Texarkolina

I have been going to a WLS surgery support group and every meeting someone says something along the lines of, "well it is not like I am trying to be a size 6 or anything, I just want to be healthier." So am I alone in that I DO wanna be a size 6--or 4--or 2? I want to be the one that is expected to sit in the middle of the backseat because I am so small. I want to wear tiny little jeans and have the option of dressing trashy and still looking hot. I have been big my whole life and I want to be the little one. Don't get me wrong, any move towards health and any weight loss is a good thing. I know better than to measure success vs. failure by getting into a size that seems almost unreal to me now. However, is it OK if I WANT it? Like really,really want it? I know me well enough to know that I will celebrate every pound lost and every step I make towards a healthier me. However, if the truth were told, at the top of the list of reasons that I am willing to allow someone to cut one of my internal organs into pieces and yank part of it out of my body through a slit in my stomach, go through the risks of surgery, and have my eating habits forever changed is because I am SICK OF BEING FAT and I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to slip into a pair of jeans whose size is one single, solitary number. In this group everyone is like, "oh, I just want to reach a healthier me, looking better is just a little extra." Can I call BS on that? I mean like big heaping, steaming bull $#!%.... I know this post may make me seem shallow, but I have never seen anyone jump up and down over seeing their cholesterol go down 10 points. However, be in the vicinity when a former fatty slips on a size small top and size 6 jeans for the first time and you will see some celebrating going on. They will be taking pictures and calling their friends to share the news. You might see a little dance or hear an "oh HELL YEAH". Ever see anyone act like that over that hospital lab report? I am not trying to minimize the awesome health benefits of losing what is basically another person made up of fat that I am carrying around. I know my friend of fat will eventually kill me if I don't leave her behind. I am looking forward to improved health, mobility, and energy levels--sure...but do I really have to pretend that I wouldn't have the surgery if I knew that my overall health wouldn't really improve and all I had to look forward to is being smaller?

I found some jeans that really fit my body well and bought a size 18 last month. (Maruices jeans--they have a ton of different cuts so you can find your right fit--the jeans are awesome--like life-changing--you should try them!) They went on sale, so I got a 16 and a 14 so I would have them when the time came. I put the size 16 on to see how much more I had to go to get there, and they fit. I was shocked. I have only been down to this size once in my adult life--and it was for a brief period of time. I then went to work and was summoned to a meeting. I was bored, and my mind wandered. The guy beside me dropped his pen..i went to pick it up and realized--my chair was wider than my hips. Yes, ladies and gentlemen---I had more chair than a$$ for the first time ever. I started this job right before my surgery, and that same chair used to dig into my legs and hips so much it caused bruises. Later, I went to dinner with a friend and our kids. I took my toddler to the restroom and passed a guy sitting alone in the restaurant. When I headed back to the table, he winked at me. He was a nice-looking man, and he was flirting with me. I sat down and began the process of convincing myself I was mistaken. A nice-looking man would not flirt with a woman who is my size--he was just being polite ....etc.... A couple of minutes later he finished his meal and came over to the table...introduced himself to me--and gave me his number. Now I was sitting with my best friend--who is beautiful and a solid size 8 at her heaviest weight ever. He was polite, but pretty much ignored her and focused totally on me. It felt amazing. I still have a lot of weight to lose, but for the first time in a really long time, I feel like a normal person. A size 16 is still a plus size--I know--but I am an hourglass, so I can carry more weight than a lot of women. I feel good about myself and the way I look. I am so glad I had this surgery done. What feels even better is knowing that this weight loss is permanent because I have what I need to maintain it.

My date was July 30, and I am down 77 pounds.....a little over half way there. I have no regrets. I have gone from a 24 to a 16 and have so much energy. Yesterday, I was doing the chicken dance with my toddler. I would have never had the energy to do that before. Having this done has made me a better mom and a happier person. I have lost twice what my daughter weighs. Next goal....onederland.

You are really early out. It takes time to get the hang of it. The weight loss for me has been sporadic, which can be very frustrating. Do a search for 3-week stall on this site and you will find tons of people that are experiencing what you are. We all lose weight differently and at a different speed. I am a little bit of a slow loser, but I am losing and you will too. Back up to the basics and follow your nutritionist's plan. You will see results.

My doctor actually recommended using sugar free drinks and tea over water. For some reason after surgery water is a little tougher to get down than the other stuff.

I had complications--several--from my heart stopping on the table requiring them to stop the surgery and go back a week later to my drain causing me severe enough pain to have to be readmitted. I did regret the surgery in the middle of all of this. HOWEVER--I am now nearly 6 months out, down 69 pounds, and feel great. The sleeve is something I can live a normal life with that will help me control my weight. I am really glad I did this--despite the complications. Taking into account the full experience and the results--I have no regrets. Well, except maybe not doing this sooner. It is ok to be nervous. If you are not, then you have not researched enough to realize that this is a major surgery. Good luck whatever you decide.

I am 5 1/2 months out. I am down 69 pounds. I can eat anything except--believe it or not--salads. I can eat more than what I think I should be able to at this point--probably an entire cup. I have no problems getting all my fluids in now. I have slowed way down on my weight loss. I am now at about a pound a week. I don't exercise like I should, so I am gearing that up.

I am 4 months out and have been losing hair for about a month now. This article explained it well and really helped me accept what was happening--and assured me that it will stop. http://www.slhn.org/...ss.designed.pdf

I am nearly 4 months out and I am sick--like really sick--with I guess a stomach bug?? I am not sure that is what it is, however. I have had 20 + watery clay-colored BM's today. I have taken Imodium and pepto--no better. If I drink a sip of Water I have to go again in less than 2 minutes. I am nauseous, weak and shaky. So, is this something I call the surgeon about or go see my regular PCP? I realize it could be a stomach bug or gallbladder issues. Anyone else have this?

I felt like I was admitting defeat, too....until after the surgery. Now I feel like I have taken control over my body--and food has so little power over me now. I faced the enemy and I am winning!

If you have struggled with weight for a significant part of you life--I would do it. If this is a year or two of not having lost weight after pregnancy, consider other options first. If you have already done the "other options" then I would go for it. This surgery is for people who cannot lose weight and keep if off any other way who are obese enough to have a lesser quality of life due to their weight. You don't have to be a really high BMI for that to fit. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I can't quote percentages, but I would say a pretty high percentage do cheat. It gets easier about day 3 if you can hold on that long. Best of Luck!

I am 4 months out from surgery and have either a stomach bug or gallbladder issues. I went to see my PCP. She told me that "the sleeve doesn't get out of wack as often as the band, but it still may need to be adjusted. I think that is what is causing your problem. You can wait to see if it fixes itself or go to the ER." I tried to explain to her....no luck. I never considered that my PCP would have such limited understanding about a surgery that is fairly common. I guess it is time to shop around for a new doctor.

A flood of emotions is normal as you approach your date. Go with it and let yourself feel what you feel. I just got through my first major "food focused" holiday after surgery and I am so happy I did this. I was afraid I would miss food, but I enjoy eating so much more now. Just remember a few things-- liquid diet sucks and you need to be nice to yourself during that time Every day after surgery gets easier and easier We are all here to support you!

Get back on the horse and quit beating yourself up. It should be fine. I cheated way worse than that and there was no problem. And may I also say well done for getting through a holiday on a liquid diet. Best wishes to you!

I don't like shakes--no matter what flavor/brand--I don't like them. My surgeon says that at 3 months out I should be able to get all my Protein from food........ I have found a couple of foods that are staples for me now that really help get protein in.. Deviled Eggs--These are my "go to" for snacking-- 6 grams of protein each. Special K Protein plus--With sliced strawberries and splenda--10 Grams of protein for every 3/4 cup serving. This really helps me get my protein in. What foods are you eating to get your protein in?

Just so this isn't too one sided--I had surgery 3 months ago, had multiple complications and quite a bit of pain. My heart stopped on the table the first time I went under so the surgery was rescheduled for a week later. It was really rough the first couple of weeks. BUT..... I would do it again. Please don't go into this thinking there isn't any risk because there is. Make plans for the "what if's" just in case. However, realize that if you are doing this because you are morbidly obese that, statistically speaking, you will be adding years to your life. It is worth some pain and a little bit of scary. Good luck!

Yeah--did the food funerals a little myself. Like there were a few baconators involved. Before surgery, I though I was saying "good bye" to my old friend food and giving up my ability to enjoy eating. Now, at 3 months out, I realize that is not how I feel at all. I finally feel free from my huge appetite that has been controlling me my whole life. It is like I have a secret super power--I can be satisfied with a tiny amount of food. Plus...I enjoy eating now every bit as much, if not more, than I did before. It is like I can eat slowly and savor my food rather than gulping it down as my appetite pushed me to do before the surgery. What you are going through is normal--don't be too hard on yourself. Good luck on your sleeve!

Probably the best thing you can do for yourself right now--and for your family too if you are as short-tempered as I was. Good luck on your sleeve!

You probably just didn't have as much swelling. I have not heard of anyone who didn't have restriction once they started on solids. Congrats on your sleeve!

I copied this from a post I wrote about 4 days into the liquid diet. I hope it is helpful. I can say that a liquid diet after the sleeve is so much easier than the pre-op diet. This is the hard part--help (your sleeve) is on the way if you can tough it out a little bit longer. I am pretty sure we would all agree that....... LIQUID DIET SUCKS! Not just sucks a little bit but really really really sucks. So if you are all whiny and angry and down and thinking about driving up to a window for a heart attack in a sack....don't think there is anything wrong with you. If there is anyone out there who can say that the liquid diet was a breeze then they most likely wouldn't need surgery. The good news....it starts getting easier about day 3. Somewhere along day 3 you go into ketosis if you are on a high protein/low carb diet. This acts as a natural appetite suppressant. If I had to do 14 days of day 1 or 2 I would never make it. I am on day 4 and it was doable today. Not fun, not pleasant, but doable. To be honest, however, I have been an over-sensitive,emotional wreck for the past 3 days. If you are reading this on the first few days of your pre-op diet you are probably overly sensitive, tired, shaky, have a headache, and are absolutely starving. The entire world is probably ticking you off and you could come through the computer and slap someone that says "if you can't do the pre-op how are you going to do the post-op?" I caved and had a boiled chicken breast and asparagus on the first night, then a boiled chicken tender on day 2 and 3. Today I did ok. If you do cheat, make it a smart one. Don't cheat with carbs or you will kill the ketosis benefit. Good luck. My Nut. swears it is easier after the sleeve. Oh yeah--I am down 10 pounds in 4 days.

Not everyone has staples. My doctor used glue and steri-strips. You should ask so you know what to expect.

I was sleeved July 30. I lost 12 pounds on the pre-op diet and have lost 41 since then for a grand total of 53 pounds. I was 300 when I started, so I am 247 now (I am 5'5"). I have no idea if that is good, or if I am losing too slowly. I have just started working out like I should. <<<<insert random excuse here>>> I hope to speed this up a little bit. My surgeon's office is great before the surgery, but very unhelpful at this stage of the game. All I get is "do the best you can" and "everyone loses differently." I know that is true, but this seems a little on the slow side considering..... Did any of you get an idea from your surgeon on how much you would lose on a weekly basis? Also, I know that muscle burns more than fat, and I am pretty sure that is part of my problem. Has anyone tried weight training to build muscle--how did that impact your weight loss?

The drain helps pull Fluid off from the incision site on your stomach-but more importantly it can also signal a leak if you start having a lot coming out of the drain. Leaking a little around the drain site is normal. Mine did the whole time. It seems to leak more after a shower and after I moved around a lot. The drain is not pleasant but hang in there--it will be out soon. Congrats on your surgery!

I had that--replied with, "I am not focused on what the scale says, but I feel great. Thanks for asking." People seemed to get the message and quit asking.