Happy Surgiversary Marchers : poll

Starting weight: 288lbs, surgery weight: not sure, current weight: 179lbs, goal weight: 165lbs, starting sizes: 24,44, current sizes: 12-14, loss in inches: waist was 56" now 34", hips was 57" now 43 1/2" so lot's and lot's Your biggest WOW moment?I was at the gym and I walked around the corner. Looked in a mirror the say Hi to myself thinking it was someone else coming around the corned.weird feeling! Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? Feel better about myself. I'm getting better. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? The best thing is crossing my legs. Reward when you reach your goal weight? I already gave it to myself-I had this black dress, size 24. It made me feel sexy, the only thing that made me feel sexy. I had a seamstress fix it to fit me now for a wedding in Apr. I love it! Do you have any regrets since your surgery? Heck No, not one. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Everything was easy... until now. 1 year out and it's tough. Any complications you've had? I had to get my passage stretched. Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? I get dehydrated in the morning and get dizzy spells. Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? I have more bad habits now then before the surgery, thats the tough part but I'm working on that. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? I wished I would have been more reg. at my exercising. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? I have noticed 1 person that I know that now I'm her new best friend, everyone else gives me more complements but they treat me the same.( I have lots of great friends) Favorite post op recipe (please share with us) Protein shakes! If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? I'm having trouble with my journal,but I think it would have to be: #1 is EXERCISE #2 Water #3 Protein shakes.

Starting weight= 343 surgery weight= 318 current weight= 185 goal weight= 189 starting sizes= Waist 46 Shirt Size 4XL Tall current sizes=Waist 34 Shirt Size XL loss in inches?= Did not do inches. Your biggest WOW moment? When I held the door of my office building for manager that I worked for almost 5 years. She had not seen me since before the surgery. She had no idea who I was until I spoke. Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? To complete a marathon. I am running a 1/2 marathon in May and am scheduled for a full in October. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Run. Put my shoes on without being out of breath. Get into the drivers seat of my wifes car. Take my wedding ring off without using hand cream. Smile! Reward when you reach your goal weight? Reached it about 4 months ago. Bought a George Foreman Grill. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? That I did not do this 5 years ago. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Hardest - Head Hunger. Easiest - Staying motivated. Any complications you've had? Knee and hip injuries due to running! Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? Sleep Apnea, Diabetes, High blood pressure. Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? Snacking - But I will say the snacks I use are all healthy...so it may not be THAT Bad! Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? I have had a great ride so far...nothing I would have done differently. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? My Brother is not happy that he is now the heaviest in the family. He has a type A personality and constantly puts me down for not being able to do this without surgery. I just smile and rub his bald head and big belly. He hates that! My kids and my wife like being around me again. The kids especially love the hiking and the outdoor things that Dad is now willing to do. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us)- Coffee Protein Shake - 1 and 1/2 scoop of EAS Chocolate Whey Protein Powder (or you favorite), 1 big tablespoon of decaf instant coffee, Splenda to taste (I use 4 but I like mine sweet), about 16oz of water and ice mixed. I also put in about 1 table spoon of no fat non-dairy creamer (makes it a little thicker). I also put in a small shot of sugar free hazelnut. I put it all in a shaker bottle and get it mixed. Let is stand for about 10-30 minutes. I put mine in the freezer. Give it another good shake and drink. If you can't get the 16oz in, cut the recipe in half. If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? Magic Bullet Blender, Wendy's Chili, and NASCOBAL Nasal B12. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Listen to your surgeon, start exercising as soon as you can and make it part of your life, convince yourself that the unhealthy snack that is your favorite will make you sick. YOU must change as a result of the surgery. The new pouch will not do the work for you. Use the surgery to make the changes you need to make. You are about to take the big step of surgery. Don't risk it by not chaning other things that are holding you back.

I have to ask you, where do you get the Nascobal Nasal B12? I didn't know they made it in a nasal form? Thanks! By the way, you give great advice. I love reading your post. Jenifer

Hi Jenifer, It is a prescription. My Surgeon and Nut offered it up when I complained about the shots and pills spiking my B12. It seems to give me much more stable levels. Dave

Your biggest WOW moment? Unloading 200 cases of girl scout cookies all by myself without getting winded or needing a break! Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? Break this four month plateau. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Move, breathe. Reward when you reach your goal weight? Actually acknowledge it to myself. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? Lose of friends. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Easiest - routines Hardest - going in for rechecks with surgeon. Any complications you've had? Ulcers Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? sleep apnea, blood pressure Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? This past week, slacking on meals. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Believe it or not, I wish I hadn't reached out for support so often. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? Lost most friends and new ones seem fake. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us) SF angel food cake, SF vanilla pudding, small pieces of pineapple layered in parfait glass. If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? Breakstone cottage cheese with apples, South Beach cereal/meal replacement bars, EAS AdvantEDGE drinks. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Research, take it slow and be good to yourself.

Highest weight: 350+ DOS: 322 Today: 182 (very ideal for someone 6'4") Goal: was 205 (23 lbs below that!!) Was 3X-4X, now size L (with no X's) Was 52-54 inch waist, now hanging out inbetween 34-36 inches. Can easily fit both legs in one of my old pant legs!!! Your biggest WOW moment? When I realized that people who meet me for the first time can't even tell I ever had a weight problem Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? I still have it as a goal to participate in my first triathlon, but a broken hip has put that on hold for now. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? 1 year ago I couldn't see all of my dreams coming true... just 1 year later I am beginning to dream again. How's that for a life transformation. Reward when you reach your goal weight? My wife and I both had RNY in Mar 07. As of today, we've both reached our initial goals as she just passed the 100 lbs lost mark!! We need to celebrate together... I'm open to any suggestions... Do you have any regrets since your surgery? We have been blessed to not have any major medical problems post-surgery. My regret is that I'm still a jerk, just a skinny jerk. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Easiest-- adjusting to life without the 162 lbs I used to carry around. Hardest-- seeing those I love still struggle with their weight problems, and knowing exactly where they're coming from. Any complications you've had? NONE Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? No more sleep apnea. Dramatically improved general health Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? I still enjoy evening snacking, and soda. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? We're doing great, and trying to fix our other problems that aren't weight related. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us) If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? IDS new whey 42g protein bullets, Ham and cheese Lunchables (19g protein), and the pleasurable experience of eating a home-made sandwhich (not store bought). If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? You'll be alot happier and successful if you see your journey as a "whole life makeover" rather than just a solution to lose weight. We all have problems that WONT go away just because of this surgery. Much of our habits with food are interactive with the rest of our life. The more willing we are to fix everything, the better our overall results will be. Also, everytime you get frustrated with the scale, put 100% of your attention on HONESTLY assessing and improving your healthy lifestyle. Small changes in daily lifestyle will pay dividends later in better health and long term weight loss! Make sure you have and take advantage of a good support system. This needs to be someone very close to you who will tell you what you don't want to hear. Then you have to be willing to take their advice. --Dave

Sorry to be a little late, but my numbers now are just a little off what they were in March. Here we go (I'm still losing, but MUCH more slowly...) Starting weight- 380 Surgery weight- 330 Current weight- 165 Goal weight- 180 Starting sizes- 50" waist, XXXXL shirt Current sizes- 28" waist, M shirt Your biggest WOW moment? I got into a pretty bad argument last November with some guy. He called me every name in the book, but he never called me a fat ass! I knew then that I was officially thin. Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? I never set many goals, but I'm pretty happy where I am. I would like to get mt panniculus removed. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Run. Climb. Be desired. I love it all. Reward when you reached your goal weight? Probably a drink. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? None at all. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? The hardest thing has been reconciling my own mental image of myself with the new physical reality. Any complications you've had? Gallstones. Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? Diabetes, high blood pressure, bad knees... Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? Being a total ***** Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? No regrets. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? I've broken it off with my partner of three years (last August) and am just out having fun. My friends and family have all been extremely supportive. Favorite post op recipe (please share with us). I never really cooked. I love egg drop soup, now. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Be ready for every aspect of your life to change. Nothing will be the same. Embrace the experience. I've decided to change everything in my life, down to my environment. I'm moving to the Philippines (where I was born) to start over completely new. Wish me luck, y'all! Chris

Change in numbers... Starting weight 412 surgery weight 386 current weight: 265 1 YEAR ANNIVERSAY 03/26/08 goal weight 190 starting sizes 30/32 current sizes 16 loss in inches: NOT SURE Your biggest WOW moment? When I seen an old classmate she just started crying because she said I looked so beautiful. Everyone telling how far I have come, and I can see it myself. Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? To start jogging for my work outs vs walking. Going to try this week {wish me luck}! Also I'm going to stop eating meat so I have started buying tofu. This is going to take true will power, and strength. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Of course crossing my legs, walking up & down the Las Vegas strip last weekend in 3 inch wedge hills. The elliptical for 60 min straight {yes}!!!! Reward when you reach your goal weight? Book a trip to Aruba. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? No not one What has been the easiest? Adjusting to the new me Hardest thing since surgery? Trying to eat healthier, and keeping my proportions UNDER control. Any complications you've had? I had to have an EGD Dilation {stoma stretched} two months out of surgery. I couldn't get anything down even water that is 100% better now. Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? I was just diagnosed as diabetic, and then I had the surgery it was clear by my one month check up! I also had knee, and feet pain from carrying around 400 lbs. now that's all gone Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? I was eating sweets but I am one month clean from that. So now it's just the fried foods, and chip, and stuffing myself full. Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Exercised with a personal trainer from the jump, and stayed away from the sweets, and not push that envelope so much. I use to dump all the time not it's on occasions. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? My boyfriend of 5 years became so insecure that we broke up plus he cheated. He said he just did it before I would have done it to him {go figure}. I have lost a few friends along the way also. I am still the same on the inside they just didn't like all the attention that I was getting and said I changed because I was dating more. My mom thinks I'm obsessed with the whole weight loss thing, and think's I shouldn't loose anymore weight. LOL Favorite post op recipe (please share with us): Ground Turkey Spaggatti If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? Unjury protein, Great Value powder drink mixes, Lactaid fat free milk purple box. Flintstone gummie vitamins. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Prepare yourself mentally. This journey success depends more on you that your pouch. It can only do so much before you can fail it. I wish I had stuck to my doctors after surgery diet more that I did. Now I'm a year out with a good deal of weight I still want to loose. Don't get stuck in this position. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!!!!

Better late than never.... Starting weight: 308 Surgery weight: 308 Current weight: 145 Goal weight: 140 Starting sizes: Tight 28s Current sizes: 4/6 depending on the designer Loss in inches? Tons! Your biggest WOW moment? Buying an article of clothing in a size small Goals you haven't reached yet, BUT WILL!?!?!?!? Getting the last five pounds off and participating in a triathlon Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago? Tons...the usual stuff like painting my toenails, crossing my legs, not sweating with everything I do regardless of the temperature Reward when you reach your goal weight? Having my size 20 wedding dress altered to have bridal portraits re-taken Do you have any regrets since your surgery? Absolutely none. What has been the easiest and hardest thing since surgery? Easiest - portion control and banishing sugar. Hardest - head hunger and dealing with when the hunger returns, as well as reactive hypoglycemia Any complications you've had? I had a repeat lap for adhesions that caused bowel torsion at exactly a year out. No biggie! Medical issues that have resolved since surgery? Sleep apnea, prehypertension and prediabetes. My blood pressure stays around 100/55. Bad habit you've reverted back to since surgery? Boredom eating Any thing you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Not really...I did everything "by the book" because I wanted to maximize my weight loss. How has your weight loss affected your relationships with friends, family, spouse or significant other? It has made them tremendously better because I am not spending emotional dollars dealing with my weight issues and I can participate more fully in activities. If you could only recommend 3 things, products, foods, etc. That you have found since starting your "Journey," What would they be? 1) Crystal Lite 2) The Vitamin Shoppe 3) going to support groups If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Take advantage of support groups and cultivate relationships with other postops. Exercise, exercise, exercise!!!! Don't be afraid to ask for what you need and want in order to stay on track.