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It's entirely my own fault that I'm still so heavy. I'm definitely not a model patient. I feel foolish. It's been nearly 4 years to the day that I had VSG and more than a year since converting to bypass (started gaining). I'm down nearly 150 lbs from where I started, and I'm glad about that, truly, thrilled, just scared of the future (possible regain).
I know it's done and I can't change the past, so I have to stop beating myself up about it. Still, it sits heavily on my heart that I've screwed it up. I hadn't planned to try and have this done, but angry at myself for missing this opportunity. Plus, good grief--why have I sabotaged myself so many times? (singing..l...let it go....let it gooooo)

I talked to the surgeon's office. The nurse actually suggested that I change insurance companies with the new year and get to the good BMI then lie about how long I've been there. With other illnesses and emergency care, our insurance has been good to us, so I don't see us changing, but I found it interesting that they'd suggest it.

As it stands, I'll continue to try losing and keeping it off. I can't guarantee that I'll stay at the same weight for a year, but I can and will get to below 35 BMI and go from there. Hopefully that guideline won't change and when it comes time, I'll meet any other criteria they have. I've told my husband--Guess that means by my 50th birthday (2018), I'll have a new tummy. (I know it isn't, but gosh, 2018 sounds so far away, but goodness, 50!?! Egads!!)

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Really appreciate everyone who has shared their experiences, advice and photos.

If/when I have it done, I'll share mine also. It really does help. I started imagining what it might look like--what I might look like, how it would feel to not have so much stomach to carry around, to try and work into a pair of pants, etc.

Again, thank you all!

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It would really be in your best interest to get a handle on your self sabotage, otherwise any plastic surgery would be a waste and insurance will probably only pay for it one time. Maybe some counseling?

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Thank you, TheRealMeisHere, I may have misspoken. Please don't think I'm self-destructive, not at all. I just need to be more pro-active in reaching my goals instead of passive. Not just weight-wise, but in many things.

It's crazy, really. Something for someone else and I'm all over it, above and beyond. Something for me and I procrastinate or let it slide til the cows come home.

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Hello there! I just love this forum! Such good advice from different people with different situations. I had the lipoabdiminoplasty done 3 days ago. I highly recommend getting one of those recliners that sit you up and lay you down electronically. My husband found it online at Walmart and was a fraction of the price of everywhere else, even Craig's list. Spanx shorts to breast has worked really well for me and you can still wear it for smoothing afterward. My abdominal compression garment isn't long enough cause I have a long torso. I went to the medical supply store and bought another one for $30. I hope this helps and good luck!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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Hello everyone, I will be a year out October 26th and due to the rapid weightloss my stomach skin hangs. My insurance is Cigna and the coverage states it's not covered for skin removal, unless medically necessary. Has anyone successfully had Cigna to cover Tummy Tuck or anything for the abdomen area. I have rashes now I'm the folds of the skin, and have to constantly utilize antibiotic creams to gain relief. Wanting to know if anyone can give me some advice or doctors in Atlanta to handle my case.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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Thank you, TheRealMeisHere, I may have misspoken. Please don't think I'm self-destructive, not at all. I just need to be more pro-active in reaching my goals instead of passive. Not just weight-wise, but in many things.

It's crazy, really. Something for someone else and I'm all over it, above and beyond. Something for me and I procrastinate or let it slide til the cows come home.

It's a woman thing! We all jump to help another but feel selfish for doing what we need to do.

You really do need to learn to take care of you or you won't be able to take care of anyone else. Many people get help with the emotional aspects of overeating, as the changes need to be lifelong. You want something that you can feel good about and do long term.

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It's been a long while since I first posted these questions and received so many helpful answers. For my insurance to pay, I had to get to and remain at a bmi under 35 for a year. I was able to get there and remained for longer than a year (plus had to wait scheduling with two surgeons, etc.), but it's done now. HolyMotherOfPete was the pain bad. Not all the time and not the incision, seriously, all numb there, but the abdominal pressure and spasms. Coughing/sneezing are murderous for a few days. I had some complications with a few things, but also a big reaction to the bandages--blisters everywhere. Apparently, I'm allergic and didn't know it.
Anyways, as so many great people have shared theirs, I'm sharing my results.
Thanks again to everyone.8dayspostop.2.thumb.jpg.da0b1c55191be20e803c81bcd9de7f89.jpg

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You look amazing!!!

My sleeve surgery will be on August 1st! I pray I won't need skin removal surgery but am pretty sure I will at some point in the future.

Sent from my SM-J320R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

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      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

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      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

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      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
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      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
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