LilaNicole20

No one can really answer your question; however, based on my personal experience I would get the tummy tuck with the procedure and not worry much about lipo. The rubber meets the road with the muscle repair. I had a circumferential body lift ( essentially a panniculectomy) in 2010 after losing 180lbs with just diet and exercise. In 2015, I had an actual tummy tuck with muscle repair. Of course, I was thrilled with the first operation as it did allow me to wear clothes that flatter and at 27, put me in a physical class with my peers (especially as I was active duty Air Force at the time). In 2015, I was provided an opportunity by the Air Force where they paid for my muscle repair and tidied up the first procedure. I was still misshapen until the latter. I had lipo with the first procedure as well, and did not ever see any real results from that. For me, I think I would consider lipo in the future if I were wanting to move fat from one area to another (like my rump). Just my thoughts and experience. As everyone else is saying, do your research and make the best decision that works for you.

I like the spray best at night for when the back of your throat gets dry (and water isn't getting it) - the spray hits the right spot and I think the spray has more of a lidocaine effect that I don't exactly feel with the gel.

No, not at all. I cannot be without my Biotene! They make sprays and gels and lozenges. It's also really helpful for when it's time to 'pay the piper' so to say, ladies (and gents) ...

The Transatlantic Divide! Very interesting comments here. I dig it.

Have an edible instead.

I was advised to not have NSAIDs ever again. I’m not sure that ibuprofen is your best option for the pain you are experiencing. I would definitely get an appointment with your pcm to discuss other options. I have pain, too, but have been off NSAIDs for over 2 years. I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers Danlos. Obviously, I don’t know your source of pain but there are alternatives.

My suggestion is to maintain your hair how you normally would. A nice trim always keeps things fresh. Only cut off length if that is what you want to do.

I think the South Beach diet format is far better than keto and sustainable for life. South Beach can become a way of life.

Charcoal is not good for all the supplements you need to take. Do not take charcoal unless recommended by your physician. It is adsorptive and will pull all the vitamins and minerals along with whatever else.

Incorporate yogurt or a strong probiotic for the wind.

Hi everyone! You all sounds to be doing great! I am so happy for all of us!! Reading about some of the thirst issues you guys have been having, I can relate. I have found, for me, that drinking 64oz. between the hours of 9a-4p, then followed by more continuous drinking - at least 32 more ounces but preferably another 64oz in the evening - will keep your thirst at bay and your hydration meter at full. It's a lot of work if you don't establish a system for yourself to have the half gallon of water already filled so that you don't have to math or forget how many glasses you've had, etc. During the day, I like to fill my cup with ice, then sprinkle crystal light lemonade and then fill the water. Just keep doing that on repeat. Also, sometimes I get dry mouth when it is in the 30 minute window after eating - or worse, when I have eaten too much and cannot fathom another drop of anything - I use Biotene for dry mouth. I try to let it absorb on my mouth and throat tissues so that it doesn't add to the stomach content. Just a few things that have helped me.

I’d maybe check out the ER just to rule the blood clot theory out. Better to be safe than sorry here.

I am so sorry you are feeling this way. I wish this wasn't the case for you. There are resources available in your area to help you with the thoughts of self harm. I promise you, your life isn't pointless. It is far from that. This perspective you are experience right now will hopefully shift to where you can see that your value is limitless. Do you have a therapist or someone close to you physically that you can reach out to for support? Are you alone? I wish there was something I could do or say to take away your sadness. Feel free to message me for help looking for resources in your area and/or just someone to talk with. One day at a time. ❤️

I got out of the AF in Nov19 and gained 100lbs since that time.

I always start with thyme

You’re losing weight. The body takes awhile to adjust. Stick with it and you will see results. Weigh yourself as often as you need, but understand the body will resist at time - that doesn’t mean your composition isn’t changing. It is. I’m in it with you! Mine was 3/8.

Has anyone been prescribed or taken these Citrus Calcium with D calcium pills? The label says compare to Citracal Petites. Have any of you taken those? I started the tablet yesterday but today I had a different experience. This afternoon, I felt so full when I shouldn’t have. The only change I’ve made - aside from the obvious- is the introduction of this wanna be petite Vitamin. It’s not petite. It’s larger than my idea of petite, anyway. I googled the side effects and it says decreased appetite as a side effect. I think that’s a thing for me. The VA sent me like 10 bottles of this at once. So buckle up, I guess. I have been eating the chews before the mammoth petites arrived. These feel like the plug stomach/intestine connection.  I hope someone else here can relate! 

This is normal. Google the science behind the 3 week stall. It’s the same concept. You had your 2 week diet before surgery (usually) and then you lost a LOT of weight that first week. Your body is balancing out fluids and it will kick back into gear after however many days it takes. Stick to the plan. Don’t cheat. You’re going to see it drop soon. Promise

I had/have this too. Super itchy but just around the area. When I started applying the Aquaphor and Kelo-cote it got better.

Interesting!! I am 3 weeks post op and I had hives on my wrist and hand this week. I'm not sure what caused it or why - and thankfully they went away. But what a curious question !

You're right. I'm not over doing it.

I'm pretty new here myself and I feel like I'm 'in' by commenting on topics and threads that naturally draw a response from me. It's definitely not like Facebook where people like a comment just because - here, speaking for myself, comment and react to posts that spark agreement, understanding, delight, etc. Ultimately we are all here for ourselves. So keep that in mind, too. I'd also suggest using the search bar feature to look for threads regarding questions or topics you are interested in. Once you get an actual date of surgery, you will join a surgery buddies group to relate with and connect to those people with a similar timeline as you. Best.

I just briefly checked out those other sites. I can see I will still like this one best.

I didn't know these other sites existed. Thanks!

So, I left work last night and decided to put some of this to the test. I pulled up a beginner Yoga video to YouTube on the tele - and man, I had to stop it around the 11 minute mark. Yoga is not easy! Tonight my plan is to at least do the same 11 minutes again and maybe make it to 15 minutes. I will say, the stopping point for me was discomfort at my incisions... so being 3 weeks out, that is a huge consideration. My arms; however, were shaking after. I can see based on this attempt that there is progress to be made. Personally, I have always preferred Pilates to Yoga (which I'm sure this doc would approve as it is a stretching and lengthening activity). So maybe tonight I will pull up the trusty 8-min Pilates video on YT and alternate between Pilates and yoga each evening. Slow and steady wins this race.