HappygoSusan

I found this definition on line removal of dog ears, which is a term used to describe the excess skin and fat at the ends of any type of incision is typically a simple procedure performed under local anesthesial It is just a little flap on my hip at the end of my incision. I have it in one hip only. My surgeon said he was sure that was the hip his PA finished up in surgery and that his work was the good hip. It's fairly common after a tummy tuck. Make sure you ask your plastic surgeon about it. Since my surgeon is in a military treatment facility, I'm not having to pay to have it fixed. You'll want to know if you will have to pay out of pocket to have it fixed should it happen. Google "dog ears from tummy tuck" and you can find pictures and lots of realself.com references to it. I was told it would take about 40 minutes to fix, in office. No mention was made of needing pain medication afterwards. I didn't need any for the tummy tuck do I'm figuring this would be a breeze. Susan

Fingers crossed for you. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. I go in next week to have my "dog ear" corrected. I have a skin flap on my left hip. It's an in office procedure, I'm looking forward to having even hips. Susan.

Any updates? Susan

Starting weight 156.8 Goal weight 154.

I'm in!

I went to my two year follow up on Thursday. My surgeon was pleased with my weight. we talked about maintenance and my obsession with food lately. I feel like all I think about is eating. He kindly referred me to the psychologist that works with his bariatric patients. I then went to speak with the nutritionist, who went over my blood work results. All my levels were normal if not slightly high. I have been taking two Multivitamins a day, so she suggested I cut down to one. I have not been taking Calcium so she advised me to start with that. My surgeon had advised I could switch to the tablet form of Vitamins, and i am so thankful. The reason I haven't been taking calcium was that I could never find a gummy that wasn't gross. Thursday's visit is why I am so thankful for an excellent Bariatric team and follow up care. I believe these components, plus the support I have found here, have made me successful and will lead to my long term success. Susan

I'm not sure when the last weigh in was supposed to be, BUT I had to share, 154.2 today! Goal was 155. I hope I can maintain this weight. Susan

156 Thanks for doing this Susan. Susan

I found it in the store about two weeks ago. My daughter, who is lactose intolerant, loves it. I love the higher protein content. We buy the chocolate and it is delicious. Susan

I drank coffee up to the day before surgery. I stopped when I had to stop all liquids and foods the night before surgery. I figured all the pain medication they would give me post surgery would get me through the withdrawal symptoms and I was correct. Post surgery, it has been just about two years and I am still caffeine free. I still go to Starbucks, I just order everything decaf Susan

Hi I am at Ft Carson, had the sleeve done in February, 2013 by Dr Wilcox. He also performed my tummy tuck in May, 2014. There is a Carson Bariatric Support Group FB page. The team at Evans is excellent. I did not have Dr Mayfield for any of my bariatric care, but he did do another, non related procedure for me and I was completely confident in the care he provided. Susan

156.4 If after the holiday challenge and this challenge, I can't lose the 3 pounds to get to 155, I'm starting to believe I'm not supposed to weigh 155. My BMI is 21.2. I just wanted an even 21! Susan

Good luck! Susan

I kept getting an error message and didn't realize I was posting. Now I see the same posting over and over. All I can find in this app is to edit no delete. Susan

156.6 Susan

156.6 Susan

I eat my cereal dry, milk on it seemed contrary to doctors orders to not drink while eating. Same with soup, I don't eat it much because of that whole liquids with food thing. Susan

@@mal0712 Good luck with your PCP today. If you don't need a referral, go ahead and call the bariatric surgeon today. Fretting about what may or may not be required won't get you anywhere, talk to the surgeon and get the process started, then you will know for sure what is needed! Susan

I have Tricare prime. I had the lap band placed by a civilian doctor. It slipped and I had it removed within 6 months. I now have the sleeve, which was done in a military treatment facility. In both cases, my first step was to go to my primary care physician and get a referral. That referral will get you seen by a bariatric surgeon. That surgeon will then walk you through the process of getting approved. With a BMI above forty, you should have no problem getting the referral. It will do you no good to worry about what may or may not be required of you, your best bet is to take the first step and get the referral. I'm sure you're getting different answers on this forum due to the fact that under the heading Tricare, you'll find many different sub categories in different regions. I had my first surgery in 2010 and there was no pre surgery diet required of me, nor the liquid diet prior to my surgery, I just gave a verbal accounting of my diet history. I don't know what the requirement is now, since much could of changed in five years. The second surgery was done in a MTF, and again, I had no pre surgery liquid diet required, but that was my medical treatment plan, your surgeon will go over yours with you. Sorry for typing so much, when the most important thing to say us to take the FIRST step and contact your PCP, after you get the referral, your surgeon's office will walk you through the rest. Susan

156.6 Back to my pre Christmas comfort zone Susan

157.8 Susan

January 5 -159.6 Goal weight -155 Susan

Congratulations!!!

@@Sleeve101 I, too was miserable my first six weeks or so. It was like a switch flipped after that. My doctor cleared me for a regular diet, I was able to get my Protein in and suddenly my energy returned! That being said, if you are still feeling overwhelmed and depressed, I would recommend, as others before me did, seek medical attention. Get your blood work checked, make sure your levels are good, talk to a counselor to address your emotional issues. I still have days ( when faced with delicious holiday, family meals) that I wish I could eat more. Then I realize my health is great, my clothes look good, and I accept that this was the best choice for me! Susan

160 Susan