Hello everyone. My name is Tamara, I'm 35 years old and a mother of 4. I'm currently widowed. I've struggled with my weight all my life. I've tried every diet there is to try. I've lost weight by taking diet pills and fad diets but I seem to always gain it back plus more. I've researched having wls for a couple of years but my insurance wouldn't cover it so I decided I wanted a lifestyle change and to be healthier so I opted to pay for my surgery myself. I'm currently 4 days post op and I'm excited to begin my journey. Updated on 20 Jun 2016: Tomorrow is my one week post op and my first day back to work. I'm nervous as to how I will feel. I'm a nurse in a office setting so my job mostly involves a lot of walking. I'm still on full liquids, I actually ate some of the noodles out of my chicken noodle soup today cause I felt I needed something more. I made sure I chewed my noodles real good, so far I'm tolerating it well. I don't plan to continue that though, I'm on full liquids until next Tuesday then I can start soft foods. No one at my job knows I had this procedure except my sister who works there also. Not that its a secret just don't want to hear all the negative comments. If asked how I'm losing the weight I will say portion control and exercise which is also true. Anyone else have a hernia that had to be removed during vsg surgery? Overall I feel much better and I'm ready to get back to a normal life but I'm still taking it easy. Updated on 26 Aug 2016: Hello everyone. I'm 10 weeks post op gastric sleeve. I've lost 20 pounds, 5 pounds before surgery and 15 after. I haven't lost any weight in about a month. I fluctuate between 1 pound loss. Is anyone else experiencing this? I get my protein in but still having a hard time getting my liquids in. I don't eat much but my food choices aren't always the best. I really need to take this more seriously and try to eat better, exercise more and get my water in. Its so hard???? any advice would be appreciated.
I decided to do the sleeve because I want be able to keep up with my girls and because my Lupus is taking a toll on my body. I finished required 7 month doc appointments the last week of June, went to support group at the end of July and received approval the first week of August. It's been a long journey, but it was sooo worth it. My surgery was quick. I had had no nausea and almost no gas. I say this because I want to encourage all future sleevers to have positive attitude. Ask God to touch and anoint all who will participate in your procedure. Believe me when I tell you, God's got you. I'll post pictures later. Updated on 8 Sep 2015: I went back to work today. To be honest, I really could have gone back last Thursday, but I promised my mother I would take a week off. Let me give you a few stats: Highest weight - 258.8 Pre-op - 243.6 Current Weight - 237.8 I have yet to have any problems at all. As a matter of fact, my energy level has shot thru the roof and my ankles haven't been swollen in over a week. While I was in the hospital, the nurses kept asking me why I was walking so fast. All I know is that my God is awesome. I started back on my protein shakes today. I've struggled just to get one down (24oz). Hopefully, I can get one more in before bed. I've had about 32oz of water so far. That's a total of 56oz of liquids so far. I took pictures in the hospital, but I'm not quite bold enough to post them yet. :-) Updated on 15 Sep 2015: So yesterday I was able to start soft foods. The first thin I tried was scrambled eggs. It felt soooo good to actually chew something. I took my time and chewed my food well. It took me about 30 minutes to get half of it eaten, but I felt like I had eaten a plate full of food. I waited 15 minutes and tried to sip on some water. That was a chore in itself. Today, I'm having vegetable soup. We'll see how that goes. :-)
I am so excited to start this journey. I have been overweight my whole life and I am ready to show everyone that I can lose the weight and keep it off. I am ready to not let my weight hold me hostage and keep me down anymore. I know my job and volunteer firefighting suffers because I am limited by my weight but that is going to change soon. Updated on 20 May 2016: Well, I am home from the hospital now. I am still in pain and suffering from all the gas but the worst part is being intolerant to hot and cold liquids. I am very excited to start this journey. I know every bit will be worth it in the end. Thanks for all the support. It really helps keep me going! Updated on 24 May 2016: I am having horrible cravings and I can barely get fluids in. I am only getting in about 30 fluid ounces. I am starting to think, what in the crap did I do. I think I am starting to fail at this. I am only like 6 days post op so I can just now add yogurt and pudding back. Does anyone have any suggestions to help? Alsi I feel like my stomach and intestines are being pulled on when i sit straight up. Should I wear a supportive stomach binder? Updated on 3 Jun 2016: I am now doing so much better. I am starting to feel normal again. I am eating soft foods too. My stomach is starting to go down and I have lost aboit 22 pounds since I started this liquid diet 3 weeks ago. I did get an abdominal support. I highly recommend everyone get one before the surgery. I split my incisions back open and the support has been helping so much. Thanks for all the prayers and support. My energy level is through the roof and I feel like a different person. I 100% recommend this surgery!!! Updated on 26 Jun 2016: I am 30 pounds down and motivated!! I suffered a kidney stone due to dehydration last Friday but am back up and going. I have more energy than ever and feel great. Just went camping with the family this weekend and going to the beach in a couple of weeks. Loving Life!!
