StephanieRR

I was was extremely prepared by my nutritionist. It took me 6 months to finish getting my financing together for the surgery. At first it was upsetting a little to have to wait so long. It ended up being a blessing in disguise!!! During those 6 months, my nutrtionist brought me in monthly, and made sure I was preparing myself mentally. She let me know it is not an easy fix. Every day will still have struggles between healthy lifestyle decisions or rather to fall back into old patterns. It was those 6 months that she was more like a psychologist.I firmly believe my mental changes prior to the surgery is what is making me a success. I strongly advise going to somewhere who specializes in these procedures rather than some doctor who just throws you into it. I believe it is the best tool I've ever had! ALONG with the mental preparation & encouragement. Your article was insightful since I always choose to try to keep things on a positive note. Next time I will think more about both sides of the coin.

Thank you for the tips! I've been moisturizing my skin like crazy, always drinking Water, Water, & more water, and taking a weight & toning class. I've lost over 100 and so far I don't think my skin is unmanageable. However, I am going to go out and get some coconut oil. Not the first time I've heard about it. Thank you for sharing the great tips!!!

I’ve spent a great deal of time researching ways to combat loose skin, and while there’s no promise of perfect skin after losing a lot of weight, I’ve come up with the most common things that have supposedly been helpful when talking to and reading about people who have lost up to 100 pounds and more.

No, I’m not a skin specialist, but these are the top 10 things that I think I will do in these two months prepping for surgery Dec. 18^th. None of these items would be negative, so any benefit that does come from them will be… well... a benefit! Feel free to chime in with your own tips, too. I’ll be putting together a blog post on this soon. These are in no particular order

1) Coconut Oil – I’m slathering myself in this every day after my shower and before bed. Coconut oil keeps the skin’s connective tissues strong and supple, and can even help with skin blemishes. I’ve already noticed a major improvement in my skin health. I’ve always been prone to itchy skin and it has all completely stopped in a matter of days. Also, cooking with coconut oil is the healthiest in my opinion. Cooking with oils such as olive oil is counter-productive because once it reaches a certain temperature it starts to oxidize and release free radicals. That’s never good.

2) Body Brushing aka Dry Brushing - Releases toxins, stimulates the lymphatic system and improves circulation. Always dry brush in a circular motion, brushing toward your middle.

3) Water, Water, Water – Drink, Drink, Drink. If you’re an adult, you know this. Enough said.

4) Weight Training - Work those muscles. This one is tricky for me because I am so arthritic and have fibromyalgia and I have to literally micro-manage my every move in order to prevent adrenal fatigue, but I am so hoping, praying and wishing that once some of this weight comes off, more weight training will be possible because I love it!

5) Say NO to sun bathing and chlorine – both of these dehydrate your skin. If you’re like me and love to be in the sun, use sunscreen or good clothing coverage. But, for me, I’m personally going to avoid too much direct exposure, at least between now and goal weight. It’s a healthy practice to get into anyway. Unfortunately it can be a catch 22 though, since so many sunscreens are full of skin harming chemicals. Your best bet = cover up! And for Heavens sake – stay out of the tanning bed! If you must go swimming, even in an indoor pool, wash that chlorine off ASAP. Can you say dry skin?

6) Regular Massage – I’m a big believer in massage for too many things to list, but treating your skin to regular massage stimulates your blood cells and lymphatic system. Your skin is your largest organ – treat it nicely

7) Protein – Lots of lean Protein will give your skin the collagen and elastin that it needs to stay healthy. If you eat a bunch of crap – expect your skin to be crap, too. I know this from first hand experience. Any time I get off track and start feeding my body junk food, my skin is the first thing to suffer.

8) Use Decent Soap – it doesn’t have to be the most expensive thing on the market, but cleanse your skin with a decent moisturizing cleanser and avoid over-cleansing.

9) Essential Oils – my sister has recently delved into the essential oil world and I’ve really been impressed with some of the studies that have recently been put out. Lavender oil and almond oil just to name a few, are amazing things. I add a few drops to my bath when I feel like soaking. It’s good for the skin and is relaxing, too!

10) Body Wraps – this one I hesitated to add to the list because there’s a great divide among people as to whether or not they really work. I’m not keen on the big name multi-level marketing companies, so I won’t mention any names, but seriously, you can make yourself a DIY wrap at home if you just Google how to do it. Can’t hurt, right?

I’d love to get feedback from anyone with other ideas!

Very insprirational!! Thank you for sharing! I just started at the gym last week. The weight isn't falling off yet, but I feel wonderful!! Mentally and Physically it helps!! Keep up the awesome work!!

I recently went out to eat with a good friend of mine and I said, "I am so hungry. I feel like really getting something bad!" She said well get whatever you want. You hardly eat anything....I looked at the menu full of delicious fattening things and I picked the Cherry Chipotle Salmon with grilled veggies!! I was excited about my meal and never gave it a thought. She looked at me after I ordered and said, "I thought you were getting something bad and something you really wanted. NOT healthy."...I cracked up laughing because it dawned on me, I REALLY WANTED THAT SALMON! My tastes have changed sooooo much. I seriously desire foods that are high in Protein and good for my body. I am happy to hear others do the same thing!! I think it's awesome!!

I had my surgery January 23,2014 and I guess I have been very fortunate. I have had no complications. I am sorry to hear that ave expirienced two strictures. I am hoping they can find the cause of these for you and help you past those. Meantime, I would only eat a few bites at a time till you can have your doctor check you again. Wishing you the best!

I am in disbelief over the sanitary conditions. I am however, delighted that everything went okay for you and you are doing well. I had mine in Cincinnati as an outpatient. NO PAIN. I went in at 7:45am and was on my way home at 1:45pm. They made you feel comfy and you had several nurses there to help you at any given second in the recovery room. They got you up and made sure you were comfortable and able to walk around within an hour. It was surprisingly easier than I ever imagined. I'm sure your price was unbeatable, but the price of getting an infection is way more costly. Once again, I am excited for you & your new journey and glad all went well.

I started at 347. Lost 62 since my surgery in January! Lost 107 pounds total as of this morning! Best thing I've ever did for myself!!! Go for it!!!

Mine is hiccups or a burp. I feel soooo much better after a burp that I just stop right then and there. The hiccups however...They drive me nuts. I also find I will hiccup if I eat a little too quickly.

A hash brown and a piece of french toast.... Not too bad of a slip. Old me would have ate 2 hash browns and 3-4 pieces of french toast. I see what you are saying though. The habit of not making wise choices. I agree with "livvsmum". We are all going to make mistakes and have slips. We are human. I am so proud of you that you recognized the not wise choice and can correct the old behavior so quickly. For me that's what it's all about. I stick to the program 98% of the time. But that 2% will guilt me like crazy. I've had to learn self forgiveness and move on. It works!! Congrats on the weight loss!! You are doing super!

We are all human. We recognize our issues and we pick up at that very moment and get back at it. You can do this. Pre packing our choices and meals is a great plan.

So pretty!! Beautiful picture!!! Be a proud momma and keep up the great work!

Congrats!! You look amazing and must feel even better!! Thank you for the encouragement!!

I am so glad I just read this thread!! I am 5 mo post op and for the last month, I swear my hair has been filling my hairbrushes and I have been "shedding". My family even told me they are finding my long hairs all over the house! I took a picture last night of how much hair was in the tub I was so frieghtened by it. I had always heard about the Hair loss, but assumed that since I have been eating my Protein and taking Vitamins I would be safe. It's comforting to read this is so common and temporary. Thank you Marathongirl for posting this, and thank you everyone for the input. It so greatly appreciated. So far this is the only negativbe I have expirienced. WooHoo!

June 23rd will make 5 months for me as well. I have lost 62 pounds since surgery, 103 since a year ago,(June 14,2013). I am excited about my weight loss!!! I, like you, average 1/2 -3/4 cup per meal. I do consume a lot of Protein. I will have lean pork chops, steak, burger, eggs, almonds, and/or fish. Sometimes I will have leftovers for Breakfast to ensure high Protein. I take a women's Multivitamin & Calcium everyday, a D-3 three times a week, and a B-12 once a week. I have noticed a little hair loss but only while brushing it. My hair has grown ALOT over the past year. It's actually long now. I sip,sip, sip all day long to make sure I have plenty of Fluid. I don't really measure my liquid intake. I feel sensational!! You have lost a few more pounds than I have. I'm unclear as to why you are unhappy. You have done SUPER!! If it is the Hair loss, I would contact your nutritionist or doctor. I just think it sounds like you are doing wonderful. PS I average around 58-70 grams potein daily.

I love reading encouraging posts like these!! My expirience was a good one as well. Wishing you great success as you follow your new instruction and begin your new journey!!

Well, I can only speak for myself..but head hunger/emotional eating will try to pop back in once in a while. If you feed it, beware. To me that's like slipping back into old habits. I am so happy that you recognize what you are doing and are trying to head it off. When I start feeling that way, I instantly stop and try to remember what all I went through the last month of pre-op and the first week post-op. I worked hard to make sure I was a success. The fear of going through all that and ending up where I started has kept me pretty honest with my eating he most part. I'm not saying it's easy by no means. I am saying, please try to find something to occupy your mind other than food. Perhaps a walk, hobby, or some kind of puzzles or word/number games that require solving skills. I just want you to get the most out of your surgery. We all deserve that! Make sure you have a great support group or encouraging friends for those thrying moments. I find amazing support on this site. Congrats on your success. I see you have already lost 38 pounds! YAY!!! Best wishes!!

Congrats!!! That's awesome!! I always count my pre-op loss. I look at it like my pre-op time was my real beginning! That's when I started to renew my mind and change my old ways in preparation for the transformation ahead. It was work!! LOL You are rockin' it! Keep it up!

How exciting!! You're on your way!! Enjoy!!

Congrats!! Wishing you great success!!

Congrats!!! You're on your way to a new wonderful life! Most of the time they will give you a few pounds give or take if they know you are trying. Keep up the great work and stay positive. That's half the battle! I love the sleeve!!

How wonderful for you and your husband!!! That is so exciting! I will be praying the best for you! Congrats on your great success!

Very Inspiring!! I myself have discovered new energy I could never have imagined!! Enjoy!!

I am 4 months post op today!! With this being said, I only get heartburn when I have something too spicy, eat a bite too much, or when I eat too fast. I try to eat very slowly, but sometimes eating slow is actually harder for me to do than the watching what I eat. Just make sure you are taking the time to chew, chew, chew and not over eat and it will get better. You're only a couple weeks out so you are still healing. As you recover, you will get past so much heartburn and you will learn your triggers. Everyone is different....Great job on the 30 pound loss!! Fabulous!

You are doing awesome!!! Thank you for sharing the encouragement!!

Great Article!! I struggle with this myself since I have such an "all or nothing" personality. I am finding that I can occasionally enjoy a trigger food if I can get them in limited quantites. I never buy them to bring into my home now. However, if I am at my parents, I may have a tablespoon of peanutbutter. If I am out dining with my family or friends, I will eat Protein, order a dessert and offer to share it with someone at the table. Many times I can only handle 2 bites of it! It's a wonderful new feeling of control over my food that I have never had before. Moderation seems to be the key for me.