KristenVSG2014

Here ya go: TT & BL on November 21! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/381966-TT-%26-BL-on-November-21%21 HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

HW: 290+ SW: 260.8 GW: 160 My surgery is scheduled for 11/3 in Tijuana with Dr. alejandro lopez. Today I am starting the pre-op diet. I went to Sam's Club yesterday and stocked up on Premier Protein (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry), lettuce, cherry tomatoes and grilled mesquite chicken breasts. My pre-op diet will be the following: Breakfast: Protein shake Snack: Activia Light yogurt Lunch: Protein shake Dinner: salad with chicken breast Snack: Additional protein shake (if needed) This menu has 825 calories, 21g fat, 40g carbs, 121g protein I would like to lose 15-20 pounds over the 4 weeks before surgery. I took my "before" pictures this morning in my bra and underwear. I had mixed feelings. I felt depressed and ashamed of my body but I also felt happy because I knew this is going to be my "before" which means I'm determined to do what I need to in order to reach my goal. If I need any inspiration during the next four weeks I plan on staring at those back rolls until I find the self control and determination I need.

Before (not even my heaviest) and after: HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Nine weeks post op HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

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

It went great!! I started a thread somewhere in here with pics. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

1 year and 3 months. I was slow and steady. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

The recovery process is so interesting. Even almost 6 weeks post op I still get little shooting nerve pains, mostly only in one area from my tummy tuck. My bottom TT incision is still hard as a rock. If you felt it through my shirt you'd think I have rock-hard abs. My incision under my right breast are still really hard as well. I massage the incisions daily as instructed. I lather myself with coconut oil during my morning shower. I use Arnica and Mederma at night before bed. I've grown to enjoy sleeping in my Genie bra. It's so comfy. I've noticed my boobs have finally started to drop a little. They still look fantastic, just not the swollen, hard Barbie boobs I had when I woke up. Now they are soft, perky Barbie boobs. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

2-3 weeks depending on individual healing. I personally needed 3 weeks off of work because I struggle with anesthesia. It takes a long time to clear my system. My incisions look fantastic after 3 weeks though. I'll be 4 weeks post op on Monday and I'm now dealing with shooting nerve pain in my breasts. Icing them down helps but obviously can't do that at work. Plastic surgeon said this is normal and should get better as nerves reattach and heal. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Not at all. $8,400 for both procedures! HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

I have small hands and wrists but I have some giant boney hips and a huge ribcage. I'm a full hourglass. I measure 41/31/41 AT goal weight after tummy tuck and breast lift. When my dad had shoulder surgery the surgeon told him he had big bones (Dad isn't overweight). I also have very broad shoulders and very muscular legs unlike my mom who is very short and petite and has twiggy legs. I basically got Dad's build with Mom's curves. People never believe me when I tell them I weigh 160. They say I look like I weigh 130-140. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Actually, I still make the same quantity but I freeze half for easy weeknight meals. I love it! It makes life so much easier. I also love to cook a base meat like an entire chicken or pork butt and then create different meals throughout the week with the meat. Tacos, Soup, frittatas, etc. It forced me to be more creative. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

I'm going to put this link to my plastic surgery updates here: TT & BL on November 21! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/381966-TT-%26-BL-on-November-21%21 HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

The tape FINALLY came off of my stomach! The incisions look great. The only area that isn't perfect is at the T-junction for my vertical incision. It still looks a bit scabby but even then it should be near invisible a year from now. He did such a beautiful job. Now I want my arms and bra line done. I'm going to start saving up again! HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Early on I could only eat max 1/4 cup of food. Around 10 months post-op I could suddenly eat 1/2 cup. Whoa! I doubled my intake. It was scary at first but I realized the importance of eating Protein first always. As @@Bufflehead said, it is easy to eat massive quantities of empty carbs. I have no restriction with chips/crackers so I stay far away from them. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

@@Bufflehead's advice is always spot on. I would suggest you read, "It Starts With Food". It will help you understand and get control over your relationship with food. You've got this! HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

While I agree about trying to keep diet as clean as possible, you'll probably need to set that aside early post-op because you'll rely so much on Protein shakes in order to meet your protein requirements. I guess you could drink egg whites but I'd speak with your nutritionist about any suggestions. After you're able to eat normal food you can easily meet protein requirements from natural sources. As far as sugar goes, sugar = empty calories. Also, sugar is usually a trigger for many of us so it is best to avoid it as much as possible. You should read "It Starts With Food". Very enlightening. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

I'm a mac n cheese connoisseur. I prefer it with gruyere. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Friends don't let friends work hangry! No, seriously, there is a land beyond "hangry" and I've only been there a few times but I get so listless I can barely function. It happens around hour six without food. Not pretty. I always try to have a supply of Protein bars or Jerky stashed in my house, purse, glove compartment or work desk drawer. For everyone else's safety. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

I forgot to mention to you that I also had an issue with severe fatigue for 3-4 months after surgery and I took my MFP food logs to my doctor and told him I could barely get through work and was tired all the time. He took one look and said I was eating too low carb. He told me to add fruit back into my diet (I was avoiding any and all sugar). So I started to eat a banana or apple every day and the issue completely resolved itself. Carbs are important! This was a separate issue from the passing/blacking out issue. I still deal with that occasionally but it is from lack of calories, not carbs. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Chinese night! HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159

Yes. Dr. Lopez did my sleeve surgery when he was with a previous company. Search his name and you'll find previous posts and patients. HW 290+/SW 261/GW 160/CW 159