Hello guys

Please do not take this question as me being mean, but I have to ask. When i visit my doctor or go to my support meetings, I see a lot of people who have had the sleeve that are excited about their progress and that is great, but a lot of them are what would still be considered chunky by society. I realize that a lot of these people needed to lose 100 sometimes 200 pounds but are they finished? I know they have improved and don't need meds or bipaps to sleep and that is great. They have extended their lives by a great deal, but strictly aesthically speaking is this as good as some people get? Left with a belly or pounch but healthy? I guess im just wondering what to expect for myself though I know everyone is different my vanity keeps me picturing myself as 180lb head turner getting tons of attention from the ladies. I see some people on here who look like totaly different people (Lilmissdiva and Tiffykins come to mind) and I wonder why some people have those kind of results that transform their looks and other people just lose enough to extend their lives?

Every person has different goals, and different levels of effort they are willing to put forth to achieve those goals. In addition, you are dealt a certain hand, genetically, that will play a part in your ultimate results. If you want to be a 180 pound head-turner - set that as your goal. Develop your plan to get you to it, and start working your plan.

Other than making ourselves taller, there is very little that can't be accomplished if you want something bad enough, are willing to work hard for it, and are willing to accept the consequences of your actions. If you add in the potential of plastic surgery - the possibilities increase even more.

Don't let other peoples more modest goals limit what you want to achieve. You are a youngster - in your early 30's. You are going to do amazing with your sleeve. There isn't any reason you couldn't be a 180 pound head turner if you do what is needed to get there.

Good luck!

I too have noticed a "different" look with most WLS patients, the abdomen is fuller and like you say sometimes a "dunlop" on the belly. The rapid weight loss leaves some sub-dermal fat as well as excess skin. HOW MUCH is determined by genetics, age and sheer dumb luck. I have been very, very fortunate, I have very little belly and not much hanging skin. My belly button droops into a slight "frown" and that's about it. My arms are fairly firm as I have been exercising quite a bit since surgery.

YES, you MAY look like you are melting but the benefits of getting rid of so much excess fat are still worth it. There is always surgery to remove it.

I believe with all of my heart that any one of us can reach any goals we set for ourselves. The sleeve has made this possible for myself and countless others here from what I've seen. I can't say this is true for all WLS though. The band didn't get me anywhere (speaking from my own personal experience of course) and I've seen many RnY patients who never reach goal. I don't really know what the differences are, however I've seen so many of us sleevers reach our goals and beyond!

SK, it's funny you should mention not getting taller because I just remeasured my height and I gained an inch back. Granted I was 5'7 as far as I can remember but when I was being measured for my BMI to start my LapBand process I was measured at 5'6. So yeah, we can even get a little taller with weight loss. I'm sure it's all posture related, but I'm glad to know I got my inch back!!!

CT, Just keep doing you. Set your goal and fight for it. If your goals should change, that's ok too. You make the rules for your own body. You will get there, I have no doubts.

My surgeon told me that he considers the sleeve a success if the person loses and maintains the lose of 2/3 to 3/4 of their excess weight. That's the difference between your start weight and "normal" weight". So if someone starts at 300 lbs and normal for their height is 150 pounds, then a 100 to 113 lb lose is "success" though to the rest of society that person is still heavy. Not everyone can or will get to "normal", but we will get BETTER if we use the sleeve as a tool to improve ourselves.

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement! I think I will aim High and hope my genetics and age cooperate.

My husband would be better to answer this from a male perspective but I will answer from what I see. I started at 232 and I am now hovering around 155 after 8 mos. I do have a belly that has lapped over and will probably never lose that. Women who bear child usually have weaker stomach muscles. My husband was 272 and his goal was 200. He has reached and exceed his goal without really trying after 4 months. H e is currently 186.Men seem to lose a lot quicker. He has a small pooch of a stomach but otherwise he is looking good. We are thinking that if he loses much more weight he will start looking gaunt and sickly. I would love to lose more but it appears that my body has decided this is the weight I should be. Most of my weight still hanging around is in my belly. I am would love to lose another 10 pounds but I am okay if I don't. My shoulder bones are showing and if I lose more in that area, I may not look as healthy. I am justing going on the ride for what my body wants at this point. I like what I see in the mirror and that is all that matters is my opinion and of course my husband!

Others may think they are succesful and if their goal was to be off medication and such and they reached it, that is great! Good Luck in your journey.

I think exercise and nutrition can make a humongous difference. I am a physical therapist by background and can tell you that your percent body fat is very controllable if you want it to be. Toning, flexibility and cardio work can change a lot of how it all turns out...but you gotta want it and be willing to pay the price for it too. Hang onto your goals!! You can get there!!

Joan