imadethelist

VSG was a piece of cake compared to LBL. To be expected, a few laparoscopic holes vs literally getting cut in half. But with that said LBL wasn't that bad. I didn't have one minute of regret. First few weeks I didn't move much then started getting around the house more and more and I was back to the gym by week 6. Hardest part was being laid up for so long. Best of luck with your journey

Post LBL I didn't exercise for 6 weeks. I also didn't eat much in the weeks following surgery so I lost some extra weight. I just wasn't hungry and since I couldn't get up it was easy just to live off protein bars/shakes. I got back to the gym pretty easily, you may want to walk before you run. I was concerned about the same but getting back to my routine remained my goal. You can do it. Good luck you won't regret it I sure don't.

Just don't tell anyone. Your medical business is private and you owe nobody an explanation. Especially if you're getting the sleeve. Other than my Dr, there are 3 people that know I had surgery. With the sleeve you lose slower, I averaged 2 lbs a week. So I made sure I was working out, everyone saw me at the gym everyday, they saw me passing on alcohol and snacks. I started following the post op diet months before my procedure so I told everyone I was trying to make a change and eat healthier and asked for their support in that. I even said I'm gonna avoid eating out for a few months to see if it helps. Then I just had to "be busy" for a few weeks while I recovered. If ever questioned I honestly answer this was a long gradual road nothing happened overnight. I earned every pound. All true. This is your journey do it on your terms. And if that means keeping your HIPPA protected medical information private, that's your prerogative too. Best wishes whatever you decide is best for you.

Oh yes sleeve recovery was easy in comparison. I did skin removal almost 2.5 years post sleeve. So I was at and maintaining goal weight for well over a year before plastics. Good luck with your journey!!!

Better and worse than I thought. Recovery was no BS, but hardest part was not being able to get around and relying on others. First two weeks were rough but truly no pain when I was sitting still; and just really uncomfortable when I had to get up. After that just bored being laid up so long, that was worse than I expected. Went back to excercise walking at 5.5 weeks. A few tips 1. I rented a recliner that stands you all the way up. This was key!!!! I lived in it for 4 weeks even slept in it. 2. Walker, helped first week and half just for extra security when I was moving. 3. A raised toilet seat helped first week and half. 4. Shower seat of course makes for safer first showers Overall I NEVER had even one moment of regret. I'd do it again in a heart beat.

You're right it will get easier but only if you really stick to your diet. I encourage you to use the first two years to turn what you consider today as your diet into "just how you eat now". It's a lifestyle change for sure. I did it by staying totally focused on protein. If I was going to eat it had to be protein first. That helped because after some protein I was always full. You will get to have the things you love again but if your anything like me you might not want them after you change your eating habits or a small amount will satisfy you. I was a pasta junkie!!! I barley eat it now by choice and when I do a few bites is plenty. My stomach, I've been very disciplined about not stuffing myself so I feel it's still very small. I eat probably 1-1.5 cups of food at a time. I think it's the best part. Small amounts avoid me from getting into trouble even when I don't make the best choices. Good luck in your journey. This can be life changing if you do the work. And it's soooo worth all the work. Best wishes!!!!

Mine did cover. When that time comes talk to your Primary Care, Dermatoligist and Plastic Surgeon. All can write letters to insurance about and medical need you have. If extra skin causes rash, chaffing, infections etc you MIGHT get them to cover. Best wishes to you!!!!!

Oh yes!!! The second picture is before and after LBL, full 360 lower body lift. The first set is after Sleeve but before body lift, with spankx of course. I won't miss wearing those to hold in all the extra skin

You can totally prove him wrong. That might be just the motivation you need. I lost half my weight at 6 months and the other half by 12 months. It definitely slowed after the first couple of months, but remained as consistent as I did with working my diet and increasing my exercise. I'm now over two years out and keeping off every pound I lost. It's all about what you eat, you know that, so just keep with it. @ dip712, fantastic start I hope you're still doing well.

So I haven't been on here in a really long time. I count that as a sign that I'm doing great! I'm going to try to log on more often to help others where I can. I'm getting close to 2 yrs post VSG, I'm down 130 lbs, and well past my original goal. I too was a Pasta addict, carb junkie, pizza eating, overweight women. It's probably why I'm 2 yrs out instead of 5 years out. It stopped me from moving forward with this change many times. Thinking "would I have to live without pasta?" I'm Italian so the thought of never having pasta again, was kind of like imagining never breathing again - ok that sounds so funny to me now. Pasta Yes eventually you can eat pasta. But funny enough if you're anything like me, you won't really want to. I do eat pasta on rare occasions, in much smaller portions of course. Yes it still tastes good, but because I took total advantage of my VSG procedure and worked really hard to establish new healthy high Protein eating habits, I generally feel like crap after eating it. Not sick, I don't ever get sick, I just feel like garbage. So I don't want it like I used to. It's so empowering!!! Pizza I still love pizza, but I've found great low carb, high protein ways to make my own! (Think low carb tortilla pizza or portobello mushroom pizza). And yes on rare occasions my husband and I go out for our favorite pizza. Every time we laugh about how after 1 piece I'm totally satisfied, when I used to polish off an entire medium pie by myself. So pasta lover, carb junkie, or pizza fan. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! The fantastic new healthy life that is ahead of you is soooo worth it! My only regret is waiting so long. I've never been happier or prouder of myself! You can do it too!

It's so unfortunate this procedure still gets such a negative response from people. It's the only proven long term success option. And it no "easy way out". I think it takes great courage and great commitment. I applaud your choice and wish you great success!!! Remember you can always choose not to share your medical information. It's nobodies business after all. Sometimes making lifestyle changes is hard enough without the negative talk of others. Stay positive and know everyone hear understands and is pulling for you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@nyteacher125... You were correct it's a Vegetti. It's one of those "As Seen on TV" items available at many big box stores and yes I think Walgreens. A great cheap tool to do the job done especially for one serving portions. If you really love zoodles there are also more serious machines (and more expensive) at like William Sonoma, Sur La Table and I bet Crate & Barrel. That are great if your making lots of zoodles. Good luck with your journey!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I Totally agree with you nyteacher125! I too love zoodles!

You can find recipe's for cauliflower pizza on pintrest, there are many.

So I haven't posted in quite a while. I'm a year and half out, down 130 lbs, size 6, and loving my new life including all the hard work I put into maintain it. Just had to share this new find for those past the many post op stages. This snack is pretty good and holy protein!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You know your body and your mind best. So don't worry about your GP being a nay sayer. I started following the post surgery diet 6 months before my procedure to prove to myself I could do it and lost 40 lbs. Now a year and half out I'm down a total of 130 lbs. Your GP is right about one thing. You have to make the changes and totally change the way you eat. The surgery will help but ultimately those decisions are yours. So if your ready to do that, Go for it!!! Best decision I ever made. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's not a lie when it's none of their business!!!! Your allowed to keep your medical business or any personal business for that matter private. But if it's bugging you try A truthful response that still protects your privacy. Have you lost weight.... Yes thanks Is that all your eating ....Yes thanks How are you losing all that weight....lots of hard work thanks for noticing What is your secret....no secret just a lot of hard work What exactly is your diet... Lots of Protein it really fills me up I call it creative honesty... And it kinda makes me laugh. Just don't let people derail you. In most cases they really do mean well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Way to go people. I went from 26 to 6!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just saw Carb Blockers in the supplement section of a bariatric food page. Has anyone used them and more importantly what was the result? I've changed my eating habits quite drastically over the last year so I don't eat many carbs generally, but thought this would be great on those occasions with this Italian just can't avoid the Pasta. Interested in specifics, like do they result in digestive discomfort? Diarrhea? Have they helped with additional weight loss? And can they be effectively used as a one off, or is this something you need to take every day to get the benefit out of it? Any experience you've had and are willing to share would be appreciated. Thanks all!

I'm just over a year out now. I started walking 4-6 weeks after surgery. When I started I could barely walk around my block. But I kept with it and slowly my distance and duration increased. Now I walk 5 - 7 miles a day, 5-6 days a week. And even (fast walked) a 1/2 marathon, beating many of the runners. I'm a big fan of walking it's easier on the joints than running and as for calorie burn a mile is a mile running or walking. I now walk at a pretty good clip, 14-15 minute miles. I know I should life weights too, but I just don't enjoy it, so for me walking is my way! Good luck!

Huge NSV today! I just finished top 5 in my first 1/2 marathon run/walk! Amazing that a year and half ago, I couldn't walk around the block!

Hi all. So I'm down over 110 lbs. so far and every additional pound at this point is a blessing. But we're heading into summer and my 46 yr. old legs look like they belong to an 80+ year old women (no offence) and I live in my bathing suit in the summertime. I'm a good year out from considering plastic surgery solutions and I work out six days a week. So......... does anyone out there have any feedback on the wrap product called "It Works"? I've seen lots of people promoting it on facebook, seems like it's all the rage, but also seems like a pyramid program too. I'm told it is for firming and toning loose skin, but I'm wondering if it would make a noticeable difference for those of us that have lost over 100 lbs. Any feedback on this product or non-surgical ways to combat the loose skin on thighs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any insight

I've heard some awful things from people including "Are you done losing now". But over the course of this journey I've learned that people say dumb things, they generally mean well, but the comments are dumb/mean all the same. I've also learned that the comment generally has everything to do with how they feel about themselves and nothing to do with me. Try to let it roll right off, and remember the comments should just remind you how proud you should be of yourself! Congrats on your success!

Today the UPS guy left a package at my door. As I went out to get it, I yelled a thank you to him as he walked down my driveway. He stopped and asked "Are you the lady that has lived here for years now?' Yes I am. To which he totally freaked out "WOW you look so different I didn't even recognize you I had to ask I thought I left the package at the wrong house. Whatever you did congrats" After thanking him, I walked back in the house laughing. I'm now used to people I know commenting on my appearance, but I never expected it from the UPS guy, a relative stranger. What a surprising NSV.