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For some reason your surgical scars aren't the least bit noticeable! Congrats!!

My surgeon and PAs never discussed a goal weight with me. Maybe they will when I am closer to goal. I think they've left it open bc it's really up to me....

I agree with the custom fitting. I really like Wacoal and mine have to be underwire. Sometimes you are better off to go down a band size and up a cup size for a better fit. A good professional will know what to do. I buy so it fits on the loosest hook and then as you lose more weight and the bra stretches out, you can tighten to the 2nd and 3rd hook and get a bit more wear out of it. While in weight loss mode, I only really buy 2 bras at a time and keep washing them. When I get to goal I will have a lot more than that, but as expensive as a good bra is, it doesn't make sense bc you have to get refitted so often.

One thing to keep in mind is that only 5 percent of people who lose weight thru diet and exercise alone are able to maintain the loss long term. That percentage is much higher for people who have had WLS.

....and stay extra hydrated since travel/flying dehydrate you and you will be dehydrated already from the surgery and your diet at that point.

I have had chronic kidney stones since my surgery in Feb and never had them before. I had a chronic UTI that persisted for almost 3 months and required several rounds of antibiotics to get rid of after surgery (I have only ever had one other UTI in my life--theory is that it was caused by the catheter). I still have to do my 24-hr urine test (I am never home for 24 hrs in a row!). Make sure you get your calcium checked too. My dr recommends drinking enough water to output 100 oz of urine a day, so that means at least 120 oz of water to consume. I usually get in 80 to 120 but 120 is really difficult. I try for at least 100. I do think it helps. I noticed I'm more prone to the stones when I get dehydrated and it's SO easy to get dehydrated--like if I go an hour or two without drinking, it happens. I think your body just needs more fluid when you are losing weight. Good luck with your issues. Please post an update. Hope you feel better soon.

PS--three pounds a week to me would be uber-fast! I guess it's all about perspective. It always fascinates me how people can have such similar weights, energy intake and output, and have such wildly different speeds of weight loss. As the poem that my dear grandmother loved (Desidirata) says: "Do not compare yourself to others, for there will always be greater or lesser people (weight loss), and you will become bitter or vain." This is easier said than done, but I work very hard to do it and count my blessings! I'm down more than 60 lbs (including pre-op) that I'm sure I wouldn't have been if it had not been for this journey.

Interesting blog. Half-fast is better than half-assed!

I think you could probably do it if you're sure to stay hydrated if it's hot and if you don't totally overdo it with physical activity (though a good bit of walking will be good for you). I would try to stay somewhere with a mini fridge so that you can keep protein shakes and what not on hand (I was on full liquid for about 3 weeks post-op). However, if it were me, I might go a couple of weeks before surgery and call it an early anniversary trip. Your energy levels aren't the highest right after surgery generally speaking and you may prefer to be at home resting and focusing on your new part-time job, which will be getting in fluids and protein. I didn't do any food funerals, but if I had been in the Keys before my surgery--I might have chosen to indulge in a slice of pre-op key lime pie at Blue Heaven in Key West....

The lower BP is usually due to the anesthesia and the pain meds. My surgeon repairs hiatal hernias in about 90 percent of his bariatric surgery patient, so it is very common. My recovery from both procedures went very smoothly. Hoping the same for you!!

I'm 5 months out and mine have definitely faded but are still noticeable. They don't really bother me. Maybe the would if I were in my 20s and planning to wear a bikini...but I'm not.

yay! congratulations!

Wishing you all the best!

My doctor's guidelines added seeds and nuts last, at 4 months out. I did eat almonds starting at about 3 months (the only thing I ate ahead of schedule) and chewed and chewed and chewed until they were like nut butter in my mouth. I don't eat them every day and I only eat one 100-calorie pack per day if I do have them. I think they are good for a little extra healthy fat.

thank you, MsCali!

way to go!!!!!

I am 5 foot 5 and would love it if other women my height would be willing to post your before, during and after pics with what your apx weight was at the time the pic was taken. Just trying to get a visual as the scale goes down. It's more objective if you can look at other people rather than yourself...lol. I know there are a couple of Web sites that show women of different heights at various weights, but for my height, there aren't too many. It would great to have some visuals. I have more of an hourglass shape but would love to see anyone at this height. Thank you!!!!

I have been using Mederma and have definitely noticed some lightening even with intermittent use (I always forget to use it bc I'm afraid the ointment will bleed thru my clothes).

yes, the less eating out part is a HUGE savings! and we really didn't eat out that much to begin with... but amazing how quickly the savings from that can add up.

You are doing awesome! You are very photogenic, too. Keep up the great work!! PS--was the 2nd pic on your bday? if so, happy belated bday!

Way to go! That's not painfully slow--that is amazing!!

Hang in there, TwinsMama. My PA told us that we really wouldn't start to feel "normal" energy-wise for at least 8 weeks post-op. I thought I felt pretty normal at 4 weeks, but as I incrementally got stronger and my energy improved each day, I realized at 8 weeks that I was nowhere near normal at 4 or 6 weeks. I truly really only felt like myself at about 3 months post-op. Think of it as an investment in your kids' figure--maybe a little less energy immediately post-op, but think of all of the activities and experiences you would have missed out on if you had remained obese. P.S.--I am a twin, too!

Congratulations, Fixerupper! Just curious though--who considers you to be a "slow loser"...your surgeon? Because in my book, a loss of over 4 lbs per week is pretty dang fast. I would say that it's actually above average from what I've seen here (and certainly faster than I've lost, and I'm still satisfied with my progress after 5 months).

I have a theory about some (not all) people who regret the surgery. They may have struggled for years to lose weight, unsuccessfully--if like most of us, in the end, any losses netted out as gains. Then they have the sleeve but lose their old friend food. Yet the weight is miraculously coming off and staying off, maybe for the first time ever. With this great new tool, they think--oh, this was easy, I could have done it on my own (with low carb, Jenny Craig, WW, fill in the blank). But I believe they are forgetting all of those previous unsuccessful attempts trying to do those things without this powerful tool and sort of idealizing what could have been done in its absence if they had just tried harder. The bottom line is that only 5 percent of people who lose weight without surgical intervention keep it off. So 95 percent gain it back!! Even if there is some regain with WLS, the amount of EWL that stays off is much, much higher. All I am saying is that VSG should get some credit where credit is due as people lament their choice to become healthier using a very effective surgical intervention.

Most places in Mexico accept U.S. currency. Just remember that you will get change in pesos and the rate won't be as good as you would get from a bank or exchange center. But if you end up using smaller bills, as already suggested, the difference will be negligible. Tips are always appreciated even if in dollars.