Stalemate after 1.5 yrs after VSG and life now ...

[living55 98]

So its been a year and a half since my VSG and I am down 88 pounds. I will not compare myself to others but I know I have not reached my goal weight because I do not exercise. I was anemic before and developed severe anemia close to needing a transfusion after. It takes all I have make it to work. I am on Iron, epogen and just exhausted. My skin is horrible, I look like I am melting when just in underclothes. I say jabba the hut syndrome. I am actually afraid to consider skin removal surgery because I feel like its vanity and I am risking my life. I have other medical issue so I am a surgery vet and feel like I have been blessed thus far, why push it just to wear a tank top and shorts. I know I would lose another 10+ lbs with skin removal. I would like to know what others experience has been post op, any advice and thoughts on how to increase energy, how to get some of my hair back (already on biotin) and skin surgery.

I am extremely happy with my decision and If I never wear a tank top or a tankini I can live with it. I just want to continue better quality of life and increasing my energy is on the top of my list.

Thanks in advance.

Edited May 24, 2016 by living55

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@living55 I wonder if you have a different/distorted view of what you actually look like. Maybe this is something that counseling will help with. I would seek counseling to discuss your body image issues before contemplating plastic surgery. Congrats on a job well done!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

So its been a year and a half since my VSG and I am down 86 pounds. I will not compare myself to others but I know I have not reached my goal weight because I do not exercise. I was anemic before and developed severe anemia close to needing a transfusion after. It takes all I have make it to work. I am on Iron, epogen and just exhausted. My skin is horrible, I look like I am melting when just in underclothes. I say jabba the hut syndrome. I am actually afraid to consider skin removal surgery because I feel like its vanity and I am risking my life. I have other medical issue so I am a surgery vet and feel like I have been blessed thus far, why push it just to wear a tank top and shorts. I know I would lose another 10+ lbs with skin removal. I would like to know what others experience has been post op, any advice and thoughts on how to increase energy, how to get some of my hair back (already on biotin) and skin surgery.

I am extremely happy with my decision and If I never wear a tank top or a tankini I can live with it. I just want to continue better quality of life and increasing my energy is on the top of my list.

Thanks in advance.

Congratulations on your weight loss.

What does your post-op food plan look like? I think your goal of increasing your energy requires examining where you stand with your Water, nutrition, Vitamins, exercise, and sleep, and making adjustments.

Have you talked to your NUT lately? What does he or she recommend?

Are you:

following your program?

Tracking your food?

Getting at least 64 oz of Fluid a day?

Reaching your Protein target every day? (What is your Protein target?)

Avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods?

Taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed?

Getting enough restful sleep?

Exercising regularly?

Getting enough nutrition (especially protein and water) is critical for your hair, skin, nails, muscles, etc.

[living55 98]

Thanks for the response. It isn't distorted, it is really what my thighs and arms look like. My doctor has already suggested the Tummy Tuck but I haven't shown him my thighs or arms yet. I am just concerned about extra surgery since I know my skin will not bounce back and to change it, that is my option. In clothes I look great so as I mentioned I could live with it, but I really do want some energy.

Thanks again

@@living55 I wonder if you have a different/distorted view of what you actually look like. Maybe this is something that counseling will help with. I would seek counseling to discuss your body image issues before contemplating plastic surgery. Congrats on a job well done!

Edited May 23, 2016 by living55

[living55 98]

Because I am so far out I stopped tracking but you gave me some sound information. I will make an appointment with my NUT and run this down with them. I really need to make changes and stop thinking I can do this on my own. To be honest I have been concentrating on my other health issues and not focusing on this. Thanks again.

So its been a year and a half since my VSG and I am down 86 pounds. I will not compare myself to others but I know I have not reached my goal weight because I do not exercise. I was anemic before and developed severe anemia close to needing a transfusion after. It takes all I have make it to work. I am on Iron, epogen and just exhausted. My skin is horrible, I look like I am melting when just in underclothes. I say jabba the hut syndrome. I am actually afraid to consider skin removal surgery because I feel like its vanity and I am risking my life. I have other medical issue so I am a surgery vet and feel like I have been blessed thus far, why push it just to wear a tank top and shorts. I know I would lose another 10+ lbs with skin removal. I would like to know what others experience has been post op, any advice and thoughts on how to increase energy, how to get some of my hair back (already on biotin) and skin surgery.

I am extremely happy with my decision and If I never wear a tank top or a tankini I can live with it. I just want to continue better quality of life and increasing my energy is on the top of my list.

Thanks in advance.

Congratulations on your weight loss.

What does your post-op food plan look like? I think your goal of increasing your energy requires examining where you stand with your Water, nutrition, Vitamins, exercise, and sleep, and making adjustments.

Have you talked to your NUT lately? What does he or she recommend?
Are you:
following your program?
Tracking your food?
Getting at least 64 oz of Fluid a day?
Reaching your Protein target every day? (What is your Protein target?)
Avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods?
Taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed?
Getting enough restful sleep?
Exercising regularly?

Getting enough nutrition (especially protein and water) is critical for your hair, skin, nails, muscles, etc.

[living55 98]

Bueller ..... Bueller ..... Bueller ....

[perforce 243]

I'm guessing if you have to have your blood checked regularly then you're probably already on top of this, but how are your Vitamin levels? B12 ok? I would start tracking again though, it could be something as simple as not getting enough Protein. Until you can look at your records and see there is no way to know.

[living55 98]

I'm guessing if you have to have your blood checked regularly then you're probably already on top of this, but how are your Vitamin levels? B12 ok? I would start tracking again though, it could be something as simple as not getting enough Protein. Until you can look at your records and see there is no way to know.

Thanks, they are low and I'm getting B12 Shots, pray my energy comes back soon.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

I would recommend starting with some EASY yoga. not the push it hard poses. think Peggy Cappy Yoga for the rest of us, because if you try to do something strenuous you will not be able to maintain.

or when I first started walking after a long hiatus I would tell myself "you only have to do 5 minutes" or if walking is an issue get a can of something and do 6 reps arm exercises while seated.

sometimes, if your bloodwork is good to ok, it just takes getting started to want to do more later on. Do what you can and build from there.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

You have gotten a lot of good suggestions so I will pipe in with the hair question.

What has worked for me the best was I drink a cup of bamboo tea everyday. Bamboo is high in silica which helps skin hair and nails. I also drank powdered collagen in my Water for several months and that stopped a lot of the Hair loss. Those two things combined helped my hair the most. Good luck

[Turcoise 18]

If your REALLY anemic you may need Iron infusions, got to say I never feel better than the first few months after an infusion even my bruising goes away