Looking for some great advice...

Hey MAMA!!!

Welcome to the FAMILY!!

I had my surgery on August 8th of this year and today I am down 44lbs!!
I had the VSG surgery and it is one of THE best things I have ever done!!

I struggle with PCOS and was pre-diabetic & in pre-menopause at 30 years old!!
So I made the decision to (hopefully) extend my life & BETTER it!!

Before I started the pre-op diet two weeks before surgery, I was 5'2" and 228 lbs.

Right after surgery, I thought I would never feel better again, but within 2 weeks,
I felt back to a NEW normal.  and I am actually SHOCKED at how the transition
has been for me.  Besides not being able to eat bread or pasta and WAY less
then I did before - I feel great and actually can't believe how I used to eat when
I thought I was "healthy".  As long as I get my proteins in, and keep up with my
liquids, I really don't miss all that food at ALL.

Also, I am no longer pre-diabetic, my menopause symptoms are GONE,
my daily BRUTAL migraines have disappeared, my energy level is more
then I ever remember it being before AND I have gone down one
level of obesity.  All this since June.  I CAN'T believe it!!!!!

As for loose skin, I'm at that stage right now.
BUT I have to admit, I haven't worked out a SINGLE bit yet since surgery...
so I need to get back into working out and I think I will be very happy.
I do have the Mommy pouch though due to having a c-section, and I think
that's something I would have to live with regardless.

I am ALSO just starting the stage of losing hair.  Couldn't believe how much
came out the first time I really noticed it.  Lucikly I have SOOO much hair and
no one will ever notice - BUT I have to agree, if I am FOCUSED and keep up
on my proteins (meat, shakes, bars, nuts, etc...) I don't lose much at all.

I DO still feel hungry. For me, the hunger pains have not gone away, but they
are VERY mild.  And if I keep up with my liquids, then most times they are not
very noticeable and I have to remind myself to get some proteins in.

It does take a while to learn your limits.  And from time to time it doesn't feel
super great as you figure all of that out.  But once you know, you stick to what works
for you and it just becomes routine.

The women and men on this forum are incredible...and will answer ANY questions
you have, so just keep asking them until you feel comfortable with whatever
decision you make.  :)

BUT, would I do it all again knowing what i know now???
IN A HEARTBEAT.  it's life-changing.

Make the decision that's best for YOU and your family.
No one else matters, and no one else has to live your life day-to-day.

xoxoxo

Hey Tuckergirl, thanks for sharing your story with me. I think we have alot in common.
Seems like your height and weight are the same or close to mine and I too have PCOS. Discovered this when my husband and I were trying to get pregnant. Luckily the fertility drugs worked both times. We are blessed to have two little ones. So, after my second pregnancy I decided to do something about my weight. I looked into the lap band but for personal reasons I had to pass on it. Then they had just started to do the gastric bypass here in Wpg and I signed up right away. When I met with Dr. Vergis he offered both gastric bypass and the sleeve to me. We have chosen the bypass.
I am so happy for you with your weight loss. I love to hear everyone's stories. It just proves to me more and more that I am making the right decision.
I have so many questions but I just don't want to get ahead of the game. I have questions about drinking ONLY those "900 calorie" shakes for 2 weeks before the surgery. I know I gotta do it but how will I ever only drink those and not chew food for a full 2 weeks? I then have questions about the right after surgery with once again liquids only, plus getting enough protein etc. It just weighs heavily on my mind and that is why I am so thankful to people like you sharing your experiences and know how. I know it's a different surgery but in the grand scheme of things its weight loss with life changing eating habits. 
Thanks again for sharing and look forward to speaking soon!
J.  

Hi Mama,  Welcome to the group.  The ladies on this site are absolutely wonderful and so supportive.  You can ask all kinds of questions and nothing is ever stupid and everyone truly understands how you are feeling. 

I had my referral as well in October 2010.  I met with Dr. Andrew on July 20 and it was my decision of which surgery.  I have decided to go with the sleeve.  Think in the long run this is the best option for me.  I met with Teresa on July 28 and did my pre-op stuff with my family doctor in August.  Then I had to wait to see Laura and also have my barium swallow done.  My barium swallow was on Sept 9th and it wasn't so bad except the rolling around on the table and the horrid stuff they made you take.  Finally I had my appointment on September 22nd with Laura.  She was actually really great at explaining everything and answered so many of my questions.  Was nice to get the booklet finally in my hand so I could read it myself.  I'm 5'8" and currently my weight is 260 and Laura has set my goal at 185.  Don't really remember the last time I was that weight so am actually good with that. 

The day after my consult I called Andrea cause I needed a letter for Blue Cross and actually ended up getting my surgery date.  I'm scheduled for October 31st.  Also explained that I needed to organize a few things before surgery and would like to know as soon as possible.  I would suggest maybe giving her a call.  She is really great and it's no fun having to wait as it's feels like forever. 

Only a couple more weeks and I will be starting my pre-op diet.  Got my shakes in the mail on Friday.  Not looking forward to them.  The worst part is we don't get to have veggies with these ones.  : ( 

Can't wait to buy a new wardrobe and it will be fun to get rid of all my old clothes. 

Hope to meet you soon.

C

Congrats on getting a date! I so know what you mean about needing to get things in order. Other than my husband I don't really have any family so at least knowing a date would be great. I don't want to pester Andrea so maybe I'll give her another week or so.
So with the sleeve procedure, do you only get the 900 calorie shakes or do you get something else to have with them? I'm worried I'll actually miss the sensation of chewing for those 2 weeks. Of couse today Purlator came by to drop off my package of shakes and I wasn't home. I'll be going to pick those up tomorrow now. Did you order the vanilla and chocolate or just one or the other. Let me know once you start which one you prefer.
I know. I'm also excited to get rid of all my current clothes once I start to loose weight. I've kept a box of my favority old skinny clothes from when I was in my late teens/early 20's. Even if they're no longer fashionable I plan to wear each outfit at least once. The item I'm looking forward to most is an old pair of jeans. I hold them up and my waist on it is one of my thighs now. How sad, but I'm hopeful that one day they will fit again. I started gaining weight about 15 years ago. Some times I walk past a mirror and catch a glimpse and I don't even recognize who I am anymore. I see a fat girl with a skinny girl dying to get out.
Good luck on the pre-op diet and keep in touch.
J.

Hey Mama!! Welcome to the crew..we're a lively bunch! Looking forward to getting to meet you and all the other new people now that the awesome summer is over.

I had the VSG Nov 29th last year. I was 265 and today I am....172!!  I bet you will surpass what Laura said  I started to feel better right around the 6-8weeks out. By 4 mos out, I felt normal all day until I tried to eat..LOL 2 bites later..BURP!  Loose skin, ugh, I'm in the same boat as Mishyme..but it's all worth it! I'm working out now and toning up nicely. I really don't give a rip about my loose skin. Genetics play a huge roll in kicking my butt on that, I had stretchmarks BEFORE I ever got fat! I will get a tummy tuck once I am done having kids(1 more, hopefully) who knows what else I might want done in a few years. Until then I will wear "foundation garments a la grandmother" LMAO!!! I have a TON of hair...well I HAD..LOL It's all coming back. I have 2-4 inch hairs all over my head. I would say since you are a pcos-er too, to NOT use biotin or silica..it makes ALL hair grow. I didn't want my chin hairs to become a beard..you know?..LOL Just keep up on the protein, and treat your hair gently.

Good Luck and see you soon!


AHHHHHH I can't wait to see everyone again! I missed the meet n greet last time cuz I had no husband and 2 extra kids to contend with. Next time will NOT be missed!

Congrats on all the weight loss! That's truly amazing!
You mention that by 4 mths you felt normal until you tried to eat. Is that how long it took you to start eating actual food other than liquids? I'm looking forward to getting full so fast as well. Currently I have 2 sensations when it comes to eating, either hungry or roll me over/the buffet feeling.
So your a PCOS-er too? I will definitely keep in mind about not taking any biotin or silica. No thanks, don't need chiny chin hairs or a mustache to boot.
How does the meet and greets work? Does this group have a natural born leader who sets them up or is it a particular day each month. I am biting at the bit to meet everyone and hear stories rather than am email. Don't get me wrong, I love all the emails and feedback but I'm more more a talker and listener than being on here.
If you hear something about a M&G, please let me know.
Keep in touch.
J.

I was able to progress my diet quite quickly. I went slow and trusted my body to let me know. It did..LOL I was on solids just find by 4 mos, BUT I would forget that my tummy was the size of my toddlers..so I would serve up a smaller plate than I was used to (but still way too much) and wonder why 4-5 bites was plenty?..LOL I feel my hunger soooo differently now, it's not OMG I'M GONNA EAT MY YOUNG IF I DON'T GET FOOD!!!" it's more like "oh, I should probably eat in the next half hour or I'm gonna get cranky" LOL I went to the mall with 3 toddlers on Monday...they "helped me finish" my meal. I had 1 soft taco and small mexi fries. I ate 5 fries and all the meat, cheese and sour cream and only could stomach half of the tortilla. Still no drinking with eating. Makes me want to PUKE!  Eating out is way cheaper now. My hubby and I can share a meal/dessert and no one leaves hungry! I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!

I do plan ahead and never leave home without a bottle of water, usually some cheese/meat and a few whole grain crackers. It's nice to be able to "survive" on a snack sized meal.

I got diagnosed with PCOS 5 yrs ago. I guess packing on 40lbs in one year, without doing ONE DAMN thing different was a ringing bell. I am lucky that I have had 3 kids with no meds needed to conceive. I know pcos is a daunting thing, but I have it...it doesn't have me! Right now, I'm jus****ching how it changes with the weight loss. Hair is still an issue, but nothing I can't handle. My cycle is pretty "good" 25-28 days. Mood swings are still "special"..but working out helps TONS!

Usually one of the Michelle's gets us "losers" in a row to meet up.  I LOVE MY MICHELLES!!!!

As for being a talker more than a typer...I'm with YOU!

Koko

Welcome!

I had RNY Jan 17th. I have lost 85lbs since, reaching the surgeon's goal weight for me at 7.5 months. I do feel like I am slow loser, having many stalls along the way. I still have many pounds to loose before I am at my goal. I haven't read the posts yet so I do not know what has been written so I am probably going to give you the same info as the other


Once you had your surgery how long did it take for you to start to feel better?

It took me about 5-6 weeks to really start to feel better. I didn't have any specific problem, my stomach was just sore for that long. I generally handle pain well but this was different that I was used to, a different kind of very ache unlike my chronic back pain.

This may be a silly question, but what happens to all the "loose skin"?

I have a lot of loose skin. I am bad for exercising, that that is problably why. I wear spanx or other body shapers, they really do help with the jigglies. I have since started to work my arms, they are the worst.

Also, do you know why we get thinning/lost hair, can we do anything to avoid it?

I started loosing hair on my head at about 2 months. I wi**** wasnt just centered on my head. Leg hair etc has not thinned unfortunately. It is growing back in. I have "baby" hair growing in all over my head.

Good luck with the process and just remember that it is all worth it. I feel fabulous now.

Wow! I am in awe at your weight loss. You may feel like a slow loser but from someone on the other side of the fence that is amazing! Why do you feel that you had stalls?
Thanks for your advice and info to my questions. Regardless if other people respond I still love to hear everyone's perspective. I appreciate the time all of you take to answer my questions,and boy do I have questions.
I'm glad to hear that you feel so good now. I can't wait for my day to come, that I can say the same thing.
Thanks again for all your honesty and great info. Once I get a date and will start the pre-op diet I'm sure you'll see more of my questions.
All the best!
J.

At first I felt like I was a great loser but as the times goes by the less the weight comes off. My life has been a bit busy lately but when it gets back to normal I am going to revamp my diet and exercise program. I have only lost 10lbs since the end of July, the reason for calling myself a slow loser. I will stay the same weight for a few weeks (stall) and then the scale will move 1.5-2.5lbs downwards and then for another couple of weeks I stall out again.

Mich.