Djmohr

It is worth every single penny you invest. Getting your health back is the main priority but you just dont realize how many other things come with the weight loss. Getting your confidence back, caring about how you look and feel.
When i made the decision to have surgery, it was all about the health issues. I never expected to feel as great as I do.
Figure out how you can make it work. It sounds like you have some funds available. It is so worth it! Every hoop, every bump......every step. 100% worth it.
I wish you the best of luck!

Oh, by the way. Said mother n law was obese herself!

I think fat shaming is ridiculous regardless of who is doing it.
My mother n law (when she was alive) was the queen of fat shaming. She would figure out ways to make you feel like a big fat slob. For example, she would buy my husband a birthday gift that was 2 or 3 sizes too small. She would then ask, will it fit? Hubby would respond and say, no I am not a medium I am a 2xl. She would say well them lose weight. (True story).
I collect wee forest folk mice. One year for Christmas she bought me a chubby little mouse standing in his bathrobe on a scale. She proceeded to tell me it reminded her of me. Really? B#%+€!
then there is a right way,
For me it was my nephrologist who suggested I consider WLS. He did this very respectfully but at the same time very sternly helping me understand that if I kept on my current trend I would be looking at dialysis and ultimately a kidney transplant.
There is a right way and a wrong way to deliver that message. Thankfully he delivered it the right way and I listened immediately.
I remember being very angry at my PCP for not having that same conversation with me before I got to that point. I had no idea that my kidney function had been so bad for so long, when my nephrologist pulled up my chart and showed me the downward trend was chronic and had been going on for years, I really got pissed that my PCP never said a word until I was at stage 3. Not 1 word. I spoke with her about it and told her that my nephrologist was my hero for helping me see the light. My PCP then told me she really should have been the one to direct me there and felt bad but she did not know how to deliver the message appropriately.
That was when I changed PCPs.

This is kind of funny, I am 7 weeks post op tomorrow. I wear two very beautiful rings that I will never take off. In fact I made my husband hold them in his pocket while I went in for surgery and made them give them back when I got to my room. I started losing weight so quickly that withi two weeks post off one of them was spinning completely around and the other was quite loose as well. At 4 weeks 1 went flinging off my ring hang when I went to pick something up off the table.
I went into the jeweler and the actually put an insert on them that will allow me to tighten them as I continue to lose weight. Once I have reached my goal, we will permanently size them. One of my rings was actually 3 sizes too big in a matter of weeks. It seems like the first place to lose.

@@mariernest
It depends on the city you live in. I live in Wisconsin and had my brachioplasty done in July. The cost was 5950.00 and I went home the same day.
In January, I am having a full abdominalplasty, breast lift with augmentation. Two nights in the hospital (my choice) and the cost is 16,800.00. The two nights in the hospital will cost 500.00 per night and that is included in the price. I am choosing to do that to take the scary part off my husband.
I have seen costs in larger cities go way up in price. My surgeon is double board certified and am very happy with her.
I am now wondering what it will cost to do a neck lift. I would see her partner for that and I am not ready to even really think about it yet. I want to get through this big surgery first.

I am 10 months out and yes I can certainly eat bread, wraps and that sort of thing but it actually feels like it clogs my pouch so I don't.
I remember when I was post op about 8 weeks, I wanted a sandwich so badly. I missed bread. Until I ate it the first time, then I lost interest.
I have since tried it a few more times and honestly i just don't feel right after.every once in a while I will have a half a piece of toast and that doesn't bothe me as much but if the bread is not toasted.......
The other thing is, it is very difficult to get your Protein and veggies in when eating bread so you end up missing your Protein goal for the day.

I am 10 months out and yes I can certainly eat bread, wraps and that sort of thing but it actually feels like it clogs my pouch so I don't.
I remember when I was post op about 8 weeks, I wanted a sandwich so badly. I missed bread. Until I ate it the first time, then I lost interest.
I have since tried it a few more times and honestly i just don't feel right after.every once in a while I will have a half a piece of toast and that doesn't bothe me as much but if the bread is not toasted.......
The other thing is, it is very difficult to get your Protein and veggies in when eating bread so you end up missing your Protein goal for the day.

Honestly I am only about 5 months out from hitting goal and maintaining well. I am nearly 2 years post op.
I think I will always be a WLS patient. Mostly this comes from having to be so careful to get proper nourishment and all the things that can go wrong if I don't. Every time I see a doctor of any kind it has to be brought up. Most physicians don't even know the potential issues with treating a WLS patient. From malabsorbing medications to having to do a complete nutritional panel and understanding what it all means. I swear, I have had 2 different PCPs since having Bariatric surgery and have moved out of state.
I have had to almost train my PCPs and I have to ask all the critical questions about my care and how my nutrition plays a key role. I am not sure that will ever change to be honest. Now maybe that's because I have had so many dealings with doctors since my surgery. I have degenerative disc disease and severe osteo arthritis so I usually dealing with spine problems or joint problems so I have a lot of interaction with the medical field. Most of them are clueless about how to treat us.Maybe that is why I feel that way.
Just my point of view.

@@greeneyedgrrl24
First, 27lbs is excellent in that time frame. I would question my doctor if they are expecting you to lose a lb a day. That is not realistic and I am shocked to hear that.
After the first month or two, most people average between 5 to 10lbs per month. Some months you lose less (I had months where I was stalled the whole month)
That being said. 3 shakes a day on top of the real food may be the problem. Once you are able to eat Protein, you should be able to reduce those shakes some. I am a bypass patient so take it for what it's worth but for the first few months I averaged between 400 and 600 calories per day.
Then I stalled and was told to add more calories through Protein and good carbs like veggies and fruit. I upped my calories to 700 minimum and no more than 900. I stayed there until I was near goal.
I learned that if I had more than 1000 calories I would stall, if I had more than 1200 calories I would gain. Anything betwee 900 and 1100 I would lose weight.
Once I hit my ultimate goal, I slowly (very slowly) began to increase my calorie over the last 6 months. I now am able to eat between 1300 and 1400. If I go beyond 1400 I gain.
Also, I don't know how tall you are but 120 protein grams seems like a lot. I am 5'10" and my goal is no more than 70 which is 1 gram for every 1 inch I am tall.
I use Myfitnesspal to track what I eat daily and it helps me understand where I am to my protein, calories and carb goals.
When you are early on it isn't usually necessary to worry about calories but that assumes you are barely able to eat anything. Like for most it is 1/4C to 1/2cup, 3 times per day. Realistically when you are eating so little, counting calories isn't necessary but as time goes by you will be able to eat more and then it is important to know where you are.
Hopefully this gives you some food for thought. Or at least the ability to ask your surgeon or nut about losing a pound a day or even your 120 gram protein.
I am sure that some sleeve folks can also provide some insights.

Hopefully your hormones are just out of whack making you feel this way. You have lost a significant amount of weight already so I would guess that getting healthy really is important to you.
Having all of this junk around does make it much harder and there are times when we all slip but it should be the exception and not the rule.
The other thing is, it is very hard to force the people around you to change because of your disease but like others said it doesn't mean you can't make that happen albeit slowly.
I am the cook in my family and just started changing how I cook. I make a Protein, veggie and salad almost every night. Maybe once or twice a week I will make a potato, rice or other starch. Sometimes I have a spoonful of mashed potatoes sometimes I choose not to. I have found over time that my hubby likes this new way of eating and actually requests many of these foods.
I have also learned that he can have his fast food for lunch when he chooses and it really does not bother me anymore. For me, that food is just no longer desirable and I used to eat it everyday. When I think about what I ate before, it sickens me. How many times I would stop on my way home at McDonald's eat crap from there and then go home to cook for my family.
I am glad you are talking to a therapist on Monday. Give yourself some time to adjust and give your man a break too. They didn't choose this so it may take some time to adjust as well.

I am still here too! 52 and feeling more alive than ever!

I am still here too! 52 and feeling more alive than ever!

I waited to drink alcohol until i was almost 2 years post op.
Since that time, I indulge about once a week in a glass or two of wine.
Holy crow, i can take just a couple of sips and feel it. Also, there is NO possible way i could drive a car after one glass of wine.
It is easy to take it too far because you get to the feeling no pain state mighty quick and can maintain it for a while.
I dont think i could ever become an alcoholic, i just dont have a need to drink regularly. Just when we go out.

I waited to drink alcohol until i was almost 2 years post op.
Since that time, I indulge about once a week in a glass or two of wine.
Holy crow, i can take just a couple of sips and feel it. Also, there is NO possible way i could drive a car after one glass of wine.
It is easy to take it too far because you get to the feeling no pain state mighty quick and can maintain it for a while.
I dont think i could ever become an alcoholic, i just dont have a need to drink regularly. Just when we go out.

@@dede0314
I had a full brachioplasty in July and then will be having a full TT, Breast lift with augmentation on January 19th. My surgeon asked that i separate mine like this and the arm lift was the most important for me so i had it done first.
I know alot of folks who had both arm lift and tt at the same time.
I am glad I didn't mostly because you cannot use your arms to lift yourself up so i used my abdominal muscles and leg muscles to get up and down. Not sure how i would have managed it.
Anyway, glad that i had my arms done, they look awesome but it was very painful for me. Lots of burning and itching. I am hoping my breasts don't feel like my arms did but am prepared for anything at this point.
I am worried about the pain in the next phase but excited for the gratification!
Best of luck to you!

I love Victoria's Secret. As I was losing I had the ability to hang out mostly in yoga wear as I am not currently working. A pair of yoga pants can fit you for a long time.
I found that VS tops however were a different issue for me and honestly their sizes can fit differently. I wear some larges that are too large and some larges that are too small. I was ordering a lot of their stuff on line and refused to take it back knowing I would likely fit into it in the coming month.
Dumping lane Bryant for me was the best NSV ever. I used to hate clothes shopping and now I love to try on things just because I can. LOL.
Also I found that if I buy clothing from anywhere, I tend to not return if it is too big or too small so trying things on really is the optimal way to purchase for us.
I have found the Calvin Klein and Anne Klein clothing fits me fantastic and I love their fashion sense. There I know if I buy an 8 Jeans or a 10 slacks they will fit. Or if I buy a top in a large it will fit just right. They seem to be consistent.
I have never had a size goal but never in a million years did I think I would go from a 24/26 to an 8. I cannot imagine what it will be like following my Abdominalplasty! Already with tops following my arm lift I can see I may have to go to a medium.

Having had several experiences in this area, cheaper should absolutely not be the goal when considering skin removal surgery.
I have had a brachioplasty (arm lift), full abdominalplasty (tummy tuck), Breast lift with augmentation and a full face lift. Consider interviewing several plastic surgeons and choose one that you are comfortable with because you will build a relationship with them that will last quite some time.
Many people do not realize that plastics is not a simple surgery where you go and have a consultation, the surgery and a simple follow up. Our bodies require many many many sutures that can require months and months of follow up care. The after care you receive following plastics is just as critical as the surgery itself and if you choose a doctor that is closer, they usually cover all of those visits. Even if you only plan to have one procedure now....check out the team because once you have one and see the results you might find you want to go through the next step.
I was very thrilled with my team and my results and because of that I had more procedures that I ever thought I would. And let me tell you, it is no walk in the park. Plastics is painful and long road to recovery but absolutely worth it when you choose the right team.
I have had no complications and because I stuck with the same surgical team, I have been treated to free laser treatments for the bruises following my face lift and even free Botox for 2 rounds in my chin.
I researched for many many months and what I learned was, do not focus on getting it done cheap, focus on finding the right surgical team. You need to be very comfortable with who you are working with and the approach they are taking with you. You are in control.

Having had several experiences in this area, cheaper should absolutely not be the goal when considering skin removal surgery.
I have had a brachioplasty (arm lift), full abdominalplasty (tummy tuck), Breast lift with augmentation and a full face lift. Consider interviewing several plastic surgeons and choose one that you are comfortable with because you will build a relationship with them that will last quite some time.
Many people do not realize that plastics is not a simple surgery where you go and have a consultation, the surgery and a simple follow up. Our bodies require many many many sutures that can require months and months of follow up care. The after care you receive following plastics is just as critical as the surgery itself and if you choose a doctor that is closer, they usually cover all of those visits. Even if you only plan to have one procedure now....check out the team because once you have one and see the results you might find you want to go through the next step.
I was very thrilled with my team and my results and because of that I had more procedures that I ever thought I would. And let me tell you, it is no walk in the park. Plastics is painful and long road to recovery but absolutely worth it when you choose the right team.
I have had no complications and because I stuck with the same surgical team, I have been treated to free laser treatments for the bruises following my face lift and even free Botox for 2 rounds in my chin.
I researched for many many months and what I learned was, do not focus on getting it done cheap, focus on finding the right surgical team. You need to be very comfortable with who you are working with and the approach they are taking with you. You are in control.

I think this depends on age and how much weight you lose. For me, I am now 53 and my skin is not bouncing back anywhere.
I jokingly say I look a bit like a sharpei puppy. LOL.
So, it's off to the plastic surgeon I go next Monday to put together a plan to deal with some of it. I am focused on my upper body initially because it bothers me the most. I have some loose skin on my legs but that is in much better shape than my arms stomach and boobs.
I do think it bother me more than anyone else because I have had people tell me that I look fantastic and they initially thought I already had plastic surgery.
As far as sex goes.....because of my poor back, my poor hubby is afraid to touch me. I have a plan for that.....as soon as I get done with plastics I am going to be very naughty so he cannot resist. LOL...
He is always reaching out and touching me so I know he is interested and I am definately interested.....we joke about it all the time but here I sit still frustrated. LOL.

I think this depends on age and how much weight you lose. For me, I am now 53 and my skin is not bouncing back anywhere.
I jokingly say I look a bit like a sharpei puppy. LOL.
So, it's off to the plastic surgeon I go next Monday to put together a plan to deal with some of it. I am focused on my upper body initially because it bothers me the most. I have some loose skin on my legs but that is in much better shape than my arms stomach and boobs.
I do think it bother me more than anyone else because I have had people tell me that I look fantastic and they initially thought I already had plastic surgery.
As far as sex goes.....because of my poor back, my poor hubby is afraid to touch me. I have a plan for that.....as soon as I get done with plastics I am going to be very naughty so he cannot resist. LOL...
He is always reaching out and touching me so I know he is interested and I am definately interested.....we joke about it all the time but here I sit still frustrated. LOL.

Oh and you cannot believe how exciting it is to cut up your Lane Bryant card! When you realize you cannot shop in a plus size store ever again, it is a great NSV!

I actually use it all the time with onions, green pepper, mushrooms and chicken breast. It is my version of chicken cacciatore and it is absolutely delicious.
I also make meatballs cover them in sauce top with fresh mozerella and parm and bake it in the oven.
I also make lasagna using strips of zucchini for the noodles. Add your cheeses and bake in the oven. I do add ground sirloin to beef up the Protein count.
You can also make eggplant parmesean with it. I use almond flour for the breading on the eggplant. Yum!

I was what I would describe as a slower loser because of my inability to exercise as aggressively as I would like.
It took me a full 18 months to get to my ideal weight. The last 20lbs were brutal and took really hard work and focus on my part to make that happen again because I was not allowed to exercise like I would like to.
I lost 151lbs over all. I weight 159 now so almost 1/2 of my body weight. At the one year mark I had lost about 115.
I also had a 28 day stall at the 7 month mark and as you know this is quite common.
Personally I refrained completely from setting any time limits on my loss. I simply kept mini goals along the way and celebrated with new clothing or something nice to keep me motivated. I never ever used food as a motivator either.
I am the type of person that knows if I put a time limit to something and don't hit it, it can be demotivating.
Your are doing fantastic! Slow and steady really does win the race and definately builds much better long term habits.
Best of luck to you!

This is the part of the food plan that I truly struggled with. I started with yogurt, applesauce, pureed turkey and chicken, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, tuna......
I found very quickly that eggs were an absolute NO and still are for me. I also found that my pouch could not originally tolerate chicken or turkey even in a pureed stage and I am alergic to legumes and Beans with the exception of green Beans.< /p>
So, for those 2 weeks, I lived on Protein shakes, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, pureed veggies with Protein Powder added, and ricotta cheese. I also leveraged creamed Soups, broth and everything else in the full liquid diet.
The good news is, it gave my tummy a full solid 4 weeks with the liquid phases for my tummy to heal before I started on soft foods.
Once I started on soft foods, very moist chicken breast, fish or any kind were the Proteins that worked best for me. I could not deal with ground meats until 8 weeks post op and then I was able to tolerate beef tenderloin. YUM!!! Of course only an ounce or two at most. Even now if I get 3 ounces of dense Protein I am lucky. I have a big restriction so therefore I still have one shake in the am, 23 months post op.
As you said, this experience is different for everyone, as you get started if you begin to have a lot of trouble don't be afraid to go back to the previous stage for another week to allow your tummy to heal better. Many of us have to do that.
Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

As of this week I finally hit a normal BMI and i promised myself when that time came I would finally share some pictures. By the way, I still do not like having my picture taken but before I hid behind everyone and because I was tall it was easy to hide the rest of me. Now I definitely am willing to get in the shot and I no longer cringe when I see the pictures.
The only pics I could find before surgery were taken on a cruise with my hubby, Son and Granddaughter. These were taken 1 month before my bypass.


My after was taken earlier today, down 137lbs and finally at a BMI of 24.9