LisaKay

Well, I got my official pre-op pictures from my surgeon. The post-op picture is 12 weeks post TT/LBL, 5 weeks post breast lift & 1 week post inner thigh lift. Hard to believe it's the same body!
   

Got on the scale for the first time & I'm up .2lbs, but my body fat is super low… so I know I'm not imagining the swelling! I'm supposed to go back to work on Monday, but I may work from home, depending on how much the swelling goes down between now and then. Super fortunate to have an understanding boss & the ability to be flexible with my work schedule! Considering I took almost no time off with the first 2 procedures, I don't even feel a little guilty about needing time for this one!

I was excited a few days ago hearing my surgery date was moved up to May 23. A few days ago my father went into the hospital to have a lobectomy. He is now in ICU on life support.
They filmed him just out of surgery, barely unable to speak but he smiled and mentioned my surgery. I live out of state but hope he is still there on Wednesday when Im able to visit.
I'm so sad wondering if he will be around, concerned if he is suffering, right now they medicated him so he cannot move. He's up and down. It feels like a lot on my plate.
I feel heart heavy, that my personal happiness is also mixed with one of the most heartbreaking hurdles in my life.
Thinking of my father, praying for his health, hoping for the best. He would want me to be healthy.
I love you dad.

The surgery will be the easy part. Make sure you will be safe/have a plan for if the person gets out of jail.
I also went to Mexico by myself, and had no troubles. When I got home, I wasn't alone, but instead of them taking care of me, it created MORE work for me taking care of them. You'll be just fine!
Do make sure you have a ride home from the hospital, and enough food on hand that you don't need to shop for a few days. Get your approved foods (drinks, really) list now, so you can prepare.
Good luck!

I'm single. I had surgery and live alone. It isn't hard. Just have premise Protein Shakes.

I am sorry you are having such a hard time. First off, I would inform your surgeon of your situation. I am sure he/she would want to know your what you are facing in your life at this time, before your surgery is performed. This is major surgery and we all want to have a smooth and safe recovery. Wishing you the best. Stay strong,

Hi,
Great job for taking these first steps in doing the surgery. You are right in this surgery is only a tool and now all the work begins for a life style of healthy eating and exercise. I also am a stress/ emotional eater and have a very stressful job. I hit this battle like you are. I even hit a point where i would stuff food in my mouth and chow it and spit it out so i can indulge in that comfort. BUT i knew afterwords that was wrong and i was scared of what i did. I did talk to a friend who teaches about eating disorders and confessed to her. As it turns out i did it because i was stressed. I didn't even know i was stressed because it is a habit to turn to food. I can say i never have done that again!!!! I had to recognize the emotion and find other ways to cope. Yes exercise does help but i still needed something else. Life had to slow down and i had to learn how to pick and eat healthy food so i can be satisfied. Truly there is much frustration i endured but keep pressing through and it does get easer as time moves on. I started researching food, spending more time in preparing it and trying new things. Take it day to day knowing that this hard work now will pay off. One of the advices i have gotten is to find a hobby that is active. It will let you meet new people, keep you active in fitness beside the normal gym stuff and is something that brings joy and fun into your life. With high stress we NEED FUN even more then normal people! it is really helping me a lot. I am doing a trek to the base camp of Mount Everest in October. That goal helps my focus. Know that this is a Big year with a lot of change. Be kind to yourself and know this year you need to slow everything down to set good health goal. You are worth it. And on the bad day, it ok to have them too! they become fewer and fewer as life opens up with the new you! Blessing on your journey.

hi Carol, exercise it away is not possible when i been overweight for 28 years. yes i have the loose skin but it does not bother me at all. It is temporary because i know i will have skin removal surgery in future. To feel this good and be eating healthy is the #1 goal i have. My weight and body is image is second thought. Because who i am as person is inside me. And cloths can hide everything anyways. Having a healthy life style is worth everything. I am a cancer surviver and i know now i have a even greater chance for a longer life.

Hi Tarver, Yes i also did same thing before surgery! I am a christian and i know my faith help see me through every bit of it. The Dr even said my healing process was faster then most. i was so desperate for this life change. No matter what, i am all in! For me it was not about the weight loss as it was about being healthy. I survived cancer two year ago and am in high range for another cancer, along with being 150 lbs overweight increases my chances even more and the newest addition was type 2 diabetes. This was the best decision i ever made! I am now diabetics free, off all meds and all my reports came back and i am cancer free still. I feel good! I am going to make this next half of my life fun, active, and amazing! Im 45yrs old going on 30! Blessing to you on your journey!

Water has been a struggle by far. seems like i am always drinking because i am. it is still not enough for what i should have. Dehydration is a problem for me.

sorry for all your troubles. You CAN do This! I went to Mexico and had mine done. No one could go with me so i did it alone. Even flying 2 days after surgery alone. The laparoscopic surgery really is quick healing. I was able to do everything slowly but i could. I did not have kids only myself to attend to. Have everything you need for eating after surgery pre made and ready before surgery. I was walking a mile by day 5 and off all pain med. You can do this. Have your cell phone and talk to people for encouragement! I wish you the best.

sorry for all your troubles. You CAN do This! I went to Mexico and had mine done. No one could go with me so i did it alone. Even flying 2 days after surgery alone. The laparoscopic surgery really is quick healing. I was able to do everything slowly but i could. I did not have kids only myself to attend to. Have everything you need for eating after surgery pre made and ready before surgery. I was walking a mile by day 5 and off all pain med. You can do this. Have your cell phone and talk to people for encouragement! I wish you the best.

sorry for all your troubles. You CAN do This! I went to Mexico and had mine done. No one could go with me so i did it alone. Even flying 2 days after surgery alone. The laparoscopic surgery really is quick healing. I was able to do everything slowly but i could. I did not have kids only myself to attend to. Have everything you need for eating after surgery pre made and ready before surgery. I was walking a mile by day 5 and off all pain med. You can do this. Have your cell phone and talk to people for encouragement! I wish you the best.

I relate. Everything made me nauseous. The thought of any food was repulsive. I'm seven weeks out now. You do have to get that Protein in, and the Vitamins. Are you getting enough Water?
It is challenging to learn to fix smaller portions, to take smaller portions. I have learned to measure out what I think I "should" eat. Usually, I can't eat it all. At least I waste less that way.
I am also having a hard time eating leftovers.
I've eaten out a few times. Don't watch other people order and eat. Just order an appetizer or something ala carte. Sometimes I just take a few bites off of my husband's plate. It's that or be prepared to take home food and have leftovers.
It does get better. The main thing for energy is getting all of that protein in. I still struggle with that each day.

My energy level has stayed high, I take juice plus for Vitamins. B12 spray, that's all beside the food I eat for Vitamin. Google Bone Broth, it also is the most natural Protein and good nutrition. I love it and easy to make. I also got into kombucha for Probiotics. Love the taste.

You inspire me!

hi Carol, exercise it away is not possible when i been overweight for 28 years. yes i have the loose skin but it does not bother me at all. It is temporary because i know i will have skin removal surgery in future. To feel this good and be eating healthy is the #1 goal i have. My weight and body is image is second thought. Because who i am as person is inside me. And cloths can hide everything anyways. Having a healthy life style is worth everything. I am a cancer surviver and i know now i have a even greater chance for a longer life.

What a life changer. I love every bit of this process and my new lifestyle. Surgery went great and no complications, my energy high the whole time. So far no Hair loss.
     

You look awesome. One of my greatest fears is that I will be shaped awkwardly, with a big head. :-)

You look fantastic, love to see success stories, trying to keep a positive mental state prior to surgery...the only difference between fear and faith is where we put our focus...I am choosing to focus on all the positive successes I see here....

You are looking soo good!! Keep up the good work


H 5'6" HW 253, CW 245, TBS 9/19

Congratulations.

Hi all. I am 10 weeks post op and am really trying to work hard at dealing with my issues that brought me here. I would love to hear some stories about how people are dealing with their desires to eat?
I am in counseling and I am understanding the causes of my over eating but I am scared that I am not making life long changes. I have followed everything and I plan to continue to do so for a long time. I am trying exercise for stress but I have a great deal of stress and food had always been the answer. I miss eating in volumes and I'm not sure what to do about that?
I don't want this just to be another vicious cycle where I slowly slip back. I want to know what else I should be doing to deal with my issues and setting myself up for long term success.
Any advice would be welcomed! Thank you for reading

Hi,
Great job for taking these first steps in doing the surgery. You are right in this surgery is only a tool and now all the work begins for a life style of healthy eating and exercise. I also am a stress/ emotional eater and have a very stressful job. I hit this battle like you are. I even hit a point where i would stuff food in my mouth and chow it and spit it out so i can indulge in that comfort. BUT i knew afterwords that was wrong and i was scared of what i did. I did talk to a friend who teaches about eating disorders and confessed to her. As it turns out i did it because i was stressed. I didn't even know i was stressed because it is a habit to turn to food. I can say i never have done that again!!!! I had to recognize the emotion and find other ways to cope. Yes exercise does help but i still needed something else. Life had to slow down and i had to learn how to pick and eat healthy food so i can be satisfied. Truly there is much frustration i endured but keep pressing through and it does get easer as time moves on. I started researching food, spending more time in preparing it and trying new things. Take it day to day knowing that this hard work now will pay off. One of the advices i have gotten is to find a hobby that is active. It will let you meet new people, keep you active in fitness beside the normal gym stuff and is something that brings joy and fun into your life. With high stress we NEED FUN even more then normal people! it is really helping me a lot. I am doing a trek to the base camp of Mount Everest in October. That goal helps my focus. Know that this is a Big year with a lot of change. Be kind to yourself and know this year you need to slow everything down to set good health goal. You are worth it. And on the bad day, it ok to have them too! they become fewer and fewer as life opens up with the new you! Blessing on your journey.

What a life changer. I love every bit of this process and my new lifestyle. Surgery went great and no complications, my energy high the whole time. So far no Hair loss.