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New to this
I've been on the fence for a long time (almost 8 years), now here I am a week away from my pre-op appointment, and less than a month away from surgery. Tips, encouragement, and what to look forward to words are welcomed! I'm starting this journey at 5'3" 355lb and I have never been so ready for a change in my life!
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Re: New to this
Hi Jessi!
Welcome!!
It was also a long process for me, took me years to realized I had tried everything and nothings was really efficient on the long run. When I was sure, I was in between countries, I finally met my surgeon on Sept 14, had surgery on January 2016.
It was worth waiting, I was ready and really well informed and trained (I followed a two years university curriculum in nutrition).
My advice would be to read a lot, and here search the forums (on top) with your questions, you will probably find answers. I not, just ask!! There is many great people here, wise and helpful.
Good luck and take care!
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Re: New to this
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Re: New to this
Best of luck to you! I am having my surgery next month. I’m excited now, but I’m sure I will be nervous as the date gets closer. Hang in there!
Jen
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Re: New to this
Thank you :-) best wishes to peace in your thoughts as it approaches! We should keep in touch as our days approach.
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Re: New to this
Welcome Jessi,
You’ve come to the best place for any and all tips and encouragement. You’ll have many questions at different stages. This is by far the best decision I ever made to improve my lifestyle.
Best of luck as you embark on this amazing journey ;-)
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Re: New to this
This will be the best decision of your life!! I am 5'4" and my highest weight was 315. I was 255 on my surgery day which was October 11, 2018. I was wearing a size 20 in jeans. I am now 163 lbs and in an 8/10. Some of my jeans are a 10 and some a 12 but loose. I'm wearing Large in shirts because I don't like anything tight but I fit into a medium. You will not regret this decision! The best advice I could give would be... 1. Don't stock up on protein shakes until AFTER your surgery. What you like pre-surgery might be totally different after surgery. Same with chewable vitamins. 2. Vitamins do NOT help you not lose your hair. Don't waste your money. 3. Plan to rest for a few weeks. You will need sleep and your energy will be low. You could sit down all day long and still burn more calories than you will possibly be able to bring in. 4. Keep coming back to this site! This is the best forum for this topic. 5. Don't waste too much money on clothes until you get to your goal. I just bought my 8/10 pajamas a week ago and they're already too big.
Good luck! Hope to hear about when your surgery will be!
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Re: New to this
At that height and weight get off the fence unless you want to die. Sorry to be so harsh, but that's reality. The surgery will be life changing. It is the only way you could lose such a large amount of weight. Follow the plan and you will be healthy and regular sized. So excited for you! Looking forward to following your progress.
We are the same height, and I was thrilled to see 135 this morning! I had surgery 5 years ago. My number one advice is to keep a positive attitude through the whole process.
I use Weight Watchers for maintenance, and get so sad when I see people your size sign up. It's not going to work! Who on this planet would have the dedication to follow a "diet" to lose 200 pounds. I guess one in a million could, but we have all tried. The sleeve works.
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Re: New to this
Not taken harshly. Truth is truth, and that is what truly changed my mindset, knowing that I had gone down all the non-surgical paths, that I was in a self defeating and deflating cycle. Nothing is easy, but having the right tools, make the difference! I appreciate your boldness for truth, many are afraid to be honest can it can sting.
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Re: New to this
Jessi,
I'm so happy for you. Get ready for the ride. I'm 3 weeks post op and I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm not back to 100% yet, but each and every day is better. It takes awhile to heal and get your energy back. You won't just bounce out of the hospital and get back to 'normal', which we all know our normal were waaaaay off base. It's a learning journey, every day you find out new things. You deal with new situations and learn new coping skills.
My best advice is listen to your Dr. Follow pre and post instructions to the letter, no shortcuts. Have all your things ready for the hospital and have a few protein shakes and waters for when you get home and can start adding protein. You'll feel pretty crappy day 2 and 3, but sleep when you're tired. Each day you will feel better I promise. Walking is another piece of advice. You need to get your blood pumping and moving through your body again. I found that it helps tremendously with the leg cramps I've been getting.
And above all else the holy motto "Sip, Sip, Sip!" You must stay hydrated. Your first week will pass in no time and then there will be no stopping you. You'll see and feel changes immediately, I know I did.
Best of luck to you!
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Re: New to this
Best of luck to you!
You will do fine, I'm sure.
There is a lot of help to be found here and yes, we are honest and also very helpful.
Ask us any question you may have!
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Re: New to this
Congrats on taking the plunge Jessi. I suggest that you take some good before pics in the least amount of clothes possible. I did mine in a bra and panties. Find a place that you can do it regularly that is easy to keep having them done at the same distance. Also take measurements of everything. (biceps, chest, waist, hips, thighs, calves, etc) Keep a log every 2 weeks with new pics, measurements, and your weight. It will really help you see your progress. Especially for stalls when the scale is not moving but clearly your body is changing. Excited for your journey. Don't forget to enjoy it!
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Re: New to this
I kept a journal with my measurements every month and my weight once a week. It was so much fun. I think I lost every week except twice when I gained a little and twice when I stayed the same.
I also kept a journal to keep track of my liquid and protein intake. Wanted to be sure to meet those minimums!
It really is life-changing. I am excited to follow your progress!