bethow

Had my sleeve in August of 2019. My HW was 316 (groan) and my CW stays between 158 to 160. I pretty much eat whatever I want but in much smaller portions and reasonable exercise. My doctor didn’t want me to go below 165 because of all the loose skin. He was afraid I would be underweight (as if that has ever happened). I am still debating getting a plastic surgery (I am 71 and wondering if it is worth the expense and pain at my age). The best part of the surgery is the confidence I have about not putting the weight back on.

No one, I mean absolutely no one has the right to talk or not talk to you in such a disrespectful way. Why some parents chose to have children and treat them so horribly is beyond me. My birth father was mentally, emotionally and physically abusive. When my mother left him and filed for divorce and received sole custody, he kidnapped my brother and me and told us our mother had been killed in a car accident. For four years he kept us on the move trying to stay ahead of the law. It was 2 years before our mother her found us and began a battle to get us back. God in his infinite mercy not only made that possible but my mother was married to a kind, gentle loving man who made me feel loved and cherished. Six years later, one week after my graduation from high school, my birth father her showed up at our door. My stepfather who I called Daddy had instilled in me the self confidence that my birth father her had attempted to destroy. I told my birth father off, telling him that I wanted nothing to do with him and that my father her was in the bedroom. I never spoke to him again. That was 52 years ago and I haven’t missed him a second in all that time for one second. you have a wife who obviously loves you and stood by you as you started your weight loss journey. if your mother is so petty as to treat you or her other children in this manner, put her in your rear view mirror and never look back. If something is bad for you, you just have to let it go. Our parents get 18 years to be either a good or bad parent. Once you are an adult, you get to choose your own course in life. You can either pack your awful childhood away and start a fresh journey of your own or you can haul that old baggage around and let it ruin your life. The choice is yours.

Tell me about it. I discovered ROSEGAL and can’t stop ordering. Fortunately due to boredom, I came out of retirement and took a part-time job. Unfortunately, due to vacations and call offs I am working more than the three days I signed on for but I am still having a ball. The best part, for the first time in my work life I am not the fattest one there. In fact, I am second to the thinnest and I get wonderful compliments on my attire.

I am barely old enough to remember life before the polio vaccine. My aunt had a fiancé who took her home early from a date because he didn’t feel well abs three days later died from polio. So, my mother’s entire family was quite fearful about the disease. I can remember my mother’s relief the first time we were vaccinated. There was never any discussion among the citizens of our country getting vaccinated against it. So, it is completely beyond my reasoning why anyone would refuse this vaccination which seems to be a deadly as polio and leaves such awful health issues in those who somehow manage to survive it. In my last two jobs before I retired, I was a safety coordinator and in that position received extensive training on pandemic preparedness so when I began hearing about the illness in China and how rapidly it was spreading, I got on the phone to family and friends and implored them to get ready and to follow the instructions of the medical professionals. When some idiot politicians shot off their anti-science soapboxes, I again called family and friends and asked them not to listen to politicians but heed the warnings of the medical establishment. While I have become increasingly healthier in the past five years, in my youth I suffered from bronchitis so I went into lockdown and my family was very careful not to bring anything home to my husband and me. As soon as vaccinations became available, every member of our family received one. It just saddens me to see the news outlets that have failed to aggressively spoken out against the vaccinations when they themselves, hypocrites that they are have been taken the vaccine. We have a dead friend who has been fighting cancer for the past two years. Because of his compromised immune system, he was advised not to get the shot. Recently, he was advised that the cancer has metastasized. When he went to a cancer clinic out of state, he discovered that he has the Delta variant. So, he’s in a hotel alone thousands of miles away from home, any possible cancer treatment out on hold if he survives covid. This is not rocket science or brain surgery; GET VACCINATED!

My surgeon discussed the various bariatric surgeries but I had thoroughly researched them and had decided on the gastric sleeve before my first appointment with my surgeon. I knew 3 family and friends who had had the bypass surgery and all 3 have regained a large portion of their weight loss.I had one friend who was successful with the lapband surgery but another friend who spent nearly two months in the hospital and had to have the band removed. I am 18 months post gastric sleeve surgery and down 145 pounds from my heaviest weight. The difference in my life has been AMAZING. I have gone from a 3X to a size large in clothing, my energy level is up so much that I exercise five times a week for at least 30 minutes but usually one hour and I went back to work part time after 4 years of retirement. I was on 3 medications and was still not able to achieve a earthy BP. My meds have been cut in half and my BP is nearly perfect. Lol, when I went to my PCP the first time after my surgery, I thought he was going to do a jig because he was so excited by the amount of weight that I had lost and how much my BP had dropped. My only regret is that I hadn’t had the surgery sooner.

Kleah73, congratulations on your success thus far. The fact that you lost some weight on your own, will give you an advantage on this journey. I had my surgery on 8/25/19. Prior to my surgery I had lost 35 pounds over a two year period. My highest weight was 315 pounds and I cried when I saw that. My weight at surgery was 280 pounds. Today I am at 171 pounds. I was hoping just to get to 200 pounds when I started so I am over the moon with where I am. I am so accustomed to my modified eating habits (I haven’t had a coke since 8-05-19!) and exercise routine (30 minutes minimum at least 5 days a week) that it has become routine. Just stay positive, keep up the good work and enjoy the rewards of this new adventure.

I had my one year on 8/26. sw: 315 size 3X. Bra 46DD cw: 176 size L. Bra 40 D. my weight loss has slowed down to about half a pound a week or two pounds a month. I try to exercise a minimum of 30 minutes per day five days a week. All in all, I wish I had had my surgery sooner but not bad for an old lady of 68 who feels better than she has in about 40 years.

Giorgio’s Red is my favorite And has been for some time. It has a fresh clean fragrance with just a little spice to entice.

Dear Marvelous Matty, my late mother’s birthday was June 12th so I hope that it will be an auspicious day for you. i have changed your name in my response to you because it takes courage to start on this weight loss path and it takes determination but it is so worth it. In a few months after your surgery you will have to change your name any way as you get thinner and healthier. Good luck on your adventure. On June 3rd I have my nine month f/u appointment and I have lost 95 pounds.

I got to the point that whey protein nearly made me gag. So, I switched to unflavored egg white protein. My favorite morning smoothie is frozen watermelon chunks, frozen strawberries, egg white protein powder and some crystal light strawberry flavor. Blend and yummy. The best part is it keeps me full all day

BTW, Azhiker, I am in Havasu. Where are you?

I am on on board with you. I fell off my exercise and three pounds crept back on. So, tomorrow I am climbing back on the wagon and the exercise program. I am down 125 from my maximum weight and only have 50 to go to get to my goal weight. When I started this adventure, I didn’t think I could possibly get to 135 but I plan on still trying. We can do this!!

I started off at 315 pounds in October of 2017. I list 35 pounds in almost two years on my own before surgery. In August 2019, I had gastric sleeve surgery and have lost another 90 pounds so that I am down a total of 125 pounds. I only have the two headshots but can’t get over the difference. (I used to avoid getting my picture taken). I lost a second chin and discovered my clavicle. I have gone from a 3X to a L in clothes. My only regret is that I didn’t have the surgery sooner. The second picture is from my 6th month follow up and I was at 205 at the time. I am averaging about 5 pounds a month weight loss.

Solo, try not to be too upset. Due to circumstances beyond control; it took me two years to get mine. I started watching what I ate and exercising more and lost 35 pounds before my surgery. I can feel your pain but try to stay positive.

Try not to stress. Mexico actually has fewer cases or coronavirus than we do, Mexico has very clean clinics and it took me 2.5 years to get surgery. I used the time to increase my exercise and change my eating habits. I lost 35 pounds in the two years prior to my surgery and 80 pounds since my surgery six months ago. Lol, my PCP asked after I lost the 35 pounds if I wanted to reconsider the surgery! Hell no! Of course, he nearly did a jig when I went into my first appointment after my surgery because my blood pressure had gone down so much. So, good luck with your surgery; it’s quite an adventure.

I let my last employer jerk me around for two years because they kept changing insurance providers that would and then wouldn’t cover my surgery. Then after two years, they pressured me to retire early. I quit as soon as my Medicare kicked in and got my surgery then. Trust me, you were smart to change jobs and make your health the priority. Good luck on your surgery.

I live 3 hours from my surgeon and the hospital too. I went up the day before my surgery and spent the night at a hotel and am glad I did as I had to be at the hospital at 5 am (I am not a morning person). I decided not to chance the long drive home so I spent the night after I was discharged at the hotel too. But from your picture you are much younger than me so you may not require all the recuperating time I thought I would need. I could have easily made the trip home after I was discharged. My surgery was in Las Vegas and it gave my hubby time to play a little while I slept and rested. Good luck with your surgery.

It’s been 75 to 80 degrees F here in the desert Southwest for about a week now. I have had the windows open and have done some Spring cleaning. No doubt about it, we are spoiled. But I promise you can make fun of us when we are being baked at plus 115 degrees come summer.

I encourage you to go through with the surgery but also must advise you that it is still hard work losing weight. The difference is that due to circumstances beyond my control, it took me over two years to get my surgery. I started modifying the way I ate and began to exercise faithfully. In two years I lost 35 pounds with a lot of ups and downs. Yesterday I had my six month post op with my surgeon and have lost 80 pounds since my surgery. This isn’t a silver bullet for weight loss. You still have to do the work but it is so much more efficient than seeing the difference encourages you to stay with the diet and exercise and get healthier.

Thank you all for your inspirational pictures and notes. Yesterday I went for my six month post op in my first new outfit since my surgery. You all look so fabulous I can’t even imagine looking nearly as wonderful as you all do. I started my adventure into healthy living at a starting weight of 315 pounds in 2017. Due to unforeseen circumstances was unable to get surgery until August 2019. I managed to lose 35 pounds in two years so weighed in at 280 on the morning of my surgery. i have been on a plateau for two weeks and relied on all your postings to keep the frustration at bay. I had wanted to. E out of the 200s by my appointment and weighed in at 200.4 yesterday. Close but no go. Dr. Luc advised he was very happy with my progress. Then this morning, I waved goodbye to the two hundreds. Thank you for all the support you offer by sharing your adventure and results.

It took me over two years to get my my sleeve surgery and during that time I started using a Fitbit and logging everything, exercise, food eaten and number of glasses of water a day. While jumping through all the hoops, crying in frustration and finally finding a PCP who would actually work with me, I managed to lose 35 pounds. At one my point, my doctor verified that I still wanted the surgery because I was doing so well on my own. on 8/21/19 I had my sleeve surgery and have lost 77 pounds since then. I went from a starting weight of 315, to 280 on the morning of my surgery. You lose so much weight so quickly from the four weeks of liquid diet before and after the surgery that when reality sets in and my weight loss stalls, I panic and think this is it, I am not going to lose any more weight. Tomorrow I see my surgeon for my six month follow up and I so wanted to be below 200 pounds but I have been stalled for the past two weeks. Tonight I was bemoaning my stall to my husband and he responded, “Knock it off. Even if you didn’t lose another pound, you have already lost one third of your body weight. Just stick with what you have been doing and you will keep losing weight.” What amazes me is how good everyone who posts pictures look. I can see my weight loss in my face, hands and feet, oh and my poor rear end but never in my stomach. I want to lose another 70 pounds but even if I don’t make that goal, I have grown used to exercising regularly, haven’t had a soda in iced six months and have absolutely no desire for one (I took a sip from my husband’s one day and nearly wretched it was so sweet) and I still faithfully use the food log on my Fitbit app. Two months after my surgery, I had an appointment with my primary doctor and I thought he was going to do a jug in the exam room because my blood pressure had come down so much. He also crowed about my BMI. According to my Fitbit app my heart health is now excellent. So, even if I never lose another pound, I have decided to listen to my hubby and be thankful for what I have accomplished but I will never stop trying to reach my goals.

Fear not! I, too was intimidated at the the thought of two weeks if nothing but liquids. It turned out much easier than I had expected. However, it will be a long while before I crave chicken soup. The sugar free hello helped immensely.

Orange Lily, I have great news for you; I would have classified myself as a cocoaholic before my sleeve surgery on 8/21/19. For reasons too long to go into, it took me nearly two years to get my surgery done but during that time I started using a Fitbit, watching what I ate and logging everything in the Fitbit app as well as my exercising which I started doing more faithfully. I cannot stress how immeasurably helpful this has been in my weight loss goal. Instead of two or three sodas a day, I restricted myself to one. During that two year delay in my surgery I lost 35 pounds and my PCP even asked me if I wanted to reconsider the surgery. What?! No way! I am having my surgery! Now for the good news; when I started my two week pre-surgery liquid diet, I stopped the soda completely and I haven’t had a soda since. One night my husband was having a coke and I asked for a sip (I was scared because it was a habit that I did not want to restart) ; one sip and I could barely swallow it because it was so sickenly sweet to me. 2/21/20 I passed my six month anniversary of my surgery and have lost another 79 pounds. I started at 315 pounds and I am getting ready to pass the 200 pound mark and enter the 100’s. I am at a point where I have less to lose than the weight I have already lost. Even if I never lost another pound, I would be happy with my results. I won’t lie though; eating is like Russian roulette; things I used to eat upset my stomach and I do get heartburn more often now but I am healthier than I have ever been in my life. I exercise for an hour five or six times a week. I started off with a recumbent bike (I have back issues that started my never ending weight issues about 20 years ago). I have added a Teeter Freestep (a marvelous invention that I fortunately found used and got for $125) and come spring I am investing I am investing in an above ground pool so that I can increase my exercise. I was the oldest of five patients and the heaviest that my surgeon operated on that morning. He has told me that of the five, I have lost the most weight and had the fewest complaints and that he thinks it’s because of my efforts prior to my surgery as well as after the surgery. So, good luck my friend on the exciting adventure that lies before you. By the way, I have gone from morbidly obese (a designation I despised to severely obese and I can’t wait until I leave that designation behind me.

I encourage you to do so. My employer kept changing insurance carriers the last two years I worked before my retirement. During that time, I worked with my PCP and watched what I ate and exercised. I was not able to get my surgery until after I became eligible for Medicare coverage. I had lost 35 pounds on my own before my surgery on 8/21/19. I just passed my six month anniversary from surgery and I am down an additional 78 pounds. My starting weight in 2017 was 315 pounds. At surgery I weighed 280. I am now down to 201. I can’t believe that I am one pound shy of being less than 200 pounds. I haven’t weighed so little since my twenties!

I am only six months from my surgery. Due to circumstances beyond my control, it took me two years to get my surgery and I started modifying my habits during that time and lost 35 pounds prior to my surgery. I have lost 76 pounds since my surgery, for a total of 111 pounds. A few days ago, I went to a social function where four people with whom I worked before my retirement three years ago were there. Their surprised looks were followed by exclamations of how good I looked. To if the four have weight issues and asked me questions about the surgery and pros and cons. I arrived to be as honest as possible with them.