kristieshannon

Honestly I have no idea what actual size I was. I was only wearing sports bras pre-op but had a whole lot of loose flesh. Just empty sacks of skin really. Mine are the “gummy bear” type of silicone implant, and were placed under the muscle.

Shoulda’ added a pic :)

Mine are 375cc moderate profile. I told my doc I wanted to be about a D cup. Turns out I’m a 32G. Drop and fluff-I guess that’s what I’d call it. Mine looked weirdly squared along the bottom, the rounded out after a couple months. I’m still thrilled with my results almost 4 years later.

This was very disconcerting to me. I’d been overweight most of my adult life. I found it pretty insulting that I was now “worthy” of male attention. That feeling has settled down, but I still can’t say I’m 100% comfortable with the attention.

Congratulations! You’ve been an inspiration to many, me for sure. I love the scientific info you share!

I have the weird post-covid effect of yogurt (all yogurts!) tasting metallic. So cottage cheese has replaced it for me. I eat mine with a handful of blueberries and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

I would start the habit now of following your surgical team’s instructions to a T. I think most who have had long term success here did just that. I know it helped me immensely in my first year, when I lost the most weight, to do what they said rather than trust my own instincts which led me to being overweight in the first place.

People aren’t responding with questions because they don’t believe you, rather because more information about the situation gives us more to go off of in order to give you good advice. This is in general a kind and helpful community with lots of folks with many years experience under their belts.

I should have added, this was in 2021 so I’m sure prices have gone up a bit.

Prices vary wildly across the country. I had an extended tummy tuck, breast lift/augmentation, and arm lift. I was quoted as high as $40,000 in Seattle. I ended up having it done in Miami and paid $16,000.

I’m 5 years out from my surgery. I can eat a small amount of pasta or rice now-and do enjoy it when I do. But I fill my plate with meat and veggies and just have a few bites of the pasta or rice.

It’s been 5 years so my memory isn’t super clear, but I do remember being given a 1oz med cup in the hospital. I believe I was told to drink one of those full of Protein Shake every hour while awake. So assuming 16 hours awake that is 16 oz so just about 1.5 shakes. I think that was for the first week, then increased after that. All programs do vary with their instructions though!

My boys (Finn on the left, Guinness on the right) love all the long walks they get to take. And are particularly fond of cleaning up mom’s leftovers since I don’t usually finish the food on my plate :)

5 shakes per day? Never! I think max I ever had was 2 or maybe 3 in a day. I drink premier protein, so 30g protein each. I think at 5 a day (so 150g protein) is even more protein than most body builders need. I’m 5 years out now. Still drink 1/day for breakfast and am able to hit my 90g daily protein goal easily with food.

Yes this! At 5’3” and petite I often look like I’m swimming in things. I’m smaller on top, so in particular many sleeves are too long and shoulders too big.

I’ve tried various things through the 5 years since my surgery. Regular gyms, kickboxing gyms, walking, running, yoga. What I’ve found works for me is just doing activities I enjoy. I discovered (once my butt was small enough to fit in one) that I love kayaking. And in the last year or so I’ve been getting in to cycling. I don’t walk a ton for exercise anymore, but have found I love to walk around cities I visit when traveling, and walk my dog several times a day. Once the weight came off all of these things became easier and more enjoyable.

Nope, no rice test. I didn’t even ask for a specific size. I asked for my surgeon to pick a size that he felt balanced my frame. I’ve got pretty wide hips and narrow shoulders, that may be why he went with the size he did. I’m glad I trusted him, I think he chose well.

I ended up as a 32 DDD/F. They’re pretty big, but I don’t think they look ridiculous :)

I can commiserate. After my weight loss my boobs were just empty, saggy sacks. I got a lift/augmentation and LOVE my results. I got 375cc, under the muscle “gummy bear” implants. They’re great!

I’m 5 years out. I take a docusate at bedtime twice a week. Just enough to keep things regular with my high protein diet.

I can answer a couple of your questions. Yes, you will likely need to get your dentures re-fitted. I’m a nurse and have patients who have had large weight losses and they have needed to have this done. Protein shakes will depend highly on your taste. What tastes good to you now may change post op. I wouldn’t buy a large quantity of anything, Rather, just a single serving to try out post op. I personally really like the premier and fair life protein shakes, but others hate them. I took three weeks off work, but could have gone back after two. I really only needed someone there with me for the first couple days then would have been fine on my own. The sooner you get back to gentle activity, even just day to day care of yourself, the quicker you’ll recover.

Before & after photos

I was heading home from Bozeman, Montana. My sister lives there. Her family holds a mountain bike race each summer, so I went to attend that. It was super fun, and my nephew won first place!

5 years ago today I had my VSG. The last 5 years has been full of ups and downs, but overall my life is so greatly improved. I’m typing this while sitting on a plane, I’ve got a good 16” of extra space on my seatbelt. No more extenders for me! I’ve gotten in to cycling, can ride my road or mountain bike for miles. I can shop in any store and pick super cute clothes. I can wear high heels again. I got rid of my CPAP and BP meds. I’m no longer pre-diabetic. While I was one of the statistical divorces post WLS, I now have a wonderful supportive guy in my life. I’m happy & healthy and so glad I made the decision to have WLS!

I’m a night shift nurse. I live on caffeine. Coke Zero, sugar free redbull, coffee, tea. Hasn’t affected my success 5 years out.