Hi There!

[Stacy Pendergest-Sandlin 7]

Hi! My name is Stacy and I began the journey to my new life officially 5 weeks ago, Oct. 2, 2012. I am a mother, wife, and teacher. I have 3 kiddos ages 11, 9, and 7 and a very supportive husband of 12 years. I have been teaching for 13 years and would do nothing else with my life. I LOVE what I do!!

I have been considering surgery for a few years now...it was the years of dieting that never really worked, and the energy of my kids that I couldn't keep up with as well as the want to feel beautiful and sexy for my husband again that had me considering it. It was that insurance paid $0 of this surgery that really deterred me. After working really hard for a solid year to get all of my finances in order, I decided to go for it as a self pay patient. I made sure that the surgeon that I chose offered a self pay insurance to protect me against any complications post surgery and then applied for the loan. It was a HUGE decision due to the large cost but then I put it into perspective: I buy a new car for this price and it's just a car....I'm worth more than a car!!!

When I first began seeing my doctor I was at 272 lbs. and am currently at 238 lbs. Which is GREAT and I should be THRILLED. I can't help to be disappointed though because on the morning of surgery I was 252 lbs. which means that I have only lost 14 lbs. since surgery...and honestly, that was the first 2 weeks. I've turned to VST because I just need someone to tell me that this is ok..besides my doctor. Our hospital DOES offer support group meetings monthly and they are great BUT...it's much easier to ask something on here than when everyone is staring at your face It just makes me uncomfortable.

SO, I hope that this site offers me what I need in order to be successful at this...I really hate to fail at things so I really am working hard, following all the rules, and trying my hardest...I hope that it all falls into place!

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

Hi! My name is Stacy and I began the journey to my new life officially 5 weeks ago' date=' Oct. 2, 2012. I am a mother, wife, and teacher. I have 3 kiddos ages 11, 9, and 7 and a very supportive husband of 12 years. I have been teaching for 13 years and would do nothing else with my life. I LOVE what I do!!

I have been considering surgery for a few years now...it was the years of dieting that never really worked, and the energy of my kids that I couldn't keep up with as well as the want to feel beautiful and sexy for my husband again that had me considering it. It was that insurance paid 0 of this surgery that really deterred me. After working really hard for a solid year to get all of my finances in order, I decided to go for it as a self pay patient. I made sure that the surgeon that I chose offered a self pay insurance to protect me against any complications post surgery and then applied for the loan. It was a HUGE decision due to the large cost but then I put it into perspective: I buy a new car for this price and it's just a car....I'm worth more than a car!!!

When I first began seeing my doctor I was at 272 lbs. and am currently at 238 lbs. Which is GREAT and I should be THRILLED. I can't help to be disappointed though because on the morning of surgery I was 252 lbs. which means that I have only lost 14 lbs. since surgery...and honestly, that was the first 2 weeks. I've turned to VST because I just need someone to tell me that this is ok..besides my doctor. Our hospital DOES offer support group meetings monthly and they are great BUT...it's much easier to ask something on here than when everyone is staring at your face It just makes me uncomfortable.

SO, I hope that this site offers me what I need in order to be successful at this...I really hate to fail at things so I really am working hard, following all the rules, and trying my hardest...I hope that it all falls into place![/quote']

Hi, and Welcome to the group! My personal opinion is that you made a great choice being sleeved, I love my sleeve!!! I had mine done June 12

Everyone loses at different rates, so you must not compare yourself to others. I know that's easy to say, because I feel the same way when others are telling me that when I'm complaining about a stall.

I would also suggest that you join My Fitness Pal. Its a calorie counter website, that's free. It's also available as an app on smartphones. I don't know what you're eating, or how much, but usually if you hit a stall early out its because you are not eating enough and you might need to up your calories. So, it helps to keep track of your intake. If you decide to join my username is Wolfgirl78, add me for support.

I would also recommend to keep going to your support group meetings. I really like talking to my group about my issues, I started going pre-op. Once I got over my initial anxiety of being around people I don't know, I've made some good friends. And also my surgeon attends those meetings and it's nice to be able to talk to him without making an appointment with his office.

Good luck! And the weight will start falling off!

[jillb 45]

HI, I had surgery on Oct 17th I have only lost 9 lbs so far since surgery. I have been disappointed and upset as well. Then I start thinking... ok, so it is going slow right now but at lease it is going. I'm thinking maybe it will be better on my skin if it goes slow. I am doing everything by the book as well. I guess it is just the difference in our bodies. If I continue to lose, even slowly, then I will be happy.

Sorry you are down right now but please look at the bright side. You are losing! We will succeed!

[xavtay2 85]

Congratulations Stacey! You will be just fine you are experiencing the dreaded 3 and 4 week stall. It is completely normal and the same thing happened to me. I am almost 2 months out and only wish I had this surgery years ago!!! It is a hard journey that will be will worth it... Keep going stay motivated and accept that their will be stalls along the way. Wishing you the best

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

HUGE decision due to the large cost but then I put it into perspective: I buy a new car for this price and it's just a car....I'm worth more than a car!!!

much easier to ask something on here than when everyone is staring at your face

really hate to fail at things so I really am working hard, following all the rules, and trying my hardest.

Stacy

Welcome to VST

There is "safety in distance" ask any question

You are worth more than cost of any car - and you don't depreciate - you are worth more as time goes on

You "only" lost 14 lbs. - NO NO NO - not allowed to say the "O" word - if you say that word, you will receive 1000 whips with a wet noodle

Loosing any weight, we Celebrate - you are not gaining that weight, which is a good thing

NEWBIES frequently doubt their weight loss is sufficient./enough - Any weight loss you accomplish is great -

as Wolfgirl said - "never compare yourself to others" - how fast you loose, the amount you loose - things do happen differently for everyone - don't worry, you'll continue to be great

Enjoy your long forever journey through Sleeveland into health, happiness and a great life

keep up the good work

[Stacy Pendergest-Sandlin 7]

Thanks! You made me smile