Proud2BMe

Good information. However, please keep in mind that most of the cancer causing claims of artificial sweeteners have been debunked. Turns out they have never been proven to cause cancer in humans. In fact, manufacturers are not even required to put a cancer causing warning on these products anymore. In a nutshell what was found was that in studies artificial sweeteners caused bladder and urinary cancer in mice. However, it was later revealed that mice have a completely different urinary system than humans and the reason why they developed cancer is because of their unique urinary system. No such cancers have been linked in humans. Also, keep in mind that "natural" does not equate to better or safer. Many naturally derived substances are poisonous or toxic. All this aside, stevia and monk fruit show great promise as use in sweeteners.

My highest was 388? So not exactly 400 or over, but close. Many doctors will not perform the surgery if you way over 400 lbs. So just look around and see if you can find one will will do it.

The surgery is not that bad. It just feels like you were punched or kicked in the stomach. Theoretically you could begin whenever you wanted or feel comfortable to. Ask your doctor.

I'm dreading plastics. The sleeve surgery was a breeze but it's plastics that will be the real major surgery. My excess skin is just now starting to show on my belly. It's gross. My thighs are getting floppy as well. My butt is gross. My back and arms are good though, which I guess is a plus. I'm just really paranoid that I'll come out looking like Frankenstein's monster with all the scars. It would suck if even after surgery I still was not able to take my shirt off to go swimming or do normal guy stuff.

"Slimes" is a watery mucous that comes up your throat and into your mouth. It normally happens when you eat. It can be pretty heavy at times and may require patients to walk around with spit cups. I required one. It eventually goes away though.

I had horrible slimes as soon as I got home from surgery and for months afterwards. I had to carry a cup with me everywhere I went, especially if I was going to eat. Yes, you have to spit it out. If you swallow it then it only causes pain and makes it worse. The good news is that with time it will go away. I've been slime-free for about 2 months now.

It's been used in the UK for years. However, unlike the sleeve and gastric bypass, the balloon does not diminish your hunger. The balloon also deteriorates in your stomach and can not be kept in for an extended period of time and will have to be removed and/or replaced. In the UK they use the balloon as a preliminary procedure for patients who need to loose a good deal of weight before qualifying for weight loss surgery.