ShannonK

I am scheduled for surgery June 5th. Tuesday I had a tickle in my throat and felt tired - no fever. Went to bed early, lots of liquids. Yesterday = had a nonproductive annoying cough, no fever, tried going to bed early and couldn't sleep. Woke up this morning coughing less and a little sore from the coughing yesterday. I have my registration at the hospital today and meet with my surgeon fro my pre-op. I am hoping and praying that he feels I will be well enough for surgery on Tueday. It's Dr. McDaniel in Victoria and he only does surgery on Monday and Tuesdays.....My best friend is off work to be here, my husband is in from off shore to be here - there are so many people that have scheduled their lives around me..... I KNOW that I shouldn't do it if I am sick....but I REALLY don't want to go another week!!! I wonder if he can give me anything for it to make it pass faster?? Feeling frustrated.....

I did it! Just got back from my one year post op appointment! Here are the facts: Day of surgery 299 pounds and a 44 BMI Today 172 pounds and a 28 BMI. Was a tight size 24, now I wear a comfortable size 10! I am 5'9'' Best thing I have ever done for myself. I do watch what I eat, but I have no regimented exercise. I have bad knees, but stay busy with my 3 daughters...getting ready to go horseback riding in a few hours - If you are unsure, I am telling you - it is fantastic! I LOVE to go shopping now. I have never been sick - not once. No puking for me...but I am a wussy and never "pushed" it,....when I am full, I stop eating. I do have some loose skin on my upper underside of my arms, my lower belly and inner thighs...but only hubby really sees that, and he doesn't mind:) I have been pregnant 3 times, and I do not know why I was worried about how my stomach would look...it's not like 3 fat rolls were that much more attractive! I look cute in my tankini There is nothing I CAN'T eat, but a lot of stuff I shouldn't - so I try to still stay away from most carby things....unless it's an occasional treat. I like to stay around 40g of carbs a day.... If the kids want ice cream at Marble Slab - I don't order any for myself, but I take a bite or two of theirs and feel satisfied:) My hair is getting nice and thick again - thankk GOD! My levels all looked good - but I do need to start ub the sublingual B12 again....I am terrible about taking a pill!! My doctor would like to see me go down to 160 because I like the weight I am at now....he says I will regain some of my muscle mass that I have inevitably lost, and if the lower 170's is were I want to be for maintenance, getting to 160 will assure that! As always, feel free to contact me if you have specific questions. I don't get on here much anymore - but my personal email is ssmonte72@yahoo.com I WILL respond to you! God Bless! Shannon

Weight Day of Surgery 299 BMI 44 size 24 Today 172 BMI 28 Size 10 NSV: Riding horses!!

Today I weigh 180! My new goal is 170! This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself! Check out my gallery to see some before, after and during pics - the change is amazing! My husband is taking me shopping this weekend - for size 10's!!!! Check out my signature below to see my progression - some months were slower than others....but there was always a loss.... If I never lose another pound - I am perfectly happy with where I am at now. My hair is getting thicker again, my skin isn't too bad....I mean, I have had 3 kids - those are my tiger stripes - right?? If you are hesitant - don't be - Go for it! I didn't think it would work for me - I didn't think it COULD work for me..... It is amazing - Best thing EVER!!!!

Me. I was at 41...no other problems....Depends on your insurance though!

Howdy Everyone! Today marks 9 months since I had surgery! I find it symbolic that that is the length of time I was pregnant - creating my daughters.... ANd that is how long it has taken to create the new me. Was a size 24....now a size 10. 292 day od surgery....188 this morning..... I can honestly say I am perfectly happy at where I am now. I would love to MAINTAIN where I am now....so IF I lost anymore, bonus! If not - that is fine! This surgery works! It may be a little slower for some than others....but it WORKS! I am the happiest I have ever been!

Hello Support Group!!! While I have been a ROCKSTAR with this Sleeve stuff....My poor Mom is having a hard time! I am almost 9 months out, never been sick, easy recovery, etc..... She had the surgery last Thursday - and is STILL IN THE HOSPITAL! She had a hernia repair on her esophagus as well, and is just not able to keep anything down....can't come home until she can keep liquids down. ANyone else have hernia repair at same time as the sleeve? Longer recovery time? More pain? What's up?? Anyway....just waiting for her to get better

SHe is home!!! Thank you for the prayers and kind words!!!!!!

194 this morning! Highest weight was 307, day of surgery was 192! I went from size tight 24's to 11/12 jeans and M/L tops! I am loving life! I eat normal, have never thrown up or felt bad! I did lose some hair - but the new growth I have now is amazing - and honestly, the thinning of the hair would never have stopped me from having this life changing surgery! I love crossing my legs, having men rush ahead to open doors, my husband wrapping one arm all the way around me, shopping any where I want, fitting in chairs - all chairs - easily and not worrying if they can hold me! I love that food does not control me - I make my choices! I love that I can have a cupcake at a birthday party, and not feel like I have derailed all my efforts (or get sick!). I love how full I feel after a healthy meal of Protein and some veggies. I love that I DON'T want to eat 3 cups of pasta! If you are on the fence about this surgery - I say go for it! Like so many others - my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! If you have any questions - this forum is amazing - but I also know it's nice to talk to a person! I have met several freinds on here - please feel free to email me! ssmonte72@yahoo.com Best of luck to you!

I do not have an exercise routine....horrible, I know! I AM busy with three kids, going to various sporting events, and I am a teacher - so on my feet a lot. But I REALLY need to get into a routine - even if it's just walking a few times a week!

Great job!!! I have 27 pounds also left....but doesn't it feel good????

AND DON'T IT FEEL GOOD! *Key in Kayce and the SUnshine band!!

I DID IT!!!! Yesterday I got on the scale.....drumroll please..... 199.00 Can I get a whoop whoop!!!! Hell yeah!!!! I am in ONEDERLAND BABY!!!! I will NEVER have a 2 or God forbid a 3 as my first number in my weight....ever again!!!! I am 19 pounds from my original goal and 29 pounds from my new, adjust goal. I am NO LONGER CLASSIFIED AS OBESE!!! I started as MORBIDLY OBESE! Now I am classified overweight...but at almost 5'10'' and wearing 11/12 jeans - I LOOK GOOD! at 179 I will be in a normal weight range for my height....at 170 I will be amazing! I can't believe - THANK YOU to all those on here that have been my sounding board, my mentors, my family! Good luck to those waiting in the wings...you will love it! Best thing EVER!!!!

I took nothing......

Uh - I lost a LOT of hair! I dreaded taking showers because of the massive amount of hair that would come out! I had to clean my brush every time I brushed my hair!!! I was fortunate in that I had a LOT of hair to start with. I went and had some long layers cut in, and at the 6 month mark...I have all sorts of baby hair growing in! Lots of little baby hairs sticking straight out of my skull! I just suffered through it knowing it would turn around - and it did!

Just some Sunday morning humor....me with bad hair and no make up, but I figure y'all are like a second family.... Here is someone I have not seen in many years.....my collar bone... I love it.... I am happy to see her again..... I have missed her! Try not to laugh at the pic to much...but just the fact that I don't need to hoist my computer up overhead to take an angled down pic to hide my double chins is another non scale victory for me! I find something each and every day to be proud of myself for...... the way I fit in a chair, the fact my wedding ring is sitting in my jewelry box waiting to be resized beacuse it's falling off, crossing my legs so easily and lady like, clothes shopping, roomy large shirts (thinking about a medium here folks.....seriously!) and just my quality of life! I LOVE this life - and while I considered myself to be fairly happy at my biggest, it was nothing like I feel now. Quit lurking and go do it! Yes - it was scary the day of surgery! Who wouldn't be scared!! But it is so worth it!!! I want to shout it off a mountain top!!! Go for it! It is amazing!!!! Pics are about 4 months apart......

Today is 7 months since I had my VSG! I weigh 201 (dang it - wanted ONEderland!!) and am wearing 12/14 bottoms and large tops. I feel great and think I look pretty good! I eat well, but still haven't started my exercise routine....I will, I will! My skin has tightened up nicely and my hair has quit falling out and there is lots of new regrowth. I was never BALD - but it DID thin! Never been in pain, never thrwon up, never felt bad. All my blood work is great and I can't wait to see where I am at 1 year! My doc thinks 170......wow...I was like 15 last time I weighed that! I am smaller than when I graduated high school! Anywone still on the fence, send me a message! More than happy to share my experience! ssmonte72@yahoo.com Best thing I have ever done for myself! Pre-diet weight 307 Day of surgery 292 Today 201 YEEHAWW!!!!!

oops - pics didn't post - here they are!

I was 292 day of surgery, 208 at 6 month check up( few days past actual 6 month date). So 84 pounds in 6 months! My original goal was 180, doc feels I could actually be 170 by 1 year mark! Wow! So this morning I was 200 even! Onederland is right around the corner!! 307 was highest pre surgery diet weight- so I'm already 100 pounds down! I lose 7-10 pounds a month now, and I am fine with that! My skin is tightening up, my hair is growing back, life is great!!!!!

My doc had me on two weeks liquids, two weeks soft foods(can cut with a fork) then whatever I tolerated! Protein first, then veggies. 3 oz of protein at a meal is a lot! I used a food scale the first month so now I can eyeball 3 oz pretty good. Sea food has been my friend as crab, fish and shrimp sit the mist comfortable in my tummy. I can eat whatever I want.... And queso and chips go down wAy too easy! Have to watch that! Going out to eat with hubby, I usually just add a side of shrimp to his order and pick off his plate- or order a protein app- I peel most breading off and have never felt deprived. Truly life changing! I still live food, and cook like a fiend! Making chicken, bacon, cheese meatballs for the game today!!

All of the above!!

I had my 6 month check up yesterday with Dr. Bad ASS McDaniel in Victoria,TX.... I am 100 down from my heaviest, and 85 down from day of surgery. I have gone from a tight size 24 to a comfy size 14 and large top. All my blood work looked great - tryglicerides went from upper 200's to an 80!! Blood pressure is awesome - and he says I am a rockstar! He feels I should be able to get down into the 170's by my one year appt - Hard to believe..... Loving life - Check out my pics