6 months already! MY story...(LONG)

jengo1971
on 6/6/11 12:51 pm
Hi everyone.  Last summer my wt was at an all-time high of 233 pounds.  BTW, I'm 5'1" so a shorty.  I was so self conscious of my appearance it manifested itself into severe anxiety when around anyone outside of my home.  Even people I had been friends with for years.  Needless to say I was missing out on life (and sadly, so were my five children).  I was desperate for an answer.

Hubby and I attended a seminar geared toward lap band.  Of course all three wls were described (no mention of DS.  Never even heard of it until OH) but they were highlighting LB.  I was sold.  Paid my program fee and began seeing my pcp for three month nutritional visits.  Well thank God I found OH and learned about VSG (and of course the horror that is the crap band).

My surgery/recovery were picture perfect.  I tried to stay two nights at the hospital but there was no reason to keep me.  With 5 kids at home (ages 1 through 11), I wanted the extra rest.  It worked out just fine staying one night.  The pain was minimal.  I took narcotics for less than a week.  However, the gas pain from the anesthesia was very painful.  That lasted approx one week.

The first month I was miserable!   I didn't give a crap about losing wt, I was mourning my best friend...food.  Plus pureed food is just.....NASTY!  As soon as I was allowed foods with normal consistency, everything changed.  The wt began falling off.  I tolerated everything I tried. 

I have never vomited.  I can eat anything without problems.  I had the foamies a few times in the beginning.  Now it only happens if I attempt to drink too soon after eating.  I CANNOT drink with meals.  I wait until approx 30 min after eating but don't usually watch the clock anymore.  I just know when it's ok.  I do drink right up to the second I put food in my mouth.  Never could understand the waiting x amt of time prior to eating?  I've lost a ton of hair.  At least half of what I had.  Thankfully it was thick so it's not obvious to anyone (but me!).  It started falling out at 2 1/2 months post-op and has not let up yet.

I started at 233 pounds and this am was 155.  Size 22 jeans/xxl shirts.  Now  loose size 12/large shirt.  I started working out at 3 1/2 months post-op.  At least 5 days/week and actually enjoying it!  I plan to run a 5k this fall.

I haven't been perfect on this journey.  Those who were during the losing phase are certainly my heroes.  Goal in 6 months...if only!!  I indulge usually once a week.  Right or wrong it just "is what it is."  I hope to be at goal by my 40th birthday this October.

I feel very blessed to have found OH and I thank each of you for your support.  I don't post often but I'm on here multiple times throughout the day (it's an addiction ya know).  Lastly, I just want to say good luck you losers!  NO REGRETS here.....if you're on the fence.....as Nike says...."JUST DO IT"   Hugs..........Jennifer
BTW, someday I'll figure out how to post pictures!
    
   hi there.  pleased to meet you.  ~jennifer                        
sleeve genie
on 6/6/11 1:21 pm - Alhambra, CA
Great story,  wonderful to hear how well you are doing.  It really is amazing,  who'd a thunk it?  I too was in very bad shape and getting older and fatter and sicker, i knew i was in big trouble,  Thank God i found our about the sleeve and found OH as my main source of support.   You are doing great,  keep up the good work  :o) jeani
      the start of my brand new life was on 5/28/10
                
                      aka  jeaniwantsasleeve!!                  

      
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
          
jengo1971
on 6/6/11 1:30 pm
Thanks, Jeani.  I have always appreciated your kind responses to questions.  Congrats on your success!  Hugs....Jennifer
    
   hi there.  pleased to meet you.  ~jennifer                        
Susan M.
on 6/6/11 1:38 pm
 I love these great success stories -- they are so inspirational and motivational.  And it's so fun to see how much weight both of you have lost.  Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
       
jengo1971
on 6/6/11 2:01 pm
Hey the best of luck on your journey, Susan!  Hugs.....Jennifer
    
   hi there.  pleased to meet you.  ~jennifer                        
kaye90731
on 6/6/11 2:35 pm - San Pedro, CA
I really enjoyed reading your story! Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!

    
   HW-221 SW-218 CW-138 GW-135
 
jengo1971
on 6/6/11 8:18 pm
Thanks Kaye, good luck to you!
    
   hi there.  pleased to meet you.  ~jennifer                        
KSqtpie
on 6/6/11 4:39 pm - Overland Park, KS
VSG on 07/09/12
 congrats on your journey!  I am excited read your post because your starting weight is exactly where I am right now preop. I am also 5"1 and wear size 22 and xxl shirts. I dealt with some social anxiety after my divorce, but it is getting better. Just gearing up for surgery is giving me more confidence. Thank you for your post. You are imspiring!
jengo1971
on 6/6/11 8:24 pm
The best of luck to you, KSqtpie!  It's amazing to fit into a size (loose) 12!  I haven't been this weight since I got married almost 13 years ago.  Try to lose all you can before surgery.  Those pounds are like "extras", you'll be glad you did.
    
   hi there.  pleased to meet you.  ~jennifer                        
hmahler
on 6/6/11 6:45 pm - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Great job and keep it up!

Check out my blog at
www.mahlersonsafari.blogspot.com   

          
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