Tigermouse74

Hi, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I am a paramedical Aestheticion which means I work with scar management everyday.Firstly, for the first year after surgery, your surgeon "own's" the scar, and nobody can touch it without his permission. If anyone offer's to, WALK AWAY!!! The first step is to start using retinols (Vit A) on the scars, later you can have microdermabration, and LED light therapy and finally skin needling to break up the scar tissue and make it smoother. The color will get better over time and you will never completely get rid of the scar, but it will definitely look the best it possibly can. The best scar cream I've come across is Beaute Pacifique scars and stripe's, but I'm sure there are lot's of great ones out there. I hope this help you a bit.

Hi, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I am a paramedical Aestheticion which means I work with scar management everyday.Firstly, for the first year after surgery, your surgeon "own's" the scar, and nobody can touch it without his permission. If anyone offer's to, WALK AWAY!!! The first step is to start using retinols (Vit A) on the scars, later you can have microdermabration, and LED light therapy and finally skin needling to break up the scar tissue and make it smoother. The color will get better over time and you will never completely get rid of the scar, but it will definitely look the best it possibly can. The best scar cream I've come across is Beaute Pacifique scars and stripe's, but I'm sure there are lot's of great ones out there. I hope this help you a bit.

Hi, I haven't had my surgery yet, but I am a paramedical Aestheticion which means I work with scar management everyday.Firstly, for the first year after surgery, your surgeon "own's" the scar, and nobody can touch it without his permission. If anyone offer's to, WALK AWAY!!! The first step is to start using retinols (Vit A) on the scars, later you can have microdermabration, and LED light therapy and finally skin needling to break up the scar tissue and make it smoother. The color will get better over time and you will never completely get rid of the scar, but it will definitely look the best it possibly can. The best scar cream I've come across is Beaute Pacifique scars and stripe's, but I'm sure there are lot's of great ones out there. I hope this help you a bit.

It's totally normal. I was lucky not to have much gas and bloating, but it is common. Everyone is different, it could be a day, it could be a few weeks. just follow your surgeon's instructions and you'll be fine. PS I hear walking helps. I walked around the hallway every hour or so when they said I could get up (same day) And I think that's why I didn't struggle so badly. But having said that, it does depend on how much gas your surgeon pumped into you and how your body deals with it.

I am DONE with my pre-op diet! I leave for the hospital very soon! See y'all on the other side

Good morning all,
I have been struggling with "diet exhaustion". We have all been through this in our past life. Been on the diet for awhile, have some significant losses, then start wandering from the path. . . I am almost 4 months out. Doing great! Then I lost my fit bit and started losing my way. Having a few carbs here, not enough Water there, you know what I mean. Luckily I have not gained, but have not really lost either. The next post op appointment looming like a cloud! I just wanted to let you know that you can pull yourself out of this!!!! I bought a new fit bit yesterday, got back on the wagon, walked, conscious effort to drink more and eat better. Lost 1 pound yesterday!!!! Stick with it kids! We can do this, even with ups and downs.

You need to get RID of ALL the BAD CARBS, foods, Snacks from your cabinets... NOW! Go RIGHT NOW and THROW them AWAY!!! Because if they are there, you already know that you'll eat them. Many of us on here are carb addicts or recovering carb addicts. To this day I battle my addiction and that's why you will not find ANY in my house. Because I know that I will submit to my addiction in a moment of weakness. Part of this journey is recovering from our addictions and bad habits, as well as adapting new ones; which include: eating right and exercising, or becoming more active. Eating right...the sleeve gives you Portion Control, but YOU control the QUALITY...you know what to do. Exercising...look at it like a job; we need to work to make a living/we need to exercise to extend our lively hoods and our health.
You CAN do this!!!!

I eat carbs but I am careful with the type. I had this surgery in order to live a life that is enjoyable and satisfying. I love fruits and vegetables and not having them is neither enjoyable or satisfying. My focus is Protein, and I always try and eat that first, however, this is a life-long journey and the minute I tell myself something is off-limits, the cravings begin. My carb intake slowly increased the longer I have had my sleeve but I try and make sure they are ones that are healthy for me. Old fashioned, but I believe the real truth is about the calories.
All macronutrients have calories and it is the measurement of energy used for cell metabolism. Anecdotal evidence points to the increased number of calories verses the actual type of macronutrent being the real culprit of weight gain, and more and more scientific research is finding this anecdotal evidence to be true. Do not misunderstand me, certain foods can trigger dopamine receptors in the brain and various other pathways of central nervous system chemistries increasing cravings and decreasing chemical signals to the brain that help register satiety, but by and large, if calories in is less than calories out, weight will be lost. There are those who will argue that stalls are a result of "eating too many carbs" or "not eating enough calories" etc, but I don't buy it. We underestimate the number of calories by as much as 50% in the US population-can't speak for my mates across the pond, but this underestimation is pretty considerable. If "starvation mode" existed, why did concentration camp victims continue to lose weight when their captors/tormentors stopped supplying food?
<jumps off soapbox>
In short, I got this sleeve to use as a tool to help me control portion size and help me make healthier choices without restricting what those choices may be I weigh my food and measure everything, including carbs, and thus far, 6 months out, I have NEVER stalled. Live the life you choose and understand everyone has a different biochemistry and metabolism, some do well to limit carbs, some do ok with carbs, but it is all based on individual needs.

Don't kick yourself please, It'll only leave you with bruises! What's done is done. This is all a part of learning, so pick yourself up. Forgive yourself for being human and start again. You can do this! You faced surgery, that takes a lot of guts!!! This is only a little bump in your road. When we learned to walk we had to crawl first then it took some stumbles and some falls to finally learn to walk. This is no different. You've had your first stumble, it doesn't mean you'll never walk or run. So back on the shakes and off you go again.

I've got it!
Don't Sweat the Stall Stuff.

I think having a stalls forum would serve two good purposes:
1. It would collect information about stalls in one location so people in a stall can find ideas to break them. It would be very easy for them to converse with other people in the same situation and be comforted that it is not just them.
2. It would allow those not in a stall to have a break from stall talk. Ohhh! That's a perfect name "Stall talk" < I'm a genius.

I suggest making a sub-forum just for people to talk about stalls. It is a big issue that constantly comes up everywhere.

It's totally normal. I was lucky not to have much gas and bloating, but it is common. Everyone is different, it could be a day, it could be a few weeks. just follow your surgeon's instructions and you'll be fine. PS I hear walking helps. I walked around the hallway every hour or so when they said I could get up (same day) And I think that's why I didn't struggle so badly. But having said that, it does depend on how much gas your surgeon pumped into you and how your body deals with it.

Yes, it's normal. It'll take you several days to start getting back to normal. Follow the nurses and doctors advise. Drinking is very important to keep from getting dehydrated. Walking is very important to get rid of the gas. Pain meds are very important to allow you to do both. Plication is hard on your body, but well worth it. I had read from people who had only the band that say they were out walking the roads the night of surgery. I had band, plication and hernia repair and I wasn't walking any streets for 2 days.

So get back on your program and move forward. Then analyze what caused you to sabotage yourself. Last, come up with some strategies to use next time those triggers occur. Knowledge will you help you..
Best of luck to you.

Don't kick yourself please, It'll only leave you with bruises! What's done is done. This is all a part of learning, so pick yourself up. Forgive yourself for being human and start again. You can do this! You faced surgery, that takes a lot of guts!!! This is only a little bump in your road. When we learned to walk we had to crawl first then it took some stumbles and some falls to finally learn to walk. This is no different. You've had your first stumble, it doesn't mean you'll never walk or run. So back on the shakes and off you go again.

Don't kick yourself please, It'll only leave you with bruises! What's done is done. This is all a part of learning, so pick yourself up. Forgive yourself for being human and start again. You can do this! You faced surgery, that takes a lot of guts!!! This is only a little bump in your road. When we learned to walk we had to crawl first then it took some stumbles and some falls to finally learn to walk. This is no different. You've had your first stumble, it doesn't mean you'll never walk or run. So back on the shakes and off you go again.

Don't kick yourself please, It'll only leave you with bruises! What's done is done. This is all a part of learning, so pick yourself up. Forgive yourself for being human and start again. You can do this! You faced surgery, that takes a lot of guts!!! This is only a little bump in your road. When we learned to walk we had to crawl first then it took some stumbles and some falls to finally learn to walk. This is no different. You've had your first stumble, it doesn't mean you'll never walk or run. So back on the shakes and off you go again.

Pre-op. Don't stock up on anything. You should be out and about by day 2 or 3 and able to buy what you like. What you like now will change.

Post-op. Eat really freaking slow and never trust a fart.

I think the pure number of responses to this post says it all!!!
Don't think you have till you're 60+ to die from obesity related illnesses. My mother passed at 54yrs old my grandfather and uncle both at 60 and my brother on his 31st birthday! All from heart. We cant afford to wait for other people to get their heads around this LIFE SAVING surgery. She might understand it all later on, but till then you really don't need her negativity and almost bullying attitude around you.

I think the pure number of responses to this post says it all!!!
Don't think you have till you're 60+ to die from obesity related illnesses. My mother passed at 54yrs old my grandfather and uncle both at 60 and my brother on his 31st birthday! All from heart. We cant afford to wait for other people to get their heads around this LIFE SAVING surgery. She might understand it all later on, but till then you really don't need her negativity and almost bullying attitude around you.

Sorry, pressed send prematurely. Anyway, she has been good to me, but I hated the fact that if I was going to an event, I knew there was a real possibility that me and the other chubby girls might be able to pass as a singing group because we are all wearing the same 2 or 3 outfits. Granted, I know there are other options for plus size ladies, but LB was my safety net. I recently bought a couple of pieces there, but I am just about sized out of the store.I am pleased to report that I just bought a bunch of outfits from OLd Navy and Macy's in size 16 and XL. Not bad from 24-26 and 3XL. All my bigger stuff is in bags ready to give away. Feels good. But it feels weird not to have to shop in one or two stores (Torrid was my other fave), but I am rediscovering my style since I have options. So so long, old friend. I may miss ya a little, but I WON'T be back!

I think the pure number of responses to this post says it all!!!
Don't think you have till you're 60+ to die from obesity related illnesses. My mother passed at 54yrs old my grandfather and uncle both at 60 and my brother on his 31st birthday! All from heart. We cant afford to wait for other people to get their heads around this LIFE SAVING surgery. She might understand it all later on, but till then you really don't need her negativity and almost bullying attitude around you.

She has a right not to think WLS is a great idea. My friends do all sorts of things I never would and don't think are great ideas but it doesn't get in the way of me loving them.
She mentions being "triggered" several times. Her opposition to your decision doesn't seem to have anything to do with you, it has to do with her own feelings about herself.
This isn't an easy process and you need to seek support where you find it. It's hard to lose a friend but she she has too many issues to be supportive to you.
And ditto what Keish Lorraine said. Lol.

As someone who has had both weight loss surgery...and lost over 160 # AND had reconstructive plastic surgery "for cosmetic" reasons.... Well,let's just say I would have no problems letting a toxic judgemental friend like this go. I love my new body and am grateful I had this help in turning my health, my looks and my whole life around. I have lots of friends who are thrilled for me. It has been my experience that self confident, attractive women are the most supportive, detractors seem to have their own "issues" and liked me better obese as they feel better about themselves if I stayed fatter then them.