KristenLe

No, I never thought that for one second. I knew it couldn't do it on my own because if I could have, I would have done it in the 20 years I have been overweight. Statistically speaking morbidly obese people have less than a 5% chance of getting the weight off and keeping it off.

You need to be honest with yourself. Do you really think you can keep it off? Loosing the weight isn't the hardest part its keepi g it off long term. Based on your past experiences with dieting do you think you will be able to keep it off if you don't have surgery?

@@KristenLe It is to me too.

The darker belly button skin looks like an aerola! Strange!
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

This is one of my bigger fears as well. My Mom has alopecia and has been bald all my life. Any Hair loss is going to scare the crap out of me. I am just in the beginning stage of my journey but I'm going to be doing alot of research on this topic. Things I've read so far - wash infrequently, don't put back in elastic or clip, and avoid extensions or anything that will put stress on it. Please let me know if anyone has been able to avoid this and how! TY Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

They didn't titrate me during 1st study (said she would if had apnea) and I ended up having mild sleep apnea. I had to go back for titration. I'm somewhat cynical that I actually need a CPAP but I have one now. I do find I sleep deeper the last few weeks so that's been a plus.
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

@@treblecutie23, if it helps, you're not alone.
A book that might help is "The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions" by Tanie Miller Kabala, PhD. I just learned that a second edition is available. Dr. Kabala is a psychologist who works with people who are where you are and at other stages of weight-loss and body image concerns, etc. She also does pre-surgery evaluations.
The book is slim (not quite 100 pages) which, I think, is probably friendliest for someone at a particularly rough point and not wanting ponderous reading. It's something of a workbook with space to write out the exercises, et al. For that reason, it's probably sensible to use a notebook, keeping the book itself pristine for revisiting as emotions change.
The chapters include coping with loneliness, anger, anxiety, depression and more.
You might also consider working with a therapist, probably a CBT practitioner.

Congrats on a fantastic weight loss! 5 months is a short time to lose that much weight and your brain needs to catch up to your body. There must be others experiencing this problem but I would also encourage you to talk to a behavior health counselor. Take pictures and keep a journal of your progress! You should be incredibly proud of yourself and your new life!
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

If blood work is okay...I would go to a Podiatrist or Foot Specialist. You may need a cortisone shot. They should also xray to see if you have a heel spur. Sneakers did not help me. After the cortisone shots (needed more than 1) - I did well when wearing a high flip flop with a 1 1/2 inch wedge or a nurses clog like shoe when necessary (if I couldn't get away with flip flops). Also I find Merrell hikers work well instead of a normal sneaker. I also got a brace/boot to wear at night to keep my foot at a certain angle. I hope something works for you - it sure is miserable!
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Please discuss the right amount of Protein for you with your Dr or NUT. Too much Protein can cause problems.
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

How tall are you, Ryan?

I am also old (48). If I look as good as you Babbs at the end of this journey, I will be ecstatic!!! Congrats! Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Please discuss the right amount of Protein for you with your Dr or NUT. Too much Protein can cause problems.
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

@@madeline121 Thanks for the encouragement. Hubby update: our issues go beyond this one, which just happened to be my last straw. It seemed like he was either irritated with me or ignoring me all of the time. Our home did not feel peaceful or even emotionally safe. I suggested separation. He wants to work on things and has been more supportive since my suggestion. We'll see.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It just all depends on certain things. How much weight is lost, your age, whether you do resistance/strength training to help minimize it. Some skin once stretched to capacity just won't snap back no matter what. That's the chance you take with large weight losses.
I'm kinda old (48), and I lost about 96ish pounds and my skin is minimal. I've done resistance training since I was released to do so and I'm almost 20 months out. You can see my arms aren't bad, but my stomach is a different story. I was actually told by a plastic surgeon yesterday that no amount of exercise will help certain areas, and my pannus is one of them. For now, I hide it well with Spanx I also have some on my inner thighs, but it doesn't bother me too much. My bikini days are over anyway.
PS I never actually wore a bikini

I would not reduce your Water intake. It could make things much worse. Be sure to limit your sodium intake this weekend and drink plenty of Water. Good luck!
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

Trust me when I tell you those 6 months will go by so fast. I started this journey in September, 2015 and my surgery is Monday, April 11th; 4 days from now.
I thought the same thing when I began appointments, but there is really so much information to learn, and so much lifestyle changes to make that you will be happy to have had these last 6 months to take it in small bites rather than just being thrown to the lions. This takes a great amount of preparation, and although it annoyed me in the beginning, I'm so glad that I have the knowledge and the information that I have now. I'm still scared of screwing up after going through all this, but I know my fears are nothing that anyone else hasn't experienced. Sometimes you feel like you are all alone in this journey. Trust me you are not! Everyone here is such an inspiration and motivater that you will know that you've made the right decision.
Ask lots of questions. Write things down as you think of them so you can find out the answer. Being prepared is your best tool.
Good Luck to you.

I had to wait nearly 6 months for all my boxes to be checked so I could have surgery. There were times when I thought it was going SO slowly. Then suddenly I had approval and two weeks later I was in the operating room and then waking up from surgery asking if they really did surgery!
Focus on the journey, not the surgery. I found that when I focused on each step along the way instead of the end goal, time went faster. Every time I thought about how long it was until surgery, I would get frustrated about how long I still had to wait. When I focused on each new thing I was to learn to get ready, it was in much more manageable bites!
You can do it!
pam

@@Donna415 I should have it in October, but because I couldn't meet with the dietician in April it pushed everything back a month. Kind of sucks! I want it to happen and keep looking stuff up. It makes me want it more. Lol.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

how have any of you been able to prevent loose skin after surgery? what have you done or not done that has worked?
Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

You may have a potassium deficiency or dehydration. Make sure you are taking all of your Vitamins, drinking plenty of Water and find potassium rich foods. Good luck!
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

True story.

Today was a very emotional day for me. I had my surgery July 16, 2015 at almost 9 months out down a hundred pounds. I'm on cloud nine flying high. This has been the best thing I could've ever done for myself. Only have 32 pounds to go and will hit goal !!!!!!

Definitely check in with your Dr. Also could be dehydration so be sure to get in enough liquids.
Sent from my XT1254 using the BariatricPal App

My husband is doing a picturebook for me as my weight loss begins so I can go back and see how much I changed over time. People have been asking me if I've recently lost weight. I've been on this liquid diet for almost 2 weeks now and I don't see a change when I look at myself, but I did get on the scale yesterday and showed a 7 lb loss. Now on a fat person, 7 lbs is usually not even noticeable, but I think like my husband said, I've lost the "bloat" look. So, I'll take it!