FifiLux

I know it is hard but try not to let her (and anyone else with a negative attitude) get to you. You have taken a big step and congratulations on starting the journey to a new you. Did the medical team say they wouldn't operate if you didn't reach the 34lb loss? I am sure they don't stop everything if you are just a few pounds short so don't stress if you can help it. You say it is a supervised plan so I presume they are used to helping patients follow it and adapt it to an individuals needs so that should be a help for you. You are so motivated (studying, saving etc) that you will do your best and any loss pre-surgery is a win. I had sleeve surgery and in the months before I tried my best to eat smaller portions so I switched to an appetiser sized bowl and plate for most of my meals. I knew I would be using them after the surgery so figured may as well ease myself into it. I also tried to start eating slower - I am still not great at that but better than before. Food wise don't go so extreme that you then self sabotage at some point out of desperation for a food you love. We all have different reasons for getting to the size we do that needs surgical intervention, for me it was partly not knowing when to stop eating, too much carbs and alcohol and not exercising at all. I didn't have to go on a diet pre-op or do the liver reduction thing a lot of patients have to do but in the weeks before my surgery I went on holiday and ate everything I wanted so actually went up in weight so then when I returned I just cut down on things but still allowed myself an occasional treat, so instead of pastries for breakfast I had Greek or skyr yogurts, shop bought sandwiches etc for lunch were swapped for homemade veg soup, for dinners instead of pizza's, burgers and pasta dishes I tried to have more chicken & veg based meals, cutting back on a lot of carbs. I swapped out rice and pasta for cauliflower rice or lentil pasta. These small changes helped me get back on track before my surgery but as I didn't have to follow a pre-surgery diet plan it was more for me, so as to get into good habits. I am sure there will be plenty of advice and support here for you 💪

Looking fab, and you still have your boobs so I am jealous

Not to make you jealous or anything @AmberFL but I went to the gym today 🤣 I was really looking forward to it after not having been for 2.5 weeks due to Christmas holidays so I can understand the frustration. It is worth it to be patient and take care of your new assets.

In the last couple of weeks I realise that I grieve being able to have a cup of coffee at the same time as eating a snack. Like at the moment I want one of my Christmas mince pies to take a bite out of in between sips of coffee. 😢 Instead I will have my coffee now and then wait about 30 minutes to eat the pie, not exactly the same satisfied feeling.

I buy pasta made from lentils or peas. It is not 100% the same but a great alternative and I just make a very small amount occasionally to have with a bolognese. Aldi does one https://groceries.aldi.co.uk/en-GB/p-the-foodie-market-gluten-free-red-lentil-beetroot-fusilli-250g/4088600206462 When I was home in Ireland for Christmas I bought a few vacuum packs of cauliflower rice so looking forward to trying them and if nice I will get more next time.

I love the VB dress. I always keep an eye out for ones in a good deal but haven't seen full length like that (I hate my ankle and calf area being on show). Dress is lovely and you look fab.

Sounds like everyone will be happy with the results, most importantly you. Glad you are ok and hope the recovery gets easier.

We all have done great this year and by being on this forum and the conversations in the topics we all do such great work supporting and motivating each other, I would have been lost without it and everyone I hope everyone is kinder to themselves in 2025 and recognises that WLS is a lifelong journey and a tool to help us and that even when we make a misstep, such as panicking that we ate too much or didn't exercise enough, we need to see it for what it is, a blip, and we are still even with the blip most likely in a better place than pre-op. Well done to all of us, as you say @Mspretty86 we got this!

Even though my surgery was in July 2023, due to all the complications I suffered, I only consider that my journey started in January 2024 and even then it was a struggle most days to just breath and get out of bed but I have been doing and feeling much better since around May/June this year after (what was hopefully) my final WLS related procedure. I now feel comfortable in myself and enjoy the lighter side of life. Since the surgery I have lost almost as much weight as I now weigh (62kg/136lb/9.7st vs 58kg/127lb/9.1st lost) which amazes me, I didn't actually think it was possible to be this 'light'. I didn't grieve food as I was just too exhausted most of the time to give it much thought so in a way I take that as a positive. I am trying my best to respect my new stomach in that I give it small yet good/nourishing food choices and allow myself the occasional treat and glasses of wine. I have enjoyed finding and trying out new recipes. I took up aqua aerobics and pilates in February and used that to help build up my strength and then in October joined the gym which I love. I find it funny now how my body and brain tells me I need to get up and walk, and I obey, whereas in previous years I would have just ignored the notion and stayed on the sofa. I love the feeling of wanting to move and then being able to move, not restricted by the weight. I also see in myself how I am changing, pre-op if I had a set-back or upsetting day I would usually sit on the sofa for hours/days and drink and eat on repeat but now I think it out, do an activity etc to get through - for example a couple of weeks ago my beloved cat of 16yrs had to go to sleep and it was so upsetting for me (and still is) and in times gone by I would have stayed in bed or on the sofa with a bottle (or three) of wine, popcorn, chocolate etc but this time I scrubbed clean the apartment one day, sorted somethings out for donations another day, went to the gym and just focused on the movements, went for walks. I just hope that I can keep up this sensible me for the years to come! In the last year I have learned to listen to myself, take care of myself and not take sh*t from anybody and I intend to keep that up for 2025. Also for 2025 I look forward to continuing as I am doing now; mindful eating, exercise and enjoying life. Happy New Year everyone 🎉

@AmberFL today's the day 😁😁 I know all will go well and I hope the hubby takes care of you in the next few days while you recover, he'll get the benefit in a few weeks 🤣

Sleeve was recommended to me by the surgeon as I have pernicious anaemia and after reading up on both I felt the sleeve was more for me, so I could be in more control, especially given that I could then get a revision to bypass if needed.

I was the opposite in a way, I blindly went into the operation having being told the standard bit about possible complications but was confident in the team and was excited to start a new life so didn't over think it it all. Then suffered severe post op complications, spending months in hospital and having numerous procedures and only finished treatments 10 months after original op date BUT all of that said if your medical team are happy you are a suitable candidate I think it is worth it. You have done good work already to get to where you are and you sound like you could reach the 65lb loss yourself over time but the surgery would be a boost to that and if you work with the tool correctly over the years you should be able to maintain. That is how I looked at it, I had no problem being strict and loosing weight but it would just go back on and I would be on a yo-yo cycle. Plus who is to say what will be in a year, maybe your surgical team will change and you have to start the process again, maybe insurance coverage changes..... Travel wise I haven't had any issues, been to the US and other EU countries in the last few months and usually been able to find something suitable to eat though I always carry a few protein bars and powdered protein coffee with me just to be sure I meet my goals. A bonus on the travel is that I now fit comfortably in my plane seats and can do a little sprint through the airports if running late With regards to waiting for your wife to conceive, not sure about that one but recovery time is only a few weeks for 'strenuous' activities and wouldn't it be great to be over the surgery and well on the road to a fitter healthier you when she becomes pregnant so you can help her out more?

Yes, it sounds to me like you have a good one. As you say he was prepared to turn away your business so it means he is not just looking to upgrade his home cinema system or whatever by just doing a by the book boob job, he cares I know what you mean about body dysmorphia. I mean I have lost almost as much weight as I weigh now and yet I still a lot of the time see fat me in the mirror and I hate it at the gym when I have to be in front of a mirror for some of the exercises. Other times then I hate the skinny me as I don't like being able to see my chest and rib bones and the way my hips now stick out. We are never happy with ourselves all the time, just have to try and remember what we have achieved and be kind to ourselves.

If he is one of the best of the best well then it sounds like he would not steer you wrong with what is best for you. You could have gone to another doctor who wouldn't mention an internal bra and then there is the possibility that you would pay them less but be back for costly follow ups if there was movement. If you can afford it, it is better to get the job done right and be happy with your doctor. Plus your skin does not suck. You, and your kids (and partner ) got good use out of them over the years I am sure Please try not to be so hard on yourself. New year, new boobies.

That is great, good for you. Maybe you should have bought a size small hoodie as well, you'll no doubt need it soon. If you haven't already done so at home maybe buy smaller bowls and plates. That is what I did, some at home and a set at the office and I use for my meals, what was called an appetiser set - plate 15*15cm and bowl 10*10cm. I use a regular sized side plate sometimes but rarely and using the smaller ones makes portion control easy.

No, Luxembourg. Here it is covered but you have to meet certain conditions like significant weight loss, loss has stablised and then the doctor submits a report to the health service. I figure I will go and see what he says, the cost of the consultation is 90% refundable so nothing really to lose.

Well in fairness we are friends, he just happens to also be my boss, and it is only discussed after work when we are out for drinks - we don't have such chats at the office. Being friends is also why I think he thinks it is ok to comment on my eating and weight, he would not do that to any of the others in our team.

Well not sure I am getting anything yet but in my email to the clinic I asked for the appointment to discuss "cosmetic surgery following significant weight loss, in particular breast surgery" so will see what the dr says. If I do get anything I would only be doing what is covered by the national health coverage, not paying out of my own pocket. I would love a legs and arms as they are what I am most self conscious of but I know that they are painful and after all the post sleeve complications I had I am hesitant (verging on scared) to do anything.

Woohoo. I have my first consultation at the end of February with the plastics guy I was recommended.

I have gotten it a number of times from different family members and friends who tell me I look great but to stop loosing weight etc. My boss frequently tells me I don't eat enough and getting too thin.... this from a man who when showing me the ladies he is swiping left/right on never gives a second look to someone over about 130lbs! 🙄 So I just reply, well excuse me but most of the time I eat enough (I track), just small and frequent usually plus I am going to the gym 2 or 3 times a week and upping my fitness and toning up but its none of your business anyway.

Drooling

Last night I felt the need for a walk so even though it was -2c / 28f I decided to go around the block and post my Christmas cards. Didn't plan to post them until at the office next week (and they won't be collected by post any earlier) but it was great to get out for a 1.5km brisk walk. In the olden pre-op days I would have ignored the feeling and just stayed on the sofa with popcorn and tv. I had also earlier walked to and from the dentist, normally I would have taken a bus so that was another few km done in the day.

Hey @MrsFitz are you doing ok? Maybe I have missed a post or two (had laptop issues, the stress trying to find a new place to live) but I don't think I have been any posts from you the last couple of weeks so I just wanted to check in.

I went with mine the day of the op as it was higher than when I started the process - I enjoyed the few weeks before my surgery 😉

Yes, I had one for a couple of months right as I got close to my goal weight and then poof one day the scales showed I had lost a couple of kg even though I had done nothing different. Body is just coping best it can as it looses so much of its reserves of fat etc.