OKCPirate

The loose skin will be affected by several things - most important is what you can't control...genetics. But exercise does firm the muscle supporting the skin and does provide some better contour. Give your skin Protein, Water, stay out of hot tubs, take cooler showers and less sun damage are your best tools to optimize what you have. But at some point you might have to look at plastics. But it's worth it to be finally able to lead the life I want.

This is a very interesting article http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/fitness/why-are-morning-runners-so-happy/ar-AAdXPBx?ocid=spartandhp Exercise first thing in morning on an empty stomach may optimize leptin levels making you feel full.

I feel your pain, similar injury in yoga and all you can do is ice and rest and deal with the dull ache until it heals. It is frustrating.

I have the problem. About every two years they do this - http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=392 but I still take the Omeprazole.

I had that when I ate some lean bison. I think it was a tightening of the esophagus near the stomach. It was like food got backed up. How quickly were you eating it?

You do have to be careful with alchol. It might hit you very differently than before. Also there are many stories that there is a great danger of alcoholism post sleeve...http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20120618/after-bariatric-surgery-alcohol-abuse-more-likely

Maintenance drugs: Extended release drugs work differently with sleeve, Ambien doesn't work for me now. So check with others who have had it who are on the same meds as you Wean off caffeine over a couple of weeks instead of cold turkey at the hospital (ditto with alcohol and nicotine if applicable) Get the emotional relationship with food in order: http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1441295897&sr=8-7&keywords=book+bariatric+surgery

Everyone is the same in that we are all different. Maybe he was telling you that as sort of a joke, men are well known for being medical wimps

post this in the "ladies room" and you will get much more candid answers.

I did, but I worked for it. It wasn't a magic wand, I worked for it.

The hormone question is still open, and you can find a bunch of info here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/349114-new-study-about-the-long-term-effectiveness-of-the-sleeve/ I went with the sleeve I was terrified of the dumping issues with the bypass, was leaning toward lap-band but saw the long term costs with adjustments. Some have done very well with the band, but wasn't for me. Some things to consider: Are you taking maintenance drugs? Some don't do well. Ambien no longer works for me. Had to switch from ER meds to breaking up pills. Have you worked through food issues? What is your relationship with alcohol? Do you have a partner? It will change your relationship status. Big issues to discuss in advance. But the long term - you have an 80% chance to change your life significantly by keeping 70% of your current weight off for the next five years with WLS. Less than 2% with the best behavioral modification programs. It's not a guarantee, it's a tool.

Hey, hey, hey...I didn't get to the top of the food chain to eat plants. Aww, that's not true. I'm a vegetarian. Not because I love animals...it's because I HATE plants.

Auto-correct kills more relationships than alcohol...wait, I think they go together http://www.damnyouautocorrect.com/

This is an interesting topic. I noticed that my cars all tilted toward the drivers side when I was heavy. Now my Lexus is always level. But yeah, I did trade in my BMW 540i (which was safe with big doors) for a sportier Lexus after the first 40 pounds were gone. But I could get into something sportier now if I wanted to (http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f120/1974-europa-pawn-stars-96999/) Hmmm, Porsche.

@@BigHarleyGuy1 - Congrats. I have been reading your posts and with your attitude and dedication you will be contributing your own stories to: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219760-sex-oh-my-god-sex/ in no time at all. Welcome to a great chapter of your life.

How much are your exercising (25% of equation) and how many calories, Protein and carbs? (75% of equation)

Congrats, you look great

@@Dream4tc - mixes extremely well. I put it in yogurt, my eggs, shakes, coffee. Over the course of a day I use about one scoop for the extra 30g of Protein.

Indeed. I thing nearly every successful person has. Ultimately you have to do it for yourself. This is a tool. Not a magic wand. If you have a great hammer, but you use it as a screwdriver it won't give you the results you want. Same with your new stomach. You will be amazed at how much control it will give you if you use it well. If you look on recent topics, you will find others in the same situation like http://www.bariatricpal.com/user/260890-jennifer-cunningham/. So find a buddy for support. Good luck, and if you need inspiration, go to: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/195065-you-know-you-lost-weight-when/page-60#entry3934830

@@Jennifer Cunningham - I'm glad you are freaking out. That's a good sign. It means you are taking this seriously and considered the implications. I lost enough pre-op that I wondered, why am I doing this? But the results were worth it. This is a long term investment in yourself. I hope it changes your life as much as it did mine.

That is a fascinating article, thanks for sharing.

@@CowgirlJane - The connection was instant, and yes it's still in that fun honeymoon phase, but I'm digging it. Someone said go into a relationship with your eyes wide open, and after commitment, keep your eyes half shut. It's a long ball game...but a very fun one.

@@Proud2BMe Dude, great results. Congrats on losses in the triple digits. If you poke around the board on stalls you will find some good advise, most of it deals with upping your calories temporarily. I found that reducing my exercise (two extra days of rest) broke my three month stall. So poke around and see who's situation was like yours, or please be more specific on what your routine is: calories, Protein, carbs, exercise so you can have the helpful geniuses on this site to give you the benefit of their research. BTW, I have found that taking a magnesium supplement (500mg) keeps me regular without a laxative.

@@CowgirlJane - has a little instant karma at dinner Friday. The woman (whom I am forsaking all others for) and I received our fortune Cookies, and this was mine. NOTE those are her nails So never give up hope, who knows when something great just shows up.

You inspired me. Here was my variation: 1/2 vanilla yogurt, stevia to sweeten, iced coffee (5 oz), ice, Protein powders listed below. Dang it's really good, and big boost in energy. GENEPRO - Protein Powder, 0.5 scoop 49 cal 1 carb 15g protein Dannon Oikos Triple 0 (Pennys) - strawberry Greek Yogurt 0% Fat, 2.65 oz. 60cal 8g carb 8g protein GNC Total Lean™ - Lean Shake™ 25 - Rich chocolate, 1 Scoops 100 cal 9g carb 13g protein Total: 209 cal 17g carb, 35g of protein My new Breakfast of champions