GingerBananaBelly

Well, I did it... I cut my hair! Five inches gone. That's one inch for every ten pounds I've lost! What do you think?

Wisdom teeth times 10!

I just need a moment to express my supreme elation! Last week, I went to a conference with my parents. Turns out I needed a nice dress for a dinner one night. My dad took me to the local mall and kindly served and an audience for a mini fashion show. Before surgery, I wore a size 24; all the dresses I tried on were a size 20. We loved the last dress, but it was too big. The only only other size they had was a 16. My dad convinced me to try it on... IT FIT!!! I was so excited!!! Yesterday, my mom and I went to some stores for a little experiment. For the first time since college, I fit in pants off the rack! I also fit into an XL shirt. Again, I was ecstatic! Finally, I had my 6 week follow-up with my surgeon today. I'm 5'7 3/4. When I started my pre-op liquid diet, I weighed 277 pounds. On surgery day, I weighed 264 pounds. Today, at 46 days post-surgery, I weighed 234 pounds. That's 43 pounds overall and 30 pounds since surgery!!! I feel wonderful! My skin is glowing. I have loads of energy. I'm happier and more optimistic. I feel like I'm becoming more myself than ever before. I'm so glad I did this for myself. My health is improving so dramatically. It's wonderful! Anyway, thanks for letting me share! Blessings to you all!

Woo hoo!!! Yay for energy!!!

Hey, y'all beautiful people! I need a little help. I was sleeved on 6/1/17, so I'm on soft foods now. The last few times I've eaten, though, I've had discomfort. It felt like the food was sitting at the base of my throat. I think it's because I'm eating too fast. So here is my question... What do you do to slow down when you're eating??? Thanks for the help, y'all!

Happy Friday, y'all! 7.21 --- 232 --- That's 45 pounds!!!

Hey, fellow June sleepers! I'm Shari, and I'm a middle school English teacher. I'm 32 years old and 5'8" tall. I began my journey on August 12, 2016. At my heaviest, which was 9 years ago, I was at 287. When I began my pre-op diet on May 18, 2017, I was 277 pounds. My surgery was at 7:00 am on June 1, 2017, at which point I weighed 264 pounds. As of today, I'm down 44 pounds. HW - 287; SW - 277; CW - 234; GW - 150s

I know exactly what you mean! Try some unflavored protein powder. Isopure makes a pretty good one. So does Unjury.

Odd... I just had this conversation with my doctor today. Apparently I rushed my diet. I'm six weeks out and on regular foods. He told me I should still just be on soft foods. I told him I was just so hungry. He said, "No, you weren't. You just needed a variation on texture." I promise you - it gets easier! I know how hard it is, but I promise you that is is 150% worth it. Just keep swimming!

I wore them and the pulsating things, too. I also had to wear them while traveling this summer.

Make sure you're getting at least 60 grams of protein and 60 ounces of water every day. The protein replaces the fat with muscle, and the water keeps your skin plump and elastic - both of which reduce saggy/flabby skin!

Congrats! How are you feeling?

Sorry for the late post... I was on vacation. 14 July - 236 SW - 277 GW - 190s

It's called ketosis. It's perfectly normal. Your body is metabolizing stored fat to use for energy. The result is a build up of acids called ketones. They are secreted through your skin and breath. It will eventually go away. On a completely unrelated note... Congratulations on being so close to your goal weight!!!

Haha! Thank you! My mom calls me Banana Belly now, and I'm a ginger, so it just fit!

Oops... I'm a day late. 7.8.17 239lbs

You're welcome!

Nope. Not crazy. It's actually called ketosis. And it's a good thing! It also the reason for that nasty taste in your mouth that won't go away. It's your body using your fat stores instead of carbohydrates for energy which produces a build up of acids. They are secreted through your skin and breath. It's a totally normal metabolic process.

I second the baby plates, forks, and spoons. Super helpful. Actually, I second everything said in this post!

Gas drops, like you'd give a baby, helped me. But more than anything was walking. It really is the best thing you can do for many reason.

Hi and CONGRATULATIONS! You are about to start a journey you will not regret. I was sleeved on 6/1, so I'm only five weeks out. Here are some things that helped me. In no particular order... 1. Ask your surgeon/hospital about being or becoming an ERAS patient. It helps speed recovery. 2. Have someone who is willing and able to help you stay the night in the hospital with you. 3. WALK! WALK!! WALK!!! I cannot emphasize this enough. Start as soon as you can and do it as much and as often as possible. 4. Sleeping in a recliner was really helpful for me. Especially in the first week. 5. Invest in a body pillow. When you do return to the bed, it will help make you more comfortable. 6. Keep a sweater handy. I was super hot natured. Now I'm cold all the time. 7. Fudge Pops. You're welcome. [emoji6] 8. A heating pad will help with the gas pains. I also had back pain from not being able to lie down for so long. It helped with that, too. 9. For pre-op and beyond, find a schedule that is doable. Eating, drinking, walking, the works. 10. Remember: This is a process. Be patient and kind with yourself. The weight doesn't just immediately disappear. Your body is going through a major adjustment. Things aren't going to feel the same, sound the same, smell the same, work the same. You are getting reacquainted with your body while it learns a new way of life. Don't be hard on yourself. Well, those are my tips. I hope they are helpful. Good luck! And if you need to talk it through or have questions, please reach out. Support is vital. Blessings!

Hahaha! It's not huge. You look super!!! And thank you for the kind words. I do love my hair, but the hair loss is scary. I don't want it to be super noticeable. I'm glad you had an easy go, too! I'm still struggling to get all 60 oz of water and grams of protein in, but I'll get there.

You know, I have to be honest - I don't know. I can tell you that I had a phenomenal surgeon who did my sleeve robotically. That cut down on pain and recovery time. The hospital was amazing, too. I was an ERAS patient - Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. I had a special drink that kept me from getting dehydrated during the surgery. It also meant that I had extra precautions against nausea and vomiting. I was up walking within 3-4 hours of surgery. By hour 12, I was doing laps in the hall and sitting in the chair in my room. I walked and walked and walked while in hospital. Other than that, I think I just got really blessed! I can honestly say that the entire experience was significantly easier than I expected. I had practically NO pain other than some gas discomfort and mild soreness. I had no trouble drinking or eating, albeit very tiny amounts. I was pain free by the end of week 2. I've not had anything more than some heartburn. Im so glad I did this! It really is an awakening of your inner self. I am beginning to feel like the outside is starting to match the inside, and I love it! I'm thinking about cutting my hair, too... What do you think?

Same here! I had surgery a month ago, and I have crazy energy! It's great! My skin is clear and glowing. I feel pretty, but most importantly, I feel healthy! I'm loving this!!!

I, too, have the curse of the open pore. I'm a month out of surgery, and the comment I keep getting is how glowy my skin is. I always liked makeup before, but now I love playing with new looks. Yay for happy skin!!!