last November, I began taking a combination of phentermine and topamax (but not qsymia). As of today, I have lost 35 pounds. Unfortunately, while the medication helps with appetite (big time), it messes with my hormone birth control and therefore I am developing problems there. My doctor and I are switching to Victoza which she believes will help tremendously. I am hoping so. Starting this week, I'm titering off topamax 25 mg at a time for a month. I never had any issues with phentermine in terms of heart racing issues, etc. It made me thirsty, but that's about it. I don't know if I'm going to continue with that or not. I'd rather not since my insurance won't cover it. The one thing I liked about topamax is that is got me off of drinking pop (soda) and carbonated drinks. They taste AWFUL. I haven't had any since November. Nothing has worked until this medication. That in and of itself is amazing. One habit is broken completely. I cannot go back because it all just tastes terrible. I appreciate any and all experience with Victoza - especially if anyone else has PCOS. I have been told that it is helpful. I fall within the pre-diabetic realm as well, so it will do good there too. I know it isn't Saxenda - which is what I would prefer, but my insurance won't cover it and I won't pay 1000 a month for that! I have about 86 more pounds to go for my goal weight.

It actually was fine. My in laws came and watched the kids for a week while I healed and now, it's a whole new adventure chasing them.

I got the sleeve done on 12/13. Best decision of my life. I was in the hospital for one night and healed up very quickly. I'm down almost 60 lbs now and am now a dress size 14. It's been an adjustment, but a good one! I started running a few weeks ago as well and have really increased my stamina as well. All in all, I still deal with PCOS and the water retention, but this was a great change for me!

Hello! I'm 33 and a college professor as well as a wife and mom of three kids ages 4, 3, and 2. I was losing weight with medicine this past year and went from 348 to 307. I opted for the gastric sleeve and had surgery on December 13. Things went really well and I'm healing like a champ. I feel completely back to normal - minus not being able to eat much! I'm on a liquid diet until the 28th, with a few added foods like bananas mashed with my shakes. Here are my stats! 11/2015 weight: 347 11/2016 weight: 307 Surgery on 12/13/16 Today (12/21/16): 290! I have lost about 17 lbs since my surgery! I am down a few inches too. The process is a difficult one, but it's amazing. I miss eating certain foods, but not too much. I really am feeling great.

I can't believe it happened so fast! I just need a psych eval and a blood test and I will fulfill everything I need to have done before surgery. I'm scheduled for December 13th - leaving me time to heal before the holidays - but, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, down to liquids only for Christmas. It will all be worth it!

I am 33 years old and have been overweight my whole life. I need to lose well over 100 lbs to get to my healthy weight and after having three children back to back and being diagnosed with PCOS, I'm really fighting to lose weight. I have been working with a clinic for almost a year now and have lost about 55 lbs thanks to medication and nutrition/exercise. It does not come off easily and never has for me. I have recently been discussing surgical options and have my first consultation with a surgeon in a few weeks. I'm nervous for many reasons, but I want to do something good for myself and my family. Honestly, I want to feel healthy and try to counteract what PCOS has brought me. I take metformin and Victoza right now to help with appetite control and countering PCOS. I have my consult in a few weeks for the sleeve since that is apparently the best choice for me, but we'll see. I'm looking for support and hopefully folks that have been there done that and have some advice to share!

I'm scheduled for the sleeve on the 13 of December. I am getting help from the in-laws, thank goodness! Goodluck to you.

I'm curious about how everyone who has had surgery felt a week afterward. I ask because I may be traveling a bit for the holidays and want to be sure I will be okay. Obviously I know that it varies by person. No need to tell me that much. How did you feel? Did you travel soon afterward? Thanks!

For those of you who have had the surgery, how quickly was a change in clothing necessary size-wise? I'm just thinking ahead about what I am going to need given the seasons changing and such. Winter coat, for example? I'm not jumping the gun, but am being realistic. I have my surgery in a month and a half and I live where it gets cold in winter. Obviously I know that it varies by person, but any experiences are helpful. Thanks!

One more hoop gone through for the December 13 surgery. It was super easy. Glad to have it checked off. I just have a breath test and an ultrasound left.

My goodness! That was so much more than I had to do. I literally just talked to the guy.

I'm going to invest in leggings I think. I have some yoga pants and wear leggings now anyway. The weight I really have to lose is in my hips and thighs. My arms and tummy need it, but there is less to lose. I fully expect to remain a pear when I'm done. I'm hoping for a thinner pear! Totally okay with my curves! Thanks.

First, I'm pre-empting this by saying that I am working with my surgeon and doctor on this so I'm going to be prepared, but what was your experience with medications after surgery? Specifically, anyone who was on thyroid meds, metformin (PCOS for me) and/or Zoloft. I take these meds now and am hoping to at least rid myself of the Metformin after weight loss once PCOS clears us (assuming it does). But what about thyroid? Did dosage change with the smaller stomach? Did you tolerate medications okay? Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear that! What kinds of questions did you get asked? It sounds so different from my own eval. Is the psychiatrist working with a lot of bariatric patients? Just curious if this was something he/she did frequently or if he/she had major concerns about the surgery itself (or opposing it) rather than the patient.

Just what I wanted out of the surgery and he basically asked about my family and my job. More like conversation than anything challenging.

Very smart! Thank you!

Nope. 20 fits perfectly.

Thanks. Yes, the size thing is strange, but true. I've been told I "carry it well," But numbers don't lie.

Thanks, all. I know it really depends on body size. I have wide hips now and will regardless of weight loss. I'm just about 300 lbs and wear an 18/20 bottoms and a 16 tops. Definite PEAR shape. I tend to lose size faster than pounds, so I'm thinking ahead.

First, how many started with the belly pooch and had a great deal of skin leftover from the weight loss? My doctor thinks I will have some to deal with. Did you get surgery to get rid of it? If yes, was that difficult/expensive? Second, I have D cup breasts and actually kinda like them - how much breast fat did you lose post surgery? I am not letting that worry me or anything, but I have had these my whole adult life and It would be strange to not - you know? Thank you!

Yes, this is what I have gathered will happen too. I'm committed and am beyond ready to feel healthy again.

I have BCBS Iowa and had very few requirements to fulfill. I had a blood test and a psych eval to do. To be fair, I had already been meeting with a supervised plan for almost a year so that part was already taken care of (though I didn't have a 6 month requirement on that).