ReddGypsy

So incredibly well said.

I'm 5 years out (2016) with GS and alcohol has been a sporadic transfer addiction since 2019 after my Dad passed away, then 2020 Covid...relationships...2021 basically LIFE to 2022. Ok, that's sugar coating... I saw it becoming a minor issue in late 2018, however, I was still working out and maintaining my weight loss. I made comments on another thread late last year about alcohol and transfer addictions after a bad night and it's now Feb 2022. I do ok..."for a while"...and then? Boom. Last Thursday I had a horrible regression into two bottles of wine, where ALL my feelings came out. They were Good, Bad and then UGLY. I'm not sure who that person was and I know that version of me can't live like that anymore. I got all my bloodwork done and know my health is stable....Got my roadmap there. This Thursday I'm starting some much-needed therapy for my mind and all these "feelings" (new or old) I didn't learn how to manage. It's time to be responsible and respect the mental with the physical...get my soul feeling balanced again. I still have my sleeve restriction and will be working on losing the 50 or so lbs I've gained over two years. I really appreciate posts like this and sharing your stories to inspire me...that I haven't failed and am not alone in some of the feels that were trapped in the "fat".

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I read it a few months back and revisiting with a reply and saying out loud that I have a problem. I've been transparent with my BF, fam and close friends that I'm struggling...but hiding how bad it can get. Last night was a sure sign of transfer addiction and will be seeking help. I'm 5.5 years out and over the last two years have gained 50lbs. I stopped working out and have been holding around the same weight the last 6 months. I can't seem to get the ME back that was so focused. My Dad passed away in 2019 and to cope, I started leaning on wine and drinking (as did my Siblings) Then during 2020 covid, I was drinking during the week, sometimes alone when my SO was at work and often a bottle of wine all by myself. I was able to get back some control in 2021, but find myself sneaking drinks and hiding my evidence. Last night, for no good reason I had wine delivered and drank 1.5 bottles of wine after BF went to work. I know the next steps will be therapy to figure out the triggers and coping skills. Again, thanks for posting your story to inspire me to address this problem before it's too late. I worked so hard to be healthy and I'm sabotaging my future self.

When I was 130 pounds heavier 16 months ago, dating was difficult. A pretty face, but if I just lost the weight. I always seemed to settle. Now that I'm 130 pounds lighter, at 5'7" and a size 14, I work out five days a week and have been able to tighten and tone. Not perfect, but I'm built like a strong, fit roller derby chick and it's a pretty amazing feeling. Dating at 45 in this new body, I thought would be easier, however it just seems I've gone up the ring of what men find attractive, however am not quite small enough. I've met some great guys I'm not attracted to and somehow, am attracted to guys who aren't so great. I take pictures in the mirror, straight on, no angles, because I want to see what I look like. I've used some of these on a dating site with mixed results. One man told me I looked smaller in the picture than in person. Some, I can see, think the same thing, or I think they do and say I'm very pretty. At that point it's all about chemistry anyway. I met a man last week who was tall, broad and charming on every level. I had shared with him that the previous week, I met a man for a drink, who proceeded to give me roses and then expected that I wanted to have sex with him. Of course I said no. I mean please. Even though this new guy knew I wouldn't, I could tell immediately by the number of drinks he wanted me to have, that he thought I would loosen up and let him come home with me. Of course, I didn't and was disappointed once again. Here I am, half the person I was, and here I am, meeting the same men...who think that because I'm not a size 4, that I'm going to be easy. Now, I'm not saying women who are size 4 don't have this same problem. Also not saying that they don't have body issues either because I know all women have some kind of issue. I guess I'm struggling with knowing what I really look like. I don't know if I look normal, average, curvy. I hoped it would be a little easier, an improvement dating on the other side of the scale. I'm an attractive, confident woman and won't be settling, however wonder how many people struggle with dating post surgery. Men and women. Maybe it's just going to take someone really special . Still hopeful, yet a little sad tonight, still feeling like the fat girl again on the inside.

All. Thank you so much for relating, sharing your thoughts and the encouragement and support. At the end of the day my biggest challenge is with what's in my head and appreciating what I look like now. I want to read through and reply, however will do the easy thing first. Here's my now, meow =) . 5'7" 194 - Size 14/16

Hi All! I'm in North Dallas area....sleeved on 7/28 though. Not quite August. Would love to meet people in the area who are near same date too. Maybe I can squeak by for the August group

Hi! Also sent my request. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I totally understand! Thursday will be 21 Days out and today? Please, no more Isopure! No more lol! I can't wait to drink a regular Protein shake, Soup...anything but Isopure for at least a day Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi All! My procedure was on 7/28 and had my 2 week follow-up today. Everything is healing as it should. Super happy and staying focused! I'm still on liquids one more week and transition into soft foods for another 21 day cycle. One day and one pound at a time. Pre-Op (7/14 to 7/28): lost 12 lbs Post -Op (7/28 to 8/10): lost 16 lbs Total to date: lost 28 lbs Hope everyone is evolving to their next step and staying healthy too! Meow

I'm 8 days out and I'm taking my Dr's advice NOT to get on a scale and wait for my 2 week follow-up. I'm letting my body heal and each day make better progress at getting the required fluids and walking in. There are numbers on a scale, but don't forget the inches! Inches whisper progress. I lost about 12 lbs before surgery date. Today I chose a pair of jeans from my 2012 skinnier chunky days which I couldn't get past my hips and thighs before last week. And damnit, albeit a little snug, I got those suckers up and zipped. Almost 3 sizes smaller... Hang in there! Remember one day at at time =)

I'm not a parent, however do have younger nephews. I told them I was getting a new tummy because mine was good, but I needed it to be smaller to help me get healthier. I also told them they might see me eat some weird liquids and food for a while. One of them had a timeframe to get in as many tickles in beforehand. As far as after, I said I might need their help for a while carrying things for me until I was all better. Kids love to help! It was important for one of them to see me two or three days after. One week out and he already says I look smaller and likes that we can have popsicle breaks together. Good luck with your surgery, being healthy and being a great Dad!

Great first check-up! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine was last week and was outpatient. 9:30 procedure and home by 3:30. Had an awesome team before and after at the clinic and at home. I am taking 7 days from work + the 2 weekends. Best advice is take the time you feel you need to be 100%. Good luck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am hypothyroid also and had surgery the same date as you. Yes, weight gain/stall is normal from what I've heard. I also got the added pleasure of having Aunt Flo visit on Friday. Plus feeling very bloated and constipated. Needless to say I've not wanted to feel dissapointed so havent weighed yet. My surgeon visit is Tuesday so will weigh in for my one week surgiversary. Keep us posted...we are all here to support each other Sent from my VS990 using the BariatricPal App

Hi All, My surgery on 7/28 was complete text book with no complications. In at 6am with surgery around 9:15am and I was cleared for outpatient at 3pm. Never having surgery (minor or major) before, this was a new experience for me. The center for my procedure and their staff gave me the most amazing care and explained how the process would go. I was told I wouldn't remember anything after being rolled into the hallway and would wake up in recovery with my family around me. That's just how it happened. Day 1: pain about an 8, however understood most that is from the gas. I drank the required fluids without vomiting and was able to walk a few laps around the hospital. I slept all the way home (about 15 miles) and crawled into bed. Even though was dopey, I did the walking and burping. I did vomit up some bile, one time, however minimal. Day 2: pain still abound 8 and kept walking and burping. I was able to hold down more fluids, however did vomit one additional time with bile and post nasal drip snot. Had slight headache later in the day. Again I walked A LOT and towards the night could feel the pressure subsiding Day 3: pain down to a 4 and today feel more like myself. I took a shower. Able to drink required fluids with no problem. Have a dull headache again...maybe it's all the meds or I miss coffee =) Best advice is to walk and burp, use the spirometer and take your meds! Day 4 here I come .

My clinic called me at 9am today to confirm my surgery details for tomorrow. I was super excited to hear it would be at 11am so I could sleep in a little. Just as I got done telling my parent's about "not being a morning person...so glad it's not at 6am"....I go to my car with a voice mail that says... "Your surgery time has changed. You will need to be at the center at 6am. Haha...I guess I spoke too soon. So excited to take the next steps. Had an adjustment today and a massage so my body is calm and my mind is centered for the morning. Hope everyone did well today or is healing from previous. Best Wishes to everyone going in on 7/28. Meow.

Haha! I got the BIGGEST giggle out of this one! Although it's also true in my case too...I'm going to keep that one in my back pocket

I feel the same way. This is hard enough. I don't need anyone else's negativity. When I first looked into the gastric sleeve a few years back, I wasn't sure at the time if I was ready. I limited my thoughts with my sister and two of my closest friends. We know who "our people" are and should only tell what we want to who we want...those we trust and feel comfortable with. What I learned this time around, as I'm unwavering about my decision, is that I will need the support from my family, close friends and select co-workers and clients who fall into my "circle of trust." I've been fortunate that I've received nothing but positive support and excitement from everyone. They know how long I've struggled...and even a client shared her private lap band snafu and inquired about my surgeon for a consult herself. After the procedure is done, it will be pretty obvious that I'm losing weight. Now...when asked? I can say that I've had had plastic surgery, dysentery or WLS lol...I'm going with WLS Should there be any haters? I will just shut them down gently with a smile...because negative energy is their choice. I've made mine! Don't let a negative opinion take root...good luck moving forward!

So glad to read about the above success with Hashi's. I've waited 3 years to get to my surgery next Thursday. I'm hoping this will provide me with the results I've been working towards. I can lose inches, but the number is so HARD to get down, even on pre-op. Did any of you have difficulty losing weight prior to surgery, even on your pre-op?

So? I have one week left on pre-op nutrition plan. I put on this "Pink Cupcake" lotion today which smells delicious. I want to eat myself. I feel like Woody Woodpecker in Pantry Panic...Woody is starving and delusional, having a staring contest with the ghost of "Starvation ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3zeedWwnao That is all

Hi All - My gastric surgery is July 28th and I slowly started eating low carb with a replacement shakes to ease into my actual 2 week pre-op plan. I'm supposed to drink 2 shakes for b/l, eat 2 bars as Snacks and/or a shake or lean protein/non-starch veggie for dinner. Having hashimotos (thyroid) I worked with a non-bariatric focused nutritionist the last several years eliminate foods that are not right for my body. I don't normally eat a lot of soy, whey or milk based products and typically only stevia as alternate sugar. It was interesting talking to several bariatric nutritionists about options and levels of Protein and different perspectives on what I should or should not drink. To whey or not to whey! It seemed like Premier Protein Shakes (liquid or powder) and their bars were highly recommended by doctors and also on here and other outlets. Can't beat 30g of protein in a serving so I figured I would try them out. For convenience, I bought chocolate ready to drink Orgain Grass fed and mixed in some Premier Protein ready made shakes and bars. After one week, my tummy feels a little inflamed - like a gastric ulcer. Today I have switched to a vegan non-dairy shake and going back to my hydrobeef based Protein powder until my surgery next week. Sadly, not many options for Protein Bars (maybe Quest?). I suppose what I'm getting at is no matter the expert, I am still the best advocate on how my body feels and sensitivities. Although whey is a leading protein source for pre-op and bariatric patients, I'm finding it's not quite right for me. Yep. I was really bummed because it did taste good, was filling and economically priced. Moving on and ignoring that my tummy hurts a little and is hungry tonight!! Big Picture!

I love this idea! Writing is such a wonderful way to get out your truth, apologize, recognize...let go of thoughts and renew ideas about the future.

Hi! I'm also on July 28th! So close...I'm trying to stay focused and keeping my body calm.

My surgery is on the 28th too! I started my pre-op a little early with some solid Protein until the 11th. My liquid starts on the 14th! I'm not nervous either...just planning and preparing to take advantage of that first 6 to 9 months! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Frisco....work near Las Colinas.