MowryRocks

- What (physical and/ or non-physical) changes are you mostly looking forward to? Crazy, but I wanted to see what I look like underneath all the weight. I wanted to feel capable. - What are your non-weight (#) related goals? I'm not sure if I understand this question correctly. Al of my goals were weight related. They may not be correlated to a specific number, but they were all directly affected by my weight. Like riding roller coasters. Flying without a belt extender. Buying clothing in regular stores. - Have you met those non-weight goals? I have met all of my post surgery goals thus far with the exception of Horseback Riding and that is only because I haven't had the opportunity. Everything I have is directly weight related now, like reaching my goal weight. Renewing my vows in a beautiful dress. I also would like to get a new job. I think it was very difficult for me to be taken seriously at a higher weight.

Good Luck! Best decision I ever made!

I declared a moratorium on the scale on Sunday! I've been on it everyday since. And twice on Monday. This morning I gave up and said "I can't quit you." and my scale laughed and showed me no intention to change.

Start with committing yourself to small changes or if you have the willpower...drastic ones. I started my journey pre-seminar with seeing if I could handle a liquid diet for 2 weeks. I figured if I couldn't do it before the surgery was even a possibility than how could I do it later. Once I got that under my belt, I started a modified keto plan, which I actually enjoyed. I also started behavior modification regarding physical activity right away. I just started walking a little and kept building on where I started. By the time I had surgery (I had a 6 month pre-op program) I was walking 5ks. I did my first walk post surgery at 6 weeks. Today, I am 7 months post op and training to RUN a 15k. All things that I couldn't have done had I waited. Good Luck!

Thanks, I have great bras, but the problem is on the outer side where my skin gathers and "crepes". I run, so perspiration gathers there and creates an issue. I'm practically rolled and folded into this bra...lol

I guess that helps, but not really...lol

It's a long road on a long journey, but the views are spectacular.

So...I'm 7 months post surgery and 84lbs down. I still have another 66lbs to go to my personal goal weight. I have lots of loose skin, but my biggest issues at this point are with my breasts. They are flat and hanging. They are irritated by perspiration and despite trying my darndest to keep them clean and dry, they are becoming a real problem. I will need a lot of plastic surgery at some point, but right now, I just need to take care of this problem with a lift and implants. Plastic surgeons are refusing to even give me a consultation because I am not weight stable for a year. I am so aggravated. Any thoughts? Will I have to seriously deal with this for over a year? I totally get that they would not want to do a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, thigh lift, or brachioplasty right now. That would be a mistake, as I still have plenty to lose. Any thoughts, words of encouragement?

Awesome! I love my sleeve too! I don't hate the person I was 7 months ago. I love her the most for being so brave to selflessly step aside and let me be who I am now. I will never forget her and I will never feel bad about her. It's all part of my journey, yo!

That fatality happened within the first week. One meal, shrimp scampi, I believe at Olive Garden. My understanding is that it happened quickly. I wouldn't worry at this point and I'm not trying to scare you. I was only expressing what my surgeon said that kept me straight.

@kejamess. It's a difficult transition, but my surgeon told us in the seminar that he had only ever had one fatality as long as he had been in practice and that was from a patient that did exactly what you describe. That was enough for me to do exactly what he told me to do. 7 months later, sticking with the plan has really brought me this far. I'm not 100% perfect, but I am 1000 times better than I was before and I have every intention of sticking with it. It all seems plausible to follow for the rest of my life after following the plan up until this point. Good Luck.

@MissKathy2015 I still respond...lol. I was sleeved by Dr. Ricks at Des Peres on 10/2016. Des Peres has a very active support group, but I don't know if it is open to the public or patients only. I'm always willing to lend an ear. Currently training to run the Hot Chocolate 15k in December. Sounds more impressive than it is...I'm currently on Day 3 of C25K. What do you like to do to stay active?

Lots of surgeons in the US do the balloon. I know of three programs in the St. Louis, MO area alone. Insurance does not cover the costs and while my surgeon does them, he doesn't really recommend it because once your balloon time is up, its back to being just you again.

I hung a heavy bag in my garage, got an aerobic step, and a jump rope. I used duck tape to create a ladder on the floor. I write out intervals and go to town!

I would much rather someone say "How do you feel?" than "Are you ok?" or "You look great!" "How do you feel?" indicates they care about me and more than just on the surface.

I watched this one last night and I thought, so what...she lost. It's not a race. She was on track the majority of the time, is anyone 100% perfect? I sure hope not.

I have been a fan of the FitBit Aria for years! If you already have a FitBit, it syncs to the app and updates for you!

My husband and I have been married 18 years and together 24. We talked A LOT about post surgery concerns and his insecurities and that if he was feeling a certain way he needed to tell me and not keep it locked inside. This is a double edged sword. He does talk to me about his insecurity, but then it sometimes makes me mad because he is concerned that I am "shopping" for someone else. I love him deeply and could never fathom doing something like that, so it can be frustrating and I have to stop myself from saying "for real?" I keep my feelings in check about it upsetting me because I ASKED him for this. I do feel like I spend a lot of time reassuring him, but being overweight with two children, he has had to go above and beyond for us and do many things that I could not do, so it's a fair trade off. He is great and he needs a little reassurance, but nothing stalkery or crazy...lol

I pre-cook 99% of my meals. so I do weigh them out to make sure they are properly portioned and easy to grab, but since I do it all at once, it's not really a chore.

Keto was also used in the early 1900's as a treatment for diabetes,

The Charge is amazing for motivation and tracking all kinds of stats and seeing their progress on your wrist. There is a wide variety of models at this point that can help you customize your needs. I have a Charge 2 for everyday and a Flex for water sports. My job provides a walking challenge every year that will pay for a new one, so I am going to go with the Alta HR. It does everything that the Charge does, but it's a slimmer model.

If you continue to have this problem, contact them or return it. I have been a fitbit user for about 6 years, I've had all models save for the Blaze and the Surge, I have had no issues with them. May just be defective. I am currently using the Charge 2 and the flex (for water sports). I will be pairing down to the Alta HR in a few weeks, just because I want something smaller.

I'm almost 6 months post sleeve and everything about my cycles intensified right away, I just say my gyno earlier this month and she advised that if it continues, she wants me to call her. She advised that it is very common to notice that cramps, bleeding, and bloating have intensified post sleeve/bypass, but advised that should run its course after a few months and we need to start looking at other causes if it doesn't normalize. Just food for thought,

I had an issue with my NUT who did not believe that I was walking 5-7 miles per day pre surgery. It would go something like this? NUT: What are you doing for exercise? Me: Walking 5-7 miles per day. Nut: ***Side Eye, look me up and down,*** "mmmmmhmmmm" Me: I mean not like at one time, but I walk a mile at least 3 times per day at work then 1-2 miles when I get home, not to mention my in between walking just to get from one place to the next. Nut: ***Side Eye, look me up and down,*** "mmmmmhmmmm" Me: I can let you look at my fitbit stats, if you like. Nut: ***Side Eye, look me up and down,*** "that's not necessary" Me: are you sure, I don't mind. Nut: What's your diet like? Me: I eat 1200 cal per day, modified keto, except on Saturdays when I eat what I want, but still keep it under 1200 cal per day. Nut: ***Side Eye, look me up and down,*** "mmmmmhmmmm" It was exhausting. My psych eval was stupid, pointless and literally was a check yes or no list.

I'm in MO. Sleeved on 10/26/2016. What area are you located in?