LaLaDee

Silly Kitty makes a very good point here. Each surgeon needs to evaluate one's age, health, skin type, pain threshold and flesh amount to be removed. For myself, I had stretched my petite frame beyond extreme at 5 feet. Even a few inches would have spread the wealth. LOL. Surgery for tummy + breast lifts past December was six hours from prep to recovery. My recovery was smooth, concise and without issue. Close to 6 - 7 pounds of skin removed! Interestingly, while my weight loss had stabilized - my body responded positively in other ways to the plastic surgery procedure. Day of surgery - I weighed 130 pounds. 1 1/2 months later - I settled in at 118. Now, 115. My arm lifts are scheduled 7 months from December surgery. I have very heavy upper arms, and suspect each may weigh 1 pound!? Soooo, that might mean a final weight of 113 pounds in the end. Do not plan on inner thigh skin to be removed. I can manage and conceal that pretty well. That being said, I am amazed at the Art and Science - Skill + Talents available to us with WLS and plastics to help us arrive at our best selves! So thankful and at awe of all our wonderful transformations! Other than the COVID thing - I'm really enjoying my slimmest happiest summer of adult lifetime. Game changer, indeed!

At the end of the day, there are myriad reasons why people may have gained weight over the course of the past 4-5 months. We do not know and cannot know the paths that they walk and the obstacles that they face. COVID-19 is a catastrophic event that has had a huge impact across the world and has upended the lives of EVERYONE. The stresses involved with such a massive disruption to how many people live their lives will have many effects, both visible and invisible. I find absolutely no fault whatsoever with anyone who has gained weight in the midst of the global crisis. food is a comfort and is (regrettably, in some ways) an easy way to find a moment of peace and solace in the face of so much uncertainty. That some people need to use it to improve their mental and emotional well being is neither surprising, nor shameful.

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!

ASS.
KEEPER.

Jezus. Have you not learned anything at all from your last disastrous “Stop Making Excuses” thread?
I get you have limited experience in social situations, but damn, brother, take the effing time to gain some and learn from it.
I’m sorry, honestly, because I really do live to give people the benefit of the doubt, but with you, I oscillate between feeling terribly sorry for you and wanting to barf.
Please, try and do better.

I've gained weight because I am working my butt off learning a new job and I don't have the natural movement of going out or to an office like I did before. Also, my father died, some of my friends are sick, and sometimes all I feel like doing in the evening is sitting around feeling like crud and eating Skinny Cow ice cream. I'm back on plan, but I judge no one for their weight or what they eat EVER!

As a two time weight loss surgery patient, you truly don't understand why people gain weight?
Everything you just posted could have been said about you or any of us. Didn't we all hear "Just eat healthier. Just exercise more."? How did it feel when you encountered that type of attitude pre WLS? Was it helpful or motivating in any way?
Even in Rants and Raves, what is the reason behind this post? The only point I can see is to feel superior to others. Reminds me the the post from earlier this month, "STOP MAKING EXCUSES." It's the same myopic point of view and lack of empathy towards others who may be struggling.

I will be 1yr, 9 months this week.
5’2”, started at 235, lowest 109, now I consistently hover around 115.
I can eat pretty much anything without issue except for large quantities of sugar (especially on an empty stomach, yikes!).
With that said, just because I can eat anything, doesn’t mean I do. I still stay away from rice, Pasta, bread and potatoes. I don’t really eat fruit except for berries, but I do love me some mangoes, so I won’t say no if its around. I am known to eat dessert or occasion (a lot of times to my detriment...i.e., dumping), and drink semi-regularly.
In terms of volume (at one 45-60 minute sitting...I need to eat slowly otherwise I’ll foam up, and I don’t have any liquids for about an hour after I eat anything)
meats and seafood, I top out at maybe 3-4oz, after which I get really uncomfortable and may barf. Pork especially fills me up quick. Though I’d like to think I could probably eat a wole package of cooked bacon if I put my mind to it lololololzzz
Raw salads, 2-3 cups
Cooked veggies, 1 cup
My typical meal is salad with a couple oz of some sort of Protein on top. The salad is typically greens, cucumber, carrots, maybe some cheese or seeds/nuts sprinkled on top. I always add 1-2 tbsp of a low cal homemade vinaigrette...I think this is actually my fave part of the salad, lol)
If its not salad, I’d eat a small portion of whatever I made for the fam (minus any carbs), less than 1 cup in volume total. Same if I go out to eat.
I don’t have any set meal times, I just eat when I’m hungry. Open my fridge and you’ll find partially eaten bowls of food that I work on throughout the day (or over a couple days). The first meal of the day is almost always after noon. I TRY not to eat past 7pm, but am often not successful.
I maintain my weight on about 1800-2000 average a day, BUT I exercise regularly, so this has to account for that. I don't really know what my cal intake should/would be if I didn’t exercise, and I’m not really keen on finding out.
Finally, in terms of appearance (and this is both my opinion and my fam’s): For some reason I look healthier/less guant/less sickly than I did last year, even at the same weight. This may be due to the plastics I got last December, but I didn’t do anything to my face, and I think it looks way more filled in and less droopy than it did last year. I suspect its because of all the extra carbs...I used to take in less than 25g Net carbs, and these days I am at about 50-100g, depending on the day. So yay, Desserts? Lol
P.S. Sorry this was so long...I’m in an essay-writing mood today 😎

Another date with my lonesome closet today. Purchased this dress past winter to wear + replace much needed donated dresses OR so I thought. It hangs in plastic until a better day. ;[

Your arms will look so great when healed! I can see the difference already! Congrats!

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.

Thanks. It's happening on Thursday! I'm so glad you breast/tummy work went well. How long was your recovery? I'm doing arms first. Then in the future, breasts and tummy would be great.
I'll try and keep you posted. I should some before and after pics.
I'm really going between anxiety and excitement at the moment... Also scared that they will stop elective surgeries again because of COVID-19. Now, I just want it over with!

You're going to have GREAT results!!

Damn it, I only have one.

WHO in the world would want to date a “man” with that attitude? I hope he does some serious reflection and matures. He’s going to be lonely if he doesn’t make some major changes.

Omg, she came with Receipts!

For any newcomer reading this and having any second doubts about what you post, please dont let this affect you. This is an open platform where 98% of the people are positive and will give you the best advice possible. You never know who is struggling with the same problem. Some people will say go look at old posts, but i like new post. You never know year by year what people have learned. It may be something new. Ask away. NO ONE IS PERFECT. Make mistakes. Learn. Most importantly grow. This is your journey. Make the best of it and try your absolute best. I still come on here a year later because i am constantly learning. I love the process and all the help i have gotten on here. Ive met some really awesome people. Literally have gone and met them. Real friendships. So please dont be discouraged by this post. And let it be a lesson to you. DO NOT MESS WITH THE BARI GIRLS 😂. They will put you in your place real quick if you get out of line. LOL!!

I went in for a consult with a plastic surgeon last week and we booked in an extended brachioplasty surgery for September. Yesterday I got a call saying there's a free spot next week on Thursday... so I was like, ok, cool, let's get it over with. I don't want to panic about it for months - this is a good opportunity. So now it's happening next week. I'm a bit worried that I'm unprepared. I'm hoping to have it as a day surgery so I can come home, if not, there's a room booked for me - I'll take an overnight bag just in case. I've taken leave from work. My mother and sister are around to look after me. If the drains gross me out, I can call a community nurse to do them (it's about $100 per day). There's a ton of food in the freezer I can eat. I was thinking of downloading audible so I could listen to some audio books (assuming it's too painful to hold my kindle). There's a ton of shows/movies I want to watch on Netflix etc. I've got some old bedding ready in case things are gross from the incisions, so I don't stain my nice sheets. I'm a non-smoker. I exercise every day so hopefully blood pressure will be OK (unlike when I had VSG). I don't have any scar stuff/compression garments but I think I will get that from surgeon. I have some hoodies that zip down the middle.
Anyone else have any ideas on how I can prepare? I'm sure that I'm missing something. Any hints or tips would be appreciated... particularly from those who have gone through it. My only previous surgeries are gallbladder and VSG, which were both laparoscopic so I'm pretty freaked out, but I really want this.

I had a 40 lb weight gain over 8 years. 10 years post sleeve. Life happens. too many personal losses and changes....
Back in control now. Lost 37 pounds in the past year. Back to basics. Protein, veggies, fruit , sprinkling of carbs, healthy oils and fats and a daily treat.
Also back to the scale twice daily. Morning and Evening. Evening also lets me know if I have had enough Water. I dehydrate too easily. And not good with my fluids...
I will never be "normal" weight or BMI - but am back to my lowest BMI, and almost lowest sustained weight.

I’m 13 years out and I weigh 3x daily . I have a danger zone number, if I hit it I take action fast .

We may have longer journeys but you still get to enjoy life every step of the way!
Dont wait for goal to start your life! I’m still a big girl (over 200 pounds) but I’ve been trying all kinds of things that I thought were reserved for thin beautiful girls:
Online dating. Yoga. Gym. Speaking up at work. Wearing expensive skinny jeans. Walking the dog during the day time. Shopping at real stores intead of online. Smiling and speaking to strangers.
Maybe that sounds weird or small, but when you start where I started on this journey, it’s not just about losing weight. It’s losing the feelings of shame.
I’m grateful for the insane, difficult, beautiful, horrible long journey that I’m on. It wouldn’t have been the same if I had only had to lose 60 pounds to get to goal.
When I hit my goal, it’s going to be amazing. But I’m not waiting any longer to enjoy life! :-)

LOL I dropped 2-3 more lbs overnight. I'm still within ideal range (so no stress) but now I know I have to take it easy with hardcore IF for a bit and only do a modified version
I guess there is merit for me in being flexible, stepping in and out of the lifestyle as needed.

True.
If I don’t get at least 7 hrs sleep, I’m going to feel like crap and need to break my fast earlier.
Which sucks bc getting enough sleep sometimes is nearly impossible

If you can only do 12 hours, it’s ok. The scale is moving and that’s the ultimate goal. Consistency is the most important tactic.

Hi all, everyone seems to be doing really well! I'm down about 6kg or 13lb since I decided to tackle my regain as a New Year resolution.
I have to take a lot of medications with Breakfast and with dinner, so I was struggling a bit with IF. I get nauseated and sick if pills aren't accompanied by some food. I had to adjust everything so I'm now doing 14 hour fasting window, with a 10 hour eating window. Unfortunately, due to my long working hours, sometimes it's 12:12 by the time I get around to eating dinner. Hopefully, I'm still getting some benefits from this IF approach. It's early days. My long term goal is to find an approach I can use for the rest of my life. It would be great to lose some more weight and then finally figure out this maintenance business!

Hi all, everyone seems to be doing really well! I'm down about 6kg or 13lb since I decided to tackle my regain as a New Year resolution.
I have to take a lot of medications with Breakfast and with dinner, so I was struggling a bit with IF. I get nauseated and sick if pills aren't accompanied by some food. I had to adjust everything so I'm now doing 14 hour fasting window, with a 10 hour eating window. Unfortunately, due to my long working hours, sometimes it's 12:12 by the time I get around to eating dinner. Hopefully, I'm still getting some benefits from this IF approach. It's early days. My long term goal is to find an approach I can use for the rest of my life. It would be great to lose some more weight and then finally figure out this maintenance business!