Sigh

I have not had WLS plastics, but had previous breast reduction surgery. Mine was in 2011, after I’d finished breast feeding my daughter. I am small framed, 5’2’’ and had 34 G (that’s DDDDD) reduced to D cups. It was significantly life changing, and I am so glad i did it. Had it done in “medical suite” and was sent home same day. Worse part for me was the nausea from anesthesia— but minimal to no pain. Took half a pain pill because my sister forced me to. For reference- I took NO pain meds after leaving hospital with VSG, and only gabapentin to sleep first night after full hysterectomy, then only ibuprofen. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and hate the way pain meds make me sick. I will look into plastics after I get to goal weight and maintain a while- I hear tummy tucks are rough. Travel to MExico or Miami may be the way I decide to go, as I went to Mexico for VSG.

Thinking of you, hope you are on the other side and resting well today.

Liking these ideas- I think perhaps something not food related and goal oriented would be a different approach- kind of a way to appreciate who he is now and and the fact he made this decision vs placing emphasis on who he will be- just my take. Perhaps a massage (when incisions heal) or a foot massage if he wouldn’t quite like that- or even a shave/steam/haircut— just to remind him this is to help take care of himself, vs how he looks. Just my two cents- some men might hate this idea- but you will know if it would fly.

Cat woman is right- i had stuff loaded to my ipad like books and movies- but ended up on sleeping or walking- getting the fluids in when i was allowed to start took a lot of focus. So, dont plan on a lot at the hospital. When home, I watched movies and could do some light reading, but again- fluids intake was a full time job at that point. I went back to work tuesday after a Friday surgery.

I would hope your doctors would take your wishes into consideration as well. Hugs- I cant imagine this has been an easy road.

I’d say likey very normal.

Anyone find any calcium citrate pills that arent huge? Im doing chews now because im only 7.5 weeks out, but if i ciould find a reasonable one in pill form id do that.

I would say that these are very valid concerns, and one of the things that i struggled with in the past with weight loss, and it caused a lot of self sabotage— im working on it now with my therapist, and its a struggle. I don’t want to be noticed- and im my case, noticed for my body- and there are underlying factors that im working to uncover. My body is not something anyone should be commenting on- good or bad, imo. I would rather be noticed for something that is not fading, like a nice personality or a kind heart. Perhaps finding a counselor that has experience in body/weight loss issues would be beneficial. And you are safe here too- Im like you- I was self pay and having to come home to find resources like a counselor, dietician etc on my own. Build your team to support you, you deserve it. The hair loss was expected, as I had that when doing keto— it does turn around though, so keep up the faith there.

Those first few days are likely caffeine withdrawal headaches- keep up with fluids to help.

If you need a good tv show that will have you laughing, especially if you are an 80’s girl- watch Derry Girls on Netflix.

Ive heard after day three it gets better- hang in there!

I flew home on day 2, across country flight.. so yeah, i may be over zealous but you should be fine. Make a plan for how you plan to keep up your fluids, especially if you are driving. That seems to be the hardest part for me.

Welcome- best of luck to you as you start this journey.

YES! I used to sweat a lot, especially in my sleep— now, its magically stopped! Don’t ask me how, but ill take it!

Today is my six week mark— I have officially lost half of the weight i need to lose to get me to a healthier weight— 12 lbs pre op, the rest since surgery date of 3/3. I am really pleased with my progress so far, still focusing on fluids and protein, and trying to cut down to one protein shake a day vs two. Feeling good and enjoying shopping my closet and resisting buying anything new— goal is to get to 158 be end of April, and 148 by end of May. Fingers crossed the trend continues! Black tee is a day or two before surgery, white tee is today.

Thank you! I am already feeling so much better— this isn’t just about the weight, it had really been affecting my health and overall well being. My feet no longer hurt- losing weight and getting supportive shoes is helping the plantar fasciitis and meta-whatever it’s called. My joints no longer hurt, I can sleep more restfully and breathe better! It’s definitely been a major change already, and I am glad to be turning it around. I’m too young to feel that old!

YAY! That first stall is so disheartening, but you got this! How are you feeling?

Thank you for posting this- I have been thinking about this very topic as planning a month long trip and need some “last resort options”. Thank you!

First of all you are doing great with with loss- you are going to see some minor ups and downs over time as your body heals and settles —so just keep focused. My doctor advised protein first, and if i do that i have NO room for any carbs- and if i do it’s like a bite of sautéed squash or two green beans. Keep up with your water and your protein goals and you should be good to go— that being said, when i was in pureed stages, I had mashed potato and grits (maybe 2 oz at a time of one ) because I couldn’t think of anything appealing to eat for that week and they were on approved food list. When you move to soft there are all sorts of soft meats you can have- tuna, salmon, chicken, ham, pork that has been pressure cooked— soon soft hambuger. Eggs are protein, cheese has protein.. mashed beans on occasion (Taco Bell pinto bean side has 180 calories, 9 g Protien). Look up baked ricotta recipes. Or cottage cheese? Good luck— and ignore the comments from Dad- and remember you are doing this for yourself — and you deserve to be cared for and to take care of your body.

My first full 10 days were clear liquids only- broths, fluids, etc— and all i was to focus on at the time was getting fluids. Then when I switched to full liquids, the shakes felt super heavy, but over time the protein goal got a bit easier. I could not stomach the protein water, it was disgusting. Now im still struggling with water and protein— so i think of it as a constant goal!

I’m five weeks out— none of this for me, and I’ve suffered from vertigo in the past that would cause the room to spin, which totally sucked. I think I’ve heard this before: “worry is just asking for the worse to happen”. Sounds like a doctor would be able to help solve with you if this comes up.

Ps- I saw that Bumble has a “make friends” feature too— but I haven’t tried it yet. Prior to Covid I’d been trying some meet ups, but then that all stopped. Now, I just work and volunteer for my kids activities. I Definitely need to branch out some.

Eh, I operate fairly independently. Not sure id call it brave or just taking matters into my own hands. Insurance would cover, but I was borderline and was told not to lose any weight while i went thru process of 3-4 months to get approved. I said screw that and went to Mexico three weeks later for the same price as my out of pocket would have been. I could NOT carry that weight any longer. Plus, the kids can pretty much care for themselves- I dont have to actually carry anyone like i did after breast reduction after my second kid. The ex husband was pretty useless to help back then, so I see doing it alone as an improvement. No one to complain about it or worry with wringing hands over nothing . Plus, I hate to say it but my body is invisible to the kids- they are too worried about themselves- as teens do.

I can so relate. I am 52, divorced and single mom of 18 year old son and 13 year old daughter. I also work from home most of the time, so it’s hard to make new friends. All of my close friends live several states away, and my life revolves around my kids activities, work and helping my aging parents. I have told NO one about my surgery— AT ALL. I was self pay in Mexico, and like many didn't want to hear the judgement about it. I did this for me, and no one else. It’s worked well for me to come here for information and advice from people in similar situation, i hope it offers you an outlet as well.

Congratulations!