Kelly Sweetheart

I've had multiple surgeries. Some in the states, one in Mexico.
My in the states Tummy Tuck was first. I was not that pleased. I lost my curve and looked like spongebob square pants. This was done in a surgical center. I was kicked out and sent home pretty quickly after surgery. Not the best experience. This was in 2015
My second surgery was covered by insurance. A breast reduction that was also performed in the states. I am surpised how small he made my breasts, but I've always hated them and wanted small breasts so I was happy. I did end up with dog ears and some keloid spots. I didn't have them addressed, but I'm told it's pretty simple to address both issues, so I may in the near future. This was done in a hospital. It was a more pleasant experience. I did go home the same day. This was in 2016
During COVID I gained 50 lbs and had bariatric surgery. Lost 60 lbs
The third plastic surgery was a brazilliam butt lift. I had this surgery in January. I explained that I wanted Lipo to try to give me my curve back and a natural looking butt. This was done in Mexico. I am absolutely amazed at this procedure. He lipo'd my back and flanks and extended tummy tuck? Basically gave me back my hourglass figure. He inserted the fat at my hips and butt. I stayed in the hospital for a week. I had round the clock nurses care. I didn't need it. I would have preferred being at home but I don't like staying in hotels/hospitals. I want to sleep in my bed. I found that they do specialize in weightloss patients and have a long waiting list. But cancellations occur and you can move up your date rather easily if you are flexible.

So thankful that I went on this journey. It's been a long time since I've been at a normal BMI. I'm getting a facelift in July

So thankful that I went on this journey. It's been a long time since I've been at a normal BMI. I'm getting a facelift in July

We're 1 year post-op! How's everybody doing?

Feeling amazing! I’m 82 pounds lighter!
my current weight is 132 pounds. I have never felt this way! So confident and beautiful! Traveling to Mexico and having my gastric sleeve surgery was the best decision!!

I got on the scale this morning to find I've hit goal (in fact, I'm below goal). I'm floored. There's always that doubt in the back of the mind that says "ahh, you'll never make it", leftover from a lifetime of yo-yo dieting failure and self-sabotage, so to actually get here is surreal. This is the first time in my life I've been a normal BMI. I thought it would take me months to shed the final kilogram, especially since I feel like I'm eating in a maintenance way now and not really watching calories like a hawk, but I feel like it dropped off me super quick in the last month (with an extra kilo as a bonus).
For info purposes, it took 14.5 months to go from a 42 BMI to 25. Hard, hard work, but so worth it, and I despite the constant "am I eating too much" voice in my head, I feel like I do have a healthier relationship with food now, in that there's no guilt and shame anymore, even when I've had a mouthful too much.
So happy, stunned and grateful that I'm actually, finally here.

I am 53. I had my surgery last year. I had the gastric sleeve surgery. They fixed a hiatal hernia as well. I live in Ohio, but flew to Las Vegas for my surgery. I paid $9800. My general practitioner did my follow up labs at 6 months, and will do my one year labs as well. I'm a couple pounds away from my goal and a normal BMI. I will definitely hit my goal before my one year mark.
My sister saw my success and wanted to go to Las Vegas as well. Her price was a few thousand more so she looked into Mexico. She did go to Tijuana, and I was her companion. She paid half of what I paid. She had her surgery last month and has lost 25 lbs so far. She has not had any complications. The gastric sleeve seems to be a common surgery with very minimal complications wherever you go.
I wish you the best!
Kelly

The research I’ve read shows that WLS is an option for those with BMI 27+. I’ve always struggled to keep my weight under 150. I’ve always been chubby. My A1C, my BP, my triglycerides, etc have been increasing along with my weight. COVID hit and the stress from all the changes because of it has not helped. I need to lose 50 pounds now too. Im scheduled for surgery this month. I wish you the best! Check the current research. You don’t need to be morbidly obese to benefit from the surgery. Obese patients are successfully keeping the weight off with lower a1c BP and other comorbidities

I had VSG at HospitalBC and they also do plastic surgery, specializing in post-weight loss stuff. I'm not familiar with that side of their work, I just know that many patients return for plastics. I did have a wonderful experience there for my bariatric surgery though,

When I was researching sleeve vs gastric bypass, one of the doctors videos discussed the sleeve procedure and explained the operation in detail. the taller you are the longer the stomach thus the more it can hold. Honestly, we are talking the difference of 1-2 ounces though after the sleeve procedure. I believe his reference picture was a small banana vs a larger banana.

When I was researching sleeve vs gastric bypass, one of the doctors videos discussed the sleeve procedure and explained the operation in detail. the taller you are the longer the stomach thus the more it can hold. Honestly, we are talking the difference of 1-2 ounces though after the sleeve procedure. I believe his reference picture was a small banana vs a larger banana.

Hi Everyone! I know I'm late to the game here but I had VSG on 3/22. So far things have been fairly easy. I'm on pureed foods right now which is getting boring and I still find it tough to get in all the Protein and liquids I'm supposed to but every day is getting better. I finally hit 20lbs down yesterday which feels amazing. I love reading everyone's stories on here, can't wait to see our progress!

Don't do this. Don't try to set yourself up for metrics like that, because everybody is different, and most importantly, every BODY is different.
I will say that my bariatric centre's nutritionist tried to shame me for eating 800 kcal a day and told me that's why my weight loss stalled. I fired her loudly and found a different nutrition coach, who increased my calories based on my activity level, and weight loss resumed. I currently eat 1500-2000 cal a day at seven months out and am still losing, though I am extremely active and also taller and heavier than you are.
I do want to say one thing, because I'm a total control freak and had to weigh myself every day. Get out of that habit right now. And if you must weigh often, then keep a running average. Pick a day—let's say Wednesdays. Every Wednesday add up your total weights and divide by the number of weigh-ins. Then track that average.
Why? Because your body has way more going on than just fat loss. If you eat salty, or if it's time for your courses, or if you've been doing a lot of weight lifting, or if you're constipated, etc., etc., your weight can fluctuate by as much as 3-5 lbs. over the course of just a couple of days. Does that mean you "gained weight" (as in fat)? No... you couldn't eat that much. So it's inflammation, or bloating, or muscle inflammation.
Learning this saved me from the terrible things I would say to myself if I stepped on the scale and had an unexpectedly high weigh-in.

What I am about to say is a general rule.
You are two weeks out from surgery. Within the next few weeks, you will hit a weight loss stall. It will last 2-3 weeks and will be very frustrating for you. Just keep doing what you know to do and you will break through the stall.
After you come out of that stall will be the quickest weight loss of the entire process. You will lose the most weight between months 3 and 6.
There will come a time anywhere between 8 and 18 months that the weight loss will begin to slow down. You will experience more stalls and you will not lose as quickly when you come out of the stalls.
Then there will come a time when you stop losing weight and even gain some back. For example, a co-worker had the sleeve about 6-7 yrs ago. He told me that he bottomed out at 175 pounds, but now he is at 195-200 (down from 330, I believe).
As other people have said, there is no good way to say, "I've lost 7.9%, but I am supposed to be at 9.8% by now." Everyone is different. But that is the general trajectory that you should expect.

Let me try to save you some potential angst and head-banging against walls: There is no way to predict your weight loss. Relying and comparing yourself to averages and statistics (and other people) more often than not results in disappointment.
But yes, we all do it anyway.
The data out there can be used as a guide, but doesn’t really dictate success.
Sounds like you are going into this with a good attitude and a plan. Just a gentle reminder to keep that good attitude when things don’t go according to plan.
Good Luck! ❤️

I think everyone just diffent cause i lost 20 pd all together its been since march 31...on 7th i lost16pd 2 days later now its 20

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Thanks for your insight. I will try to trust the process.

1week post opp had surgery march 31 went to see my doc on April 7th lost 20 pds
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I’m 2 weeks PO sleeve and I’ve had hives for a week and a half. No spotting but very itchy. My mom had sleeve done 3 years ago and said she had the same thing. It could be left over anesthesia, food intolerance, or lack of Water consumption!

New to the group, had my gastric bypass surgery on March 2, 2022
I just wanted to know if anybody else developed hives after 3 weeks post op?

Hi everyone! I thought I would finally check in. I had my surgery last Tuesday, March 22. I am six days post op and feeling okay.
I was able to de-gas by Thursday (ugh, gas pains are the worst) and I have been having daily bowel movements since then. I have a lot of medical issues and one of them is kidney disease and my kidneys are not at all happy about this surgery, which was a concern before surgery. I've actually gained weight because I cannot pee. All the Water I drink has nowhere to go but my feet, ankles and legs. I am eating about 250 calories a day because my new stomach (Phoebe) hates everything (everything tastes like metal - probably because of my meds). Oh, and I can't seem to keep my heart rate above 50.
That's all the bad stuff. The good news is that I haven't had any pain meds since the day of my surgery. My nausea isn't as bad as expected and after over doing it on Friday and taking it easy over the weekend, my incision pain is not too bad. Every day I set a goal for myself and so far, I am hitting my little goals. 🎖️

By this time next week it will be April, and all of us who had March surgeries will be on the mend. I hope we can continue this thread and keep helping and encouraging each other with this exciting new way of life.
To those having surgery this week, best of luck!

I've had a different mind set for awhile now. I'm doing this for me. I'm doing this because it's best for me. I did the research. I learned about weight set point. I've researched about Ghrelin (and Leptin). I've yo-yo dieted since I was a teen. I'm now in my 50's. I've spoken to those who have had wls. I've talked to physicians about success rates and complications. I'm sure you've done a lot of these things or more yourself. Besides, you already had the procedure. Shoot, I'd shut them down with that. But honestly, did you previously think of alternative ways to Celebrate birthdays, holidays, etc. I would say that's an example of a change in thinking. Hell, you making changes like that is a major success in my book. You got this

Well, this is it. My revision surgery is 12.5 hrs away. Seemed like it would never happen and now here it is!

I had surgery on the 14th. Gas pain was horrible but overall manageable. What I wasn't expecting was extreme nausea. I stay an extra 2 days in the hospital because of it. I was vomiting blood and terrifying my husband. I wish I would have prepared myself and him mentally for that. Since being released it has been smooth sailing, but I traumatized my poor husband lol

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