KellyL

Worst/Hardest = Pre-op and Post-op liquid diets
Best: Portion Control

Whoo Whoo!! Congrats, that's exciting news!! Good luck!

hi keely i rememeber always seeing you around the board before i was sleeved and i just want to say thank you for all your supoort hun ... and you vets have been my inspiration ... thanks kelly

Oh wow, you have made amazing progress and you are beautiful girl!! Congrats to you, and way to rock that sleeve!!

I'm here for the WINE!!!! I'll have a glass of Red Moscato please. lol

I'm here for the WINE!!!! I'll have a glass of Red Moscato please. lol

A long time ago I was thinking I might start a VSG blog. I thought I'd write about my experiences and my amusing every little thing I thought about while losing weight, but over the months I changed my mind. First of all, I'd probably be banned by the vsg doctors for my stubborn insistence on refusing to eat 800 calories of pure Protein per day and second of all, I've got lots of emotional baggage other people may or may not have; which makes me like a really bad cheerleader and mostly sore loser -- even though I am at a new low today of 194.5.
When I thought I would start this blog, I had something in mind to write about because I knew it would get people to come -- because everyone wants to know something I already know about one particular thing.
I know how to lose lots of weight and not have your skin sagging off your body like a spent balloon.
The reason I know is because I did intense research on this when I lost 135 pounds on a lowcarb diet. I actually lost that weight *faster* than I'm losing this time around -- I have *already* done the nine hundred calorie pure Protein anorectic diet and it took me...let's see...about half the time it took me this time to take off a hundred pounds.
Anyway, problem was that after going through all of that I had a stomach that actually looked like a second butt. You who have lost a hundred pounds really fast and have checked out what your belly button looks like lately know what I am talking about.
There was no way I was getting a Tummy Tuck back then -- I couldn't afford it and it seemed hugely drastic to me at the time. To tell you the truth, getting your skin razored off your body for some reasonstill seems drastic to me, and I have had my stomach cut out.
So this is what I know about attacking your saggy bits. I know it works; I'm doing it myself, and even though my skin is a little loose in places I don't have serious problems. I don't have a dreaded "pannus"; my arm skin is not falling down like a saggy stocking. So if you don't want a second surgery, can't afford a second surgery, and are willing to spend a little time and some money, here are my suggestions.
1. Dry skin brushing.
There are several published methods on the internet that you can buy that will tell you how to do this. If you don't want to buy them, then this is the upshot. You need a good skin brush with tough natural bristles that are going to hold up. This one is my favorite because it's got a nice paddle action to it and a good strong handle and no this is not an Amazon affiliate link:
http://www.amazon.co...30481589&sr=1-2
You do this before your shower or at night or whenever but once a day, no more, no less. Again, there are programs you can buy with DVD's and stuff, but the basic way to brush is:
Start at the bottom of you. Brush upwards, thirty times; each side of your calf, each side of your thigh, etc.; each butt cheek, and the dreaded stomach area -- firm upward strokes. Then go to the top of you and brush downwards; each side of your arm and your chest area. The point is to "brush all toxins towards your heart." The reason you do this is because you're stimulating the lymph in your body through the lymphatic system which has to go through your heart to get processed and eliminated.
2. If you want more help, look into Carole Maggio's No-Lipo Lipo system, which costs some money but actually does work if you work it. Her program takes dry skin brushing to a higher level by incorporating a fat-busting self massage protocol and skin conditioning system.
3. Topical exfoliation.
You can do this several ways, but the easiest is to go to Skinbiology.com and buy their "skin tightening" protocol which includes several choices of natural acids to take off the top layer of skin so you can work through to the lower layers.
4. Copper Peptides.
Skinbiology.com.
After you do your dry skin brushing and take your shower; apply an appropriate strength copper peptide to the affected area. You can do this with extreme success at the lower belly and on the insides of your upper arms especially.
5. Pilates
When cosmetic surgeons do tummy tucks, one of their primary concerns is the fact that the recti muscle -- the one that holds the lower girdle of your organs in place -- has split apart due to the extreme pressure of obesity on those muscles. That's why it's major surgery -- they're not just slicing some skin out and stretching it back into place; they're actually repairing the muscle by stitching it back together across the expanse of your lower abdomen.
Pilates can repair that muscle. It's not because Pilates emphasizes "core work" -- it's because it realigns the whole body and *then* works the core -- in time, just like physical therapy, these muscles strengthen and move back into position.
6. Dot Laser Therapy ( or Fraxel, with reservations)
The basic strategy behind skin rejuvenation through laser is controlled injury. When the skin is injured, it makes new collagen; this increases elasticity and you snap back. I know dot laser works because I've had it -- but the issue here is really the expense. Treating your belly is a *large* area and you could run into about the same money as your tummy tuck with varying results. But if you're not interested in getting cut open, you will see a result from either of these.
7. Exercise the wattle.
Here is an exercise I've been doing to minimize the wattle where my double chin used to be:
Lie on your bed backwards with your head hanging off the edge, Lift your head so it is parallel to the floor. Hold for twenty counts. Drop your head. Lift again for another twenty count. Do that three times. On the last one -- lift for twenty, turn to the right for twenty, then to the left for twenty. Do this once or twice a day.
8. DMAE for small areas.
DMAE tightens skin, but it's expensive and there is a whole issue -- listen to me now, don't get the stuff from Walgreens -- with making sure that the DMAE is *active* and deliverable to your skin. Perricone makes one and Skinbiology does too. Another option is to make your own -- you can dissolve DMAE capsules in olive oil and slather it on your neck, under your arms, inner thighs -- etc -- and get a therapeutic result. If it's not fresh or deliverable,though, what you're going to get is sort of forty dollars you spent on a nicely scented type of Vaseline.
9. Slow down.
If you're very overweight and you've just gotten weight loss surgery, chances are the first one hundred pounds are going to run screaming off of you and you will be left with the aftermath. But after that -- slow down. *Most* people have great elasticity in their skin even into their late fifties, and your skin needs time to adjust. If you're in your first year of a massive weight loss, don't assume that hangy stuff is going to be there forever. It probably won't be. What it needs is time. The rule of thumb is one year per one hundred pounds.
10. Lose more weight.
A lot of people complaining about saggy skin are really complaining about extra fat. Let me put it this way: At 175 -- a reasonable amount for my 5 foot 10 frame -- I was still bothered by bits of myself that had shapeless, untaut attributes. At 158 this was not the case at all. You might still need to drop another ten or twenty pounds for the "skin" you're upset about to go away. Fat will fill out the least taut parts of you and that might be part of the problem.
11. Time and time again.
If you are not 100 years old, and you have lost somewhere near 100 pounds, your skin is actively trying to contain your internal catastrophe. It is spending 24 hours a day calculating and responding, trying accommodate and contain you. If you have lost 100 pounds and you have had weight loss surgery, that is one hundred pounds that is never coming back and that means your outermost layer has to adjust to this new reality. Six months is all it takes to convince it that there is a reason to shrink. One yea\r is enough to tell it you are now less massive perpetually than you used to be. In a year you might see straight up miracles you never expected. Don't go cutting on all this biological genius prematurely. What if you save ten thousand dollars by just hanging back and waiting to see how your brilliant body responds to being half of itself?
Think about this logically. You are an amoeba, pretty much. Your skin is the membrane that separates you from the environment. If you take away certain stressors over time; the membrane is going to behave intelligently and differently. Don't underestimate it. Work with it. And wait.

I think everyone has that AHA moment! Just be aware that we also have a later stage that happens right around the time we're going to have surgery where we second-guess ourselves and think "Wow! Why can't I just try (diet, exercise, voodoo rituals) and do it on my own?"
One of the most helpful analogies I have found comes from Dr Oz. He says that being 100 pounds overweight is like having a terminal cancer. You'd operate on the cancer, for sure, so why wouldn't you operate for the weight?

I don't know why, but my mind has changed a lot since being sleeved. I barely pay attention to people around me at restaurants, because I am there to enjoy a meal out and the company of whoever is with me. But if I notice someone being blatantly rude, I will ask to be moved to a different seat. Remember you are the patron there, and it's their job to make YOU happy and give you a good experience. Also, I have learned to handle the Servers differently when questioned about my small amounts. I ask for a go box then immediately go back to talking or whatever i was doing. I don't continue looking at them for more conversation or make them feel they have the right to question me. If I am questioned, I say "I'm full" then I smile and look away. That is the only thing they need to know, I don't have to make excuses to them. They don't have to know WHY I am full. I am sure naturally thin people don't have to explain why they don't want more food. But what it sounds like happened to me, is this lady was obviously jealous of your self-control with your portions and wanted to act like she had it. So basically she was jealous and insecure. There are a lot of people in this world who we will never make happy. As someone else said, this is the same person that would make snide remarks if we ate a lot of food too. That's because they are unhappy with themselves, and I have learned and accepted that I don't have to make everyone happy, nor do I need others approval. That has been a struggle for me, because I've been a "people pleaser" all of my life due to childhood issues of abandonment and neglect. It's an adjustment, but it gets easier as we get used to our new eating lifestyle.

I don't know why, but my mind has changed a lot since being sleeved. I barely pay attention to people around me at restaurants, because I am there to enjoy a meal out and the company of whoever is with me. But if I notice someone being blatantly rude, I will ask to be moved to a different seat. Remember you are the patron there, and it's their job to make YOU happy and give you a good experience. Also, I have learned to handle the Servers differently when questioned about my small amounts. I ask for a go box then immediately go back to talking or whatever i was doing. I don't continue looking at them for more conversation or make them feel they have the right to question me. If I am questioned, I say "I'm full" then I smile and look away. That is the only thing they need to know, I don't have to make excuses to them. They don't have to know WHY I am full. I am sure naturally thin people don't have to explain why they don't want more food. But what it sounds like happened to me, is this lady was obviously jealous of your self-control with your portions and wanted to act like she had it. So basically she was jealous and insecure. There are a lot of people in this world who we will never make happy. As someone else said, this is the same person that would make snide remarks if we ate a lot of food too. That's because they are unhappy with themselves, and I have learned and accepted that I don't have to make everyone happy, nor do I need others approval. That has been a struggle for me, because I've been a "people pleaser" all of my life due to childhood issues of abandonment and neglect. It's an adjustment, but it gets easier as we get used to our new eating lifestyle.

I loved your post, very inspiring!!! Thanks, I can totally relate to all that you said. And wow, you are absolutely beautiful, before AND after!!! What a beauty! Congrats on your success!!

Congrats on being sleeved!!

I don't know why, but my mind has changed a lot since being sleeved. I barely pay attention to people around me at restaurants, because I am there to enjoy a meal out and the company of whoever is with me. But if I notice someone being blatantly rude, I will ask to be moved to a different seat. Remember you are the patron there, and it's their job to make YOU happy and give you a good experience. Also, I have learned to handle the Servers differently when questioned about my small amounts. I ask for a go box then immediately go back to talking or whatever i was doing. I don't continue looking at them for more conversation or make them feel they have the right to question me. If I am questioned, I say "I'm full" then I smile and look away. That is the only thing they need to know, I don't have to make excuses to them. They don't have to know WHY I am full. I am sure naturally thin people don't have to explain why they don't want more food. But what it sounds like happened to me, is this lady was obviously jealous of your self-control with your portions and wanted to act like she had it. So basically she was jealous and insecure. There are a lot of people in this world who we will never make happy. As someone else said, this is the same person that would make snide remarks if we ate a lot of food too. That's because they are unhappy with themselves, and I have learned and accepted that I don't have to make everyone happy, nor do I need others approval. That has been a struggle for me, because I've been a "people pleaser" all of my life due to childhood issues of abandonment and neglect. It's an adjustment, but it gets easier as we get used to our new eating lifestyle.

I'm so sorry to hear about your post-op complications! I pray that it heals quickly for you. On the heartburn part of it, I don't know for sure, but I would guess it is acid. Even those of us who do not have leaks and stents have this issue post-op from being sleeved and have to use PPI/acid reducers. I don't know if you are able to take medications with your situation, ask your Dr about getting this prescribed. If you are already on something, you may have to temporarily increase it. Wishing you the best with your recovery, and please continue to come here for support.

I posted this in another thread about meat/protein and thought I would put it here too for others looking for a yummy easy recipe!!
I love bacon wrapped shrimp, it's so easy to do on the George Foreman Grill cuz the shrimp is already cooked, so it just takes a few mins on the grill to heat and cook the bacon, and I can cook just a few at a time. It doesn't take many to fill me up! I dip it in this creole mustard recipe I got out of a magazine. I modified it and use greek yogurt for the sour cream, and the splenda/brown sugar mix instead of just brown sugar. And onion powder for the minced onion. I cut the bacon into 3 pieces instead of just 2. Here is the original recipe then I made my own modifications:
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp With Creole Mustard
Prep time; 20 mins. (it's way less time if you use the already peeled deveined and cooked shrimp in the bags)
Total time; 35 mins.
Servings; 8
1/2 c. whole grain Dijon mustard
1/4 c. sour cream
1 tpsp. minced red onion
1 tpsp. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp.worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. tabasco
24 large shrimp,peeled & deveined(about 1 lb.)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
12 slices bacon,halved crosswise
wooden toothpicks
CREOLE SAUCE.............
In small bowl, combine mustard, sour cream,onion, sugar, worcestershire sauce and tabasco sauce; cover and refrigerate. Sprinkle shrimp with thyme. Wrap 1 half slice bacon around each shrimp with thyme; secure with toothpick.
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp; cook tumbling once, until shrimp are cooked through and bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove toothpicks; arrange on platter. Serve warm with sauce.

My hubby goes to the wellness center and swims laps with me, we both enjoy it and gives us something to do other than sit in front of the tv. We enjoy relaxing in the therapy pool after swimming laps. It's so relaxing! We have also walked together.

Congrats!! Sounds like you are doing well and enjoying the journey, good for you!!

Congrats on being sleeved!

Ok I am going to agree with you on some points. Healthy carbs are good for you but still has to be in tight control. But to get your body to Burn the fat is by going into a ketosis state.
Theoretically your right. But in the real world therorys are theorys. I can just attest to what I noticed on my diet pre op. once I started controlling the carbs the weight started dropping even eating up to 2000cal/day.
Everyones different but as fat people we have a genetic advantage of our abilities to convert carbs over to stored energy. I dont have any background in nutrician but I know I used to eat the same thing as my father everyday. He stays at 150lbs and I stayed at 325lbs. We worked together, ate together, lived together. We both did house framing which burned tons of calories daily. Theres no explaination other than carb conversion.
For the Majority of people here. The High protein/low carb is the bible. In Professional Bodybuilding carbs are only used for insulin spiking pre/post workouts because insulin has one of the greatest growth factors. Nutrient timing is key.
On another note. What if someone ate 1000 calories a day of straight carbs. Would they lose weight? Sure would. And they would also be causing skeletal muscle damage, eventually death from cardiac arrest. On the flipside if you eat no carbs you will never die. It will however have an effect on the brain. Thats why you need a small amount of healthy carbs. The healthy carbs feed the brain promoting memory, sleep, and so on but in excess goes straight back to storage. You have to find a happy median.
My name should be Capt realworld logic. Its just since I was 14 I have been trying to find away to lose weight. I have had so many people try and tell me how, even doctors. They even gave me meal plans. The problem was it was 45%protein/45% carbs/10% fats and the caloric range was 1600-2200 per day. You know what happened? I still gained slowly. But keep in mind slowly. As soon as I got carbs under 60grams per day i started melting. The only reason why I did my surgery is to prevent bounce back. Now once you get to where u WANT to be thats when u find your happy median to keep your body stabilized.
I know that I speak in circles but I have a form of autism. I just hope you understand where I am coming from and have an understanding that textbook entries can be wrong and rewritten.

You are doing awesome!! 20 # does make a big difference. Congrats!

Hi, I totally agree about Dr Kelly! He really is a class act and totally knows his stuff. I'm so happy you are getting your sleeve! Please update us as soon as you feel up to it. I am confident you will have just as easy of a recovery as I did with Dr Kelly as your surgeon. Take Care!

My surgeon made this statement to me: "People spend their lifetimes worrying about their weight but not their lifestyle." That is so very true and very wise. Keep your focus on a healthy lifestyle and don't worry about numbers and dates and goals, but focus on how you're moving and eating healthy. When you're not eating right, your body tells you about it, even if you're not staring down a calorie count. You seem to have a handle on your own body's signals. (some of us need a little tracking to get the hang of it!)
Before surgery, we've all been told: "OH, just eat right and exercise and you'll lose weight." (That person then walks away with a black eye ) It's finally true for us!!! HOORAAAYY!!!! Don't put any new monkeys on your back.

Omigosh, your new pic is gorgeous!! You look beautiful and so happy!

I'm excited to announce our new official VerticalSleeveTalk iPhone, iPad and iPod app!
This app makes it fun and easy to access the site while you're away from your computer. You can also take pictures with your phone or device and attach them directly to a thread.
The VerticalSleeveTalk iPhone, iPad and iPod Forum application features include:
Full posting abilities
Attach photos directly from your Apple device
Private Messaging (with optional push notifications)
Subscribe and track your favorite threads and topics (with optional push notifications)
Supports both Landscape and Portrait views

The app is free and you can download it directly from your phone. Just open up the Apple app store and search for "VerticalSleeveTalk" and you'll find the app. Then just click install. You can also go to VerticalSleeveTalk.com on your phone and it should direct you directly to the app.
Once it's installed, you'll have a new icon on your phone that says VerticalSleeveTalk. Click it and you'll be ready to go. Here are some screen shots:
iPhone and iPod touch Screenshots:




iPad Screenshots:



Get the app and get ready to take VerticalSleeveTalk with you wherever you go.

I agree with letting go of the guilt/self hatred for what happened yesterday, but instead plan for the day. Have all kinds of Protein stuff available and no carb stuff around, don't even bring it into your house. Have plenty of string cheese, boiled eggs, deli meat, almonds, pistachios, pecans, Protein Bars, deviled eggs, ready to drink Protein Drinks. Never be unprepared at home or when going out. I take string cheese and nuts in my purse every time I leave the house. Sometimes even a Protein Shake. Even if you have to eat out for some reason, every restaurant has a meat or salad option. If you are bored with what you have been eating, look for easy low carb recipes or modify regular ones. You can do this, it takes some effort yes, but you are worth it!! Hang in there, we can all do this together.