The Gals' Room

I’m 36 and almost 8 months out at 80 lbs down. I’ve been reading about loose skin from WLS and saw one source that said it takes about 2 years for your skin to go back to “normal.” While I’m grateful for my tool and the weight loss, my wrinkled brown bag stomach looks sad and I’m not crazy about the turkey neck, either. Can anyone 2+ years out confirm if the skin ever tightens up?

Hey y'all! I went to the doctor to learn more about my surgery options and my doctor recommended I try an Optifast program first. I have my first appointment to learn more about it in 2 weeks but I'm curious now, lol. Has anyone ever tried it? If so, what were your results? Has anyone ever done the UAB or Princeton program? Thanks so much!

hello! i was wondering what everyone’s experience was with pcos after surgery? i met with my surgeon last month, and in preparation for surgery she told me to stop my birth control (which is what keeps my PCOS is line) and that’s fine but i’m a little nervous about it. i haven’t been sexually active in a few years, so not nervous in that aspect but more so for my period and how it’s going to affect that. i also know that some people gain weight when they start birth control so i’m worried that when they have me start it again post op that might happen? not sure if anyone has gone through this and could share their experience with me? also, the other medications …

Interested in hearing if dating is easier, better or different after surgery and weight loss? Have you met a new boo? I'm all ears! ?[emoji41][emoji101][emoji101]

deleted

Hello all, I’m new to this forum, I’m now in the research part of my journey. I have pcos. I found out that I had it when I was 19, I’m currently 27. Married and no kids. We have been trying for years but no help. My current weight is 305. My question to you all. Has surgery helped with losing weight? Are you losing fast, slow? Thank you so much.

Hi Ladies, I haven't had any surgery yet but I am wanting peoples opinions or experiences if that's okay. I am a 35 year old single Mum, I'm about 70kg overweight, my daughter is 8 years old and is over weight for her age group. I am in the process of being referred to a specialist to discuss weight loss surgery but I am really stuck in my thinking on how this will effect my daughter. On the positive side if I had the surgery and lost weight I would be active, healthier and more outgoing and be a healthier example to my daughter (food/weight/exercise wise). But I'm also thinking if I have the surgery and my daughter then sees the tiny portions that I could eat a…

Hi all! I'm a 31-year-old woman who is 10 months post-op. I started around 318 lbs. and am now around 183 lbs. Most of my weight is off now, and I have about 40 left to go to goal; these last pounds are going more slowly, which is fine, that's to be expected. I'm hoping to be at goal by the end of 2018. I have had my period for 20 years and had never been regular until my pre-op diet started last April. Since then - clockwork. It's amazed me how much my surgery has helped this area of my life. It's astonishing to me that I can predict when a period is coming after years of not having one at all, getting one every two weeks, etc. and being told noth…

Hi ladies, The universe just gave me it’s highly polished F U. I am on my third day post op, and my body decided it would be a GREAT time to get my period. But not just any period. No, no of course not. It’s like the mother of all periods. Severe back pain, abdominal cramping, and super sore breasts. Go me. This is greeeeeaasaaaaatttttt. Nothing like a period almost two weeks early to celebrate your new beginning. It’s not like I didn’t just have all during my husband’s surgery just 2.5 weeks ago. Anyone else hoping for early menopause?

A question popped into my head today as I was walking to the car after an appointment with my nutritionist: "Why am I doing this?" Really, why am I doing any of this? I never wanted to have surgery. I never wanted to change my body, the way I was made, for any reason. I never even wanted to diet but twelve years ago I found myself doing that after meeting the man who would later become my husband. In my mind, my weight was the reason for our lack of intimacy and I wanted so badly for him to want me. Cue the yo-yo / spiral of me needing intimacy & dieting in order to look better for him, having some weight loss success, still not getting the intimacy I desire, getting …

I have a week to go and I want to stay in a strong place here but I am so nervous its a huge change coming up and im ball of nerves. Any other ladies feeling jittery?

I knew it was inevitable. Aunt Flo had an extended stop over somewhere on her latest round trip, being due more the a week pre op but waiting until just over a week post op to arrive and decimate my abdomen. I had been so happy needing no pain killers these last few days and buzzing about doing my Mummy duties like normal since I came back from hospital. Then I had a little spotting two days ago as a pre warning, before the flood gates opened late yesterday. I have ALWAYS had really heavy painful periods (except when moderated a bit by the hormonal pill) and was knocked off guard by it not hurting too badly yesterday and overnight, though I did take my prescript…

So I’m unfortunately no stranger to UTIs, had a handful in my life. They were no fun pre surgery. BUT I have a UTI now (6 months post op) and I swear it’s worse somehow. And it just crept up on me. One ER visit at 2am and 2 medicines later I’ll be on the road to health again, but public service announcement—stay hydrated and all that other jazz to prevent infections, this is Miserable ?

Well before surgery I have been going through menopause for the last 3 yrs. Last period over 9 months ago. Well after having surgery 2 weeks ago the curse is back with a big pow! Cramps and doubled over... my questions is it safe to use a heating pad and laying on my stomach (if I am able to)? That was the only way I was able to get relief from my period before. Now a new count down till I reach complete menopause.

So this Thursday I will be 7 weeks post op. I was previously on the Nuvaring, My gyno suggested I take it out before the surgery and start back using it after surgery. So my dilemma is should I get back on it. My concern is that it will interfere with my weight loss and I definitely don't want that. Has anyone gotten on the Nuvaring after surgery? How did it effect your weight loss.

How long before I can get back to a sex life? My doctor said whenever I felt comfortable enough. So my thoughts in maybe 3 to 4 weeks. My surgery date March 22

Did anyone else have vajayjay changes since surgery? I’ve always been a big water drinker which now isn’t so much but also feel like I’m having the beginnings of yeast infection or something just super dry feeling. If this makes any sense at all.

Hi everyone?. 1st post here... I had the rny on 4/4. 2 days after surgery I started what I think is my period. It wasn't due till the 14th. Could the blood thinners they gave me after surgery have caused it start early? Just wondering if anyone else's period popped up early after surgery. Side note- I'm normally VERY regular. Thanks in advance. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

My sisters: I'm 9 months and 150 lbs lost on this WLS journey and at this point, my whole body looks like a deflated balloon on a parade float--especially my breasts!! I went from a DD to about a C, and a 46 band to a 38 band. My problem is finding a good, everyday bra that contains everything into something resembling the shape of a breast. If the sides are too low, I get major underarm bulge, if the cup isn't quite right, I'm just misshapen. Anyone found a good solution? At least one a week I seem to be going to stores and trying on 10 bras that don't fit right. Unfortunately, I live out in the boondocks and there is no store that does any kind of fitting. Eventu…

Hi!! Anyone in the area in a support group?

Hi Ladies!! I'm 37, single mom with a 9 year old son. I want to one day get married, and have another baby before 40 years old BUTTTT hoping to have surgery in June. Should I wait til I've had another child OR move forward??

Hi everyone! I just started a NEW Youtube Channel for Bariatric Beauty and Fashion Tips and Tricks. I'm a professional makeup artist with 17 years experience in the industry and also a Gastric Bypass 10 year post op! Let me know if you're interested in other videos!!

Hi Ladies!! Need a support group in my area. Anyone out there?

Hi! Looking for friends to motivate each other and get tips for what's working or not! Had gastric sleeve on April 23rd[emoji4]

Hi. Brand spanking new to the WLS arena... my first class is 4/27/18, so my surgery will be sometime late this year or early next year. I'm planning on RNY bypass - that's what was suggested because I am diabetic and have multiple comorbidities. The support groups at my hospital are on Monday at 330! Good grief, people have to work lol Anyway, kind of looking to replace that if possible... I started the process back in 2013, panicked after my 2nd support group meeting where I met 2 ladies on feeding tubes from complications, and have just now regained my nerve. So... hi! Sent from my LGMP260 using BariatricPal mobile app

Why can't I lose weight there! I'm still a stupid triple D! With that said, I want to start running. Anyone have ideas for cheap bras or something to keep them from flying off into space while I jog? SW: 366 CW: 329 GW1: 200 RNY Dec 18, 2017!

Hey, ladies! I had a gastric bypass on July 28th, haven't even been cleared for soft foods yet, but ... thinking ahead. Did anybody experience loss of hair? Is this something a cute, short cut would take care of or should I start looking into a hair piece or even a wig? I've heard this typically doesn't happen until a few months out, and doesn't happen to everyone, but ... my hair is on the thin/fine side to begin with, so the thought of losing more is causing me some distress. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Did anyone have issues with Turkey Neck and the skin being unable to tighten? Is there anything recommended to prevent or treat that? I hate that look!

Hi everyone, Is this a thing? Accountability partners? Texting buddies? I'm kind of hoping so. I've been struggling for a little while now which I posted about elsewhere, and I've been racking my brain to come up with something that might help. Because of my schedule I'm not able to attend the support groups hosted by my surgeon's office each month and I don't really know anyone else going through anything similar with whom I could commiserate. In late November 2016 I was sleeved. My highest weight pre-surgery was 347lbs. My weight going into surgery was around 280lbs or just under and my current weight fluctuates between 196-201lbs. At 5'5" I'm hoping to …

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/former-playboy-bunny-becomes-worlds-12341884 @frust8 I thought of you while finding this article...lol

Hi ladies, I’m 3.5 months post op and down 40lbs, and I’m going on a cruise in early May for the first time. I need a new swimsuit, but since I’m only 40lbs down, I’m still facing the same issue when shopping for a swimsuit: my thighs. There are so many cute swimsuits out there, but I have very large thighs that rub together and chafe. It’s also cellulite city around there and I prefer to keep them covered up. Does anyone know of any swimsuits with longer bottoms? Maybe even like longer shorts? That might be a long shot but I’d thought I’d ask around

Hello [emoji1309] what should I bring w/ me to hospital? Will b staying overnight. What was helpful to you on your stay? I'm thinking of getting a binder, sounds right up my alley, I guess I'll ask hospital if they give one if not I'll invest in one. Protein, which best to get, I think I'll get an unflavored so I can add to stuff. I've heard of genepro & un-something? Sorry I'm all over the place here! I hope I'm posting this correctly ?‍♀️Surgery day 4/12/18 I'm 241lbs

I have gone through some of my clothing and i;ve already gotten a big bag of stuff to give away. Mostly stuff I won't wear or jeans that don't fit anymore. I'd love to give them to someone who is doing bariatric surgery and needs just a few things or so to tide em over while they lose weight. Does anyone know of a place like that? Also.... What is your clothing goal? that one thing you want to wear or size that'll be the ah ha moment? For me, being a music junky, I can't wait to wear band t-shirts. I've only been to one concert(Green Day) but most bands I like don't seem to have plus size shirts. My goal is a xl t-shirt. I need t…

Ok, I am scheduled for surgery on Feb. 1st. I am asking all you girls that have already undergone sleeve surgery. Did you guys shave it all down there, did you not do that and wake up and it was shaved? Not that I dont keep it nice and trim down there, just wondering if I should do that myself before I go? Im sorry if this is question bothers anyone, I didnt mean to. Thanking you guys in advance

I have a history of horrendous cycles and I have an appointment Monday to finally get an IUD (Mirena). I told my surgeon of my plan at our first initial appointment and he said it would not be a concern. I’m really hoping this is the answer to all the issues I have with my cycle but at the same time I don’t want any interference with my Weight loss/VSG process. Just wondering if any of you ladies who have or have had IUD notice any changes since surgery. Should I wait to get the IUD til afterwards or go with my initial plan? I figure if my surgeon isn’t concern I shouldn’t be but I can’t help but wonder anyway.

SO i went to my OBGYN yesterday and wanted to get on Birth Control. I wanted something where i would have less periods and lighter flow. She suggested Seasonale. I had already done some research and this is the one i was interested in. When i got my notification from Walgreens that it was ready i was shocked to see that is was $175.00! Now it is for 91 days, but still i wasn't expecting that all. Anyone else on it and pay that much or have any idea how to get it a little cheaper??? Also, would like some feedback if you like it, or not.

I haven't had surgery yet (talking to my primary on Wednesday to get the ball rolling) but one reason why I've been putting off on asking about it is I'm terrified of loose skin. I'm 42, weigh about 375... my skin isn't going to bounce back like it used to (over 12 years ago I lost almost 150lbs and had no loose skin, I've since regained and aged). Right now I love my big boobs and don't want to lose them but there's no way I can afford implants, like ever. And my husband is 15 years younger than me (rawr!), I'm worried that he'll stop finding me sexy. He swears that's not going to happen but I can't help but worry. His preference has always been big women, and with my st…

Has anyone had the mini gastric bypass what r ur results and how r u feeling

I am getting married April 1 and have the almost perfect wedding dress except spanx are not doing the job with my loose skin. The back of the dress is fairly low so my compression garment can't be too high and the material is too thin to wear boning (it will show). I bought it thinking spanx would work but I need to either bandage this skin somehow or tape it to give a smoother appearance. I found a product on Amazon called Skinnies that can be used for stomach, arms and thighs and wondering if anyone has had luck with it or can suggest something else. Surran wrap would be just too hot for my Texas wedding. Down 150 lbs! I didn't want to have plastics before pregnancy.

I read online it is more likely that women will have a c-section after having WLS... am I remembering that correctly? Do you have any experience to share?

I got my period for the first time since October 2016. It started on January 30 and is still going! Luckily, it has been light but very annoying. Also, I have not lost any weight in about a week. I have an appoint with my GYN next week so I am hoping she will tell me this is normal. Has anyone else experience this? I read some of the other posts and it seems like the majority of the ladies got their period for the first time it was really heavy. Maybe just stop complaining and deal with it? Any comments/suggestions are welcome!

Hi. Because of my weight and specifically due to my large stomach, my husband and I have not been physically intimate in a very long time. Even creative positioning doesn't help and becomes embarrassing because of my size. Has anyone else experienced weight as a barrier? I'm hoping we can get back on track as I lose weight but then I think I'll have loose skin that may affect intimacy. Is there hope?

I am 14 years out from my gastric bypass and have started drinking and now I think I am replacing one bad habit with another. Can anyone help me?

I was sleeved 07/04/2017 and I'm down 30lbs as of today (whoop whoop)! A little background, I have a son that just turned two. Before I got pregnant my sex drive was through the roof. I had lost 150 pounds with weight watchers and had been maintaining for about 2 years at that point. Despite working out while pregnant and being mindful of what I ate, I managed to gain about 80lbs with my pregnancy. When I was about 6 months or so, my libido just DROPPED. I had zero desire to be intimate or even kiss my husband. Fast forward two years later.....and I still am struggling. I've went to the doctors multiple times and they tested my hormone levels, thyroid,…

I’m 2 days post op from A RnY gastric bypass. I started passing small black runny looking stools. Has anyone else had this issue? I’m a little freaked but the clinic said that it is completely normal!

Hi ladies! This is my first post, I usually just enjoy reading and looking through the questions and post from all of you as they are always insightful and encouraging. I am 6 months post sleeve (sleeved in March 2015) and I am down 90 pounds. I decided to have the surgery when I was diagnosed with PCOS and infertility and was hoping surgery and weight loss would help me to become pregnant. After years of not needing to worrying about birth control I was obviously not as careful as I should have been and found out yesterday I am 4 weeks pregnant. I am scared of being pregnant only 6 months post op and am wondering if anyone has any advise or similar stories. Any help wo…

Okay so this is probably a dumb question but I don't care. My hair needs to be done. And by that I mean cut & foiled. I was wanting to wait and do it after surgery. But I worry about the hair loss. Should quick get it done before my surgery or is it better to wait and do it after?

Is it possible that the trauma of going through WLS triggered menopause? Maybe it's coincidental, but It kicked me into a period that lasted two weeks post-op starting the day of surgery, but I haven't had one since. Yes, I'm in my early 50s and due to be finished with periods, but the timing hit right when I had my surgery in June. It changes things in ways I hadn't anticipated. Somethings just aren't as comfortable as they used to be. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

I’m 3wks post op from the bypass. Everything was going to great. No dumping. Just getting back in the swing of things...My period has been so far 13 days extremely heavy with clotting (sorry for the details). I’m feeling weak and always tired. I’ve stopped taking the blood thinner as per my surgeon. I spoke to my OB. She says with rapid weight loss it can cause lengthy menses and my hormones are out of whack. She wants to do a PG test!!!! I’m for sure I wasn’t pregnant prior to surgery. That was checked a few times prior. She also would like to do an ultrasound and some other workup. Suggesting birth control! I’m not against it but it wasn’t something I wanted to then hv …

Has anyone had any experiences with numbness in the hands? I'm 4weeks post op rny and I've been noticing it the last could days. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app