Ariella

Reaching my goal weight of 135 lbs is important to me. Being overweight all my life I want to know what my 5'2 frame will look like at that weight. The lowest I've reached was 185 on WW.

I am 37, I started at 250 and my goal is the 175lb mark - ish.
I have 20lbs to go and as it stands, I'm quite chuffed with how my skin is going back.
This does come with a caveat, however.
I think with regards to 'the flap' and all of the body, really - it is about your body type.
Belly - If you had the overhang (and I mean real overhang) when heavier - you are definitely going to have a flap when you've lost the weight. This is particularly pertinent to those women who have had children. I have not had children, but I did have the flap. That biatch is gonna be gone as soon as practicably possible.
If you're one of those people who carry their weight in a fairly even distribution, so you have a 'flat' stomach of sorts, but you're just big all over - then you may be very lucky and just shrink, and shrink in proportion.
As for every other area?
My arms - they have a bit of bag (bingo wing syndrome), but they are improving. I will not require an arm lift. Again, this is also dependent on the fat distribution of your arms. If you carry your weight on your arms and they're a little bit disproportionate to the rest of you - expect to have some element of 'bag' there. I have bag, (i had it from gaining and losing before) but it is getting better and I think when my skin finishes doing its thing, I'll be okay.
Legs - Same with my legs. I have been left with some flexible pads in between my thighs. They, too, however, are receding. Again, as with the arms, it depends on your proportions prior to surgery. I had big legs, but they were kinda even in their fat distribution and I didn't have any stretch marks. Consequently, they're going back okay. Would I revert to my youth and try and wear a thigh-high skirt? No. 2-3 inches above the knee will be quite sufficient! So I guess the only time my thighs might come into play is when I wear a swimsuit and frankly, if they continue to do they're thing, I'll be happy.
Boobs - My boobs have taken a battering. I have gone from an UK E cup, to a D cup.. They're definitely looking empty and droopy. This is an area I will consider having work on at the same time as my belly.
Exercise? I walk like a trooper and have natural muscles. I'm not gyming it up as of yet. I want to see what my body does with itself before I say 'okay, I need to do this'.
As far as I understand it, drinking lots of Water is the only thing that can help your skin. Moisturizer is a topical preparation which will help with suppleness; but if you want to hydrate the skin and improve your chances, you do it from the inside.
No one can really tell what's going to happen to their bodies in the long term.. Its age and genetics. I think the best gauge would be to potentially look at some before and after plastic surgery photos. If you see something that looks like your body type, thickness, cellulite, physical construction - then it should give you the best idea.
What I would say though, is that don't let the skin thing put you off. This is singularly the best thing I've ever done for myself and whether or not my boobs are cleaning my shoes without the application of some serious upholstery - I do look and feel much better than I ever had before.
Nothing is insurmountable. Skin? Its a worry, but it is by no means a deal-breaker.

I went from lapband to sleeve. Many of my family members knew I had the sleeve, and also that I was having complications. I wasn't going to tell anyone that I was having sleeve at first, but I changed my mind. A lot of people in my life don't understand, but I would rather they know invade something bad were to happen, or lord forbid they think I suddenly developed an eating disorder. Surprisingly, everyone had been immensely supportive.
At the end of the day. It's your body and your choices. Do what make you feel comfortable!
Erin.

Yes. I'm having to buy all new shoes (and hubby actually agrees!) Lol

I'm Down about 50 pounds from my pre- surgery weight and while I know I've lost some inches from my waist, my tummy is still as round as ever. I still have 85 lbs to go, though. If anyone else has more pics, I'd love to see 'em.

Personally i have trouble with bread and Pasta. They don't agree with Sleevette. Do have half a slice of toast occasionally, but I am just plain scared of pasta. I used to be a real carb whore. Loved pasta and bread. Over that now, which is a good thing.

Tried the Cinnamon Roll and Cookies and Cream Quest bars over the weekend... SO AMAZING!! I am not a fan of how many actual carbs (I don't know if I believe in net carbs and I know my surgeon doesn't) they have, but I can def rationalize having one once a day or a few times a week as a treat.

I would like to be able to drink a bottle of Water like I used to - to hydrate myself. Drinking just one ounce is painful.

Tried the Cinnamon Roll and Cookies and Cream Quest bars over the weekend... SO AMAZING!! I am not a fan of how many actual carbs (I don't know if I believe in net carbs and I know my surgeon doesn't) they have, but I can def rationalize having one once a day or a few times a week as a treat.

When your collar bones come out of hiding

This is fun. When bras from Walmart actually fit well.

Tried the Cinnamon Roll and Cookies and Cream Quest bars over the weekend... SO AMAZING!! I am not a fan of how many actual carbs (I don't know if I believe in net carbs and I know my surgeon doesn't) they have, but I can def rationalize having one once a day or a few times a week as a treat.

How do you get in that much Fluid. Drinking is my number 1 demon. When did you start being able to get in that much Fluid? ?
Also, Congrats. You look amazing and seeing your success is a huge inspiration!!

This happened to me too right after surgery. I just wanted to weep like a small child for absolutely NO reason. Your hormones are confused, your body is traumatized and I have read losing weight will release more hormones. Hang in there and just rest. It'll get better!!!

Same story here! I'm in week 3 and the scale hasn't moved at all but my clothes fit loose. I can take of my size 18 pants without unbuttoning them! Hang in there it is frustrating but I think it is normal and will hopefully be over soon!

This happened to me too right after surgery. I just wanted to weep like a small child for absolutely NO reason. Your hormones are confused, your body is traumatized and I have read losing weight will release more hormones. Hang in there and just rest. It'll get better!!!

Oh ok so when I go back to work it should be easier since I will be busier to drink as much as fast.
I have to find a way to get this drinking down too.

It was also very easy for me. I was self pay, so I had mailed them a check for $500 and when I was there, wrote them another check for $9,900. I took a second on the home to fund it, which took me about half an hour at the bank. Total time from decision to scalpel was 30 days.
As far as losing the weight, you just need to focus on your program. Keep doing what you are supposed to do and the weight will come off. If you obsess about the scale, you will be very disappointed. I weighed once a month and always saw progress. It kept me inspired and focused on my program.

One of my friends who has recently been sleeved told me to make a list of my goals. Here are some of the things I cant wait to do....
1. Confidently wear a bathing suit in public...preferably a tankini.
2. Ride a go cart
3. Not have to turn sideways to pass thru the gate at the metro station
4. Wear a pair of low rise jeans
5. Wear a pair of high top uggs and have them come ALL the way up my legs.
6. Wake up without my feet aching.
7. Comfortably ride on a roller coaster with my husband.
8. Proudly post full body shots on Facebook and instagram instead of just face shots.
9. Wear a pair of denim shorts in the summer...I always wear capris because i hate my legs!
Hope this helps...

I too have hit that 3 week stall. I have lost 32 lbs including preop and havent lost anything in a week or so. I try and just stay calm and focus on getting my Water in (which is my biggest challenge) I have also taken a sabbatical from the scale.

I too have hit that 3 week stall. I have lost 32 lbs including preop and havent lost anything in a week or so. I try and just stay calm and focus on getting my Water in (which is my biggest challenge) I have also taken a sabbatical from the scale.

I'm thinking you should probably be at the soft-foods stage (or check with your team) - the Quest Bars, if microwaved for a few seconds are very soft. It would probably depend with each type of bar.
I got the idea from someone on here to put the Quest bar in my pants pocket for about 10-15 minutes before I eat it -- it gets nice and soft that way, but the microwave works too.

Thank you all! Seriously wanted to cue the music.....I Had The Time Of My Life. Such a great moment. Love my sleeve. Loving my life. Falling in love with me.

Good morning all my beautiful sleevers! So I had an amazing NSV Saturday I had to share. I was out on the town with friends in a very hip spot of Dallas. I was out with my gorgeous leggy model looking friend who's a showstopper. I felt good and happy I wasn't insecure but by no means thinking anyone would give me a second look. But I love to dance so I went out on the dance floor and was shaking my moneymaker just in my element. I open my eyes and all eyes are on ME. I was so into the music I hadn't noticed sooner. All of a sudden a tall lean young guy comes up and starts dancing with me. He grabs me by my waist and picks me up! (jaw drop....heart racing....no time to process) he just tossed me in the air effortlessly. I seriously felt like Baby from Dirty Dancing. Hahaha. I've never ever felt so small, sexy and exhilarated. Best night ever!!! I attached a pic of me and of my beautiful friends who were with me that night.

Refried Beans and cheese- 12 g Protein (1/2 cup of beans, 1/4 cup cheese)