Babysteppin

I've been getting back into smoothies now with the nicer weather returning. My fave at the moment is: 1 scoop vanilla Protein powder, 1 cup milk, 1/4 c plain greek yogurt, 1 cup frozen mango, lime juice, and a splash of coconut extract. Throw all of it in the blender, and YUM!

For Breakfast or Snacks, I'm also grooving on either 1/2c cottage cheese, or cold ricotta cheese...then sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds & raisins on top...then drizzle with raw honey. Sooo freaking good.

I recently found Krave Jerky which is a great Protein snack, besides yogurt, cheese, etc. Apparently Jillian Michaels eats it too! www.kravejerky.com

These are a few of my fave meal recipes at the moment. You gotta try the apple chicken Breakfast sausage patties! I freeze them individually, and just pop one in the microwave as I please. I like these kinds of recipes here because I make big batches, portion them out, and they all freeze well. For me, doing one day of 'batch cooking' and freezing helps me to have quality protein meals to turn to when things get hectic.

Hope some of these ideas tickle your fancy.

Chicken Apple Sausage:

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chicken_apple_sausage.html

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/groundbeefrecipes/r/unstuffed-cabbage.htm

Crockpot Black Bean & Mushroom Chili:

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/slow_cooker_black_bean_mushroom_chili.html

Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Casserole (Can't get enough of QUINOA! Pinterest has tons of quinoa recipes.):

http://makingthymeforhealth.com/2014/02/16/spinach-artichoke-quinoa-casserole/?crlt.pid=camp.axBKiFxwUGcf

Saucy Boneless Pork Chops:

http://ourladyofsecondhelpings.com/2012/06/22/some-saucy-chops-that-are-not-boring/

I've lost 115'ish pounds, and am about 30lbs away from the goal weight I originally set for myself. However, the skin and 'saddlebags' as I call them are just too much of a nuisance to bear anymore. Like you, I've had an excessive pannis since I was a pre-teen also...so I know it ain't going anywhere on it's own!

I also think I'm done losing weight because as it turns out, I'm happy with where I'm at now. (Well, besides the skin of course). I realized that I need to re-adjust my original goals and expectations, because I didn't expect to be at this weight...and yet feel fabulous, and ready for maintenance!

I went for a plastics consult recently, and the surgeon agreed that the skin was substantial enough to remove now...regardless of my current weight. Of course I asked her, "But have I lost enough weight to get the surgery, or should I lose more?" Here response was: "Well that depends. Do you feel like you NEED to lose more?" My answer was no. So up, up, and away we go for surgery! Just my experience. I can relate with yours!

I got a price quote. The panniculectomy is expected to be covered by my insurance so I don't have a quote for that, but the rest of the abdominoplasty/lower body lift will come to roughly $8k.

In all, I think as long as a person feels they're 'done' losing substantial weight (say, more than 20lbs), then they're ready for surgery. Just my un-expert opinion.

had a fleur de lis

I am VERY happy I had the fleur de lis or I would have looked 'boxy'

Thank you for posting!!! I hadn't heard much about this lesser-known 'fleur de lis' technique, so this is UBER encouraging! Your new shape is incredible, and you look amazing! I'm in.

Thank you all so, SO much! I am committed 100% in mind (and body!) to move forward with the procedures. Ready to be done with the physical discomfort, and the psychological discomfort.

Because of the extent (and anatomy) of my excess skin, the plastic surgeon will need to perform the 'fleur de lis' incision, in addition to the typical circumferential cut around the lower abdomen for my lower body lift. Basically it's because I have a saddle of skin hanging from my middle/upper abdomen area, and another one hanging from my lower abdomen....So it's as if I'm getting a central AND lower body lift!

Not super psyched about the vertical 'torso-length' cut in addition to the circumferential cut...but it's what I need in order to achieve the best results. I'm opting to do that and a Brachioplasty, which I guess will extend up to my armpit and down my sides slightly. Yup, I've got a killer pair of 'bat wings' too. I'll just prepare for the worst, and hope for the best!! Thanks again you guys.

P.S. Boobs and thighs will be Part Deux.

Hello! It's been ages since I've last logged-in...um the last time was when the site was still called VerticalSleeveTalk.com. So good to be back!

I'm at the end of my weight loss journey, and now beginning the next phase: plastics. Over the coming years, the goal is to have excess skin removed from, well, pretty much EVERYWHERE.

But I just had my first plastics consult, and the first plan of attack will be having the: panniculectomy, Belt-Lipectomy/Lower-Body Lift, and Brachioplasty all done together. I'm well educated on the procedures, as far as research goes and asking questions of my surgeon. But...

Questions.

What am I actually getting myself into? From a firsthand perspective, just how painful is it? And what was your recovery experience like? Have any tips or advice for someone going into all of this?

Good, bad, ugly...lay it on me.

Thanks you guys.

Thanks notime. I think I must've just been 'checked-out' or something while I was eating. Definitely ate too fast and didn't chew well enough. Lesson learned!

....Or is it both that can cause it?? I'm 3 months out, and have mouthfuls of 'thick' saliva come back up shortly after meals sometimes. Grossness. I feel fine, but it's just an unsettling experience. Why does it happen? Is it a sign of doing damage to your sleeve?

Thank you for posting, Cheri. I'm almost 3 months out, and it is so valuable to read about your perspective and experiences in the longer term. Btw, you look uh-mazing! Don't doubt yourself, your looks, or your abilities for one second! I know we're all our own worst critics...but being an objective observer, it seems to me like you are wonderfully self-aware, and determined to maintain your healthy lifestyle. Fantastic!

Hi,

I had my VS on April 4, 2013 and I can now say "I love my sleeve!"

Every day is wonderful and then again not. Right now it’s a day by day process. I'm still trying to find out what works for me as far as scheduling my meals and Snacks. I have found, if I drink something in the AM before I eat breakfast. It throws everything out of whack. I eat breakfast and have my Protein drink later in the morning. I'm still not eating that much but I do get my protein in, fluids intake daily and my Vitamins. This is the most important thing to do for me. I have not really started to exercise. It's on my list of things to do tomorrow. I have lost 60 lbs

This surgery is the best thing I could have done. My mother is 86 and I hope I will be around at least that long. 

Carole

Oh that is fabulous to hear!! Yes, I think I can finally say that "I love my sleeve" too! The first month was rough....had to be readmitted to the hospital at 2 weeks out for dehydration and excessive swelling of the sleeve. But then magically at week 4, things got SO much better. These days I'm able to eat 3-5 ounces of protein, and 1/4 - 1/2c of veggies alongside it at meals. Although some days my sleeve is tighter, and I end up doing less. But those days are fewer and farther in between now. It's still a challenge trying to coordinate my meals, snacks, and Fluid just right....but My Fitness Pal is helping me so much with that lately, especially when I pre-plan for the following day. (Doesn't always happen, but ah well!) The other challenge is grocery shopping. I keep having to throw so much out because things go bad! I'm trying to freeze whatever I can though, and that's helping a bit. Sometimes I'm still in awe of that fact that I did the surgery. It's still surreal to me sometimes! Hope everyone is doing well these days, and best wishes.

I haven't had issues with acne so far, but I heard from another sleever that taking a zinc supplement each day can help!

I'm a foodie too and I actually find it manageable post surgery, in that I keep a variety in what I'm eating (within my NUT's list of allowed foods). I also still experiment with preparing my Proteins in all different ways, and finding recipes to jazz up my boring fish, beef, chicken, etc. The other day I even made crispy cottage cheese patties with fresh chives, yay! :oP The only downside for me I will say, is that I can't eat in quantity anymore...and being a foodie I love the tastes so much I would like to eat more of it. But the pro's of the surgery far outweigh this limitation...and the limitation is actually a blessing when all's said and done. I'm just trying to teach myself how to enjoy and savor the flavor of the small portions I have, and for that to be enough.

pureed chicken salad really isn't bad either. I make mine with a little mayo, a little plain greek yogurt, and a whole lotta buffalo wing sauce!

Fat free refried Beans w/ sour cream and Ortega taco sauce is my fave. Cottage cheese is good too. I like it with a dash of onion powder.< /p>

I'd say it's firstly up to the doctor. But also, I tend to agree with your idea...to maybe wait until after the end of freshman year. Preparing for, and adjusting to college life is a task in itself and it might be overwhelming to couple that with a complete overhaul of eating/exercise/lifestyle, etc. But don't get me wrong, the sleeve is the best thing I've done for myself and my health! Good luck with whatever you both decide!

Thanks for this! I am one of those people who love to research weather it's relevant or not! I want to know why more then needed! It's interesting to me! This is why this is here to ask. Talk etc!!! Thanks babysteppin! (Cute name)

No problem! I just felt strongly about some of the comments that were kind of going left field. When I was pre-op I asked questions about the bougie and bougie sizes, because just I'm a researcher all the way! I wanted to be educated about everything...and I find it really interesting too, to see what differences there are out there. I saw one doctor online demonstrating that there's hardly a difference between one size, and the very next size....but when looking at say, a 28 vs. a 38 (I'm making up the numbers) there is a sizeable difference. He said these wide ranges determine whether your sleeve is the diameter of a big highlighter, a Sharpie marker, or a pen! Wow! (Yeah I'm a biology geek all the way, heheh.) Oh, and my screen name is from an old Bill Murray movie called What About Bob, haHA!

IMO - Lots of unnecessary judgment about asking the 'bougie size question'. It does matter to some folks, otherwise they wouldn't have reached out to our SUPPORT group to ask. If you didn't think it was a valid or important question, why respond? Just move on. Everyone is different in their curiosities and concerns. We're all here to relate with one another, and to also feel that we are relatable. I loathe seeing unconstructive criticism.

36

36 for mine

here is something I like that my mom makes...

* Marinate chicken cubes in some yogurt, curry powder (I actually use garam masala.. but curry powder is a good substitute), salt (and some lime juice if you like) for about 20 minutes.. (my mom marinates a batch and freezes it..)

* the marinade will have to cover the chicken fully..

* saute some chopped onions (1 part onions for 2 parts chicken) with a little oil (or a pam greased pan).. (you can also add some green peppers if you like them)

* once the onions are translucent.. add the chicken, and cover the pan over a medium/low flame.. with an ocational stir.. and chicken should be ccooked in about 15 minutes..

* I add some green peas once the chicken is almost cooked..

let me know if you like it.. i can note down more from my mom..

edit... the marinade also needs some ginger and garlic paste..

Wow, this sounds amazing! I like the idea of freezing marinated chicken in batches too. Will have to try!

I'm 12 days post op, and I haven't made it through a whole day wearing jeans yet. I change right into an old comfy pair of yoga pants. Also haven't been able to comfortably wear a bra yet. Hellooo hippy me!!

Oh, and Morningstar Farms veggie burgers with BBQ Sauce too. I just pop 'em in the microwave to cook.

I'm really enjoying fat free refried Beans with a bit of greek yogurt or sour cream on top, with a little taco sauce. Maybe that would be an idea?

Sleevin: I was thinking I was an uncommon case too, so vey glad you posted! I'm awful at taking all my post op pills...I've always avoided taking things, even Advil! Here's hoping things work out for us soon. Right now I'm trying to choke down an ounce of chili. Like woah.

I've been having similar issues. I'm almost 2 weeks out, and having a lot of pain and constriction just taking small sips or bites. Definitely not getting much in at all. But then a few days ago I also started having some bile reflux issues (um...yuck.). The doctor thinks it's all due to the same thing as yours, where the stomach is emptying slowly due to swelling and hiatal hernia repair. She's telling me to give it another week, and if it doesn't improve then she'll prescribe me something called Reglan, which I think is supposed to activate the muscle movements more in the stomach/small intestine.

Here's hoping there's an end to this for us both soon!!! This is NOT fun. Hang in there!!

Thanks for responding you guys. I've had GERD for many years, although the bile reflux is certainly a new thing for me \ It's weird, because it doesn't feel acidic or like heartburn at all. It's just all bile. That's it. It happens when I'm in bed, but then other times it happens when I'm even sitting up and haven't eaten anything recently. Weird.

Sorry to hear about the things going on for you right now Soocalchic. I really hope the EGD helps figure things out. I saw my surgeon today, and she didn't seem overly concerned...although if it keeps happening for another week she said she'll put me on a medication called Reglan. Me being a worry wort, I just wanna skip straight ahead to getting an EGD to take a look in there!!