Slim-Shady

Always a hot topic! My suggestion is to keep it to yourself until you are absolutely sure wether you want to share it! You cannot un-tell it once it's told! I did not tell anyone, and I don't plan to. I'm a very private person, in every aspect of my life, so not sharing this is nothing new.
I have a very big family, and everyone is always in everyone else's business, and food is the center of most gatherings, so I can relate. When I was only a few weeks post op, I was selective about what events I attended. When I did attend, the focus was not on me, or what I ate. I was mindful to pay attention to others (to note whether they were watching me), but I was able to do that without being noticed. I did that to ensure there was no unwanted attention on my eating habits, and there wasn't. I also moved around and socialized with everyone as much as I could, so it looked like I was eating on the go, and I didn't appear to not be eating.
What helped me more than anything was the truth though. I had started my healthy eating prior to the procedure, and that part wasn't a secret. When I attend functions, I'm eating less, and folks are not surprised that I'm not eating like I use to. Even when people try to get me to eat things I can't, shouldn't, or don't want to, I tell them I'm not eating stuff like that anymore. They attribute it to my healthier eating. I would however, suggest that while you're on liquids at least, you avoid big functions because that will be more dufficult to explain away. I didn't go to any functions during my liquid stage.
Good luck on your journey!

I have heard that most insurance companies will not cover skin surgery unless there is a lot of documentation of problems resulting from excess skin. Have you looked into the prices? I felt lucky to finally have an insurance that covered weight-loss surgery.
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I went to one surgeon who told me that I needed to be within 15 lbs of my goal weight before he would even consider doing skin removal. I'm going to do better and go below goal by maybe 5 lbs.

You should be done losing weight, so pretty much at your goal. And ideally you want to have maintained that weight for close to 12 months, though some people only wait 6-8 months. DO NOT rely on skin removal to result in any significant weight loss in and of itself. Yes, the skin that is removed will have some weight to it, but between months of swelling and at least several weeks of limited activity, you will likely see a weight gain post-op. By the time everything is healed up, the swelling has gone down, and you are able to exercise regularly again, at best you can hope for things to even out weight-wise.

I think people think about stretching because after a while you are able to eat more than you could. But that's not stretcing that's all the swelling going down and really your new normal stomach size.
Plus as others have mentioned there are some foods that you can eat a lot of and not feel a restriction. For me its chips and sashimi. I can eat 2/3 of a regular dinner sashimi entree

Anyone else scared?? Well let's see if 4:50 am and I'm sitting in the bathtub googling away because I can't sleep. When I try to sleep i imagine my naughty, naughty tummy churning away thinking of ideas how it can undermine me. Will it split? Leak? Come together poorly with scar tissue left over from lap band and therefore leak? Is it lying in wait for me to have one sip of wine weeks from now so it can shut my system down completely and dramatically? I read somewhere that an octopus is so dramatic that if gets REALLY pissed off it will and can eat its own arm- how's that for drama? Surely my tummy isn't that naughty is it? Oh lord.... Kinda Familiar I love reading your comments because you always take the time to acknowledge what the person has to say and respond with a bit of humor without making the person feel like a totally dramatic octopus. Heheh how's that for making sense????? Oh well, it's 5:00 am, my mind isn't fully awake at all.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.
I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.
I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.

I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.
I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.
I am still amazed by this @@Daisee68! One minute I'm stuffed the entire day from what I ate the day before, and the next, I can eat more than I expected! That's probably one reason I worry about stretching my sleeve! Guess it's all part of the learning process.

Thanks everyone! The encouragement is great!

My doctor is one of the first surgeons to do the sleeve. He told me a few days ago that the stretchy part of the stomach was taken out. And for all intensive purposes you can't stretch it out. You can go back to bad habits and slider foods and gain weight. But it doesn't stretch. So tell yourself that when you feel worried.

I had bypass but I still think about it too. At one meal it seems I can eat so much and then the next day, barely anything and I am full. It reminds me that I still have restriction and gives me comfort. Just gotta make sure not to eat around the restriction.

it's very difficult for the sleeve to stretch. They cut out the part of your stomach that stretches

I think about it...
I don't obsess about it...
I'm 14 months out and it definitely crosses my mind...
But then I eat...
And I realize that even now, I'm still not able to consume a cup of solids without feeling like I'm gonna sneeze...
So the thought disappears for a few days...
You're not alone @@Slim-Shady
Not by a long shot...

Always a hot topic! My suggestion is to keep it to yourself until you are absolutely sure wether you want to share it! You cannot un-tell it once it's told! I did not tell anyone, and I don't plan to. I'm a very private person, in every aspect of my life, so not sharing this is nothing new.
I have a very big family, and everyone is always in everyone else's business, and food is the center of most gatherings, so I can relate. When I was only a few weeks post op, I was selective about what events I attended. When I did attend, the focus was not on me, or what I ate. I was mindful to pay attention to others (to note whether they were watching me), but I was able to do that without being noticed. I did that to ensure there was no unwanted attention on my eating habits, and there wasn't. I also moved around and socialized with everyone as much as I could, so it looked like I was eating on the go, and I didn't appear to not be eating.
What helped me more than anything was the truth though. I had started my healthy eating prior to the procedure, and that part wasn't a secret. When I attend functions, I'm eating less, and folks are not surprised that I'm not eating like I use to. Even when people try to get me to eat things I can't, shouldn't, or don't want to, I tell them I'm not eating stuff like that anymore. They attribute it to my healthier eating. I would however, suggest that while you're on liquids at least, you avoid big functions because that will be more dufficult to explain away. I didn't go to any functions during my liquid stage.
Good luck on your journey!

Buying new clothes is SO exciting! I love going in the stores and trying on clothes now. It feels really good to be out of size 18/20 and 2x's -- bye bye Lane Bryant and ALL plus sized clothes and clothing stores! I haven't reached my goal yet, but I've come a long way!
Hold on to the clothes you can't wear right now, and buy clothes at discount stores like Mashall's and TJ Maxx until you reach goal. You will find yourself needing new sizes pretty quickly, and this will save you some money.
Good luck on your journey!

Today flipping through some clothing sites, honestly I got a little excited that I will be able to buy regular sized, cute clothes. Husband better get a raise.
How did everyone else deal with clothing as they lost weight?
I already have some shirts and pants that are too small, many brand new because they were too small when I bought them but I didn't get them returned in time. I figure until I get to maintaining stage I will just a few pants, shirts and work out gear as I need them. Luckily there are some well stocked used clothing places near me as once I get into non plus sizing.
But once I get to my goal weight, I plan to buy some nice clothes. I never spend money on clothes for me because I hate trying to find stuff in 2x & 3x. Oh how nice it will be to look for cute things in 8's
Anyone wanna brag and post cute clothes you now fit in?

Thank you so much for sharing your story! At 43, I have very similar concerns. My surgery is scheduled for July 13, which means I'll be 44ish when we conceive. I have been concerned about this since I decided to have the surgery. After seeing your post, I realize I am not the only one going through these feelings. I also realize my expectations are not unreasonable! Thank you again for sharing!! Prayers to you for a healthy surgery, post op, and pregnancy! Future mommies unite!

Just had my first experience with a large woman who told me I wasn't choosing a healthy lifestyle because I had weight loss surgery and that I would regret it when all my hair falls out and after I have to be in and out of the hospital for malnutrition. Wow. I normally hear the standard "the easy way out" bit but this was different.
I think this woman was part of the fat acceptance movement.

Guys, I am in EXACTLY the same boat. I am approaching 6 months out and the EXACT same thing happened to me.
IndiAllie/Boogiebabe, it is like you reached into my head and pulled out my very experience.
I have started logging things on MyFitnessPal to improve my accountability.
I don;t think there's much more we can do - other than be mindful that from this point we're going to have to now 'work' at getting our last bits of weight off.
Its all about our accountability. As I have said before - if I cock this up? I absolutely have only myself to blame. So lets agree to not let it happen to us?
Whaddya say?

At 6 months post-op, it's hard for me to get liquids in be it fast or slow. I use a straw, and that helps tremendously! Hope this helps you.
Good luck!

I know we live in. A"tell everything to everybody" time, but people, stop sharing all your personal info and life journey with folks. Not everyone understands or will be helpful.
At this point, just say that you've nothing more to say about it. Period.

And when you discuss your personal business in the workplace you invite idiots to comment on your business.

My sister and I were sleeved together in July, and I must say, it is one if the best decisions we've ever made! From the moment we went to our initial consult, everything fell into place! The time between our initial consult, May 13, to surgery was only two months, and the only reason it was even that long was due to finding openings on the calendar to have our EGDs and surgeries done. We couldn't have asked for the process to go smoother.
Now five months post-op, we are reaping the benefits of WLS. We've done some shopping here and there since being sleeved, but the other day, we went on what we consider our first shopping trip. It was both exciting and emotional. My sister was literally in tears. We were both trying on Misses sizes. It felt great! No more plus size clothing for us. No more paying more for clothing because it's plus size. No more limitations due to size. No more frumpy simply because it's plus size. No more!
We've looked at pictures of ourselves from before, and it is unbelievable. We have often said that we can't believe we allowed ourselves to get that far gone. However, we will not harp on that. Nor will we beat ourselves up about it. That is over and done with. We will instead use that as continuous motivation for never returning to that place.
This journey is by no means, an easy one. WLS is not a magic pill, or a poof it's gone weight loss method. It is a wonderful tool for those of us who need something more than a traditional diet regiment. That doesn't make us any less dedicated or committed to a healthier lifestyle. It also doesn't make us less worthy because we chose WLS over what others have chosen. Enjoy your success, and learn from past and current behaviors. Live your best and most healthy life unapologetically!
I hope our story encourages you along your journey!

Awesome! And that is so cool that you have been able to go on this journey with your sister!! I've been maintaining now for over a year and this post made me kind of miss that excitement of the first year. The first time in lower sizes, the first time in single digits, the first 5k, first bikini, etc. It's a very, very exciting time. Embrace it and enjoy it!

My sister and I were sleeved together in July, and I must say, it is one if the best decisions we've ever made! From the moment we went to our initial consult, everything fell into place! The time between our initial consult, May 13, to surgery was only two months, and the only reason it was even that long was due to finding openings on the calendar to have our EGDs and surgeries done. We couldn't have asked for the process to go smoother.
Now five months post-op, we are reaping the benefits of WLS. We've done some shopping here and there since being sleeved, but the other day, we went on what we consider our first shopping trip. It was both exciting and emotional. My sister was literally in tears. We were both trying on Misses sizes. It felt great! No more plus size clothing for us. No more paying more for clothing because it's plus size. No more limitations due to size. No more frumpy simply because it's plus size. No more!
We've looked at pictures of ourselves from before, and it is unbelievable. We have often said that we can't believe we allowed ourselves to get that far gone. However, we will not harp on that. Nor will we beat ourselves up about it. That is over and done with. We will instead use that as continuous motivation for never returning to that place.
This journey is by no means, an easy one. WLS is not a magic pill, or a poof it's gone weight loss method. It is a wonderful tool for those of us who need something more than a traditional diet regiment. That doesn't make us any less dedicated or committed to a healthier lifestyle. It also doesn't make us less worthy because we chose WLS over what others have chosen. Enjoy your success, and learn from past and current behaviors. Live your best and most healthy life unapologetically!
I hope our story encourages you along your journey!