Sophie7713

Bambi - Your body has experienced a major change in weight also adjusting to a new way of eating for the better. It's normal if you are staying compliant for things to shift up and down a bit. You will balance out in time. Try to go back to our threads in 2019 - 2021... I think you will find them helpful and encouraging. Cheering you on! YAY! BTW, why not go under 200 - say 195? It may feel even more rewarding in a new decade... the 90's😃!

How are things progressing? Are you closer to your goal? Fun at the gym today - my spotter, the handsome Pirate from the Caribbean!

AWESOME! Congratulations and best wishes... Happy Spring.

Happy Spring! Are you happy with your new arms six months out!? Do send us a progress picture. August 2025 - I began weight lifting with arms - so pleased how they've contoured and firmed up even more. And, I love being in XS to S in tops now. Yay!

I had my arm lifts October 2024. Lipo was not part of my procedure. It was, however, the most painful of all my plastics - I do believe because as appendages away from the warmth and protection of the main body (and, my surgeon does not like compression garments for arms) - the healing journey was not pleasant, but well worth it. I'm so pleased with the results! Began lifting weights to further firm + contour arms beginning August 2025. Best wishes and much success with your new happy arms!

Amber WAY TO GO! Best Wishes in crafting a lifestyle to LAST a lifetime. I like to remind myself as well - Excellence, not perfection. Here's to the wild, wilder, and wildest ride EVER... Congratulations!

By the way, let me preface this by saying any surgery can be risky. And, there is a small percentage where bariatric surgery has had negative consequences and was not successful. However, I believe for most, and with latest technologies + procedures + nutritional improvements it is safe and sound. Best wishes on your journey towards better health, healing and transformation!

I would NEVER go back! A picture is worth a thousand words. If you comply, remain diligent to take GOOD care of yourself (and, your sleeve) physically AND emotionally - YOU will have VICTORY Diane72! You can do this. We are all cheering you on!

Oh ladies, there has never been a dessert I've met - I didn't like! I think your dietician and surgeon are wise and spot on. A VERY occasional few bites of a favorite dessert will not sabotage... Unless - there are a few so susceptible that it can spur a downward spiral. I had to combat that scenario and regain restraint after introducing unnatural/processed or baked sweets three years out. Mr. Sophie is our resident baker with party desserts to die for! BUT I have learned to share or take a few bites - then give or throw away the rest - so not to be amidst constant temptation. For myself, best to reach out for a fruit that possesses a balance of natural sugar and fiber. Cautionary tale: My former self having indulged in too many desserts and rich foods before sleeve. NEVER wish to return to that place or vicious cycle again.

Yes, time has totally flown by! Celebrating with you on your 9th year beginning this journey!!! Wow. What a game changer for us and others who currently take that courageous step to improve their health, happiness and well being. You are a benediction... A true treasure to all of us here at Bari-pals dispensing help, insight and encouragement thru the years. Remember our COVID days? Thank you! And, Tea, I was in awe at our recent Palm Beach - 65th Red Cross Ball honoring all our uniformed men and women who serve valiantly to keep us safe and sound - here and abroad. Danced all night! How wonderful not to experience the wiggle jiggle on my upper arms after brachioplasty October 2025. The arms are healing nicely. Weight lifting them 3 times a week for optimum form, strength and movement. YAY for PLASTIC SURGERY!!! Mr. Sophie sends his best. Jacksonville Wolfson Children's Hospital gala we attended in December 2025. Another night of dancing with arms up and swinging! FUN. 😉Do share some more updated pictures.

I believe a little bit of dark chocolate in the diet is healthy - it may help combat sweet cravings... I try to reach for fresh fruit first though. Normally that satisfies - especially banana slices with a little fresh peanut butter. Or crisp apple chunks with a little cheddar cheese. I love sweets, too, AND have to control ordering desserts when out... It can escalate BUT you got this. You are in control to seek alternatives that satisfy that sweet tooth.

Absolutely, Green Tealaeh... Happy New Year! I concur - the investment in plastics after weight loss has resulted in a resounding feeling of confidence, a satisfied and completed journey 8 years out! I could not be happier with my new found shape even though I went from 5 feet to current 4' 11" (currently adjusting my weight for this height decrease)... The rewards are too many to count! And, your figure is simply gorgeous! Well done. Do you also feel plastics has helped keep one dedicated, motivated, and vigilant for the other important components such as healthy exercise, mindful eating and emotional wholeness + growth after our initial weight loss surgeries 2018?

Alex, (Side note: BTW, I am longtime Sophie7713 here since 2019 - For whatever reason when trying to reset my password last week my name and picture appeared! I am no longer recognized as Sophie7713, and considered pre op, new and no threads. Can this be reset on your end!? I've tried everything on my end!...)☹️ I'd like to loose 25 - 30 pounds since a decrease of 1 ½" in height loss since sleeve surgery in 2018. I have been most apprehensive of Tirzepatide or any injections (actually very afraid, as I take no meds except vitamins and levothyroxine over the years...) but the scale is just not moving even with healthy eating and exercise. May I pose a few questions: Alex, did you need to remain on shots after losing 27 pounds? Are you forever committed now to remaining on this medication to maintain - even if one adheres to healthy eating and exercise plan? Will one regain the lost pounds if shots are stopped? Are the shots painful? How quickly do the shots work? What is the average weight loss pounds per week? How long does one plan for losing 30 pounds? Any noticeable side effects? Thank you, kindly.

Hi All - been off the radar lately... Wanted to update the new arms after brachioplasty surgery 10 months ago. I am now weight training this summer to firm and refine my new slim arms! Was able to wear sheer sleeves for our 30th vow renewal and anniversary gala past April. Yay! My upper body movement has so much improved. I could dance without the wiggle jiggle. Heehee. I really do encourage those whom carry larger amounts of loose skin after weight loss surgery on your arms - to seriously consider this game changing procedure. Hope everyone is having a happy summer!

At 65 - I am happier, healthier and slimmer than when in college! And, I will be a much smaller bride for 30th anniversary + vow renewal this April. Congratulations to all who took this courageous journey as an older adult! You are to be celebrated. Keep up the good fight...

Do share with us your skin removal journey!!! Best wishes! It is a game changer for any massive weight loss who retains a lot of excess skin to keep one positive, on track and motivated forward at any age. Just had my arms done in October 2024. Initial sleeve December 2018. I turned 65 May 2024.

How did your plastics go? I have had several procedures to trim excess skin, breast and arm reductions with fabulous results. You?

Yes, I just turned 65 this past May. Yikes!

Ha Ha. No more BIG SUE here. And, I bet you've got a very cute cookie now. Congratulations on this amazing transformation! And, the fact you are still going strong almost 4 years out.

Oh Congratulations DaisyChainOZ! This is an exciting way to begin 2025 - A New Year to bring forth wonderful change and success toward your health goals. Keep us updated with your progress. And, there are several long term threads tracking here with invaluable information that maybe helpful to you along your journey. Soooo excited for you! Some virtual posies for a smooth recovery after surgery.

Happy New Year 2025! Perhaps, this is an ideal time to share, encourage and exchange our Non-Weight Scale Victories? Our past, current and long term success is not simply a mere number on the weight scale. Or the antiquated medical BMI charts. Do you agree? Just a few of my NWSV's... 1. Long fitness walks without achy knees or feet 2. No longer the need for an airplane seat belt extender 3. I can now see my feet 4. Lost ½ of myself 5. Wear belts and boots that never fit my obese body before 6. Dropped one entire shoe size 7. Winter layers without feeling extra huge & bulky anymore 8. I control food now, it does not control me! AND, so much more.

Three months out and launched first modeling gig for winter outer gear with new thinner arms and tummy. Hands still a bit swelled to me on unedited proofs - BUT company photographer seemed pleased with our shoot.

Yay! Really felt the visual benefits of mid-October brachioplasty today with new winter vest, shirt and scarf ensemble. I begin physical therapy tomorrow to work out elbow knots + soreness, ensure overall range of motion and optimum healing results 13 weeks out. I am pleased with the continued process and results.

Happy New Year 2025 everyone!!! 12 weeks out sleeping comfortably on both sides with arms under my pillow. No more aches or soreness waking up. Our December holiday getaway was a wonderful diversion feeling it aided greatly to next stage of healing. The surgeon mentioned colder temperatures might exasperate nerve pain, but I had no issues. We loved the crisper + snowy days. Invigorating! And, samplings of Penn State ice cream was the best medicine indeed.

Ms. Arabesque - You inspired me to go RED! You look stunning, Lady in Red... Just a casual outfit (very loose after recent surgery) for the holidays and, appears to match our guest room at Hotel Greenbrier...Haha. Do you all like the new palazzo sweat style pants this year? I thought I'd give them a try - but hard to wear big clothes again after years of obesity. I think I prefer more fitted. Also, treated myself to these red spectators...