MichiganChic

I hate to say it, but I can't wear boots. My calves are still too big for even the wide calf boots. I'm seriously thinking about liposuction, or something. I really thought I would be able to find something, but even the biggest ones are still about an inch from zipping at the widest part of my calves. Hopefully I'm not the normal one, and the rest of you can wear cool boots!

@RJ'S/beginning Well, that was certainly unpleasant and he does sound like a rat bastard. Sorry you had to endure that. One thing I know from years of nursing, some spent in the OR, is that surgeons are the worst in thinking they are God, and Plastic surgeons are at the top of that heap (In my opinion, based on personal experience). They are the reason I don't work in surgery, lol, because they treat the nurses like that every day. Too hard to please, temperamental primadonnas. However, even I know they are not ALL that way. I just had plastics, and the first consult I went to was pretty similar to yours. They made me pay $150 out of pocket for the consult, and never even billed my insurance. He looked me over and told me what I needed, rather than considering what I wanted. He couldn't wait to get a hold of my abdomen, and told me I could wear a bikini when he was done with me. The biggest issue for me was my legs, though, and he just told me there was nothing he could do for me. Really?? Why do I need a bikini belly if I can't wear one because of my legs? I was really crushed and despondent after that. I really thought I just would forget it. But I kept seeing other people's pictures here, and figured I'd keep looking. I found a surgeon who said she could do my legs. She didn't even act like it was an issue. I think the first surgeon just didn't want to do anything that might not be a slam dunk perfect outcome. The second surgeon wanted to know what I thought I needed, and truly consulted about a plan. She never promised me a bikini body, (and I'm not asking for one - I'm a 52 year old woman who gave birth to three kids and was 150 pounds overweight for 25 years) and didn't discuss cost in the context of the consultation. Her office billed my insurance for the initial visit, which was paid. So, she was just a much better fit for me, and I decided to go for it. I just had abdominoplasty, butt lift, and brachioplasty six weeks ago, and I'll have my legs and breasts done in a few months. My insurance only covered a portion of it, but that's not the plastic surgeon's fault. So far, I'm thrilled! I do have a bikini worthy torso and arms! I can't wait to see how my legs and breasts turn out. I only wanted to fit into and look better in clothes, so she surpassed my expectations. I'm sure you will find someone who is a better fit for you, too! You've worked too hard and come too far to let someone like that bring you down. I'd say keep searching until you find someone who treats you right.

I toyed with idea for years, even considered seriously once (went to see a surgeon), and backed out. This time, I just thought I should do something about my weight as it was really affecting my life for the first time. I saw others succeed with WLS, and started to think it might actually work for me, too. I went to a seminar and had my surgery within 2 months. Once I made up my mind, I was good with it. Haven't regretted it.

I have neuropathy for no known reason. Never been diabetic, no back problems, no liver disease, none of the things that are known to cause it. I had hoped losing weight would help me, but it didn't. Might be different for others, depending on the cause.

Yep, it's our worst nightmare. I'm thankful everyday for the gift I've been given. I also worry every day that I can mess it up if I'm not diligent. And it doesn't take long for that to happen. We've all seen posts from our heroes who made it goal, seemed invincible, only to find that they've gain a few pounds, or even a significant amount of weight. We all know it's possible. I think HOW it happens is unique in many ways, but is always related to the habits that brought us to needing weight loss surgery to start with. I didn't suddenly develop a new habit that will make me overweight. Personally, for me, I'm a grazer. I know this about myself. I have to work really hard not to just put things in my mouth. I don't always succeed, so I have developed a coping strategy, or "rule" I've imposed on myself, that no matter what, I will log it. I WILL be aware of what I've consumed. A lot of the time this keeps me from totally derailing. It pays to know your own issues and weaknesses, and be honest with yourself about them. I think it also helps to have a bit of fear, knowing what can happen, because it keeps us on guard. Realizing that honeymoon phase is very short lived in the grand scheme of things can help us take advantage of that time, both for weight loss and for changing habits, getting our heads on straight, or whatever you call setting yourself up mentally for success.

You are right about it all being a lot to deal with. I also told very few people because I didn't need the supervision and observation people feel inclined to provide. However, I don't think of it like managing a medical condition at all. I think of it as a gift, and I'm simply managing my weight, like all normal thin people.

But what? No "buts" Your statement is so right - it takes time and you are doing great. Enjoy your success, focus on you, and look forward to your very bright future. I had a mother in law like that, and I do know how hard it is when they insert themselves into your life in a negative way. I felt trapped by it. So, take it from someone who's been there. It's better to separate your goals, objectives and accomplishments from someones else's opinion. There's probably not a lot you can do to change her or what she does and says, you can only change how you respond to her. Take the emotion out of it, and maybe distance yourself a little. Don't visit so often. Don't always answer the phone. Go ahead and accept the bagel, then don't eat it. She might get the message and change her behavior a little. Either way, you are doing great, and what someone else says does not change the facts!

I'm almost 2 years out, and I really like sweets. Cake, in particular. At first, I didn't want or think much about it. Now, I have to consciously avoid sweets. I always say cake is the gateway food! If I have some, I want more, and it can send me into a tailspin of eating other junk. As long as I avoid it, I'm OK. I will say that even though I want it, lots of the things I try just doesn't taste as good as I think I remember. So, I try to remember that as a way to help with self control. I don't know what's right for you. Sometimes I wish I had the RNY for this reason, but then I think about the advantages of the sleeve, and I'm glad I made this choice. Either way, whichever surgery you choose, it's going to be hard work. Neither of them will make you behave. (Oh, how I wish it could!) I know people who have RNY and just eat bad even though it makes them sick. Another thing, I made a conscious effort to change my habits. It takes me a lot longer to develop a new habit than they say in the literature, lol. Like, almost 2 years after VSG, and I know I could easily revert back to previous habits. But, slowly, my new lifestyle is starting to become so ingrained that I rarely reach for something "bad". I'm all about moderation in most things, so I do allow myself sweet treats once in a while. I usually try to plan it, but you can't always plan life, so I just roll with it and keep my eye on the prize - being thin! Good luck, whatever you decide.

LOL, what a jerk. Seriously - he's just not into you? I don't think so. One of two things - he's so self absorbed he can't get over himself, or he is into you but doesn't know what to do with it because maybe he's not physically able. Either way, you win - you can move on. But I still think it was a good idea to see it to the end, otherwise you might have always wondered. He did seem like a good prospect. Now you know.

Great job, congratulations!! That's gotta feel great!

I think that's pretty normal. You might have some months better, some worse. The further out you are, the less you weigh, the slower it gets. You didn't really give much information about how you are eating or your height/weight, but assuming you doing things right, then just keep doing that. 8-10 pounds a month is great! If you continue to lose at that rate, you'd be at goal in roughly another 7-8 months. Another thing though....I found the closer I got to goal, the harder I had to work, and would lose 4-5 pounds a month.

Beautiful! I remember you! We had our surgeries right around the same time. So good to see you so successful!

If you are being honest with yourself about what you are eating, then just do what you know you should. There is no secret, and no magic bullet. The key is to be honest with yourself. I'm not saying you aren't, but I know for me, that's an easy way to slip. It's my number one personal rule. Weigh, measure, and track your food - every bite. Not sure if you are exercising, but you know that helps, too. It's possible to not lose for a few weeks when you are doing everything right, and you have lost a lot of weight in a short time. Your body needs time to adjust. Try to focus on the big picture. It really is what you do over time that will make the difference in the long run. Good luck!

I'm 5'4", and currently in a size 10 pants, size small or medium top. The 10s are getting a little big, so I'm thinking I may end up in an 8 since I just had plastics. I'm happy with the 10, and I'd probably be a little happier in the 8, since that would be a novelty for me. Never could have imagined single digits! I 'll admit, I like vanity sizing, and someone my age can really appreciate it, since last time I was thin, spandex and vanity sizing hadn't been invented yet! I am 52 years old, and I don't want to be skinny because it's starting to just make me look old/haggard/wrinkly when really I'm young and vibrant, lol. I don't think I will lose much more, just whatever comes off as a result of getting rid of excess skin.

I went to Ellen Janetzke in Birmingham, and had my surgery at Beaumont Royal Oak. I think I have had a good outcome, so far. I'm just 4 weeks out, and not totally healed. I had lower body lift, and brachioplasty. I'll be going back for a thigh lift, and breast lift/augmentation. There are lots of sites out there where patients rate plastic surgeons. I also suggest talking to more that one to see what they offer and suggest.

It is surprising at almost 2 years out how you notice one of these once in a while! Just the other day I was leaving work and the elevator was full, but I hopped on and squeezed into a little spot on the side - and no one moved a bit to allow me to fit!! I would have never even attempted that before, and if I had, they would have subconsciously parted like the red sea to accommodate me. Another thing I notice - and not sure it's an actual victory - is the fact that I am weak now! I can't open heavy doors very well. It usually takes a couple of attempts because I have to really make an effort. I guess I'm still using the same technique I used to use, which would have been use my weight. Now I have to consciously use what's left of my muscle. Another thing like that - I recently went to an "80s Dance Explosion", lol. It was a total NSV that I went, because I wouldn't have even gone before, thinking no one wants to see 300 pounds of fat bouncing around, and besides, I would have been too tired. However, I was shocked that while out on that dance floor, the drunker the other people became the more dense the crowd, I kept getting bumped into, and felt like I was getting thrown all over the dance floor like a limp doll! I was actually afraid of getting knocked over!

@@CowgirlJane I chose the filler because they are quick, simple, minimally invasive, fairly inexpensive (comparatively), easily obtained, and temporary. The state of Michigan doesn't require a physician to inject. I happened to come across a nurse who works under the physician's licence, and is a trainer for the company who makes all of those products. I saw the people she worked on, and they all look natural. She comes to the beauty salon I go to about every three months, so it makes it very convenient. Honestly, I might not have done it if it weren't for all those factors. However, I really like the results. I tried botox around my eyes for fine lines, but didn't like the results of that (it left me no fine lines,but it did cause a little crease under my eye) so I haven't redone that. @@JeanZ_RN I will post pics of my neck if I decide to move forward with that. I would have that done in the office of my plastic surgeon - but it's a med tech who does it, so again, the dr. isn't actually doing the work. I'll also see if I can find some before and afters of the fillers, too and post them.

I'm 52, and I also lost enough in my face to look like what I call a "weight loss victim". I also had a ton of sagging skin on my behind. I just had a lower body lift, and that did wonders for my behind! I had my arms done, too, also great outcome. But for my face, I'm afraid to do too much to it, so I had some fillers injected (juviderm, I think). Anyway, that did wonders for me. She injected in the creases along side my nose and mouth, and also a little botox on my forehead lifted my eyelids. I think I'm going to get a little Voluma in the cheek area, which will lift your face a little. Also, the skin on my face and neck did tighten some, over time. I just don't want to look stretched and un-natural, so I'm a little afraid to have a face lift, though eventually, I might. I'm going to try a laser treatment on my neck since they can't put fillers there, and it's pretty bad. I don't mind looking my age or aging, but I really don't want to look older than I am!

I'm glad you went without him. That probably sent a message that opened the door for the chat that included how you are so NOT possessive. But, since he was able to manage that conversation and he's fun, I'd keep him around, too!

That's a really personal and difficult question to answer, but ultimately, you have to decide. I am in the same boat, I can't get below 161. Actually, I'm not sure it's up for me to decide, and I do think there is a point for some of us that we just can't lose any more, for whatever reason. I doubt that you are there yet, though When I started this, I just wanted to look normal, and I was ok with never being skinny. Then as the weight came off, and I had a lot of success, I wanted to hit a normal BMI. I see so many people do it, and it seemed that I could, too. But, it's proving pretty elusive, for me. So, I now struggle with the same question - but mine is "am I re-evaluating, or am I taking the easy way?" I wear a size 8/10, sm/med, and everyone I know says I look great. I am really happy with my size, and I don't think I'd look any better with another 20 pounds off - in fact, I think I might not look as good. I'm perfectly healthy, and all the stuff (Blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol were all increasing) has reversed. So honestly, those last few pounds would be lost just to say I have a normal BMI. This is still a work in progress for me, so only time will tell. So, you are only 8 months out. Weight loss slowed for me around then, too, but I continued to lose for another 8 months after that. My guess is that you can keep losing, and even if you only lose a pound a week, in another 6 months, that's going to be another 26 pounds off. My advice is to really consider your goals, and work to achieve them. Maybe shift your thinking a little - rather than "give up and live in maintenance", maybe accept that it's slow going, but that you don't really have a deadline. That really helped me during times of slow loss and stalls.

I didn't have any open sores or rashes, but my insurance did cover the abdominoplasty. I had a lower body lift, which included that, obviously, and also brachioplasty. Honestly, of all my issues, the abdomen was the least of my problems, but they covered it. Actually, they covered 3 hours of a six hour surgery.

I started at about 6 weeks. My doc really wants people to wait 6 months, but I never had any intention of doing that. My dietician says people who drink coffee in the morning are hungrier in the afternoon, and it may be true, but I don't care. You just have to make sure you avoid it with iron and calcium supplements, otherwise they don't absorb as well.

I've been using Latisse about a year. I had great eye lashes when I was younger, and they thinned as I aged. I don't think being sleeved impacted that at all. However, they are just about as good as they were when I was young, now. I also use it on my brows, and it works great there, too.

I am the same way. I can easily eat that much or more, and it doesn't have to be from anything too much. One bad choice, and it can be way above that. I am committed to a life of tracking. I write it down every day, even if I don't want to. I force myself to see what I'm really doing.

@@JamieLogical how did that lipo on your calves go? I have big calves and would love to have something done about them.