latina1974

I went to Mexico an had a great experience. I had Dr. Garcia. I am going bk for breast an Tummy Tuck

I'm not a vet but at 5 months out even if my weight loss stopped right now I would do it again in a second! As the previous poster said my only regret is not having done it sooner.

Everyone looses different. I am extremely slow loser. I have only lost 60 pounds in 11 months an hungry all the time. This has been hard for me

http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/brainfood2013#1
I forget, you may have to sign up for this site, but if you are a science geek like me, it is great. I have them send me notices about my chosen interests...including WL.

I am really hoping for that at he end especially for my really sad boobies!

Well... my hunger never went away to begin with, so my answer isn't quite as useful! I am just over 18 months out. I've had the exact same level of hunger from day 3 post surgery to today, which was unchanged from prior to surgery. I would say that in some ways it was a benefit, because there wasn't a time where I had to struggle with hunger returning. However it made the weight loss phase very hard as I had the sensation that I was starving myself, whereas most people don't feel the hunger in that time. Perhaps six of one, half dozen of the other!

See my signature line for my 5:2 loss..... I eat around 12-1500 on feast days (depending on exercise) and 550 or so on the two fast days (mon and ths for me) I had a 22 pound regain, lost 5 of that, started the 5:2 protocal and lost the rest, plus got to goal. I am now maintaining still using the 5:2.... or occasionally 6:1. Its pretty easy to do, theres always tomorrow to eat what you want. It worked for me when it seemed nothing else would.
...start the 5:2 plan (6-11-2013)- 190.9
almost 3 years after surgery First Goal, get to the 160's (11-7-13) 168.7 still on the 5:2!
There is a private 5:2 group. We might entertain a new member or two, but new members must show a commitment to the lifestyle, and show they can get along in a positive way... we are a very close and supportive group.

Go see Dr Jose Luis Salas he's amazing drjsalas.com he has done all my work

I had a Tummy Tuck with two drains for that one. My surgery date was 9-10.... Then I just had a breast lift with implants done last week 10-22. I didn't have to have drains with that one, the surgeon just placed loop stitches on the underside of my breasts so that Fluid could drain there, but I didn't have any come out. I am feeling really well overall, however I keep having a re accruing muscle spasm in my left arm going up to my breast. When it first happened I had a panic attack over it! It felt like a hot poker was being shoved into my arm up into my breast! It was one of the worst pains I have ever had in my life! I've had this pain again about 7 times, but thankfully not quit as bad, and only lasting for a few seconds instead of the five minutes that it happened the first time.
I totally love my results! My tummy had a lot more extra skin then yours from the looks of your photos....the tummy tuck has been such a life changing thing for me! It has boosted my self confidence through the roof! I am finally able to wear normal clothes now too! I had to wear pants that were 2 sizes to big just because of my apron which I lovingly refereed to as my front butt. I also had to always wear bigger shirts that had to come down to my crotch at least because I didn't want anyone seeing my apron.
I remember pre op worrying about having a huge scar, and about the pain. Now after I could care less about the scar (even though it looks great) I will take it over having that skin any day! As far as the pain, it wasn't as bad as I imagined. I was up and out of bed after 2 days, and I even went out to the club 3 days post op! Best decision I have ever made besides the sleeve!
You look great! Congrats! I have pictures posted in my gallery if you are interested in looking. The results keep getting better and better!

Edited to say: 1 month photos on page 5 of replies
Well, i went to Mexico to Dr Sauceda and had fairly extensive work done. I started with 7 drains and am now down to 1. I still have stitches in. So far, my results look great and I am very pleased, but it takes 2 months to see your final due to swelling etc. I still have a bit of a poochy tummy but I think it will be flat once the swelling goes down.

I was very pleased with the surgeon and his care team. I loved the 3 nights and 4 days of clinic supervised recovery - excellent pain management and nursing care. Then, I was released to a hotel were I was bandaged and checked daily by a nurse and the doctor visited each day as well. For me, this was the only way to do it as the level of care I needed post op was fairly high in the early days.

His way of doing anesthesia and working with a partner means he could do alot in one surgery safely... however, no joke - this was alot of surgery at once. I had the lower body lift, breast lift and augmentation, arms and "small" thigh lift. That means no incision down the inner thigh, just along the groin. My recovery has so far been textbook. I saw my PCP and she was overwhelmed with happiness at how good things look, the incisions look good, all signs so far are of excellent healing.
I am far from out of the woods though; complications can still happen so I am diligent about taking it easy (this is killing me as I am normally so active), getting in even extra Protein and wearing the compression garments from hades.

The surgery was NOT painful and the incisions have never really been worse then kind of sore. The very worst part is dealing with the tight garments, the forced inactivity and of course the drains. There are certainly discomforts.... of the 6 drains pulled so far, two of them hurt.

Taken today, two weeks out, I am sorta hiding the two drains still in the mons area:


These photos were recent, pre surgery. As you can see, I had worked out and had some "toning" under all that skin.


I will get better pics when that last drain comes out... it is quite literally a drag on my style!

To round this out, i decided to add a pre VSG photo so you get the gist of how much I have transformed!

I am going to be 6 month post op.. I was 320... 318 day of surgeryt currently 246. Hope this encourage someone
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I am definitely addicted to food and I have no doubts about where I would be if I had not had this surgery. I would still be eating exactly the same way I use to. Everyday I battled with the urge to satisfy head hunger. Some days I am winning and some days I'm not perfect. I hope it gets easier. I know you are just at the beginning of this journey, and I think for me seeing the weight come off has been enormously motivating. I don't want to go back to the way I felt before. I know I still have a long way to go, but I'm trying to hang in there. I come to this site almost everyday as a way to stay on track and continue to learn from everyone on this board. It is a great resource for me and other peoples experiences help keep me on track.

Hello All:
I found this information today while cruising the internet at work (I know I know, but it is my first day back and I am trying to stay awake). I pasted the hyperlink at the end so you can figure out the source, but the information seems reasonable and accurate.
One of the first questions patients ask about food. The surgery has a nice benefit of reducing the hunger inducing hormone reglin. But ultimately, its the restrictive nature of a smaller stomach that leads to weight loss.
So its normal and smart to ask, “What happens if my stomach stretches and I gain weight back?”
Your Stomach Can and Will Stretch After Surgery
Our stomachs have the amazing ability to stretch and expand as a result of our food intake. The walls of our stomach are made up of folds of tissue called ‘Rugae.’ These are folds in the stomach wall that expand and contract as a direct response to food entering and flowing through your stomach.
Hunger and How Food Flows Through Our Stomach
When we eat food it enters through our mouths, gets chewed and swallowed. It then flows through our esophagus into our stomach where acid starts the process of breaking the food down. As we continue to eat, more food enters the stomach and joins the rest of the food – all of which is waiting to be broken down by stomach acid.
Our stomachs expand to accommodate all of this food. When our stomachs expand far enough a signal is sent to our brains telling us, ‘That is enough food, I’m full now.’ After you’re done eating, the food is slowly broken down by your stomach acid and then the folds in your stomach contract to push the food into your intestines where digestive juices further digest your food.
The Problem
The reason many people are overweight is not because they like food more than the rest of us. Its because their hunger and full signals are broken.
Once you continue to stretch out your stomach by overeating on a regular basis the signals your stomach sends to your brain indicating fullness and hunger start to get skewed. After a while your stomach only says, ‘I’m full,’ after its severely stretched out. And it may start saying ‘Feed me,’ when its still half-full. This is why losing weight is so difficult.
When Overeating Leads to Stomach Stretching
After gastric sleeve surgery its important to keep your stomach away from the overeating cycle that can lead to a stretched stomach. If you ate too much on Thanksgiving your stomach will stretch. If you binged one night on KFC, your stomach will stretch. Your stomach is just doing its job. The good news is that it will contract.
However, if after a large meal, your next meal is a large meal and you continue this on a regular basis you risk permanently stretching your stomach. The danger is not in the size of your stomach. The danger is that you will skew the triggers for hunger and fullness. This will lead to a continued cycle of overeating, which will then lead to weight gain.
How to Prevent the Stretch After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Eating one or two large meals will not lead to a permanently stretched stomach or issues with your hunger and fullness triggers. However, doing this multiple times can lead to issues.
The list below hi-lights key points to reduce the risk of stretching your stomach after gastric sleeve surgery.
Limit volume not sweets. Instead of totally limiting every aspect of your diet, give yourself a reward once a week with a special treat limited in size. But do not go out and eat a large meal – regardless of the type of food.
Reduce the amount of fluids that you drink when you eat. Its not a bad idea to drink before you eat so that you feel full faster. But its better to drink your fluids an hour or two before eating and/or an hour or two after. This lets the fluids digest and they won’t increase the amount of gas that can build
If you do have a bigger than normal meal, make your next meal small and make sure you don’t make larger meals a habit.
If you are always feeling hungry, then eat small amounts of healthy Snacks in between meals. Almonds are a delicious and healthy way to feel satisfied in between meals.
Get a good book with healthy recipes that are geared for people who have gone through gastric sleeve surgery. We’ve got a list of ourbooks here.
DO NOT get discouraged. If you fell off the wagon and binged one or two meals or even the entire previous week. The stomach and the mind is an amazingly resilient thing. Start over and start eating normal meals again. Call your surgeon and ask for help before it gets too far out of hand.
Get on the online forums and ask others for help. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Here is a list of our favorite forums.

So stretching your stomach after gastric sleeve surgery is not a myth. It can happen and it does happen. Be aware of it and prevent it. Remember how hard the surgery and recovery was? Remember what a big decision you made? Its never too late to change your habits and get back on the right track.
http://216.70.100.66/weight-loss-surgeries/gastric-sleeve/gastric-sleeve-will-my-stomach-stretch

Today, I am One Month, Two Days out from my Mommy Makeover (Tummy tuck, butt lift, fat transfer, Lipo, breast reconstruction, and lift, as well as augmentation) with Dr Niebles ( Neibles) in TJ Mexico.
This man is a miracle worker, and I feel like I am finally in the body that I was meant to be in my whole life!
I had my gastric sleeve May 15, 2012.
Lost my weight (110lbs) right away, and then stayed at my goal and held for 6 more months until May of this year, and booked my body reconstruction with not so high expectations of the outcome. Every day I look at my body and I can't believe that it's mine! I am finally in the body that I belong in! I am about 10 more lbs down. I could NOT be happier with my new body and my new LIFE!

Those of us that have re-gained are having good luck with the 5:2 diet. It's also known as intermitant fasting. There is a book. I believe it's called the fast diet.
If you look under groups, there are several links to read about how the 5:2 plan works. I ;ve lost 14 of my regain, since July.

68 here but you may not have that much to loose, we all loose differently 44lbs is no joke.

I am going in at 9:30 this morning for my Tummy Tuck and breast augmentation!! I am so excited!!
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Good morning all! As promised here is my recap from my plastic surgery on July 2, 2013! I'll try to be as brief as possible because nobody wants to read a six page recap, but they want the dirty details
March 2010-Bariatric Surgery-Gastric Sleeve started at 265 lbs 5'5" tall
May 2013 down to 185 lbs (80 lbs down) could have dropped about 15 more but I've been around 160 and with my body frame I look too skinny less than 160 and I knew I'd lost about 15 lbs for sure with PS so I wanted to cap it off somewhere were I wouldn't be unhappy.
March 2013 I start the Plastic Surgeon search and since my insurance will be covering the Abdominoplasty, I started with those in my insurance plan of course. Anything above and beyond my tt, i would be covering out of pocket so of course I got a few different consultations to see what would be the best options for my legs.
I decided on Dr Daniela Rodgriguez out of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan who previously did a Lower Body Lift on a good friend of mine, also post op Bariatric surgery and she also did just a tt on a co-worker, also post op Bariatric Surgery.
I also had a ventral hernia that had to be repaired so we decided on the following: Ventral Hernia Repair, Abdominoplasty, and Bilateral Inner Thigh Lift. VOILA! Secured my loan through Fundmydr.com and then paid the remaining portion out of pocket ($5000 loan, 12 months same as cash loan from Fundmydr.com and I paid $3000 out of pocket).
July 2nd booked as it worked fantastic for my work schedule and for those I'd need for post op care. Bummer it was holiday week but things just fell into place with work and that being the most important, we took it.
Day before surgery nerves are a little rough and if you tell me that you weren't nervous one bit, you're full of it Took that day off for a mental and house prep day: did laundry, bought groceries (having been through the sleeve I stuck with a similar post op diet of Gatorade, popsicles, broth Soups, Jello until I knew how I'd feel), gassed up car, paid bills, just basically took care of all things I would have to do that week but didn't want to deal with when I came home on Wednesday.
Morning of surgery I'm doing ok, just want to get it over with at this point. Show up at hospital for a 9 am case bbecause I got bumped from original 730 time slot because someone wanted their boobies done and apparently that case takes less time so they got to go first Fine by me, I was just happy to be there
Surgery was approximately 7 hours, orginially boarded for 5, but we all know how it goes and I'm ok with her taking longer to make sure all is done properly and to the best of her ability.
Stayed overnight and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE if you have the opportunity to stay, take the option to do so and let the hospital staff keep you comfortable. I know some have had the tt alone and went outpatient but adding in the hernia and the legs I was a little overwhelmed with the leg discomfort and am very glad I decided to stay. When people tell you the first
48-72 hours are the roughest, they are telling the God's Honest Truth! I'll try and post pictures so you can see what I mean about the leg cuts so you'll understand why I mean those were the worst part.
I did have the ON-Q Numbing Ball (had this with my sleeve so I was aware of what this was) and I that inserted before they closed me up and it just emptied out yesterday so it lasted me just about 5 days and seemed to help in addition to the Vicodin. Dr sent me home with Keflex, Vicodin, and Valium (to help with muscle spasms) and so far so good.
Have an abdominal binder on my stomach and my legs are wrapped with bandages until I see the Dr on Wednesday, then I'll get my full on garment once my drain tubes come out. Pretty much doing baby wipe baths with some help in the hair department from my mother to make sure I stay clean
Drain tubes are a bit of a nightmare with the logging of the number of CCs they are taking out of my body and the draining of them, but it's a necessary evil I have four of them: one in each hip and one in each leg but it could have been worse as I've heard of people having up to 10 drains (God Bless them for sure!!! ) Going to the surgeon's office tomorrow (Monday July 8th) to see the NP to get at least my two leg drains out and hopefully if the two on my hips stay under 30ccs all day and night tonight, they can come out too, if not the hips have to wait until Wednesday.
I'm not a fan of taking pain meds so I've been weaning down from one vicodin every 4 hours to taking one every 6 hours and will gradually get to taking one every 8 or as needed. Taking the Keflex every 4 hours and the Valium for the majority only at night but I did take one or two during the first two days home just to relax me to rest. Still numb near my incision sites but I'm told that lasts a while
All in all, it's been just as I thought it would be with the pain of my legs being a bit of a surprise but handling it well. Also, lower back pain was a bit of a surprise but makes sense because you are hunched over so be prepared for that lower back ache.
The most important things is to rest, listen to your doctor's instructions, rest, listen to your body, rest, take your pain meds on schedule to keep the majority of the pain at bay, rest....did I mention rest? I'm not an idle person so this was a challenge for me no doubt!
I'm new to this site so I'll see if I can post some pics on here of some befores and afters! If I do it right, you'll see a picture of this "fake penis" that will help those who had the leg incisions where squating down on the toilet is really tough and painful for the first few days. Found it on Amazon.com for about 10 dollars.
Thanks for the ears and eyes for that matter! It's nice to read the knowledge of those who have been before me and pass on my knowledge to those that will come after!
I appreciate the support and the positive reinforcements before surgery and please don't hesitate to ask any questions about something I might have forgotten to mention!
Jennifer
P.S. Having trouble with pics so if you don't see them here, please check my profile

Someone shared is on FB and it cracked me up. Happy Sunday everyone!

I get hungry, and it's definitely real hunger and not head hunger

4 months out 35 lbs down only 4 lbs lost in 9 weeks . I wish I could be fast but I don't think I will be it will come off when it wants to I just have to stay on plan. It's hard when you can eat anything many days I want to just give up .
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Yes please, updated pics! Also, what are your stats?
How much weight had you lost prior to getting the TT?
How much skin/tissue was removed?
What kind of TT?
Are you planning on getting anything else done and if so, how long mustyou wait?
I am hoping to get a total body contour, including brachioploasty, butt lift, breast lift and reshaping using recycled fat instead of implants, and inner thigh lift.

Dr Manuel Gutierrez , the price was. $9,100 . Thank you everyone.

Not sure bout any surgeries in Mx but I did take a look at your before and after pics...and You have done amazing! I was just sleeved in May of this year and I can only hope to have as good of results as you did! Congrats on such a great success!

So tomorrow is exactly one month post surgery for me. Starting weight 248, day of surgery, 235, today 211. Feeling great :-) no complications yet.