Calling all African American Pre and Post ops...

I am Valerie and I am writing a book about WLS as it relates to the Black population. I am seeking persons interested in having their before and after pictures (or just before or just after) featured in my book. The book will be a wonderful tool for educating others about this surgery. Some of the topics discussed include: Barriers to Surgery, Co morbidities Prevalent in the Black Community and also has a cookbook section which converts recipes for some soul food favorites into something post-ops and those seeking to eat healthier can eat. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my project. VAL

The book sounds exciting Val. I can't participate but I wish you the best of luck. God Bless!

Thanks ! VAL

I think there is an adjustment period for us.. The feeling we feel are very valid. Ive lost 71.5 lbs and I can't see it in the mirror but people tell me all the time now that I look so thin. I can't see it so I take their word for it. The Skin Issues, I have a ton of extra skin, and I would happily give it to burn patients but they can't use it because I stretched it all out. So I don't look at it in a negative way anymore. It is a reminder of what I did the first time around and what I refuse to do during my 2nd chance. I will get it removed one day if the Ins wont pay for it I will find a Dr with a layaway plan, Maybe Walmart will go into the plastics business who knows.. But I am So proud of my Sagging skin it means Im losing and my health is improving.. So grab your bat wings Hip handles, stomach Apron and boobs and lift yourself up... It will only get better if you let it.. And good lord Im gonna let it get better for me.. We are all doing so great.. (((HUGS))) Dori

I just stay away from mirrors (which is the same as before) and when people tell me I look thinner, I say thanks, but don't encourage it. For me, a number (like over 100 lbs) doesn't really translate into the way I feel about how heavy I look. I KNOW I have lost and am losing weight, but until I get much furhter along, I don't want everyone to focus on it. Know what I mean? Happiness... MKJ

I am at 4 months today and have lost 70 pounds. My face showed it the most at first and I would look in the mirror and not recognise myself. Now I am kind of getting used to it. Things are starting to sag and the bat wings are showing up but I figured that I will get used to that eventually. I wasn't intending to ever have a tummy tuck but now I am reconsidering. It is bad enough having to pull my boobs up into a bra without having to lift up my belly, too. You just have to keep a sense of humor and remember how much fun you are having!! I have been working in the garden digging and having a ball - last year I had to rest every ten minutes and didn't get much done. The only thing that bugs me is that I am getting wrinkles around my eyes and mouth - they weren't there before. It isn't fair - my husband lost 120 pounds and he looks much younger - I just sag and get wrinkles....

OK, this is right on target with my feelings. I had my RNY on 12/16/05 and have lost approximately 70 lbs. (including the 2-week liquid diet pre-op). I'm 57 and expected to have some loose skin, but come on. I have always been heavier on the top and didn't have much of a butt or even thighs (for my size), but I've lost so much down there it is almost unbelievable. I too sometimes see myself in a mirror and don't recognize myself. And talk about bat wings - and inner thighs hanging. I'm very happy with my weight loss. I am no longer on my diabetes or blood pressure meds - that's wonderful. I do have an ulcer, however, but that's being treated. While I'm writing, I would like to get some idea of what ya'll are eating. I think I'm not eating enough -- I've been a little slow to try things becuase of my tummy troubles. I drink two protein drinks per day to make sure I'm getting in enough protein and I'm getting in my liquids, but I find it hard to eat enough in between all the drinking, etc. If any of you would give me an idea of what you are eating, I would appreciate it. Back on subject, I think we're all doing very well and unfortunately the loose skin goes with the territory.

when i look in the mirror i see a girl who still weighs 290. it really troubles me too, espeically when i am trying on clothes. in the begining i was seeing it great, and i liked going to try smaller clothes on, then all of a sudden i hit a huge stall and from then on i see a big girl, not a girl who in total has lost over 100 lbs and since sugery has lost 71. when i try on clothes and look in the mirror i see a fat girl trying to sqeeze into sizes too small, even though the clothes i try on are still a bit big and everyone tells me they look so good. i have heard that it takes two years for your mind to catch up to your body so i guess we just have to wait and see. in the mean time i love to take pictures and look at them and revel in them, also another thing i like ot do is take my new size 18 pants and hold them up against my old size 28s and laugh. my skinny minny friends think i am crazy and laugh at me all the time haha. good luck everyone and it sounds like everyone is doing amazing! stay happy!

I don't see the weight loss yet. Others do, but I can't. It is hard to appreciate what we have lost when we can't see it. I was / am a 'heavyweight'. Wanna trade?! LOL Huggs, Ruth 416/342/Healthy

I would love to participate, where do I send my pics?