ZoeyBear

I had my VGS on 4/9/15, and have gone from 285-170, so far. I feel like a new person completely. I, like you, have all the same skin issues, and frustrations. Something that has helped me immensely is wearing compression garments! They really work wonders, and people have actually asked me if I've had surgery to remove the excess skin! My favorite is called a "skinny tee" (skinnytees.com). I never leave the house without one on. They can be pulled down past your butt, and hold everything, from the boobs down, very still and small! The difference is amazing! And they are not uncomfortable at all, to me! I carried most of my weight in my butt and thighs, so my legs are what trouble me the most. So, I wear jeggings most of the time. These are leggings made of a denim that contains spandex. I like them tight, for maximum control! My butt is GONE now, and my boobs have shrunk from a 42 FF, to a 36D. Unfortunately, that's a 36D LONG!!! Wearing my skinny tees helps to keep them in the bra, but smashes them just a little. I've decided that I'm fine with smaller boobs for now. Someday, I may do something about them. The clothes I look best in are like tight athletic wear. Sometimes I will wear workout capris under a pair of pants for maximum control. I'd rather not wear girdles or things like that. These make me feel skinny and energetic, not crammed into body armor! By the way, for those flabby yammies (that's what we call the underarm wobble), skinny tees makes shirts with sleeves, also! Holds everything in tightly, without pain! I hope this helps a little!

I am 14 months out and have gone from plus size 26/28 or 3X to Misses size 14 or L! I love shopping now! In fact, I'm having trouble stopping myself!!! My favorite place to buy clothes is from the LOGO by Lori Goldstein collection on QVC and QVC.com. Her clothes are so figure flattering and really make me feel so confident!

Has anyone gone on the Whole30 eating plan, after reaching your goal? Just wondered if we can do without ALL dairy?

Mix some Miralax into juice or water every morning, and take a stool softener every night. This will keep you regular and make sure you avoid a bigger problem, which could lead to an ER visit! I KNOW what I'm talking about! Drink as much water as you can. Stop all narcotics, if you are still taking them for pain. And get up and move around every chance you get!

Keep up the good work! You look great!

I had nearly the exact same problems you described. I am 56 and April 9th was my 1 year "surgiversary"! I have lost 100 lbs and I can walk forever, it seems, now, without ANY foot pain! Before surgery, I couldn't walk to the mailbox without excruciating pain. My life has changed dramatically for the better! I've been so thankful I made this decision!

Was in ER with this problem 2 weeks after surgery! Since then, I take a stool softener every night, probiotic every morning, and for 3 months after my ER visit, I took Miralax in a glass of juice every morning. It's been a year and no more problems!

The main reason for hair loss after WLS is not getting enough protein.

I am right where you are! My surgery was 4/9/2015, and I've lost 90 lbs. I have seen myself eating "little bits" of anything I want, during these holiday weeks. My plan is to start fresh on January 1st, eating exactly as the plan dictates and exercising daily. Thanks for your encouragement!

This happened to me and I ended up in the ER and had to have "help" getting rid of it! Very humiliating and painful! After that, I took a capful of Miralax every morning in some juice for about 3 months, and a stool softener every night. Still take the stool softener every night - I'm 8 months post op. No more problems for me. Sometimes I'll go 2-3 days without pooping, but it's not a big deal. I don't eat much!

I just have to share my news with someone...for the first time in 13 yrs., I am in ONEderland! I began my weight loss surgery journey on April 9, 2015. It was not an easy thing to do, yet I have had so much encouragement from friends and family, it has been surprisingly do-able! At this point, 7+ months out, I have lost 86 lbs. and have gone from a size 26/28W to a 14/16W! My next clothing purchase will be in regular Misses sizes!!! I cannot believe how much better I feel! If anyone is "on the fence" about having surgery, let me encourage you to do this! It's life-changing! Life, for me, gets better everyday! I'm a 56 year old grandmother who can now play on the floor with my 18 month old granddaughter, and run around the house playing chase with her! Before my vertical sleeve gastrectomy, I could barely walk! Thank you, family and friends, for your love and support, thus far. And, thank you, Jesus, for continuing to hold my hand, every step of the way!

We've all been there! It WILL get better, I promise you! Hang in there. Try to do all the right things. You'll be glad you did it!

Caffeine can cause dehydration

I've had kidney stones 5 times! You're not kidding about the pain!!! I have not had them since my surgery in April, though. I would think the excess water we are supposed to drink should keep them at a minimum!

Just saw this thread and read it all the way through. This is exactly what I need to do! I've been sitting on 201-202 for a week and a half. I WANNA BE IN ONEderland!!!! Thanx, everyone, for sharing and inspiring me!

I'm gonna say gall bladder. Very common with weight loss.

I dealt with this problem in the first couple weeks. As was suggested by my NUT, I began taking Miralax every morning, and taking a stool softener every night. As things worked themselves out, I discontinued the Miralax, but plan to continue taking a stool softener every night! It's working for me! I'm 6 1/2 months post op.

Congrats to you! I am 9 lbs away from Onederland, myself!!! Can't wait! Haven't been there since the 1980's!!!

Haha! I'm 6 months out and I'm sitting here listening to mine right now!!!

When I was having this problem, my NUT said to do Miralax in juice every morning and stool softener every night. Worked like a charm! I stopped the Miralax 3 weeks ago, and now I only "go" once a week! Think I'll go back on the Miralax!

You will probably be taken off your NSAIDs! I was! Bi have osteoarthritis and I thought I'd die without my meds! But the more weight I lose, the less pain I feel anymore! No NSAIDs cuz they are too hard on your stomach, and you don't have much of one left!

I am 5 months post op and have lost 67 lbs so far. I've been wearing clothes that are 3 or 4 sizes smaller than I started out in. All this has given me so much self-confidence and I feel SO much better than I have in years! So...what's my problem? I just tried on swimsuits for my first water aerobics class tomorrow, and I got super depressed! Even though I'm looking so much better in my clothes, those bare legs are just a nightmare! My thighs were huge before I started losing weight. Now they are totally like wrinkled jello!!! I'm 56 and probably will never have excess skin removed. Please, someone, say something to help me deal with this reality, so I will have the courage to go to that class tomorrow!

You should be so proud of yourself! You look great and I KNOW, it hasn't been easy! Exciting for me to see your pix, as I started just 4 lbs less than you! It's been 5 months for me, so far, and I've lost 67 lbs! Keep up the good work!