My surgeon didn't even bother to test--he offered me a prescription for pills or a monthly B12 shot. I opted for the injection and have been taking it since January. I feel great and my tests have all been normal.

I spoke to my WLS doctor yesterday about Plastic Surgery. They said I had to wait until at least 1 year out to make sure my weight loss has stabilized. I know a couple of people who have had "tummy tucks" done; and they are very happy with it. They even lost about 5 more lbs with the excess skin removal. They were both about 14 months out. My WLS Doc said insurance is pretty quick with the approval because of the rashes and skin irritations that can occur. Havn't had a rash yet; but I do know our support group said a rash will help with insurance approval. mark g.

Just wondering if anyone has started looking into plastic surgery yet. What have you experienced. Also is anyone else experiencing a rash in their Panni/abdomen where it overhangs? What has your PCP prescribed for you? Hope everyone has a great weekend.

When I first started this process 2 of my vanity goals were to be a size 8 and weigh 150lbs. Based on my height I figuted the 2 would happen at the same time, if they happened. Well I am 7 1/2 months post op, have lost 144 lbs. (last time I weighed was 7/22) which puts me at 170 and I am now a SIZE 8!!!!!!!!!!!! I still want to lose another 20 lbs so it looks like if I do reach my goal I may get down to a size 6!!!! Everyone who knows me will know this is a crazy thing for me since I have never in my entire teenage or adult life been smaller than a 14w. Melissa

I was afraid I wasn't going to lose my usual 10 pounds this month but then I lost 4 pounds in 3 days to make the monthly total 11 pounds! I am now 9 months out and weigh 185--I have lost 132 pounds, or 79% of my excess weight. My goal is 160 pounds, which would be 94% of my excess weight. At this rate I should be there in another 2-3 months. I am so lucky--through this whole process I have never had a plateau (defined as no loss of pounds OR inches for more than two weeks), and I have never had to diet. I was curious yesterday as to my calories and wanted to make sure I was getting enough protein so I went to Fitday.com to put in my food for the day--it was a typical day's intake for me--I had taken in 2,536 calories, with 100 grams of protein, 60 grams of carbohydrate, and the rest as fat. Never would I have believed I could eat 2,500 calories a day and lose weight! Of course, I take in 80-100 ounces of water a day as well and exercise 4-5 times a week, and I avoid sugar and limit carbs most of the time...but if I really want a treat I have one! No deprivation here! I love the DS! I have also dropped a total of 83.25 inches, including 17 inches off my bust, 17.25 inches off my waist, 18 inches off my hips, 9 inches off each thigh, and 7 inches off each upper arm. I am a whole different person--when I look at my face in the mirror I don't even look like me anymore (I look too good!) This is worth every penny I had to self-pay and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Hurrah! Carolyn DS 11/03/03 317/185