Truelove33, My surgery was a long time ago, It is still effective. The tool still works. I have had no surgery to remove excess skin- if i had would be well below goal...It is like Santa Clause- It's everywhere! belly hips, thighs, underarms..I do not have hernia's and have required no additional surgery- so even tho the surgery i had is obsolete, - I am alive , fairly active, have no blood pressure, issues. I still am pre-diabetic- have been since age 21.I have had lyme. for decades. as well - and has attacked my joints.. as long as i am active..on an regular- but not constant basis... i do ok...and get no more tick bites..

When my original goal was set i could not "see" or imagine the goal weight... I had not been below 190 in decades... I do yo- yo some-10-15 lbs usually,... depending on carb cravings.. I was given guidelines to stop those by Dietician at Surgeons office...those guidelines were cut carbs to 20 for the day.and double intake - sublingual B 12 /complex for 3 days.It worked may years ago and it works now.I also boost my protein for the day by 15-20 grams.

MY Target for weight loss was set by my surgeon of 90 grams..i go for 110..for best loss.. as i get closer to where i really need to be- i will cut protein to 75-80.. I am using meats /eggs for protein.. the only high protein shake i now tolerate is egg. I have plenty of those right now.I do not tolerate nuts, legumes, in food..no whey,pea or soy shakes. I already had intolerances before surgery...but no diagnosis of lactose intolerance.

Keeping a diet diary on paper will enable you to track your response to certain meals-over the long term. and find intolerances..track protein and water... it is my number 2 tool. Number one was my surgery. Take care of yourself and follow the guidelines.. to have the best success...

What has been your favorite Non-Scale Victory? For me, I have two that immediately come to mind.

A group of friends and I used to get together once a year for a few days. Sometimes we would go camping and sometimes stay at a resort. When we went camping, we would usually go to the same park. Most of my friends would all go for a hike and climb a mountain in the park. I never went because I knew I would not be able to make the trek and I didn't want to embarrass myself. I was always so jealous because when my friends came back from their hike, they were always so excited and talking about their adventures along the way and the views from the top of the mountain. Well, almost exactly on my two year surgiversary, we all went camping again. When it came time for the promised hike, I decided to go for it this time. And guess what? I did it! I made it to the top of the mountain and back, was able to spend more time with my friends and see the beautiful views. I was so proud of myself. I have since made the hike several times now but nothing felt like that first time!

My second non-scale victory was just for a fleeting moment. I was walking my dog at a local park and my ex boyfriend (with his new girlfriend) walked by me. I could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't sure if it was me or not. I looked back at him and he was looking back and me and he stopped and said "Is that you Tierra?" and I said "Yes, it's me. It's good to see you." And then I walked away. As I did so, I heard my ex say "Wow!" That felt so good!

It is so very helpful to get advice from someone like you that is a longterm post op. Thank you for your advice and congratulations on staying close to goal!

I'm the same way. I can't sleep, even if I take any kind of sleep substances. I' sometimes go days without any sleep. I've been this was since I was a kid. It's becoming to be worse as I get older. Nothing helps it and it's a miserable feeling. Especially, watching everyone around me sleeping good.

some companies will if the excess skin is causing medical issues - like chronic rashes that don't respond to conventional treatments. Keep your fingers crossed! It'd be great if it was covered - even a chunk of it!