anninva’s Posts
Hi Nikke!
Just looked at your blog and decided to drop by here!! Weird! I'm so proud of you! I'm 5 years out in January and maintaining 120 lbs down but you heat all!!! Sending loads of love. Congrats on the new job!!! xoxoxo
Ann 
Hi!
Just back today after being away FOREVER!!!!! I'm just about 4 years out too (Saturday). I've had the year from crazy as well: lost my job in Feb and my mom died unexpectedly in March. The bar for 2015 to be better is set pretty low!
I've had no regain -- yet. I say yet bc I am still not really eating "clean", getting in enough fluids, exercising. I think I'm just eating few enough calories that it's not sticking. I just started MFP up again for the 900th time. One bite at a time, I suppose.
OH has always been my home too. I have been seduced by FB groups so bad about coming back here. Oh! And some group admin banned me while I was gone -- just didin't say which group! LOL!
Sending hugs! I will join your show on the road with mine! Ann
Ann
Therapy is a good idea. And you really need to be kind to yourself hon. This is hard. But you CAN do it!!!!!! Hugs.
Ann
Hana, you look so FAB!!!!!! I want the dress!!! Great job, kid! ✨😘✨
Ann
Congrats on all those fab NSVs!!! My fave is still fitting into the seats at movie theaters -- Indian style!
You'll feel the restriction a lot more when you're eating denser food. Squishy stuff just doesn't make as much of an impression. And chances are you'll feel full before you get too far!
Doing great!!! Hang in there!
Ann
Hi Elina!
boy do I know the battle and you are so right that it doesn't get easier. Actually I'm in an eating disorder group right now trying to work some of this stuff out.
You know I go at things a little differently. I've worked a lot on changing the good vs bad thing w food. So for a carb craving, especially if I knew it had to do with TOM I would cut myself some slack and have an ok carb. Cause sometimes a girl's just gotta have carbs.
Sending big hugs!!!!!
Ann
Hi all!
Long time OH'er here! VSG 3 years ago (1/10/11), 110 lb lost and no regain (yet?!?!). I love OH and it will always be my home, but i have been finding support on FB helpful (keeps me away from here, which is BAD) and decided there was a niche: lesbians/bi women!!!! Who knows? Anyway. I suck at technical stuff, but the group is Bariatric Girls 4 Girls United. Don't know if searching it works (WHY LORD, WHY!?!??!) but if you're interested just PM me and I'll add you!
Please pass the word! We're just building our group now and you are more than welcome to hop on in! Hope to see you soon!!! 
Ann
Yay! And that was supposed to be the highly guy at the end!!!!
Ann
Please go now. Too close to surgery. Dehydration is the #1 reason for rehospitalization after VSG. Hope you're already on your way! Hugs.
Ann
Hi guys,
Trying to be more of a person these days so I thought i would do something fun. finding support on FB helpful (keeps me away from here, which is BAD) and decided there was a niche: lesbians/bi women!!!! Who knows? Anyway. I suck at technical stuff, but the group is Bariatric Girls 4 Girls United. Don't know if searching it works (WHY LORD, WHY!?!??!) but if you're interested just PM me and I'll add you! Devon, you could be the girl exception if you want!
Still eating crap with protein thrown in. think i just haven't gained bc i'm not eating too many calories. my organs might fall out!
Ann
Hi all,
yup, disappeared again. Finally had my mom's memorial svc last weekend (she died suddenly 3/19). Brain still fuzzy so I think I posted here but can't remember! This is on top of psych leave from my job caused by abusive boss. FML. I am also at the end of the period where they had to hold my job at the end if this week. Ugh and more ugh. On the other hand I haven't gained, though I have been eating crap food. Back to food disorder therapy group this week which felt good. Gotta keep on plugging! Miss my mom, my job, my identity. Trying not to let gain catch me too!
i am thinking about good eating as a way to feel good and not a punishment. At least I am trying to think of it that way. Sometimes I can sometimes not. Even as I am typing this I feel the anxiety creeping in!!!I add the usual promise to be around more. Sigh. Love you guys bunches. OH will be my WLS home always! 
Ann
Lasaaaance!!!!!!! Was happy to see this post about where people are and now WICKED happy to see YOU, Lance, and the word **** all in one place!!! PM me baby!
my take is that we all have control over out post-VSG destinies. I've lost abt 70% and am maintaining very successfully w a 4-5 lb window. Would I like to go lower? Of course! But I'm happy w the size that I am and the way I look, my comorbidities are gone. It's all good. I've also had extreme stress (job loss thru bullying, psych leave prior to leaving the job, FIL died 8/1 and my mom feud out of the blue 3/19. So **** yeah, I'm happy I haven't gained!
At 3+ yrs out I am a careful eater but no longer fanatical. Just the kind of gal I am!!
😘😘😘
Ann
Hi guys, trying not to keep doing this but this past 12 mos have been so bad. And just got to the worst possible place.
I know I posted about my awful hod situation w bullying boss and psych trauma leading to my being out on medical leave. Haven't worked since 2/7. That continues. I have been told that because me MENTAL HEALTH advocacy nonprofit is so small there is no other job I can go to. So. Can't work for the abuser again. Still not on my game anyway. At this point I am hanging in and waiting to hit 90 days to start to collect long term disability.
So that is that. What is far worse is that my mother died 3/19. Like I can't even believe I typed that. It was very unexpected. Telling ER docs stories one minue and then her heart stopped. I found out by calling ER on my way into an evening meeting w our county mental health services board. Literally sitting in a parking garage alone. I grew up in Portland, ME and live outside DC now. One sister lives in Portland and depended on my mother for literally everything. The other, middle sister lives 2 hrs away near Boston.
This is literally the worst thing that has ever happened to me which is saying a lot at this point. I can't breathe. Food wise I'm not eating much. Sometimes good choices and sometimes not. Haven't gained.
Anyway. This is one of my homes. I miss you guys, need to be here more often. Mostly tho I need to just figure out how to live with no mother. Hugs.
Ann
Please, please don't get the band. Total failure for my sister. Terrible. I've lost 105 lbs and jep it off. Sleeved 3 yrs ago in Jan. I had the exact thing happen w psychologist who did my eval. It's not their call. It's up to you and your surgeon. Restriction is great w the sleeve.
Good luck!
Ann
I've been at maintenance weight for about two years. I've toyed with abt 5 lbs. I haven't been super-strict but I'm also not getting enough protein which is not cool!! My partner is doing WW. She hasn't had WLS but I think the accountability is a good thing and I would totally do it, modified for my sleeve life! My surgeon has told me to expect regain bc all surgeries have a certain amount. Yuck!! Just hope this means I will manage that okay and keep it to a minimum. I'm right at the danger point of 3 years!
I also had my sleeve almost exactly a year before you on 1/10/11!!!!!!
Ann
Thanks guys. I've eaten a very little bit tonight and been okay, but freaked out enough to be mostly compliant!! LOL!! And Diane, I am truly glad that Sleeve-on vita is still on the job BUT the slime is SO GROSS!!!!!!!!
why have I been away so long??? Promise to come home more often!! ❤️❤️❤️
Ann
Hi kids,
for those keeping track, i am on medical leave from an abusive work situation that caused all my psychiatric problems, especially ptsd/anxiety disorder, to flare up massively. I have come to term,s (mostly) with the fact that by deciding i will never work for the abuser again i have left a job i love. really sad. the only two people who think i suck in my whole agency are my manager and department head. we'll see what happens about another position there. who knows? i've put in paperwork to support my FMLA leave which will take me up to the 90 day mark after which i can get long term disability. Just blows. And FYI, i work for a national mental health non-profit. hmmmmmm.
so, i've been eating better, if not perfectly, and haven't gained, even lost a little. and i'm working up to the whole job search thing, working on linkedin and so forth. yuck.
but, but, but . . . this is just a "never say never" from a vet (how did THAT happen!??!). i ate some shredded wheat w/pb this morning, not much, and later, nothing would stay down. everything just slimed back up. so gross. when i realized that it was everything, i called the surgeon, actually the first time i've done that in all this time! he basically said that things felt stuck bc my sleeve was swollen and that i should do liquids for the weekend. eeeek!!!! i think soup will be my friend and good thing i finally found a protein drink i can stomach. Click is the bomb!! if you haven't tried it, it's 2 shots of espresso, 15 g of protein, 120 cals and you can just drink it hot! will be making a shake with it at some point this weekend, i'm sure!
that's the report from lake less-woebegone! xxxx
Ann
First, I am sorry! Sounds awful and scary. Not knowing -- always the worst. Glad you are feeling more control and peace with it. And thank you so much for putting your story out there. So important to let people know that this is real, serious surgery.
Sending big hugs. I can't wait for this to be over for you!! ❤️❤️❤️ Peace!
Ann
Hi all,
so sorry I haven't been around in forever. Not sure who will even remember me!
Had surgery 1/10/11 and have maintained about 70% EWL. Would like to lose to normal BMI but pretty satisfied w sizes and stuff.
I do struggle A LOT with healthy eating. See a NUT every month and have for years but still not getting enough protein, probably abt 40g a day.
And here's the thing. I've been off work since 2/7, signed off by my pdoc for acute stress as a result of my treatment by my manager who I made a complaint against for hostile work env abt 6 mos ago AND more to the point out dept head who is mean and vindictive. She has been gunning for me. Two weeks ago she started requiring me to suit a work report detailed down to the freaking minute. I just came unglued. Saw doc again yesterday and he wants me to apply for short term disability.
So, yeah, food. My partner has been out of town (MIL hip replacement on Weds) since Tues last wk. and I've been holed up, watching Netflix and the Olympics and eating crap nonstop. Click in the morning and usually one healthy thing a day and the rest carbs/sugar/fat. Totally self medicating.
I could use some support. You're right, I do know what to do. Don't need a refresher. Just in lots of pain and scared. And OH is my first WLS/VSG home!
Big, big hugs. I think right now I am a maintenance cautionary tale! 😘
Ann
Happy birthday!! So glad I came to OH today! Must have been my Spidey senses!!!!!
Welcome to the cool decade!! I had my surgery 3 years ago last month when I was 51! I am also lucky to have a wonderful partner and friends. My work life is an absolute disaster on the other hand!! And I just started in a therapy group to deal w eating issues bc my eating still sucks.
Lots of company in the "actually LIVING w your sleeve" boat!! Rock on my fabby friend!!!!
🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 😱 oops! Carbs!
Agree on the Citrical. Be sure you're getting calcium citrate!
Ann
Bonita indeed!!!! May, mug Bonita!! Love the dress and the story. Now I think you need a screen name without the word "gordita" in it!!! Felicidades!!!
Ann
No prob! I am 54. Surgery/plastics hurt like hell but really glad I did it! Wouldn't do my arms bc I think it leaves a nasty scar but otherwise! Go for it!!
Ann
Hi all!!!
haven't been around a lot and I'm sorry about that! Just wanted to come visit my WLS home and check in!
So, it's 3 years today since I had my surgery! Seems like it just happened and seems like it happened a LONG time ago! I'm not your average good-patient story but I am also living proof that much can be accomplished without being a Super-Person. As they say: don't try this at home! Or recognize that we all have very different paths to and definitions of success.
Stats: HW: 266 SW: 260 CW: 155-159
i'm 5' tall, wearing a petite 12/med and back to a size 5 1/2 shoe (went up 2 sizes when I gained). When I had surgery I was in a 26 pant, 26/28 top (horrible huge 42DDD boobs).
Pre-ops and new post-ops, here is the truth of MY journey. I was petrified the last few days before surgery, doubting myself, thinking I should just start WW again, that i was a failure. Then they knocked me out! LOL!
had a kind if hard time in the hospital bc I was really, really sick to my stomach the last 24 hrs. AND didn't fit on the big ole commode they brought in!! This was most likely a result of my no getting the benzo I take 3 times a day (klonopin). My pdoc had told me I could go without the other stuff I take but NOT the benzo bc, yah know, that can cause seizures. I had told the surgeon's office (note from pdoc) as well as the hospital. I love my whole program but I did write a letter after discharge pointing out that they were likely to get more pts w psych meds and needed to get their **** together. So, if you are taking psych meds, beware, you will need to be your own advocate big-time.
Honestly, the first few weeks until I got to pulverized real food SUCKED!! I felt suck constantly, barely got anything, especially protein in. It makes me sick whenever I consume it. I managed to stay hydrated and that's the most important thing. I also went nuts watching ENDLESS Taco Bell ads on TV. Finally the NP suggested I have my partner go out get a taco, and then I could just stand in my kitchen and crunch up the actual taco and spit it out! It actually helped a lot!!!
it's been a big process. I am SO glad I did it!!!! It wasn't that long till I could eat basically regular food and feel "normal" and not queasy all the time. The next step was learning that I could eat a lot of regular food but not like a normal person!! Lots and lots of slimy barfing. I never lost my hunger at all so I would get hungry, eat, barf. Jeez! You definitely had a steep learning curve on that one! And, honestly, it just happened last week!! LOL!!!
my NUT and doc told me NOT to go lower than 1100 cals once I could eat that. And I lost. Also, my focus has been in getting in protein and not paying tooooo much attention to carbs. Again, I know that not the standard wisdom. Just what happened to me!!
it took me about 18 mos to lose 105 lbs after I had been at my new weight for 6 mos I had my scary looking boobs (looking at my feet and no****ching me brush my teeth as my pal the NP (who is a guy, abt 6' 4" and from Texas!) said. I was lucky that bc I had a car accident injury in one boob that was covered by ins. I had a tummy tuck as well for an extra $2500. Still paying that off but SO WORTH IT. That's a pretty perky 36D we're talking abt. Finally went to Victoria's Secret abt 3 mos ago and woot!!!!!!!
Maintenance is hard. I can eat anything now. Good restriction but if you wait there is always room. And I was aware if the disordered aspect of my eating long before WLS but didn't do enough abt it. I'm starting in a therapy group focused in eating issues in two weeks. It is absolutely true that crisp food is easy to eat a lot of. Hard work, like I said!!
I would do this again in a hot New York minute. It has changed my life in so many fabulous ways!! I don't really exercise (I KNOW!) but I can actually run, jump, and walk FAST!!!! Just got dx w osteoporosis a few weeks ago and I hope that's going to really kick my ass abt all this.
I think that's about all. Here for abt questions! I'm not Frisco or Elena but I'm a work in progress and pretty freakin' proud if myself!!!!!
Hang in there chickies!! You CAN do this!!!! Be proud of yourself for venturing down this path! You're saving your life!! Questions?? Fire away!!!! Love, love, love my OH family!!
🎉⚡️🎉✨🎉⚡️🎉⚡️🎉⚡️🎉⚡️🎉⚡️
Ann
Thank you so much, guys! Back on the vites as of this morning.. Lizzy, will PM you in a bit. the med treatments are freaking me out right now, but i guess we'll see. meeting w my surgeon, NUT, gyn before i see PCP again. this is NOT fun!!!!! (((((((((hugs))))))))))
Ann
