Since I can remember I have always had skin issues (breaking out and acne- -yuck!). The only thing that has truly worked for me is Mary Kay products. I have tried everything in the name of the book and nothing has cleared me up like Mary Kay. I made the mistake of switching to a different product once as MK products can be expensive but I learned my lesson. Proactiv and none of that crap works.

I dont drink anything but water as it does clear up toxins in our bodies.

You can find someone locally by going to www.marykay.com It is pricey but the results are sooooo worth it.

Out of curiosity are you on BC? That may also have something to do with it as well.

Hope this helps.

No BC i am tied, clipped, and burned...LOL...i never really had an issue like im having now...last week was horrible. I thought the steam room and sauna at the gym would help but it didnt...MK works? I actually bought a cleanser from a coworker who sells it for 5 bucks a week and a half ago, she said it was regularly 20$...It does a good cleaning and my face has cleared up...

ok this might sound weird but if you can tolerate garlic, this kills the bacteria that causes acne. My daughter was prescribed acne medication, and when I read the side effects it could have on her I refused to let her take her prescription. My sister inlaw told me to try gartlic, I was sceptical. But we tried it, she just grated it up and put it in a gel capsule, I know you can't do that but you might not need as much. try it if it is sugery friendly of course, don't know how garlic might sit! Her acne was cleared up in two weeks, and I mean completly!!!!!

MK works...at least it did for me. I used the Acne Treatment Gel, the Basic Blemish Toner (Clear toner), and Acne Control Lotion to Moisturize, the Cleanser I use is the TimeWise (it has a purple line for people who have oily skin). It will take a couple of weeks to work and you will probably see more acne b/c your pores are clearing up but it is awesome. I also do a facial once a week. MK has this microdermabrasion stuff and it'll leave your skin completely flawless. Make sure you use a moisturizer though b/c then you'll end with dry skin. I swear by MK products. If you see my 1st month before/after pic in my profile you will see a significant difference in my complexion. I don't look like a soul food cook...lol and if she's giving it to you at that price you better stock up that is a really great deal.

Im very adamant about taking care of my skin. I refuse to take these little things for granted.

J.Ortiz,
Nice pix...wow that coat was way too big...when was your surgery?

I had surgery on 9/28/10 I have lost (combined preop/postop) -96lbs and 5 dress sizes.

I couldnt even button that coat at all. And I have a picture w/ my son where you can actually tell my arms were super tight in that coat. I was in serious denial.

omg!!! how in the world did you lose sooooo much and I had mine on July 26, 2010 and have only lost 52 pounds....BTW you had yours on my son's birthday :). and I want a pea coat! when i get home i will check out the rest of the pix, im at work sneaking on here lol...anyway, i am having problems downloading pix it always says they are too large, which is crazy...they are taken from an iphone..

Im at work too....lol I started my process in February 2010. I lost most of it preop. Since surgery I have lost -44lbs. I had minor complications after the surgery, issues w/ my blood pressure, asthma and anemia which have resolved. I would rather the weight loss be progressive as it'll give my body time to get adjusted to the changes. I see everyone on here that within the first 2 months have lost 50 + pounds but have decided not to stress on that b/c we all start at different weights, there are great variances w/ the bariatric programs, and so on. As long as I am losing Im game....lol

yeah u r right, it's based on how much fat a person really has i guess and the water they carry...wow u did good pre op...i didnt lose any but they also didn't tell me to either...i don't know why i stress on the weight thing wen im so much healthier n building muscle weekly from my strenious workouts...people are telling me i don't even need to lose anymore that i look so good, but i am not listening to that because my journey just started. they are going to really trip out by summer if they think i am fine the way i am only four months out...

You gotta remember too that when the scale doesnt move you may be losing inches. Muscle also weighs more than fat. My doc's office uses those Tanita scales with the print out. During my preop one month I worked out everyday, journaled absolutely everything, and when they weighed me I was heartbroken. I had gained a 1/2lb. Although I had gained that 1/2 lb my BMI had also dropped significantly. I dont even weigh myself at home anymore- -every couple of weeks maybe. I have been following the program, weighing, and measuring everything, working out, and I feel good. I don't let a number on the scale define me. Although I do have to admit I weighed myself yesterday and this is the first time during the holidays that I have lost weight its always the other way around....lol

My family is the same way. How much more do you want to lose. You look great...blah blah blah...lol Its not a numbers game for me its for my health. I have a gorgeous son and want to be able to enjoy life with him. This summer him and I are going to rock it. Going to the beach ( I did preop but now actually be able to enjoy myself) and do things we didnt do before b/c I had allowed my weight to hold me back.

On a side note- -you are a very pretty girl.

my doc office does too...do u think i should go to them n see what my actual bmi is...that will distinguish actual fat from muscle right? or does it go by the number too? thanks for the compliment, you are very pretty as well :). yes i agree the weight holds us back from alot of things that we would enjoy..i am seeing i can't stay in the house anymore n i use to not want to move from the sofa on the weekends...it's amazing to see a difference almost daily...inside and out, i am just enjoying life now!!!!

Sorry I didnt reply yesterday.

It wouldn't hurt to stop in at the doctor and bring that up. The BMI calculates Body Mass Index (body fat based on height and weight) but that is a percentage. Your nutritionist should be able to review that with you and get that cleared up for you.

I am no longer a home body either. Last weekend while the boys were over watching the football game I was running outside with my 5 year old playing soccer and football. I get fidgety sitting down...lol It is getting pretty cold out here so I'll have to be creative in the things we can do. We should not have to play soccer and football with hats, scarves, gloves, and coats....lol but it was so much fun. We even had some of the neighboring kids come out and play and let me tell you that field is huge. By the time I ran my 8th lap I was done...lol There's no way I would have been able to do that pre-op- -a happy moment brought to you by GBS....lol You can send me messages via e-mail as well or through chat. Im usually around this site.

no problem..i know we all get extra busy...i don't know ur email but i would love to keep up with ur progress and discuss problems that may arise and just for support...mine is monica216@msn.com...holla at me lol! i really need to measure myself bcuz i think that is a better reflection of what is really happening.