Leaderboard

So, my blood pressure is plummeting! To the point of passing out. I had HBP before surgery and on meds. It has slowly been going down. My PCP had me cut my meds in half, still too low. Took me off all meds and now even lower. It was so low yesterday that I couldn't even get a reading on my home BP cuff, but my wife took hers and it was normal. (mainly to make sure the cuff was working) When I finally got a reading about 20 minutes later it was 83/54, then it goes back to normal around 115/75... I am waiting for my doctors office to open this morning to see what he says and likely go in. I haven't been seen since before surgery. I went for a walk yesterday and got about a mile from home, and had to get a UBER home because I was to the point of passing out. It happened just while doing nothing to so I don't think it is activity related. It is making me so frustrated! It is always something, you make changes to get healthy and then other bull crap arises! Just venting

I know that many of us were taught to not waste food and of course we should try not to but sometimes it’s just not avoidable. If you can pack lunch and dinner and that works out better for you that’s great but give yourself permission to waste a little if it works better too. You are on vacation and you should be enjoying yourself. If there are not any smaller options available and you can’t share with Anyone else then just eat what you can and leave the rest. And remember, you aren’t really wasting money, You are investing in your health which will save you money in the long run. can you eat salad? A lot of times when I am out with another person who won’t eat their entire meal, I will just order a side salad and have a small piece of their protein. Alot of times there are two sides and you can choose a side salad for one of them with a slight up charge. Then I will have a shake for a snack if I didn’t get enough protein that day. Just depends on how you tolerate lettuce. Or can you order a side of veggies and just have a bite or two off of your families plates? If not, just know that whatever you have to do it’s gets easier the further out you get. Try not to stress too much about it though. Enjoy yourself.

Congratulations on a successful surgery so far! Are you supplementing for protein ? You may feel more satisfied if you increase protein. Carbs sometimes can make you hungrier. It may help to eat separately from your family for a while. It could be really helpful if you eat before you prepare your family’s meals so you are full and no longer tempted to eat off plan. Also please if you can help it, don’t eat off plan this early post op especially if solids aren’t allowed yet.

I know! I felt like such a fat ass having to UBER home so close. haha But, you could clearly look at me and see that something was wrong. I was white as a ghost and soaked in sweat, breathing super heavy. I am mostly worried about driving.. I definitely do not want to pass out behind the wheel.

Welcome to the forums! Being nervous is completely normal. I'm pretty sure everyone feels this way, but it's an exciting journey at the same time. Best wishes!

I have an arthritic back and a bum knee so walking long distances is difficult for me without a rollator or cane. This is how I get my exercise when I'm not at the YMCA pool. "Alinker" walking tricycles are powered by our feet, not pedals or motor. I try to do at least a mile or more daily--on pavement, not gravel! My cat often runs with me around my neighborhood and my friend's little dog sometimes runs with her or rides in her basket. I’ve had mine for almost two years. I got mine before I started my weight loss journey even though I was well over the recommended weight limit. At first I could only go about 50 feet and my heart would be pounding and I’d be short of breath. There is a steep learning curve. In the beginning they are NOT EASY to ride. but people with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, amputations & paralysis can use them successfully. I decided so can I! Now I can go 2 1/2 miles at one time but usually go about a mile. I tend to run rather than walk on the level but it's hard work to go up hills! I can go up moderate rises, but if the hill is steep I stand up and walk it or get off and push it. It gets easier with practice. I rode two miles today including a couple of hills. It’s a lot of fun, especially when my cat runs with me. My friend and I are planning to run a 5k next spring with the trikes. I haven't traveled with mine yet but my friend has. She rides hers right up to the jetway at airports and gate-checks it. Alinkers are mobility devices and are permitted anywhere wheelchairs can go. Unfortunately, they are expensive, about $2600 in the US, but they do have a rent-to-own and crowdfunding programs. Sometimes used ones can be found on eBay and elsewhere. A good 2-wheel bicycle is expensive, too, and electric ones are even more pricey. For more information visit the website at alinker.com and Alinker on YouTube. They have a member-only Facebook page also.

Thank you all for sharing. Reading the comments has been more helpful. I lost a lot of weight on my face particularly mid face volume. I am not near my target goal yet but I was looking tired and haggard. I got botox and dermal fillers recently and it made such a difference. It's subtle and I am very happy with the results. My injector was mindful to inject in a way that he could build on gradually. I have not had dermal fillers or botox before.

BS in Economic Financial Crime with a certificate in Fraud Detection and Prevention. I already work as a Financial Crime Investigator for the last 18 years, but I've gone as far as I can without a degree, so now it's time to just get it done.

It might be helpful to remember what a true keto diet is vs. what diet culture makes it out to be. A TRUE keto diet simply means eating few enough carbohydrates that your body enters ketosis where it is no longer using glucose as its primary fuel source. It is NOT inherently a high fat, meat only diet. That is what diet culture has turned it into. There are lots of vegetarians who follow a healthy, whole foods based ketogenic diet. Additionally, the amount of carbs that allow ketosis will vary WIDELY from person to person so unless you are testing regularly, you won't really even know if you are truly in ketosis or not. Now, that being said, most surgeons will say that WLS patients eat a keto diet simply because your primary focus will be protein and your intake will be so low that by virtue of the volume and type of foods you'll be eating you'll be in ketosis. Immediately post-op, you won't be able to eat enough beans (or anything else for that matter) to get in your full protein requirement, let alone extra grains & veggies on top. That is not, however, a requirement (generally speaking) nor is it permanent. Over time, as you're able to eat more food and a wider variety, you'll very likely see your carbohydrate intake increase. I would say, it may be helpful to revisit the conversation with the surgeon and/or dietitian to ensure they understand your needs as a vegetarian and that they are able to support you and tailor the post-op diet to your needs. If they can't or won't then it may be helpful to consult with another surgeon. Ultimately, being HEALTHY post-op is the primary concern and that requires eating a metric crap ton of protein. Can you do that as a vegetarian? Absolutely! But it will require extra support and possibly some creativity and flexibility on your part. Best of luck to you!

I don't think most Drs believe in the stalls. I'm so dreading my next weigh in. 🥴