kristieshannon

Nope, no rice test. I didn’t even ask for a specific size. I asked for my surgeon to pick a size that he felt balanced my frame. I’ve got pretty wide hips and narrow shoulders, that may be why he went with the size he did. I’m glad I trusted him, I think he chose well.

I ended up as a 32 DDD/F. They’re pretty big, but I don’t think they look ridiculous :)

I can commiserate. After my weight loss my boobs were just empty, saggy sacks. I got a lift/augmentation and LOVE my results. I got 375cc, under the muscle “gummy bear” implants. They’re great!

I’m 5 years out. I take a docusate at bedtime twice a week. Just enough to keep things regular with my high protein diet.

5 years ago today I had my VSG. The last 5 years has been full of ups and downs, but overall my life is so greatly improved. I’m typing this while sitting on a plane, I’ve got a good 16” of extra space on my seatbelt. No more extenders for me! I’ve gotten in to cycling, can ride my road or mountain bike for miles. I can shop in any store and pick super cute clothes. I can wear high heels again. I got rid of my CPAP and BP meds. I’m no longer pre-diabetic. While I was one of the statistical divorces post WLS, I now have a wonderful supportive guy in my life. I’m happy & healthy and so glad I made the decision to have WLS!

I can answer a couple of your questions. Yes, you will likely need to get your dentures re-fitted. I’m a nurse and have patients who have had large weight losses and they have needed to have this done. Protein shakes will depend highly on your taste. What tastes good to you now may change post op. I wouldn’t buy a large quantity of anything, Rather, just a single serving to try out post op. I personally really like the premier and fair life protein shakes, but others hate them. I took three weeks off work, but could have gone back after two. I really only needed someone there with me for the first couple days then would have been fine on my own. The sooner you get back to gentle activity, even just day to day care of yourself, the quicker you’ll recover.

Before & after photos

I was heading home from Bozeman, Montana. My sister lives there. Her family holds a mountain bike race each summer, so I went to attend that. It was super fun, and my nephew won first place!

I’m a night shift nurse. I live on caffeine. Coke Zero, sugar free redbull, coffee, tea. Hasn’t affected my success 5 years out.

The dress is beautiful, and I really LOVE the back of the 2nd outfit!

Like most other post op guidelines, it varies from program to program. I had regular caffeinated coffee in the hospital on day 1 and have had it every day since. I’m about 5 years out now. My labs have always looked great and I’ve met my goals.

Ashley Winter is another doc who is very pro vaginal estrogen. She used to work for the org I work for in Portland, now is in LA. She makes a very good case for it for a multitude of reasons!

Not sure of your age, but if you are in the age of being pre- or post-menopausal vaginal estrogen cream is shown to be an effective preventative treatment for UTIs. There is even research showing it to be safe for those who have had breast cancer. Ask you doctor if this applies to you!

When was your surgery? A bit of drainage may not be abnormal, but if it has an odor, you have a fever, or the area around it is swelling and red/hot to the touch you may have an infection. If you’re worried at all give your team a call and check in with them about it.

It will depend on your surgeon and the size of your incisions. Mine were all externally glued with internal dissolving sutures.

I can’t do eggs either, but it’s been just post op for me. Deviled eggs are the only exception.

Great idea! Pre-op weight/BMI: 286lbs 49.1 BMI Surgery: VSG 08/2019 Lowest weight/BMI 142lbs 24.4 BMI Feb 2020 Maintenance weight/BMI: 150lbs 25.7 BMI I bounce from 145-150. I’m happy and healthy here, although at 150 a smidge over “normal” BMI. My doc is happy too. I maintain by continuing to use My Fitness Pal daily to track intake, exercise and weight. I exercise regularly, mostly walking and biking. Life is so much better in so many ways. No worries about a seat extended on planes or intruding on my neighbor’s seat. Buying whatever clothes I want in the regular section. No more aching knees, ankles and back. I was one of the statistical many whose relationship was negatively affected by my surgery. I went through a divorce about a year and a half post op. However, I’m now in a relationship that is happy and healthy with a wonderful guy who supports me in every way.

Just a thought about those worried about shortages of this med-those with obesity are just as worthy of this (and other) medical treatment as someone with another chronic health condition such as diabetes. We’ve been conditioned for so long to see obesity as a personal failing rather than a medical condition. I firmly believe this narrative needs to be changed. If you and your health care team feels GLP-1 treatment is what is best to treat your obesity, then you deserve the med just as much as any other patient.

Yes! Many have a several month wait list, so start your research now.

I got my plastic surgery 15 months post VSG. I know docs want you to wait one year after you make it to goal weight, mine did not have that requirement.

Here’s an unexpected thing that just dawned on me today while doing laundry. Pre-WLS I would never wear light colored shirts because of the fact that I was forever dropping food on my chest or belly and staining my clothes. Now if I’m clumsy and drop something it hits the napkin in my lap instead, saving my clothing :)

Congrats! Great accomplishments :)

(Nurse here) If your kidneys and liver have normal function your body does just fine detoxing itself. Fruits & veggies only is likely to cause uncomfortable gas and/or diarrhea. And not have much protein, which our bodies need.

I bought a wedge pillow set off Amazon. I had a large wedge pillow I used behind my upper body and a smaller wedge to use under my knees. I’ll second the scar tape as well

Skin doesn’t actually weigh that much. My surgeon did not weigh the skin removed. I had a abdominoplasty, arm lift, and breast lift with implants. You’ll actually probably weigh a bit more in the few days post op due to all the fluid they give you. One week post op I was about 4 lbs below my pre-op weight, but also wasn’t eating much in that post op period.