sassyfrass23

I've seen quite a variety of opinions on the topic across social media and figured I'd come here for a few more. Wondering if anyone has used a waist trainer since WLS and if so, how do you like it? Any specific brands/styles you prefer over another? As I continue to lose, I have thought about the possibility of using a waist trainer to help give me the curves I don't necessarily have? I believe I have more of an apple shape than any. However, I don't want to waist my money if they're a lost cause? Thoughts? Opinions? Go!!

I posted this awhile back and later felt that the issue had resolved itself and wasn't what I thought it to be. Looks like I may have been wrong. So here goes.. I've received conflicting answers from UHC regarding my requirements. There are the typical; BMI, 6 month supervised diet and psych eval. All of which I have completed and my file is in the process of being submitted. I'm this close!!! And boom....I hit a big @ss brick wall that has knocked me off my feet this afternoon. I called insurance to see if they'd received my file. While on the phone we discussed my requirements, etc. The rep then mentioned receiving authorization 6 months PRIOR to surgery. Curious of his answer, I asked him to convey his perception of that statement. Which he did, and I did not like. I then asked him that IF I were to be approved, let's say next Wednesday, does that mean I have to wait an ADDITIONAL 6 months before I can actually have surgery? So, like...August??? His response was yes. This whole scenario makes absolutely no sense to me. Why? Why make a patient bust their rump for 6 months to prove that they CAN follow guidelines set by their provider/nut but receive little to no result? Why have a patient see a psychiatrist, get the go ahead and then wait an additional 6 months? I'm not saying it will, but there is a lot that can happen in a 6 month period. I can honestly say that when my father passed away in 2012, I would not have been emotionally stable if you will, to follow protocol after surgery. Up until today, I have been under the impression/hopes of having surgery in early March. I have put in my time and done what has been asked of me. And this news has rocked my world. No it's not the worst case scenario. Yes, I can put on my big girl panties and wait the required time. Yes I am even lucky for the fact that my insurance actually covers this. But I simply do not want to. And that is okay. Please do not ridicule me for being upset over this. I guarantee most of you would be just as disappointed if you were almost there and had the carpet ripped right out from under you. And yes- when I first started this process I did inform my benefits coordinator at the office of what I was told. She said it did not sound correct and she thought the rep had misunderstood what they were reading to me. I spoke with another rep a couple of months later, and she told me that I did NOT have to wait 6 months. However, I will be calling my coordinator tomorrow to request that she call UHC and discuss this with them. When she initially called to verify my benefits, they never mentioned this to her either. I'm just having a pity party, okay? And in an effort to avoid a bad habit I have almost broken...I am trying not to resort to emotional eating. I just want a big friggin donut right now!!!!!! Maybe a cupcake too..

Hey! I'm doing really well. Thank you for checking in on me! As of this morning, the scale showed 197.9. That's a total loss of 60 lbs. I'm in awe at my progress but so so grateful to be where I am so far! I hope everything goes well for you and UHC covers thst revision. I've heard/read such horrendous experiences with the band and feel horrible for anyone stuck with it and the complications they have to endure. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Yesterday marked 8 weeks post op for me and for the most part- I feel great! But I do have one question for all my RNY pals...when did your appetite/hunger return? In these 8 weeks, I have truly felt "hungry" once. And it was because I slept later than usual one morning (11 hours total ) and felt a slight bit of hunger when I awoke. With that said- I was prepared more to fight the head hunger that everyone talks about. And I never imagined I would have to FORCE myself to eat. It's great for the most part except, there are times when I have to make myself eat and it just makes me nauseous. I rarely struggle with head hunger as well [knocking on wood]. If it were up to me, I wouldn't have to eat at all with how well I feel. But we all know that's not healthy Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Yesterday marked 3 weeks until my "BIG" day. And I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack. I have always struggled with anxiety, and as I have aged, it has improved significantly unless something major triggers it. But even then, my rebound time is much faster than it was 5+ years ago. My coping skills have improved. Go me! However, between the surgery being right around the corner, and a VERY stressful job...this little lady is all out of sorts. I tried the whole "retreat" mechanism which is my first instinct when things get tough. I shut down. I shut everyone near and dear to me out. And I process. And while I enjoy this option more, I know that it is unhealthy and what has played a huge role in my weight. Because while I am secluded in my own little world, all I need is me and my food. Gimme that chocolate and some of those potatoes. And I slowly begin to reappear, eventually. So here are my concerns: -Work (stressful job + unhealthy relationship with a superior) -Pre op and post op diet (I've done the research. I have a ton of material from my surgeon's office. I truly am prepared. But I have totally allowed my mind to screw with me and convince me that I'm not. Anxiety, remember? I'm not worried about the length of the specific diets or stages or what I can or CAN'T have. I literally just feel like everything I've learned over the last 9 months has suddenly vanished. My diet starts Tuesday. So I plan to sit and dive right back into my manuals within the next day or so and re-educate/reassure myself that I do know and I do understand what I am to do.......) -Energy levels after WLS (I've read where it is not uncommon to feel less than par for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Some sooner, some longer. I'm worried that I'm going to tire more easily and am concerned with how this will affect my job performance..if at all? I work as an IT consultant and we have multiple clients which include 3 hospitals + multiple physician and Lawyers offices. I am constantly on the freakin go. Work begins before I leave my house in the morning and continues after I arrive home. I am hands on and regularly crawling on the floor to look at/repair computers, servers, you name it. The one upside to my job is that I am on my feet more so than not. So, I'm always sure to average between 7,000 and 10,000 steps at work alone.) -There are a few more concerns...but I'll stop there So, my concerns aren't whether I'm going to lose fast or have excess skin. I mean...those are possibly there...but way way wayyyy down on the list. I'm mostly concerned about my emotional well being after surgery. I know that this is going to be as much mental...if not more...than physical. And I don't know whether to reach for a Xanax or a brown paper bag I do know that I've got to get out of my head and some of my concerns are probably minute and a waist of energy. Which is why I am here. I know that I need to get these things off my chest and talk them out. Only then will I feel better and become more comfortable with what is about to take place in my life. So here is Megan...in all her glory....vulnerable and transparent. [patting self on back] Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks!! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Thanks, @@JamieLogical ! I truly hope it doesn't come down to plastics for me, but there's honestly no telling. I am still early on and haven't been able to get a good feel for how my skin is going to react to the rapid weight loss. But if I do end up considering, I'll definitely contact you! By the way- congrats on your marathon the other day! I hope to pick up running as I become more comfortable (physically). But I think I'm going to have to force myself to do it...lol. Even when I was in high school and super fit, I disliked it. @@CowgirlJane I appreciate your words so so much. I know that the mental aspect of this is going to be far more challenging than the physical. And I do have emotions/thoughts that I need to address and work on as far as my appearance goes. No matter how I look in the end, I want to look at and love myself. But most of all, I want to be healthy. Sunday I experienced a horrible reminder of why I embarked on this journey to begin with. A very dear friend of mine had a massive heart attack at only 41 years old. He gave up smoking a few years ago, but remained overweight. His heart attack went on for 90 minutes and he had to be shocked three times to get his heart going. He's in CCU and has been in a medically induced coma since the accident (he was driving when it hit). They are warming his body back up slowly to begin assessing his brain activity for any damage. That's what I am trying to avoid. I think the waist trainer is off the table (although it was never really a serious option). I've received plenty from this topic, most of which was unexpected but needed/necessary.

@@Renkoss thank you! We'll said! @@OutsideMatchInside what you say makes total sense. I will keep that in mind for future post and will leave them to WLS only. I forget how many bitter people there are in this world who take their self hatred out on others. Not saying that is the case here at all. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

All I'm saying is that if "opinions" were expressed in a more tactful manner, it would be beneficial for everyone. But...I somehow forgot we were surrounded by the WLS police who know all and are entitled to be crude and bich*y because they're now vets or what have you. You have newbies here who ONLY view post and are too intimidated to ask questions or request help because they see responses from people like you. People who immediately feel the need to belittle someone over something simple. Aka...keyboard warriors. I didn't ask if I could cheat and advance my diet without my doctors orders. I didn't ask if I could resume carbonated drinks. I didn't ask if I could pick up smoking again. I didn't ask if I could begin weight training and dismiss my doctors orders to limit myself to 15 lbs for 2 more weeks. I believe my question was valid and for information only. Now, had I gone out, purchased a waist trainer, tried it for a few days and then hit up BP for opinions, I may have reacted differently to your response. But it was a simple question. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

It's responses like that piss me off and make me strongly consider leaving Bariatric pal. I came here for OPINIONS not snarky responses such as this. I never once said I was going shopping this weekend to purchase one. I was simply fishing for reviews of those who HAVE used them or researched them. That is it. And for the record- I didn't cut out 85% of my stomach, I had my organs rerouted and a pouch created. If I missread your response, I apologize, but your entire response came off as rude and inappropriate for this discussion. Almost motherly if you will...and that's not how I prefer to be spoken to. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch I am definitely in the beginning stages. I think the many pictures on my IG feed over the past few days is what sparked my interest. I agree...IF they were to be safe and healthy, I am still too far out from benefitting from one. I was just intrigued and wanted to talk to the WLS community and see what everyone thought. The idea is off the table...I was just curious I definitely don't have the anticipation of a perfect body after I lose these final 90ish lbs. I know there will be flaws, so I'm hoping I will truly learn to love myself and every wrinkle, roll and dimple that may stick around. Even if I were to, I know there will be days where I simply do not like what I see. I can already tell this will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one. But I'm up for the job. I will say that I am walking away from this conversation with some good suggestions from @@OutsideMatchInside for the workout vest. But I won't put that into effect for another month or so and my Water goal is easily met on a daily basis. Forget the cartwheels and backflips...I'd want it to do dishes and laundry!! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

All the more reason to always ask/research before attempting. I thought I had come across the dangerous facts in the past, but these past few days, I have seen many WLS ladies I follow on IG using these and it surprised me. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App (And as stated above, none of this is for anyone else but myself.) Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I don't necessarily view it as an insult to women. My stomach is probably my BIGGEST problem and the one thing I'm most self conscious about. In almost 7 years, I have not been able to wear a shirt to work without a cardigan because of this. Or a baggy thirty on weekends when doing activities. My hopes are that as I lose the weight, my stomach will get to an ideal size that nothing more than Spanx is necessary. Hopefully even that won't be needed. This isn't for me to fit some mold of what society expects of me. This is for me to feel comfortable because I personally do not like to look at myself in the mirror while seeing every roll through my shirts. I want a smooth, yet curvy torso. Not because society tells me that's what's sexy but what I think is sexy. My legs on the other hand, I don't want pencils for legs. I want thick/fit legs. I have an idea of what I want my body to look like. And it's going to take work on my part to get there. Just looking at options. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

That's perfect! My only concern is that I'm in the beginning stages of weight loss. Tomorrow marks 4 weeks for me as a matter of fact. Do I need to wait on items such as this until I get closer to goal or a few months out? Or go ahead and begin utilizing it now? I'm going to the gym at this point for cardio and will be released from weight/lifting restrictions in 2 more weeks. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

So...I head for my pre-op appointment on Wednesday (surgery scheduled for 03.29.16). I have a couple of questions written down, but wanted to pick your brains. Are there any specific questions that you feel I should ask while there? I've already inquired about a drain, which my surgeon does not use. I'm also going to inquire about blood thinner shots and my actual time out of work so I can give my employer a better heads up. I've never been cut on, so this surgery process is something new within itself. And shockingly, I'm fairly calm about it all. However, I'm sure the nerves will really kick in once the big day gets closer. My preop liquid diet begins March 15th and I have pre surgery testing at the hospital on March 22nd. I think that with these appointments, it will definitely help this time go by much quicker. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I'm nearing 4 weeks post op from RNY and can already tell I'm going to need to add something to my daily routine to help move things along. o.0 Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Mine! I work in IT...in Healthcare...so when I got to the OR, I immediately found the Da Vinci robot and stared in awe. My incisions never bothered me. And my pain was a minimum after day 4! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

You look amazing! And so does the pretty blouse! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Everything went great! I'm feeling great! Next Tuesday will make 4 weeks since my big day. I think I've hit the dreaded 3 week stall. But I'm not fretting it thus far. As long as I'm not regaining...I'm good! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Going on 4 weeks post op and I have been good to follow all directions thus far. Not advancing my diet yet, still staying off caffeine, etc. I've been a good girl. Really. But today, I was offered a piece of gum and I nonchalantly accepted without even thinking. As a matter of fact, it never once crossed my mind until an hour later when I accidentally sucked that bad boy down! Damnit. So, I'm a little over an hour out and still drinking Water with no problem. I absolutely refuse to contact my surgeon's after hour coverage unless I begin to vomit or feel discomfort. Just curious...anyone else experienced this little mishap? How did you rid yourself of the gum? Run its course or surgical removal? (Lesson learned....NO more gum so please no lectures) Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Omg @@shrinkingkimber that's exactly what I was scared of!!! Lol. I woke up this morning feeling a little nauseous. I didn't know if it was due to the swallowed gum or something unrelated. I've been able to continue drinking so far, so I think I am fine. My doctor would kill me if I showed up in the ER for that. He calls me his "poster child" and I can't ruin that rep! Lol. But in all seriousness, he's hard to win over, so I really don't want to get on his bad side.. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

@@Sophie74656 Each bariatric program varies. My personal program prohibits gum. But that may not mean yours will necessarily. If you have concerns, I'd contact your surgeon's office to verify. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Chewing gum post op is frowned upon by most surgeon's. At least as early as I am. Those that don't condone it forever, still require you to wait around 12+ weeks. It can cause blockages and require surgical removal depending on the situation. Can cause you to swallow more air than usual. And a few other things.. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

That's a good way to look at it, @@cindyw41 ! Lol!! I couldn't believe I swallowed it. I can't remember the last time I did that pre-op. And here I am 3ish weeks out and inhaled the first piece I chewed. Go figure Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Haha!! I will admit- when it first went down, I totally freaked. ???? I've eaten and continued to drink since the traumatizing experience and feel as good as new! So no more worries here... Those pills are huge! I don't blame you for being hesitant! Do you feel any discomfort when you take them? I'm still on chewable Multivitamins and liquid Calcium. I've been cleared for pills but figured I might as well finish these off before getting anything else. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App