KristenVSG2014

I have two bags packed - one to take with me for surgery and one to leave at my parent's where I will staying for two weeks to recover. I took some Soup over there yesterday and put it in the freezer so I'd have easy meals to access. I also ordered a ton of Premier Protein and shipped it to their house so I can have it for Breakfast and/or a snack. I'm going to try to get at least 80 grams of protein a day while recovering. Today I'm straightening the house, getting a pedicure and tonight I bathe with special soap. Tomorrow I'm supposed to wash with the special soap again at night. Monday morning I'm supposed to take another shower with the soap, put on cotton panties and loose clothing and be at the surgery center at 6:45. Let's get this thing done!!! I'm so ready. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What she said I have to completely stay away from CheezeIts because I get ZERO restriction from them. I can eat half a box before I get tired of eating them. Terrifying. Thankfully sugary foods usually make me feel like crap so while I don't get full from them I at least have some kind of negative reaction. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is what I hope for!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon recommended Marena. You can go on their website and pick the garment you need then plug in your measurements and order the size you need. My surgeon said to go with the smaller size since they will be removing so much skin. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Basically they cut completely under the breast and up and around the nipple. They move the nipple to a higher location and close the bottom removing the excess skin. Mine will be a bit more extensive because of the sheer amount of excess skin along with existing tissue, they are going to create a sling for my tissue so it has a normal appearance. Tummy tuck will be a vertical tummy tuck. Lots of cutting. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

No. My insurance didn't even pay for my medically necessary IUD. I've gotten used to ignoring them and paying out of pocket. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The big day is approaching! I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck and breast lift on November 21. I have my pre-op appointment today for blood work and instructions. I'm so nervous and excited!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My plastic surgery is on November 21. Pre-op appointment is today. I'm so nervous and excited!!! I'm getting breasts lifted and tummy tucked. The surgeon said he doesn't think I'll need muscle repair once he felt my core. I'm hoping that is true for an easy recovery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This older man I saw yesterday doesn't know HOW I lost weight but he complimented me and said I looked great. Then he asked, "Are you still married?" I respond 'yes' with a confused look. Then he says, "Well most people who lose weight and end up looking as good as you leave their spouses." I said, "Well, I don't see what the number on the scale has to do with my wedding vows...But my husband has said people probably wonder why we are together and I tell him they must assume he's filthy rich or very well endowed." That worked. LOL Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I bought pink Converse. I love pink things! This is 290 vs 160ish Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

8 years ago at 290 lbs vs today at 160. I love my sleeve! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here is an updated pic! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well I've been bad for a month and my weight creeped up to 164. Yikes! Yesterday I got my head back in the game. Charged my FitBit, hit the gym for a walk and cooked dinner. Not that it is an excuse but I've been doing my therapy twice a week for six weeks and it wore me out. I'm finally done. I need to get back to floating in my "safe zone" of 155-160 where my doctor wants me. I'll be working my seasonal job catering at football games starting this weekend and that will greatly increase my calorie burn...if I could manage to stay out of the Cookies. Protein. Protein. Protein. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Kristen Thanks for the word of encouragement. I see you are almost 2 year post op and that you had the sleeve as well. You stated what I eat is more important than exercise. However I find if I do not exercise I do not lose much. My surgeon doesn't have a NUT and I am getting very little guidance at this stage as to what I should be eating. I am 6 1/2 months post op and wondering (based on what you said) what kinds of foods at this stage I should be eating. I am trying my best to get in 60 to 80 Protein, low carb less than 100 and those aren't from Pasta or breads etc. Getting about 800 to 1000. Still drinking 1 or 2 protein drinks a day (plus 64 oz of water) as I can only eat 3 to 4 oz of protein a meal and very seldom have room for vegetables. Does this sound right for where I am or should I be doing something different food wise? By the way I did get back on my bike and rode for 50 minutes today. So you didn't really have anyone give you any guidance on how much you should be eating? I had my surgery in Mexico so I didn't have access to a NUT either but I worked closely with my primary doctor at home. I would encourage you to read about Whole30. It is a clean way of eating that focuses on quality protein, veggies, fruits and fats. It is tough but teaches you a lot about how your body reacts to food and you usually lose a decent amount by following the program. I've completed 3 rounds of Whole30 if you have any questions about it but a lot is just reading the info on the website. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I actually had pretty severe anxiety and depression after surgery that I couldn't shake. My doctor finally put me on medication for it that helped a lot. I also struggle with back/hip issues that I'm going to therapy for right now. I'm mobile. But I'm in pain a lot. Congrats on the amazing weight loss!!! That is awesome. Just try to do a little exercise every day. What you eat is a lot more important that how much you exercise. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I lived on refried Beans and cheese for my mushy week. I was so over Protein shakes. Scrambled eggs and cheese are also yum. Do some ricotta, tomato sauce and mozzarella. Warm it up and enjoy. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had more issues directly after gall bladder surgery (I could not stop throwing up from the narcotics and got gas trapped in my shoulder) but I was back at work after only 4 days. However, it took me months to recover 100% from the sleeve surgery. I struggled with having no energy because of low calories. I took two weeks off from work and felt like I needed at least three. I also went through a lot of emotions from the hormone surges. I would say sleeve surgery won in terms of toughness. Next is skin removal surgery. I'm sure that will top them all. That is why I've taken four weeks off from work to recover. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thursday morning I had my trigger point injections and five minutes later I felt very dizzy and drunk. I asked if they would check my blood pressure. Before injections it was 117/78. When they checked it again it was 98/60. They were freaking out a bit and had me drink ice Water and kept checking my blood pressure every five minutes until it came back up. I've been having dizzy spells for a while, even before the injections started. I guess I'll let my PCP know when I go see him on the 10th. He has already checked me for anemia multiple times and my blood work is always great. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Start socking it away in case you need skin surgery. I'm getting mine 11/21! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, saving money is a big plus. If I were single I'd be rich! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My doctor told me to overshoot my goal weight of 160 by 5 lbs because he wanted me maintaining between 155-160 instead of 160-165. When I first hit 155 I had a coworker tell me, "You used to look healthy but now you look sick." I let it get to me. I cried and cried. I was depressed for a while. Then I realized she is just jealous and I look fantastic and could easily beat her in a race. So who is the sick one? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had to have my tailbone adjusted by my chiro to help this issue. Not many will do it but it helped immensely. I also have DDD and I have a stand up desk at work so that I'm not sitting all day because it makes my back so much worse. Even though I've had it for 10 years now I haven't lost any height (yet). I'm going through trigger point injections, physical therapy and adjustments twice a week to try and resolve the chronic pain. They told me along with DDD I have osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine and the beginnings of it in my cervical area. :-( Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It takes a while to get over the extreme fatigue. It gets much better once you are able to increase your calories a bit. Just hang in there and keep following your surgeon's instructions. I still had it after 3 months and my doctor had me increase my carbs a little by adding banana and that helped a ton. Again, check with your doctor or nut. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just want to live life to the fullest. My sister asked if I wanted to do this crazy obstacle course/zip line adventure and I said yes without hesitating. We went yesterday and got to the section where you choose the 'easy' or 'challenging' route and we just smiled at each other and went left. It was like Ninja Warrior in the trees with a harness on. We completed 49 courses/zip lines and we had a BLAST. All I could think is how impossible it would've been even 50 lbs ago. Of course I won't be able to wear shorts for a week or two now... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I finally got this app to work on my phone again! Yay! Update: Let's see.....I am going through therapy twice a week for my back problems. I'm getting trigger point injections, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments. It is tough but I'm seeing a small improvement. I'm still maintaining within 5 pounds of goal. I've been a little bad with eating more sweets than usual. I've got to stop that and get back to eating more natural. The women at work are still being rude. I submitted a formal complaint and it has not gotten better but I'm taking it as a challenge to become a stronger person emotionally. I went on an obstacle/zip lining course yesterday and while it was tough I had a blast! My poor legs though....