boriquita2000

Thank you very much. You have given me a little more peace of mind.

Jimmy thanks a billion for the information. People like you are the reason that I have come to love this forum. My surgery is Tuesday, keep me in your prayers.....Btw, I got soul too....lol

Hi MamaT I am also a nightshift nurse on a very busy L&D unit and had the same fears as you about going back. I have been back to work for about 3 weeks now and some nights are easier than others. I found I had some occasional light headedness during the first week (usually after emptying a foley or changing a chux) but I just went slow and it did get better. My biggest challenge at first was being able to eat, usually I dont have time at work so now I try to eat before I go in (something I never did preop) and bring lots of high protien Snacks. I found I could usually find the time to eat a cheese stick but not so much an ounce of tuna. Drinking is a little easier I just keep my water bottle with me and constantly sip, some nights I can get in 32oz and others I'm lucky if I can get in 8oz. I try to make up for it on my days off. My best advice for you though is bring a scrub jacket, I have never been so cold as I have since going back!! It's ridiculous how cold I get come 0300! Also you are going to be very tired after your first week, I sleep like the dead most days instead of the usually 4-5 hours I used to. I also found that after the first week back my weight completely stalled for about 2weeks but it seems to be moving again but slower than before, I have an appt with my surgeon on Wed. and am going to ask I this is related to working nights. And above all take care of yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help when it comes to moving people and the such, I guarded my stomach like I was a fresh post op. I just told pts I had a back injury an needed help to move them if they asked, and my coworkers are great. I am about seven weeks post op now and still won't do half the stuff I used to alone, and I don't feel guilty about it ????. I hope your night goes well and I am working tonight also, u can message me if u need some support! Your going to do great though!!

I am officially a sleever!!!!!!! I have some pain but its bearable. Thanks for all the support*******

Yeahhhh!!!!!! It's finally here! I am a sooner to be sleever! I have to be at the hospital at 6:00am......I guess I better try to get some sleep. BTW, I lost 28 pounds on my two week pre op and I didn't cheat at all, which is a miracle in itself for me..... See you guys on the other side........

Yeahhhh!!!!!! It's finally here! I am a sooner to be sleever! I have to be at the hospital at 6:00am......I guess I better try to get some sleep. BTW, I lost 28 pounds on my two week pre op and I didn't cheat at all, which is a miracle in itself for me..... See you guys on the other side........

Yeahhhh!!!!!! It's finally here! I am a sooner to be sleever! I have to be at the hospital at 6:00am......I guess I better try to get some sleep. BTW, I lost 28 pounds on my two week pre op and I didn't cheat at all, which is a miracle in itself for me..... See you guys on the other side........

I am 3 days post-op. My first day was horrible because of gas pain, nausea and vomiting. I was afraid I would hurt my sleeve. Also I was hooked up to a bunch of monitors because my blood pressure sky rocketed. The dry heaves really hurt your belly. I didn't feel like talking to anyone. Day 2 was a little better. I asked for pain and nausea medicine like clockwork to help me cope. I also slept a lot. My Iron count was very low too. I had to get an Iron transfusion. The gas pains seemed to go away but I'm still scared of hurting my sleeve. Day 3 there was little nausea but no dry heaves or retching. I did vomit a lot of foamy stuff. I'm home now and I feel better. I didn't sleep well last night. I have 3 small and 1 big incisions above my belly button. I did get up and walk and I manged to drink without becoming nauseous. My doc said it's normal for women to experience severe nausea. The docs would not dischage me until I could drink without vomiting.
I wasn't scared going into the surgery but I feel a mini meltdown coming over me. I have tons of meds and Vitamins to take (approx 10) including levonox shots I have to give myself to prevent blood clots.
I'm keeping it real with you. You have to be strong. You have to know what you want. I don't think there is anything you can do to prepare yourself because each person is different. I figured I had two C-Sections and a hernia operation so it would be a piece of cake! NOT! LOL
This is going to be a lifesaver for me so I keep focused on that. Most people feel like themselves by the 5th day post-op I'm told and have experienced. My friend was sleeved on the 15th and she is going back to work tomorrow. I took a week off from work. The doctor wants me to take two weeks.
I went for two walks today and I do feel better every day!

Congratulations, that is so exciting. I have gone from a 32/30 down to a 16 now. I am getting pretty excited about saying goodbye to Avenue and Lane Bryant forever.

yesterday I went to the store and I wear a size 12. I'm down 119 lbs. I was so excited going from 24 to 12. My daughter laughed at me cuz I was so excited. Just thought I would share.:biggrin0:

count down from 100 by 7's ? Good gravy, I wouldn't be able to do that ! 100, 93, ummm..... but I guess I wouldn't get angry about it, I'd just feel stupid.

Let me tell you, the thing saved me. It was amazing. Its a wrap they place before u wake up in recovery. Its hugs your incisions and allows you to get up and walk and go to the bathroom without feeling like your insides are falling out. It also helps when u cough. I got the hiccups too and it helped with that...

Cookies, (lol....love the name) I am just like you. I had my seminar on March 29th and my surgery is in two days, May 22nd.
At first it seemed like surgery day was taking forever but in the last couple of days everything seems like it is on fast forward. The thing that took me the longest was my psych visits because I had all other necessary paperwork done. The psych figured that I need three visits before surgery, otherwise I probably would have had a sooner date....now I am dealing with pre op jitters....

I was self-pay. I had my initial visit with the surgeon in March and I will be sleeved on May 22nd.
It was about a month until I could get in for my psych eval (who knew psychologists were so busy...lol). A week after that I was able to pay and get my surgery date. Then I had all my other pre-op tests, etc. in this last month. Now I'm a week out.

Hey Angelakay2, I was sleeved April 23rd, I am 42 and it was the first surgery I ever had as well. I'll tell you honey, I was scared to death. The staff came in to talk to me beforehand and they were all so professional and nice to me and then when the anesthesiologist came to talk to me, his experience and kindness came thru and I felt a bit more relieved and when he said "I'm gonna let you get some sleep honey" I remember waking up and seeing my husband smiling down on me and was astonished that I didn't remember anything. No dreams, no headache, just sore like I just had surgery..lol.
I figured that when I woke up that I would be in severe pain and not able to move but that wasn't the case. I was just sore and sleepy. I was nauseous and did vomit that first day but you told hold a pillow kinda firm to your stomach and that gives you some support while you vomit...I remember my surgeon telling me that the first day I may vomit blood and to know that's perfectly normal....that's due to the fact that you have blood in your stomach from the surgery and you're on blood thinners. He was right and I was glad he told me that ahead of time or else I would have freaked out.
You will be fine and then after it's all said and done you will find someone's post on here and give them the same support from your experience.
Wishing you all the best on your new journey!

I LOVE anesthesia. By the time it's the day of surgery, I've already not slept for what seemed like days. When they put the needle into your IV and say "Just giving you a little something to help you relax", the best words of my life lol. I think everything will be just fine. You have 10 people there monitoring you from every aspect. You will be taken care of.

With any decision of lasting impact it pays to write down the pros and cons. One of the very first things I did when I started looking into WLS was write down my reasons. It goes far beyond vanity, it involves my long-term health. In my case the triggering factor are the words pre-diabetic. I know where that can lead and is likely to lead; I don't want to go down that road.
As it is today, I can hop on a bike and ride without exhaustion and I can even make good time. I take a hike around the block nearly every day and where I live, around the block exceeds two miles. I feel good most of the time and have very little restriction upon my activity. All that having been said, I want to preserve that for the future and hopefully make things better. I'm tired of having a CPAP machine and I'm tired of taking prescriptions. If I look at my medical history over the last ten years it seems that every year or two I get one more prescription. If I get off of all of them it would easily save the cost of surgery within a year; an incentive I intend to use if I have to fight the insurance company for approval.
Now, I'm giving you my reasons for two purposes; to remind myself of why I am pursuing this and also to help you remember the thought processes that have taken you up to this point. Your reasons may well be different than mine but I'd be surprised if they were any less thorough.
The only other thing I will mention is this; as the veteran of several surgeries I can state that it's never easy to face, even when the surgery is a simple, low-risk arthroscopy of the knee. It's rough to face on your own, I've been there myself having been dropped off at the hospital by a friend and picked up later in the day for a ride home. My advice to you would be to call upon whatever sources of emotional support you have available; people that will really help and that really want the best for you. Then, do what you think will be best in the long run.
Whether or not to go through with this surgery is a decision only you can make but be advised, you are up to the challenge if you choose to go through with it.

You made this decision for the betterment of yourself which directly benefits your family. I think thats motivation enough. You'll make it through just fine, I'm sure of it.
Chin up!

*hugs* I'll be a day ahead of you! I'm not sleeping well myself (just got up at 3am) with the nerves.
We'll do great!

I too have my surgery on Tuesday and I understand how you feel. Sometimes I ask if I am being selfish with this decision. What if I don't come out? How will my husband handle our five kids? So many thoughts and questions go on in my head but I try to take a deep breath and think about all the reasons I decided to do this in the first place........we will get through this mama. We are going to be sleeve twins....

It seemed as May 22 would never get here but now I have three days left and I feel like it came too soon. I have lost 28 pounds during the pre op diet and I sometimes think that maybe I should have tried a clear liquid diet before. But hey I already know that I would have put back on twice the weight when I had finished with it. Anyway, I have five kids ages 15, 12, 11, 8 and 7 and I am trying to make sure things are in order for them and my husband before I go in. It is getting overwhelming because my energy level has been zapped due to the liquid diet. I am going to keep busy until my day comes. I truly appreciate the frankness and honesty that has been given in this forum. It has given me a lot of education and motivation. Thank you guys!!!!!

I too have my surgery on Tuesday and I understand how you feel. Sometimes I ask if I am being selfish with this decision. What if I don't come out? How will my husband handle our five kids? So many thoughts and questions go on in my head but I try to take a deep breath and think about all the reasons I decided to do this in the first place........we will get through this mama. We are going to be sleeve twins....

I respect your opinion but you couldn't be more wrong, genetics and age do play a major role, but it is NOT your only hope. All of these are opinions that worked for countless other people. I'm not saying they are all easy fixes and cures but they may be very useful for SOME people, not all. You say they are all bull, but have you tried any of them for yourself? Have you attempted any? There is no REAL solution to this epidemic but there are many ways to treat the symptoms of it and these are some. I'm sure there are many other treatments.
You speak of the biggest loser lifting weights like crazy and still have flabby skin. Well, did you err stop to think why? They are losing TOO much weight TOO rapidly. Facts show that it takes up to 2 years or more for your skin to actually catch to your weight loss progression. Plus that show is all about fast weight loss not healthy weight loss.
Building muscle mass does help with loose skin because it fills in the pockets needed to properly structure skin from the inside out, but you have to understand that your skin is an organ also. By keeping that organ healthy you are ultimately increasing your chances to limit the amount of loose skin you will come to see.

As i browsed through the forums i noticed a large amount of people either complaining or asking questions about loooose skin, and no that was not a typo lol. For us when we lose massive amounts of weight we are clearly and visibly aware of unwanted saggy skin which may be on our chin, neck, arms, legs, and stomach areas. Most us ask the questions, but never really find the answers you were looking for. Well here are 20 ways to tighten up your skin. Doing this pre-op as soon as possible, we will be able to limit the loose and saggy skin we dreadfully detest or will come to detest.
Here are 20 ways to tighten skin after weight loss
1. Lose Weight Now!
As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity. This means that the younger the age at which you lose weight, the better your skin will rebound. if you have a weight issue, lose weight now! The sooner you lose weight, the better the chances your skin will tighten on its own.
2. Don’t Yo-yo Diet
If it seems like you’re always gaining and losing weight, more than 25 pounds each time, that’s yo-yo dieting, and it’s terrible for your body, including your skin. The constant growing and shrinking puts stress on your skin, so stop the yo-yo dieting. Rather than gain and lose weight over and over again, talk to a pro about making a few PERMANENT key lifestyle changes. These healthy changes will help you lose weight, and keep it off, long term.
3. Don’t Lose Weight Too Quickly
Slow and steady wins the race, and helps tighten your skin after weight loss. Your skin tightens slowly, so help the natural tightening process by losing weight safely and slowly, too. Besides, losing weight permanently by making broad lifestyle changes takes time, but it also helps prevent yo-yo dieting, something else that can help tighten skin after weight loss. Bonus!
4. Scrub to Tighten Skin after Weight Loss!
Scientists think the reason using sea salt scrubs (or other scrubs) helps tighten skin after weight loss is that they encourage increased blood flow, which in turn encourages healthy, elastic skin. Whatever the exact reason, it does seem to work for many people… try using a good scrub in the shower twice a day, several times a week, and see if it helps you!
5. Use a collagen Cream
Another way to tighten skin after weight loss is to keep it nourished with a collagen cream, one designed specifically to cope with loose, sagging skin. They can be pricey, but well worth the expense when they work. Note that collagen creams won’t work for everyone (nothing ever does), so ask family and friends for recommendations before you invest in a range of products that aren’t effective.
6. Try Massage Therapy
I have a particular friend who swears her weekly massage therapy helped her tighten skin after weight loss. She complain of sagging skin, particularly on her upper arms and upper thighs, and is delighted to show off her non-saggy parts now. Why not give it a go? At best, it will help tighten your skin… at worst, you get an invigorating massage.
7. Perhaps a Wrap?
Another friend tells me his skin was tightened when he got a seaweed wrap at a local spa, and now he goes every 6 to 8 weeks to enjoy its benefits. Online, I’ve found rave reviews on the local spa he frequents, and not a single negative review. Find a spa near you and do some digging… are their clients as happy as the clients at m local spa? If so, give them a try!
8. Add Weight Training
Chance are, you used weight training to help you get to your goal weight, but if not, it’s time to add them, to help tighten skin after weight loss! If you’re worried about looking overly buff and masculine, don’t be. Simply add weights to your workout three times a week, because building toned, lean muscle under your skin will help it look tighter.
Lunges are great for sagging skin on the upper thigh. In order to tighten loose skin by exercise, you need to pinpoint the right exercises that will target the area you wish to tighten the skin on. The upper thigh requires lunges, in which you tone the gluteus, upper thigh and hamstring, pulling the skin tighter to the thigh and creating a more attractive thigh area.
Squats also assist with your lower body sagging skin. Squats are a dream to tighten loose skin by exercise. They provide an ultimate lower body workout for the gluteus and thighs. With your feet shoulder length apart, you simply keep your back straight as you lower yourself into a sitting position as if you were sitting in a chair.
Bicep curls target that nasty underarm hang. The arm skin that hangs down has been called many things by its biggest haters. This problem seems to be one of the ladies’ biggest woes and can be targeted with bicep curls. It is important that when you tighten loose skin by exercise you perform exercises that are toning the muscle, and therefore the surrounding skin.
Planks work that stomach flab. With your hands under your shoulders, hold your arms out with your legs straight and toes holding your legs up. You get the most abdominal toning with this exercise the longer you hold the stance. The recommended time is 20 to 30 minutes.
Crunches are painful but highly effective. When you are seeking the ultimate way to tighten loose skin by exercise and targeting the stomach skin flap, crunches can be the most effective. Crunches provide complete toning for the abs if performed appropriately. The back should be straight with the chin level, and you will raise your torso to your knees, fighting the resistance. This will be one exercise you will feel later.

9. Drink Water to Help Tighten Skin after Weight Loss…
Healthy skin is hydrated skin, and despite the debate in the scientific community about whether or not drinking 64 ounces of water a day can help keep skin healthy and happy, I’ve seen the results myself. Perhaps it’s because, if you’re drinking that much water, you’re not drinking soda, loaded with unhealthy chemicals… or perhaps it’s because healthy, elastic skin really does need water. Either way, it works.
10. Practice Yoga
Yoga will help you relieve stress, be more flexible, lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, and even help your skin rebound after weight loss. They key with yoga, and any other regimen for that matter, is to Start off slow, and within a few weeks, you’ll be surprised how much more flexible you, and your skin, can be.
11. Be Patient
I suppose I ought to mention that after a significant weight loss, your skin can take up to six months to tighten to the new, slender you. Be patient, then… if your skin doesn’t rebound immediately, keep in mind that it may take a little time. Just like setting realistic weight loss goals is important, setting realistic goals for your body to adjust is important, too.
12. Do Calisthenics
Calisthenics are great for building lean muscle, great for your heart, and they’re even great for tightening skin after weight loss! Add a round of calisthenics to your weekly routine, three or four times a week, and enjoy the jumping jacks, push-ups, windmills, and more… they can be fun, and they’re helping your skin readjust at the same time. Shaun T's Beachbody P90, P90X, Insanity are great suggestions.
13. Eat Plenty of Lean Protein
Adding lean Protein to your diet will also help tighten skin after weight loss. How? First of all, it helps build lean muscle, which will make you appear more toned (well, you WILL be more toned!). But lean protein also contains the collagen and other nutrients your skin needs to stay elastic. Protip: consuming lean protein after a workout will help boost the muscle-building effect.
14. Avoid High-fat Foods
Foods that are high in fat are a dieter’s worst nightmare on two fronts. First, obviously, they can wreck your diet. Second, they do your skin no favors. If you’re trying to keep a healthy weight, or tighten skin after weight loss, avoid foods that are high in fat. Even the ones that taste really, really good. ESPECIALLY the ones that taste really, really good! Studies have shown that these high fat foods can even be addictive… so stay away!
15. Try for Five
The USDA recommends we eat five servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day, to give us nutrients we need, and to help us maintain healthy weights. But did you also know these five servings will help tighten skin after weight loss? That’s because most fruits and veggies have a high water content, which your skin needs to rebound. And again, they’re very good at helping ou maintain a healthy weight!
16. Avoid Sulfates to Tighten Skin after Weight Loss…
Sulfates are used in lots of body washes, soaps, and shampoos because they’re good, cheap cleansers and they make lush lather. But sulfates can also over-dry and irritate skin, stripping it of vital moisture and making it less elastic. If you’re trying to tighten skin after weight loss, shop around for sulfate-free products. L’Oreal offers a great line, for a very reasonable price.
17. Don’t Tan
The tanning process is horrible for your skin, especially when you’re using a tanning bed to boost your melanin. You might think it makes your skin look smoother and healthier, but it doesn’t. Wear sunblock when you’re outdoors, and don’t fake and bake. You’ll see your skin tighten more quickly, and you’ll also avoid a greater risk of skin cancer.
18. Rinse Away Chlorine
Excess chlorine from swimming pools and hot tubs can dry out your skin, making it less elastic, and less likely to rebound after weight loss. If you swim to keep fit, be sure to shower immediately after, and use cleaners designed to remove chlorine and moisturize your skin. Also, remember that you don’t need HOT water to rinse chlorine away, use warm water instead, which will also help keep your skin hydrated (hot water can strip away natural oils).
19. Dress The Part
Even the skinniest person can have a muffin top if their jeans are too tight. You may not have excess skin, or loose skin, after weight loss… you might just need to wear clothes that fit better. Give this some serious thought while clothes shopping.
20. Consider Surgery
If all of these tips fail to tighten your skin after weight loss, and you’ve waited six months since you dropped that last pound, you may want to consider surgery to remove the excess skin. As with any surgery, there are risks, but for some, those risks are outweighed by the benefits. Talk to your doctor.
You’ve already done the hard part — you’ve lost weight! Now follow these tips to tighten your skin after weight loss, and you’ll be bikini ready in no time… well, at least within 6 months! You can do it! Or… perhaps you already have? Which of these tips worked to tighten your skin after weight loss? Or do you have another skin care tip to share? Please do!
Credit goes out yo Meghan, for taking her time to write this...