Tiffykins

I have been holding off on buying bras for a couple of months now. But, today while bowling with the girls, my right boob popped completely out. Luckily, no one else noticed. So today, I broke down and went to Beall's outlet to buy bras. I'm not paying full price for something I'm not going to wear very long. Anyways, from a 42-44 D to a 36-38 C (depending on the material and cut of the bra). I was so excited because the bras I purchased today only have 2 little hooks on the back instead of 4-6. They aren't the super supportive bras like they have at LB. That's all I've ever worn in the past, and I couldn't bring myself to pay over 34 bucks for something I may not wear for 2 months. The extra bonus is today they had a special for military, so I got 4 bras for $25. They're Bali and Maidenform bras which aren't the best supportive (like LB), but they hold the girls up quite nicely.For $5.99-$6.99 each, I really couldn't complain. My husband said "those are half the size as your other ones." It made my day.

I have never heard of them removing any part of the stomach for the bypass surgery, but I do know they were doing some sort of bypass surgery back in the late 70's and 80's. I just don't know the specifics because I was just a baby back then. When I had to see an oncologist for my clotting disorder, he showed me studies of people who had gastrectomies, and their chances of developing cancer (any type) decreased by 50%. He was completely supportive, and very positive that I would lead a normal, healthy life post-op. As for this surgery, the sleeve as a weight loss surgery hasn't been around as long as bypass. BUT, gastrectomies have been performed for decades, and there are cases of people who have their entire stomachs removed and have lived, long, healthy lives. I googled a lot of information about gastrectomies, and found a lot of them were performed for stomach cancer or ulcerative disorders.

I can't believe I missed this post. Happy Belated Birthday Dee Dee! ! ! Sounds like you had a lovely day. . .

My revision surgery happened smack dab in the middle of my period cycle. I was day 3 of 5-6, and all that happened was they provided a lovely, gigantic pad for me to wear in the OR, and liner was placed under my hiney in the bed in my room. I wasn't allowed to wear underwear or a tampon. But, they did give me these stretchy panty things to keep the pad in place 2 days post-op. The first day post-op I was too bloated to wear anything. The 2nd day, I was fine. My flow was super light, and really didn't need that enormous pad they gave me. I would take some comfortable pads or pantyliners with you. It didn't pose any problems for my revision or surgeon.

Hi Cat, and welcome to the forum. I had the common fears of the "what ifs", but the obese life was going to end up killing me. I started off with a BMI of 48, and today it's 32.7. To answer your questions: How is your life now? I'm 4.5 months out and have lost 84lbs. I'm 5'2", started out at 263, and a couple of days ago weighed in at 179. Life is pretty fabulous now. I still struggle with getting in my Protein, but for the most part, life is pretty normal. Do you have any problems-complications-intolerancies from it? I don't particularly have complications or intolerances, but some days if I eat too fast, or don't chew something completely, I get nauseated. Do you take lots of vitamins? I take 2 adult gummy vitamins and Calcium citrate supplement daily. I also take 1 Prilosec 20mg capsule once daily for acid reflux. But will hopefully wean off of it in December, or at least decrease my dosing. Is it bad to eat so little ort are you really satisfied? Completely satisfied on a very small amount of food. I can eat 3-4oz of steak, or chicken. I ate some homemade macaroni-n-n cheese last night. I know we are supposed to steer clear of the evil "white carbs", but I wanted some, so I had about 1/4 of a cup. Luckily, I can eat Pasta with zero repercussions. But, I rarely allow myself to have carbs. I need all the space in my tummy for protein. But, I refuse to deprive myself completely of things I want to eat. Do you never ever take something not-s-good for you? I've eaten a couple of Nestle crunch bar miniatures (halloween candy size) since surgery. This surgery is not designed to keep you from eating, it's specifically a tool to help reduce your portions and make better food choices. A "treat" occasionally is not completely detrimental unless you can't stop yourself. If you have bad eating habits, the sleeve will let you eat the bad foods without consequence, it's up to you to make the better choice. Do you ever go out to eat? We go out to eat 1-2 weekly. My husband orders a meal, and then my 11 yr old son and I split an adult meal usually. I haven't had any issues with going out to eat in public. How do you handle parties and such? My husband is in the Air Force, and I belong to a spouse's club. I attend social functions, luncheons, dinners, parties every month, and go bowling with lunch out with the girls every Wednesday. I'm extremely open about my surgery, and they all know that I have had it. I usually order Soup, or just an appetizer when I go out with the girls, or 2 of us will share an order of something. It's manageable, but I didn't go out to eat for a couple of months because I was slower on the progressing through the post-op diet. Hoe much did you lose? So, far 84lbs. What do you typically eat now? I eat whatever I want. Breakfast - Greek yogurt with some dry Cereal mixed in for crunch, or Yoplait light yogurt Lunch - is deli meat or some leftovers from the night before dinner - is whatever I make for my husband and son. A couple of nights ago we had grilled t-bone steaks, and salad. I eat about 3-4oz of steak then a few bites of salad with feta cheese, almonds and a variety of lettuces. On Sunday, we went to IHOP. I had 2 eggs (over medium), 3 bites of ham, 1 french fry (from my husband's plate), and about 4 bites of hashbrowns. Some days are better for me "food wise". Last night, I was craving mac-n-cheese, so I made some, and ate it. I know I should of had some deli meat, or some other high protein food, but it's what I wanted, and I am not going to deprive myself. For me, it's all about moderation, and portion control. The sleeve gives me the freedom to eat what I want, just in smaller, more controlled quantities.

It does seem like a lot of weight, but a lot of it could be Water weight as well. A pound is a pound in my book. I had a BMI of 48 starting off, and it took me about 3-4 weeks to lose 30lbs if I remember correctly.

I'm not sure on the breastfeeding stuff, but I am a band to sleeve revision and had it all done in one surgery. I hope someone else chimes in on the breastfeeding issue. Could you pump before surgery and freeze a supply before surgery to get you through the clear liquid/full liquid phase of the post-op diet? If I was in your position, I think that would be an option to get you through the toughest part of the post-op diet. Once you are on mushies, you should be able to get in enough calories, and Protein to be able to supply enough breastmilk. Good luck and keep us posted.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers ! ! !

I'm so excited for you, and glad to hear you are doing well.

I am sorry you've hit this speed bump in your journey. I thought this thread may lend you some useful information. Another member on here cites a lot of useful references and research. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/insurance-financing/1496-my-appeal-draft-w-references.html

Excellent news ! ! ! Onederland feels fabulous. I hope the scale keeps moving for you.

YAY YAY so very excited for you. You'll do great, and I can't wait to hear about your progress.

"This too shall pass" I always stall around TOM. The scale varies for those 4-6 days, and it irritates me to no end. Just keep with your program, up your Water intake if possible, and go from there. You'll get through it, and be losing again soon.

Fabulous post ! ! !

Never heard of it either. The slimies with the sleeve and band are like night and day. Completely different in my experience, and if I ever throw up the first thing I do is brush my teeth and have never had any issues.

Ohhhhhhh Dee, I know exactly what you are talking about. Even with the overwhelming positive comments I've received, I still see the "fat me", and wonder if anyone notices. I've considered going to speak with the psych that did my eval before my revision, or attend her monthly support group just to gain some perspective. I'm by no means depressed, but some days are just more difficult to navigate through. . . I'll keep you in my thoughts, and if you ever need to chat, or vent, I'll send you my contact information and you can email, or text me.

I'm so happy to hear that you are doing wonderfully.

Same exact results. I carried the majority of my weight around the "middle". I've lost most of my weight around the ribcage and up. I kind of have this "spare tire" effect around my lower abdomen. It's smaller, but it's not going as fast as the rest of me. I never had a "butt" per se, but I developed hips after giving birth. I now have serious flat, apple-shaped butt/hip area. I am going to get back into doing stand-up crunches. I love this exercise, and feel great.

I'm taking a probiotic as well in hopes that it helps curb some of the gassiness. I haven't noticed a major lactose intolerance since surgery.

The Wii Active will definitely make you sweat. It also counts calories burned.

We got the Wii Active and I really enjoy it. It has a resistance band, and leg band. You can set different exercises or use one of the standard programs that are pre-set. I enjoy using it when I have the motivation. I have never used the Wii Fit.

I hated the insomnia that the appetite suppressants gave me. I have taken them off and on for so many years, and they just make me feel awful. I know you want to lose the weight, but my experience has always been to gain it right back when using these type of products. Do it right the first time, and you won't have to lose it twice. Just my $0.02.

Rant away because I feel the same exact way. It drives me insane. I pretty much just tell people now that I've had a partial gastrectomy and that my stomach is tiny without rerouting anything else. They seem to get that a bit more.