MINI-Me

Thank you for your honesty about what you've gone through. It must be tough and sharing with others is very brave of you. Other than the fist month of weepiness which was attributed to estrogen, I haven't any issues. EXCEPT ...... You KNEW THAT WAS COMING - RIGHT??? PMS is terrible. It lasts from 2 days prior to about 3 days after my period ends. I'm moody, crampy, and want to eat everything in site. Just like when I was a teenager. Ugh!

No regrets other than not being able to pig out at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But that also means no January Resolutions to lose weight (which always seemed to translate into gain more weight). I really believe this surgery saved my life. I was on my way to a lifestyle of unhealthy eating, poor labs, diabetes and heart disease. My lab numbers are incredible now ... I feel great ... My husband has loved me at any size, but now I find that I'm getting my exercise running away because he can't keep his hands off of me ... or involved in extra curricular activities. Do you research. Talk to a surgeon (or two) ... Come join us on the Loser's Bench!

I'm surprised you didn't need a psych consult ... I was told that was a requirement for a surgeon to be considered a Center of Excellence. No matter ... good luck on your journey. Your surgery will be here before you know it!

Doug - I definitely agree that we need to change our habits. However, from all my research, I do not believe we CAN stretch our stomachs a lot. (I think that is why I was questioning the size of the 4 year sleeve - but the explanation of the swelling & closer up picture helped.) My surgeon said that he has seen very little stretching ... and if for some reason mine decided to get twice it's size (which he does NOT expect to happen with what he left) I will never be able to eat an entire hamburger again. So, there is a lifetime change required ... but I will never be able to eat at pre-surgery capacity again. Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My surgeon used a 36, but said it was super tight & the smallest he had made that day (he did 3 sleeves that day). Apparently, I have good anatomy! LOL

Thanks everyone ... that was a good discussion.

I think that's what worries me ... If swollen post-op wouldn't it appear larger. I hope the one post is right and the 4 year picture is just closer. (as well as I have done, I am still worried about regain!!)

Glad to hear that things are going well. Looking forward to your future posts.

It really is different for each person. I had my surgery outpatient and went home the same day. It seems like that outpatient is becoming the norm around where I live and where I had the surgery (Vegas)/ I did have pain, but I don't think a hospital stay would have changed that. If you already have approval for one night, your doctor should easily be able to get 2 if you require it.

Just throwing this out to everyone ... The stomach looks so much bigger at 4 years. What is the thought on the "not stretching" when it looks so much larger after serveral years?

Going, going, gone ... I was a nice 38 full C cup prior to surgery. I use VERY padded bras these days, but really doubt I could fill a 34B with just what I have. I have been thinking seriously about surgery, but I don't think I'm mentally ready for another surgery right now. Since I have virtually no cleavage left & what I do have looks low when they are not placed just right, I'm looking at other options. My husband says he is content with what I have & the rest of me is "smokin' hot" so I'm trying not to mind as much. Anyone know where to purchase silicone pads (or somthing similiar) to add into a bra? I'm wondering if that might help the "illusion" I'm trying to create in my now small tops.

Do you know how big your stomach was made? At one year out, I can eat about 3 ounces of steak with a bite or two of salad & maybe 1/4 of a small baked potato. But, that is pushing it just a bit beyond my comfort level. It may be that your surgeon left your stomach a little larger. If so, it's really not a big deal. As you said, you still eat less than pre-surgery. So, you do have restriction, just not as much as some other seem to have. Personally, I would not suggest a "diet" or going back to shakes and such. Just go back to the basics of your plan ... Protein first, no drinking before/after, veggies next, 64+ ounces of Fluid daily. That should be enough to get you back on track and losing again. Once you get to maintenance, you can experiment with what you can eat/do to maintain your weightloss. Just a little bit more to go & you've made it!

Welcome. Congratulations on your success thus far!

I am a definite believer in the benefits of massage. Not only does it help with stress and pain relief, I have not had as many colds, etc since starting regular massage about 3 years ago. Sorry to hear that you are stressed with work right now ... been there, done that (and it looks like I may be headed there again) ... Keep your chin up - feel free to come out here and vent if it helps!

That is so awesome. I know you are proud of yourself and we are very proud as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I say go for it as well. Just imagine eating those little sample sizes & being perfectly content with that little taste. You had surgery to live life and live it for all it has to give. This is a LIFE moment & should not be missed. Just beware - if you have been good with Desserts and stuff for all 3 months, you might experience some ... how should I say it ... bowel issues. Just make sure you know where the bathroom is prior to your sampling. Enjoy this time ... and be sure to come back and tell us all about it!!!!

God bless ... VERY EXCITED FOR YOU. Post when you can.

That is GREAT!

That is awesome. Your hard work is definitely showing!

Good for you! I had no problems with steak either. Just be sure to chew, chew, chew.

Thank you for your note. I am so glad to know that my experiences are helping others. We are all in this together!

I was self-pay. I used Medical Tourism, but had my surgery in the US. I paid just a little over $10K for surgery in Vegas. Loved my surgeon & would recommend him in a heartbeat. Many of your classes are done over the internet & you can review them again and again if you need/want to. Send me a PM if you'd like addiitonal information and my coordinator's name. No need to cry! We will help you figure out a solution!

What a lot of people don't know is that Blue Cross Blue Shield sells the rights to use their name. So, each insurance company is independently owned and operated (think franchise chains) ... And within each company, there are different policies to purchase and different medical guidelines based on either an umbrella policy or specific requirements by the group (employer) who purchases insurance. So, just because you have a friend with BCBS insurance even in your same state, you cannot assume you have the same type of benefits, coverage, or medical policy. That is why it is so important to know your benefits, document your discussions (including names) of an representatives you talk to and ask for written confirmation of your conversations/decisions made for your benefits.

Relax!!!!! LOL ... you do know they keep record of those calls - right?

Welcome Johnny! Glad that you found us. Best of luck with your surgery and recovery. Feel free to ask any questions that you have. It's natural to be nervous, but you should also be very excited to start this new part of your life - health and feeling good is just around the corner!