An "old-timer" checks in

[breezy 8]

It's been 1yr 8 mos since I was sleeved and I thought it was time I let everyone know how my life has changed since having the sleeve done.

I'm at a comfortable weight, I fluctuate between 146 & 148 pounds. I wear a size 8 to 10 (from a 3X). I have loose skin everywhere, but it has tightened up somewhat.

The major things that have changed for me..

1) Self-confidence. My weight is not the 1st thing people see when they look at me now. I am no longer embarrassed by how I look.

2) Strength. I have always been a little bit of a tomboy and I have been doing a lot of physical work and playing that I was NOT able to do in the years before the surgery. My arms are truly buff! I love to make a muscle! I feel like I'm in my 40's again!

3) sleep Apnea. Gone. No more machine. I sleep like a baby!

4) Clothes shopping. I can go in any store and find something in my size. Small thing but SO NICE!!! Now it is a treat to get new clothes! I can where my younger sisters clothes now. She was always the skinny one. Now she's worried I'll have a smaller butt than hers!!!

5) Sex. Positions I was not able to do before. Need I say more?

6) Knee pain. Much better now. Probably 90% improvement. I can run down stairs now.

Downside?

1) I still have to take my antacid every day. But that may be exacerbated because I drink too much coffee.< /p>

2) I miss the way I used to be able to drink Water. I could down 8 ounces in a few gulps. I still can't try to make food or water go down quickly.

3) I still can't drink much carbonated stuff. I miss Pepsi a little, but I can still sip at it.

4) I can't think of any more downside things. That says a lot.

You haven't heard much from me because I'm just busy living my life! All of the post-surgery discomforts and liquid diets are behind me. I still have NSV's all of the time. I am absolutely delighted with my life since the sleeve.

The picture is from the summer. My hubby and I spent a lot of time working outside and on hot days, I would just wear a sports bra. Lookin' good!

[scgal 6]

Thank you for sharing your story! All of the things that have changed for the better is inspirational. I will have my sleeve done next month and can hardly wait to be where you are! Congratulations!

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

You've done great!! Thanks for checking in!

[Rebel 9]

what an inspiration. I am only 2 months out but already seeing NSV's.

[mnbsleeve 87]

Thanks for your post Breezy! So great to read about all the wonderful things you are enjoying. You look fantastic and your confidence and joy really comes through. And yes!!! Your arms are totally buff!!!!!! Way to go!!! What do you do to get them so strong?!

[KristeyK 3]

That is so awesome! You've done great! Now make me doubly jealous...were y'all installing a pond? (I ask because it looks like a pond liner there and I DEARLY want to put one in on my little acre lot. LOL)

[coops 1,790]

Congrats on a job well done .... I agree your arms are to die for!!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

Awwww hi breezy ...thanks for checking in! I'm so glad to hear you are doing well and looking fab Thank you for being there for me when I first came on to the board and after my surgery. I can't thank you enough for the support you gave me hugs!

[breezy 8]

mnbsleeve: I'm glad the way I'm feeling came through. I want to inspire those who are on this journey because it has been so great for me. I got the arms through working outside. Shovel, pick axe, rake, lawn mower, lifting, pushing, carrying. I have lots of exercise equipment inside, but it's hard for me to use them. I get bored easily with them. But working outside, now that's for me!'' KristeyK: I can't believe you recognized the pond liner! I didn't even mention that because I thought no one would be interested. Hubby and I have built a 22' x 35' pond. 24" deep with a 7' wide area that is 36" deep. Here is a picture.

[breezy 8]

sleeve 4 me: I'm glad I was able to help. That's kind of why I decided to take the time to check in with everyone. I remember when I first had my operation and how this forum helped me understand what was happening to me. Tiffykins was my inspiration then. Hugs back. I want to share one more picture because I think you can really see how much weight I've lost in my face. I look younger and act younger!

[breezy 8]

sleeve 4 me: I'm glad I was able to help. That's kind of why I decided to take the time to check in with everyone. I remember when I first had my operation and how this forum helped me understand what was happening to me. Tiffykins was my inspiration then. Hugs back. I want to share one more picture because I think you can really see how much weight I've lost in my face. I look younger and act younger!

[feedyoureye 3,087]

You look so happy and healthy! Thanks for stopping by!

[wishes 125]

You look fabulous! Thank you for being such an inspiration and coming back to the forum!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

sleeve 4 me: I'm glad I was able to help. That's kind of why I decided to take the time to check in with everyone. I remember when I first had my operation and how this forum helped me understand what was happening to me. Tiffykins was my inspiration then. Hugs back. I want to share one more picture because I think you can really see how much weight I've lost in my face. I look younger and act younger!

You look fabulous!!!! OMGOSH and your pond is so beautiful!!!!!!!

[GetInMyBelly 80]

Awesome!!! Congrats!!! :0)