White Sale

I said that I was discouraged by my loose skin, yes. I also said her experience would not be the same as mine. This board is to discuss the experiences of WLS and those that follow the procedure. If you took my post to be "bringing her down" then I suggest you re-read it.

While all of these positive affirmations are nice and encouraging, I hold a different view. After losing 135lbs, I'm very flabby. My arms, thighs, and tummy are wrinkled and crepe-y. When I go the the beach now, I wear the same thing as when I was obese. Long pants and a long sleeved shirt. I was obese for many, many years. My genetics and situation are such that my skin didn't bounce back whatsoever. It's a challenge that I knew would come with massive weight loss, but it is discouraging, nonetheless. However, your experience will be different than mine. Just keep in mind, hanging skin may likely be an issue, and if that will bother you, then start saving for plastics now. I wish you the absolute best in achieving your goals!

Not going to lie, you will be in pain. Use your pain medicines according to schedule, not according to how you feel. Don't be a hero in that way. The most pain for me was getting in and out of both the car and bed. You have to twist your body and use your abs for these two things, and they were not fun. To me, a few days of physical pain beats a lifetime emotional pain.

I could do some serious damage to a package of milk's favorite cookie. It was how I got high, really.

How has the way in which others interact with you changed from when you were obese? My experience, in general, has been the following.. People, overall, are much nicer and I am no longer invisible. I've noticed that attractive (IMO) or confident women are more talkative and pleasant to me. Other women are more curt. Even some family members have changed. People, who in the past were cold to me, are suddenly laughing at my jokes and wanting to hang out. I also seem to be losing a friend as a result of my losing weight. This is something I wasn't fully prepared for, as far as being a result of VSG. Being an average-sized adult is something I haven't experienced until the past few months. It's just feels like bizarro-world or something. Can anyone relate? I'm curious to hear of other people's experiences.

Perhaps a bit strange, but I find myself using a soft measuring tape a couple of times a week. I take my measurements in addition to weighing myself. I find that knowing the data keeps gives me a reality check.

I have considered changes in my own behavior. I hold my head up higher and meet people's eyes now, but it has only been a few months of increased confidence versus decades of low self-esteem. Perhaps it's just that I didn't realize how differently some healthy weight people choose to treat the obese. Now that I'm on the other side, and having arrived here so rapidly, I can really observe the contrast. As far as my friend, I think, perhaps, that she sees my success and it amplifies her perceived failure. I care for her a great deal and I hope that our friendship endures. The behavior of some men toward me is so bizarre I don't even know where to begin. I never learned the art of flirting and I am unable to recognize it should it happen to me. Whomp-whomp. Anyone know of a decent flirting-for-social-misfits class? Haha IDK, the whole experience has been interesting, to say the least.

I gather up all the loose skin on my belly into a sort of ball, squish it together with two hands, and say terrible things to it. Stupid loose skin.

Being able to do cartwheels. Having my youngest nephew throw his arms around my entire waist and squeeze as hard as he can.

I couldn't stand how I looked EVER when I was fat. After losing +130lbs I can't stand how I look naked now, but in clothes, for the first time, I can be proud of my body. I have the skin of a seventy-five year old mother of nine. This is not an exaggeration. For me, it is truly an impedance to intimacy. Surgery for removal is an option for those who can afford it. I chose loose skin over remaining fat and I am glad.

I waited for 6 months after hitting & maintaining goal weight before having a breast lift. It was a long wait, but I think it was worth it. I mean, I already had awful boobs for my whole life, what's a few more months? I wanted my body to be stable before dropping lots of money on altering it again. In clothes, my before and after pics are the same. In my opinion, you could use this time to really research plastic surgeons and interview them. I saw 7 cosmetic surgeons before I chose. Find before and after pics of others patients who have had the surgery; save the ones you think are ideal AND the pics you think look terrible. These will help your doctor. How exciting for you! Congratulations on losing weight!

The anesthesia can sometimes have different effects on people's psyche. Also, your body has just been through something pretty traumatic. Personally, I was uncharacteristically emotional for a few weeks post-op (and a little depressed). Be easy with yourself, you've just had surgery.

Woot! Today I reached 100 pounds lost. It is difficult to wrap my mind around. The other day I hauled a 40lb bag of dog food upstairs - and the thought that I have lost 2.5x that amount is both impressive and unsettling. I'm including a screenshot of my before and after SmartBMI calculations. If I'm feeling brave enough, I may post a before and after body shot in the stickied thread. Thank you to all of you nice folks at BP for being supportive, especially in my more distressed times.

Trying on a size 6 to find it's too big. Being shocked at my old pictures. I had no idea how big I was. People calling me skinny or saying they're jealous of how thin I am. Truly weird to me.

I would make ranch flavored one with extra protein and have it with carrot chips. 8oz Neufchatel cheese ~1/2 C of sour cream ~1/2 packet of ranch seasoning 2 scoops of unflavored protein powder

I would simply find doctors in your area and get quotes directly from them. Be sure to get a quote for ALL of the services needed, I got burned. My surgeon's quote did not include the cost of the anesthesiologist. Needless to say, I was pretty ticked off when that (very large) bill came in the mail.

What helps me is to take out my phone and start running the stopwatch. I wait at least one full minute from the time I swallow one bite until I have the next. I give myself a max of 15 minutes to eat whatever it is. Every single time I am full before those 15 minutes are up. I still weigh/measure my portions and watch my calories.

...is that I will be at a distinct disadvantage during the zombie Apocalypse. What was I thinking?! I'll have to double my prepping efforts.

It just dawned on me that yesterday was one year since my VSG. Here are a couple of progress pics and screenshots of my smart BMI charts. As of this morning, I've lost 112.4lbs. At 5'8", my measurements are 39"-28"-39". I'm not sure what they were at my heaviest of 170lbs. When clothes shopping, I reach for a size 6, but of course every store/brand is different. Without doubt, I am thrilled with my progress. Still a few pounds away from my goal. I have never been normal weight as an adult and I must admit that my self-image is quite skewed. The numbers don't match what I perceive in the mirror. It's definitely weird. I love to run and move now. It feels amazing and freeing. My body can do things that I've haven't experienced in decades. This surgery was worth every hard-earned cent it cost me. I am grateful every day for my good fortune. Thank you to everyone here at BP for allowing me to vent and hopefully help others in turn.

I was extremely hungry in the days (and weeks) following surgery. I was quite upset about it - even made a ranting post or two regarding it. It happens to some people. Are you taking a proton pump inhibitor? I've read that excess stomach acid may make one feel hungrier. It helped me to be able to crunch something. Try eating ice. Frozen pickle juice is great for the crunchy + salty craving, just don't overdo as it is acidic.

In my stomach.

You will be able to eat with your friends again in just a few short weeks. I was very emotional after surgery. Normally, I am pretty even-keeled and logical, but post-surgery I was having meltdowns over the most inconsequential things. From what I've read, this is quite common. Not only for VSG, but for all surgeries. Post-surgical depression is a real thing, too. It may help to do an internet search on the subject and realize that you're not alone and that it is not uncommon. This, too, shall pass.

I don't (can't?) see that much of a change in the mirror. I am happier then I have ever been. I eat chips and chocolate. I am angry about having loose skin. I am so excited about the future.

I got soups from Panera, strained them, then added unflavored protein powder. Definitely broke up the monotony.