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I think that compliments are all about perspective. People's perceptions are their realities; and ​their realities and perceptions can be greatly influenced by ones confidence, lack of confidence or feelings. If someone is extremely self conscience, embarrassed or ashamed of their starting or highest weight, then yes, they will be offended by someone asking, "How much did you lose?" That is already a very sore topic that they perhaps have not come to terms or forgiven themselves about, so they are offended by it or they just don't feel comfortable sharing. And, personally, I think that is okay; there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I also believe that people's insecurities lead them to believe that they are being judged, because they negatively judge themselves and assume others are doing the same. What I think is not okay, is when you take those inner feelings of turmoil and self consciousness out on the "asker" or "complimenter," especially if they meant well. You can respond in various ways: I've lost enough to feel great. I am not comfortable sharing, but I appreciate that you noticed my weight loss. A good amount. Thank you. And then you can redirect the conversation. My BMI was at the lower end of the qualifying spectrum--39. At my lowest weight post surgery, I weighed 140; which totaled to 110 pounds lost. Currently, I weigh anywhere between 150-155. However, the weight gain has been muscle mass and I have remained the same size. People have and continue to ask me all sorts of questions. I have been--and always will be--honest about my surgery and my numbers. I think my honesty and lack of feeling offended by questions comes from the fact that I am EXTREMELY proud of my journey--and that is not saying that people whom are conscientious are not extremely proud. People's opinions or judgments--if they have any--don't matter to me anymore because I do not need their validation. I feel very validated on my own because I know how hard I have worked. One thing I always tell people, and have shared on here countless times, is that the sleeve gave me QUANTITY control, but I taught myself about QUALITY control. They sleeve DOES NOT choose the food I put in it and it does not control my activity level. I do all of that. And at the end of the day, the numbers are arbitrary. The way I FEEL is what is important. Also, I hope that my story might inspire someone else's life. Even if they hear it 2nd or 3rd hand, because it was someone's story that inspired me and motivated me to take this path.

Most people try dieting and do not succeed in losing weight. That is why they opt for surgery. The result of yo-yo dieting is in general additional weight gain. People lose weight while dieting and when they get of the diet, they gain it back and then some. Each time they do this they add additional pounds. It rarely works long term.

They are strict and I know he's conservative but sheesh! Some warning would have been nice. I was called for scheduling on 1/4. They could have told me any weight gain would result in my surgery being cancelled at that time and it would have given me enough time to drop some weight before my refresher course. When you know better, you do better...usually. But this is so important to me, I definitely would have been weighing myself often to make sure no weight crept up on me. If they can't get me scheduled in March after having this weight off in a few weeks, I'll have to find another surgeon. I start a new job in April so I'm on time constraints.

okay so let me dispell a few things. There are MANY weight gain, bulk up phase, Protein powders on the market, just as there are many weight loss protein powders on the market. There is a huge difference , however. Yes many Weight gain , bulk up products contain slow release protein, BUT they also come close to and including up to 2000 calories or more. The Syntrax matrix are not the same by any means. It is why I have always told people high protein does not mean low cal. many, many protein supplements are for weight gain, not weight conscious people. Syntrax Matrix products contain both slow release and fast release Proteins. And they are weight loss friendly. Do not confuse these products with bulk enhancing protein powders

@@perforce I'm also in Idaho. Thanks for the great information. Good reminder that weight gain can happen to any of us.

TTC lets see. Toronto Transit Commission - no. Tao Te Ching - no. The Tom Tom Club - no. Top Teen of Canada - no. Telecommunication Technology Committee - no. Texas Technological College - no. And the lists goes on-and-on. O.K. you mean "trying to conceive". Congratulations on your weight loss. 208 pounds is fantastic. Generally it is recommended that you not get pregnant during the 12-18 months after surgery because low caloric intake cannot support a pregnancy. But since you are in year 2, it sounds like you have a "green" light. Many individuals become more fertile after weight loss surgery. It is important to gain some weight during pregnancy for the health of the little one. You should be able to lose this weight after delivery, provide the weight gain is from good foods with plenty of Protein and Vitamin C.

Agreed with the above statement. There is nothing in the OP's statements that suggest he is using "tough love" or saying something right in the wrong way. He is emotionally and mentally abusive, plan and simple. Telling your spouse what they can and can't eat is controlling behavior that is very typical in abusive relationships. The OP states that she is completely dependent on him, which may be circumstantial, but it is another very common aspect of abuse. Make them dependent on you, and they can't leave. Verbally beat them down to make them think they aren't worthy of their love, or anyone else's, and they stay because they believe they are lucky enough to have anyone. While her husbands actions and statements might not seem like huge red flags flashing "Abusive person alert!" these things tend to escalate. It never goes from 0 to 100 over night, it's a relatively slow and gradual shift. To the OP - I am very very sorry that your husband is treating you this way. I am very happy to hear you are going to get counseling, I think that is a positive step in the right direction. Please know that there are a lot of support groups out there that can help you for both your spousal issues and your health/WLS needs. I find it very interesting that while he is "disgusted" by your weight, he does not support you in your decision to get WLS which would help you to lose the weight. Also, it seems like maybe a good portion of your weight gain was health related? You mentioned applying for disability benefits, I just wonder if the weight gain was because of overeating/food addiction or because of your health problems. Either way, I truly hope that it helps you find what you need and gets you to a better place.

So angry and sad. I'm recovering from a total hysterctomy and preparing to have sleeve surgery in 4 weeks, on Feb. 23rd. My husband (new I might add, just married over a year) has been brutal towards me because of my weight gain overthe last year and half. I gained 70 lbs (again, after losing 50). This was the last time I was going to go through this. I had to gain 10 lbs to have the surgery, and I did. It was great! For the first time, I ate what I Wanted...with no guilt. I have continued to eat some healthy things and some not healthy things. And he has insulted, put me down, told me he doesn't want a fat wife...and on and on. Today I woke up sick, with a headache, but feeling good about my body. I have lost 10 lbs after this last surgery. I thought, hey! I'm looking better. I then walked in his office to him looking disgusted, telling me I had a headache because I ate some starbursts...and essentially telling me he wasn't going to buy me any junk food. I need to be on "His plan". And he is angry at me for gainig weight, and not being an obedient wife. I was hurt, sad, enraged, and just sick of it. I have battled my body for over 25 years, and I know this descion to have the sleeve is right, no matter what he says. It just hurts to know that the man I married, has let me know...he doesn't love me for me. He obviously married me for what I looked like. I told him tonight that I hate him, and wished I never married him. He is a preacher, and so good to other people. But, horrible to me. It sickenss me. With bad health, and am not supporting myself. I can't leave. I feel trapped with no support or family near me. Just wanted to vent. Also, I'm a Christian and a praying person. Please pray for healing from this surgery, and healing and help through the sleeve Surgery. Thanks

I have PCOS and have struggled with acne breakouts on my chin since college. I was prescribed Spironolactone when I was nineteen, and had taken it perpetually up until my surgery in August. It had initially given me flawless skin with invisible pores and a glow, so I was enamored by it. Even when it no longer was effective at preventing cystic acne, and contributed to my skin becoming parched and numerous health problems (including significant weight gain), I was terrified that if I stopped taking it I'd have an acne apocalypse. Still, I slowly eased off it prior to the surgery because I have very low blood pressure (unusual for being overweight) and was worried that taking it while I was consuming far fewer calories during the month of recovery would be problematic. I'm very happy to report that for the most part my skin has improved since surgery, and I never resumed taking the medicine. Spironolactone had been drying my skin out, causing the appearance of fine lines. My skin completely smoothed out and cleared up post surgery. My periods are also completely regular now. I think the weight loss has helped to alleviate PCOS, which in turn has helped with my acne. Stopping the medicine helped to prevent it from becoming so dry and irritated. My diet is also a significant factor because I'm not consuming nearly as many carbs or sugar as I was previously. The last awful breakout I had prior to surgery was following my birthday when I'd had cake and other sweets. For me, sugar is a definite culprit for my breakouts. For others it might not make a difference. Be very careful with taking B12 and other B Vitamins if you're acne prone. It's a bit paradoxical because they can actually help to heal and prevent acne for some people, but cause or exacerbate acne in others. The amount you're taking is also very critical. I had a horrific breakout right before Christmas that I am certain was caused by the B12 I'd added to my supplementation. It was a war zone of cysts and other funk all over my chin, and it took a month to heal. My dermatologist had given me B12, and I'd been taking it along with my Multivitamin (which has B12, but in a smaller quantity than what was recommended for VSG patients) without any problems. When I ran out of it I simply bought more B12 from Trader Joe's. I later realized that the problem was it was twice the amount of B12 as what my dermatologist had given me. I'd also begun taking Probiotics from Trader Joe's and believe they were fuel to the acne fire. Again it's something that for some people can be helpful for acne, and worsen it for others. I'd been taking it because of a Stanford medical study about how probiotics had helped VSG patients to lose more weight and prevent B12 deficiencies. Since I've stopped taking the B12 supplement and probiotics my skin has healed dramatically. I'm just taking the multivitamin and trying to be mindful about eating nutritiously.

That's the way I've always understood it as well. But the OP says she had an upper GI done and the radiologist actually told her the sleeve is stretched. She didn't say how MUCH it's stretched... I can't imagine it's anywhere close to a normal sized stomach still. But it is alarming that she has been told it is stretched when everything I've ever read/heard has led me to believe that's next to impossible, and not at all the cause for people's weight gain years post-op.

@@Ellenomore What you said is what I was told also. The stomach, after surgery does not stretch. It's the food choices you make that cause weight gain. It's also true that you cannot "shrink" your stomach by not eating as much. Just can't physically happen. You can train yourself not to eat much but it is very hard, but you cannot actually shrink your stomach.

I did a bunch of research on the sleeve because I was considering it. I found out that their were a lot of people who got the sleeve and complained of weight gain 3 years out. Most doctors said it was due to stretching of the stomach. So you are not alone! I'm sorry to hear about your struggle. Just remember how much you have lost instead of the little you've gained. Stay positive and keep us updated!

I think they also probe the root cause of the weight gain and if it has to do with physiological issues to make sure the proper support network is in place to deal with those issues.

Congrats to you! I am in a similar position...6mos. post-op, down approx. 75 lbs. and just had a positive PT this morning, so I'm about 4.5 weeks along. This is my 3rd, wasn't trying, but also wasn't trying not to...I'm so scared to talk to my NP because they said no pregnancies for a year. However, I am 43, going on 44 so I figured the chances of pregnancy were quite slim anyway. I would also love to hear from others who are in this now or been there done that. I've been drinking 2 Protein shakes a day (Unjury) along with about 4 small protein-heavy meals. I will replace my multi-Vitamin with a prenatal (minus Iron, since I already take a supplement). I hope to see an OB in a few weeks, but I'm not due back at my surgeon's office for 6 mos. I am also terrified about weight gain. In my first pregnancy I only gained 17lbs. Since I was obese then, that was fine. After that pregnancy, I gained 30lbs (while nursing for 14mos.!) which I then lost via weight watchers. 2nd pregnancy I gained 55lbs (!!) and then more while nursing for 2.5 years. I have learned a lot thanks to this surgery and hope that my new skills will help me avoid that gain again.

100% dieting. I was put on my first diet at 11 by my mother. I was a normal weight and she put me on slim fast. It hurt my body image and destroyed my natural intuition about how much food to eat. By high school I had gained some weight from poor eating habits... That I then took off with a crash diet. Worked like a dream. By college I was anorexic. I figured out dieting was like therapy- I equated thinness and striving to be thin with happiness and self worth. Through college I constantly dieted and rebound binged. I had a cycle of dieting and binge eating for years that kept my weight average to chubby. I always felt fat. I eventually became bulimic in a desperate attempt to deal with my ever increasing binge episodes. I became pregnant by accident when I was bulimic. I was 150 pounds at 5'6. Pregnancy was the first time in my adult life I wasn't on a diet. I binged and binged and binged and gained 100 pounds in 9 months. I could not handle the emotional stress of not dieting. Plus I was emotionally starved by that point. Over the next five years I sought therapy for my issues. They told me not to diet again, that as long as I did I would gain rebound weight. The e planned it was a biological reaction to lowering calories. Whenever I didn't diet my weight remained stable, but if I ever did, I would regain everything I lost and then some. My marriage fell apart over my weight gain and depression over my body. My ex tortured me about my looks and inactivity and I ate even more to cope with that. Dieting caused weight gain but I also ate to cope. Ever since that first diet I felt deprived of food and it became a way to treat myself to something extra special. Food was never just food for me. It was my drug of choice. Why do we gain weight.... Emotional eating.. Dieting... The addictive nature of the American processed diet... Lack of nutrition... Inactivity that only gets worse as one gains... So many reasons. This surgery allowed me to step away from my emotional eating and have some peace with my food relationship. I find other ways to deal with things now.

Hi, I had my sleeve surgery almost 2 years ago, and lost (exactly! wierd eh?) 90 lbs! It was the easiest thing I ever did, honestly! The weight just slid off without almost no effort. I used to be my weight now, but I have been through some personal trauma in the past 1-1/2 months, and have noticed weight gain of 5-6 lbs, much to my horror. Actually I know how it happened... chocolate at night when my mind is racing and I can't sleep... Now I'm terrified. I need to get back to 6 lbs less!!!! sleeping pills would solve it, but I know that's not a good solution. The days go OK - it's just at night... Where do you get "My FitnessPal" and how to download it? I do want to congratulate you though on having the surgery. I know my problem has a solution, but your solution is just starting - you'll see. And you will LOVE yourself! I have become a clothes horse - my favourite thing- trying on size 10 tight dresses, and I'm 5'9". Depression is my worst enemy. I can still only eat so much, but I eat comfort foods, but only lately and instead of... I think I may go to see my Dr. about antidepressants or whatever I need to stop this crazy eating. ...And I love healthy foods! I'm so scared. Even Weight Watchers can't help me with my feelings... (I thought of that). As far as tracking your food - I have let my stomach tell me when I'm full and I stop. Then I get busy with other things. It's really not hard to loose weight at all with the bariatric sleeve surgery. But I sure would like to know - if you can help me- where I can get this FitnessPal download! Take care - and start LOVING YOURSELF!!!! Eva

I'm having a really hard time getting approved for my revision - I've had the lap band since 2008 and I've lost at most 60 lbs, I would get sick often, and haven't been able to afford a fill adjustment in awhile because I did not have insurance. Now that I have it - I find out about the sleeve and I really want to switch to it as I've weighed the pros and cons - but my insurance won't approve the revision unless I can prove medically necessary. I have some port pain, but I have a very high tolerance for pain, so I can ignore it most times... When I finally went for my band adjustment last July - they showed that the band had slipped a bit and that my pouch was enlarged. They unfilled it a bit and that is when I started doing research and found out about the sleeve. So many people were talking about all the issues they had with the band and not being able to be comfortable about going out to eat because you have to case the place basically to make sure you know where the restroom is and how quickly you can get to it, how some days I could eat a lil bit but then the next day its Soups or nothing kinda day... I thought - hey I could do the sleeve and I wouldn't have to worry about stuck food anymore and I would still have a restriction that would keep me from overdoing it - I was very careful about not overdoing it. I've done all the requirements for it and have met them all - I keep reading about all of you that have had the revision done and I'm starting to get really fustrated and upset because it seems like I'm trying to do this before I get really sick with any of the overweight caused diseases - I am right now at around 270 - because I gained back 20lbs ( i admit - I regained because I was suddenly able to eat all the things I hadn't been able to eat in the past 8 years, like bread, brocoli(sp), vegetables, steak, actual pizza, pasta - I do not eat junk like candy or processed bakery stuff and am a rather 'healthy' eater - I just over do it because I never feel full) after I got my band unfilled in preparation for surgery, atm I still do not have real health issues other then my joints are getting older and having a harder time at the gym because of the weight gain - I still go to the gym at least 1 - 2 times a week and work on the treadmill. Last week I went back to my surgeon and his assistant has put me on a liquid diet to help me lose some of the weight I gained back, and because my EDG and swallow study came back normal - they weren't able to prove that its medically necessary to remove the band - so we're trying for intolerance since I was getting sick before when it was filled. So, we agreed to get my band filled again with 2 ccs - I went for the appointment that was set up with the hospial and when I got there the lady that was supposed to do my fill was almost like she didn't want to do it because she was confused as to why I was there - she said I was telling her the wrong things - that because I told her I don't want to gain anymore weight and that I want to prove to the insurance that the band wasn't working for me, so I have to get it refilled and go back through everything I was going through before. She almost didn't fill it and as it is - I don't believe she put the whole 2ccs in either. I'm waiting until this week is done on the liquid diet, I still have port pain and it hurts sometimes like a bad stitch and sharp pain - but apparently that's not enough I'm not giving up - but I can't afford this as a self pay, my credit is really horrible, so I am unable to get approved for a loan to pay for the removal of the band. Please excuse any incorrect grammer and the fact that I skip from topic to topic - I'm not sure what its called but I type and talk in random sometimes jumping from topic to topic as my mind grabs a thought. I try to go back and edit, but if I missed something... I've done 7 nutrition visits now, provided my gym check ins, did all the requirements for a normal just getting the sleeve done as well as doing the requirements for getting a revision done - I just want to get this done, so I can get started... I don't understand how some people are getting approved for revisions or getting the sleeve done when they have so much less to lose then I do, and I'm having such difficulty - what am I doing wrong?! even my surgeon's assistant is at a loss, but she is trying to help me and hopefully we can prove intolerance... I feel almost as if I'm being pushed into self paying for it - which I can't afford to do...

You may very well be not losing because of drinking with meals. If you don't wait afterwards the food is pushed through faster making you hungry sooner which leads to eating more often which = weight gain eventually! Stick the plan

I gained a lot of weight after the band was removed. I still continued with the nutritionist at the surgeons office. I did the diet pill route for a while, lost a few lbs but was never able to lose like with the band. Finally after my last weight gain when my BMI got up to 30, my surgeon resubmitted, and with a peer review was able to get approval. I had over 40 visits to the nutritionist with records of weight gain and loss etc.

I'm not sure. My friend's doc is making her do one and our BMI's are similar. That's one of the questions in asking at my visit this week. I'm nervous about weight gain so I'll be doing one to ensure that I don't gain a single pound. They will postpone my surgery if I do. I already bought my protein shakes. I'm ready to get it started.

I had my band removed in late October, at which I weighed in at 294. My surgeon requires that I re-start the approval process for the revision to sleeve, he also requires 6 months between surgeries to make sure the stomach heals and a 10% weight loss prior to surgery. I go in for my first psych consult and dietician appointment on Monday and I have gained 10 lbs since my surgery. I am not making any excuses. I know why. I am struggling to hear my body's "full" cue as it was so used to the band and feeling severe discomfort. I also think I'm struggling with "last supper" syndrome knowing that I went years with things I couldn't eat/caused pain, days of not being able to eat, etc. And ultimately, fear of the same thing happening again...that I when I am eating I get stuck in "EAT IT ALL". Again, not making excuses, I know why I have gained weight. I am seeing a therapist regularly already to work through all these, and other issues. I am stressing MAJORLY about the weight gain and worrying how the office/surgeon/psychologist will react. Has anyone had this experience and how did your programs respond?

I've spent a bit of time lately thinking about how and when I got so fat. I'm surprised by my own conclusions. 1. Sugar: Brownies and fudge for Snacks during college. Every day. Net Gain: +30 lbs 2. Weight Watchers*: I lost the weight and I gained it back, plus a little extra. I re-joined, lost some weight and gained it back, plus a little extra. I'm sad to say I joined many times before I learned my lesson. The end result was always the same. Net Gain: +15 lbs 3. Phentermine: I loved Phentermine. It made me happy, gave me energy, and completely destroyed my desire to eat; I shed pounds like rain off an umbrella. I gained the weight back faster than you can blink and it brought many many many friends. In retrospect, I think I lost a lot of muscle and my metabolism slowed way down. Net Gain: +40 4. Cyproheptadine: An anti-histamine. The doctor told me not to worry that it was also used to treat anorexia; I should have worried. Net Gain: +15 lbs You know what's not on this list? All my other bad eating habits (besides sugar). I have plenty of them, but I truly don't think they've played a significant role in my weight gain over time. My weight has been incredibly stable apart from the periods listed above. It gives me hope for the future. *I know I'm about to receive a lot of flak for this one!

Formerly obese personal trainer Kelly Coffey talks turkey about excess skin, and what she did - and continues to do - about hers. Dear Coffey - I’m thinking about having weight loss surgery, but I’m not too keen on living the rest of my life with extra, loose skin. What can I do to keep that from happening? Sincerely, Cecelia in CA Hey there, Cecelia - Congratulations on taking the reigns and exploring your options. I hope you find a good, honest surgeon who can help you figure out if weight loss surgery might be a strong choice for you. As with everything concerning our bodies, the topic of loose skin generates a whole lot of hype. The truth is there are exactly six things you can do to minimize excess, loose skin after weight loss - whether or not you have WLS. The first three are preventative, and apply to the period before weight is lost. The last three apply to the post-weight loss period. First, prevention. 1- Don’t wait. Ask any aesthetician or midwife and they’ll tell you: the younger we are, the more our skin can bounce back from a stretch. If you would be more comfortable weighing less and you’re afraid of having excess skin, the younger you are when you lose weight, the better. But don’t waste precious energy wishing you had lost weight in your early 20s. You have today, and today is where your power is. If there are choices you want to make in service to your health and happiness (whether or not they would result in weight loss) today is the day to make them. 2- Avoid the loss/gain cycle. Imagine how a once-inflated balloon looks and feels after you let the air out. Now imagine the same balloon after 4, 6, or 10 deflations. Much like the balloon, the more times we lose weight and gain it back, the looser our skin gets. Again, now is not the time to berate yourself for all those “successful” stints in Weight Watchers that ended with you gaining the weight back and then some - it happens to all of us, myself included. Today is the day to get yourself stronger, more sustainable tools - tools that support long-term weight loss and minimize the probability of gaining it back. These tools exist, and you can get an introduction to them in my free online workshop, Why We Sabotage Ourselves (with Food) (and What We Can Do About It). 3- Keep weight gain to a minimum. The heavier we get, the more our skin stretches, and the less likely it is to bounce back after we lose weight. You can’t do anything now about your weight history. Feeling badly about it or judging yourself for it will only make you want to numb out (if you’re anything like me, probably with food). If you are reading this at the heaviest weight you’ve ever been, then this is the heaviest you ever need to be. If weight loss is something you want to do for you, your skin will thank you for making caring choices toward that goal starting now. That covers the things you can do to minimize excess skin before you lose weight. Now let’s look at what you can do once the weight is gone. 4- Build muscle. Contrary to popular belief, strength training does not “tone” or “tighten” the skin. Skin elasticity has nothing - NOTHING - to do with exercise. But strength training gives loose skin something hot and firm to lie over - namely biceps, triceps, quads and abdominal muscles. Lots of folks - especially women - shy away from strength-training, or think it’s better to use smaller weights and do more reps. This is a myth that keeps women from ever seeing the results they want and deserve. Assuming you’re being safe and reasonable, the heavier and harder and you train, the more muscle you build, and the better you’re likely to feel about how your skin looks. 5- Have surgery. Even if you’re young, even if you lose weight just once, and even if you strength train like a boss, there’s still a limit to the impact we can have on excess skin after weight-loss. Some consider having skin removal surgery. If this is something you’re thinking about, be warned: Words like “lift,” “nip,” and “tuck” are misleading. Skin removal surgery is no joke. I know that because I had it. The surgery hurts like hell, and can put you out of commision for weeks or months. Also, the medication usually prescribed to manage the post-op pain is highly addictive. If you’ve got a compulsive / addictive relationship to food, you’re way more likely to get hooked on painkillers than someone who doesn’t struggle with the compulsive overeating. 6- Love yourself. Loving your body isn’t going to tighten, lift, or shape your skin after you lose weight, but it can minimize the negative impact that living with loose skin might have on you otherwise. Love is action. Love means making consistently caring choices because you deserve to be cared for, no matter what you weigh or how your body looks. If you struggle to make consistently caring choices, whether you’re pre-op, post-op, or no-op, you’re not alone, and there are practical, usable tools to help you get there. Where will you fall on the loose skin spectrum? You can’t really know unless and until you lose weight. I yo-yo dieted for 10+ years, maxing out at 307 pounds. I had Roux-en Y in my mid-twenties and lost over half my body weight. Eventually I started strength training and became a personal fitness trainer. Two years later, I opted to have abdominoplasty (aka a tummy tuck), because the excess skin on my stomach was beyond anything that could be mediated or improved with exercise. The surgery hurt like a son-of-a-b***h and had me out of work for a month. I’ve made peace with the loose skin on the rest of my body. The muscle I’ve built with regular strength training helps a lot. So has treating my body with care one choice at a time for over a decade. It’s given me self-respect and peace that make my batwings an insignificant afterthought. Loose skin post-weight loss is inevitable for those of us who are or have been obese. But if you would be healthier or more comfortable in your body weighing less, don’t let the fear of loose skin keep you from doing what you need to do to get there. Our bodies will never look like other people’s bodies, and that’s OK. Our bodies tell our stories, and our stories are our strength. All good things, Kelly Coffey PS: Whether or not you decide to have surgery - and even if you've already had it by the time you read this - you can use the tool that's helped me to turn my life and my health around. To learn it, click here to grab a seat in my free online workshop, "Why We Sabotage Ourselves (with Food) (and What We Can Do About It)"

6 months of physician visits and with the NUT, weigh ins each time,(no weight gain), EKG, Stress Test, Complete Lab Panel, complete Gynecologist exam within a year, (r/o any possible CA) EGD, Sleep Study, (documented sleep apnea) PCP Clearance. Sheesh...I believe that's it. I still need to do my Stress Test. I'm almost at 4mo. I'm expecting an April/May date. Hope this helps. Also this is what my doctor wants. Not what my insurance wants!

Hello my name is jeanell and back in March of 2005 I had RNY surgery in Denver, CO. My doctor was Michael A. Snyder. I lost a total of 110lbs but gradually started gaining 5yrs post op. I started noticing that food was causing digestive issues no matter if it was healthy or not and I was getting no Satiety with food. The symptoms got worse and exercise and diet was not stopping my weight gain. I finally decided to go back to my surgeon 10yrs pot-op and after gaining 60lbs. I found out that I definitely had issues with my stoma being enlarged and that a revision would be necessary. It has been 5 days since my revision surgery and I hope and pray I get back on track. I will definitely make sure that I follow all the rules of the tool and pay attention to my body. I actually had a hernia that required repairing during the revision surgery. My plan is to get as much support as I can because this procedure and journey is very exhausting mentally,emotionally and physically. I am excited that they have apps and forums like this to assist with this journey. I look forward to discussing my journey. Regards, Jeanell