jenn1129

Hi everyone! I am new here.... So trying to get used to navigating.... My name is Jenn and I am 29 years old. I had gastric bypass surgery in Buffalo NY on May 8 2008..... So just a little over 4 years ago. I lost 200lbs in all, but had a slight bounce back...... So my current totally weight loss is 170lbs. I am really satisfied with me decision even though I do suffer from some long term setbacks (which I am sure I will seek advice in other forums). I am married to a caring and loving man for 6.5 years now. He met me at my biggest weight.... And saw me for who I was then. We have a gorgeous daughter together that will be 6 yrs old next month in July. I actually gave birth to her at my heaviest! She is my best accomplishment ever! She is the reason I had this surgery....so I can live a long life. I am also enrolled in online classes with University of Phoenix. I have two classes left and will have earned my Bachelors in Management. I started school only after my surgery as well. That was a huge goal after gastric bypass. I feel like this surgery saved my life.... Not only physically , but mentally too. I look forward to making new friends as I peruse around and join some discussions!

Hi! How are you? Thank you for welcoming me:) When I went in for surgery I was 365lbs. My lowest was 170lbs, but I crept back up to 195 lbs and that's where I have stayed for quite a while now. I really would love to get back to 170....but am finding it impossible to lose these 25/30lbs. I have a chronic pain condition that I was diagnosed with in 2010 called RSD, so exercise is near impossible for me. I can only walk with a cane for 5 minutes here and there. I also can't use my arms for much as my pain condition originated in my left arm. I do make sure that I eat as healthy as possible..... Of course I like a treat here and there:) I cannot eat anything I want. I'm very happy of that because I have friends who have had the surgery and were able to go back to their old ways.... They have regained their weight back. I have to be very limited with sugar. I have to keep a serving of sugar to under 12 grams. I don't eat any cheese at all. Rice seems to upset me, and if I want scrambled eggs I can only eat egg whites. I get violently I'll from the egg yolk. Also, I cannot tolerate fried foods, and if I eat too many carbs or sugar I get dumping syndrome. If I don't dump, my blood sugar levels will go dangerously low. I have learned how to modify many recipes to make them healthier for me (and my family) as well as make them easily digestible. I eat very small meals several times a day. My stomach pouch luckily has not stretched too much. I do suffer from acid reflux and occasional ulcers.... But I take Prilosec daily and it really helps cut back on flare ups.

John..... I am not well versed on the sleeve.... But I have heard the same thing about it as well. Before I decided on laparoscopic RNY I made sure I researched all options. I think every option has its ups and downs.... It is always best to make your decision through plenty of research that you do on your own and with our doctor....and always take plenty of time that way when you are being wheeled into surgery you suffer no doubt. John..... You seem to know a lot..... Have you heard of revisions? I am actually 4 years out with about 30lbs of bounce back weight that I am struggling to lose. I unfortunately cannot exercise. I am limited to 5 minutes of walking a couple times a day. In 2010 I was diagnosed with a debilitating chronic pain condition called RSD. I do make sure I eat well. Even though I am very sedentary I am able to maintain a stable weight at 195lbs......a much healthier me than I was 4 years ago! I used to be 365lbs. I have tried some light movement when I am having better days but my arms are very weak due to my pain condition. That's where it all started.... I have a constant tremor in my left arm. I'd like to learn more about a revision option..... But it's hard to find info..... And I don't even know if a doctor would touch me with 30lbs to go.

@babygirl901... Thank you very much! @lolipop.... Congratulations on your up and coming surgery! your surgery date is one you will never forget.... And you should find a special way to Celebrate that date every year. It is a rebirth! I can't wait to hear how every thing goes for you. Are you having open bypass or laparoscopic? When you wake up don't be afraid to ask for something for pain....but remember its only temporary pain and the outcome is your reward. The first few months will take an emotional toll on you because you are retraining your brain on how to eat differently for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to cry, and lean on people for support. If you don't already have one lined up.... I recommend follow up with a therapist/counselor for the first year to help with all the emotional and physical changes that lie ahead. No one told me this stuff when I went into surgery and I wish I had a mentor that did. I thought I would get thin and all would be right in the world.....but with gastric bypass comes a lot of hard work.....working on yourself! I look forward to getting to know you by the way:) My name is Jenn

I'm glad I can help despite some long term medical problems I have had that were a result from the surgery....... Such as ulcers, and reactive hypoglycemia (which is the opposite of diabetes...... My blood sugar can get dangerously low if I eat the wrong things )...... I'm on a super strict diet........ I wouldn't change a thing! When I was once 365lbs, I was 23yrs old and I couldn't walk, I was always stared at, I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress fractures, horrible depression. I couldn't even properly bond with my daughter when she was an infant..... I couldn't hold her. My husband took care of her. I missed out on so much. I studied this surgery inside and out, from top to bottom, right to left..... Weighed it..... And for me it was the answer. I thank my lucky stars. If you ever have questions.... I can probably answer them. Researching this surgery became my life for over a year. I still research it and try to help others because I believe everyone deserves a life of happiness....... It isn't about the number on the scale..l. It's about your health.

Hi! I'd like to hell clear up some misconceptions of the surgery:). I am 4 years out now. I did lose 200lbs, but had 30lbs bounce back weight. No matter who you are.... About 3 years out you will have bounce back weight. But you can keep it minimal with a healthy diet of lean Protein, low carbs. Drink your Protein shakes and take your multi Vitamins religiously. The surgery is only a tool. Your stomach will never stretch back to full capacity but will eventually stretch to hold one full cup of food. Pre surgery your stomach can hold 32oz which is quite a bit. This is a scary and life changing surgery. But it is worth it. I'm an avid label reader. I also get severe dumping syndrome if I have just a little too much sugar or go over my carb limit for the day. Most stop getting dumping syndrome by two years out and wish it would come back because it is a reminder. I feel blessed that my body will do this to me......it puts me right back on track. But your own success is in the palm of your hands and no one else's. You can keep the weight off forever with hard work and determination.