MichiganChic

I don't know if stretching is because the sleeve was done "improperly" or not. I do know that people can develop areas of bulges on various places in the stomach. My doc said there is no scientific evidence to show that correcting them makes any long term difference. All I know is that I think my sleeve was done properly since I lost 145 pounds and have maintained two years. I can eat normal people size amounts of food, though I don't do that routinely. I try to keep the volume of my food at or under 1 cup. I do not believe that is an absolute certainty that a sleeve can't stretch unless it was done wrong, or unless you abuse it with over eating a lot. For me, it was a natural course that happened very gradually. I think our bodies are unique. Like all things, some of us are luckier than others.

I think it's a combination of things. Vanity sizing plays a part in this. I also think massive weight loss patients lose a lot of subcutaneous fat, (fat just under the skin) which changes our shape. As we age, things shift, and fat is distributed differently. I also think that years of obesity have caused all of our organs to grow, (meaning skin, bones, internal organs) to support bigger bodies, and that also causes us to weigh more without necessarily looking like we weigh as much as we do.

@@SeahawksFan don't forget the new bags. You will need nice purses to go with all that stuff. For some reason I found being thin motivated me to switch bags frequently to go with outfits, coats, etc

@@Leslie11 you are smart to realize that WLS is not a static result. I truthfully didn't realize that the effect would change over time to the extent it has. I'm not saying I still do not get benefit from it, because I do. I just was a little surprised. However, it did get my weight to a normal range, and now I can manage it. Before surgery, the weight would not come off at all, and the amount I had to lose was overwhelming, so it was absolutely worth it! By the way, we eat way too much in Michigan, too! And it's winter a long time, which only makes matters worse! Congratulations on your recent surgery, and wishing you great success!

@@Kaila312 I am 3 years out, and I KNOW that my stomach is stretched. I haven't had an UGI, but I already know what it would show. I rarely overeat, and 90% of the time I maintain small portions and low calories. I do not get the same full sensation as I did post op. I was always one who could eat a little more than others, though clearly I couldn't eat a lot. I still have to weigh and measure my food. On the occasions where I indulge, I don't weigh/measure (these occasions are not frequent) I estimate I can eat about 2 cups. That is no where near as much before surgery, but it's certainly enough to allow enough food and calories to gain quickly. I miss the early days when 1/2 cup was enough. It was a lot easier to stay on track. That said, I haven't gained a significant amount of weight, but I gained 2 pounds during a 4 day vacation in September, and another 4 over the holidays. It scares me out of my mind, and I'm working to get it off, but it's stubborn. I am not going to let it get away from me, but it's really all up to me, now. I think I have 75% my effort, and about 25% help from the sleeve, since hunger is back but not like before surgery. I suspect some day, it will be. I keep thinking I need a "tweak" but my doc doesn't do revisions. Honestly, I don't want another surgery, so I just keep fighting the fight, just like people of a near normal weight who have to watch what they eat. I will be anxious to hear what your surgeon says.

I definitely love to shop. That's not really new, but it's so much more fun now. I did wonder if it would become an actual problem, but it hasn't. As time as gone on, I have less need for things. For the first time ever, I am a consistent size. My things wear better because they fit. I've been wearing the same clothes for 2 years now, and when I see something I like, I buy it. I am past the phase of having to get everything new, from socks to bras to underwear to shoes to casual, work, and dress clothes. Of course, you need new purses for that stuff I am half my original size, so the only thing I didn't change was my good jewelry. That really does require a lot of shopping, and since its fun and everything fits, it is tempting to go a little nuts. I always felt like a kid in a candy shop with an cart blanche - sometimes I would lose reason and buy it because it was cool/trendy/what I always wanted. That has worn off a little. Now I will only buy it if it is something I need for an event, or offers some sort of style I've been looking for, is unique, etc. Really, how many pairs of black pants can one person use? I'll admit I have way many bras and underwear. My drawers look like Victoria Secret show case. But even those things have been acquired over time, on sale, free coupons, and cared for so that they last. I say enjoy yourself! As long as you are not spending more money than you have, or have more things than you can reasonably wear, I don't think it's a problem.

I track every bite I eat on MFP, which helps me keep my eating in check. I have to be brutally honest with myself, which is sometimes easier said than done. I come to BP daily. The topics and conversation range from reminders of why I had WLS and how to succeed, to enlightening about things I never thought of, to a sense of camaraderie. Both of these things really point to the primary objective for me, and that is to maintain a lot of focus on my diet. I have to keep my plan in the forefront of my mind at all times in order to maintain my lifestyle change. Even at three years out, I can't say my new habits are stronger than the old ones of overeating. Obesity is never cured, and something I have to fight hard to keep at bay. Totally worth the effort!

I made the vanilla with blueberries, and it was really good! I've purchased some new baking powder because I wanted to see if that will make them rise a little more. I also got some egg whites, but haven't had a chance to try either, yet. I may add a touch more baking powder, too. This Saturday my Vitamin shop is demonstrating how to make Quest salted caramel muffins, so I will let you guys know if that is worth it.

Good info. But to clarify, I didn't say it was true - I said that other people use it that way. I do not think this will cause weight gain as part of a normal bariatric diet.

I'm three years out and don't remember when I started using them again. I guess maybe 6 months or so. I don't really believe the whole 'straws are bad' thing, but I try to be compliant. I still don't use them all the time, mostly just at restaurants. They have never bothered me.

Yes, I think rest is undervalued these days:) So glad you are feeling better. Can you see any difference/improvement yet?

I am going to try the egg whites, too. I added some almond extract to mine, (chocolate) and thought it was good, too. I also use the 1/4 tsp of baking powder. I got the vanilla matrix last night, and I'm going to try that with some frozen blueberries. We'll see. The Vitamin Shop near me is have a demo or something next weekend and they are going to be making salted caramel cupcakes with Quest Protein. I'm going to check it out. Will let you guys know if that's worth it. I have also noticed these seem to be more filling, and mostly that they keep me satisfied for a long time. My daughter, who does crossfit, pointed out that its a slow release protein and that athletes use it to put on weight. I am not worried about that since I really think its hard to do when used as part of a very low calorie diet.

Lucky you!! How long will you be off?

@@BethinPA it most certainly does not resemble a vacation! Even after feeling mostly better and getting back to my usual ADL, I do feel like I'm dragging for months. It makes me look tired......and I look in the mirror, and think "I need a facelift!" haha!!

@@CowgirlJane I was off for a week (10 days, since I had the procedure on a Friday). I have the compression garment, which is actually pretty nice. It's Marena, and I'm wearing it in the picture in this this thread. I agree that it helps with swelling to the surgical area, and it also reduces discomfort. I was required to wear it for two weeks, but found I couldn't sleep without it comfortably until last night, which is a few days beyond the two week mark. So, I went back to work last week, (desk job) and was definitely moving slow, couldn't take the stairs due to swelling/tightness. I only had one pair of pants that fit, and probably could have used one more week off. This is my second week back, and I'm back to taking the steps, still wearing the compression garment, and feeling better in general. Not many of pants fit still. I probably could have taken more time, but I hate to do that to the people who report to me, and I hate to do it to my boss. I've only worked there 2 and half years and this is my 5th surgery (3 plastics, and 2 other minor procedures). I was at my last job 30 years, and other than kids, was only off to have the sleeve. So, if that's not an issue for you, don't rush back. I'm tired in general, and I think this stuff is really taxing on our bodies. How long do they want you to be off? I am still bruised, though I would say its more than 50% better. I am still up at least 10 pounds. While the compression garment is good for local swelling, it makes distal swelling worse. Last night my ankles and feet were huge. The amount of lip I had was really traumatic to my body, and it's revolting, lol. My doc said six months for the swelling to go away completely, and maybe as long as 2 years. Lucky you that your swelling seems to be minimal! How are you feeling?

It depends on age, genetics, skin elasticity, years of obesity, level of obesity. You can't control it with Protein, exercise, rate of loss, Vitamins, lotions, potions, or snake oil. I've seen young people with skin issues, and old people with none, though usually the older we are, the less elasticity we have. I lost 145 pounds at age 50 and had lots of skin issues. When I was younger, that wasn't a problem. My 26 year old daughter lost 115 and has almost none - just a little on her lower abdomen, like lots of women who have had children (she has one). We arguably have similar genes, so that gives you an idea. One thing I've noticed on me, though, is that even with poor elasticity, it did contract some over time, especially on my neck.

@@freemommy×4 sorry you are going through all of this, and wishing you a speedy recovery. Hopefully you are almost there! Do you know what actually happened? What are the docs theorizing?

Great article with an eye-catching title. I am glad to see some realistic expectations set about loose skin!

I lost 145 pounds in14 months. My surgery was December 2012, so I've kept it off for 3 years.

I thinks its fine, but stick with one. You know you can change your username on your first account, too, right? I did that because my first one was my actual name and I decided I wanted more privacy....and then I put my face on my profile, lol!

@@Stevehud thanks for the recipe and video. I bought the syntax matrix and it made all the difference. It is the egg, as you said. The first powder I used didn't have it, and it was really like dry foam. With matrix, it was cake-like!

I had weight loss surgery for my health. I figured I'd look better and be able to wear cuter clothes, but that was a side effect/bonus. The minor health issues I had quickly resolved, and then it became more about how I looked, and the clothes/looks became a focus, along with the numbers - a healthy BMI. Then it became about feeling "done". I just felt like I was halfway home. I looked fine in clothes, but there was a constant reminder and feeling of unrest. So I had lots of plastics, and honestly it was the best thing I could have done for myself, outside the sleeve. It's not as much about vanity as you might think, though that's certainly a component of it. It's more about accomplishment to me. The plastics changed my life in ways I hadn't expected, or even realized needed improvement. I was literally shocked at how much easier it is to move. It makes me want to move more, because I love the feeling of FREEDOM. I didn't realize I felt so bogged down by the excess skin. Plastics have been physically difficult for me. I have scars, but they are pretty faded, and not "hideous" as someone suggested. I am 53, and look/feel better than in my 30s. So I do not think I was too old. I am perfectly good with my age, and not trying to be young. I do call myself Plastic Barbie Grammy, though, lol. It's not for everyone due to cost and physical pain and risks, but for me, it was the right thing to do. It was worth every penny and painful day it cost.

@@Margie122 the 360 lift did help with outer thighs, and only the upper third. I think for someone with a mild problem it would be enough for that area. For inner thighs, you need something specific for that area.

@@CowgirlJane congratulations! I didn't realize you were heading down there so soon. I'm sure you will get good results, you didn't have far to go! I was told about a month for most of the swelling to go down, and 6 months or longer for the rest to resolve. I think that's when you can expect to see results. It also depends on your skin. I don't have much elasticity, but you also have to wait to see how it adhere. This is not as much instant gratification as I wish it were! I am still so black and blue it is a little shocking. I could immediately see the "freakish" outer thigh was deflated, but there's a spot on the left hip that's still there, though it seems to be shrinking. Overall my legs are swollen hip to toe, and I am still up 10 pounds. (down 5 from last week). I had lipo both outer thighs (a lot) and some on inner thighs, a little above left knee, and a lot from right front and side/back of knee. Like I said, I was uneven. I sure hope this does the trick, but I can't tell yet. Are you wearing the compression garment? I am, and its the first one I've had, even with all my surgeries. I was allowed to take it off yesterday, but could not sleep with it off. It actually helps with pain. My legs burn and tingle with it off, and I am much more sore without it.

I didn't drink coffee for the first 6 weeks, but once my incision was healed I went back to black coffee. Still drink it every day. My dietician said she read studies that show people who drink coffee in the morning are hungrier in the afternoon, but I still drink it. When I get hungry in the afternoon …I have a cup of coffee lol