HeatherE

Finally got rid of my XXL pre-surgery coats. Bought smalls and mediums last winter in casual jackets, but didn’t have a dress coat. I found two beautiful coats, both on sale, but one was an XXS and one was a size 2. I thought, “No way” but tried them anyway. They’re form fitting, but fit. Got them both! Yippee!!!!

Great job!!!

You’ll be so glad you have it!!! With the sugar free syrup it almost makes you feel guilty indulging, even though it’s NO calories. My go to dessert!!!

Sorry about your migraines. I get them too, but Vyepti infusions have hugely helped!!! Haven’t needed my rescue medication and went from every day migraines to almost never. Not sure what shakes do or don’t have artificial sweeteners, but you could try making your own with unflavored protein powder mixed with whatever you drink. I make smoothies without the protein as a treat blending crushed ice, a tiny bit of skim milk, a banana, and fat free chocolate syrup. Feels indulgent but only really some banana as far as calories. A nutritionist could probably recommend certain shakes. Also, Costco sells zero calorie Whole Earth sweetener made from monk fruit and erythritol. It’s not like Splenda, sweet n low, or Equal. Maybe it would work for you as an alternative to the artificial sweeteners or sugar. It’s all I use now!

I got in the habit of making sure I have 30g protein shake a day. I have Premier Protein Cafe Latte when I wake up so I get my protein and caffeine for the day. That way I don’t fill up on other liquid or less protein dense foods. I consider it the same importance as taking any other vitamin or medication. I even drag them on vacation or ship them where I’m going to be. Protein is really important. Do your body a favor and nourish it. It’s important.

Good to know! Thank you for your post! According to that calculation, I need 42g of protein a day. I have a 30g protein shake every morning and I try to eat high protein meals, so I’m definitely meeting/exceeding my protein goals. I still try to get about 60g of protein a day, but I don’t track it like I did at first. We don’t produce or store the protein and I have a huge fear of hair loss, so I’ll ALWAYS meet the protein requirements.

Absolutely! I went from a 8 wide (or larger) back to a size 7.5 regular. Just started donating my old shoes which I walk out of now.

Eating a cookie may not sound like a NSV, but two days I ate one Girl Scout thin mint cookie. Not one box. Not one row. Just one cookie! It was my first one post surgery 1.5 years ago. Trying to make sure it’s not a slippery slope, but leaving the rest in the fridge for my family. I savored every bite of the ONE I had.

I agree with you that it is a personal decision between the patient and physician. That said, I was 226 pounds at my highest and had gastric bypass (covered by insurance). It reduced my Gerd and has been fabulous for me. Duodenal switch I’ve seen recommended for morbidly obese. Sleeve or bypass can be for either. I’ve heard of cases of larger individuals getting the sleeve because they were high risk and it was less time on the operating table. Also, I had no complications after bypass. One night in the hospital, and then at the playground with my son the following day. I’m 1.5 years out, lost all my excess weight and have been maintaining my goal weight .I couldn’t be happier with my choice for bypass or my results.

Btw, thank goodness for Costco for my regular daily supply!

Great idea. I’ll have to see if they ship to Thailand. If not, I may try to pack enough in my checked bag, but worried it’ll weigh a ton.

Ditto… Premier Protein Cafe Latte every morning! Even took them on my cruise. Not sure what I’ll do for my trip to Asia next year.

I could have had the surgery for free by a good doctor (military hospital) but in the end I decided I only have one life and I’d rather pay for the best. I’m a mom like you, and that’s all I could think about, I’d rather save money on other things. Also, don’t be afraid to explain your situation and negotiate. The surgeon may be willing to give you a discount, especially if they don’t have to deal with reimbursement from insurance.

Yes! I have a phobia of needles and when I found out I had a panic attack and almost backed out of the surgery!!! I think it was supposed to be for something like 28 days, but my doctor allowed it to be for about a week and then switch to pills. It wasn’t his preferred course of action, but the only thing that would work for me, after he consulted with my psychiatrist, my psychiatrist explained I’m fine but deathly afraid of needles. I also needed Klonopin before the IV for my surgery. In the end it all worked out. I went from 226 pounds to 121 pounds and feel wonderful a year and a half later. Don’t let the post surgery injections keep you from the surgery. See if a friend or neighbor can give it to you, or even a home health nurse. My husband gave me mine. I can’t even see needles. Good luck! You’ll make it through!

Although it’s more expensive, I would go with bypass. Mine was covered by insurance, but I was originally thinking sleeve, but ended up choosing bypass. Bypass is the gold standard, The only reason I’d recommend sleeve over bypass is if you’re not willing to commit to daily vitamins for the rest of your life. Bypass causes malabsorption and vitamins are a must. I’m fine with taking a daily vitamin and a calcium chew each day. For me, it’s worth it.

Small Medicine cups (bulk from Amazon) to measure out 2 ounces of liquid post surgery. Also a cheap digital food scale to weigh food once I got to solids. I also bought bariatric food containers (like Tupperware measured for protein, veggies, etc,), but NEVER ended up using them. I have a mini fridge I used, and still do, to keep my protein shakes upstairs so I don’t have to run down. Nice, but not necessary, Pre-surgery I had a snow cone/shaved ice machine and 0 calorie sugar free syrup. I thought I was going to die from so much drinking and not chewing. The 0 calorie snow cones were a g-dsend and saved my sanity. I called the dietitian freaking out about a day in when I was starving pre-op (only clear liquids). She told me to chew on ice cubes and after I told her off I asked about snow cones and was back in love with her when she said yes.

I would buy as little as possible pre-surgery. Like others have said, recommend clearance or thrift store. I am 1.5 years post surgery. I bought clothes at every size. I found a store that sells Department store (Macys) close outs and sells them for $10. I was there constantly buying things as I lost weight. Became really friendly with the store clerk! My weight has been constant for months now, but I have so much fun trying and buying clothes, I still get things, but only if I love them and they’re a good price. I went from a size 18 to now holding steady for over eight months as a size four. I’m hoping to have plastic surgery to remove my extra skin by the end of the year, so I treated myself to two pairs of post-surgery pants I hope to fit in later. I also bought a dress my husband thinks I’m too old for, just because I can! Save your money now and enjoy the journey!

I can relate. I love buying beautiful high heels now instead of wide sneakers. Shoe shopping and clothes shopping are fun.

I love bouncing and skipping down the stairs rather than the one step, break, one step, break.

We were out to dinner last night and my 8 year old told the waitress he orders adult meals and mom orders kids meals. The waitress said, “That’s because your mom is tiny.” Wow… it’s been about 100 years since I heard the adjective “tiny” to describe me!!!

You look great! Congrats!

You may want to try different flavors and brands of shakes. I was never a shake fan, but I have grown to really enjoy the Premier protein cafe latte flavor shakes (like a frappe). I’m over a year out from surgery and have it every morning to get my 30g protein at breakfast. Without it, early on it was impossible to meet my protein goals without it. ProCare also sells liquid protein in fruit flavors, but I haven’t tried it. Good luck.

Congratulations! I refused to take the tag off of the pants I wore the other day. My husband asked if I was really going to wear it out with the tag still on and I said absolutely!!! They ran huge… 1-2 sizes bigger than everything else I own, but I was still thrilled. I even made him take photos of me pointing to the tag (haha).

226 down to 120 at one year