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Assume any negative will be outweighed by the negative - Yes there will be loose skin! alternative is to keep the way your are going and take the fat and skin to the coffin shortly after a long miserable disease Pots I do not have it but I can tell you you will be healthier when less FAT and blood flow should improve No clue but i have seen FIbromyalgia posts here alot search them here - Welcome and enjoy the journey

Hi all. Recently weight loss surgery has been a viable option for me, and I have an appointment in a few weeks to discuss this with the surgeon. I've done a lot of research on both the benefits and drawbacks and feel I have a logical perspective on the situation and what it's designed for-not looking for a quick fix. I do have questions I'd rather ask those who have experienced the journey as opposed to medical websites: 1. Will there always be loose skin, regardless of the situation/weight lost/type of surgery? For example, I'm 5'5", female, 32 and weight 240 (with other weighted related health concerns). Loose skin is my biggest concern out of all of this. 2. Is POTS a real concern? Has anyone felt their POTS has improved due to their health getting better? 3. Has anyone with chronic pain/fibromyalgia type situations felt the surgery has helped with these symptoms? Made them worse? I'm sure I'll have more. I apologize if these have been asked before-I tried searching and there was so much information I felt a bit intimidated. Thank you all for your help in advance.

Ah, its been two months to the day since my plastics trifecta, and I have to tell you the past month or so has been a little rough. On Wound Healing: My healing progress took several steps backwards primarily due to my over-eagerness to get back into my exercise routine. I pushed myself a little too soon, a little too much and ended up opening up a few incisions. TWICE. Add to this that my body for the past few weeks has decided to expell my sutures instead of absorbing them, resulting in more broken skin and open wounds. At it's worst, I had 9 concurrent open wounds that were painful, oozing and stinky. On Exercise: Not including the two ill-advised attempts of full-on running and strength training, along with the equally ill-advised crunches I was doing in bed, I have had almost zero exercise. Now, I do go out for 1+ hour walks every few days, but I don't really count this as "true" exercise as I don't get that exercise "high" afterwards. I consider walking more of mental health remedy, I guess. On the Blahs: Due to my slow healing and recurring wounds + the lack of exercise + the fact that I have been basically holed up at home for 2 months + the crappy T.O. winter weather + my self-imposed week-long lack of sleep to watch every marquee Australian Open match, and difficulty sleeping even after it was done + my noticeably increased carb (read: sugar) intake + my obsession with the swelling in my lower abdomen, was feeling pretty sh*tty for a while. I was in full-on pity party mode and was being a total B to the fam, and picking totally unnecessary fights with them (Sorry Fam! They deserve trophies for putting up with me). I went through a week or so of drinking my blahs away, which I put a stop to once I realized what I was doing. I even shared an ENTIRE pack of cigarettes with BFF one night cuz I was just so annoyed and looking back, probably wanted to give an EFF YOU to the universe. Of all the things, I am most regretful of this. Mostly because I admitted it to Mr. & the Kid and while they didn't admonish me, I could see that they were disappointed. Jeez. On Possibly Turning a Corner: Last week, I did a much needed reality check (of which I need to thank @sillykitty for for prompting, along with the break in the winter weather that day, and the first good night's sleep I had in a while the night before). I upped my protein (thanks @FluffyChix for the reminder), and made sure to get more sleep (thanks me!, LOL). As of this morning, I am down to only 4 open wounds. The ooze factor of these have decreased ALOT, and they no longer stink. YAY! Though I'm going to temper my expectations because I have healed and UN-healed TWICE before and it was a definite hit to the mood. Current PS/body results: Swell hell continues in my lower abdomen & upper thighs. Some days are better than others. The one thing I have noticed is that if I wear my abdominal binder too high, the swelling in these areas get worse. I have been trying to make sure that the binder sits low enough, which results in lots of tugging throughout the day. I may have to invest in a full body one. My arm compression garment is no longer compressing me, despite being tailored by my mom earlier, but I wear it anyway as it helps keep my silicone tape from coming off. That and I have developed a weird security-fondness for it. I stopped wearing my sports bra (or any bra at all, for that matter) weeks ago because of the wounds on my under-boob and side boob. The arm compression garment is doing a little lifting in that area instead. Some Comparison Numbers: Pre-PS Weight: 115 lbs 2m-Po Weight: 117.1 lbs Pre-PS Bust - Waist - Hips measurements: 32.5" - 25.5" - 33" 2m-Po Bust - Waist - Hips measurements: 33.5" - 25.0" - 34" Pre-PS Left UpperArm Circumference: 10.5" 2m-Po Left UpperArm Circumference: 10.0" Pre-PS Right Thigh Circumference: 17.0" 2m-Po Right Thigh Circumference: 19.0" * I didn't think to measure my lower abdomen before, but I did this morning, so I can start keeping track: 2m-Po Lower Abdomen (measuring widest part): 33.0" Next Steps: I have my 2 month post op appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. He had given me homework to stretch/massage my arms at my 6 week appt, as he felt I should a fuller range of motion that I did at the time. He wanted to see me be able to raise my arms completely straight up with no resistance. Well....I CAN do it, BUT i can feel the areas between the armpit and upper tricep stretching to its limit. It doesn't hurt, but I can definitely feel the pull. I'm not sure if this is where he wanted me to be at, and I guess we'll see what he says tomorrow. I promised myself I would not go back to my normal level of exercise until ALL my wounds have closed. This may be overkill, but I really DO NOT want a repeat of last month. Hopefully this will be in the next couple weeks. I am going back to "work" in a couple weeks as well, so this should help with the boredom. Pictures: My surgeon will be taking pics of me at my appointment tomorrow, will see if I will post those, or take some myself...will decide later. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited to add update from 2 month follow up appt with Doc: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Soooo....went to my 2 month follow up yesterday and Doc scheduled me for some steroid shots next month...I guess he is not happy with my my scar healing (I was fine with it, but I guess he knows better ) He also asked me again to not wear my tape as much as I have been. I wear them basically 23 hours a day and he wants me to halve that, if not more (he asked me to do this last time, but I didn't listen...but since he asked AGAIN, I guess I should pay attention). I have been tape-less since about 6pm yesterday, and it feels odd. Almost as if the incisions are getting sore again? Only on my arms though...my boobs and tum feel the same. *shrugs* I do notice this morning that a lot of dried skin was flaking off the (healed) incision lines...not sure what the impact of this is *shrugs again*. I slathered some bio oil on them (he did tell me to moisturize). Wound update: I was down to 3 open wounds yesterday! BUT...this morning a new one opened on my left underboob due to another suture expelling, so my number stays at 4. Le sigh. Btw, Doc says that part of the reason why I'm expelling so many sutures is because I am "so skinny". Something about no where for the sutures to be absorbed into. On another note: Speaking of being "so skinny", when I asked Doc about what we can do about my saggy butt, he said that I am not a good candidate for a BBL in my current state, unless I want to gain at least 10 lbs OF FAT. Um, no thanks. He also does not support nor perform implants, which left his option recommendations to: Traditional butt lift Some machine treatment (I forget the name), which is basically a device that simulates 100's of mini squats per session (think Dr. Ho's) Actual Squats I'm gonna go with the Actual Squats 

Omg, this is so relate-able! Lol, anytime I purchase an outfit ahead of time, it doesn’t fit like it should on the day of the event. So hubs and I are in the midst of planning a beach vacay for June and I’m sooooooo tempted to buy shorts and tank tops, but I’m really having to reign myself in bc it’s still 4 months away. Thanks for your post (you still rocked that dress even if it was a bit loose) because I was getting restless and dying to order some clothes and now I’m going to grit my teeth and wait a bit.

I’m 5 months out and I’ve stalled out (it’s been about 2.5 weeks with no loss). Is this it? Can I hope to loose more or am I done? When did you stop loosing after gastric sleeve. st w 238, CW 185. SD 9/19/19

My husband was against it (married 17 years). He would say things like “you can loose the weight yourself without this” and be discouraging. He didn’t even stay with me in the hospital the first night, my mom did. Bottom line.. I did this for ME! Be too busy with were your headed then who’s coming with you.

I feel they are less noticeable after the weight loss, they’re still there but once it’s just lose jiggly belly they’re more skin colored. Plus you can’t see them at all in a pair of nice high waisted stretch pants

Many vitamins can not be absorbed through the skin. I would not personally use patches. You may want to start using chewables. I chew two Bariatric fusions twice per day. there is something that they call a “banana bag” to infuse vitamins and minerals. My sister passed away a few years back. Before she passed they had her on the banana bags in the hospital. So I know it exists.

I ended up having to stay three nights in hospital because of back spasms. I was made to get up on day two to have a shower & to put on my pjs. So glad I threw in extra pjs & knickers because on day three I experienced some awful and very unexpected diarrhoea thanks to all the laxatives I had been given. Not pretty. 😱 I found putting on clean pjs each day just made me feel better. Understand not wanting to buy pjs when you don’t wear them, but maybe find some track pants (soft, loose, drawstring waist are most comfortable immediately after surgery) even from a local 2nd hand shop & wear with your T shirts. I lived in soft track pants after my surgery. And yes to non slip shoes for doing your laps around the ward. Good luck 😁

I've been taking Collagen since early last year (long before surgery). I started when I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees in the hopes it would help and I think it did. I also noticed it helps my skin and hair feel better in general. I'm still early out from surgery so not sure if it will help with loss or not, but if nothing else, it's an extra 10 G of protein for only 40 calories and it dissolves with no taste in protein shakes or my decaf coffee. (It can make drinks sticky if the ration of powder to liquid isn't right).

Setbacks are normal, no one is perfect, if we were, then we would not need the surgery. Recently my current PCP provided a prescription for Contrave to help control my appetite, unfortunately after 2 weeks I feel no difference. I have been on several different weight loss prescriptions over the last couple of years and unfortunately no long term changes either. The only thing that really worked for me was being active in Weight Watchers, going to the weekly meetings and actively participating in the support groups. Although I am going the self-pay route to avoid the insurance company BS my PCP wants me to loose about 20 to 30 pounds before usury. I plan to rejoin Weight Watchers a month or two post opp when I am back to eating somewhat normal.

Hi everyone! I am nearly at my 5 month nutritional weigh in. I struggled in the first 4 months as I had spine surgery and on restrictions. However, I wanted to see what advise and tips that worked for everyone to help them loose weight and not back track? How did you overcome your cravings etc? Of course iam still working with my nutritionist with a plan catered to my needs, but ive had slip ups and I'm discouraged. I appreciate all your advised yall could share. Thank you!

Yeah hey the bug was not good but I'm back now & weight loss has started again 182lbs today I'm not sure where I'll stop haha 😀 But I know I'll have to start weights soon as I'm kinda skin and bones right now lol

I had surgery same day as you and have had to be creative on meals; proteins drinks; egg drop soup (minus MOST of the egg drop) I just use a small spoon and chew it; 4 bites in and I'm good. I've also had a bit of homemade tomato soup and its been like heaven! We just flash peel the tomatoes first as to not have the skin.. Hang in there and don't be so hard on yourself! We got this!

You might need to add in some more approved foods with fibre in them. That helped me a lot during my 3 week pre-op. BMs were still very soft and loose, but not so runny or hitting so quickly.

i am 15 months out. I am at 153.. while my goal is 145... i still have skin surgery coming so now i feel that every pound loss is going to put me under my goal. My surgeon already moved my appt from April to End of June because i am still losing without trying. This is now becoming a concern for me. When i talked to her last week i was 157.6... today i am 153. If i lose 6 more before end of june she is going to push it out again.

My boyfriend of 7 years (who I live with) is not excited about the idea of me thinking of bariatric surgery. I had my first consultation appointment and my bf and I have been talking about what I learned, etc. Now as an upfront, I just turned 40 and have been struggling with my weight since my mid 20s. I am currently at my highest weight of 275 lb (5' 6.5") with a bmi of 43. I have just been prescribed blood pressure meds (my bp has consistently been 177/90 for 6 months!) AND cholesteral meds. I have yoyo dieted for years. YES, I could exercise more (or at all) but I do eat pretty healthy. My bf is a great support in my life and I love him very much. He does NOT want me to get this surgery and suggested that neither of us have FULLY "committed" to a diet and exercise plan since we have been together (he only "needs" to loose 10 lbs to hit his goal weight)....therefore, he thinks we should work out together 3 times a week for 6 months to a year along with a severe calorie counting regimin (which we have done) and overall healthy diet (which we do mostly on, sometimes off) before I even consider this surgery. I am DEVASTATED. I told him "my body my choice" and although I know he will support me if I decide on the surgery....I can't help but feel like he is putting off my health and hapiness by another year. I dont think these changes will move the scale that much, certainly not ENOUGH....and he thinks I don't have the behaviors in place now to maintain the diet needed post op to make this work. HELP. I need advice. I am not convinced surgery is right but I am 80-90% sure it is and may be the only option to saving my life.

Have you ever thought of coming to the states like our cities NYC, LA, Miami, Atlanta, Boston or Chicago to shop? I, too, have trouble fitting into clothing that is sized correctly, well-constructed (like you said, art) and proportioned for petite XS and, in some cases XXS. The surrounding villages/towns of all these major cities have amazing boutique shoppes to your absolute delight! Have you ever shopped at Saks Fifth Avenue? I have found some nice ready made dresses, slacks and unique pieces in suitable sizes. Bloomingdales, too. Their sales can be very rewarding as I re-build my classic wardrobe slowly. All my shoes and beautiful couture full figure clothing are all gone now. I grieved them - I wanted to look nice even in a size 1, 2 or 3X. Whomever adopts them is one lucky individual considering not only their cost, excellent condition but the time, effort and travel to procure them... My garment seamstress has quickly become my best friend. Shopping on line is simply not the same experience. I hate to think we might loose all our fine department stores. Wish there could be a balance. I like amazon, too. And, I like to support our local businesses as well. The average American size is now 12 in the states but has shifted to a 10. The American consumer does not want to admit that they are actually a size 12 or 14. Clothing sizes have shifted upwards and should be taken with a grain of salt fueled by deceptive advertising + marketing + sales. True sizing can still be found in high-end boutiques, most designer goods and vintage shops. And, they will tell you the truth via your measurements. I love upscale consignment shops especially garments made in the 40's, 50's, 60's and labeled small...they really are an authentic small! I feel for you. Not shopping too much yet after plastics but know I will have a similar issue. I like quality not quantity - mix and match and eclectic.

Thank you! My students have a great attitude. They comment a lot on my clothing (as I do on theirs, because dang they are a fashionable lot!). As far as weight, they don't really mention it unless I do, and they are interested in the process. Students are one demographic that don't treat me any differently than when I was closer to 300 lbs. Men my age and older are much nicer to me now, which was pretty irritating that it was such a drastic difference. I was still deserving of respect and kindness prior to weight loss. When we talk about it, my students are always interested in the social aspects like that, etc. I've been pretty open. One of my dreams is that young people won't spend as many years and as much bandwidth fussing over weight and body image, you know? One of our current crafty collabs is with a group on coming to love themselves as they are. With that in mind, my students never say "wow you look great!" because they are VERY adamant that I looked great before. I love and respect them for that. And they aren't wrong. But damn is it easier to go through the world as a smaller person. For so many reasons. I did have a couple of students concerned that I wasn't eating enough. We try to keep an eye on each other's stress levels and self-care. It was sweet of them, and my body image was WAY off, I admit. That conversation is one of the reasons I'm really pretty okay with staying at this weight rather than continuing to try to lose. My husband likes me curvy anyway. And TBH - I like me curvy! I will get this tummy skin/flab dealt with, but otherwise I'm tickled with where I'm at.

I'm just shy of 7 months post op from a Modified DS. Starting weight was 244 - current weight is 165. Do you eventually stop loosing weight? It's still coming off pretty fast and part of me worries that I'm going to get 'too thin'.

Ugh! I am so frustrated. The scale hasn’t moved in two weeks! I don’t know what to do. I’m 5 months post op. I’m eating about 700 calories a day. Doc wants me up to 1000, but it’s been tough to get there. I haven’t had a whole lot of energy the past month, but I upped my protein shakes to twice a day and that has helped with my energy considerably. I admit I haven’t been too strict with my diet relying mostly on the tiny portions that I eat keeping me in check, which they have in the sense that I’m not getting very many calories. I do try and make sure I’ve gotten my protein in each day, and my water. I just don’t see how 700 calories a day can keep me at 185lbs for 2 weeks without so much as one pound lost. I have been loosing slow from the get go and now its trickling to a hault. I’m 50lbs down since surgery but my weight loss can’t already be stopping. Can it? Please advise. Or share you similar story. HW 238, SW 230, CW 185 Surgery date September 19, 2019

My BMI was 39 when I had my consultation. I self paid (in the uk) and it's now 22. (It had gone down to 19 at its lowest and people tell me I was too thin. I'd argue but I'd probably agree it's ok now :)) Anyway, I had no real co-morbidity, but my twin had type 2 and had had a stroke and I just felt enough already with losing and gaining the same stone over and over - like sisyphus running the boulder up a hill! So my weight loss has been around the 100lbs all told and it's enough. But it's your body, your weight and your choice. I would also say that I have cause, daily, to feel glad about my size. I LOVE my clothes, my skin isn't too bad (yeah I'd love a lift but I'm 56 and I'm not sure I can be bothered!), I'm fit and healthy and my confidence has increased. What's not to love. Go for it. We''re worth it!

My BMI was 35 & I am so glad I had the surgery. I was fortunate that I didn’t have any weight related health issues, except for sore feet & poor stamina, but I knew they weren’t far away & I was hurtling towards being morbidly obese. While I’d always battled my weight & yo yoed for decades, I’d never been this weight before and didn’t want to be. However, I just couldn’t loose it. It was frustrating & depressing. I decided to have the surgery because I wanted to be healthy (& wear high heels again & buy clothes off the rack ha). I have nine nieces & nephews aged from 2 to 24 and I wanted to be there for them. I also have an 80yr old mother whose health is slowly deteriorating who I need to be able to care for if needed. Most importantly I wanted to do this for me. So I could actually be who I was inside. Why did you originally decide you wanted the surgery? How did you want your life to change? To improve? What do you think is ‘heavy enough’ for surgery? Have you been to any counselling yet? You need to be in the right head space & really want this or it will fail.

Today’s OOTD features more thrift store finds. The lightweight sweater and the suede blazer were finds from last week. I LOVE the blazer, but I think it’s more of a fancy night out thing? The jeans were not a thrift store find. I, uhh, paid full price for them. I really like them, though, and since I’m supposedly in maintenance..... Plus, if I shrink more I can just take them in a bit. My puffy loose skin/fat thing on my tummy is annoying, but I think overall the outfit still looks best with my shirt tucked in.

One of the things I have been using is Rodan & Fields skin care line. I use to have horrible skin from years of being a millwright in a steel mill. I had sun damage, freckles, horrible acne and acne scars. I use the Reverse Lightening Regimen and have the Derma-Roller with intensive renewing Serum and my skin has improved greatly. I started using these products about 4 years ago so I was concerned that when I had WLS 17 months ago, I would develop a turkey neck like I had seen on other people. I have been fortunate that it is not that bad - my husband only sees it when I look down. Even though I am 50, I see it is tightening up so if you can work on it over time, I recommend some type of roller to use 2 times a week and a good skin care line. I even saw a video where a woman used a roller on her postpartum belly to help firm it up. Unfortunately, I have way too much excess skin for that to work so I am looking into plastics for that.