KristieAtkinson

I'm starting to get SUPER nervous! I meet for the final time with the surgeon tomorrow, then it's 13 days to surgery. O_0 PS: I spoke to the surgeon & he also tacks the stomach muscles during the corset trunkplasty like they do with a Tummy tuck. He says that after being very heavy or having children your ab muscles drop & need to be put back in place. That is supposed to be the most painful part of the surgery recovery wise but I know I need it done! Kristie

I started at 338. Current weight is 193. Surgery date was 5-18-12. I'm 5'7.

That's not bad at all. I paid my copay & a month after surgery it was refunded cause the insurance paid more than the "agreed" insurance amount. That's right, my surgery was "FREE"!!

I lost a lot of hair from 4 months to 9 months even though I was taking all my Vitamins, Biotin & getting all my Protein in. It finally started coming back at around 9-10 months. I have lots of baby hair. I tried Nioxin, garner fructis fight fall. None helped. I did notice clear hair shampoo & conditioner helped me a little. It's $5 at Walmart & feeds the scalp. Best of luck! I can tell you, I freaked out too but it was well worth it. Kristie

I was sleeved May 18, 2012 & am down 145 pounds! From 338 to 193. From a size 30 to a size 12. Congrats on your success!

I've been hitting the weights since my 6 month pre op diet & I think it has paid off in my arms. I may be able to avoid plastics there! Although it I unavoidable for my stomach & my breasts. Going to reserve judgement on my thighs for a little while longer. Sleeve date: 5-18-12 Corset Trunkplasty scheduled: 5-28-13 Please ignore my wet hair in this picture! Kristie

This is what I did at the gym yesterday. I use the machines. I do 4 sets of 15-25 on each machine.

Honestly, I'm not sure. I am not a big runner but my understanding is that many runners do carb load on days they run. http://www.livestrong.com/article/536766-how-much-protein-carbs-do-runners-need/ I was struggling with Water retention so I began trying the methods explained in the article.

I'm having it done in Lexington KY. The whole procedure including surgeon, anesthesia & facility was $8600. It's a 6 hour surgery. Unfortunately only a oanelectomy was covered by my insurance which ended up looking kinda choppy to me as it leaves all the skin above the belly button. Basically it just uncovers the pubis.

Thank you all! I originally thought I would need them done but at this point I think the scar would be pointless.

It's from under breasts straight down & from hip to hip. It gets the loose skin & fat from upper, middle & lower stomach areas. The doctor estimates 15-18 pounds on mine.

I didn't like the strawberry much either. I need to get the honey wheat!

Just wanted to post a bathing suit suggestion for all of us that are battling loose skin. The Miracle Suit is very flattering, has lots of choices & a massive amount of spandex (it's seriously like a girdle!). I bought one last year at a yard sale for $1 in a 14 hoping to wear it this summer, I've been wearing it to the Y since November., so I need a new one for the summer. I found Miracle Suits at Marshall's for $35, retail price is $110-$150. I also spotted Spanx Assets bathing suits at Target, & they seriously got the spandex going on! Many of them have underwire bras to help support the girls as well! Attaching a picture of my $1 yard sale special! (Not me in the picture! Lol) Kristie

Thank you for sharing. I will definitely try this one!

11 months out. 5'7" Highest Weight: 358 At start of pre surgery diet: 338 DOS (5-18-12): 288 Currently: 193 (been at a plateau since 2nd week of January) Kristie

You are very welcome!

Also, I make a chocolate mug cake in my microwave when I need a quick fix.

If y'all want to try the avocado in a different texture, I blend mine up with a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese (14 protein!) & 4 T of Dijon mustard & eat it on Kim's Magic Pop (only 2 carbs!). Kristie