Just a little motivation for those of you just starting. If I can do it anyone can. It takes work, everyday good choices, but the sleeve helps!!!

I love that even when I mentally crave something outside my normal eating routine, the smallest portion fills me up and I'm satisfied.

A few pics. First before and after VSG. Second before and after 360 LBL. Still amazes me how can that be me!!!!!! But it is.

Best wishes to those starting your journey. You can do it!!!!

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Oh yes sleeve recovery was easy in comparison. I did skin removal almost 2.5 years post sleeve. So I was at and maintaining goal weight for well over a year before plastics. Good luck with your journey!!!

Wow. You look amazing.

Amazing! Can I ask who did the surgery, where, and how much?


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Oh yes!!! The second picture is before and after LBL, full 360 lower body lift.
The first set is after Sleeve but before body lift, with spankx of course. I won't miss wearing those to hold in all the extra skin

How was the recovery after LBL versus post VSG? I'm almost 7 months out, and I already know I'm going to need plastics.

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VSG was a piece of cake compared to LBL. To be expected, a few laparoscopic holes vs literally getting cut in half. But with that said LBL wasn't that bad. I didn't have one minute of regret. First few weeks I didn't move much then started getting around the house more and more and I was back to the gym by week 6. Hardest part was being laid up for so long. Best of luck with your journey

4 hours ago, ymarie said:

Amazing! Can I ask who did the surgery, where, and how much?


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VSG - Dr Prachad, University of Chicago, insurance paid

LBL - Dr Zachary, University of Chicago, insurance paid

1 hour ago, imadethelist said:

VSG - Dr Prachad, University of Chicago, insurance paid

LBL - Dr Zachary, University of Chicago, insurance paid

Oh, I wanted Dr. Prachand but didn't want to wait an extra month for him. So, Dr. Zachary is the plastic surgeon who Dr. Alverdy said they refer to afterwards. I'm sure I'll be seeing him in a couple of years or so.

Amazing!


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VSG was a piece of cake compared to LBL. To be expected, a few laparoscopic holes vs literally getting cut in half. But with that said LBL wasn't that bad. I didn't have one minute of regret. First few weeks I didn't move much then started getting around the house more and more and I was back to the gym by week 6. Hardest part was being laid up for so long. Best of luck with your journey

Please let me know if you get this reply it seems like when I reply to people they never respond to me I feel invisible ? maybe not using it right anyway I wanted to respond to you I am two weeks out 16 days postop and the scale hasn't moved at all I feel like I'm doing everything right the only thing yes today was my first walk I could barely walk block but it's 100° you had stated in your post that in the beginning it was kind of slow going I'm feeling frustrated

Please let me know if you get this reply it seems like when I reply to people they never respond to me I feel invisible ? maybe not using it right anyway I wanted to respond to you I am two weeks out 16 days postop and the scale hasn't moved at all I feel like I'm doing everything right the only thing yes today was my first walk I could barely walk block but it's 100° you had stated in your post that in the beginning it was kind of slow going I'm feeling frustrated

Definitely got your reply. Congrats on making the very courageous decision to change your life. We all know how hard that decision is but trust me you will be so glad you did.

Sorry you're experiencing that early stall. I did too and it is frustrating but happens to so many. It's temporary so keep the faith!!! Sounds like your doing the right things. I know I had trouble getting in my water in the beginning as I'm a chugger and that wasn't happening right after surgery. It gets easier.

Yes I started walking sooooo slowly. My first walk post op I couldn't even make it around my cup de sac let alone a block. Try to remember you're probably taking in less than 1000 calories a day right now so having little energy is to be expected. Hang in there!!!! You've just had a huge surgery, bigger than those little laparoscopic scars indicate. So try to stay focused on healing right now, following your Dr's diet plan for you, and getting your water in. If you wear a tracker to track your steps, set small goals, just a little further than last week is a win.

Hang in there. And reach out again if I can be of further help. You've got a long exciting road in front of you. Take pictures so you can see your progress and enjoy the journey!!!!

I love my new life but I still say the losing was more fun than the keeping it off. [emoji23][emoji23] it's a marathon not a sprint and my best advice is take this time to create new habits. Making this diet a lifestyle. I no longer feel like I'm on a diet, this is just how I eat now.

Best wishes. And know we're out here cheering you on.

Can you give your stats What size did you start at and where are you now? Thanks! You look great! Such an inspiration! !!

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On 3/24/2017 at 6:49 PM, imadethelist said:

VSG - Dr Prachad, University of Chicago, insurance paid

LBL - Dr Zachary, University of Chicago, insurance paid

I wanted to ask you, since my insurance said they pay for skin removal too if the extra skin becomes a problem. Did your insurance pay for your entire lbl, or just the 'skin removal' part?

I read some insurances who pay for skin removal won't pay for anything they deem cosmetic, like a belly button etc. I've also read some people even got insurance to pay for their breast surgeries as well. I hope I'm in that boat.

And are you happy with your results? Would you go to Dr. Zachary again?

Edited July 16, 20179 yr by Finding_Stacy

Started 270, size 26

Now 140, size 6.

Thanks for your kind words and best wishes on your journey!!! If I can do it anyone can!!!!!

At Stacy....

insurance. Yes they paid for all of my LBL. Insurance has changed some I'm currently waiting on approval for legs. I'll definitely go back to Zachary for legs if I get approval. he did a great job on my LBL.

That is so good to know, thank you so much!