Summermoose

Congratulations!! 🥳

I went to see a plastic surgeon about getting an arm lift and I am feeling so conflicted.

On the one hand, I am so unhappy about my upper arms and armpits and I never wear anything without sleeves (anything I wear is at least t-shirt length). I feel very self conscious about that area.. It just makes me sad. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am right now and I still can’t wear what I want, and fashion is one of my main hobbies and ways of expressing myself.

On the other hand, I am scared. It’s a huge operation, you end up with two big wounds that you need help with for weeks and I am struggling with the idea that it’s elective surgery.

My husband also is not really on board because he thinks I’m perfect the way I am, and he’s scared it’ll snowball into me wanting to get procedure after procedure because according to him I’m never happy with how I look. Next to that he hates seeing me in pain and he’s also not very keen on the idea because it’ll add to his load temporarily but he realises that’s a selfish reason..

I feel so conflicted. I have done a lot of soul searching and have already made peace with my nonexistent breasts, my jiggly thighs and butt, and my tummy doesn’t bother me anymore either. It’s because I can hide those things in whatever outfit I wear, except when I go for shorts.. But I never liked to wear those a lot anyway.

I am just so sick of still covering up and hiding, but I wish it wasn’t such a radical procedure.. I feel very selfish for inconveniencing others so much for something that is elective.

Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, any advice you have or if you’ve been in the same situation!

Cutting gluten from your diet has no health benefits if you’re not allergic or intolerant, but committing to a gluten-free lifestyle does actually have some health benefits because it cuts out a lot of processed foods that aren’t very good options, and having to study each and every label of every food item you buy makes you more conscious of what you’re putting in your body. But that is something you could absolutely also do without cutting gluten 😋 (and save yourself a lot of 💰 because the tasty replacements are expensive!)

I was wondering if any of you would be able to share some information with me regarding getting pregnant/pregnancy after a bypass (mgb or regular). I am so mentally ready to have a baby but all the unknowns are stressing me out!

1. Did you have to get cleared by your surgeon to start trying and if so, what did they check?
2. Did you work with a dietician to get the right nutrients/calories for yourself & your baby or did you figure it out yourself?
3. How much weight did you gain and did you lose it after?
4. Did you get followed up as a high risk pregnancy because of your bypass?
5. Did you have a caesarean because of your bypass?
6. Did you have complications related to your bypass?
7. Were there any effects on your baby related to your bypass?

Thanks already for answering any questions, I appreciate it so much 😊

On 05/23/2023 at 17:39, BabySpoons said:

So since we aren't producing the excess Keratin anymore, how has that affected your skin after 2 years? Besides curing the Pillaris. Since extra keratin helped preserve moisture in the skin and prevented wrinkles etc. Are we exchanging the bumps for looking older?

Some people who knew me before my weight loss have told me I look younger now, and I routinely get surprised reactions when I share my age with people who didn’t know me before. So I think alls well in my case at least! I do have a skincare routine though 😁

On 05/19/2023 at 22:53, BabySpoons said:

Are you telling me surgery may cure my Pillaris? O joy! Is this what you had @Arabesque? I've been plagued with it since a young teen. Drives me nuts.

This condition develops when the skin produces too much of a Protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop.

The bumps are usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. They're white, sometimes red, and typically don't hurt or itch.

It cured mine! I had keratosis pilaris from the age of 14, arms and legs (down to my wrists) and it was completely gone a year after surgery ❤️

Thanks for all the advice guys, I just got back and had a wonderful time and tried loads of yummy foods!!

Hi guys, I need your advice!

I am going on holiday to the US (Nevada, Utah & Arizona) and other than suuuuper excited, I am also really nervous about eating there and could really use you guys’ help.

My surgeon gave me the strict guideline of never eating anything that is over 5 grams of sugar per 100 grams. I have followed this to a T so far and want to continue to do so on holiday as well.
In the EU (where I live) there’s an ingredient breakdown at the back of the package with ‘xx g carbs, of which xx g sugar’ per serving size AND per 100g. So I’ve been using that to check everything I buy!
Is there a similar thing in the US? If so, I’m guessing it won’t be in grams but maybe oz? What would 5g per 100g be in oz?

In restaurants I go with things I am familiar with and know doesn’t have sugar in them.. nervous about being in another country where I don’t know what half the dishes are, let alone how they’d usually be prepared!!

Please do share if you have any other advice or tips that may come in handy!
Like maybe things to avoid, or restaurants, or things to try that are definitely okay.
Can you tell I’m nervous?? 😩😆

I finally had the self confidence to go for the haircut I’ve always wanted: a white blonde pixie! Also got a very small thin septum piercing. I feel more like myself every single day and I love this feeling. 💕

On 02/16/2023 at 19:08, Fred in Pa said:

Technically, they should not even be asking in a professional environment.

But, tell them an old gypsy touched your cheek and whispered “thinner”. Then walk away. That’s sure to get a laugh.

This made me laugh so hard, thanks for the giggle! 🤣🙏

I decided quite early on just to be completely honest if asked directly. It’s made everything a lot easier really, no need to remember who I told what etc.
To be honest, not a lot of people have had the guts to really ask! I can often see people itching to ask but never offer up the information just like that. I kinda enjoy watching them squirm like that 🤣
Telling people about it has never really felt awkward to me. I don’t feel ashamed of having had WLS and I’ve gained a lot of self confidence since 💕

I’ve found that wearing the right type of material helps immensely.. merino wool keeps you very warm. I just can’t stand wool touching my skin so I wear a cotton layer beneath (socks, undershirt, etc). Flannel is fantastic too, as is alpaca/cashmere.
What I usually do is layer a cotton undershirt under a merino roll neck sweater (or a flannel shirt under a crew neck sweater) which I may top with a wool blazer. On the bottom I’ll wear either wool pants or thick jeans, sometimes with warm leggings or thick knit tights underneath. Next to that I always put thermal liners in my shoes to keep out the worst cold, and try to wear thick soles in winter.
Another tip is to make sure your clothes aren’t too tight. Layering is most effective when there is some air between them!
Investing in some good pieces has really helped me so far. I love Arket, Cos and Massimo Dutti because they are excellent value for money. Not sure if they’re in the US though!

42E -> 32B 🥹 officially part of the itty bitty titty committee

I just kept wearing my bras until they looked ridiculous under my clothes and then got new ones.. have been wearing more bralette types of bra since COVID and they are way more forgiving when you shrink 😆

I got a tattoo when I reached 99 kg and was also supposed to go to Disneyland to Celebrate, but we just bought a house so we’re going to be shelving that idea for the moment 🤣🤣

I ordered some boots that come up to mid calf (normal width) and they FIT! Like a glove!! 🥹

Same here! Am actually smack dab in the middle of those right now, and I just eat until satisfied as always. It just happens to be more than during the other three weeks, I’d say it’s a 25% increase. Hasn’t affected my weight loss goals in the slightest thank goodness!

On 09/05/2022 at 02:52, Cpach81 said:

Thank you all so much for your insight! I’m embarrassed to say, I’m pretty positive it was just extremely painful gas. I’ve never felt that before! It has passed and I’ve been able drink my liquids so much easier now and I feel a thousand times better. Whew! I was really scared for a moment lol

Gas pains can be horrendous!
I’m glad you’re feeling better 🙏

Hi fellow ADHDer! 😊 I personally would not stop caffeine if it works for you, even if meds work. We need ALL the tools we can get, maybe not all the time, but I would definitely not limit myself like that. I personally need caffeine every single day, but I try to approach it like I would exercise or medication. I need it at a certain time to get stuff done and it doesn’t need to be yummy, I know it is serving me, my body and my mind. 😊
To keep it ‘reasonable’ I drink filter coffee without any type of milk or creamer. Before I always had coffee with creamer and loads of sugar, and quite frankly hated black coffee, but I make it strong and gulp it down just to get the caffeine I need. I’ve gotten kind of used to it now. I have started treating myself to a flat white twice a week, and I look forward to it every time 😊

Yesterday was my one year surgiversary!
I am SO HAPPY I chose to get surgery. I am finally living again instead of just existing. Went to my first ever yoga class yesterday and I loved it.
Can’t believe only a year ago I was browsing thousands of before and after pictures and now I am posting my own. 😁🙏

Stats 1 year po:

SW 138.5 kg/305 lbs
CW 71.5 kg/158 lbs
Lost 67 kg/147 lbs
From BMI 43.2 to 22.3
Pant size 52 EU to 40 EU

What a story, I cannot imagine what this must be like for you. I’m afraid I can’t be of much help regarding advice but i am sending you so many positive vibes and well wishes! 🌼🌸🌼

Last week I wore a dress without shorts (first time in ten years) and no chub rub whatsoever! 🤩

On 06/13/2022 at 22:29, lizonaplane said:

How do you tell whether the pudginess you have left is loose skin or if it's still mostly/all belly fat? I am wearing a size 10/medium depending on the brand. I have a 32.5 in waist, and I'm at a BMI of 29. My weight loss has slowed down tremendously this month (today is exactly 9 months out). I thought it was all belly fat, but it's starting to feel a lot "squishier" and "looser" in the skin in my abdomen.

I really don't plan to have plastics (although the FUPA is redonkulous!) but I am trying to gage how much more of my belly fat I can expect to lose.

I feel like you read my mind!!
I am totally wondering this stuff too. These last 20 pounds have felt like I am becoming a deflated balloon in all sorts of places and I wonder if (hope?) I can lose at least some of the flabbiness.
I am curious to hear what you make of your new dexa scan soon!

The worst part is the wait, really! I know it’s an odd thing to say but I LOVE that sedation. It is just the best sleep 😆 like when you’re a kid during summer, have been playing outside all day and when you go to bed you don’t even remember your head hitting the pillow before it’s lights out 😆
I totally look at it as a perk of having to undergo those things!

Try to think of other things and then enjoy your awesome snooze 🤗😄

I bought a beautiful leather jacket twelve years ago in a size 8. When my surgeon asked me about my goal I honestly couldn’t give him a number, I said I just want that jacket to fit.

IT FITS!! 😄😄

29 here! Had a mini gastric bypass last august at age 28 😀