Butrcupz622

You have to remember that our face is full when we are overweight and the elasticity of the skin isn't going to be as firm. There are some products that could be useful while you're losing weight. I take Biosil which is good for the skin and hair. It costs about $30 but my boyfriend has already noticed my face looking more vibrant. I also use skin firming lotion for my face. Try researching some good skin care products. You'll probably find something worth trying.

Wow. You look amazing! Congratulations. You've made such a remarkable stride in your weight loss. I hope to be able to post photos like that one day.

Hi! Congrats on your decision. I weighed 332 when I first started and also considered myself the healthy fat girl. I've always been pretty active but man, going up a flight of stairs really takes it out of a person! I chose to get this surgery to be healthier moreso than just wanting to be thin. I've had enough of stuffing myself simply because I was bored or didn't want to cook. Lazy, right? I know. But what did it for me as well was going into Ashley Stewart's and being told that my size (size 26) wasn't going to be carried anymore because they weren't really selling. Imagine how bad that made me feel... It made me feel grossly and morbidly obese and abnormal. The big girl store wasn't even going to cater to the big girl! So, I decided that I had to change. And to think that I had been against this surgery from the moment the doctor had suggested it to me because I felt like I was taking the easy road. I took all my tests: pulmonary, stress tests, echo and even a cardiac one where they had to put wires in my veins (Not comfortable at all!) Expect to go on a liquid diet right before surgery. The main reason for this is to decrease the size of your liver so it doesn't get in the way during surgery. It'll also help you to adjust to not having much food post-surgery as well. Because of my size, it took time after surgery for my swelling to go down. My stitches bothered me a lot. It didn't help that I never stayed down for long either. The best way to go into this is not seeing it as a diet but as a lifestyle change. After surgery, the first month is a big adjustment. Not only are you hungry for the most part but you're in a mental battle. What you'll see in your mind is most definitely not what you'll get on your plate. I've cried at times because I just wanted more food. It gets easier as time goes by because you get used to it. Sometimes you'll tell yourself "Why did I do this?!", but in the end when you see your weight dropping on the scale and can feel yourself getting smaller, you'll be happier than a pig in sh*t (no pun intended, lol). You've made the right decision. Good luck on your journey and always remember that the end justifies the means. Sorry to ramble on.

So far I've had: B: Protein shake with skim milk S: Mozzarella stick L: 1 egg, small turkey sausage, 2 turkey bacon strips Bottle of Water D: 2 oz of beef with rice and Beans

Every doctor does something different; it doesn't mean they're wrong. It's just the way they prefer to do things. I started at a high weight with a BMI of 58. For 2 weeks I had a protein shake for breakfast and lunch and then a good salad for dinner. Sure, they were only a few times I strayed but it's normal. About three days before my surgery, I buckled down and only drank liquids. If you can't fully stick to the diet asked by your doctor then just be sure to eat light. On the last day or so, stick to liquids just to be on the safe side. But it would help to eat less in preparation for what's to come after you've had your surgery. It def. helped me. Good luck!

I guess thinking about it, I would have to say that I'd like to be around a size 8 or 10. While I cherish the thought of someday actually being thin, I want to be healthy more than anything. Right now, I wear a size 20 that is slowly beginning to feel a little loose in the waist area, Only when those size 20 jeans begin to feel really big and baggy will I know that I've achieved a good weight loss.

I guess thinking about it, I would have to say that I'd like to be around a size 8 or 10. While I cherish the thought of someday actually being thin, I want to be healthy more than anything. Right now, I wear a size 20 that is slowly beginning to feel a little loose in the waist area, Only when those size 20 jeans begin to feel really big and baggy will I know that I've achieved a good weight loss.

Way to go!! I'm happy for you and your great progress! Keep it up!

The whole point of keeping to a diet afterwards is to allow the stomach to heal properly. My diet plan consisted of 2 weeks on liquids, 2 weeks on mushies and then start slowly on the real foods. And when I did start eating again, it was difficult. The smallest bites had me feeling full and uncomfortable and they were sometimes accompanied with pain. Take your time to adjust. It's the best thing in my opinion.

Great compliment!! You should give it another try if you are thinking about it. If it's what you're good at, go ahead and give it a try.

When I first started drinking Protein shakes, it was difficult. I wasn't so much thinking of the taste as I was in that I'd be having a chocolate shake everyday. Woo hoo! Wrong. The texture and the flavor took time to adjust to but eventually I found that the shakes really aren't so bad. My nutritionist actually told me to drink a Protein Shake in the morning and afternoon and for dinner to have greens which goes through the system pretty quick. So, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Don't even think about giving up. If you can't stomach the shakes, eat small portions of protein. Just be sure to stop a few days before. A few days of liquid won't hurt and it also helps to prepare you for the 2 weeks of liquids after the surgery. Good luck!

It took me about a month or so for the swelling to go down. I did go through a terrible recovery period. Usually, it's said that the recovery period lasts about 2 weeks. I guess it took me longer because I started at 322 lbs and I didn't really stay down on the couch for long. I tried doing things when I shouldn't have and paid for that mistake.

Ugh! When I came out of surgery and saw the drain, I started to panic a lil bit having had one previously from my gallbladder surgery. When they removed it, I felt every muscle in my abdomen clench and then a searing pain that stayed with me until the next day. Hated it but I'd do it again.

Hi. I also got surgery in the hopes that I'll be able to conceive. I've lost about 85 lbs but to be honest I'm not using any form of birth control. I declined using bcp's because I don't want to add on to my "condition." But there are ways you can take care of yourself. Have you considered an iud or the depo shot. There's even an implant that goes just underneath the skin in the arm that can last years.You can research all of these online and hopfully one of these will help you. I wish you luck. Take care.

No luck here. I started losing hair about 2-3 months ago.. and I mean by the clumps. My scalp has already begun to show somewhat; something I'm definitely not happy about. I used to have long, curly hair. Now, it's just curly. I can't say I regret my surgery but this dramatic hair loss has caused me some emotional stress. I went from taking Biotin and am, at the moment, taking two other hair pills every morning to try and correct this problem. Unfortunately, there's been no change. I try not to brush my hair and I'm scared of washing it even more. My best guess is that I'll be wearing a wig by the time summer rolls around. Ugh!

In about 2 weeks I'll be marking my 6th month surgiversary and have lost about 85 pounds altogether. Not totally what I would have liked, but I am definitely not complaining. I just recently bought some jeans at a size 20... something I can say I never was. I skipped that size on the way up in weight. And it feels good to know that I'll never be a 26/28 again. My arms have gotten smaller. Definitely not as flabby as they used to be. But I have noticed the elasticity of my skin in the legs area. My legs, while they have become toned, are hanging with the excess skin that I have. I'm kinda hoping that with the additional weight loss that they'll go down a good bit. I feel better about myself and when I look at old pictures of me, I can't believe just how fat my face was or how huge my legs were. I feel disgusted at everything that makes me, well me. And my hair has been falling out. At first, I attributed my hair loss to some pills I had been taking only to realize that it's the surgery. But now I find myself obsessing about my hair a little bit more each day because it's gotten to the point where I've begun seeing my scalp. Seriously, at what point do i say it's not just the surgery anymore? And at what point will the doctors stop using it as an excuse? I've lost so much hair, that my long curly hair, hardly gets knotted up. I'm scared to wash it, scared to brush, scared to dye it and switch it up. I've started taking all the hair and nail vitamins which seems to be working on my legs and underarms but not the top of my head. I'm feeling hopeless... It's so crazy how weight loss can just intertwine feelings of good and bad. One minute, I can love myself and just feel on top of the world and the next, I'm still feeling how I did when I was at my heaviest.. like I hate myself and the world. My hormones have been so crazy these past few months that I don't know how to act and react to my surroundings. I get into these terrible mood swings and I say and do stuff that isn't me. The worst thing about it is that I don't care about what I've done 'til days later. That's when the remorse starts to kick in. It's crazy. I am definitely not the same person I was when I began this journey. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll become a better person. I'm having a terrible time adjusting. If anyone can give me some insight, I would really appreciate it. I need to regain control and some level of normalcy.

Hey, it's okay not to like having to witness your boyfriend and his friends stuffing and enjoying themselves but you shouldn't be staying there with them while they do it. Walk away or go do something while they eat and then go back and join in on the conversation. You're not helping the moment by watching them eat nor by watching the food network especially when you haven't eaten in a long time. You might also want to talk to your boyfriend about being more aware of your situation and maybe that can help the way you're feeling, too. Take a breather... before you know it, the time will come when you'll be able to eat. Good luck!

So... while the weight isn't coming off the way I'd like, something I've already accepted, the inches are. Something noticeably different I've been feeling? My bones. They seem to be protruding more, and lord, if it don't hurt while I lay down in bed. It feels like I'm constantly getting poked; and I'm having more trouble sleeping on my belly because I'm feeling my ribs more and more. What a difference when I had the cushioning to help me fall asleep. Along with my weight, I had a matching set of buttocks to go with it. I'm not gonna lie. My butt is huge... enough to make it it the "butt" of many jokes. hehe. But, now that I'm losing the inches, I'm happy to report that I'm begining to lose my butt. And the difference has become very noticeable in that it hurts to be seated for long periods of time. At the moment, I can only manage to sit for about an hour or so before I begin to feel the aches and pains. Then I'll reposition myself until I can't stand it anymore. I end up having to get up just to give my butt some relief. I have to say, when I was heavier that certainly never happened. And my jelly rolls are getting smaller (yay!). The last thing I want to do is put myself on the spot but this is my therapy.. i.e: F*@# it! Now, one knows that when you're already heavy and a heavyweight on top, that we'll all tend to have the "breast extender." You know, the roll of excess that follows AFTER the breast and extends to underneath the armpits. Ugh, right? Well, I've lost enough of my breast extender to the point that my bra now slides out of place. And I now have pockets in my bra cups to realize that it's time for a change. It is time to go shopping for..(drum roll , please) A NEW, SMALLER BRA! Now, I'm not really sure if I should be bragging about my breasts getting smaller. Most women talk about having big ones, but when you've had 'em all your life, I'm ready to say good-bye. Just leave me with a lil suttin suttin and I'll be good... (Making lemonade with oranges, heh) Well, that's it for now. I know I've said a lil too much in this entry but that's fine by me. Hope this made somebody laugh

This surgery is meant to change your way of life.. of how you think in regards to food. Sure, it's not a permanenet solution.. it's a tool. Before I started this process, I focused on changing myself and my eating habits. I have this surgery and while I'm not on a diet, I am watching what I eat. I don't eat fried foods anymore, most sugar foods (but I don't deny myself either) You can't think of this as surgery with a diet. Pick the foods you like and cook them healthy. Bake, steam, broil. Cut out the greasy middle man. The more you continue changing the more natural it will be for you. And with the smaller portions you'll be eating the weight will fall off. Have faith. Don't listen to others. Just listen to you. Good luck on your journey!

Don't concentrate too much on what your husband is saying. Chances are he was probably giving you support on the off chance that this was just a phase you were going through. And now that he sees you're that much closer to your surgery goal, he's beginning to have his own doubts, maybe his own moment of insecurity. Remember, this sugery is for yourself and no one else. Only you know what can truly make ou happy both inside and out. Don't try to convince him. Just let him experience it for himself. He'll get the picture when he sees you're serious about this. Further down the road, he'll give you the support you need simply because he loves you. He's going through a moment of adjustment. Share everything with him but keep your strong will and determination going fierce. Good luck!

Please don't fret... A surgery like this one has had all of us, at one point or another, ready to go ballistic. It's hard; for some more than others. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that this is the beginning of your journey to a better you. There are days when you're going to feel as if you did wrong. but, there will also be days when you'll notice a lil somethin is missing, perhaps from your waistline or that double chin is starting to fade away. Those days are the ones that count because yo'll feel so good about yourself that you'll know you did the right thing. Each day is going to be different. Instead of feeling bummed and crying, just tell yourself that everything will be okay. I wish you the best!

Well, currently my weight is 275. At first I wasn't happy, what with the slow progress I've had to endure, but then, I realized I'm not the same person. My clothes don't fit right anymore; and it's crazy because they were close to snug before and now they're just big. I bypassed the "just right" phase. I'm still refusing to buy new clothes as of yet because I can't seem to see myself wasting money on clothes I won't be able to wear for long. The one thing that has worked well for me is my body shape. I may weigh 275 but I don't look it. I look about 240 which is quite all right with me. I'm waiting to lose at least another 30-40 pounds which might be by the upcoming springtime. That would be perfect because then I'll be able to buy cheap summer clothes. I've finally accepted that my weight loss isn't going to be quick n easy as I had always assumed. It seems that my body's going to fight me all the way. And who can blame it, right? It's been so used to lugging all the extra heavy weight for soooo many years. But, I have noticed a trend in my weight loss. I'll stalll for like a month and then BAM! I'll lose ten pounds then stall again and here we go losing again. Knowing how my body's choosing to lose the weight is not what I would have chosen for myself but I can accept it. I haven't been this weight since I was in my early 20s. I'm feeling good about myself. The exercise in the gym and the weight loss combined have made it easy for me to even be able to walk fast without getting all out of breath. I used to walk so slow and now my boyfriend can't even keep up with me. This is a whole new feeling for me and I'm loving the fact that I'm able to enjoy it. It feels like a whole new natural high. But it's a challenge, also. Don't get me wrong. There have been times that I've cried just because I wasn't able to eat everything that was on my dinner plate. There were times when I was craving a certain food and not to be able to even finish half of it has brought to my knees a times. It's been a real struggle adjusting to the fact that food cannot control my life as it used to. Hell, I'm still struggling and it's not something that I think will ever completely go away but I wouldn't change it for the world. I'm healthier, weigh less and what could've been high blood pressure is no more. I'm turning my life around around and even though it's a slow process I can see the finish line.

So another month has gone by and I'm still at 284 pounds. I get the results of my blood tests next week. At this point, I'm kinds hoping that they'll find somnething with my thyroid or that I do have PCOS. It's frustrating and a lil bit scary the moods that I get into. I go from being happy to sad to angry to just wantin to give up on myself and the whole world. And I'm beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, all the emotions I'm feeling have to do with more than just having gotten this operation. It's not easy. My boyfriend and I have been arguing and disagreeing more often. The only thing I've kept a tight hold on is going to the gym. All together, I usually do like 45 minutes of the elliptical and then 30-40 minutes weight training. At the end of each workout, I feel good about myself. As if I'm accomplishing something big, which I am.

It must be 'cause I've been drinkin but I'm feelin so disgusted with myself. Do you know that I've busted my ass, literally, this week, n I haven't ost a freakin pound. I'm to the point that I'm freakin disgusted with myself.. I'm beginning to feel hateful n jealous of those that seem to be losing weight like nothing. Yeah, I know it's wrong and I'm truly wishing you the best to all that are accomplishing their mission), but I'm feeling stuck. For the past twp weeks I've been exercising my ASS off, literally. And I don't know why but I'm not losing any weight whatsoever. What's left for me to do? I just don't know anymore. I'm beginning to feel like perhaps I've wasted my time on this whole operation. Of course I'm hating on those who're doing so good. I wan to be where they are. I'm so frustrated right now. Well, on the good side is that I went to my doctor n explained it to her, She's begun testing ...me on my thyroid to see if anything's up. Will let u know.

I had a doctor's appt on October 18. According to their scales, I managed to lose about 16 pounds since my last appt on Sept.13. I should be ecstatic to see that I am losing weight but I'm not. I can only say that I think my expectations are too high or that my body just isn't willing to part with the fat. Or maybe I'm just not doing something right. I have noticed a trend with me and that's that I've taken to being a complainer and a worry wort. I seem to never be satisfied with myself and I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I'm pushing myself. I've been going to the gym almost everyday and I work out for an hour and a half each time (includes strength training). I wake up so early to be able to go the gym that by the end of the day, I'm more than drained and exhausted. I'm starting to get bags under my eyes and can barely go up a flight of stairs. And I can't let up because I'm so afraid I'll give up and I have never felt as motivated as I do now. I'm trying to find my way in being able to adjust my schedule so I can get things done and be able to rest and relax. but it seems to me that this schedule is the one that works for me even though it is exhausting. On the plus side, I've noticed that my body isn't looking so bulky. My "boobies" have started to slowly disappear and I'm finding that my bra isn't fitting right anymore. My sister even had the gall to stuff her hand in my bra through my shirt because she felt the need to show me just how much of a gap I had. Apparently, my bra sticks out to the point that she can see the lining through my shirt. Grreeeaattt*t!.... And my huge dome of an ass went from a fat filled, pork rind, jelly stuffed, behemoth to an almost flabby, gelatin like distorted picture (think Picasso's portrait of all the distorted clocks that look like as if they're melting). It's gotten to the point that my ass will actually start hurtin if I sit down too long (as is the case now since I'm sitting wrtiing this entry). *sigh* No more cushion for the pushin, I guess. Ah well, my boyfriend's gonna have to worry about that more than me. The one place I don't seem to be getting any kind of good feedback are my arms. Lawd, they are looking so nasty. I've taken to calling them my batwings because while they have gotten slightly thinner, the backs of my upper arms droop like a bag of molasses. Disgusting. I never did like my arms... betcha if I flap my arms I'll end up flying around the room like Dumbo. Ugh. I'm attempting to do more arm exercises but I already know that once I've reached my goal weight, I'll still end up needing surgery to fix them babies. Well, this has been my latest update. In another couple of months, I'll be posting some after pics. Then you'll see what I mean...