Begin Again

Joebravo- I'm wondering if you were really bullied while being overweight? The reaction you describe in your last post points to a lot of hurt and anger. The words you chose seem intentionally hurtful. No judgement, this seems like it might be part of your process, but I would suggest counseling to work through all of this. Weight loss can be very triggering and a healthier perspective might be focusing less on the reactions or problems of others and more on your own personal well being and happiness.

I was just having this conversation with Mom. I think you were very brave for sharing, knowing that some people would understandably react very strongly. I don't hate fat people, I still am one. However, what I do have a hard time with is watching people eat in such huge quantities. It literally makes me nauseous to watch. Interestingly, this was one of the things I expected to miss the most. My problem has always been with quantities. I could not be tempted with one cookie, because I knew that wouldn't satisfy me, I only wanted ALL of the Cookies, the whole bag. Nothing less even tempted me. Fast forward only two short months and I hate eating out now because the over consumption is gross to me. I don't want to do it and I don't want to watch others do it. I don't see this as being hypocritical because for me, it is a physical, guttural reaction. I don't judge these people and I am very aware of where I came from. However, I can see where this could grow into an avoidance of spending time with people who over consume simply to avoid my own physical discomfort. It actually reminds me of the ways in which trauma memories are stored in the brain, with the strong physical and emotional responses easily triggered. Someone needs to do some research on this.

I'm becoming very frustrated and wondering if I have some kind of metabolic issue. I'm 5 1/2 weeks Post op and I find that on days that I don't exercise I gain 1 pound. I am following all of my nutritionist's guidelines (and what I've learned on here). I am aiming for 60 grams of Protein per day and only eat carbs that come in my low fat, no sugar added greek yogurt (I eat Dannon light and fit which only has 80 calories per day). I eat three small meals and stick to around 300-500 calories per day. I am losing, I try to exercise daily for an hour, but in reality it generally ends up being 3 days a week. I know that I need to be better about that. However, I weigh 274 and at this weight and the limited calories it seems like I should be losing even if I don't exercise. Curious what you all think?

I'm about 6 1/2 weeks out and though I initially lost as I had expected, 30 pounds in 5 weeks. I have stalled for the last 1 1/2 - 2 weeks even though I am following the plan to the T. It's so frustrating, but eventually the weight will start moving again, it has to. I think the biggest struggle for me is to keep the faith and stick to the plan even though I am not seeing results as fast as I would like. I think you've been given some really great advice and it's helped me too. Just know you are not alone.

Lakelandgirl, Thanks for responding. You are probably right, I don't know why I had not considered that. I have been pushing myself really hard and sweating a lot.

I'm sorry that you are going to have another surgery so close to your bypass, that must be really hard. I had my Gallbladder removed at the same time as my bypass and I am so happy to have it gone! I had horrible lower back pain that I had attributed to my being overweight. It was like a miracle. I wasn't able to stand for more than 1-2 minutes and even that amount was painful. Now, not only can I stand, I can also walk for an hour. As soon as the gallbaldder was gone, so was the pain.

I'm sorry you are struggling, you are not alone. I'm 5 1/2 weeks post op and didn't experience much pain. But I'm a lap band to bypass revision patient and I did have pain with the removal of the lap band, it stinks, but it is temporary. Pain contributes to feelings of depression. I was extremely exhausted and had some serious brain fog that I contribute to the effects of anesthesia. In fact, I still don't feel 100 % in those areas, but I keep reminding myself that too will pass. I can really relate to the regret, my doctor says no spicy food for six months and I keep wanting some sriracha or jalapenos. He also said no rice for 5 years and I don't even like rice, but I mourn that too. I think all of these feelings are normal, part of the mental battle that the surgery forces us to face.

I had my surgery in the states and my doc's orders are 3 weeks liquid followed by three weeks blended.

Thin-for-kidney- my husband did the same thing, I listened to his concerns and decided to go forward with the surgery. I don't know what's the best decision for you, but just know what you are both feeling is normal.

Thank you for all your replies about hospital weight gain. That makes me feel a lot better, another 5 disappeared today, fingers crossed the last 5 will be gone tomorrow. Jkpizano5, glad to hear you made it through fine and are feeling OK. I'm still gassy too but the Gas-X strips do seem to help. My doc said I could take them but he didn't think they would make a difference. Maybe it's all in my head, but it feels like they do.

I came home from the hospital on Friday, so 2 1/2 days on IV fluids. I have been meeting my daily required, walking, water, protein and vitamin and nothing else. I've gained 15 pounds!!! They told me it was normal but I haven't seen anyone else mention gaining. I have lost 5 of it, but still holding on to 10, please tell me I'm about to see a crazy huge drop!

I made it out fine. It was a little more painful than when I had my band surgeries because I also had gall bladder removed. I feel like I would have been up and fine the day after surgery if not for a killer headache. Turns out it was a reaction from the pain meds. I was also having difficulty keeping my oxygen levels up so they sent me home with oxygen to be used at night with my CPAP. Now I'm wondering if that's a result of the medication as well. I will follow up with my doc about that this week.

No turning back now!!!

I go in tomorrow, I'm having the Gastric Bypass. I'm starting to get nervous. Anyone else going in tomorrow?

I have a similar story. I've had my band taken out and will have my RNY surgery this coming Wednesday. I'm wishing I could fast forward through to a month from now and be post recovery. Good luck!

I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been reading the forum and have found it really helpful. I will be having the Gastric Bypass surgery on the 21st. I've started the liquid diet today. I love the success stories, I was not successful with the band, it slipped and it leaked and was never restrictive. I worry the Bypass won't work for me either but am hopeful. It seems from reading here that the keys to success are exercise, Water and Protein. I have a sedentary job and when not working, I am studying (also sedentary). I am very out of shape and just not capable of doing even the most basic exercise programs. I'm wondering if anyone has tips on how they came from being very sedentary, out of breath and sweating over minimal physical activity to 45 minutes a day of physical activity. My daughter wants me to do a 5k in August with her, it's a color run so not really a race. I think it's possible.

Anaxila- Thank you so much for your supportive message. You definitely don't sound like a self-nominated expert but rather a fellow passenger on this journey sharing your honest experience. I hope to be able to repay the favor someday. It's nice to know that I'm not traveling this road alone. Congratulations on your weight loss!

Thank you Anaxila, your suggestions are very helpful! I'm 42, our profiles are very similar. I haven't heard of the DVDs you suggested I'll check them out. I'm planning on going to the Y, I just have to get over the intimidation factor of the whole bathing suit thing. It's been such a cycle for me of gaining weight and wanting to isolate because of my appearance which contributes to my weight gain and on and on. I'm ready to step off of this ride!

Our surgery dates are a little over two weeks apart and goals are similar. I'm glad to hear you are doing well as far as pain goes. I'm wondering what kind of Protein you are using.

Thanks for sharing your story, congratulations on your success. I know many of us have lost only to regain prior to getting surgery. I think you offer some good advice, to get to the underlying issues and the "why" of weight gain. I'm sorry you are struggling, but happy that you are seeking help and thankful that you are reaching out to help all of us.

I'm excited to be here and to find others going through the same experience. I have met with Dr. Valentine in Meridian, Idaho and have begun checking off my requirements to be eligible for the surgery. I am 140 pounds overweight and have struggled my entire life, I was always chunky maybe 20-60 pounds overweight depending on the time period. However, 11 years ago, after the birth of my twins my weight gain really skyrocketed. I have consistently been 100-140 pounds overweight since that time. I have dieted (many times) and done really great, getting down to 50 pounds from my goal weight only to put every single pound + back on. I have decided that I am unable to do this on my own and need help. I understand that I will still need to put in a lot of effort and that the band is just a tool. My hope is to have the surgery by the end of January or early February. I look forward to sharing my experience and to reading about those of others. SuBandy

I had my sleep study at the Idaho Sleep Health center in Boise by the mall. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and had to go back for another study to see how the Cpap machine. I have been using the machine for a couple of months now and love it. I was having chest pains prior to getting the machine and they have completely gone away. My insurance is pretty good and I ended up paying about 1,100-1,200 out of pocket total for both sleep studies and for the Cpap machine and doctor's appointment. If you have any questions about my experience I would love to answer them. Wanted to add that that it looks like our surgery dates (mine isn't scheduled yet, but I'm hopeful for end of Jan-Feb) may be around the same time. Which doctor are you considering? I think I am going with Dr. Valentine, I attended Dr. Anderson's seminar as well. The most important difference for me between the two is that Dr. Anderson requires weight loss prior to surgery and Dr. Valentine does not. SuBandy