TheRealMeIsHere!

@bthompson82 It's only recently that I've had the words to use. I always knew I disliked intimacy except for rare times. Same with gender neutral, I think I always felt that way, raised my kids that way, no "boy" or "girl" toys, just toys. Does he have close friends that understand and accept him?

Hi, welcome all! I do not like labels, either, as I never did fit nicely into a box. More like a little in a LOT of boxes ? That said, the best words for me are gender neutral, gender fluid, asexual (which on dating sites, NO one sees that the 'a' is attached, nor knows what it means, lol!) I really would like to meet some people who enjoy similar activities, near me, no idea how to do that. Tried dating sites, making it clear where I stand as well as my interests/hobbies, no dice ☹️ Been single since 2007, I'm better for it. Sounds cliche' but I 'found' myself, love & like myself (NEVER could say that in the past) & am stronger in so many ways. I'm becoming a crazy cat lady ??

As far as I know, stretch marks are similar to scar tissue. Not sure how they would take ink

Wow, not even 1 night in the hospital!? Glad all went so well. Best advice after my abdominoplasty was to wear compression as long as possible for the best end result. After drains were out, I bought waist cinchers and firm support bodysuits and wore for 6 months. Hope your recovery is quick, smooth & uneventful.

@S@ssen@ch Thanks for the tip on VS, always thought they were way out of my price range. It's good to know that they have bras with full coverage!!

Years ago, I posted, asking about a good bra for my 'empty windsocks'. Many said that it couldn't be done without spending upwards of $50 each. WAAAAYYY outta my disability income budget! So, wanted to share what I've found, as I'm pretty sure that not everyone has a huge bra budget. Words to look for, encapsulation, full coverage, no bounce, support, no uni-boob, etc... Here are some that I've purchased & loved as well as some I may purchase in the future: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F2K4M9X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T45JK92/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C1Z27SA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RAMCTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (Needed to order 1 band size larger, and dispute the $6.95 return fee, which they waived) https://www.onehanesplace.com/shop/onehanesplace/champion-the-smoother-sports-bra-b1277?cm_vc=onehanesplace_desktop_OrderHistory Possible future purchases: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186TEHCS/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A1CX3Y6OPGB2MO&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DP6CHM4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072HTF3GD/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A1CX3Y6OPGB2MO&psc=1 Not sure if this one separates: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AM4QF0/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071GVJR9K/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00553XM7K/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0721TR7F4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_9?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JAC0R02/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_10?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186TDPLC/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A1CX3Y6OPGB2MO&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JC7M8JJ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=A1CX3Y6OPGB2MO&psc=1

Exactly @Briswife15!

That is part of a panniculectomy, removing the apron of skin plus it can be a requirement for insurance to cover. My ins. wanted pics that showed the pannis hanging below the pubic area. And.....not tmi, most people have a pannis after losing a ton of weight

People in good cardiovascular health will have lower BPM. Congrats on getting healthy!!! Lower resting heart rates indicate more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. In fact, an athlete's resting heart rate may even be as low as 40 beats per minute. https://www.livestrong.com/article/342197-relationship-between-heart-rate-cardiovascular-fitness/

I believe that if you are in touch with your body, pay attention to not using abs, don't overdo, see how you feel the next day...... I know my body better than any doctor, I don't always follow what they say, if I know it's ok for me. This is not meant as advice, just my opinion

It takes a while for your body to reach an acceptable weight & stop losing. My weight went lower than my goal then gradually crept up a bit then down again until I found the right balance of food/exercise, for me, to maintain. I don't think I'd try a weight gainer shake, that's an extra 700 calories. You want to increase calories slightly, so you don't undo some or all of your progress.

Do all of the apps take into account your weight, age & gender? The ones that do, will be more accurate.

I too, have chronic pain plus many other disabling conditions. I asked for a prescription for physical therapy, to show me options for working out that would not injure me. You may, also, want to see an orthopedist, to see if bracing or orthotics would help. There is SO MUCH MORE that I can do, WITHOUT pain, by using custom braces for my various issues.

Mine did! Search your ins. site for 'criteria for panniculectomy' (typically, this is the only procedure ins. will cover) If you have a doctor that has been following you for problems due to excess skin. Take the list of criteria to them. Have that dr write the referral & necessity of the procedure. Make sure they touch on as many ins. criteria they can. I went to pain management as I have many physical issues. He wrote a referral, touching on all the points ins. was looking for. Took that to plastic surgeon, who took pics & wrote her own prior approval request. That was sent, as well as letter from pain management. I also wrote my own letter stating the co-morbidities that were resolved with weight loss, how crucial exercise is to maintenance & keeping those co-morbidities gone, and how the pannis was impacting my limited options for exercise. I was SHOCKED, when I got a letter that not only was the panniculectomy approved, but also abdominoplasy!! Keep in mind, insurance companies want to save as much money as possible. Convince them that, in the long run, it is more cost effective to do skin removal than pay for treatment for co-morbidities, infections, etc......

I had no idea, thank you!!

Lack of protein & sometimes collagen causes hair loss. That is why it may happen after WLS. Anesthesia doesn't cause hair loss as far as I know

Depends on what you enjoy. Walking is a great start as it requires no special equipment or anything. Find something that you can commit to & enjoy. Zumba, a gym, bike riding (stationary or reg), treadmill, free weights, videos at home, etc.......

@CarmenP The compression should be tight enough that you feel well supported, but not so tight that it is making you so miserable. Certainly not so tight it rubs you raw! Is it a wrap-around abdominal binder that can be adjusted? If not, are you much more swollen than right after surgery? That would be worth mentioning to your dr. One thought, are you allergic to latex? There is probably latex in the compression garment. Drains: #1 I AM A WIMP!! Drains being removed were not bad at all, kinda weird feeling, as there was more tube inside than I thought, lol! She just clipped the suture holding it & pulled it out. As far as sleeping, sounds like it's the compression that's keeping you up, not surgery pain. I hope you are able to adjust the garment you have or get something else so you can get some needed healing sleep.

No exercise will tighten loose skin. I've made peace with mine for the most part. I don't hide them, most of the time. I wear tanks & short sleeves. Working on my biceps seemed to help.......or maybe just wishful thinking.........either way, if I feel they look better, no one's opinion matters. @AZhiker 3/4 sleeve shirts are perfect for covering. Also, sometimes when I wear short sleeves, I'll wear a long sleeve under.

My surgery was January 2012. Just curious how others are doing that are 7 years or more from surgery.

I was almost 48, when I had my sleeve. Lost all in about 9 months. Had a TT/Panni a year later & have maintained ever since. Age is only a number. Now, I'm 54 and am happier, more confident, energetic & feel better than I did when I was younger........and obese!

@baribetty I too, was VERY weirded out by the idea of drains. Taking care of them was MUCH easier than I thought. (AND.....I didn't pass out, lol!!) Removal was quick and I barely felt anything, similar to the brief pain of an injection. Then no stitches, Steri-Strips maybe? You'll be fine. Keep your eye on the prize!

Your body is still recovering. Also, You haven't worked out since surgery, go slow & increase as you can. You will get back to where you were and probably even better!

I am so proud of you for beginning this journey! Make daily goals, and increase as you can. Make your daily goals specific ie: after breakfast every day I will do ________ 10 times, Or whatever makes sense in your day. If you do small things, multiple times a day it adds up. Maybe 10 mins 3X/day of exercise. Also, a few visits with a physical therapist to show you things you can do now at home is very helpful. My insurance paid for PT for me, since I have a ton of physical issues. Best of luck!!

If you have doubts, consult with your surgeon. Otherwise just increase activity/weights in small increments and pay attention to how you feel after & the next day.