LaLaDee

I always wanted to:
Cross my legs, wear boots( ankles never allowed me to), go on vacation and not be tired, go to more parties, wear clothing that fits my style... not my body .

I have always wanted to:
1) Go on vacation and rock a swimsuit and sundresses
2) Get things out of the bottom cabinet without calling my daughter
3) Get down on the ground and get back up again!

Be proficient at a musical instrument.
Dance like a Fly Girl.
Have a house built from one of my designs.
Live by an ocean.

I've always wanted to feel attractive.
I've always wanted to be a normal weight for my height.
I've always wanted relief from chronic pain syndrome. (This has not been resolved by the weight loss )

I’ve always wanted to “fit in” and be “normal”

I’ve always wanted to wear a backless gown.

Thank you! 😊 I’ll never understand how people can be so negative to others. I’m just glad I’m not as miserable as they are!

It looks like I can get these in Australia via Amazon. I'm definitely giving these a try!

One year today

I had these last night with some salsa and YUM! The regular chips don't do much for me, but these were really food! I'm going to try and make nachos with them!

This BBQ Sauce hits the spot!!

Thank you SO much for your input! It's taken me 5 years and tons of medication combinations to get to a place where I'm stable, and positive (for the most part). Now that I have the mental part under control, it's time to focus on the physical part. About 10 mins ago I finally got the courage to call and schedule my consultation appt! They were so nice, and it really relaxed the anxious feelings I was having about the whole thing.

Sent from my SM-G988U using BariatricPal mobile app

In order to have the best chance of success, I tried to ensure that my symptoms of depression and anxiety were well managed before surgery. I also continued to work with my psychologists and psychiatrists.
I think it's helpful to remember that WLS or losing weight won't magically solve all your problems. It's quite common to go through relationship issues (divorce rates are statistically higher according to most bariatric studies) and even transference to other addition issues (you can go from food to alcohol or even opiates). I think it's also quite easy to slip into orthorexia (an eating disorder that involves an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating).
On the other hand, losing weight can be great for your mental health. You can find self esteem and confidence that you have been missing your whole life. I definitely put myself "out there" more.
I think everyone's journey is different. Best of luck!

I suffer from anxiety and I had been talking to my therapist before I had the surgery to prep. I know having this surgery won’t solve all my issues but it will help improve the quality of my life. My mental health as of now has been stable. I have a tool kit to help me. I do my best to give myself a daily goal. Even if it’s just making the bed. This way I don’t back slide. I’m 6 days post op so my goal is to walk as much as I can within reason and that seems to be helping. In the psych evaluation for the surgery I was open about my anxiety issues and that wasn’t used against me. Turns old my old therapist used to work there. Small world!

I think you are on the right track, as long as you are monitoring your symptoms and have a plan, you should be OK. I know what you're going through, there was a period of many months where I couldn't get out of bed for lack of energy and I was sleeping about 14-16 hours a day. I call this my "Koala mode" (as an Aussie). Other times, I will get Patches of insomnia.
I actually think WLS helped me because it gave me a sense of purpose and hope. For me, mental health and weight are both issues that I will deal with for life. I think you have to accept that and put together a "tool kit" for dealing with both. I try and set daily goals and go easy on myself when I need to, and push myself when I need to. A daily walk, medication and therapy are important components of my treatment plan. For others, it might be quiet time, attending church, self care, a hobby etc.
Things can get better, I promise. My symptoms are very light at the moment, but I do work very hard to "look after myself". Losing weight has been great for energy levels. My sleeping is much better. I don't know if it's the sleep apnea getting better or something else. I do have some chronic illnesses, so I will just go and take a nap if I need it, and I try not to be hard on myself. But I've definitely seen improvements in the three years since I had surgery. I really hope that you do too!

I'm three years post op, and I aim for about 80grams of Protein a day. WLS patients need to prioritise protein, so it's just a way of life for me at this point. You just have to focus on each meal being very high in protein.
I find it helpful to learn what foods are high in protein (e.g. lean chicken breast, eggs, almonds, Beans, chick peas) and always have them available in your kitchen. Even now, I still supplement with protein powder/protein Creamers. I will make a smoothie or stir it into my coffee. I do prioritise protein over anything else. I never, never eat a meal or snack with just empty carbs (other than some dark chocolate for a treat). There always has to be protein in each meal. It helps that I'm a bit of a carnivore though. I like the taste of carbs, but I'll have meat with only a spoon of gluten free Pasta or rice. The priority is always protein. Sometimes I think of myself like a player in a video game where the objective is to score extra points by having as much protein as possible. I eat so much chicken, it's ridiculous. High protein milk is good too. You get used to reading the labels on everything to check macros and protein.
My other tip would be track your food with MyFitnessPal. Even the free version will keep track of your protein. Right after my surgery, I also had a special bowl and plate which marked out the ratio of how much protein should be on the plate. If I'm low on protein, I'll usually make myself drink a smoothie, that's 20grams of protein right there. If you haven't had your surgery yet, it should be relatively easy to hit the protein goals because you're not dealing with restriction yet.

About a year ago, I got into the habit of snacking at night (OK, chomping on chocolate at night). I've had to work really hard to change my evening ritual, so I don't start mindlessly eating. I now try and have a cup of tea instead, go to sleep earlier or just do something else to prevent me from falling back into that habit. I know how hard it is though. Good on you for sticking to it!

In order to have the best chance of success, I tried to ensure that my symptoms of depression and anxiety were well managed before surgery. I also continued to work with my psychologists and psychiatrists.
I think it's helpful to remember that WLS or losing weight won't magically solve all your problems. It's quite common to go through relationship issues (divorce rates are statistically higher according to most bariatric studies) and even transference to other addition issues (you can go from food to alcohol or even opiates). I think it's also quite easy to slip into orthorexia (an eating disorder that involves an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating).
On the other hand, losing weight can be great for your mental health. You can find self esteem and confidence that you have been missing your whole life. I definitely put myself "out there" more.
I think everyone's journey is different. Best of luck!

I will jump right in with zero support here too. My surgery is on Monday and I have been working so hard to get here. We are doing this for us not for them. So just keep going!

Agreed. I think it's very inappropriate for your colleagues to discuss your personal choices and medical history with your director. It potentially crosses the line, into bullying/harassment in that it could reasonably embarrass or exclude you. Particularly in such a small work place. The surgery is also your sensitive personal medical information. No one has a right to express an opinion (and if your director disclosed the details of your surgery, they may have breached ethical guidelines, or the law). I live in Australia, so the laws might be different, but we don't have any obligation to disclose the precise nature or details of medical leave at law, only provide reasonable evidence of illness. For my WLS and plastics, I simply submitted medical certificates saying that I was having a medical procedure. I even got one from a General Practitioner, rather than my surgeon so that no one could google them and see they were from a clinic bariatric surgeons.
However, you must not let these people distract you. I'm sorry this happened. But they are clearly not worth your time. Don't let them steal your joy! You're onto better and more exciting things. I hope your weight loss gives you the confidence and self esteem to expect better from people around you. You can work with these people, but they are clearly not your friends. They have shown their true colours. It sounds like you have a wonderful support network around you. Focus on the good people in your life! There's so much to be excited about!

Interesting! I'm going to make a big Protein Shake now. My plastic surgeon is great and I'm very happy with him but no one mentioned this to me!
I also found an article that suggested drinking wine in the 2-3 weeks following surgery as a diuretic for swelling! I find this hilarious for some reason. A good excuse to hang out in my compression garments and sip wine! 😂

Thanks @Sophie7713
I really appreciated what you said about not letting the anxiety take the joy out of this amazing opportunity. I have not worn anything sleeveless since I was a teenager!! I can’t wait!!! 😊

Another quick update because it's been 5 days since my extended brachioplasty. I saw the surgeon and nurse today for my follow up appointment. The bandages are off and the drains are out! I'm allowed to shower again! I feel like a new woman! YAY!!! I haven't taken any pain killers at all today. Things are a bit itchy, my skin has small rashes from where the compression bandages are (this is just my pale sensitive skin doing its thing), so I'm supposed to use body lotion - except on the incisions. I also got a new compression garment. I'm tempted to order another one on Amazon so that I don't have to frantically wash it all the time, but we'll see. My surgeon's clinic also gave me a cute gift bag with a nice note, products and some fancy chocolate.
Feeling so happy and thankful. Hope everyone else is doing well!

I thought I would share more about my Brachioplasty. I know that I scoured these forums and reddit trying to get info and advice before hand, so it only seemed fair to share my story too. I had the surgery a few days ago. Despite concerns around scarring, nerve damage and the surgery triggering an autoimmune response (I dealt with a ton of horrible illnesses after my VSG), I decided to go through with it. My first consultation was July 7th and I had the surgery on the 23rd of July when a slot became available (probably due to a cancellation from the pandemic). I felt like the universe was giving me a nudge and I had to take it!!
While I'm only a few days post op, I'm so thankful that it went well. Minimal pain (particularly compared to my VSG). I was so relieved that I could still move my arms a bit, I was concerned I wouldn't even be able to feed myself! I can't lift anything heavy, but I could drink from a glass of Water after the surgery.
I actually ended up staying the night in hospital. I could have gone home, but the general made me pretty groggy so the nurse suggested I stay. My family was quite relieved as my VSG was quite tough on my body - my blood pressure wouldn't go down and then my body freaked out with a range of autoimmune disorders from the shock a week or two later.
While the drains are pretty gross, it's manageable. I've been able to sleep really well in my bed (I read about people having to sleep upright in a chair but I didn't have to do this). There also hasn't been any horror movie style blood on my sheets (OK, a few small spots through my PJs). My hands are a bit less swollen today so that's exciting. It really feels like I'm already on the mend and it's only been a few days.
I'm looking forward to getting the drains out in the next few days. I can't wait to walk the dogs again. I know that I've got a lot of work ahead in terms of scar management, but I'm hopeful that they won't be so noticeable with time.
I've been so busy the last few years, that it's felt weird to just lie in bed and watch Netflix. Even with the quarantine, I was working crazy hours from home. Never just relaxing. Then I started a series of projects at home. I went through my closet, organised the pantry, took longer walks, did craft, cooked and baked etc, helped a friend with her studies, etc. There's always somewhere to be, something to do. After a few days, I'm starting to enjoy this forced rest and relaxation. I don't need to be busy all the time, I can be still.
I'm so thankful that I found a surgeon and anaesthetist who took such great care of me. Even though, I have (diagnosed) anxiety, I was able to get through it all because they kindly answered all my questions.
My key learnings from surgery:
Keep the old button up PJs and zip up hoodies when they get too big for you as you lose weight. They might come in handy for plastics - they're easy to put on and fit loosely around drains and swelling. Have a surgery plan (people to take you to hospital, meals in the freezer, someone to care for pets, children, plants). Have lozenges on hand (my throat still hurts from the surgery), lip balm, a good book, pack light for the hospital (someone else will have to carry your bag). Find the right surgeon, go to multiple consultations. Make a list of questions. Call them up with more questions. Keep up hydration and walking after surgery. Hope everyone is doing well at the moment! Much love to my bariatric pals. Other than some of my family, I don't share that I had the sleeve and plastics. Sometimes I feel really weird about my "secret life" that I keep from everyone, but that's what makes me comfortable. Here with you wonderful people, I feel less lonely. I'm one of the many vets who dropped off a bit. You start living life and it gets busy! However, right at the time in my life, I'm happy to be in this community with such supportive, lovely ladies (some of the guys here are OK too).
Anyway, wow - that felt like an essay. Whew! Some pics below in case anyone is interested.

I love this thread!! I'm in Australia and some of these products are from Australia or New Zealand, but I don't want to miss out on the fun. Besides, the American supermarkets seem to have a version of everything so most of you can probably find something similar.
1. Dark roasted Peanut Butter - I eat this with apple or banana, on top of my oats, in my smoothies. As a rare treat, I will sometimes have this on gluten free toast too.

2. Kombucha - passionfruit flavour. I gave up Diet Coke (had a die hard addition but I think the sugar substitutes were making me crave real sugar) and high calorie juices. When I don't feel like Water, I'll have this. It's delicious, I don't know if it actually does anything in terms of Probiotics for the microbiome, but I like the taste.

3. Taco spice from costco. I buy these giant bottles of taco spice and throw it into beef mince or with chicken (I love a Mexican salad, taco Soup, or bowl of chilli carne carne). This actually lasts in my pantry, unlike those little sachets.

4. Halo top. Any kind - but peanut butter is my favourite. Lately, I've been buying the sticks as I can easily eat a whole tub (which is 280 calories). This is perfect when I want dessert (e.g. most nights).

5. Caramel collagen Creamer - I'm pretty sure this is available in the US, or will be soon. I think they have a dairy and non-dairy version, but I usually grab the regular kind. My skin, nails and hair look so much better when I'm doing collagen - it's a little miracle. I love the taste of this one, I stir it into smoothies, iced coffee and even my oats every morning to add Protein.