skinnyrita

I'm not sure about restylane, but see Shark girl's comments below about her experience. Shark girl, what's the ballpark $$ for injections? I may wait to see if the new Allergan comes out - thanks for the info!

Saving money for restylane. Going to get my lips done[emoji105]

Since I see patients in a clinic it's inevitable that some of them who haven't seen me for months are shocked at my weight loss. It reminds me that I have actually dropped significantly although my brain has gotten used to it. And the way I look now. Lately, the thing I'm battling ( and I think it's body dysmorphia) is that my middle area actually looks bigger to me now than a few months ago after I'd gotten VSG. I've measured with a tape measure which doesn't show a gain but I feel thicker in that part. I'm very self- conscious about this and even though I fit into a size eight pant, I won't wear them because they tend to push fat up into my middle and makes me feel/ look fa. . Anybody else have this issue?!

Awesome job!

Well I did some research but my surgeon really emphasized VSG. She doesn't do lap bands at all. I didn't have 100 plus pounds to lose just about 80. If you have a lot of weight, RNY might be more efficient, but as others have said, there's a greater risk of complication with that . Still talking to surgeons and people on this board could be helpful. Also read up on the procedures and risks. Your knowledge of your own body, different health conditions, and age will play a big part in your decision. Good luck! When are you thinking of having your surgery?

I'm frustrated with the scale , not because of my weight but because it doesn't give enough info about BMI etc. thinking of getting a new one. Tell me your scale stories please !

Hi. Cowgirl Jane. Sometimes it's necessary to get a fresh perspective and if your current counselor is not helping you it's good to to look for someone who can take you to the next level. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I think it's important to find someone who practices evidence- based psychotherapy. A coach is fine for some, but if you go that route try to find someone who is also credentialed/ licensed as a therapist, like an LPC, or LCSW. I went through coaching supervision myself, and in my opinion, that training would have been inadequate to help someone, had I not already had my masters degree, hours of supervision, internships and years of experience. I'm not bashing coaches in general but for your protection, try to find a credentialed counselor. Your state licensing board for counselors will usually have a website with names, licensure, how long they've been in practice and if there are any pending actions against that individual. Then there's fit. If you call and request a brief phone contact ( usually that's free) you might get a sense of how they practice and their personality, or go on their website. Best of luck to you in your search. I had several great counselors along the way, and they can make an incredible difference when you find the right one.

ISG - great thread! One of my favorite spice blends is herb de Provence it's an earthy blend of rosemary, thyme and other spices which I use in eggs, soups, and my crustless quiche recipe. I'm also in love with caramelized shallots. I make a steak salad with blue cheese and caramelized shallots on top. Very tasty!

Sending up prayers for a speedy and uneventful recovery!

My best experience after WLS is dropping a pants, dress size every few weeks. My worst experience? Paying for clothes that I won't be able to wear more than a few weeks!????????????

My husband just got back his lab results and has a 7.4 A1c. We want to start monitoring his blood glucose levels. I know that many of my Bariatric friends either have or have had diabetes in the past. Do you have any recommendations as far as an accurate glucometer? Pros and cons please.

How did you guys set up the ticker?

I developed a burning, tingling pain in my back on the left side , below my scapula about a month after my surgery. I went to an Ortopedic specialist who did an mri and found nothing. He said the nerve pain was from deconditioning ( flabby muscle) and not having my scapula lie flat because muscle wasn't holding it properly. He recommended physical therapy which didn't completely cause the pain to go away. What has helped is the strengthening exercises and poses of yoga. I still have some of that burning pain when I'm tired or haven't moved in a whil, but it's not as bad as before. See your doctor or an Orthopod first to rule out other types of problems, but it could be helped by exercise and conditioning. Hope this helps!

View the people who say " you 're cheating" the same way you would look at someone who believes the Earth is flat. You know better but their complete and total ignorance is laughable when you know the truth. The surgery is just one of the many changes necessary to lose weight. If you can't control yourself, even after surgery you Will Gain Weight! If you can't make all the behavioral and psychological adjustments, you Will Gain Weight! It's not magic at all, pouf and now you are as skinny as you wanna be. After 8 months, I still work hard every day to maintain and further my weight loss. I'm 7 lbs from goal weight, but even when I reach it, I will have to work hard mentally and physically to maintain what it has taken me a year to lose, and 3 years from now, I will continue to have to work to maintain progress. Easy way out- my a--!

Love my Vivfit 2 because it is waterproof. I can swim and shower with it on without a problem. My husband got me the watch bands in different colors, so I can chane it up. The Vivofit also pairs up with their free app called " Connect" so you can log your exercise and communicate with other users.