Question:
Do Real Meals really make a difference in sagging?

I;m pre-op, and going through the pre-op evaluations right now. I've been reading a lot about people using real meals and not having to have a tummy tuck. Is this normal? Do most people who use real meals on a regular basis NOT have to have the tt?? Is there anyone who does use it on a reg basis that has had to have one?    — KellyJeanB (posted on December 18, 2002)

December 18, 2002
Great question! I just received my box of real meals yesterday and would like to know if I am too late to start with the skin issues . I am 8 months out and if Linda reads this, Do you think I waited to long to help? I don't have alot of skin issues anyway but, I wanted to try and help myself as much as possible. rk lap rny down -115lbs
   — Robin B.

December 18, 2002
Whether someone has to have a TT will depend on many factors including:<br> <ul><li>Age of patient <li>Amount of weight lost <li>Amount of time at that high weight <li>Genetics <li>Your own skin elasticity </li></ul><br> Generally, if you are a "lightweight" and under 30 or so, you have a decent chance of not needing a TT. I don't think what you eat has as much to do with it as the above factors though. Good luck to you.
   — thumpiez

December 18, 2002
I read all the posts on the message board and the Q&A every day (and have done so since Feb. 2001), and the <b>only</b> person I have seen talk about using Real Meals and not needing a TT is Linda Almonte. That's one person...I don't think that's much to go on.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 18, 2002
I spoke with a plastic surgeon who specializes in Bariatric Patients about this. There is nothing - not one single thing in the world - you can eat that will affect your need to have a tummy tuck. Nothing! As a previous poster said, there are many factors involved in necessitating a tummy tuck. If you are a lightweight and have retained good elasticity in your skin and have no stretch marks you may not need a tummy tuck. If you have alot of stretch marks and little to no elasticity in your skin you will probably need one regardless of what you eat. It frustrates me when people suggest unrealistic solutions to WLS patients. First it was that you could get a free tummy tuck if you donated your skin to a burn unit (totally false according to the director of the burn unit at UAB hospital in Birmingham) and now it seems folks are saying you can avoid a tummy tuck by eating certain supplements. It just isn't true. On a lighter note - even if you need a tummy tuck but don't want one or can't afford one you still have plenty of options. A bit of extra effort with hygiene and a good supportive panty girdle can make you feel comfortable "in your own skin". (Pun intended) Merry Christmas!
   — ronascott

December 18, 2002
How much Real Meals will help depends on the individual person. How it works is it has lean muscle stimulators in it. What this will do is retain all of you lean muscle tissue under your fat. When you lose a large amount of weight your body starts to eat away at your muscle as well. That is shy you sometimes hear people on here say that they are starting to look bony. The idea is you want to lose all of the fat but keep all of that muscle underneath to have a nice toned look. By keeping all of the underlying muscle you end up with less sagging skin. I have been doing Real Meals everyday since I was a couple of weeks post op. I don't need a tummy tuck and my arms and legs are fine to. There are some case studies going on right now to document the effect on a larger number of post ops. I have a lot of stretch marks from having four kids and it still worked for me. I am also 31 years old and started out as a "lightweight" at 268. Someone who starts out at 400 pounds and is older may not have the same results.
   — Linda A.

December 18, 2002
I haven't regularly used ANY protein or other supplements (other than my required 3: calcium citrate, multi vit w/iron, and B12) and I do not need any reconstructive surgery. I lost 100 pounds and am (now) 34 years old. I have found that I am still firming and shifting a little even at 20 months out. I don't believe in any "miracle powder" that people try to sell. The foundation is good nutrition, exercise, and plenty of water. ANYBODY can do that without spending a bundle.
   — ctyst

December 18, 2002
I can't comment on the supplements as I'm pre-op, but I can tell you what a difference weight training has made for me. I already had some loose skin on my stomach and under my arms before I started regular weight training last spring. I still have some of it, but it's much better now. We purchased a Bowflex and use it usually 3-4 times a week. It makes a big difference in my overall appearance. I am actually at a pretty high weight for me (260), but am still wearing the same size I wore at 235 before starting the weight training. I don't know if this will help others post-op, but it sure can't hurt. Also, if possible, try to start while pre-op then you'll already have the habit. I really believe this aspect of exercise is just as important as aerobics. It really helps me with my knee and back problems as well.
   — Carlita

December 18, 2002
I asked that question to the manager at GNC. He said that it would help by keeping more muscle. But he also said that it would work best if you combined it with exercise and some light weights build more muscle. I have been using Real Meals for about 4 months since I saw some people talking about it on this site. My stomach looks better than I expeted. I am not talking about six pack abs but it looks OK. I would never go for a TT.
   — Gary N.

December 18, 2002
I started using Real Meals at about 4 or maybe 5 months post op. I don't think it is a "miracle powder" but I do think it is the most complete supplement I have found. I haven't needed any additional b12 or calcium since I have been taking it. I like it because I started it later and I noticed a big difference in the way that I felt after I started taking it. My energy soared and my hair stopped falling out. So I was probably not getting in enough protein before. I have read their website and I don't think that it has ever been presented as a "miracle powder" Being distal I don't think I would ever get in enough protein without a supplement. As far as sagging skin I still have a little ways to go but my skin is not hanging like some people I know. I wouldn't go as far as to wear a bikini but I also do not need plastic surgery. To find more people taking it why don't you check in the product reviews section, I have seen a lot of reviews in there for Real Meals.
   — Marie I.

December 18, 2002
I've also been told by my doctor and dietician that there is no commercial product that will tighten the skin's elasticity. If I read Linda's post right, there's also no scientific proof that the product she's marketing does anything for elasticity, either. Claiming isn't proving. :) If it's a good protein powder, great! Those are hard to find. Beyond that, I think claims about not needing other vitamin supplements, or firming up sagging skin, should be viewed with skepticism. Caveat emptor -- just because one person has decided to market (not just recommend) a product, and is willing to claim that their success stems from use of that product, does not mean that the product is responsible for that result or will produce the same type of result for others. :)
   — Suzy C.

December 18, 2002
Because of the last post I want to clarify that I do take a multi-vitamin everyday in addition to the shake. I do not need any vitamin b12, extra calcium or iron per instructions from my doctor.
   — Marie I.

December 18, 2002
Thank you, Suzy. A lot of claims are being made here about certain products. Unsubstantiated claims, just like all of the miracle diets/products we were lured by before WLS. I am not saying the Real Meals don't help. But, hearing the claims by someone associated with the company, makes me wonder. Suppposedly, some of the reviews were made by so-called NP or doctors. Looking at the timing was interesting enough to keep me away from the product. And I had planned on trying it! lol I listen to my doctor and will continue to do so.I truly hope that Real Meals does all it claims to. It would be great for the whole community. In the meantime,I take my liquid protein(tastes nasty, but is fast), my vitamins and exercise(well...not as much as I should!lol).<br>Best wishes to all of you.
   — Helenjean P.

December 18, 2002
If you like to use Real Meals as a protein supplement then by all means continue. Whether it will help with sagging skin or hair loss is debateable and in my opinion very doubtful. You will find that some who didn't use Real Meals did not lose hair and did not have a lot of sagging skin. Maintaining muscle tone is not going to do anything for the excess skin covering those muscles. Age, skin tone, how long you were overweight, smoking and time factors all play a role in how much skin you will or will not have. I know a woman who was a size 32 and her arms are great. I was a size 24 and it looks as if I'm about to fly away from here. Please know that there are people here who are marketing these products.
   — Lisa N M.

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