CowgirlJane

Congrats on your amazing success! I think you should start documenting as has been mentioned AND consult with some local plastic surgeons. Most of them do consults for free... and I would look for someone who has a good history with massive weight loss patients. Realself.com is a good starting point to search for docs, see photos etc. I too have heard that it is sometimes done in stages since a very large panni is physically uncomfortable and can impede you from exercise. It is my understanding that it would be possible to "revise" and do a real tummy tuck or lower body lift once you get to goal if you want to - but those are questions for the surgeons. Again, consults are usually free and very educational... Good luck!

I think you look wonderful already - if it were me, I would NOT do this full body lipo. I did not have lipo since I didn't really have excess fat (I had excess skin) but have talked to enough people to know it is very painful and actual results can vary... in fact some people have awful results. Another thing to consider is this... if you think the way you look now needs overall head to toe "fixing"... do you think you would be happier after painful and at least somewhat risky lipo? I only mention this because I think that it is important to have the body dismorphia/self image issues worked out in advance because there is always SOMETHING that is less than perfect. That is why some folks seem addicted to plastic surgery... just another little fix will make me better kind of thought pattern. I have no idea if that applies to you, just food for thought so to speak. Anyway, congrats on your results - you really do genuinely look great!

In all honesty, there are some people who it does NOT work for - over the long haul. There are probably complex reasons for that but I have been around long enough to know that it is the truth - not everyone finds success from WLS. I had the lapband for 10 years and ended that stint much heavier than I started. I have lost about 160# and have been maintaining at goal for awhile now. My sleeve surgery was Dec 2011. I think that I never realized how little food I actually need to survive and thrive. I have done weight watchers, i have done medically supervised diets - I have frankly done about everything. I got my sleeve surgery when I was in my late 40s and I will be honest I have been OBESE most of my life - maybe 5 years in total when I was not obese so a true lifer. It wasn't until those early months post op of eating so little (and very high protein/low carb) that my metabolism started to change. I am not sure why it didn't happen like that with the lapband since I ate very little then too and I was younger even. I can't explain it really but the VSG was a game changer for me. A key difference is that I picked a surgical practice with alot of follow up and education. When I had the band I really didn't understand my carb sensitivity and did not have the support I needed so I guess for me the whole package (surgery, education, follow up and support) was the game changer. Now, having said that... I am maintaining in the general range of 150 now and it takes some effort. Sometimes it seems easy and then my weight bounces a few pounds and I have to work it to get it back down. HOWEVER, it is easier for me to maintain at 150 then it ever was just trying to stay under 300#. I worked hard to stay under 300# and ultimately failed at that... again, I can't really explain it except to say that success breeds success. Good luck with your decision, it really is taking a leap of faith and the ultimate answer as to whether to have WLS or which procedure is best for you is very individual.

Florinda, I think it is really great to self examine those "triggers" maybe that is the key to long term solving of our addictive natures... to understand it so we can manage it. I think for me alot of it is just knowing that my old way is to bury feelings and needs and food helped me cope with that. I wasn't/am not so much a binger but probably a comfort eater. I was once told that I used food as a mood stabilizer. That explained one reason why I could do awesome losing weight but just could not maintain ... when I felt the need to adjust the ballast food was the only way I knew how. And then, as we all know, once you start using comfort foods, then the physical addiction/carb sensitivity kicks in and you are just darn HUNGRY 24/7. So, I have two key things to manage 1. self awareness of my feelings/needs and finding ways to express and get those needs met (ie not food!) and 2. carbs (to control physical hunger). I believe certain people came to me at certain times for a reason... and on the topic of honesty this is where Steven comes in. I have never ever ever in my life (outside maybe my deceased sister) felt like I could just be myself with someone 100% and still be acceptable. I was raised in a shame based way - my dad was horrible about that and I carried it with me - feeling shame for just being me. I don't blame anyone else - I just needed someone with an over the top personality to bring out deep honesty in me. That guy will tell you anything about himself, about his kids whatever... no shame. I can tell him anything about myself and I never feel shame. I had this a little bit with my EX in our early days, but Steven is 100% and often tells me stuff there is no reason to share with me - just his nature and due to the special nature of our friendship I guess it is a safe place for him too. anyway, I have been practicing this basic sense of openness, vulnerability without shame with lots of people and I can see it working. It needs to be situationally appropriate - don't get me wrong - but to have someone call me after a meeting to admire my humbleness and yet asking tough questions in a way that really brought out true issues... it is feedback that I am changing inside in a way that I like. Denise - I am so glad to hear that things are working out well with Bill. Any improvements on the sleeping / CPAP issues? As far as David - I have decided he is kinda self centered. About a week before I left, he cancelled a little date we had planned at the last minute because he was invited to BB King. I don't fault him for that.... but then it was like he forgot i was leaving as he took it for granted I would just be there when he was ready to go out. His back was hurting and stuff like that. Ok, no problem - i am gone for 9 days and never get an email or a text. I didn't hear from him when I got back and decided to not be passive aggressive so I left him a message that I was back because he likely forgot my schedule. A few days later, he texts me that he is busy and will call me Friday. So my read? I am so low on the priority list that he can't spend 2 minutes giving me a call. I guess this is why you date - I find him to be charming and handsome and he surely has money BUT, I think he is showing signs of being a self centered jerk and I don't need it so I am done. I admit my own motives in considering him as a possible guy to see in 2014 were the wrong ones - he has means and claims to have time to travel and vacation together and do stuff I want to do... I think I was too willing to overlook the basic character and consideration to get that benefit. So I am glad his general lack of empathy and interest in me as a person has come out so early - I don't want to even casually date someone who thinks so little of me. I was suspicious that at age 61 he has never been married, I think he is used to women being a bit at his beck and call - well I really don't know what to think but that ain't me. Oh, and just ignore the 5:2 requests - they will forget. So, this morning the scale rewarded me with a few more pounds gone... yeah! It sucks to be so water bloated. I am down to 154 now... heading the right direction. I never complain about my weight or looks outside this group (I hate women that do that) so Steven didn't know that I feel like a stuffed sausage right now... last night he told me that I looked better than ever, and how amazing my body looks and all that stuff. At that moment, I really wanted to hear that and it just gets my perspective in order. I sometimes still get dismorphia I guess. I think one of the reason I feel so stuffed is that I have alot of numbness in my belling and it feels like swelling even when it isn't that bad - plus I have had actual swelling the last week or so. I am going skiing this afternoon - so better get some work done. Looking forward to hearing from more of our little crew here!

Do you have a Fred Meyer or Krogers around? We have Freddies around here and they sell a yogurt called "CarbMaster" - it is low carb and very creamy. I try to use that as dessert and add a few berries too. I give all this advice - but I am struggling this week myself. I feel better today but just feel like I am not eating quite right yet. Hungry, not hungry, eat too much, eating till full which violates my sleevie rules...all that stuff. This morning I hit 156... yes under my official goal but damn, still 8 pounds up from where i was not long ago... not sure how THAT happened! What I remind myself is that most everybody struggles a little with weight maintenance so we just have to keep up the good fight! I noticed when I was on vacation that all the gringo women (retirees or partially retired mostly) were STICK THIN. I mean really skinny. I felt kinda chubby compared to them and wondered what the heck.... i started thinking about a certain crossroads at middle age many people hit. Spare tire or stay trim. The obese probably just don't live that long. Anyway, it was an interesting observation. I honestly like how I look just fine since a few curves are sexy and womanly in my eyes anyway. Conversely, in the small town my friends live in they estimate that 80% of the local people have type II diabetes. I was shocked to hear that, but they have a real problem with recent influences of colas and other horrible foods becoming central to people's diets and there were alot of overweight local people around. I got a high blood pressure reading at my doc last time. I asked them to retake it 5 minutes later and sure enough... it was normal. I sometimes think that they have you moving around and talking and stuff and who knows what causes variable readings. I used to have borderline BP and have a home monitor (don't use it anymore). One thing I learned is to never trust a single reading... too many reasons it can be off.

Oh, and I am wondering how everyone is doing... been very quiet on here lately!

I didn't read the whole article, but the summary. I think it is very intriguing and interesting. What I would say about myself is I sometimes have some elements of the addictive behavior with food but not all or even most of the time. Example, I do NOT get anxious if planned eating (or overeating) is interupted. In fact, a phone call to a friend can get my mind totally off food. Food I think for me fills a gap at times... but if i can find something better to fill it, I readily do that. What troubles me about myself is that I am often looking for SOMETHING to fill a gap. Slowly, overtime, it is getting better though. The last few days, due to my tummy troubles I have had quiet evenings at home with no need to fill my time, my heart or my feelings with anything other than petting my dogs, watching a documentary or two and just relaxing and getting a decent night's sleep. Then, last night i had to run errands and I did them efficiently without looking for distractions (like clothes shopping, or stopping at starbucks). These seem like small things, but I think it is healthier behavior to not always be looking for something to fill a gap. This is one reason I have quit all the online dating crap as it just seemed like a distraction, and an annoying one at that. I have actually quit or reduced a couple of online things.. as they are time wasters not really rejuvenating activities. My friend in Mexico told me that I seem stressed out compared to how I used to be. I thought alot about that - and compared myself to say 5-10 years ago. My conclusion is that I was the master at hiding how I really felt (stay calm while the Titanic is lurching) whereas stripping away food as a way to manage emotions mean they reach the surface. You know it is interesting, there may be people that liked the obese, calm, cool and collected alot more than the "thin" and more "real" me, but most of the feedback I have received from people is that I am so approachable and real. Even at work, to have someone call me and tell me that he wants me to lead this huge technical project - mostly because I am humble, ask the right questions and create the environment where a team works together. I feel like that is the real me - curious, people oriented and all those things are allowed to bubble up now. I also decided my friend is on retired mexican time which means a big day is going to the grocery store AND roasting coffee beans all in one day..haha.. her point of reference has changed. She had one of the most stressful daily lives when she lived up here of anyone I know. I am continuing to emotionally evolve though and am shocked at how much my mindset has changed over the last year even. anyway, Florinda I am curious if you feel that the addiction description fits you pretty well or ? I am also curious how people really solve addiction issues since I definately have elements of it too. I am not all that certain that counseling does although some of you may have evidence to the contrary.

I am maintaining a 160# loss and finally living the active life I always wanted so no regrets. If you search for the word regret you will get people who do share that feeling. Sometimes it is due to complications but I think more often disappointing results...it can happen.

Thank you - I have so many wonderful photos but I cannot figure out how to post directly from my phone to here so I happened to have a couple i had hassled onto my ole laptop. A follow up- a real compliment. One of the techie guys called me this afternoon and asked me to expand the scope of my project management. He told me that he liked my humble style and that i ask all the right questions. He is so frustrated with how this big very complex initative is moving forward - or not - (I only own a portion of it currently) that he is looking for an overall Project manager. I don't think I can take it on due to my workload - but it was quite a compliment coming from that very strong technical team lead.

Georgia is so right. Some foods I am fairly sure I could eat unlimited quantities... So I always think in terms of not so much how much CAN I eat but rather how much SHOULD I eat - but she said it better.

Yeah Georgia!!!! So, I have had a bit of a tummy ache since Saturday. Nothing horrid, but just not 100% - slight headache, a bit of diarrea and what is really concerning that I don't want to go anywhere. i am usually the queen of "go" and I am feeling lower energy. I correlated with a bit too much tequila on Friday but since it is now Wednesday I am thinking that i should be over THAT issue. I am also bloated and fat feeling from the trip, but even that doesn't normally slow me down. I am worried that I picked up a "bug" in Mexico. Drank bottled and purified water but because my friends live like locals we did eat at taco places frequented by locals. I got a good look into one of those kitchens... not the cleanest thing i have seen that is for sure. Monday and yesterday I was unbelievably hungry and ate all day.... munched on veggies if nothing else. Today my appetite is decreased, which is good, but may also be a symptom of something not being quite right. Dang it, how long should i wait before contacting my doc? I am supposed to see Steven this evening and you know I am feeling crappy when I don't want to do THAT....lol. Right now, I just want to take a nap. I had a super stressful meeting today at work... I am taking over a VERY technical project that I don't understand all that well so it is a real challenge. That normally invigorates me but not today... I am just not myself. I still love Mexico and my trip... just feeling icky.

My cholesterol numbers were good when I weighed 300plus and moved to excellent before I hit goal. I too wonder how 5 pounds makes a difference as it doesn't for me. I feel very bloated although yesterday I did a little better on the food.

I didn't get a kitty lift...teehee... but got significant improvement with the lower body lift. My advice to everyone early on in the process, don't worry about what might be... focus on getting the weight off, getting healthy and geyting fit... you don't really know what you will be dealing with down the road.

The size issue kinda stressed me out. Seemed like everybody around me were getting implants much larger than me and I felt sorta worried that I would regret it. Well, one of the surgeons I consulted with gave me good advice that helped me feel comfortable. She informed me that I have an athletic build - broader shoulders and rib cage, narrow through the hips etc. I thought that meant i could handle a bigger implant but she suggested I might regret being even more top heavy than I was. Also, since i live a pretty active life she asked me to consider breast size relative to my hiking, biking, horse back riding stuff. I bought some padded bras and wore them with different clothes. I measured my circumference and really decided on a max measurement I wanted to be. (cup sizes are so varying based on brand it is a hard measurement to focus on). So, I took that tape measure and when they had the fake boobs in, I measured and decided on a relatively modest implant size of 240cc based on that. I am SO GLAD I did this. For my build, I look like i have nice full breasts without looking too heavy. And my jackets and stuff all still fit too. Now in my case I also had a lower body lift so that flatter tummy contrasted with the implants makes me look full enough for my personal tastes and lifestyle. Okay, not exactly a tip, but a warning. Lots of women lose nipple sensation, at least temporarily. I did not, they became hyper sensitive to the touch. Now they are back to normal which is good. Also, recovery from the breast lift and implant was pretty easy compared to the lower body lift so that is good news for you. Mine were put in via the nipples and I have almost no noticable scarring... due to being smaller breasted I didn't need the cut under the breast that some do. Very happy with end results and I am sure you will too!

Globe you are in good company there. Sometimes I can be okay with junk in the house and nit devour it and other days I struggle alot. I know there is a physical component because when I am in a carb bender anything will do...I don't even have to particularly love it. I forget who moderates the vet forum...but there is another preop "ask a vet" post called Any Regrets? I restrained myself from answering the way I feel this morning. "Yeah I at times regret I can't eat junk food and stay at goal" oh wait, that wasn't the question was it. I am a little pissed off and alot tired since coming home. I don't want to belabor the negatives because I have a great life but damn life can be hard at times. I know the solution...healthy routine (food and exercise), talk to my friends, have a productive work day,love on my animals. Those are the key things for me to feel good. Then just fix the pressing problems because I know it's on me to do that. I can, I just need the emotional strength to do it. I promised myself that 2014 is the year of stability. I have had so much change the last few years..which appeals to the Gemini heart immensely...and which at times makes me feel like I could do anything....but also leaves me feeling like the ground under my feet isn't quite reliable. My Gemini heart also often changes what it wants so I know it is better to take a breath before leaping...it has always served me well. So nothing new and big in 2014 but I feel more and more like I need less stuff, less house and fewer daily responsibilities. 2014 is a year of stability AND of getting my life in a more comfortable place. I am seriously considering selling my home in 2015 as I am overwhelmed by taking care of everything. I decided that spring is nearly here and I will be better able to cope once the weather is better. I played alot last summer and this year I want to finish projects and get ready for whatever is next.

I am back but scared to step on scale...retaining water and carb cravings. It's ok had a great great trip. I wore a freaking swimsuit in PUBLIC and nobody fainted. I came home to a mountain of problems that I don't even want to talk about yet. Sorry to read of all your woes too... I wish to share an epiphany. I could retire in central America or Mexico soon. Very soon. And maintain a very acceptable lifestyle. You know what I would have to give up? My ability to support and bail out other people (kids, men, other family etc) like I have done my whole life. The idea frightens me...which I find an interesting self awareness observation. I am not taking any actions on any of this....just sayin.

You all heard me whine about how slow recovery was..seemed like forever. I just got back from vacation now at 5 months post op and I can say the results were worth it!!!! Patience really counts in recovery from LBL.

Heading home tomorrow. .it's been great!

I don't understand the benefits pre surgery. I do not like to do major new things right before major surgery. ..but that's just me

Mexico is sunny and warm and full of fun people...retirees mostly where I am staying but also surfers and other beach bums. I have been so hungry and over eating that part is terrible though.

So, after my injury with a greenie personal trainer, i have been working with a very experienced person who has a physical therapy background. She has determined that I am very strong in some areas but often the strong muscles "take over" and certain exercises I am not really doing right even though my form looks okay. Example, my shoulders tend to take over alot of the work that my mid back should do. Well, i have really strong legs. Probably from a lifetime of packing around alot of extra weight, but also because I ride bikes and horseback ride and maybe a genetic component. She noted that my abductors (both in and out) are crazy strong for a woman, my quads are strong, but my hamstrings are tight and my gluts don't do enough of the work. That imbalance is typical - alot of people rely on the quads too much but apparently I am more out of wack than average. One of my goals in working with a personal trainer was to build up a bit more of a rounded butt. I have slender hips and I want more of a balanced look. Anyway, she pointed out that I don't have much curve in my lower back so what feels like a neutral position to me is actually a tipped pelvis position. That combined with not really engaging the gluts properly is why my bum doesn't seem as round as it should be. I am very interested to see if she is right and if through exercise I can change this shape. In the meantime, I am supposed to practice with my sternum up, shoulders relaxed, and my butt pooched out a little...haha. I hope it doesn't look as weird as it feels.

I was told that hair loss over a year out is probably related to zinc or Protein deficiency. .have you been checked? You mention you don't feel like the real you. I think that is at the heart of your regret right? I would be interested in your putting more words to that. I am 2 years 3 months out and can relate to the emotional. ..changes. I associate them with the weight loss and not the surgery itself so am wondering what you are experiencing. This journey has been both easy (never really believed I could transform and I have) and at times very hard. My whole life has changed...mostly for the better but it is still an adjustment. I am finally to the point where I am thinking alot about...what's next. I appreciate your sharing your story.

My ride should be here in 10 minutes.. then off to the airport and sunny mexico! I expect to have some time for the internet as this is a lazy laying around kinda vacay. I have so much excess water weight right now though... I woke up with a tummy. It is from eating salty food yesterday, I didn't used to be this sensitive to it. It has to do with the fact that the lympathic system relies on skin to work properly and with the skin removed... it is needing to find new pathways. Not sure why this impacts some people more than others. It could take a whole year before this stops... at least I don't have edema in my legs or feet!

Okay, an apple transformed... Me, pre-op, over 300 pounds Me at goal, but pre-plastics, no shapewear. Melted snowman look due to belly skin especially but I really didn't have excess belly fat anymore. Post plastics, no shapewear. I am still broad shouldered but have lost the belly. Only removed 5.5 pounds of skin. I had no lipo as I really didn't have much fat remaining.

oh, trainer rolls out my pain too. It sounds like it is very similiar to yours globe... and I am going on about a month or so and it is only a little bit better...