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I was a size 22 and didn't buy new clothes until I was size 18. Mostly because plus sizes fit for so long - all that elastic. When my pants started falling, that's when I discovered I was a size 18. I would buy two pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts and then repeat once I'd dropped two sizes. So at size 14, 10, etc. Basically, I bought just what I could get by with for work because I want to save my pennies for when I'm at goal. It's no fun, especially when you see all the cute clothes that you can now fit into, but I just keep my eye on the prize at the end.
I purged my closet each time I had to buy new clothes. If it didn't fit, it went. Just donate and get rid of it all. Don't agonize over it or think of the wasted money or anything - just let it all go. It's very freeing to see that nearly empty closet and know it's because you've made such progress and done something amazing for yourself.

@@kmorri, hey thanks for the video! Makes total sense.
When my surgeon was drawing pictures and showing me diagrams of the new vertical sleeve, he mentioned that he uses a size 40 bougee. I wonder, after reading all these replies about how different surgeons recommend different drinking rules, if the size of the bougee and his particular surgical technique is the reason he and the NUT are so insistent on the 30/30/30 rule. Depending on where he got his training and the particular technique he uses... just makes me think he has this rule to match his surgical technique.
He has done over 4000 VSG surgeries. He ended with a comment that has stuck with me: "My patients who keep their weight off follow this rule for life."
I practiced the rule until today. I know I can do it. Today I started my pre-op liquid diet.

I am a sleeve to bypass revision because of uncontrollable GERD. When I was sleeved, I would drink until I took my first bite, have nothing while I was eating and then wait 30 minutes after my last bite to begin drinking again. I don't miss the liquid at all during my meals. Now that I have RNY, I follow the same rule. Drink up until my first bite, nothing with my meal and wait 30 minutes to resume drinking again. Contrary to others, I did try practicing during my pre-op and found that it was helpful.

Mine is no drinking while eating and no drinking for thirty minutes after eating. You get used to it. If it in any way helps with my weight loss success and maintenance, it's a very, very small price to pay. It's a pretty insignificant thing to adjust to in the grander WLS picture.

Mine is no drinking while eating and no drinking for thirty minutes after eating. You get used to it. If it in any way helps with my weight loss success and maintenance, it's a very, very small price to pay. It's a pretty insignificant thing to adjust to in the grander WLS picture.

Losing large amounts of weight fast can cause hormonal chaos, especially for ladies. It may settle down as your body evens out. It sounds though that you would benefit with meeting with a therapist to go over all these feelings and develop coping strategies.

Please do post - I'm very interested as this is something I want done as well.

Remember, a cup of Water is half a pound. 64 oz. of water is four pounds. If you retain any portion of your daily water due to high sodium, hormonal fluctuations, Constipation, sore muscles, etc., then you will see a temporary "gain" on the scale.< /p>

I definitely agree with @@Djmohr that the surgeon is only a small piece of the puzzle. It is the rest of the surgical team and staff that will provide you with all the pre and post-op care and information, so it is important you feel comfortable. That being said, the coordinator at most Mexican offices is just the gate keeper. Once you have scheduled your surgery, your interaction with the coordinator will be very limited. I wouldn't necessarily assume that the coordinator represents the level of care and service you will get from the rest of the staff. My communication with the coordinator for Ariel Ortiz was very limited. She sent me some PDFs outlining my surgical options and pricing and I think I spoke with her initially about my concerns over arranging my flight and hotel. But after that I worked the OCC travel coordinator, who was a different person.
The VAST majority of my interaction with OCC staff was with the nutritionist, who I spoke to and emailed about a million times pre and post-op. I also had some communication with the cardiologist and radiologist.

I was a size 22 and didn't buy new clothes until I was size 18. Mostly because plus sizes fit for so long - all that elastic. When my pants started falling, that's when I discovered I was a size 18. I would buy two pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts and then repeat once I'd dropped two sizes. So at size 14, 10, etc. Basically, I bought just what I could get by with for work because I want to save my pennies for when I'm at goal. It's no fun, especially when you see all the cute clothes that you can now fit into, but I just keep my eye on the prize at the end.
I purged my closet each time I had to buy new clothes. If it didn't fit, it went. Just donate and get rid of it all. Don't agonize over it or think of the wasted money or anything - just let it all go. It's very freeing to see that nearly empty closet and know it's because you've made such progress and done something amazing for yourself.

Losing large amounts of weight fast can cause hormonal chaos, especially for ladies. It may settle down as your body evens out. It sounds though that you would benefit with meeting with a therapist to go over all these feelings and develop coping strategies.

Today a good opportunity came up for me to discuss getting WLS with my husband. I was nervous - I just really didn't know what his response would be. My guess was that he'd be against it - the surgery and spending the money. However, he surprised me! He is totally onside with it! He said that if it'll make me happy then I should do it. I think at first he thought I'd be able to get it done at no cost (I'm in Canada), which I could if I wanted to wait years - so I said, no, we'd have to pay. Again, he was fine with it. It's good to get that hurdle out of the way. Our young daughter was away all day with friends so he and I spent a wonderful day on the deck in the sunshine and chatted for hours. I told him the surgery will be difficult at times. There's no going back, etc. But that I was on the way to weight-related diseases with about 100% positivity. He said, that alone would be enough reason to have it done. Of course, my mind was slipping into a bad direction - is he embarrassed of me and would do anything to have me look better?! I said as much to him, and he said 'of course not!' It's not fair of me to think that way - I'm embarrassed of myself looking this way! Anyway - it's nice to have his support :-)

I agree with @@OutsideMatchInside (and some others). You rarely hear men apologizing or explaining their bodies, but women often feel compelled to do so.

Losing large amounts of weight fast can cause hormonal chaos, especially for ladies. It may settle down as your body evens out. It sounds though that you would benefit with meeting with a therapist to go over all these feelings and develop coping strategies.

Losing large amounts of weight fast can cause hormonal chaos, especially for ladies. It may settle down as your body evens out. It sounds though that you would benefit with meeting with a therapist to go over all these feelings and develop coping strategies.

I don't talk about it. Men don't disclose their flaws, I'm not going to start off handicapping myself for no reason. Never received a comment on it.
It just isn't an issue. I get more comments on not stuffing myself at dinner, or from the cheap ones the implication I am wasting their money.

I'm sure you meant "they lie" jokingly/tongue in cheek? I'm sure it's true that it only lasted six months for you and I'm sure others have had that experience too... But many of us did have a year and some say they've had 18 months... I'm sure it's lasted even longer for some. Everyone's experience is different. Doesn't mean they lie.

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have always carried my weight in my upper arms and for the last 35 years or so I have hid my arms from anyone other than my husband seeing them. The bigger they got, the more embarrassed I got.
I had Bariatric surgery almost 2 years ago and got to goal last March. This summer has been hard because I am at a great weight yet when you look at me, you would still see these giant arms that were both saggy and filled with residual fat that just would not leave my body.
2 weeks ago I had an appt. with a plastic surgeon who has excellent ratings. I live in Pewaukee wi. Not far from Chicago at all. Her name is Dr. Maida Parkins and she is in Delafield WI. I met her on Monday and on Thursday I had my brachioplasty. You would not believe the results. My arms are tiny, well defined, the skin is perfect and they look like I am in my early 20's.
I cannot wait to get the dressings off in 2 weeks. I will tell you it hurts like hell, itches like crazy, in fact I am sitting with ice packs on both arms as I type. It is worth every single ounce of pain I have gone through and would do it 100 times more!
Dr. Parkins is an artist and extremely caring and she totally gets it! It would be worth the couple hour trip for you. My brachioplasty cost $5950.00. She will also be performing an Abdominalplasty and breast lift with implants in the near future for me. I am attaching my before pics and after. Unfortunately the show upside down and I don't know how to fix that. I would be happy to share them via email along with the post surgery ones that show the bruising if you are interested. Just PM me with your email address.
 

I was a size 22 and didn't buy new clothes until I was size 18. Mostly because plus sizes fit for so long - all that elastic. When my pants started falling, that's when I discovered I was a size 18. I would buy two pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts and then repeat once I'd dropped two sizes. So at size 14, 10, etc. Basically, I bought just what I could get by with for work because I want to save my pennies for when I'm at goal. It's no fun, especially when you see all the cute clothes that you can now fit into, but I just keep my eye on the prize at the end.
I purged my closet each time I had to buy new clothes. If it didn't fit, it went. Just donate and get rid of it all. Don't agonize over it or think of the wasted money or anything - just let it all go. It's very freeing to see that nearly empty closet and know it's because you've made such progress and done something amazing for yourself.

I was a size 22 and didn't buy new clothes until I was size 18. Mostly because plus sizes fit for so long - all that elastic. When my pants started falling, that's when I discovered I was a size 18. I would buy two pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts and then repeat once I'd dropped two sizes. So at size 14, 10, etc. Basically, I bought just what I could get by with for work because I want to save my pennies for when I'm at goal. It's no fun, especially when you see all the cute clothes that you can now fit into, but I just keep my eye on the prize at the end.
I purged my closet each time I had to buy new clothes. If it didn't fit, it went. Just donate and get rid of it all. Don't agonize over it or think of the wasted money or anything - just let it all go. It's very freeing to see that nearly empty closet and know it's because you've made such progress and done something amazing for yourself.

I was a size 22 and didn't buy new clothes until I was size 18. Mostly because plus sizes fit for so long - all that elastic. When my pants started falling, that's when I discovered I was a size 18. I would buy two pairs of pants and 4-5 shirts and then repeat once I'd dropped two sizes. So at size 14, 10, etc. Basically, I bought just what I could get by with for work because I want to save my pennies for when I'm at goal. It's no fun, especially when you see all the cute clothes that you can now fit into, but I just keep my eye on the prize at the end.
I purged my closet each time I had to buy new clothes. If it didn't fit, it went. Just donate and get rid of it all. Don't agonize over it or think of the wasted money or anything - just let it all go. It's very freeing to see that nearly empty closet and know it's because you've made such progress and done something amazing for yourself.

I don't think this is (sadly) uncommon. Sometimes I think that people think they are being "supportive" when they say things like that. You'll get used to saying "thanks" and perfecting a non-committal smile in response to some of the bizarre things that come out of people's mouths.
I weighed 262 and am also 5'3". Best decision I ever made was to have WLS. It's been an amazing accomplishment.

I don't think this is (sadly) uncommon. Sometimes I think that people think they are being "supportive" when they say things like that. You'll get used to saying "thanks" and perfecting a non-committal smile in response to some of the bizarre things that come out of people's mouths.
I weighed 262 and am also 5'3". Best decision I ever made was to have WLS. It's been an amazing accomplishment.

Thank you! I'm not sure I would have been nearly as pleased with just the panni. I also (as mentioned above) had a lot of muscle repair that needed to be done and wouldnt have been through the panni. I also would have had a little belly overhang at the belly button, etc. Luckily my insurance covered both.
I say if you are on the fence, go for it. I can't imagine living the rest of my life with all that excess reminder of how I used to basically abuse my body with food now that I'm on the other side of it.

There is one effect of obesity that does not get the attention it deserves. People don’t always mention it as a motivation for getting weight loss surgery the way they may list reasons such as improving their health, having more energy, and looking better.
This very painful effect may not get the spotlight because it is such a personal matter, but it is something many overweight people struggle with. It is the ability to start a family. Healthy weight loss after WLS can help men and women overcome infertility and see their dreams of having a healthy baby come true.


Obesity: Major Factor in Infertility
About 1 in 8 couples has trouble conceiving and carrying the fetus to term. The rate is far higher among overweight men and women. Obesity causes hormonal changes in both men and women. In men, obesity can lower testosterone levels and make sperm less healthy. The result can be trouble fertilizing the woman’s egg.
In women, obesity can lead to a disturbed menstrual cycle. Even when obese women have regular ovulation, they have a lower chance of establishing a pregnancy. If they do, they may have insulin resistance that can cause miscarriage or other harmful outcomes. If you are overweight, you may have tried to become pregnant for years without success, or without being able to carry a healthy baby to term. Fertility treatments such as IVF can help, but your chances of success are lower when you are obese.
Obesity and Pregnancy: A Dangerous Mixture
Obesity can also make pregnancy more dangerous. The mother is more likely to have gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, or high blood pressure and damage to the kidneys. There is a higher risk of C-section delivery, overdue delivery, and infections. Your child may be at higher risk for birth defects, obesity, and diabetes later in life.
Weight Loss Surgery to Achieve Your Dreams of a Healthy Family
If you are dreaming of starting a family or adding to yours but you have been unable to, obesity may be getting in your way. If you have tried other weight loss methods and none have worked for you, WLS may be the answer. As long as you follow the necessary diet, WLS can help you get your weight down to a level that can support a healthier pregnancy.
Weighing the WLS Decision
Should you get WLS to improve your chances of being able to have a baby? It might be a good option for you if you meet the criteria: for example, if you have not been able to lose weight and keep it off with diet and exercise alone, if you meet the BMI requirements for WLS, and if you feel ready to commit to the required diet – for life.
The next question is the same one faced by all WLS patients: which type of surgery should you get? Just like any other WLS patient, you have to make the decision that is best for you. The lap-band has the advantage of being completely adjustable, so you can get it loosened while pregnant in order to get more nutrients. However, many gastric sleeve and gastric bypass patients have healthy pregnancies, too.
Finally, consider the time-frame. You should wait at least 12 to 18 months after surgery before planning to get pregnant. That’s because you are better off getting pregnant after you hit goal weight. As soon as you get pregnant, you will need to stop losing weight if you want to support the baby’s proper growth and development.
Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy: Don’t Let down Your Guard
After weight loss surgery, it is harder to get in all of your nutrients. Plus, surgeries like the gastric bypass can reduce nutrient absorption. To make sure you are staying nourished and providing the fetus the nutrients it needs for development, you may need a prenatal Multivitamin and mineral supplement, plus additional Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron, folic acid, and Calcium supplements. The amount of weight you gain is critical, but it may take some mental preparation to allow yourself to gain weight after the 12 to 18 months you just spent working to lose weight.
Also, be aware that you may still have a higher risk for complications if you are starting your pregnancy at an overweight BMI. Your ob-gyn should monitor you carefully. You may need to educate your ob-gyn if he or she is not used to caring for WLS patients!
A Healthy Foundation for Years to Come
Of course, a healthy family isn’t just about the newborn. With WLS, you may develop long-term healthy habits that your children will pick up on as they grow up. You can teach them to love healthy foods and to beg to play outdoors – with their active parents!
Some WLS patients get off track after hitting goal weight because there is less motivation and excitement during the maintenance phase. You have the advantage of having plenty of motivation. How much more motivation do you need than having many more healthy years left to enjoy your family and watch them as they fit the healthy habits you modeled for them into their own lifestyles?
There are almost unlimited reasons to get WLS, and one of them is starting a family. If that’s one of your goals, talk to your doctor and surgeon about it. You may be able to achieve this dream more easily than you had dared hope.