Hi, I was wondering who here had similar stats to mine. I am 31 5'6.5", 257lbs BMI ~44. I just started my journey and have my first NUT appt. May 6. I am an active person and enjoy running outside but have problems with my diet (obviously) so was looking for a permanent solution to help me stay at a healthy weight. I would love to hear about your journey and see pics, especially those that have similar stats to mine. Hopefully by the end of this year, since I have to do 6 months of NUT appts., I will have my surgery and join these success stories!

I was in the hospital for about 2 months. had the surgery dec 20th, around the 13th of january was not able to keep any solids down so i had an upper gi done and it was determined that there was too much scar tissue so went back in for a revision to clear the scar tissue on jan 20th felt even worse afterwards and on the 25th had a stent placed in my esophagus for 10 days to open the stricture helped a tiny bit but had 2 dilations after that and was back and forth in the hospital until they determined i contracted a syndrome called SMA (semantic mesenteric artery) where pretty much theres this fat slab that holds the intestines in place and in my rapid weight loss, i lost that slab as well my intestines shifted onto an artery that was lodged against my esophagus and that i would probably have problems for the rest of my life.. long story short after being fed through a pic line for 2 months and basically being told there was nothing they could do, i discharged myself from the hospital, had the pic line removed, and decided to heal myself. Started eating even if it wouldnt stay down and staying active and COMING OFF ALLL THE MEDICATIONS and since I've done that i feel fine can eat fine (besides the limitations of the sleeve) and am exercising daily with loads of energy. I'm doing crossfit training and losing about 6 pounds per week no stalls no complications.. but it was such a scary experience i almost regretted doing it.

I am so glad that things are better for you now! Thank you for sharing your story!

So, since we are all similar in beginning size. Does anyone mind talking about extra skin? I was wondering how bad it was and if how fast you lose the weight effects the amount of extra skin

So, since we are all similar in beginning size. Does anyone mind talking about extra skin? I was wondering how bad it was and if how fast you lose the weight effects the amount of extra skin

I take collagen daily to help with my skin.. so far 60 pounds down and im as tight as i was before.. Really good for hair as well. I've experienced no shedding either!

I take collagen daily to help with my skin.. so far 60 pounds down and im as tight as i was before.. Really good for hair as well. I've experienced no shedding either!

That is a great suggestion princesstia!! It never occurred to me to start taking collagen.

Thank you princesstia! I will have to remember that!!

That is a great suggestion princesstia!! It never occurred to me to start taking collagen.

Collagen is one of those beauty drugs people often forget about. Collagen increases skin elasticity, smoothes away scars, and regenerates hair and nails. Collagen makes up 25% of the body's Protein and is used particularly for hair loss because it supports the body's hair building protein. It is also targets many of the problems associated with WLS including hair loss, saggin skin, and protein loss.

Collagen is one of those beauty drugs people often forget about. Collagen increases skin elasticity' date=' smoothes away scars, and regenerates hair and nails. Collagen makes up 25% of the body's Protein and is used particularly for hair loss because it supports the body's hair building protein. It is also targets many of the problems associated with WLS including hair loss, saggin skin, and protein loss.[/quote']

Is there a certain collagen that you would suggest?

I take collagen daily to help with my skin.. so far 60 pounds down and im as tight as i was before.. Really good for hair as well. I've experienced no shedding either!

Where does one find collagen to buy? What stores? Or off the Internet?

Is there a certain collagen that you would suggest?

I take this brand (you can find at GNC or online).. It's 1 scoop mixed in juice or whatever you'd like. I usually throw a scoop in my Protein shake and its like its not even there. Lasts for about a month too!