LessofApril

I have been trying to change my passoword since this past weekend! I never got the email back allowing me to reset it. I also never got a response from my tweet. Frustrating!

Good to hear from you guys! I'm doing pretty well. Fighting with the last 5 lbs but I don't sweat it. I do my best to eat well, and think I do pretty good job of it. Drinking Water and working out is a struggle for me. But I'm working at it and its getting better. Scheduled to have a Tummy Tuck in May and breast lift and augmentation in December. Hopefully thigh and arm lift in 2017. Having WLS was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. It's changed my entire outlook on life. ZERO regrets.

Good to hear from you guys! I'm doing pretty well. Fighting with the last 5 lbs but I don't sweat it. I do my best to eat well, and think I do pretty good job of it. Drinking Water and working out is a struggle for me. But I'm working at it and its getting better. Scheduled to have a Tummy Tuck in May and breast lift and augmentation in December. Hopefully thigh and arm lift in 2017. Having WLS was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself. It's changed my entire outlook on life. ZERO regrets.

It's great to hear from the 12/13 members. I've wondered how everyone's been doing on many occasions.
I'm holding my own in maintenance, staying within a few pounds of my lowest weight. It remains a challenge and is a constant battle. I continue to measure and log all food and still working out hard and regularly.

As for me, weightloss-wise I'm doing great. Passed surgeon's and personal goals and hit my lowest weight of 138 (100 pounds down) about 9 months out. I have maintained at 140-142 for the last 15 months. Fighting cravings, bad habits, poor choices, etc is a daily battle. I don't win every battle but so far I'm winning the war. I've seen 145 a couple times but am able to get back down and even fortify my discipline by not only going back to basics, but even doing the good ol' liquid preop diet for a few days when I need to.
I had my gallbladder removed in November 2015. Suffered from 4 agonizingly painful attacks before finally doing it. Had 15 stones in there but haven't had any issues since. Had endovenous ablation and varicose vein removal in both legs in December 2015. I have smooth, bulgy vein-free legs and non-swollen ankles for the first time in 25 years! As for my droopy boobs and saggy butt, well, I'm just gonna live with those.
I've managed my success with mostly just eating healthy. 60-80g Protein and 64-100oz fluids every day plus veggies, fruit, whole grains and daily Vitamin supplements. I don't log or measure my food. I don't count carbs or calories. My maintenance eating has become intuitive and I know what and how much I can eat to stay where I am. I eat plenty of crap on vacation, over holidays, at parties, etc. but just like my normal skinny friends it's not a daily thing and those exceptions are balanced with regular healthy choices. My blood work is great.
It's been almost 10 months and I'm still struggling with my friend's suicide, but I guess everyone has shit in their life. I only wish dealing with my grief was as easy as WLS has been. My, how priorities change....
Thanks for the revival of this thread. I hope to hear from the old 12/13 gang!

I have enjoyed the ride, lost 109 lbs and weigh about 139 now, I'm 5'8 1/2 so kinda tall and stayed within 3 lbs of that for the last year or so. I wear size 4/6 and am delighted. Have had no plastics because it scares me to think of it... I would weigh less for sure if all the droopy skin on my arms and legs were gone! I am soooo glad I did this for me:-)) no regrets!!!

I was thinking of this group and how it was so helpful to me when I started out. Just wondering how people are doing now that we are all over 2 years out. Looks as thought its been very quiet. Hope all is well with everyone!

I was thinking of this group and how it was so helpful to me when I started out. Just wondering how people are doing now that we are all over 2 years out. Looks as thought its been very quiet. Hope all is well with everyone!

I was feeling the same way. My appetite and capacity for food has increased, which is super scary. Also, I found that since surgery, I've developed a sweet tooth that I didn't have before surgery. Go figure...
Have you heard of the 5day Pouch Test? You basically go back to the post op diet for 5 days. I totally understand that it's hard--I didn't do it 100% but I did it at about 90% and it totally helped me. Monitor your food and mood. Try and eat in thoughtful way. Those old nasty habits have a way of sneaking up on you. You can totally do this.

I was feeling the same way. My appetite and capacity for food has increased, which is super scary. Also, I found that since surgery, I've developed a sweet tooth that I didn't have before surgery. Go figure...
Have you heard of the 5day Pouch Test? You basically go back to the post op diet for 5 days. I totally understand that it's hard--I didn't do it 100% but I did it at about 90% and it totally helped me. Monitor your food and mood. Try and eat in thoughtful way. Those old nasty habits have a way of sneaking up on you. You can totally do this.

I was feeling the same way. My appetite and capacity for food has increased, which is super scary. Also, I found that since surgery, I've developed a sweet tooth that I didn't have before surgery. Go figure...
Have you heard of the 5day Pouch Test? You basically go back to the post op diet for 5 days. I totally understand that it's hard--I didn't do it 100% but I did it at about 90% and it totally helped me. Monitor your food and mood. Try and eat in thoughtful way. Those old nasty habits have a way of sneaking up on you. You can totally do this.

Ok, you have gained some weight. Not super good news, but at least it is not terrible either. You already know what you need to do...look at your portion sizes, what kinds of things are you eating, limit carbs and sugar. It is hard, but this is a journey and it is never ending for most of us.

Hey everyone I had the sleeve done in June of 2014 I weighed 315 and lost a bunch of weight got down to 180. Recently I noticed my appetite is back in full effect! I got on the scale today and saw I weight 194 I literally started to cry! I have done so well and tried so hard to get to the weight I was at even though 180 is still a bit big I was happy and comfortable at that weight. Now I feel like I've failed and I can eat so much more now it depresses me that I was doing so good and now I went in the wrong direction. I know the logical thing to do is to follow the diet again back to Protein and shakes but it's so hard for me. Has anyone else experienced the same kind of Thing and what have you done and were you able to take the weight back off? Please take a moment to respond and please give me ideas in so depressed. I'm gonna post a before and after pic the biggest weight was 315 lowest was 180
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Hi ladies....I'm going in for my TT on Monday...can you give me an idea of your recovery time...how long did you have to wear the compression garment, how long before you could walk around normally? What did you use for scar creme? Did you lose any weight after the surgery? I'm dissapointed that I am not at goal for this...am 5 lbs over.
I don't have a lot of hanging extra skin but I do have a very bulging tummy...I'm a little nervous but I had a breast reduction done 2 years ago and I am SO happy with the results! That I just think I will feel so much better with this. Any other tips will be very appreciated.

@@*Lexie* wonderful! I'm going to ask that. I'm more excited about the boobs than anything. I'm not sure about the TT. I want it, I think but it depends on how much the two will cost together. My stomach doesn't bother me as much as my boobs being gone though. Well you can't tell in a shirt as pictured from yesterday but that's just a good bra. I want that but with out having all that. Under there is not pretty. My husband is on board but he doesn't see why I want them so bad. It's a girl thing I guess

I finally have a consult set up for next Wednesday with a plastic surgeon. I'm going in for a lift with implants and possible Tummy Tuck. I need all the information I can get before I go. I want DD implants. I've always had big boobs and I want those puppies back! Soooo if you've had them done tell me how it went. How painful was it? Are you happy with the results? Did you go under the muscle or on top? Cost? Anything I should ask the surgeon? Did you have a combo like what I'm considering? I've read through some post but it's easier to just make my own. Thank you for any knowledge you could share. I'm excited and beyond ready!

I had the VGS on 12.12.13. My highest was 300lbs. Day of surg I was 281lbs. Right now I hover at about 165lbs. My goal weight is 150lbs. The last 20lbs has been very difficult. I'm trying to incorporate excersise into my regime, which is very slow going. I know that it will be what helps me over the hump. Having WLS has been the best thing I've ever done for myself!

@@proudgrammy Thanks Kathy... I'm trying to provide my therapist with a template letter, so she can have something to work from. She's never written this type of letter before.

Hi all:
I am gathering letters of support of plastic surgery from my medical providers, including my therapist. She is very much in support of what I want. I would like to just show her a sample letter so she has an idea of what she can say. I'm the first of her patients who make this request.
Thanks!

@@AvaFern That is correct! Sorry I wasn't clear.

I picked this up at my band surgeon's office yesterday. Thought I'd share:
Plastic Surgery - Surgery performed by a Plastic Surgeon to modify and change the appearance of an individual. The emphasis is on the change of one's appearance and no actual plastic is used for most of the operations.
Brachioplasty - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of one's upper arms. Excess arm skin is removed after weight loss. This operation is usually performed after all the weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans.
Mastopexy - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of the breasts. This is an operation that lifts the breasts, changes the size and location of the nipple and aureola, and gives a firmer and more youthful breast. This operation is performed after weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans.
Breast Reduction - This operation is performed to reduce the size and weight of one's breasts and to improve the shape of the breasts as well. In this operation there is a reduction both of breast tissue and skin of the breasts. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is covered by many insurance plans but does have a minimum amount of breast tissue that must be removed. For this reason, one may have this operation performed before all of the weight loss to assure qualification for insurance coverage. Consult a plastic surgeon about this operation if needed soon after weight loss surgery.
Abdominoplasty - This operation, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is performed to remove excess skin and fat from one's abdomen. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This operation is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance companies. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete.
Panniculectomy - This operation is performed to remove the excess skin one has on their abdomen that hangs over one's pubis after significant weight loss. This is a medically indicated operation to improve the health of the skin on the abdomen that is frequently infected under the skin. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis in most circumstances. This is a medically indicated operation and is covered by most insurance plans. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete.

I had a panni/TT. For a week or so, had to sleep sitting up and walk like Quasimodo. Pain was minimal. Drains were a pia, but not nearly as bad as I thought. I thought I would've been laid up and barely able to function, but that was NOT the case. I actually felt like I got back to my normal activities very quickly! Wore compression for about six months. The doc said that the longer, the better the final result. Best of luck to you!

I had my sleeve in Sept 2013. I have over 100lbs. I am about 20 lbs away from goal. Looking into plastics finally. I just can't wrap my head around recovery time. All the sites say something different. I feel like I have to get a lot done! Ugh.
My first question is what was your recovery time for the following surgeries? Please tell me age and activity level. I feel that makes a difference. I am 46 female and moderately active. I work out.
Recovery time for Tummy Tuck with muscle tightening?
Recovery time for Thigh lift?
Recovery time for Brazilian butt lift?
Recovery time for arm lift?
Recovery time for breat lift with implants?
I am not sure if I will get all that but as of now I feel I need. The TT and thigh lift are a must.
My 2nd question is if you had more than one procedure at the same time. If so which ones?
Thank you in advance for your help!!

I'm still here (guess I need to get a life). I've stabilized and been in the same 5 pound bounce range for 8 months. What I found was I have to nip any weight gain in the very beginning, because I know if I start creeping up my moral will deflate and I'll say f...k it, I might as well just eat anything. For example, if I get even 1 pound above my bounce range, I immediately go back to basics of Protein and veggies until I'm back to the bottom of the range. I usually only weigh 1-2 times a month, but if I notice I'm up I'll monitor a little closer till I'm back down. I pigged out over Christmas and it took 2 weeks to get back down. There are plenty of weekends that I may indulge on crap but then I'm right back on plan on Monday. I don't count calories or carbs or anything, but I know what's going in my mouth. I can actually feel the difference in my cravings by going cold turkey on carbs at those times. The best thing is to not buy the stuff you shouldn't eat in the first place. It's easier to resist once in the store than it is to resist 20 times/day once it's in the house.
Unfortunately I'm facing my first real test right now. My best friend killed himself on Sunday. My method of coping in the past has been food and alcohol. I gained almost 50 pounds after my brother died and I can feel myself going to that "dark place" again. My PCP brought me some anti anxiety meds as soon as he heard the news. I finally took some last night instead of reaching for the bottle of whiskey, which for me is no small victory. And have you ever noticed people never bring food containing Protein after a death. It's all about baked goods and Pasta salads.
Hang in there, try and find the motivation you had in the beginning. Look at old photos. Compare your new clothes to old ones, if you kept any. You've come this far, so you do have it in you to succeed.

Kindle, I'm so sorry for your loss. How awful you must feel! I'm doing ok - am 2 lbs. above my bounce range. Am trying hard to avoid being disgusted with myself and, instead, to make rational decisions about food and exercise. I went to pilates today and then rode my bike for seven miles. I'm finding it hard to make good decisions about sweets. I'll keep working at it.

Hello all, I too haven't posted in a while, i do pray that everyone is still doing very well and losing or stabilized. I've been thinking alot about how things are going now that we're over a yr out. As for me, I'm still struggling with the swallowing, still no answers or solutions. I too can eat about anything, still painful though. Last time i updated, i was 153 or 4, not sure, but I'm not losing anymore, I'm gaining and im scared to death! Im 160, yes, lots of stress and stress eating, carbs, or small Snacks more frequent. And that's stressing me. How is everyone else doing? ?? I'm going to rejoin the group if that's ok. I need your support and advice please if anyone is here anymore. Thanks in advance  Dee.