Less of Leslie

I have Kaiser and they DON'T convert a tummy tuck, only a panni removal. I am worried that a panni removal is going to look gross, but I guess it's no better than my current mangled belly. As far as I know a panni removal is just that,panni removal. They don't tighten any skin or do a belly button revision that you would get with a tummy tuck.

Hello December Sleevers! (12/5/11) Wow, it has been a while since I have been on. I am sorry and glad to see the struggles. I am sorry that we are having them...but glad to know it is NOT just ME! LOL! My weight loss has slowed WAYYY down. Last month I lost...drum roll please...2 pounds!! YEP. 2 pounds. I am now bouncing between 164 and 166. A little frustrating seeing as how I planned to be at goal by my surgiversary. Total weight loss is 85 pounds...really want to break that 100 mile stone. I have also noticed that my restriction in not what it was before (I'm comparing to ..2-3 months po). I can easily eat about 3/4 to 1 cup of food. Now I know that is minimal compared to what I was eating pre-op, but it scares me that I can eat that much...funny head game, huh? I am also having a tough time catching up to my weight loss. I tried on a small skirt in Target, it fit, but I really didn't register that it was a SMALL...HELLOOOO! I still see my flaws and fat. SMH. This time last year I was squeezing into a 20 and now I am looking at a small like it is not good enough. Am I the only one?

Wait until you are further out!! It really is a trip to see what others eat and realize "WOW!! I would eat that and MORE!" It is liberating in a way. This journey definatley is an eye opener and makes you more accountable for what you put in your body. You really start to question if those food choices are really worth it now. Welcome to the club!

WHAT!!?!????!!!!! I am OUTRAGED at your sister!! Fat people surgery?! Wow, she should be glad she is NOT MY sister! *sigh*....breathe Leslie.... People will say the stupidest things, remember: Ignorance is Bliss. Period. They are un-educated about the process. Some will say that it is the "easy way out". Well, let me telllll YOU! The easy way OUT is sitting on the couch, gorging and starting that diet on "monday". The easy way OUT is not being able to move, exercise, breathe, or LIVE. That is the easy way OUT,,,OUT TO YOUR GRAVE. We all know how many calories are on a plate just by looking at it because we have been professional dieters all or most of our lives. They don't understand THAT. This journey is NOT easy by ANY means. But it is WORTH IT. Diet and Exercise...WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?! !!!! UGH!! THIS TOPIC ALWAYS BOILS MY BLOOD. Stay strong, you KNOW that this is the BEST decision for you and your LIFE. No regrets. I would do it 1000 times again and NOW, 6 months out, EVERYONE wants to know what I did, that I look SO great...I HAD FAT PEOPLE SURGERY AND I'M PROUD OF IT!!!! Don't let ignorance and jealousy spread. Keep your head up and keep on keepin on!

So, my last NSV was being able to wrap a towel around my body...still lovin that! My new NSVs....... I WAS ABLE TO RIDE THE MINI ROLLERCOASTER WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ON SATURDAY!! I was not asked if I was pregnant, and the lap bar went all the way down to my new lovely lap! BTW...I HAVE A LAP!! It felt sooo good to be able to ride with my honey and not be embarassed that I was too big to ride. 2nd NSV, I NEED A BELT!! I have NEVER needed a belt, my pants were always plenty tight enough. Now, My pants sag on me and I really can't keep investing in clothes that won't fit in a couple months...it IS fun having to shop for all the cutest styles though! 3rd NSV, I can try on clothes at the flea market. OK, I know that sounds wierd...but hear me out. There is an Antique fair that happens once a month here in Sacramento, CA. I LOVE IT!! Well, I went on Sunday and I had a BLAST trying on all the vintage clothes over my clothes. It was so FUN! I bought a couple things too! Before VSG, I would have just been browsing and wishing, now thanks to "Sleevie Nicks" (because she is a ROCKSTAR! ) I can LIVE and be INVOLVED WITH LIFE!! *sigh* Life is good. :wub:

I would do it 1000 times again. NO REGRETS. Yes, that 1st month is a B!%*#. REALLY, it is. But that is the worst of it, the healing and recovery, being tired and eating baby food. BUT, after that 1st month,it is ALL DOWN HILL! I am going on 6 months PO and will never look back.

I had an AMAZING experience. I last remember being put onto the OR table, the mask being placed on my face and counting backward...I only remember getting to 7! LOL! The next thing I knew, my name was being called and I was awake. It felt like I JUST went to sleep. I asked the nurse "Is it done?! Did they do it?!" She said "Yes 'hon. You are all done". My throat did not hurt one bit. My Anesthesiologist must have been VERY GOOD at what she does. I have NO complaints. I may be in the minority, I don't know, but ALL of us DON'T have horror stories. My recovery has been spot on. No probs, no issues. I would do the surgery 1000 times again. Good Luck!

I am in the same boat. I had my VSG 12/5/11 and lost my insurance 1/112. I havent seen my Surg since. I feel great, no complications, no problems, but I feel like I SHOULD see SOMEBODY for peace of mind. Let me know what you come up with since we are in the same city.

Mine started at 4 mo po. It is ALARMING! I knew to expect it, but when it happened I was like WTH?! Handfulls in the shower, shedding all over the place. Luckily my hair is thick so I can afford to lose some hair. I just want to stop "molting" already!!

Thanks everyone! It is definatley a rollercoaster ride, but so worth it. @Beecharmer1982 I am 5 months Post op. I have lost 50 lbs since surgery. It has slowed down to about 1-2 lbs a week, but that is OK with me. So long as I am losing, I am happy. Every pound adds up in weight loss just as it does in weight gain! @favordone LOOK AT YOU!! you look GREAT chica! @Giselle 3264 the numbers will make you CRAZY! I really try to focus on how I feel, how my clothes feel...and now how my towel feels! LOL! Thank you everyone for your kind wishess and encouragement. It really does help and makes a differance in our self esteem and self worth. We have ALL battled that fight. I FEEL THE LOVE!! :wub:

So, whenever I would get out of the shower, I would wrap the bath towel around me backwards, leave the back open because it didnt fit, of course....unless it was a beach towel. Well, yesterday I decided I would try to wrap and tuck the towel, see how far I was from being able to wear a bath towel out of the shower...IT WRAPPED, and IT TUCKED..and it was CLOSED!! NOT A BEACH TOWEL, A REAL BATH TOWEL! LOL! I felt normal for once! I am also excited to announce that I bought a few dresses from Old Navy and of course I go STRAIGHT to XL. Well, they are WAY too big! L is even a little too big. I bought 3 in L and 1 in Med, the Med FITS!! I would like to lose 10 more before I wear the med...just to feel a little more comfortable. I have had to purge my closet AGAIN, I am running out of clothes! But it is great going shopping! I almost got emotional in Old Navy. My head still hasnt wrapped around the weight loss. That is my only hold back. I don't always see the 70 lbs gone.

WOOHOO!!Down to 178! Only 38lbs from my goal!!