pretty-pink

If "normal" people maintain weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, now that we have ACHIEVED it, why do we have to accept statistics as to why We Can't do it also? Not me. I'm in it for life. I've regained some. I've worked dang hard to lose it. Did it. Serves to reason if I continue to fight and work it, I can be successful. Simple.

Thanks for all the great info here.
The stat still seems to be roughly the same to me - 60% EWL maintained at the five year mark. Statistics don't tell a whole story. But I do think this is pretty accurate. I think that it doesn't have to be accurate, but that unfortunately, people just get lazy or tired of doing the work.
That sounds harsh. I don't mean it to be. I realize that regain can happen to any of us. But it doesn't happen because our sleeves stretch 600%...it happens because 1) we eat around our sleeve, 2) we choose not to be accountable about our weight or our food intake, 3) we forget we are obese people with the habits and disordered eating that entails.
You'll see the occasional regain due to a huge stress or a medication, too.
As for people not getting to goal? Some people do everything "right" and still can't get there. It's sad but true. Some people have to work twice as hard to maintain. That article FYE posted not too long about about someone with a 20 pound loss having to eat as if they'd had a 40 pound loss is something I believe - we cannot do this work and then just assume we're normal and our bodies will always respond well to the diet that works for everyone else. I have to cut my calories down pretty low to lose. I have more flex with what I can eat (for now) but I can't expect to just lose a pound on 1,200 calories a day. It simply will not happen.
We're not the same as other people. If we were, I truly feel many of us wouldn't have needed surgery. Almost everyone here tried dieting for more than a decade - really tried, really put effort into it - and we all got sleeved anyway.
But I do think just the boards are a little indicative of what happens. We have very few people here over a few years out. People that were the Laura and Butter of their day - people that posted daily, all day long and got to goal...then vanished. I truly believe that regain is a part of that. Oh yeah, we get busy and don't make time for it anymore. But we're not even seeing the "Hey, I'm 5 years out, look at me!" updates. That tells me regain is a part of it for at least some people.
As far as the deficiencies? In my case, I have always been pretty bad about taking mine regularly. They make me horribly sick. I have had issues with deficiencies my entire life, though. I started taking Iron supplements and eating an Iron rich diet at age four, when I had surgery and the doctor told my mom I needed iron. Being forced to eat liver at a young age was traumatizing! The fact that I'm still deficient? No surprise. And hey, let's not forget that lactose intolerance can really affect your levels of D, too. I'm lactose intolerant and fortified dairy is simply not a part of my life anymore. I've chosen, at this point, NOT to replace that dairy with soy or rice or hemp milks that might replace what I'm missing. Quite frankly, I can hardly eat the Protein I need, the carbs I want/need, the shakes I need and still have room for excess food/beverages. I don't. I'm still sipping my Water all the way up to bedtime just to get in my 8 glasses a day, on top of my shakes.
All of this to say what?
Basically that so much of this boils down to perseverance and doing the right things. Hey, a huge portion of people never maintain their losses (or reach goal) with other surgeries or with traditional methods. A huge part of that? Perseverance and doing the right things.
1) Don't avoid your scale
2) Don't eat garbage all the time
3) Even better, check your intake every once in a while to be sure you're not eating more crap than you realize
4) Get your annual labs done
5) Take your supplements
6) Get some damn exercise (this is directed at me, too, I'm terrible about structured exercise and really getting my heart rate up)
How many people have you seen fail to get to goal or regain while doing all of those things?
I promise that they're the tiny minority. I know some people struggle more than others. I know that the hunger doesn't go away for some people. And I know that the hunger returns the farther out you get (or so I hear...mine's not back) but truth? Just because you feel hungry does not mean you need to fill that space with crap. It does boil down to willpower - and I hate that, but it's true. If you can't beat the food addiction and disordered eating with headwork, you're going to have a harder time maintaining. Because sometimes? I go to bed wanting to eat something. Sometimes I cave. But by being sure that I don't do it all the time, I'm making sure I can stay at my goal weight. I still swear that more than 90% of this is the head, not the body.
Studies aside, I still see nothing to show me that we can't maintain 100% EWL if we give it 100% and don't quit. Maybe I'm just feeling optimistic today. I think that the stats are indicative of how few people really have it in them to do this for the long haul. Right around two years out you realize this isn't easy and it's never going to end. I'm sure that's discouraging to a lot of people.
~Cheri

I saved like crazy! No cable, no new clothes, no going out to eat, no gifts for people, no car... Now I'm saving like crazy for PLASTICS!
Also, I used the time I was saving to begin my journey... I lost 45 pounds between the day I decided to do the surgery and my surgery date and I addressed a lot of emotional issues that I had with food.

My arms look better and better everyday. they are not tight incisions on the arms, they cannot be tight for risk of rupture with swelling post op. i had no pain on any of my incisions. The only thing that bothered me what when i had the drains near the elbow. I would do everything again tomorrow.

Xena - I want to ask about your arms. They look amazing now & I know they will continue to look better and better with time!
How tight is that incision? With the incision down to your elbow, did he pull loose skin up from your forearm, or just from around the elbow? Up from the upper boob/arm pit area? And, of course, how painful was it in comparison with your other incisions? Especially, range of motion, daily activities, getting up/down?
I'm about 10-15# away from goal. Need arms, BL/BA, TT, thigh lift. May go ahead and do a face lift while I'm at it! Lol! I'll be unrecognizeable! Thanks to you and Michelle for posting all this helpful info!!

I wish you luck and can't wait to see how you're healing.
I had a vsg by Dr.Kelly on 7/17/13. My sister travelled with me. I paid her hotel bill, food bills (she had a vsg a year ago so it didn't cost me much! and flights, and medical travel insurance.
However I realized two days before my flight back home, that I was going to need assistance with the flight. I emailed Jet Blue from Tijuana and requested curb side check in and assistance at San Diego and JFK airport in NY.
Jet Blue was wonderful.
I requested being changed to an aisle seat (was originally booked into window and center). Jet Blue made changes on a sold out flight. I was given an aisle seat and my sister was switched to a seat directly behind me so she could fetch and carry for me.
As soon as we checked in curbside, a wheelchair met me, I was expeidited through security check, meaning I didn't have to wait on line, but was still checked per regulaions, was wheeled to my gate, was the first one to get on the plane by being wheeled to the plane. I got the same attention at JFK in NY when we landed. Was wheeled off the gate to baggage claim and out to the curb for pickup.
I am at my sister's rightow but requested the same assistance for this Friday when I fly home by myself.
Get all the help you can even if you think you don't need it.
See if a nursing student or a visiting nurse association can be a travel partner.
Hell, my sister might be interested. She is a voal advocate who isn't afraid to step up.

Okay, I DID ask this question at my consults. I was told to wait 6-8 weeks and here is the reason... assuming you ENJOY "the deed" your heartrate will go up. They don't want anything that might cause small bleeds or whatever... so for the first 6 weeks post op no vigorous exercise of ANY kind. i was glad they were clear on this because I was thinking... there might be "things" that were okay to do sooner and there really aren't.

My scars do look remarkably good at this stage. Part is certainly genetics, my hispanic heritage is helpful, I believe. Also I was very very very healthy pre-op. Other things that i think had a very positive impact include:
1)exercise, I was in very good shape
2) hormones: i am post menopause (early menopause) and i use bio-identical hormones (I actually prescribe these as well)
3) supplements--good Vitamin support
4) IV Vitamin C therapy pre-op
5) high Protein diet before surgery--animal protein!!!!!!
Even if my scars were glowing green, i dont think i would care. i am so happy with the change in my body that I dont care.
In this pic, the orange dress on the left is 2 weeks before plastics, and the same dress in blue is 1 month post op. No weight loss other than the skin.

I lost 140 pounds......overweight forever.
i thought i would never do plastics, i have a great marriage to a man who has loved me no matter what. then i realized that as i got to a good weight that iknew in my head that i was a good weight, i wore a 10 and i could cover up what i needed to, but when i looked in the mirror it was the same body, only deflated.
So happy with the decision.
It has discomfort, but i will say i was pleasantly surprised it was not horrible painful, i am shocked. The girls that had Lipo were in more pain than me, and they did not have as much incision work as i had. i would do it again in a heartbeat tomorrow. Post op i only used motrin and tylenol for pain control. the compression garment has given me the most pain. I am tight and that is uncomfortable and hard to sleep at times.
All in all a great experience. I will get some revision work down the road. As it is he did lots of work, and had me on the table for 13 hours. I had LOTS of skin. I know it was to my benefit that I was in great shape, i became a gym rat and it helped the recovery and the results.
I know i liked seeing the changes in people.

Lol yes sooo true!! I was lucky and got my last drain out at 14 days. But I never had much output to begin with. But trying on cloths was pretty funny when you thing about it:) even better was the looks I got in the airport when I went threw the scanner and they saw a tube and ball.... Almost got a full body cavity search... That was until they saw the drain coming out of me and the not so pleasant liquid in it. Lol. They decided against the search and got my wheel chair ASAP.

I started with my personal trainer at 6 weeks post op. I lucked out finding her by going through the phone book & calling different places. My personal trainer has been in the biz for about 30 years, PLUS she also has her Master's in nutrition. Because I had my surgery in Mexico, that was important to me. She is a store-front operation with a simple layout (recumbent bike, elliptical, spinning bikes, cable machine, bands & LOTS of free weights). Once a month she weighs & measures my progress. I know that she is there waiting for me, which holds me accountable, yet if something comes up, there is no recriminations for cancelling that session. I thought I would just stay with her for a few months, but it's been almost 11 months - I'm down 135# and have lost over 55". Although I do have some sagging skin, it is so much better than people I know who have not worked out consistently. I may not need plastics when I am at goal!! If that's the case - my personal trainer will be the best money I have ever spent!!

I started with my personal trainer at 6 weeks post op. I lucked out finding her by going through the phone book & calling different places. My personal trainer has been in the biz for about 30 years, PLUS she also has her Master's in nutrition. Because I had my surgery in Mexico, that was important to me. She is a store-front operation with a simple layout (recumbent bike, elliptical, spinning bikes, cable machine, bands & LOTS of free weights). Once a month she weighs & measures my progress. I know that she is there waiting for me, which holds me accountable, yet if something comes up, there is no recriminations for cancelling that session. I thought I would just stay with her for a few months, but it's been almost 11 months - I'm down 135# and have lost over 55". Although I do have some sagging skin, it is so much better than people I know who have not worked out consistently. I may not need plastics when I am at goal!! If that's the case - my personal trainer will be the best money I have ever spent!!

I started with my personal trainer at 6 weeks post op. I lucked out finding her by going through the phone book & calling different places. My personal trainer has been in the biz for about 30 years, PLUS she also has her Master's in nutrition. Because I had my surgery in Mexico, that was important to me. She is a store-front operation with a simple layout (recumbent bike, elliptical, spinning bikes, cable machine, bands & LOTS of free weights). Once a month she weighs & measures my progress. I know that she is there waiting for me, which holds me accountable, yet if something comes up, there is no recriminations for cancelling that session. I thought I would just stay with her for a few months, but it's been almost 11 months - I'm down 135# and have lost over 55". Although I do have some sagging skin, it is so much better than people I know who have not worked out consistently. I may not need plastics when I am at goal!! If that's the case - my personal trainer will be the best money I have ever spent!!

I started with my personal trainer at 6 weeks post op. I lucked out finding her by going through the phone book & calling different places. My personal trainer has been in the biz for about 30 years, PLUS she also has her Master's in nutrition. Because I had my surgery in Mexico, that was important to me. She is a store-front operation with a simple layout (recumbent bike, elliptical, spinning bikes, cable machine, bands & LOTS of free weights). Once a month she weighs & measures my progress. I know that she is there waiting for me, which holds me accountable, yet if something comes up, there is no recriminations for cancelling that session. I thought I would just stay with her for a few months, but it's been almost 11 months - I'm down 135# and have lost over 55". Although I do have some sagging skin, it is so much better than people I know who have not worked out consistently. I may not need plastics when I am at goal!! If that's the case - my personal trainer will be the best money I have ever spent!!

I hired a personal trainer to teach me how to strength train and to keep me honest. The best damn money I have ever spent. He corrects me on my form so I get the most from my workouts and yet pushes my ass to harder and harder workouts!

I made a chart comparing Mexico surgeons last summer. Ended up going to Dr Alvarez. Down 120# so far, in 9 months, and have had no problems.

I made a chart comparing Mexico surgeons last summer. Ended up going to Dr Alvarez. Down 120# so far, in 9 months, and have had no problems.

Don't settle. You are the customer. I would call and set up another apt with the surgeon and if you are not happy find someone else. Surely he is not the only surgeon in the area - I work in healthcare and often times I hear "the best." I hear it from patients, other doctors, nurses, etc. The point is nearly every doctor, NP, PA, RN etc has someone (and often times many) that praise them as "the best" If this surgeon is not "the best" for you then you will not be happy. At the very least you need the surgeon to give you realistic expectations for the results, even if it is that you won't have a waist. Good luck and start thinking like a customer - this is your money, your body and you deserve to get what you want. Don't settle.

Khy, would you buy a new car without seeing what it looks like beforehand? Just because the manufacturer has a good reputation (even the "best in the business"?).
Your plastic surgery is expensive, VERY personal and a modification to your body. You should NEVER settle for what you can get. You need to know EXACTLY what he's planning, what you should expect as your outcome, and whether it is worth your time, your money, your risk (all surgery has risk), and your emotional investment.
Please get more info before you go under the knife!

Recipe #1: All-Natural, Time-Released, High-Protein Peanut Butter

Ingredients

3 Tbsp All-Natural Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
3 Tbsp Water
1 Scoop vanilla BioTrust Low Carb Time-Released Protein powder
Stevia (to taste)

Directions

Mix all ingredients with a spoon in a bowl until smooth. Voila! Makes 2 servings.

Nutrition Facts per serving:

173 calories
18g protein
12g fat
8g carbs (5g fiber)

Eat it off the spoon (Mmmm), spread it on a piece of sprouted grain bread...use it like you would any other peanut butter...only now it's SUPER peanut butter

Recipe #2: High-Protein chocolate Peanut Butter

In the mood for that Reese's taste but without all the calories and sugar? Just take the above recipe and swap out the vanilla Protein for chocolate BioTrust Low Carb protein. Talk about delicious! Peanut butter cup goodness!


Recipe #3: Cinnamon Raisin High-Protein Peanut Butter

Here's another fun (and delicious) twist to the original high-protein peanut butter recipe above. Just add a heaping tablespoon of raisins along with cinnamon (to taste) to the original ingredient list. Talk about delish!

Thank you for posting about this. I've looked into a number of procedures and honestly felt that most of the other methods for tightening the midsection weren't enough for what I need - basically from bra line to pubis - and the anchor cut would have been necessary for me anyway because of how my loose skin is and due to the significant muscle separation I have there. I already have a road map of stretch marks so what's another scar to me? It's not like I'm trotting out in a bikini, ever!
Please do share your before and afters and keep posting as you recover (though I'm sure you'll be exhausted for a while!) so we can see the results!
~Cheri

Imma going to do my walking while shopping though.....

Haven't been on in quite awhile. Surgery 9/25 in Mexico with Dr Alvarez. As of 3/25, I have lost 100#. Weight loss has slowed to 8-10# average per month, but have not had any stalls. Did not have any problems with recovery. But it is still difficult to get all my Protein in. Cannot stand the strongly flavored protein products, eggs taste yuck, & sick of chicken. BUT, have lost cravings for Pepsi's & sweets! Yay for that!!
Was working out 2+ times a week until the end of February when I found out I had a hernia. Had it fixed along with my gallbladder removed, 3/20. Can't work out for a couple more weeks! My hair started falling out at 3 month point exactly, lasted for exactly (!) 2 months & now back to normal pattern. So it's still thin, but not too horrible. My skin is not too bad either. Thighs are the worst for sagging, upper arms are flopping, but overall I don't think it's too bad. Maybe because I'm not losing super fast? Still have 50-60# to lose and hope to be at goal by our one year anniversary!

There is a HUGE change between eating and tastes from the first few weeks to many months out. The two that have shocked me ..and I mean have REALLY shocked me the most, are
1) sweet stuff ....I used to live on these. Now I don't crave them much at all. I can pass by sweets with no feelings of denial or sadness. If I want some, I eat a few bites and am done and do not have any desire to eat more of them.
2) fried things ....I loved fatty foods before. Now I avoid them. When I even think of them I associate them with something gross, greasy, nasty, feeling bad, ......and even more nasty. The few times I've had something fried I have eaten maybe one bite of the crunchy outside, then peeled off the batter and tossed it.
These things are not sad or bad. They are GREAT!!! Amazing. A miracle.

Just thought I'd show a progress pic with clothes on haha!! I know I have shared a lot of my plastic surgery scars & pics... But I love the way I look & feel in clothes!