christinafin

Hey! Good luck to you too. Getting so close. Yes, I started my liver shrinkage diet on Friday. It's not purely liquids, I'm allowed some chicken or fish, fruit and vegetables. The rest is soup and shakes. I think the liquid diet is more common in the US, I'm in the UK. Not sure why they differ. How are you finding it?

@Clementine Sky congratulations on all your weight loss! That's so encouraging to hear that you've had such great results, and a positive experience with your skin and hair. Slow and steady sounds more appealing now! I have terrible stretch marks so I don't expect my skin will recover quite so well, but here's hoping! Thanks for sharing.

Hello! I'm getting mine with Mr Gibson at the Nuffield too! 55pounds is fantastic, congratulations! I'll send you a private message.

I'm not really very sure. I'm planning to start using it pre-op, and assume it's ok to use away from the scars immediately, arms, lower belly etc. I will need to check with my doctor how soon I can apply it to the scars themselves though.

Hi Rudge, I'm worried about this too. I'm getting sleeved April 14th and have told close family and friends, but worry about how to react when people that I don't want to tell ask. Maybe focus on the decision to do it rather than the actual method? That you got to a stage that you just were ready to do something about it. Something clicked and you knew you needed to change things. I hope most people won't be so brazen to push for more. We discussed it here a few days ago too: Good luck with everything!

Fantastic! @_Kate_ that's really amazing. Congratulations on it all. I look forward to having similar updates soon.

@_Kate_ yes, very exciting! I'm a little nervous of course, but it just feels so right. They've been great so far. Got my dietitian and psychologist appointments next week. I've had to move the op date around a few times as I'm leading a big project at work that keeps being held up. It's all working out really nicely now though! What plastics did you have? How has the recovery been? You look great in your pic.

The Nuffield in Glasgow. Where are you based?

@_Kate_ @OutsideMatchInside That's really good to know! Thanks.

@OutsideMatchInside yes, I'm past expecting my body to be perfect too, and am actually really ok with that. But there's a difference between not being perfect, and skin being shockingly loose. I'm single, so am a little worried about it being an issue while dating. I'm actually very confident in myself naked as I am, so would hate for this to become a concern I don't have before!

Thanks @_Kate_ I love bio oil so was planning to be pretty generous with that. Not sure if that's better than coconut oil, but will see how they go.

Thanks @OutsideMatchInside I figured it was pretty hopeless, but I want to do anything I can.

Hi all, What skin care products do you recommend for minimising loose skin? I know exercise is the key thing to help, which I am already doing much more of, but wondered what (if any) products may help. I am 31, 5'9 and currently 300pounds, 4 weeks prior to my op. I'm prone to bad stretch marks, so assume loose skin is going to be a problem for me. I understand it's most likely unavoidable but if there are any products that help a little, I'd like to give them a try. I'm in the U.K. but sure I'll be able to get an equivalent of any products if we don't have the same brand here. Thanks in advance!

You've just perfectly summed up my thoughts and concerns about this perfectly. I'm having the same dilema! I'm having my sleeve op next month. My family have been amazingly supportive, and I've told a few close friends who've also been great. I'm not ashamed and I don't want to lie, but what do you say when you don't want to discuss it? I wondered about trying to brush it off with a 'oh I just needed to get a grip of myself' then move on. But some people will keep pushing for an answer I guess, so I'm still working out a plan to deal with that. So basically, I'm not much help to you with advice but am in the same boat. Good luck with your journey!

Try ASOS! They have a huge range of styles and sizes. I've been living in their 'curve' range for years, they've been very forward thinking with plus size fashion. I'm looking forward to getting into their 'straight' sizes post-op though. They deliver worldwide. I'm not sure if they have COS outside of Europe, but it's my absolute favourite. Interesting and stylish cuts, in beautiful fabrics, Scandi style. H+M's big sister brand.

Oh that must be so hard, so disappointing. How do you feel about the new op? I went to see Mr Gibson with the intention of getting the band, but he recommended the sleeve for me. Initially I liked the idea of it being reversible, and not such a huge scary move, but actually there's something comforting knowing that this option is permanent. A relief somehow. I feel like it's totally the right thing for me now. I've been seeing a therapist for a few months now and really feel ready to deal with this. For the first time in years, losing weight seems achievable, which is so exciting!

April 14th for me, just booked in today! Although do have a couple of checks still to go. So ready for this change! @Helencfin on Instagram!

Wow! Me too, same hospital and surgeon! Confirmed my op date this morning. 43pounds is amazing! Congratulations!

Wow. You've lost 3 stone in 4 weeks? Congratulations! Thanks for the advice, some great stuff there.

Thanks for the advice! I'm definitely getting into the mindset of it being a tool, rather than a miracle fix. Very ready for the change!

Hello! I'm in Scotland, and having my sleeve op next month. How are you getting on?

Hi all, I'm very new to the site, just joined this evening. So a big hello to everyone. I'm going to be having my gastric sleeve operation next month, here in the UK. I have done a lot of research on the main areas of the diet and the op, and have of course discussed this with my surgeon. I just wondered if anyone had any extra advice they wanted to throw in? Anything I won't have thought of/anticipated? Any advice on things to buy in preparation, or that I should take to the hospital with me would be particularly helpful. I've read some people saying to wear really loose clothing, and others suggesting some sort of control-wear to support the tummy area after. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! Christina. x