Jewelgirl04

Oh, dear. Well, my biggest issue was finding a comfortable position to sleep, so hopefully that'll remain my biggest issue as a side/stomach sleeper. The pain was otherwise manageable once they started me on a routine of meds post-op and I stopped feeling like I'd been hit by a bus. Thank you for the suggestions about micropore tape and the extra compression garment! i was told that I will have a drain.

Hi all! I finally am taking the plunge and will be calling my plastic surgeon tomorrow to pay my deposit for a surgery date. It'll either be 12/20 or 12/27 and I'm both excited and nervous! I started out at around 225 starting weight and then 203 pre-op on 1/22/15. I reached my goal of 145 on 12/24/15 (easy to remember!) and have been stable within 5 pounds of goal ever since. The main sore points for me have been my stomach and my upper arms with the excess skin. I refer to my stomach as having a deflated tired above my hip bones, though I am very slim around my waist, so that makes it even more disproportionate. My upper arms are not quite the "bat wings" I know so many others endure, but they are rather bulbous looking. The PS says the excess skin is around 3" on one and 4" on the other, but given my age (27), he recommended doing some lipo to help get rid of any remaining obstacle preventing the skin from retracting (rather than going the brachioplasty route). He thinks that I will see it significantly retract in the next year after the procedure and since that is the surgery I was most fearful of, I am very much on board. So I'll have the upper arm lipo and an abdominoplasty with the horizontal incision. I am an attorney and will be out of work for around 2 weeks, but will return to spend my time at a desk since I do not appear in court. I do commute into NYC from central New Jersey via bus, which is about 90 minutes each way. The procedure will be outpatient at a local hospital and I will be spending my recovery at my parents' house, so I'll have help. I have heard the pain/recovery is easier than the sleeve, so I am hopeful this is the case, but am wondering how long the swelling/tenderness will likely last. I've browsed the board for weeks now, but there are SO many different threads and a ton of information to digest. I am hoping that some of you can please share any tips that you have for recovery, whether it's compression garments, scar creams/gels, or anything else that comes to mind. If anyone has had the same arm lipo procedure the doc is recommending, please let me know how it went! Responses are greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 1/23/15 and reached my goal of 145 on 12/24/15. I never bounced more than 2-3 pounds over my goal weight for a long while, at least until I went on vacation in November 2016. I jumped up to 153, but was able to get down around 150, but no lower. I haven't been able to drop under 150 since (despite being incredibly strict) and after getting up to around 153, I enrolled in a personal training program at the hospital where I'd had my surgery (also endorsed by my surgeon). I started two weeks ago and have 45 minute sessions 2x per week, mixing up strength training with cardio. I'm also trying to tighten up my body prior to considering plastic surgery (especially the damn FUPA that is the bane of my existence). My protein intake has been within the range as stated by my surgeon (60-80g) and my caloric intake is generally between 600-1000 calories (tracked via My Fitness Pal). I'm sort of ballparking my own caloric range based on what's been posted here, as my nutritionist never actually gave me an idea as to what I should be sticking to. I know that I've had Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), which starts 24 hours after a session, peaks at 48 hours, and is mostly gone by 72 hours. However, I'm noticing the the scale isn't dropping, but rather, it's substantially climbing. I was 152 when I started and am pushing over 156. I cannot get the scale to lower and it's getting to be very frustrating. Further, I've noticed that I've actually gone up an inch or two in measurements from where I was two weeks ago. Ugh ugh ugh. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm staying hydrated, but it's hard to keep wanting to knock back my liquids if this is retention at work. I have my belated two year post-op appointment (had to keep rescheduling due to weather) on May 5th and I'd hate to go there up 10 pounds or more when I'd had an otherwise successful year. I'm just frustrated beyond belief.

Thank you to everyone who has replied. i went to the NUT and surgeon and long story short, they recommend waiting it out. They suspect its water retention, but offered no suggestions or guidance. It feels (and has felt since I hit goal way back when) that once I hit my goal weight, there's not much interest in helping me anymore. I mean, to give you a bit of an idea as to how things operate, in my first post-op appointment a week after surgery, they sat me down at a computer and told me to leave a review of the surgeon. In the exam room. the NUT says I should be eating between 800-1000 calories a day, even with workouts. im actually doing something semi-odd that finally seems to be helping the scale drop, which I did in Jan/Feb 2016 that helped. I found eating a Starbucks bistro box for lunch every day helped me lose, rather than eating my usual lunches. I usually build a beef/chicken fajita bowl for dinner. I don't eat breakfast because I commute on the bus into NYC for 90 minutes and get nauseated if I eat. Maybe it's a perfect balance for me. Or coincidence. But I'm seeing the scale drop for the first time in 5 weeks. I was 158.5 on Saturday. Today, I was 155 and I was last that my first week of working out. The bistro box is the only change! i will keep going this way as long as I lose. I'm just glad to see progress!

Thank you everyone for your input! I only started this level of strength training two weeks ago and my previous activity had been limited to walking. I also have an appointment with my NUT and my surgeon on May 5th, so this is certainly a concern I'll bring up to them. I'm trying to increase my liquids to reflect my increased level of activity. I don't drink anything that isn't either calorie-free or five calories for the glass (ie: Crystal Light and Snapple, as sometimes I get water sickness) and I am tracking every bite. My clothes don't seem to fit any differently, which is the frustrating part. Sometimes, I think maintenance is harder than losing post-op. This level of exercise is completely new for me. My NUT has never really advised me that I should be adjusting my caloric intake based on intensity of exercise, so I'm flying pretty blind here. (Obviously at the end of the day, the responsibility is my own, but I've been really disappointed with my NUT for lack of guidance the more I learn about life post-op.) The trainer that I work with specializes in bariatric patients, so I'm thinking this is somewhat similar to the TOM water retention that results in some bloat. It just sucks because it's now gone on for two weeks since I started. Thank you so much for that article. I really have to ask my NUT what my caloric intake should look like when I see her because I'm now really concerned based on what you (and others) have said. If I was losing inches, it'd be easy for me to ditch the scale. I guess we'll really see what is going on with my measurements in 6 weeks, when my program ends and I get my measurements taken again.

I've been bouncing between 164 and 165 for the better part of a month now after steady weight loss since the dreaded stall for weeks 3-5. I knew for the 3-5 stall, I just had to play the waiting game because it's a result of introducing non-liquids back into your body. I was researching on here what other people have done as far as nutrition and exercise changes and saw someone suggested to go back to a liquid diet for 2-3 days just to reset the body. So, considering that was a relatively easy solution I could try first without changing up my exercise routine and such, I gave it a shot. I stuck to protein shakes (RTD and recipes), having a little soup here and there to give me a little of the salty flavor I was craving so I didn't stray to snacking on junk food. After three days of the liquid diet, no only did I get down to 163.4, but then after a day of eating normal solids again, I dropped to 162.8! So I lost 2.2 lbs in 3 days after NOTHING for a month! I'm sure that it won't work for everybody, but it might be worth a shot to try before you go revamping your whole exercise routine (or throw your scale against a wall). Let me know if this has worked for you!

Hi, everyone. I haven't posted for a while, but I'm just coming up on my two year anniversary of being sleeved. I've generally maintained really well at around my goal weight of 145. I really loved that number. Around October, I started noticing that the scale kept creeping up to 148 and it was getting difficult to take it back down. I will admit to snacking/grazing here and there, but nothing more than I'd done in the year before that. We went on vacation on a cruise in November and I came back at 152, but was able to get it back down in about 10 days by just eating right and normal, since my habits were so vastly different on the ship. In the last month, I've seen my weight bounce between 148-9. It's been a struggle and I can't get it down. So I decided to really commit right in time for the new year (not because of it). Things I will admit I'm also not great about, unlike when I started: taking my Vitamins, making sure I hit my liquids. In fact, when I have tried to recommit to increasing my liquid intake, I gain like CRAZY. On Monday of this week, I started C25k after a long absence from the gym since September. I was around 148.5. I am now at 152.6 and having a meltdown. I know my liquids increased due to the workouts (yay?) and I have been trying to intermittent fast (and on non-fast days, doing 16:8 for the first time). I've been keeping a food diary the past two days of every bite. (I also started TOM this month -- sorry guys -- but I have NEVER put on this much weight and it usually comes off after day 1 hits) So why am I suddenly gaining? To say that I'm frustrated is an understatement. I don't know what to do. I could deal with bouncing around 2-3 pounds. But SEVEN from my goal weight that I maintained for 9 months is killing me to the point where I just want to sit down and cry. I'm recommitting to my fitness. I will be better about my vitamins and liquids. but it feels like it's all for naught. Maybe I should go back to strength training, which did seem to help me burn? I don't know, but I am at the absolute end of my rope.

So I've been sticking to Protein shakes and high protein for a week now. I stopped doing C25k because it was just really hard on my legs and I didn't like how much Water I was retaining. And yet, NOTHING is changing. I get down to 150.6 and then just spike back up. I'm leaving on vacation on Saturday on a cruise where I know I'll indulge and I'm just so horribly depressed at the thought that I'm going to come back having gained even MORE weight. I'm just so upset and heartbroken and it feels like just a downward spiral. If I've spiked like this and can't go down, I feel like I'm just going to keep gaining. And I don't know what to do.

Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your replies. The first day after this post, I drank a shake as replacements for Breakfast and lunch, but then ate a regular dinner of pot roast. It really seemed to make a difference on the scale and I went down to 149. Based on others' suggestions, I then started the 5:2 intermittent fast plan. However, my fast days? I seem to actually be gaining. Even eating 800 calories on my non-fast day, high in Protein, but still the scale is going up. I'm really confused and really frustrated. I decided to stop C25k because a) I actually hate running and my body doesn't seem to be responding well to it. I'm thinking about just going back to strength training instead, which worked for me this past fall. *sighs* It's all just very, very disheartening and upsetting. I know some have said to throw away the scale, but I need it to hold myself accountable. That's the only way I've kept myself accountable for the past two years. Sometimes, I just want to sit down and cry.

About two months ago, I hit 148/49 on the scale after bouncing between 144 and 146 since I hit my goal of 145 last December. Usually being very strict and really cutting all carbs and sugary foods helps, but it hasn't. I decided to do the five day pouch reset and my biggest glaring issue seems to be low Water intake. So I increased by intake to roughly 72-80 oz the past two days. But I'm finding the scale isn't even budging! Has anyone had similar experience with water intake? I'm really upset and discouraged.

@@Christinamo7 I use Diurex Max sometimes when I retain spectacularly. Do you do something similar?

Thank you, @@Uniqbtrfly and @@Babbs ! This gives me a lot of perspective. I've just started going back to the gym for weight training sand am shooting for 3x per week at a minimum. I guess I'm just REALLY afraid of that 150 mark. My PCOS body doesn't seem to handle Water well sadly. I tried the reset diet to help kickstart a little loss. Someone once told me that more than 2 lbs above goal is concerning, so I guess that also stuck with me. I know I'm scale obsessive. I weigh myself multiple times in a day and it's a terrible habit.

I'm noticing that my stomach's capacity is more than it used to be. Whereas I could eat half of a small container before, I can now eat a full one. I know that water weighs a lot. I'm just concerned that by increasing my water intake to where it should be, I'm maybe going against what my body wants? I know that 5 lbs over goal doesn't seem like a lot (that 150 number makes me want to bawl when I get close enough), but it seems like it to me. I don't want it to be a gateway to bigger gains.

Hey, ladies! I started off at 245 at my heaviest weight and am now at goal of 145 with some minor fluctuations of a couple of pounds consistently. I've been looking forward to trying a bikini for the first time in my life, but there's a small issue there. I'm not really concerned with my scars, as it has now officially been over a year and they've faded. Rather, I've got a roll of FUPA and a little loose skin around my navel that jiggles. Oy. So I don't want to wear the typical skimpy bikini bottoms. I'm in the middle of studying for my bar exam at the end of next month in conjunction with a full time job in the city that I commute to, which does not accommodate a lot of time to do my abdominal exercises. (Though, I ALWAYS get my 10k steps in). Anyyyyyway. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend bikini bottoms that would be flattering in this instance. I don't mind them being higher-waisted as I think I can maybe pull off the retro look. Thanks in advance!

@@Cervidae Thanks!

@@Cervidae Damn trial and error rule! Hehe. Do you know the name/brand of what you found?

@@Babbs @@Cervidae I'd love that look! Are there board shorts you wear that come up high enough to cover the belly button without looking stumpy?

Hi all! I'm very pleased to say that I achieved my goal weight of 145 lbs the day after Christmas! However, as expected, my weight has been fluctuating since then. I've gone as low as 144.5 up to 148. Right now (post-snowstorm last weekend, ugh), I seem to be bouncing between 146-147. I'd like to get back to hover around 145, but I just wanted to know what is generally considered to be acceptable fluctuation after you hit goal weight? 145 puts me exactly at 24.9 BMI, for what it's worth. Thanks in advance!

I was sleeved a little over 11 months ago at around 36 BMI. I told close family and a few friends who all knew of my lifelong struggle and were all very supportive. My mother, I think, was the most concerned because it's an elective surgery compared to my previous ACL reconstruction surgeries, which were necessary operations. The first week is the worst and the next four are tough, but not insurmountable. Being that I was young (24) and on the smaller end of the spectrum heading in, I only needed to stay on my pain meds for a week and after 10 days, I was back to sleeping in my bed again. (I'd been sleeping on the couch downstairs, after discovering it was the most comfortable.) I hit my goal weight yesterday and can honestly say that my lifestyle has not changed in terms of where I can eat and whether the smaller portions are really noticeable. Everyone not in the know generally chalks up my mostly-empty plate to portion control and it being the reason I've lost weight. My social life is better and I'm healthier. My doc said to me long ago that he wishes people came to him at my age and size before everything spiraled and while they had the chance to get decades of enjoyment out of it. Best of luck to you all!

If you cut the S'mores bar into squares and pop them in the oven for a few minutes, they'll be good and melty like a s'mores cookie! HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I'm another one that was put on prescription Vitamin D! VERY interesting!

@@Djmohr I know that it's the most frustrating thing! I'll be honest and say that I haven't had the time to go to the gym in the past two months or so because I've been studying for the bar exam, which is basically a full time job that leaves me with very little (if any) extra time in my day. The three days of liquid was convenient for me and didn't require a change in exercise, so I hope it can be for you too! I know you can do it! Keep me posted! @@casscrow How's it going? Hope things have been working out for you! @@MrsSugarbabe I had a horrible 195 hump. Could not break it for the life of me for a month, but it wound up working itself out. I was far less patient this time and wanted my body to just BURN again! How've you been doing? @@OKCPirate That's an interesting idea, thanks! Might try it when I'm done with the bar exam because I can't handle muscle fatigue right now, pre-bar exam!

Congrats on all your hard work, @@Elode! There are a bunch of GREAT arm workouts on Youtube that don't require weights. I belong to a gym that does 45 minute boot camp type classes that I love (M/W - Cardio, Tues - Arms, Thu - Legs, Fri - Kickboxing), but my time is at a minimum to attend because I'm studying for the NJ/NY bar exams at the end of this month. UGH. I've found this one particular video is a great one before I'm ready to shower at night. Only need to carve out thirty minutes or so: I've also been using my dad's old stationary bike (which has been sitting in my parents' bedroom and used as a clothes rack for years) while reviewing my notes. Killing two birds with one stone!

Hey there! I'm also 25 and had my surgery back on Jan 21st! A couple of things that I was told prior to surgery and that I discovered for myself (in no particular order) that I think were really helpful by other people who had gone through the surgery in 1) Bring a robe or zip up hoodie. Hospitals are usually cold and those blankets can be thin. 2) Chapstick is a must. 3) Bring your phone charger, but don't expect to be on a laptop. To be honest, I kept in touch with my mom in the evening hours after she went home, but the painkillers I was on made it hard for me to text at all. I was falling asleep every 15 minutes and even the next morning waiting to see my surgeon, while I had family visiting, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Once you get off the pain meds, you'll find that you're awake and alert again. (I was off of mine in three days, but used 7 days of anti-nausea meds) 4) Don't worry if you can't pee right away. I was moved to a room around 5pm and wasn't able to go until 2am. Trust me, the fluids they're pumping into you will take effect soon enough. 5) You may feel pain in your back and shoulders in the day (and days) after surgery. That's gas pain from when they inflated your stomach prior to cutting it. It'll pass. 6) This is more for your first week home, but it is THE BIGGEST THING I CAN STRESS: You're going to gain weight after surgery. DO NOT PANIC. I was put on an IV drip and was going through a bag every 3 hours. As you can imagine, that's a TON of liquid being pumped into my body. By the time I came home the next day, not only was I heavier than when I'd gone into surgery, but missing a chunk of my stomach, I was 13 pounds heavier. I wound up dropping it all within three days, but just a fair warning. Most people who don't know this going in FREAK out once they get home and get on the scale. Please don't panic. On the upside, you'll be going to the bathroom every 15-30 minutes once you're home, so you'll drop the Water weight faster than you think. 7) You're gonna do great.

I also LOVE the premier Protein chocolate shake. It reminds me of the taste of Swiss Miss hot chocolate... just cold, obviously. The way to go is to doctor your shakes up a little for some variety. Throw in a little PB, some ice, and blend it together in a blender. You can add a banana to liven it up a little too.