MichiganChic

If your stats are correct, it might have been due to the amount of weight you had to lose. Lucky you on both counts!

@@amytug welcome back! I remember you. Good for you for getting back on track. Life has a way of derailing us, for sure. I've never actually reached goal, but it is because I'm too stubborn to just adjust the goal. I really wanted to hit a normal BMI, but that might not even be a good goal for me. I'm in a size 8, and look and feel great (if I do say so myself ). So, I just never change that number, and I think if I went back eating 900 calories I could get there, but not sure it's that realistic. I am working hard enough to maintain this - losing another 10 or 15 pounds just isn't worth it to me! I'm 52 and look better than most people my age. I also had a lot of plastics in the last year, starting at about 18 months post op. Right behind the gastric sleeve, those procedure were one of the best things I've ever done!

I had roughly 12 pounds removed between 5 procedures in 2 separate surgeries. I expected to be 12 pounds lighter, but I weighed the same for months and just recently lost a couple of pounds. I might have some swelling still, but not much. So, I feel like in reality I gained 10 pounds because she cut that off in fat and skin, but my weight is the same. However, I'm down a size and I don't look any heavier so I just don't know how to explain it.

I know the OP meant to be funny, but these threads often end up being a battle of who's rules are right. It's not so much each little detailed rule, it's the glib attitude toward "bariatric rebellion" that concerns me. It's "let me see how far I can push the envelope" and get away with it. Then to announce it, have others chime in, it ends up sounding like the no alcohol rule is silly and encourages behavior that does not lead to success. The hard, cold truth is that weight loss is hard, and maintenance is harder. One bad decision won't break any of us. One drink won't make us fat or drunks. However, a general attitude of "let me see what I can get away with" seems like a bad idea to me. For me, I know that I can't maintain perfection forever. None of us can. We are humans, and most of us are in this boat because we couldn't refrain from eating and drinking too much. So, knowing that, I do strive for perfection every day. If I set that as my goal, I figure I won't be too far off the mark at the end of the day. If I strive for less, I'd probably be further off. I know if I had allowed myself too much latitude in the beginning, I would be worse off today. I had to learn new behavior, and I had to learn that I AM capable of following a plan that leads to success, and I learned what it takes to do that. The early days are what set me up for success by establishing new habits. It's the easiest time to do that, so my advice is to take advantage of the gift you have.

@@BethinPA I had some really slow healing wounds from the drains, and they did leave circular scars there - and I only had them ten days from my abdominoplasty. They did heal though, and they are fading. Hopefully you will start to dry up!! It's encouraging that the output is decreasing. You know it's headed in the right direction. As for the lipo, it probably will be painful, and I really hate pain. I'm going to have it July 2 and then take the following week off. I'm also prepared to swell even more. Ugh. I just still feel like I'm not done....like a half built house or something. I've gone this far to get things put back in place, and I'm not seeking perfection, just a little more uniformity. Believe me, I would never be doing this to get a perfect body - I just want to be able to wear clothes comfortably. I don't know if you've been able to enjoy your results much, but I have to say that even with all the complications, I'm very aware and thrilled with mine so far. I notice it every time I get up, walk, and move. It also reminds me how hard I worked to get here, and I think of the plastics as one more thing I've done to help me maintain my weight loss.

@@AvaFern I didn't work out at all until about the last month. I was sporadic about it before plastics, so I didn't mind much I'm sure I probably could have after about 2 months because by then it was just very superficial, but still a decent size area. I still can't believe how long that took to heal! It is still thinner skin, and a little rough, like there is still a very superficial scab. I got very tired of keeping dressings on it. I certainly couldn't swim, and I wouldn't have gone to the beach. Hopefully yours will heal much, much faster!

I started with hair that was thin, and I lost lots of it for about 8 months. I had a lot of weight to lose and had to eat 800 calories a day for over a year to do it, so I know that contributed. I got all my Protein and Vitamins every single day, and did everything right. It was visibly thin all over. After about 18 months it started growing back, and at 2.5 years, it continues to improve. You can't see my scalp anymore except for at the part. I think I had a worse case scenario, and even my hair grew back!

@ welcome! Good for you that you are catching this before it goes any further. We all live with the fear of regain. It is a real and looming threat, so don't feel too bad. Obesity is a disease that's never really cured. We can manage our weight, but we have bodies with a propensity to gain weight, so we can never let our guard down. Not sure if you are asking, but my suggestion is to do what you know worked before. Follow the bariatric rules. Weigh/measure food track and limit calories don't drink before/after meals Protein first no grazing increase activity Some people have had success with the 5:2 diet. If you search on here, you'll find lots of information about it. One other thing that I do is weigh daily. It really keeps me focused. I can gain super fast, so if I waited for tight clothes I'd already be out of control. And cut yourself some slack. It's over. You've come to grips with what you need to do, and you know how to do it. Congratulations for that!

@@BethinPA Glad it is getting a little better for you. It sounds like your drainage is cut in half? Why can't you shower? I did every day. With drains, with wound vacs, you name it. I don't think I could handle that either. I realize I probably sound nuts for having another procedure, but the swelling I have will be there either way. I know that liposuction is going to cause more swelling, but I just really am uncomfortable with uneven legs. The swelling I have is in my left foot and it's around my right knee that's bigger. I'm scheduling for July, and if it's not some better by then, I may end up cancelling. I'm an optimist at heart, so I don't think what I have is permanent. I wish you didn't have to deal with depression on top of it all. I do know how that could easily happen! You are in the home stretch, and once it's healed, you will continue to shrink and those dresses are going to look even better! Hang in a little longer! I bet it will be instant recovery when those drains are out - those things can get you down!

@@BethinPA just checking to see how you are, and if things are healing? I sure hope so! I saw my plastic surgeon today, and while we can't be sure yet, she said she really doesn't think my swelling (which is lymphedema) is permanent. She said because it's only distal and goes down at night are good signs. She also said it could take 1-2 years to resolve!! Ugh, this is a really long process. So, I am going to proceed with some liposuction in July. I really hate that my right leg is bigger than my left, and that's the only way to fix it. I also hate the saddlebags, so I want to get rid of them. I can't believe I'm doing this, but I am really, really uncomfortable in pants because of it.

I didn't tell coworkers (actually, they report to me). I did tell my boss, though I didn't have to, because I knew I might need to be off for a while, and I wanted to just have it out in the open. I knew that there would be follow up appointments that would require me to miss work, and it's easier to explain with the truth. That was a little difficult because a) it's personal, b.) I didn't want to be judged and c) it's personal I just told everyone else I was having surgery, didn't specify what, and no one asked. Not one person! Probably, because I wasn't offering a way in for the nosy question. Ultimately, I did have problems, and needed additional time off, and had have a boat load of follow up appointments. I even ended up needing a wound vac and I went to work with it, and no one ever asked why, lol! I also did a few things to de-emphasize the change. Everyone knows I'm on a diet, so losing weight or getting smaller is explainable. I wore a padded bra the size I intended to be.I wore shapewear to look a little less jiggly, and I always had my arms covered. Afterwards, I had a lot of swelling, and I never lost a pound, and I wore all the same clothes as before surgery, so I don't think it was obvious. Now, about 9 months later, the swelling is decreasing and I've lost a few pounds, and I've gone down a size. It was not the shocking and drastic, obvious change I expected, at least in clothes.

Congratulations! I also had brachioplasty, and have to agree, it's worth it! Can't wait to see your other pics.

I have had swelling on and off in various locations since surgery. Depends a lot on what I've been eating. If I eat too much sodium, or just too much in general, my lower abdomen and back will swell. It's getting better over time. I also have swelling in my left leg since I had all the trouble with that seroma. I saw my plastic surgeon today and she said swelling can take up to a year or two to totally resolve. I also had a spot on my back side from my lower body lift that separated. It was about 2-3 inches in length, and it was about an inch separated. My doc never sutured it, and it healed from the inside out. I had to keep wound gel on it and dress it twice daily. It was never infected, either. It took about 4 months to totally heal. But, it did heal. The scar there is wide and red, but it's on my backside and hidden by underwear, so I don't really care all that much. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I do absolutely know how miserable and long the healing process can take! It will get better, just hang in there!

@@CanyonBaby my doc does have a psychologist present for many of the support groups. People do ask him questions. You are right, it would be great if everyone had that.

There might be some dysmporphia, or maybe you just DO carry your weight well. No can believe I weigh as much as I do. When I tell them my BMI is still overweight, they can't believe it. I don't know why that is, but I think it's partially the way my weight is distributed. Honestly, I thought I was having issues with dysmporphia, but now I don't think so.

The physical answer to your question of where you went wrong is that you are consuming too many calories. That's great news that your stomach is small. It's not too late for youe. You can do this if you make some changes. You didn't really say a lot about what's going on, but I'd examine my eating habits. *Measure and weigh your food *Stop grazing *Count your calories and keep them around 1000-1200 *Protein first, then vegetables *No bread, rice, Pasta *Don't eat and drink together It's hard work, for sure. The longer it goes on, the harder it becomes, but it is absolutely something you can do! It is worth it. You are worth it.

What @@Babbs said. I maintain on around 1400 calories a day now. But to lose, I have to stay under 1000.

Great thread and comments. I particularly identified with the people who said they saw themselves both NOT as fat as they actually were, and then heavier than reality after weight loss. I was like that, and I do think it's because we have an image in our brain of who and what we are. Time is a great healer. For a long time I couldn't reconcile the number on the scale with how I look. I think that's because I don't look like to anyone like I weigh as much as I do. I was hyperfocused on getting to a normal BMI, and since the number clearly says overweight, I figured I must look that way, too. Or, I felt like I was pretending or something. I've had to look at other things to give a point of reference. I wear a size 8 and I'm on the smaller side of normal. In a room of women I work with, I'm smaller than most. I'm healthy and can move great. The clothes I wear look pretty small when they are on the hanger. At 2.5 years post op and having maintained this weight for a year, my brain has caught up. I've become accustomed to seeing the new me, and I no longer see myself as 230 pounds (which is what I saw myself as at 300 and 170). I do see the flaws and imperfections, but that's probably an accurate reflection of reality. I didn't need a therapist to get here, but I did need to discuss it a LOT on BP, lol!

@@sarsar sorry to hear you also have swelling. I hate it. I really hope it goes away! My surgeon also says it can take a year for things to settle down. I need some lipo in my saddlebags. but I'm not doing anything until this resolves.

I read an article yesterday at bariatriceating.com that talked about life after WLS, and it really speaks to this topic. Sorry, I couldn't find the link this morning! Anyway, I really agreed with the author, in that we ARE on permanent diets for the rest of our lives. Just like our friends who are thin, we have to watch what we eat. I often see people who say they are not, and I'm envious, but it's not my reality. It also addressed the harsh reality of how things do not get easier over time, echoing what so many of us have found. That's a great site, too.

My lower body lift and brachioplasty were done in a hospital as an outpatient. I was kept overnight as an observation patient. I think that's pretty typical in my area. I had my thigh lift and breast lift in an outpatient surgery center. It was late in the day and I had a hard time leaving at 10 pm, and probably shouldn't have gone home. My blood pressure was so low I passed out at home. I don't think I would consent to having a 5 or 6 hour procedure as an out patient again - I just don't do well with the anesthesia and pain, I suppose.

The calorie math doesn't always add up in the short run. I know it's hard not to, but try not to focus so much an immediate result. Sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason as to why we lose for periods, and other times not so much. Your body can only lose so fast. When you've had a big drop like that, it's unrealistic to expect a continued, steady, rapid loss. It's much more likely to get what you have. What you'll find is that it's the long haul that makes the difference. Time passes either way, so just keep doing what you are doing, and in 6 months you'll be down another 50-60 pounds - which would put you pretty close to goal!

@@BethinPA I was hoping you were going to say you were all healed by now. I really hated the drains, too. But I think you are right, it won't go on like this forever. It will eventually heal. Even knowing that, I do know how frightening it is when it doesn't take the usual path. Hang in there buddy! I am sure some day you will get to enjoy it. My wound is completely healed and the incision doesn't look too bad. My left foot and lower leg is still swollen. Not terrible, and I think it is some better, but I'm really worried that it's lymphedema. It's been 6 weeks, and I've been on a diuretic and wearing compression hose, but it's never gone completely down. However, the fact that it's some better, and responds to diuretics and elevation is promising. If it's not better in a couple of weeks I'm going to see if I can get a CT or something to look at the lymph nodes behind my knee. So, good luck to you. I do hope you start feeling better! The weather has suddenly and dramatically improved in Michigan, and that's working wonders to get my mind off of all this. I hope you can also get some temporary relief until you are totally healed!

@@BLERDgirl and @@Debbieduck4 I also have a similar goal. I can't figure out for the life of me how I can weigh so much but still look pretty darn good, lol! I'd like to get under 160, just because it would give me a little wiggle room. I wear a size 8, and I'm thrilled with it. But honestly, when I started this process, my only goal was to rid my self of the misery that is morbid obesity. The continuous exhaustion that you don't even realize you have, the generalized pain, the looming threat of larger health issues, the degeneration of joints, the social stigma, and the pure misery of trying to fit that huge body into a world that was a place where big would go, but super big was not welcome. I didn't know what was possible. I thought at first if I could get to under 200, I'd be happy. That would get me to "normal fat". And then I started to realize I could do better than that. For a while I wanted a normal BMI. Others do it, and I wanted that, too. Then reality hit. A normal BMI is probably out of reach for me, based on the amount of work I'm willing to do. Normal is all I ever wanted, and I've achieved that. Now my goal is to never let go of it!

Losing weight is hard. Maintaining that loss is harder. The longer you do it, the harder it gets. Having had WLS makes it easier and possible for me. Before WLS it was super hard, unsuccessful, and demoralizing to work that hard without success. So now I work hard, but at least I'm rewarded. So while I don't want to offend anyone, I always feel like it's easier-for ME. I am not including the actual decision to have surgery, the prep time, or the actual surgery in that. I'm only referring to the comparison for the difficulty I experienced trying to restrict calories pre and post surgery. Before surgery I had a ridiculous drive to eat, all the time. Now, normal meals satisfy me, and then I can forget it. That is a night and day difference. As another poster said, it's the only way out for me. And I don't feel a bit bad about it. I feel pretty darn good about a 140+ pound weight loss and my single digit clothes and my perfectly healthy body. Honestly, I wish it was easy. I'd feel even better about that!