Hi all!

Hi all! I just realized that this forum was here...lol. I have a high BMI and have always been heavy. I'm planning on having surgery within the next couple of months. (I have 1 month left before my 6 month required program for insurance is completed)

The last couple of years, I've lost 120 lbs on my own and have a lot of skin "issues" already. I expect this to get a lot worse down the road. I'm so happy to have been referred to this site by my surgeon. I really value everyones thoughts and opinions..tips, etc. It really makes it nice for me to hear...puts everything into perspective and gives me a good idea of what to expect.

Does anyone use compression garments? Are they effective? I really need to wear something to tighten up, but am wondering if they roll up, or what the best kind would be? I have a large hanging tummy and would like to control that (as much as I can) and maybe firm out the sides and back a little. Lord knows, there is no help for my upper arms!

Thank you all for any advice you can offer a newbie. I appreciate it!

Hello! This is a great forum.  Congrats on the weight you've lost so far and congrats on being so close to your surgery!

A lot of people I know wear Spanx for support.  Here's the measuring chart for them:
http://www.spanx.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=4053793 

Someone on the main RNY forum also mentioned that yoga pants worked for them.  Who knew?

I personally use a T shirt that's a size too small and close fitting cloth shorts under my sweat pants.  I've had to "MacGyver" support outfits because I haven't found anything that really fits me (my hips and upper arms are huge and cause my lots of problems), but hey, it works 

Thanks for the link. I don't think I've owned a pair of yoga pants...lol.

LOL..love your "MacGyver" idea. Since I've lost what bit of weight I have, my stomach and thighs are just terrible!! So are my arms, but I'm not too concerned with them. But when I exercise or well hell, do anything really, everything jiggles and gets in the way.  I've got to figure something out, cause I'm sure it's going to get a lot worse when surgery comes around. I don't let it stop me from doing anything, but I don't like it!!!

I wear almost exclusively spandex cycling shorts for my working out (even when im not cycling) because they hold me together pretty well.

As for compression tops though - a combination of wide freaking hips and multiple large skin rolls in my mid section - makes them useless and they just roll up. I've been trying to find some one piece compression garments that I can wear (i guess almost like a bathing suit !!) otherwise im screwed.   Because of this, ive kind of given up on running because I cant handle the jiggles.

Hi Alison! Thanks for the advice. I never thought about spandex..hell, I didn't even know they made spandex to fit my size. I have a super large belly and back fat..and I was wondering about the rolling up issue. I have seen the body ones. They look uncomfortable, but look effective. I've got jiggles galore. I imagine this will get way way worse when I have surgery. I can handle my turkey neck arms, but thighs and belly are becoming more and more of a problem.

And on top of that, I've pretty much lost all of my chest as well. Is there such a thing as a whole body suit of armor?

Truth be told, it is what it is. I'd rather be flabby and have skin, than being 440 lbs again. I'd just like it to be less jiggly and be a little more comfortable..especially while exercising..that's the worst! If you come across anything that works for you, I'd like to know. Anything would help at this point!!

Welcome aboard.

This is a great group.

Sorry, I'm no help regarding compression garments.

You made great progress so far. Keep it up, you will make you goals before you know it.

Thanks Gary! This site is truly awesome! I appreciate the well wishes!

Any sound advice for a newbie?


Amber

Ch'arms shapewear (by the actress Kathy Nijimy) is supposed to have something for the arms. I haven't purchased it yet.  My arms and inner thigh are my problems.  I have to wait until next year to have them cut off because I will be changing jobs and insurance in a couple of months. So, I definitely plan to use them in the meantime. I know that HSN sells them. I don't know if they are sold independent of HSN.

http://fashion.hsn.com/charms-by-kathy-najimy_c-fa_a-7816_xc .aspx?gs=&rid=2505

Thank you for the link..I'm definitely going to check them out! I can't afford plastics until..well, I don't know if I ever will. So until then, if then, I have to love all of me!! 

(I'd just like love in a jiggle-free zone!)

I just remembered that a friend told me that there are shapewear for arms at Target!  Check it out. I would rather not order it.

I found another product that is way cheaper than Spanx arm ($100+) - Tres Sleek ($52-59)

http://tressleek.com/cart.php?m=content&page=17

I'm still going to try Target first.

http://www.target.com/p/Self-Expressions-by-Suddenly-Skinny- 3-4-Sleeve-Top-Black/-/A-12908980