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Hello, I know this might sound like a silly question, but I'm such a private person, and I'm wondering how realistic it will be for people to not suspect that I had plastic surgery. I already had a tummy tuck several years ago (I was going through a transition at the time and didn't have to deal with returning to the same close-knit work community after my surgery). Now I'm planning to have several procedures done next month - back half of lower body lift, breast lift, vertical torsoplasty. Seriously my biggest fear is having people find out that I had surgery. I keep telling myself that I can wear baggy clothes to hide the changes since it's wintertime, but I'm not sure how realistic this is. What do you guys think? Do other people keep their surgeries private? Did people question you about the physical changes? I'm not concerned about recovery time (I'm telling people I'm going home for the holidays, which is true, and will have surgery in another part of the state). I'm just feeling very self-conscious about people noticing the changes. Also, does anyone have any experience with the vertical torsoplasty? I've been reading that a lot of plastic surgeons tend to be hesitant to perform this procedure due to the long scars that can't be hidden under 2-piece clothing. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hello Everyone, I have really been struggling lately and need some support. I was banded several years ago and was initially successful, but have been doing some backsliding over the past year or two. I am really motivated to get back onto a 1000 calorie diet, but it's so hard to stick with it. My weight is such a daily struggle, and it would be really helpful if someone would be interested in some form of daily communication. It wouldn't need to be time consuming, but just a quick check-in to confirm that I am following my plan for the day, like they do at OA, if anyone is familiar. I would be willing to have my buddy be at any point in his or her journey. I am 26 yo and live in southern CA, so it would be great if someone is close to my age and location, but you don't have to be. If you are interested, please reply to this message, and I will send you a message. Thank you so much for your support.

I just wanted to leave an update that I found a good texting buddy, TattooBeauty. I don't text a lot, so I can't have multiple people that I text in the same day, but I would highly recommend other people in this thread pairing up to text or email every day. What we do is text our daily calorie counts every day and our weights every week. It sounds like just logging your calories on an online site, but I find it to be more helpful than that because it really forces you to be accountable if you know that someone else will be reading it. Even with the help of the band, we all will have to make a daily effort to manage weight and it is all too easy to slip back into old habits, especially after the honeymoon period is over and the stress of school/work/life hits. If anyone on this thread can't find a buddy, I would recommend replying to this thread every day. Just write an update every day with your calorie count. I will be checking in here from time to time (and I would guess that some other people might be doing the same). Good luck.

Hi, You responded to my post yesterday about a texting buddy. Maybe we could chat and be helpful to each other. I was banded in 2008 and was initially successful but have gotten off my plan for the past 2 years. I still have a significant amount of weight to lose, so maybe we could follow each other. Basically, you need to stay under a certain calorie level (I like to do 1000 but a lot of people consume 1200 or 1300 and still do well) and also make sure you are getting enough Protein to heal, keep you full, and avoid muscle loss. I also benefit from doing very low carb, but everyone is different. The protein shake in the morning is fine. You can have your calories at whatever time you want, as long as you stay under your daily calorie count. How many calories did you enter on that web site? From what I've read, staying as low as 800 calories per day for over 3 months can slow your metabolism to some extent, but you would still be losing weight. I think for bariatric patients and anyone who has a significant amount to lose, the calories listed on those sites might be misleading. Anyway, good luck with your journey. Where is your surgeon located? I one time went to a Dr. Gee in San Dimas, but it says San Diego on your profile, so I wasn't sure if it's the same surgeon. Let me know if you want to chat. I think it would be helpful to call or text someone every day to make sure we're both following our plans. Annie

Thanks so much! I sent you a pm. I am looking forward to it!

I would love to join you guys, if you're sure the other people in your group won't mind. I usually am not free at that time, but happen to have a short day this Tuesday (2/12), so it would be perfect! It would be great to meet up with some supportive people to help me get re-started on my journey. Is this the Panera you guys go to? 423 South Associated Road Brea, CA 92821 Phone: (714) 706-5200

Wow, thank you so much for responding so fast! This site is so supportive. I will be emailing you guys soon. Holly Dolly - I live in Pomona.

heartburn and reflux are 2 early symptoms to look out for.

- My mom is generally very supportive and loving, however I can remember certain instances of her being ashamed of my weight when I was a child. For example, once she told me not to eat too much at a social gathering because she didn't want our relatives to be talking about it. - Being ridiculed when we were supposed to run miles during PE in middle school - In high school having someone ask me out as a joke on April 1 - Being excluded from many social events during high school, even if people didn't make blatant comments to my face - Feeling like people assume I am lazy or less intelligent due to my weight. I can't stand judgmental people who have no idea how difficult it can be for people with certain genetic susceptibilities to regulate their calorie intake. - Said by a physician about his patient: "she will likely start stretching that pouch out as soon as we take her off of general anesthesia"