deedee

I have loose skin under my arms, my upper inner thighs, and now I'm noticing it on my tummy. I started walking 1-3 miles around 2 weeks out (I think) and then doing cardio with some light weights about 1.5-2 months out 4-6 days per week and I think this along with my age and drinking my water has helped. BUT I still have the skin. I'd much rather be a little loose than fat though.

I am sorry you're going through this. I had a good friend who was not for my decision to have surgery when I first brought it up. Over the last few years, we've yo-yo dieted together many, many times and her bmi has fluctuated between 28-35, so she is smaller than me (mine 34-40). After talking it through with her, I realized her issues were that she was not educated on WLS or the statistics regarding diets. She didn't really want to be educated so I never shared with her much about it. The result definitely speaks for itself. She is very happy and supportive of my decision to get healthy and she says I inspire her to try a new diet, which she just began in December. There are no negative feelings and we still do a lot together, I just wish she understood that "another diet" would not have helped me be this successful, but she is not ready to hear it yet. I hope you can work through this with her since you are such great friends. Maybe time will help?

Hello Stephanie and welcome! I too have PCOS and my mother, grandmother (on both sides) have diabetes and it's pretty bad...these all played a part in why I decided to have surgery. I wish you luck on your search for a surgeon. I had mine done in Virginia so cannot be much help there, but you may want to look to California or Texas (both have experienced surgeons I've heard about) if you have trouble finding one in your state. Keep posting your questions, we're all here for you.

Welcome to VST! You've gotten some great things to think about regarding the progression of your diet...possibly too soon, we are all so different and heal at different rates. I wish you start to handle things better soon.

Good job for you and your terrific attitude! I will be thinking of you tomorrow and can't wait to hear from you on the losing side.

Cajun-9 pounds is an excellent loss, but what an awful way to do it. I really hope you got some answers today at the doctor. Chancie-thank you for the words of encouragement and CONGRATULATIONS on the pounds and inches coming off...you are truly amazing!!! A total loss of 161 pounds, wow! Linda-Happy Surgiversary! Can you believe it's already been 5 months for us? Look at you, completely out of the 170's and NEVER going back! Carolyn-I like your attitude, you're so right to look at it a 5 pounds lost in two weeks, that's AWESOME! Twobluecats-that happens to me every month; you know it will go down because you are following the plan. Great job on your 13 pound loss so far!

Five seems to be an important number today. It was five months ago today that I had this life changing surgery, and as of today, I am five pounds from my goal weight. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. So many changes have happened both physically and mentally. I'm finally getting used to people's comments. One new excellent development that occurred is my ability to wear shoes with heels. I went shopping on Saturday and wore heeled shoes for 7 hours and was pretty okay. Today I wore my boots all day at work and couldn't tell a difference than when I wear flat shoes. I guess with less weight on my body, my feet can handle being elevated. Back to shopping, I really am developing a problem. Over the last month I have spent way too much money on clothing. I went to outlets in Virginia this past weekend and felt okay buying clothes because I am so close to goal and they should still fit when I drop the rest of the weight, but I know I need to get a handle on things soon. My eating over the holidays was a little off. I did pretty good up until I went to visit family, but for some reason I REALLY lost it New Year's Eve and Day. Yesterday I finally got sort of back on track and hope to continue to lose 1-2 pounds per week. As for my goal weight, I'm really thinking that 148 is a good goal weight for me. I'm pretty sure that I should be able to maintain it watching my diet with a few splurges (like last week) and my current exercise plan. I do not want to feel like I'm always on a diet...so for now, I'm thinking that is a good goal weight for me. I have tap tonight, but will have my husband take 5 month pictures when I get back.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you hear back soon.

Well, for some reason New Year's was a more difficult holiday for me than any of the others so far when it came to self discipline. I (sort of) got back on track this past weekend and this morning weighed in 2 pounds less for a weight of 153. My weight stayed exactly the same all week until this morning...I'm thinking I might drop to weighing a couple times per week now. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

Stacie, I can completely understand about the picture thing. It really makes it real when we "see" ourselves how others must, because I sure didn't look like that in my mind. To me my face hasn't changed that much...I've always looked like this, but others are always making comments about my cheekbones, etc. I think 20 pounds is doable in your first 6 weeks, but just remember that a lot of us stall for 1-2 weeks during this time, so be patient. Good luck!

Terrific victories so far and good job working your sleeve! You'll have so many more to add throughout 2010!!!

I'm glad to read you have a date for your consult. I had to wait nearly 5 weeks for mine, but looking back the time flew by quickly. Next Wednesday will be here before you know it!

Can't see the pictures, but it sounds like you had a fantabulous evening...yay for you looking HOT!

Happy New Year! I've loved reading everybody's thoughts. I posted my resolutions on my blog, but really it boils down to me keeping the inner peace and contentment I've found this year. I have some goals to pursue, some clutter to clean up (both literal and emotional), and want to work on living in the moment and staying positive. Good luck to everyone on their hopes and dreams!

My rambling thoughts... As I reflect over 2009, I realize that the year was sort of an emotional roller-coaster for me, but also how many wonderful things occurred in my life. The beginning of the year started with anxiousness regarding having my fibroids surgically removed (hoped to keep my uterus), then sadness about the idea I wasn't as healthy as I'd like to be to get pregnant (too fat, not ovulating), next came excitement while learning about and preparing for weight loss surgery, trepidation while my wls date neared, elation with the results of a complication-free surgery and rapid weight loss, fear about entering a new decade (turned 30), frustration and happiness as I begun to learn my new stomach, and finally contentment and peace as I started to feel like the "real" me/ a normal person for the first time ever. I'm now entering this 2010 year with a real sense of peace in my life. It's hard for me to describe...I'm happy. I think I will always be the type of person that has to have something to strive for, make myself better, but I'm starting to discover that just because there is always something to work towards, it's okay to just enjoy the moment too. My plans and goals for the year (so far, because they are always changing/evolving depending on what life throws out) include... tryout to become a Jazzercise instructor (if I make it, GREAT, but just making it to that step is huge for me) decluttering my life (there is a lot to this one) reaching my goal weight (whatever that might be...right now I'm 155 lbs, 7 pounds away from a "healthy" bmi, but who knows where I'm supposed to end up...maybe here?) enjoying as much of this year as possible without letting things drag me down (keep positive) I think that's all for now, I'm really excited for 2010, and thankful that I've been so blessed in all my previous years.

Great job on the weight loss! I wish you a speedy recovery.

That is EXCELLENT news Cajun! Congratulations!!!

From what I remember...our new stomachs are formed from the muscular part of the stomach and while they will stretch SOME over time as we heal, it's much harder to do, BUT not impossible. With consistent overeating, I believe I read somewhere, it is very likely. Below is a quote and link to something I read when I was having these same fears, but if you google this issue there are a variety of opinions on this matter. The best advice I can give to you is to measure your food this early out. I weighed and measured a lot in the beginning not quite relying on my ability to determine when I'd had enough. It put my mind at ease because I was following my surgeon's program of how much food to get in at one time. Maybe someone with a little more knowledge can shed more light on this issue. Good luck, and this does seem "too good to be true," but trust me, it's really true and it works! "The tube portion of the stomach that remains after a sleeve gastrectomy is more resistant to stretching because it is formed from a very muscular portion of the stomach. This makes it less likely that chronic overeating will increase your stomach's capacity over time." Dr. Daryl Stewart | Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss Surgery in Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas

Kai, welcome to VST! Your husband is correct, this site is wonderful and I'm glad you have joined. Good luck on the rest of your pre-op journey!!!

It is completely different, at least it is for me. Good luck, we're all here to support you!

I'm a middle school teacher a well and think I could have gone back to work after 2 weeks. From weeks 2-4, I was very exhausted, but feeling much better than the first two weeks, so I'd suggest planning appropriate units if possible. Not sure what you teach, but you probably won't be up to grading any major projects after school or at night that first month post-op, you'll just want to be home and resting. Just something to keep in mind.

Congratulations to you Laura! You are really rocking your sleeve!!!

I too had a lot of trouble tolerating liquids at first. My experience with the contrast was horrible BECAUSE I gulped it. My advice, take tiny sips. After that test was the only time I puked in all of my recovery...I don't know what I was thinking???

See, when you say it like that (top & bra=$100) it doesn't sound too bad, until you let out that the top was only $15 Oh well. If the snow they're predicting tomorrow is light, then I'll be headed to the mall in the morning and will see what kind of deals I can find:-) By the way, make sure to get some pictures in that cute top so we can all see!!!

You may want to try the Chike sample packs. I could tolerate their orange cream and strawberry ones...my husband drank the chocolate and banana samples because I don't like those flavors. Here's the link Chike Nutrition - Best Tasting Meal Replacement shake. Guaranteed. Pour, Shake, Drink & Go! If you are looking for something more clear, I like the Inspire Sangria mix found at Bariatriceating.com. I think she sells a sample pack. Good luck!