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Congrats on your surgery. I am two weeks post-op on my plastics. No pics yet, as there is a ton of swelling still. I'm not sure what your experience with recovery has been, but it has definitely been more intense than I expected. I was in the hospital for one night before coming home. My pain and discomfort was really high the first 48 hours and has improved slightly every day, but it's still coming along after 14 days. My final drain was removed on Friday (had four total - 2 in thighs that were removed after 3 days and 2 in belly that came out 9 and 11 days after.) I'm able to walk and get around pretty well at this point, but it really wiped me. I'm so glad to have it done and know the worst is behind me, but recovery was no joke. Looking forward to seeing my results once the swelling goes down. I can tell my side flab is gone and can expect a much tighter look. Just anxious for the full results to be revealed.

Happy to report I’ve been approved by my insurance for a panniculectomy and am also doing a full body lift and thigh lift at the same time in San Francisco. My plastic surgeon is affiliated with Dr Jossart, my bariatric surgeon and will pay $14k out of pocket for the additional surgeries that are considered “cosmetic”. I’ve lost nearly 180 lbs and really excited to see the results once I’m complete. My pre-op appointment is tomorrow and my surgery is scheduled for May 20th. On a side note I happened to meet Olivia Ward, winner of the biggest loser in 2011 at a SoulCycle class in Atlanta. She also had a panniculectomy, but wishes she’d done the full body lift. Excited to share my results.

Thank you. I'm trying to stay off the scale, but part of me got addicted to the big drops earlier. I know there are other signs, I just need a little encouragement to keep going until it moves.

Nice to meet you too Joanna! We're near sleeve twins. have heard from other friends about the stall, but it's hard when you are looking at that number. And no, my total includes the 51 lbs I lost on a two MONTH pre-op diet!

Hi all - I am feeling very frustrated today. I hit 4 weeks post on Tuesday and for an entire week the scale has remained at the exact same number. I started back at the gym and have been 6 times in 8 days and am following my diet plan to a T. I realize I’m still tracking well overall and know stalls happen, but just pure math tells me the number of calories I’m taking in, plus the exercise and my water should all equal something, right? Any tips (other than staying off the scale)?

I timed mine right before the holidays so I could take an extra week and do three instead of the recommended two. I'm 8 days post-op and honestly could have gone back by now, but I do get quite tired if I am out and about for a few hours.

Smoking is definitely off limits. You could cough and tear your staples. He said no mmj of any kind until at least the staples are healed.

Same here, but my surgeon told me it was more about the thc interfering with the staple healing process. He told me not to vape until I was fully healed (6 weeks).

But you still weigh regularly:) that's key!

Stay on track and stay strong! I just was sleeved 6 days ago and each passing day is better and it's not even been a week! Instead of focusing on the possibilities of negatives, keep your mind focused on thinking positively. You signed up for surgery to improve your quality of life, take control of your health and give yourself the best chance of long term success. It's all possible, but your mental prep is as important as your meal prep! Hang in there and keep us posted! There are lots of people out here rooting for you and everyone else on their journeys.

Hang in there and remember why you did the surgery. This is a lifelong journey and ultimately these few days will be a blink of an eye in the rest of your healthy life. Wishing you speedy recovery and strength.

The earlier you can start a weight loss routine, the better off you'll be for surgery. I started a medically supervised program using meal replacements and lost 55 lbs in 2 months and made my surgery a breeze. It shrinks your stomach, prepares you for how you'll live post-surgery and makes the surgery much easier on your body. If not a replacement diet, cut out most carbs and alcohol-you'll be amazed how much more energy you have. Good luck on your journey! I

I vote scale. Don't need to weigh frequently, but weight loss can creep back quickly. At the advice of my surgeon: If you weigh weekly, you'll never miss a 5 lb. weight gain and can adjust in the moment and not have to dig out of a hole.