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Some surgeons get rid of the flap before weight loss surgery. It makes the person more comfortable and mobile. I would get rid of the flap and save for a complete tummy tuck with muscle tightening after goal is reached. The belly button is discarded with the panniculectomy that the insurance company is paying for. That would happen even if you were at goal. To save the belly button and tighten the muscles, people pay extra for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is really only a good choice when you are at goal and do not ever intend to lose or gain more than 10 pounds.

My surgery is tomorrow morning! I am a flood of emotions, but mostly excited to start this journey. I appreciate all of you for your endless advise and information. Wish me a speedy recovery! Soon I will be on the infamous losers bench. I can't wait.

I was approved today too! Best of luck on your journey [emoji4][emoji4]

Did you strain or over exert yourself recently? Are you taking anything for the constipation, and has it helped with the pain? I think this is something better left for your doctor.

First of all - Congratulations on the weight loss - to all of you. I know how hard you've been working and what determination you have. I also know really really well the fear you are facing. I was in the same place 12 years ago. My surgery was 13 years ago this month. I lost 170 lbs and have managed to keep it off - Yeah! I was really afraid of re-gain those first couple of years - especially as my appetite came back. I've roller coastered a bit at times but have managed to stay within about a 15 lb range. Don't let the fear stress you out because that can act as a push into old eating habits. Here's a few things I did to help me stay stable. I changed my eating habits drastically in that first year while I could. I cut out all sugar, went low on the grains, stopped all fast food with the rare exception, and went organic. It was easy to do that in the beginning when I was v. motivated because I kept thinking long term. I set up good solid exercise routines - doing things I liked like biking, dancing, swimming and walking. I continued to do those things because I liked them. I didn't get on the treadmill or exercise bike because I didn't like them and knew I wouldn't keep it up. I also set up and have continued to do a simple weight training routine. I got help when I needed it - used the professionals in my program but also went outside for psychotherapy and life coaching. Lastly I worked hard at not freaking out when I did gain a pound or 2 or even 10! I'd just do an inventory of where I was getting slack - esp. with the rules of the pouch - and trusted myself to get back on track, even if it took me a few days or even a week. I didn't freak out, go into despair and start that downward spiral of beat myself up, eat more, beat myself up more, eat more, etc. This is all simply put here but I put in a lot of work and time and continued vigilance yet learning to let go and enjoy life up to this day. I know I'll never gain back that weight. Good luck to all of you. The fact that you are concerned and looking long term is a great sign that you'll make it!

You'll do great! Sending good vibes your way Can't wait to be in your shoes!

Thanks for the kudos! I am in this group - every day since surgery I have made a meal for my husband and son and then had something else to eat myself. I'll be glad when I can go back to a full diet in 2 weeks so I can make healthy meals all 3 of us can enjoy together once in awhile! :-)

Congrats. Speedy recovery. I'll be sleeved on Monday. Very excited. Yet very petrified.

I was the total opposite. I walked into my consultation with my heart set on having the sleeve. My surgeon asked me one thing: "do you have acid reflux?" My answer: "yes. Not much though" and that was followed by "well VSG could make it worse." Along with that, and the amount of weight I'd like to lose, I pretty much walked out of there with my mind changed to the bypass