Chickie

I had a total unfill because I couldn't stop losing. I have now maintained with an empty band for 19 months now. But that's just me. Most people need to maintain their fill level to maintain their weight.

I run daily (both outside, and at home on the treadmill) for anywhere up to 90 minutes.

Congratulations Boo! You have done so well!!

It depends on when, where and if kids are welcome.

For the first year I went in monthly, second year I went in every 3 to 6 months, and now that I am going into my third year, I imagine I will only see him every six months or if there is a problem. I think the idea is to offer support if needed, and just to keep an eye on how you are doing.

I have no idea what that might be... I did ok without it. Did your post op info come from Margret Reidy? Or does Dr Copp have you going to someone else?

A big hello to all the new Aussies!

I wasn't saying NOT to. I was just saying that it is highly unlikely to work.

It does make a huge difference. That along with genetics, duration of obesity, distribution of the fat (a majority of the weight was in one area type thing) the general condition of the skin, and smoking. While staying hydrated is great for the body, it does little for the skin. No exercise, lotion or supplement known to man or woman can prevent, or fix excess skin. If you are going to end up with excess skin, you will end up with excess skin. Full stop. Nothing is going to prevent it, nothing is going to fix it.

I have maintained 107 (ish) lbs for close to 18 months now.

Mine is to the right, about an inch or so above my belly button. I can't see it, I can feel it without any trouble though.

Skin is not muscle, and cannot be exercised. No exercise in the world with stop excess skin if you are genetically predisposed to it. Exercise can build muscle under skin (in the arms, for example) and improve the look of the skin, but that's about it. I opted only to have a tummy tuck. If I had pushed, I could have had a lot more surgery (breasts, thighs and arms) but the tummy was the only thing I was really unhappy with, so it is all I have done. No one has to have plastic surgery. Some people just chose to.

This is a myth. If you are going to have excess skin, you will have it whether you lose weight fast or slow.

*Puts hand up* Dr Copp did my surgery. I think he is fantastic. You do actually have to get on with your surgeon. After all, you see a lot of them in the fist year. Good luck!

We are around. I am 8 weeks shy of 3 years post op, and I am yet to have any major issues, got to goal in 17 months, and am happy as a lark.

For me, it hasn't gone away. But I am used to it now. It's not a big deal any more. I just put a jumper on, and get on with it (it's the middle of the Australian summer, and yesterday I wore a cardi, granted, it was overcast, but no one else was wearing a jumper!)

Fro me, there have been lots of best parts. Regaining my health, rediscovering my passion for running, getting to goal 18 months ago, then having my tummy tuck... Just living. It has all been worth it.

It's only hard if you let it be. I won't say losing weight is easy. Because it's not. BUT. I can honestly say I have done harder things in my life than this. Congrats on the band!

Yup. It's because a size consists of far fewer pounds the smaller you are. (5lbs = almost 3 dress sizes for me now)

I don't know how I missed this!! Woot! Congrats LJM!! I am super excited for you babe!

Congratulations Bronnie!

I eat as much as I like. I don't really take too much notice of the quantity any more, I just eat till I am full, then no more.

My wasn't changed or repositioned during my TT, and it doesn't protrude at all.

I give up. People who have never had it used as as a nasty, nasty insult will never understand just how hurtful it can be.

Fit, healthy, glowing, athletic, toned, & happy are all words that spring to mind as a positive before "skinny" "Skinny" is a word used to describe the starlets in Hollywood who are starving themselves to death in the media. Why would I want that associated with me? I'm not starving myself to death. Why would I want to wear that label? Definition of Skinny skin·ny [ skínnee ] adjective (comparative skin·ni·er, superlative skin·ni·est) Definition: 1. very thin: thin, especially in an unappealing or unhealthy way 2. low-fat: made with skim milk ( slang ) One skinny latte to go.