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Received a call at 8.30am this morning to be told that I was discussed in last Fridays MDT meeting and was accepted for surgery 🥳🥳🥳 I was then told I would be having a ‘One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass’ - huh?? The nurse repeated herself and I was still none the wiser. She said that she would ask a specialist Bariatric nurse to call me to discuss and would send me the info out. I asked for it to be emailed, which she did. I had a read through and did some more research on the internet, just to familiarise myself with what had been suggested. It’s the mini gastric bypass. The specialist nurse rang me just after 9am and explained that it meant that my ‘pouch’ is slightly bigger then that of a Roux-en-Y bypass and there is only one connection or ‘anastomosis’ which is from the pouch to the bowel. Apparently it’s not as complex with the op taking around 1.5hours and recovery just the same as the normal bypass plus the weight loss is expected to be the same. I was recommended it because of Fibromyalgia and the chronic pain I have with RA and osteoarthritis as it would be easier for me. That made sense, thankfully! The specialist nurse said it was a relatively new procedure to the hospital which is why it wasn’t discussed in any detail at the first education session I attended a few months ago. Fair enough, I’m happy to go ahead with it. The wait is around 4-6 months - oh 😒 I was honest and said that I was concerned about losing focus while I’m waiting and gaining weight once again (we all know how easy that is) She went through everything again with me - 3 meals a day, 20/20/20, use a portion plate if I have one (I do) focus more on my protein etc. She also said that if I do begin to struggle, to contact her and they would fit me in with the dietitian to go through things with me. I felt better for her saying that. I did reiterate that I am happy to take a cancellation. She said they do get cancellations but would have to make sure that I had at least 3 weeks notice to complete the LRD. I’ll be honest and say that I’m really, really hoping that the 4-6 months is on the outside and that the surgery is sooner! I know that whatever will be will be, so just to keep on keeping on. Gym is going well, 3 visits last week and I’m hoping for 3 more this week. I’ve upped my levels and weights and I’m burning around 600-650 cals in around an hour or so workout or so my Apple Watch tells me! I can feel muscle, it just happens to be deeply buried and camouflaged with fat 😮 I tried my smaller sized gym stuff on yesterday and, while I can get it on I wouldn’t say it actually fitted, so a few more pounds to go before I would feel comfortable enough to wear it. I bought a new black trench coat from Costco at the weekend. It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve been able to fit into clothing from there so that was a nice boost. It will definitely last me a reduction of a couple of sizes too. My weight is steady at the moment but I do hope to bring it down a little bit more before I have to do the LRD. Bloods to have taken yet again on Wednesday. If my liver is off this time then they will have to think of something else. I’ve not had my weekly jabs for 7 weeks, I’ve missed my other jab for 4 weeks plus no pain relief for 4 weeks either and it’s all wearing really thin with me now. I’m finding that I’m snapping at hubby because of pain and it’s not fair. The gym is really helping my range of movement but the pain remains. We’re out for belated birthday drinks on Friday (postponed because of blood tests ) and that’s about it. I’ve decided to crack on and make a start on wrapping Christmas presents this week. Thankfully my Christmas shopping is almost finished - hurray for sales! Wishing everyone a happy week 🥰 Onwards and Downwards!

Working out real hunger from these hunger is a major learning for us all. Takes time though to work out which is which. Unfortunately you won’t get proper or true signals about hunger, fullness, etc. until you are fully healed (about 6-8 weeks) cause all of the nerves that were cut during surgery. As someone arise who really ‘ate’ two meals a day in the beginning, I too had that dizziness or wooziness, ensure up you have something before you do anything active. It will help ward if possible hypoglycemia episodes too. You may find too that your blood pressure drops which will make you dizzy, woozie or light headed, doughy in the head, find your vision narrows (lasts a couple of seconds) or at worst you may faint. Try adding an electrolyte powder to your water or take an electrolyte drink with you when you’re more active. It will give you a boost. I found it very helpful. For most people none of these things last once you are eating more regularly, eating a wider range of nutrients and are eating a little more. I’ve always had a tendency to low BP and had random episodes of hypoglycemia. Since surgery they’re more frequent. (The low BP is an every day thing now.)

For me I’m just starting to notice that people treat me differently. People just being nicer and going out of their way to help me in stores. Customers striking up small talk conversations with me WAY more often. It’s just weird. I have always been told that life is a fashion show growing up and I sadly finally admit that it’s true. After losing all my weight for the sleeve quickly, gaining it back and now loosing again with the revision I am seriously not imagining this. Some people are just that superficial…a lot actually. It breaks my heart for the heavier me and other obese people.

Medically, everything is fine! Just looking for something more substantial in the Stage 2/liquid Stage. I found puréed soup bases are tasty. Two more days and I will be able to eat soft foods. I’m excited about getting to eat eggs! Lol I’m glad to know there is someone on here my age. How is it with you today?

Yes - I have that. Or at least that is what my physician thought after I had occasional symptoms like that and they couldn't find anything else wrong with me (had the workup about four years ago). She said to eat something about every three hours - preferably a protein or something paired with a protein. It works - I rarely have those symptoms any more. P.S. any kind of protein is fine - even a thing of yogurt.

GOOD MORNING , MINE IS 10/29 AND I HAD MY PRE OP THURSDAY AND THEY HAVE ME ON A LEAN AND GREEN DIET IS WHAT THEY CALL IT HERE AT THE HOSPITAL , BASICALLY NO FAT OR SUGARS AND STUFF, MY LIQUID DIET STARTS AFTER SURGERY .

Two Big Wins today. First I reached 50 pounds loss today but more importantly I reached a goal in my flex-ability. When I started Yoga I could barely reach past my knees if I’m being honest. The teacher suggested that I get some yoga blocks which are shaped like big wide bricks but made of foam. Well after a few tries of breathing deeper I was able to reach it just barely to touch my fingertips when it was up tall ways. I went from that to being able to do my flat hand on there to this morning where I can finally touch it with it turned down on its side the shorter way. Just with my fingertips and only after a few tries so I am a long ways from the floor still but considering it’s only been like a month I am pretty ecstatic to have improved that much. Now I need to add in something to work on my arm strength. Some of the poses take a lot more strength than I have to support my body weight.

Tastes like every other chocolate with fruit 🤣 I suspect i am just not a fan of prickly pear

A basic tomato sauce for pasta. 2 onions chopped, 4 cloves of garlic crushed, or 1 tablespoon out of a jar, 2 tins of chopped tomatoes [ we have 400gm tins in the Uk, 10 ounces ] 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano. 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Salt and pepper. Pinch of sugar Fry the onion slowly in the oil, you do not want much colour on it. When its slightly translucent you can add the garlic and the other ingredients. Simmer gently for about 30 minutes. You can blitz this sauce smooth or leave it chunky. Add your seafood to this basic sauce, clams and mussels only take a few minutes to cook. To make this recipe your own, you can add to the basic tomato sauce. Add chopped mushrooms to the pan after the onions have cooked and then follow the basic recipe and you have a fab meatball sauce when blitzed Add chilli flakes and a few anchovies to the cooked onions and your tomato sauce is going heaven wards when chopped olives and a few capers are added at the end. Find a no nonsence cook you like, I like Nigella Lawson, she is all about flavour and easy to do for busy people. Stick to their recipes. Looking at more than one persons recipes does confuse and cloud the issue.

Your weight loss journey is so inspiring! I can't even imagine myself being skinny right now—it feels like every time I look in the mirror, I still see the same person or even feel bigger sometimes. But hearing your experience gives me hope. I can't wait to fast forward to six months post-op and see where I’ll be. I know it’s a long process, but stories like yours make it feel possible!