CowgirlJane

Since my sleeve was in 2011, the Protein targets were more like 60grams.... which wasn't so easy to get at just 7 weeks out! There is considerable evidence that higher protein targets especially for bigger people is very helpful so I would be aiming in the 80-100gram range if at all possible. I ate alot of low carb Protein drinks, greek yogurt, lean meats like fish chicken etc. I would occasionally get some veggies in but not much. It took a few months before I had capacity to resume eating much in terms of veggies. I never have added alot of fruits due to the sugars.

It is false logic to think since nobody under 40 then everyone over 40 must be "in". Ha Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

the death rate is very low, but it is normal to be scared. I wrote letters to my kids and made sure my basic affairs were in order. I don't personally know anyone who has died from WLS. I do have two relatives who died from obesity caused heart failure. My niece was 40 and my sister in law was 64 - they both dropped dead instantly; both were very heavy. I also know someone who died too young several years post gastri bypass. She was a diabetic and became an alcoholic / drug abuser. She died in her sleep - not from WLS, but from her addictions combined with the diabetes. I don't think anybody was trying to be flippant.... people just get brief in answering questions.

I dont know anything about the balloon but I do have an experience of a lapband, what happened when the fill was removed and then what happened when the unfilled band was removed... my hunger went through the roof. I didn't even think I had any restriction/help from the band after all those years but once it was removed I had to work very hard to not gain weight as I was just so hungry. I suspect that if you are lower BMI/not as far advanced in the "obesity disease process" it isnt such a serious issue, but for me, I needed a permanent "aid" or else I am like a bottomless pit with an abnormal appetite. As far as who posts on forums - I agree it is very unbalanced. You have the very excited - people in the honeymoon phase making it seem like everything is awesome as the weight is falling off so fast. You have the people who are struggling - with true complications or with their own personal struggles to adapt. What you seldom hear from are the vast majority of "in betweeners" who tend to go on with their lives. I am quite sure many of them experience some level of regain because look at the stats... for the bypass people maintain something like 60-65% excess weight loss several years post op. My band to sleeve revision was 4.5 years ago, but I hang on because I have a lifetime of regaining/failing at maintenance and posting here keeps my brain tuned into the fact that I need to remain mindful, diligent and that I always have new things to learn! Anyway, forums are great for support, learning how to deal with certain things, getting perspectives, but if you want to understand success rates - peer reviewed studies are the way to go.

@@roundisashape That is absolutely terrible. You think he intentionally set the whole thing up just to insult you? Who has time for that crap! wow, what a loser. I really have an issue with people who go out of their way to insult, "teach a lesson" or whatever to some complete stranger. Like, seriously - get a life dude. I wasn't dating until I had lost the weight, but haven't found it easy to meet compatible people who I find attractive and we have something to talk about. I found it very helpful to just quit the whole dang thing for awhile and go back with a fresh perspective. One thing that will likely be easier when you get further down the weight loss road is that you will be talking to as many men as you want for that month, not just the one. This last go round I dated several for awhile before I settled on the one I wanted to see. Many would say I didn't wait long enough to even do that, but summer is coming and I don't want to spend my valuable time meeting a bunch of people. I kind of had the attitude that I am willing to give it a go, but at a certain point I am done (at least for now). Its worked out great in that I am seeing someone fun, amazing to talk to and that we are into each other and there is no more dating profiles - woo hoo!

realself.com is the best place to read reviews, see before and after pics, see Q&As etc for plastics.

Interesting link... but it seems like you would already need to have had your genes "mapped"

When I was newly single, in 2013 timeframe I dated a man who was separated and actually lived here and his wife was out of state. That was okay for me at the time since I was just dating and finding my footing in the single world. He moved away, but we stayed pals and talked alot on the phone. Last year he asked me "what would it take for you to be back in my life?" He had dated more and realized what a find I was and how we had some similiar life goals etc etc. He claimed that they were divorced, everyone was free to do their own thing etc. I had alot of hesitancy because he still lives 4 hour drive away, but I really liked him so considered meeting to see if we reconnect. So, we are making plans for me to go to portland and the topic of getting a hotel room for the weekend comes up. I had the whole - WTF?!? I didn't even ask for an explanation, but I knew he was lying or skimping on the truth regarding his marital or living status. It hurt my feelings because we had become friends and like I said stayed in contact for years and I guess I thought we had a chance at something real. sheesh. Anyway, this is a show stopper issue for many of us.

@@Smye I wonder if you are oversharing. HOnestly, if I guy contacted me with the story about the gay wife I'd be like "no thanks". Actually, i wouldn't reply at all. I might even block him. i am just tired of it and have no patience (luckily, I have a boyfriend finally and am not on ANY dating websites as it was not a fun experience after awhile) A woman I know is desperate to find someone. She wants me to help with her profile and pix since I am happy with a compatible man right now, but I frankly told her that none of that is the problem. The problem is she is still married and still lives with her husband! I realize that in her mind since she wants to be divorced it's like being separated... but I told her I would never date someone in that situation at this point in my life - she is neither separated nor divorced and claiming it isn't really fair. My boyfriend said the same thing - he wouldn't date a woman in that situation. I told her that in truth, when you have those complicated situations, alot of people who are ready for relationships will steer away from it. There are people who will date you, but they are not necessarily seeking that relationship situation. I have met a couple of men over the years who live with their exs (legally divorced) or live in an apartment over the garage kind of thing. They do it for good reasons (kids, financial matters etc) but - I won't date them and I am sure that I am not alone in this. I just want someone who is free to enjoy life with me, where ever that leads... and so I won't start out with this complicated situation. So, perhaps consider not sharing all this in a profile. Mention that you are seeking to date, not seeking a committed relationship. Doesn't mean you want to be a manwhore..haha... but it does paint a fairer picture of the situation. then, as you get to know someone, you can share your reasons for seeking a more limited dating expirience. there are also people who are fine with open marriages, poly - all sorts of scenarios. No judgement from me, but i think I am like many women that would not want to pursue that situation. I don't expect to find that on the mainstream dating websites. If you are open to that - find dating specific sites that target people who are also open and you may find some very nice, fun people. Good luck - this can be kinda hard

So, I have no idea except to share my own experiences. I thing I was overly concerned with stuff like this early on. I got to goal, and my waist was still over 30" - OMG - my mom always told me she couldn't imagine a young lady with a waist bigger than 28". I tried waist trainers. I tried working out about 2 hours a day. At some point, I realized that I was starting the process of trading one obsession for another... I DID look firmer, more toned fit into fitted clothes when I was working out like a maniac, doing strength training etc. That was 2013 - my year of hitting goal and as I like to think of it "my year of crazy". Well, 3 years later the waist trainers sit unused. I stay fit so I can DO fun things. People that matter think I am one hot mama - and damn I am so much happier! I guess this has little to do with waist trainers, but more sharing my own experience of getting my head on straight about how to live a great life. As for waist trainers, you can actually change your ribs and internal organs, but I think if you are sensible about it you can get good temporary results without harming yourself. I just think that health should be the priority, and so as long as you don't go overboard, if it makes you happy - why not? If/when you have plastics - do NOT use a waist trainer until recommended by surgeon. Recovery from plastics is no joke and you need good circulation combined with appropriate compression - not squeeze you hard kind of compression. Good luck whatever you decide!

And the longer you are out from reaching goal... the more important this one thing has become for me... do NOT let denial sneak in. Whatever your method of accountability is - for me it is the scale - don't ignore it because you have over indulged. You start to forget that you ARE different than the people around you and you can't do what others do and maintain a healthy weight. Its alot easier to stop the scale from creeping up than to have to relose. It is alot easier to relose 10# than 25 etc.....

Haha, I have been posting as much as anyone else, but way less than my normal! My kindle died and i am awaiting my iPAD which I chose as my 25th anniversary "award". I went all out - got the pro. My kindle is my main device for everything, so that is part of the reduction in posting. I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time with Michael (and even his friends) - last few weeks it has been like seeing him 4-5 times a week. I feel like I have been on a 3 week bender of sorts and the scale shows it - I was a couple over goal yesterday am... grumble. He eats very lightly but at 6'1" and slender it is still more than I should eat! We share meals which is great. He does drink and I have found myself imbibbing more often than I should, but I am cutting back. We have been having so much fun, it is indescrible. We are both smitten and that is a fun emotional state to be in - take advantage while we can! You know, I hadnt really thought it was possible at my age to feel that again. W e stayed up half the night on Friday just talking. Saturday night we were playing games with some of his friends and he had read something as a follow up to our discussion and brought it up. Her response was "you two talk about that stuff?" ha - don't remember what it was even but probably tax policy, liberal vs conservative viewpoints, major world events or something equally unimportant. Having said all that, I am also aware that this may not last due to some issues - and we have only known each other less than 3 months. I am looking at it like I really wanted a boyfriend for the summer, he is teaching me to golf, we are having fun and he treats me so well without being clingy or cloying. I am not worrying much beyond that. Work is super busy. My pal from Mexico is in town so hopefully she will stay with me this weekend. I am borrowing a horse for the summer... I am busy! I want to build a fence this spring but I can barely keep my floors mopped...ha... not sure how realistic that is. My dogs are so fun, but I am struggling with housetraining Bella. i have trained many dogs and while she is better, she should be trained by now and she isn't! I do love their constant play and kisses though! How is everyone else doing? I am needing to break the carb hunger cycle i have started. It is astounding how much my appetite increases just because i add bread to my diet. I keep conducting this same experiment and get the same bad results. My latest has been a really nice bakery bread (petite loaf) which is delightful with a bit of warm Brie smeared on it. I eat that - and I feel like I could eat many loaves and then of course it triggers hunger all day long. There is a reason I moderate that kind of food and when I am off track - wow - I feel like I am not sleeved.

So Sunday I had dinner with M and some of his friends. The topic of my month long kidney stone ordeal came up and the joke was "was she making it up? I think she's telling the truth because it's a pretty elaborate story just to avoid a fourth date" Anyway, apparently my fairly limited contact was a puzzle to the bystanders. Besides MY medical stuff I was also intentionally taking it slow. What was happening was during times when my symptoms were ok, I went on some dates but much of our contact was by phone, email. I remember thinking " this guy is gonna bail on me because who in the heck gets a kidney stone shortly after meeting someone?" Btw, I have the same strange phenomena where my pals want play by play of my dating life. I wised up and say very little as some of the advice has been horrible. I went to a party on Saturday and one of my girlfriends had told people I had met someone so of course the questions began. I was asked " is he nice?" The long pause before I replied " that's not exactly the first adjective that comes to mind", got a bunch of laughs. I dunno why. He's actually generous and has a life full of people who care deeply for him, treats me so well, but how can anyone call a right wing sarcastic attorney "nice"? Ha Anyways I am enjoying getting to know his friends-a couple of them are women who are like little mother hens. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

Its been over 2 years and I have NO visible scars on my breasts. In fact, I had to have an implant replaced in January and even that scar is nearly invisible already! ( I didn't need the big incision on my breasts). My arms which I was so frightened of the scars are also amazing. You can see the, but nobody notices unless I point them out in decent light. I wear sleeveless clothes alot and have never felt conscious of those scars after the initial 6 months or so. Advice - keep your scars out of the sun for 1-2 years!

its funny how we as mature adults still seem to crave "validation" I feel a little cruddy because I am about 2# over goal and I want to be about 10# under goal. I am not fat,but I am not thin, but my fitted tops are snug and I hate that stuffed into my clothes feeling. Well, Friday I went out dancing with my boyfriend and a crowd of pals.... and one of his close friends (a woman) said to me "you know you are just so beautiful, and have perfect hair and skin... what do you see in M?" (it was a joke, and he didn't hear the conversation). As M and i were leaving, he said to me matter of factly "you were the best looking woman there all night." So, what struck me is how that little bit of unsolicited compliment made me feel so much better about the fact that I had to think hard about what to wear so I wouldn't look all muffin toppy. It made me appreciative of my good health and happy life because of course I do believe that is where most of the "good looks" come from. So, the only advice I have is to put more brainpower in the pictures that show you really DON'T look different. More of your mental energy into how successful you are! De-emphasize that negative inner voice (my dad has been dead for decades and i STILL hear his criticisms of how fat and ugly I am if I let the tapes play). Truth of the matter - our mutual 12# don't matter a damn bit to anyone but ourselves. Your dad just knows how to push those buttons is all!

I think the bypass has two main advantages: 1. no GERD. Seriously, if you have it severe now don't get the sleeve; and 2. longer track record I am 4.5 years post band to sleeve revision and have been successfully maintaining 150# weight loss, with no GERD, but what i said above is true. I am not sure it's true that over the long haul one outperforms the other - the data is not complete on the sleeve and the bypass procedure has changed and evolved over the years. For the record, it is possible to regain weight post bypass - I have met people who had that happen, but as I said the procedure keeps evolving.

I don't have advice except to say for many people the initial weight loss is "do-able" but the long haul is where it gets tough. I hit goal in Feb 2013 and I would say that 2013 was a year of ups and downs emotionally. I don't think I had food obsession - more like coming out from the emotional "cloud" of obesity left alot of raw emotions. I d say don't be afraid to pursue medications and counseling as well as leaning on people for support. It's not easy but so worth it. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

Since you don't know me you don't have the context for my remark. I was over 300# had sleeve in Dec 2011 and have been maintaining 150# loss for some years now. I don't actually believe you have to give up those things permanently. My personal experience and some observations of others is you've got to be pretty "all in" to make your goal and get well established in maintenance. If you aren't pretty committed, regain is a real possibility. I eat some junky food too, but during weight loss and during establishing maintenance I was careful. Now years later I remain diligent. I felt like for me, I had to be at the point that saving my life is way more important than(fill in the blank) food. The answer is a healthy weight, but I don't think that one has to make such a choice. Yes, at 450 pounds - I am too far gone, but there are millions and millions of people at healthy weights that enjoy buffalo wings for example and maintain that healthy weight through proper eating, moderation on "bad" foods and exercise. I want to be one of those people eventually. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

So the real question is. .. is getting to a healthy weight more or less important than buffalo wings and diet soda? I am not saying you can never have them again...but if you had to choose between a healthy weight and crappy food - which would it be? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

I failed with the lapband so I feel alot of empathy for you. I believe that physically that device didn't work but I also wasn't educated on living a bariatric lifestyle. My advice, go for the bypass. ..hit the restart button. ..get education and support, get your head in the game and kick this obesity thing. I only have one regret... I didn't find.my real body until my late 40s. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

I tell I have lost weight, had skin removal. If they asked I would tell, but I'll be 5 years post op in Dec and it just doesn't seem that relevant that I now have a normal instead of overwhelming appetite.

Dehydration? If you aren't getting your fluids in, can usually get IV fluids.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/ http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

I would look for a surgeon who has a better track record. I lost over 150# in 14 months after revising from band. I have been maintaining for over 3 years...

People did change the way they treat me, but I changed too. I personally think"keeping score" is a waste of life energy. I do have an issue with people who trash talk overweight folks and I tend to speak up when that happens. I have been at goal over 3 years. I have nothing against obese people, but I wonder if sometimes they are less visible to me now too? Why would that be? I think it's because they as a group are less inclined to interact with me. Yesterday I took my puppy and grown dog to home depot for socializing. Puppy is very friendly so I must have chatted with 10 people who petted her and admired her furry cuteness. As I reflect, they were all normal size. Statistically not likely given the obesity rate - so why didn't an overweight person come up to pet my puppy? This is just an example of my own observation.