Please give me a glimmer of hope....... - ThinnerTimes

kittens4 · 08-21-2006, 06:02 PM

Hi there. I am on my way to WLS..I am going with the Gastric Bypass, not the lapband...for sure. Next week I have appt with the nutritionist, then psych eval, and surgeon. I've attended the seminar and support meeting..and been on here reading for a long time now. I am very excited to have the surgery. My insurance is great. I only have to pay $500. I feel fine now, healthwise, except when I look in the mirror or see a photo of myself! Yikes! I am 5'4" and weigh 245! Way too much! I'd prefer to have the surgery now while I am healthy...and 44 years old. I don't want to wait until I develop any other health problems. Right now it's just high cholesterol. Still, I have a concern, and need someone to give me hope! Is there anyone here who has lost the weight that hasn't had to have plastic surgery? Any advice on exercise or what I can do to help myself. I'd like to lose about 110 pounds..so I know there will be extra skin...but is there any way that I can lose the weight and not have to have plastic surgery....and not look spooky!!! I need someone to give me hope! I also do know that even with extra skin.....I'm sure I'll look better at 135 than I do now at 245! Wouldn't ya think??? Thanks for listening!

Cinerbelle · 08-21-2006, 06:10 PM

Welcome!! There are people here that have not needed PS... I am sure they will reply. I'm not done losing my weight, but I know I want PS!!

VanessaSFL · 08-21-2006, 06:18 PM

Hi Elaine~

I don't need PS ,I shrunk very well.I would have my breast lifted and some loose skin on my tummy removed if money grew on trees.

I am all for PS but I don't NEED it.

Good luck Elaine on your journey~

Van

Mavisavis · 08-21-2006, 06:21 PM

I am in a position where I don't "need" it, but deciding whether I want it. I do work out and it has improved. Most people are saying that they would not spend the money and go through the pain if they had what I do. But it's hard for me because it still looks like a roll of fat to me.

So, it bothers me, but I can live with it. I don't know if anyone looks like they were never obese....anyone? I'm curious.

kittens4 · 08-22-2006, 05:42 PM

Thanks for the reply. It helps to know that someone has lost a lot and didn't need to have PS. It gives me hope. Thanks! I went out today and bought all the vitamins and Protein powder! I want to be prepared when I go see the surgeon next week. From what I gather they start you on a diet right away to lose as much as possible before the surgery. I can't wait! I'm so ready to start seeing some permanent results! I am so sick of losing weight and finding it again!!!!!

Mavisavis · 08-22-2006, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kittens4

Thanks for the reply. It helps to know that someone has lost a lot and didn't need to have PS. It gives me hope. Thanks! I went out today and bought all the vitamins and Protein powder! I want to be prepared when I go see the surgeon next week. From what I gather they start you on a diet right away to lose as much as possible before the surgery. I can't wait! I'm so ready to start seeing some permanent results! I am so sick of losing weight and finding it again!!!!!

Now, keep in mind, I am considering plastics......because I don't like having that roll when I wear a size 6 or 8. But if I couldn't, I could accept it. Please don't go into surgery thinking you will be happy with the after effects on your skin. I just want you to be aware of the possibilities. The fact is that the surgery is hard work and has risks, complications, and consequences that are not always pleasant. Oftentimes you don't know which ones til it's done and over. Just go into knowing you will deal with whatever comes in an effort to be healthy.......and we'll all be here to help along the way as issues arise.

VanessaSFL · 08-22-2006, 06:52 PM

I should say that I don;t have a skin"apron"hanging.I can hardly grab anything.With that said...I have the melted candel thing going on but I am ok with it.It would all be cosmetic reasons ..not because of rashes.

*mine is a money issue also...I would be kidding myself if I thought my insurance would cover anything.

Again...Best wishes on your new journey,

V

kittens4 · 08-22-2006, 07:10 PM

Thanks again! I do realize that the skin may be a problem, and will be okay with it...because it is about being healthy. Also, I am 44, so may not bounce back like a 20 year old would..and that's okay. I will do as much exercise as I can to keep things as firm as possible. I am happily married..and I figure if my husband can stand having sex with me at 260 pounds....he certainly will be able to have sex with me at 135 even with some excess flabbage! I work for a group of Gastrenterologists, so I do know there are risks and complications with the surgery. I feel very confident about my surgeon. Dr Sasse...Reno, Nevada! He's the best! Also, the only health issue I have right now is high cholesterol, which is under control with Lipitor. I am glad I'm having the surgery now....because I fear in a few years at this rate/weight...I'd surely be developing some diabetes, heart probs, high b/p, or something! I'm very grateful to have found this website, it helped me with my decision big time! Lots of great info on here. I'm also so thankful to have great insurance! Covers all but $500! Woohoooo! I'm hoping to have a surgery date sometime in October. It'll be so nice not to go through another holiday season gaining weight and feeling like crap when I see those Christmas photos!!! Yikes!!!!

Mavisavis · 08-22-2006, 07:52 PM

Let me tell you, you talk about photos later and such......it will blow your mind! If someone told me right before surgery last year that in less than a year I would wear a size 6 or 8, I would have laughed in their face. I could never have imagined the changes....it is amazing.

Macy · 09-07-2006, 10:08 PM

Hi Elaine,

I am also 44, and I wouldn't say that I need plastic surgery. I am sure that if I went to a plastic surgeon, they would probably try to remove the extra, but it doesn't bother me. I do not have an "apron", but I do have loose skin. It is only apparent when I wear something really tight, like really tight pantyhose or jeans, and then only I can feel the small roll of loose skin bulging over the top. As for the bustline, they told me I would look like I had "socks filled with sand" after the weight loss, to which I asked, "where is my damn sand"? All I have left are the empty socks.

I am happy and feel no need to have expensive and very painful surgery. At my age, it's not like I am going to wear a bikini anywhere! My husband is great and loves me at any size, I don't think he even notices the jiggly skin, and if he did, he never said a word. Right now, I am a size 6, and to the outside world, I look just fine and get plenty of compliments. I am sure you will be fine. And if you decide to have plastic surgery to make you feel better, that's great too. If I ever did have plastic surgery, I would have them work on the part the world sees, my face!

I had my surgery because like you, I didn't want to get any heavier before I got on that table. I feel great and sailed through it all just fine, all thanks to a great, experienced and well-researched surgeon.

Good luck with your journey.