irkenpanda

Hey everyone, I know this has probably been discussed already so I apologize for not already finding an answer that would work for me and I wasn't sure to post it in pre-op or post-op. I just got my surgery scheduled today for March 21st. I am mainly concerned about the sagging skin issue and need any tips or exercise programs to adhere to from here on out to minimize the sag as much as possible. I am 30 years old and already have poor elasticity from losing and gaining the same 100 pounds since I was little. I am just trying to get an idea on what i should be working on now and the schedule to follow after surgery. I know my breasts probably won't have even a fighting chance so that's cool but I would like to try to avoid lots of sag in other places. Currently I use the treadmill, bike and free weights during each workout and I do that about 3 times a week. Any help from people that have had positive experiences with their routine would be appreciated!!

I am scheduled for March 21st with Dr. Li at Kaiser South San Francisco!! So excited and nervous!!

Happy (belated) Birthday Tiffykins!!

Hi Abbey, welcome to the forum!! I am still kind of just starting my journey. I am in Sacramento CA and my medical is through Kaiser. From what I have read on here over the months, every person that is post-op has also had a few stalls and they begin when you are about 3-4 months out even if you totally follow the rules. -Shannon

LOL - OMG!! That is nuts. I am so glad I am not the only one because for a second I felt like I was taking crazy pills the way he was talking down to me. I haven't had any of my other appointments but I had to wait a whole month to finally get an appointment in Vacaville with him so that kinda sucks but I am being patient. I am 30 and have never had children so that's interesting he didn't say the same thing and was more focused on how "well" I carry my weight. Whatever. Thank you for wishing me luck - hopefully it will go smooth and I can get the ball rolling again at SSF quickly. You all are the best - I feel waaay better!!

Totally feel you on this one!! He was telling me all sorts of bizarre things like maybe the lady that wasn't happy with her surgery had complications because she was a smaller BMI and the tissue of her stomach was different because the tools are meant for larger stomachs and thicker tissue. It was so weird and then it just made me hella angry because I may not be a surgeon but I have done my research and it sounded like a bunch of B.S. to me. Thanks so much for the support, like I said, I am calling tomorrow and I will just be pretty vague so I can get a call back.

Okay, seriously, after reading almost the entire Kaiser/SSF forum, it sounds like there are a few people that have had issues w/ Fisher and that there are a lot of people on here that have all around had a better experience w/ SSF. I am calling Robin tomorrow to get switched. My friend also said that her experience after gettingout of surgery in Richmond was kinda crappy becuase the staff didn't take care of her correctly for hours afterward. I want to avoid all that. I don't mind a farther drive - this is a big decision and I would rather be completely comfortable with my doctors and the facility I choose. Thanks again for your help. If you're in the Sacramento area, maybe we will be able to meet at one of the groups sometime.

Thanks Stacey - that really helps a lot. I might end up going that route if my next "talk" doesn't go any better or if he refuses to even do it. Did you have to do any extra classes or anything different at SSF? - Shannon

Hi Everyone, I'm hoping someone can help me out because I am really struggling. Dr. Fisher (in Richmond) is my surgeon and I had my consultation with him 2 weeks ago after being on the 1200 calorie diet for 2 months and losing 22 pounds. He told me I carry my weight really well and that because I used to be a smoker I am not the best candidate for the surgery. I quit smoking in September and I do carry my weight really well but I am still also really heavy and can feel it big time. I am 5'5" and began the program at 245 lb. I have always been able to lose weight when i am determined but have always gained it back plus more. I am so frustrated with the weird answers I received from him at our meeting and felt so flabbergasted that I didn't really fight back or respond. He didn't exactly say they wouldn't do the surgery but told me some story about "a girl" that he recently did surgery on. she carried her weight the same way I do. There were complications and now she is miserable and wishes they never would have done it. I have done so much research and i understand the risks and what my quality of life could be if there is a problem - I am ready to get this tool and take the necessary risks. He said to stay in the program and just keep getting a weight check every two weeks. Apparently my goal weight is 215 on the paperwork. I am at 227 today and have gained 3 pounds since my meeting with him. I know I shouldn't have let it get the best of me but I kinda did and have been mostly "off the wagon" the last two weeks. Has anyone else had an experience close to this or can give me any advice? Sorry it was such a long post. Thanks for listening!!

HI Secret Surgery, I am 29 (30 Dec 4th) and I hope to have my surgery scheduled for around February or March. I'm in Sacramento CA and will be going through Kaiser to have mine done - where are you located?

I'm not sure if anyone has ever asked this or not but do you know how long it takes to feel well enough to jump on the computer and come here? I just wonder if anyone has never made it back on and what happens if we never hear of a person again..... I know it's a really crappy/downer thought but is there a way of tracking our friends from here to make sure they are okay if we aren't on a phone call basis with them?? A time line for when to worry of sorts?? Anyone else wonder this?

Hi Lisa, I quit smoking on Sept. 19th using the middle level patch (Nicoderm). I was on the patch for about 10 days and then cold turkey as of last Friday. I was raging for about 2 days and then it all got better. As of today, I am only craving the habit of it but I am not nicotine deprived. I am also on Kaiser's pre-op diet (low low carbs) and have actually lost about 10 pounds in 3 weeks - woo hoo!! You can totally do it. Just remember it is mind over matter and ask the people around you to be patient - lol!! My boyfriend is a smoker so I just can't go outside with him to smoke anymore but otherwise i like that my senses are better and I am breathing better too. I wish you the best.

Both of you are in our prayers and in our hearts.

What is a "pain ball"? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Hi Ali, I have totally driven to the gym, had a mini freak out and went home without even getting out of the car. On more occasions than one. I know how you feel. The best advice I can give is to truly just limit your carbs (including any sugar), drink at least 64 oz of water a day and write down everything you eat and at what times. Did your doctor/program provide guidelines for you?? Kaiser gave us guidelines and that is what I am following now. If you want some more help or at least the instructions I have, feel free to PM me.

These are all so true - here are a few of mine: Not sweating profusely and looking like I peed my pants every day of summer Being able to run again Not coming home and only wanting to sleep because I'm always so tired Being able to get past people in movie theaters, at arenas with bleachers/small rows of seats and in classrooms with tiny desks without my butt or any other part of my body touching theirs Not being afraid to dance Enjoy "being on top" Flirty, sexy shoes - definitely high heels!!

Hi D, I am on a pre-op diet that Kaiser has you do pretty much for months so I can get used to eating more correctly which makes the transition easier. I think it's probably close to the same thing you are on now. Anyway, I think that drinking your fluids makes a huge difference when on a low carb diet. Another thing, I constantly craved carbs (BREAD,PASTA,POTATOES!!!) and after being on this for 2 weeks so far, I pretty much don't crave them at all so time helps and ridding your body of sugar also makes a big big difference. Also, I'm sure you are excited and ready to make the change so it's not so frustrating not being able to nosh on the old standbys.

Yeah, both of those would be quite annoying. I am glad to hear you are doing well otherwise. Keep taking it easy!! :biggrin0:

Good luck girl!! I hope everything goes smoothly & our best wishes are with you. Keep us posted so we know how you are doing.

Hey Cherice, just wondering how you are doing and how recovery is going - hope you are doing well!!

Hi TankGirl, I love your avatar pic!! I think that may be the situation with the whole holiday time thing. Personally, i would be stoked if they got me taken care of before the holiday season. I just re-entered the Richmond program and I have my second weight check in two weeks and the nutritionist said that this is to my advantage so they can find out how much weight I can lose on the pre-op diet so I am hoping maybe a "fast-pass" is an option. From most posts, I've read, that is pretty fast, but if you feel you are mentally ready and have mastered the pre-op diet then i say go for it!! Best wishes to you & keep us posted.

Hey Lee, I called Kaiser and Robin told me that I will get the insert when i go to the review class in a couple weeks. So I just have to be patient I guess. Speaking of food plans, on this pre-op diet I am hungry and feel like I can't eat anything (I am a carb lover - not sugar, BREAD) so i think I am eating way less than I should be because I am frustrated. Anyone else have this issue?? :ohmy:

Thanks mp8btpc, I am really doing pretty well on the no-smoking today. I get real hard days (home) and then easy days (days I'm at work). How are you feeling? I hear a lot about people with head hunger and such.....

Thank you Lee!! I will call them tomorrow morning.