Please help...kind of long...

Over the past few days I have been so tired of loosing weight (mentally and physically). Right now it seems like no matter what I do my body does not want to let go of any more pounds. I HATE HATE HATE the way my body looks. My arms are BEYOND horrendous and I cry looking at them, even though there are some solid muscles underneath. My stomach makes it painful to work out. I cannot participate in exercises that involve jumping because when I land my stomach jerks down and it really hurts. I have lost 113 pounds to date and have been told that I can't have plastics until I loose more. But I can't loose more if it hurts to exercise. I won't even begin on how badly I want to start the C to 5 K program but can't beause it hurts when my stomach pulls. I was taking the stairs at work but people were commenting on the 'smacking' noise they were hearing and I decided to take them one day when no one else was around and the smacking noise was coming from me. When my stomach wa****ting my legs. I am actually starting to cry as I write this. I still have a long way to go (yes I know we all do and some have further than me) but I am just at a lost right now. It is even more discouraging that the scale is not wanting to move. No matter how much exercise I do and how 'good' of a meal plan I follow. I did the sleeve because I knew this day would come and that I could look into Part II of the surgery. So now I am trying to find out what Part II really is. Is it the Duodenal Switch or is it the Gastric Bypass? I have read where either one has been done. Does anyone here know--or has anyone had the revision done?

Thanks- I know you all will understand.

First off, all that is totally normal. You are going through a major change and it's not easy. Most WLS folks (esp. those of us with a lot to lose) find counseling or therapy very beneficial. If you're not already going, maybe think about it. I know I personally benefited from it.

Secondly, you need to find a way to bind your stomach if it's giving you that much problem. Spandex, spanx, girdle, slimpressions. Find what works for you, but know that it's not going to be ideal until you get plastics.

I can't run more than a couple of miles due to my excess skin, so I ride my bike. There are lots of other things you can do besides running for exercise. I began walking on the treadmill at an incline (that's tough!) or doing the elliptical. Also weight training is low-impact and helps you burn fat. I know tht skin is a pain, but it's waaaaay better than fat!

As for a second surgery, I think the most common option is to continue on to the DS as you already have half of it. However, why would you need another surgery if this one is working? Which it obviously is as you've lost so much already!

Hang in there- it really does get better, once you stabilize in weight. Keep your head up beautiful!

I do not want to sound like a paid advertisement, but Slipressions has a GREAT undershirt that has support for your arms!!!!!  Consider checking into them (also check Walmart, they may have something similar).

Honey, I have been trudging along almost a year and a half since surgery, FOUR years since I started my entire journey, and I am still at least 100 pounds from "normal".  We all get in a funk, mine has lasted close to two weeks, as I am sad because I cannot exercise (had a few complications post surgery - seroms, possible incisional hernia).  Without exercise, I do NOT lose.  Without proper healing, I cannot exercise.  Vicious circle, but I am trying to get past it.

Ask yourself, "Self, do I feel better now, with flabby arms, or better when I was fat & fully packed?"  I bet you already answered my question.  Insult to injury:  I now have a NECK WADDLE?!!!  I waited too long & got too heavy to avoid it -- so I need a binder clip to pull my neck fat away from my pretty face, ha ha.

I'll take the flabby neck over my fat face, any day!!!  Hang tough, and know YOU are better because of your weight loss -- able to do more & live more ;)

Brenda : )~

What is it exactly that is making you tired? Having to measure food? Tracking? Making healthy choices? Honestly, I get really exhausted mentally from always having to say no to food, make better choices, exercise will power -but thats a function of my disordered eating/thoughts that I have to deal with forever, so part of this process is accepting that and dealing with it. You will have to do those things regardless of the surgery - VSG or a conversion to DS.

Ive lost over 200 lbs - I have more excess loose flappy skin than most people and I still exercise. There can be no excuses to live a healthy life style. That's my opinion. I get some spandex shorts, some spandex tanks and get out there. No, it's not always comfortable, but I took the comfortable path before and got to 420 lbs. I get rashes, it hurts, but I have to do it. But what's my alternative?   I do get down about my looks but the benefits far outweigh the negatives...there are choices that have to be made about how you look at it.

Ive had many many weeks in the last couple months where Ive felt down and defeated, the scale sucks, my weight loss has been relatively slow, but ...there is a greater picture here. Find your bigger picture. It helps you be able to pick things back up and feel better.

Oh LaToya,
I'm sorry you're feeling down right now. But listen to the ladies above and realize that we all started heavier and have been focusing on this longer since WLS.

We all get tired, depressed, down in the dumps, etc.  I think the hardest thing for me is the all consuming focus on WL all day, every day, it seems. Will it ever end?  In my opinion, probably not for me...but hopefully won't continue to the same degree forever. I just won't ever be able to let my guard down.  I can live with that now. 

You've done so well and have had terrific enthusiasm. Push forward. Find yourself some good compression garments. The scale will move again if you're following your plan. Do exercises in a chair or on the floor for awhile until you're feeling better. The C25K will be there when you're in a better head space.

The DS would be the revision if you're looking for one. But that won't eliminate any of the issues you mentioned above. It's not a quick fix (I know you know that). Your sleeve will work for you...it has been. Give yourself a chance!

I haven't had surgery yet and I think you are doing awesome.  I know we always want weight to come off faster but you are doing amazing.  Your surgery was mere months ago.  I don't think it is time to start considering another surgery yet.  Your body needs time to adjust.  I understand your concerns about exercise as I find it very difficult to jump around now.  Why not go back to basics just do some walking.  I am inspired by all the bike riders or ahem, cyclists on here.  

good luck and don't give up!

Thanks everyone! I am starting to feel better

LaToya you have done a fantastic job working your sleeve!  I admire your optimism and determination, and guess what - you have the right to be HUMAN!!   We have been where you are.  SKewed/screwed up body image?  Yup. My arms seemed to be the VERY LAST place to lose weight, looked like two hams on a turkey sausage. Our body does some...interesting...things throughout this process.   You WILL make it through the day. and you tell yourself that everyday.   That negative self-talk can get loud and make all of our progress and hard work seems like nothing, but its just a trick - we not only have to work our bodies, we have to rework our minds too.  You have the power to change anything that you want, just please be kind to yourself.  Give yourself some time to work through what you are feeling, and allow yourself to feel whatever it is - Let it out!! Then you can take a deep breath, and keep it moving.  Maybe stay off of the scale for a few days while tracking your eating.  Feel good about how far youve come, how well you are eating, and how much easier it is to move with over 100 pounds gone!  If you are tired physically, take a nap!! If you are tired mentally, talk to yourself and figure out why, and talk to others, like you are doing, that really understand what you are going through.  WE LOVE YOU!!!!

I'm sorry you are not feeling good right now LaToya.  I am pre-surgery so I really don't have much advice.  I do know that what you have accomplished is amazing and I'm hoping to do the same.  Don't give up.  I'm sure things will get better.  

Hi Latoya. I've been away for a while. I'll probably disappear again soon until I get settled in my new state. 

First of all, I think therapy is probably a good idea.  Are you seeing a psychologist who specializes in food and body image issues?  I was in therapy for the first 6 months post-op and a  good chunk of the 2 years leading up to the surgery. It did wonders for my thinking.  My view of the situation is more positive. I am much better at recognizing negative thinking. Negative thinking leads to more negative thinking and depression.  Yeah, it is common for some people to feel bad, but that doesn't change the fact that therapy can help.

Second of all, I have over 4 inches of skin hanging from my arm. It is disgusting. I am moving closer to the ocean and I refuse to go sleeveless. I just won't. Despite all of that, I don't feel bad. This is a process.  You ever watch HGTV?  Ever notice how the owner looks at the design that is half done and panics and causes a ton of drama despite the fact that they agreed to the design and the designer has worked his/her butt off.  But they are happy with it once it is finished. You are a work in progress. Stop picking at yourself. 

I almost never look at my arms. I know that they determine my clothing size. I know that my inner thighs are sagging. And I am greatly disturbed by the huge wrinkle that just appeared on my forehead!  WTF!!!!  It wasn't there 8 months ago! Black don't crack, especially at my age!  No one in my family who is 10-20 years older has a wrinkle on their face.  I had no idea that this would happen, but it did.  I know that I will have my arm and thigh excess skin cut off, but there is no needle or scaple coming near my face!  Not happy about this damned wrinkle, but I am happy. I'm happy because I thank God everyday for my continuing transformation.  While packing up my office, my ring fell off repeatedly.  I had to walk back and forth to my car (about a block away)  and I never lost my breath. I had my longest run ever yesterday!

Yes your emotions are common, but you still can have a say in how you view your progress.  Therapy helped me to see that I have to take responsibility for my thoughts. The negative ones were hurting me too much...stealing my joy.  I have my joy back despite my arms, inner thigh, and that damn wrinkle across my forehead.