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blackcatsandbaddecisions

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from Bwgirl36 in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I love these lists! I’m still 52 lbs from goal, but so far I have a whole list:
    1. Not feeling like I have to rush home to get into pajamas because it’s the only thing that doesn’t feel like it’s strangling me. Bras just fit better when you arent as fat, who knew.
    2. Chairs! Chairs with arms! Flimsy looking chairs! Patio chairs!
    3. So much variety in clothes, and I can wear styles I like instead of huge frumpy cardigans over everything. I can thrift now, and shop in pretty much any store.
    4. I feel like I have energy and interest in doing things again. I don’t just want to hide out at home and eat all weekend long.
    5. Not being terrified of running into someone I knew 10+ years ago in public because of how fat I’d gotten.
    6. I can go up the stairs and not die. I can exercise and not feel like I might die. Amazing.
    7. I wore a pair of shorts yesterday and they weren’t Bermuda length! And my thighs didn’t start a small fire.
    8. I like my facial features so much better now. My eyes look bigger, my jawline actually exists, and I look more like myself.
    9. At my heaviest my arms stuck out weird because of the fat, and my legs were always at a weird angle because of fat as well. I can rest my arms by my sides and stand with my feet together.


  2. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from MissTruffleShuffle in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    A few years back my (then) 3 year old son would go crazy every time this ad for a local weight loss clinic came on TV and yell “mama, mama, mama!” When the before weight loss woman was shown. Sigh. He was honestly excited to see “mama” on TV.
  3. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from MissTruffleShuffle in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    Oh man I just realized the other day I don’t have to rock to the side to get my seatbelt fastened anymore. There’s just room! And I don’t have to be concerned anymore that when I pull it out to buckle that I’ll hit the extension limit and have it lock up, and have to try again.
  4. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from NCL04321 in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    The ring size thing is crazy. I’m back in my wedding ring set that I haven’t worn in a decade now. It is an amazing feeling, I always felt so terrible that I had this beautiful and sentimental set of rings that I barely got to wear because I gained weight so quickly and couldn’t fit into them anymore.

    I’m so glad I was too lazy and stubborn to get them resized because they fit perfectly again. It’s like a little victory every time I look down and see them on my hand.
  5. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from lkjones215@gmail.com in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    Yesss, getting rid of bra extenders is amazing!
  6. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from Bwgirl36 in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I love these lists! I’m still 52 lbs from goal, but so far I have a whole list:
    1. Not feeling like I have to rush home to get into pajamas because it’s the only thing that doesn’t feel like it’s strangling me. Bras just fit better when you arent as fat, who knew.
    2. Chairs! Chairs with arms! Flimsy looking chairs! Patio chairs!
    3. So much variety in clothes, and I can wear styles I like instead of huge frumpy cardigans over everything. I can thrift now, and shop in pretty much any store.
    4. I feel like I have energy and interest in doing things again. I don’t just want to hide out at home and eat all weekend long.
    5. Not being terrified of running into someone I knew 10+ years ago in public because of how fat I’d gotten.
    6. I can go up the stairs and not die. I can exercise and not feel like I might die. Amazing.
    7. I wore a pair of shorts yesterday and they weren’t Bermuda length! And my thighs didn’t start a small fire.
    8. I like my facial features so much better now. My eyes look bigger, my jawline actually exists, and I look more like myself.
    9. At my heaviest my arms stuck out weird because of the fat, and my legs were always at a weird angle because of fat as well. I can rest my arms by my sides and stand with my feet together.


  7. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from Bwgirl36 in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I love these lists! I’m still 52 lbs from goal, but so far I have a whole list:
    1. Not feeling like I have to rush home to get into pajamas because it’s the only thing that doesn’t feel like it’s strangling me. Bras just fit better when you arent as fat, who knew.
    2. Chairs! Chairs with arms! Flimsy looking chairs! Patio chairs!
    3. So much variety in clothes, and I can wear styles I like instead of huge frumpy cardigans over everything. I can thrift now, and shop in pretty much any store.
    4. I feel like I have energy and interest in doing things again. I don’t just want to hide out at home and eat all weekend long.
    5. Not being terrified of running into someone I knew 10+ years ago in public because of how fat I’d gotten.
    6. I can go up the stairs and not die. I can exercise and not feel like I might die. Amazing.
    7. I wore a pair of shorts yesterday and they weren’t Bermuda length! And my thighs didn’t start a small fire.
    8. I like my facial features so much better now. My eyes look bigger, my jawline actually exists, and I look more like myself.
    9. At my heaviest my arms stuck out weird because of the fat, and my legs were always at a weird angle because of fat as well. I can rest my arms by my sides and stand with my feet together.


  8. Thanks
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from mcipanda in PNW Recommendations?   
    Second quote Dr baltrusch, Portland. Also super nice, was concerned about a male surgeon but he put me at ease immediately. Took plenty of time as well. He could only do arm lift and fdl tuck at same time- sounds like he is a bit slower, he’s a newer surgeon so I’m assuming that’s why.
    Fdl: 8360
    Arm lift:6050
    Anesthesia:2077
    Facility: 3200
    Total 19907
  9. Thanks
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from mcipanda in PNW Recommendations?   
    Ok! I’m back and I have costs for anyone interested!
    Dr. Streu, Portland. Super nice, took her time. I liked her and she says she has a lot of experience with things like this (175 plus weight loss). Recommended a fleurdelis, I have a lot of upper stomach skin. Can combine an arm lift, breast lift, and fdl tuck in one procedure. Would do a 23 hr stay at the surgery center. Drains are a must. Boo.
    Fdl cost: 11,179
    Breast lift: 6270
    Arms: 3987
    Facility fees and anesthesia 2600 and 1541, plus 725 for overnight stay
    Some discounts for multiple procedures
    Total cost 24,470



  10. Thanks
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from mcipanda in PNW Recommendations?   
    Well, doesn’t look like anyone had suggestions thus far so I’ll just update my own thread 😜. I contacted Dr. Hayes and Dr. Waldorf, both in Portland, OR to see about setting up consult appointments. Both had good reviews but we will have to see how initial appointments go. My list of what to ask is:
    1. Costs, and what are reasonable combinations of surgeries?
    2. I have a lot of loose skin on the upper abdomen, would a traditional Tummy Tuck address this or is there another option?
    3. I’ve read about drainless tummy tucks and I’d have a strong preference for that (don’t know why but drains really freak me out), is that a possibility and why/why not.
    4. As a “far down the wishlist” idea, addressing the sad state of my cleavage post children and 175 lb weight loss would be nice. I don’t think I want implants but would like to hear a surgeons thoughts.

    If anyone else has any thoughts, let me know! My dream is to get consults with both on the same day (morning, afternoon) so I can take one trip. I know both surgeons are quite popular however so I may be a long time out, and coordinating like that may be a long shot but a girl can dream.
  11. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from GreenTealael in Has anyone had the Beltline Procedure?   
    I am looking into this as well as my second plastic surgery, but more of a finish since I had a fleur de lis Tummy Tuck already. Love the results of that, but where it stops on my hips I have sagging hips and we won’t talk about the backside..😅 I am thinking of combining with a thigh lift as well. Let me know if you end up doing this surgery, because I’m interested!
  12. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from Bwgirl36 in Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first   
    I love these lists! I’m still 52 lbs from goal, but so far I have a whole list:
    1. Not feeling like I have to rush home to get into pajamas because it’s the only thing that doesn’t feel like it’s strangling me. Bras just fit better when you arent as fat, who knew.
    2. Chairs! Chairs with arms! Flimsy looking chairs! Patio chairs!
    3. So much variety in clothes, and I can wear styles I like instead of huge frumpy cardigans over everything. I can thrift now, and shop in pretty much any store.
    4. I feel like I have energy and interest in doing things again. I don’t just want to hide out at home and eat all weekend long.
    5. Not being terrified of running into someone I knew 10+ years ago in public because of how fat I’d gotten.
    6. I can go up the stairs and not die. I can exercise and not feel like I might die. Amazing.
    7. I wore a pair of shorts yesterday and they weren’t Bermuda length! And my thighs didn’t start a small fire.
    8. I like my facial features so much better now. My eyes look bigger, my jawline actually exists, and I look more like myself.
    9. At my heaviest my arms stuck out weird because of the fat, and my legs were always at a weird angle because of fat as well. I can rest my arms by my sides and stand with my feet together.


  13. Congrats!
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from HeatherE in Insurance Through Postop   
    Let’s see if this pic will upload… me waiting to run this last weekend.

  14. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from HeatherE in Insurance Through Postop   
    Thought I’d check in…a bit over two years out and I’m consistently holding at 155. Part of the additional loss is I had five pounds of skin removed, with a full fleur de lis Tummy Tuck, arm lift and breast lift in late August. I’m fully recovered and rand a 5k this weekend with my best time yet.
    So two years later, still the best decision I ever made. Being a thin person was a dream to me that I actually get to live…it’s amazing.
  15. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from Kimpossible00 in August 24!   
    I am getting a fleur de lis Tummy Tuck, arm lift, and breast lift (no augmentation). Paying 24k out of pocket in Portland, Oregon. I’ll update as I get closer to the day of surgery!
  16. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from GreenTealael in Has anyone had the Beltline Procedure?   
    I am looking into this as well as my second plastic surgery, but more of a finish since I had a fleur de lis Tummy Tuck already. Love the results of that, but where it stops on my hips I have sagging hips and we won’t talk about the backside..😅 I am thinking of combining with a thigh lift as well. Let me know if you end up doing this surgery, because I’m interested!
  17. Thanks
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from TinDE in Ace bandages   
    I recommend strongly looking into Marena brand compression garments when you get drains out…it was a lifesaver for me. And let me know how the thigh lift goes when you get a bit further out, I’m interested in that!
  18. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from summerseeker in fDL tummy tuck done Tuesday   
    Yeah the tightness keeps on for a while unfortunately. I wasn’t so fortunate, the worst part of my loose skin was right under my boobs for whatever reason. I had huge flaps of skin that drove me nuts. The FDL connects with the breast lift, so basically if I’m standing with my arms out the incisions are like a giant capital I from elbow to elbow and hip to hip, and down the middle.

    Plus as a side bonus I ended up almost 8 lbs lighter than my pre surgery weight, so look forward to ending up lighter than when you started!
  19. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from summerseeker in fDL tummy tuck done Tuesday   
    Yes, you look great! I had a FDL Tummy Tuck along with an extended arm lift and a breast lift on August 24. The first few weeks are brutal, no lie, but you’ll be better so soon. I was questioning my choices at 3 weeks out but you’ll be back to normal in no time. I was able to go back to work after 2 weeks, light exercise after 4 and full running after 6. Now at two months out I’m back to my pre-surgery running speed and distances.

    They took 5 lbs off me, and man is there a huge difference now that the swelling is over.
  20. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions reacted to Betty1971 in fDL tummy tuck done Tuesday   
    I got to take all the bandages off yesterday and I took a good look for the first time,like a really good look.
    First I couldn’t believe I actually have hip bones, I’m pretty sure they have been in hiding since 1989.
    Second, I think they took me seriously when I said I wanted to bounce a quarter off my tummy. It looks amazing but the back pain for walking all slouched over is REAL!
    Lastly, I have a cute, scabby, discolored belly button and I can’t wait for the scab to fall off so I can really appreciate all its beauty!

    I am 51 years old and really went back and forth about this because of my age and I was really worried that it wasn’t going to be worth it…..
    people hear me when I say, if you have the opportunity to go for it, do it. I cried on and off today for no other reason than pure joy!


  21. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from SuziDavis in August 24!   
    I feel like my shape is about the same as before, just the hanging skin on the front is gone.

  22. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from SuziDavis in August 24!   
    Also forgot to mention for reference, I did not have any liposuction, and the doctor said she would check to see if I needed muscle repair but I did not need any. I have no idea how I managed to go through two pregnancies and two C-sections and be that overweight for so many years without separating those muscles, but I managed it. I am very tall with a long torso so maybe that helped? Who knows. I’m just grateful because I am sure that helped post op. Also forgot to mention when the tape came off saw incisions for first time. Yikes, I am kind of Frankenstein’s monster right now. Still feeling good about the procedures and experience though.
  23. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from qtdoll in Gastric Sleevr Vs. Bypass   
    Hey this popped up in my feed too, I remember this thread! At the time I was only a few months post op. I’m coming up on two years here, I lost 181 lbs. I weighed in at 153 this morning, so for my height of 5’10 I’m now at a 22 BMI. So at the end of the day I did in fact lose more than 100% of my excess weight, I did not start magically regaining weight at 18 months post op, and all this with a sleeve surgery. Who would have imagined.

  24. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions got a reaction from KimA-GA in No medical support   
    I am sorry with the doctors…incredibly frustrating. Some doctors don’t agree with this kind of surgery and get a complex over it.

    For trying to keep up with hydration I recommend trying a variety of beverages. I found Water on its own difficult but warmer beverages were easier at first. Tea, steamed milk, etc. I also found I had to basically take a sip, burp, take a sip, burp. It gets better, I promise!
  25. Like
    blackcatsandbaddecisions reacted to alissajs in Gastric Sleevr Vs. Bypass   
    Way to go!!!! I just checked (literally never know lol 😂) and I’m 21.5 bmi. My doc actually would be ok with me gaining a few pounds because my caloric intake tends to be low. I have ZERO regrets from the sleeve!!

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