Redoableme

Hello friends! My story is a little long, so thanks for taking the time to read it! I received a GB in Dec 2012 because I had kidney disease and I needed a transplant. The Dr's told me they wouldn't do it unless I lost 100 lbs. I was at 317 lbs then. A year later I had lost about 140 lbs and I was listed on the waiting list. The goal was to get a transplant before I needed dialysis, but it didn't work out that way. I started dialysis at home at 187 lbs (but it added about 500 cals a day against my will) in 2015 and when I got the call that there was a kidney for me two years later, I had gained 50 lbs. The morning of the surgery I weighed 236. The next morning I gingerly got on the scale and weighed 258!!! Of course my first question was to ask how heavy was the kidney! Most of it was fluid, of course, but they had pumped me full of steroids before, during, and after the surgery to avoid rejection and that contributed to the gain. That was 2 months ago. I'm now at 250, down just 8 lbs. Yes, I'm still on steroids but they are slowly lowering the dose as I progress. My new kidney is doing awesome and I'm feeling better every day! I've been given the green light to start walking and doing some light core strengthening exercises since my abdominal muscles are pretty much shot right now. I'm walking a collective mile every day, but I'm having trouble with my diet. My bypass still works well, I stop when I'm full, and my portions are still small. My issue is that the prednisone makes me want to eat more so I find myself grazing a lot. I try to opt for healthy foods, but it doesn't seem to be making much of a dent in my weight. I saw my wls surgeon this week and he's not worried at all. He said my weight will fluctuate the first year so not to worry. Easy for him to say, he can fit all of his clothes! My goal right now is to just get back to my pre-transplant weight so I don't freeze this winter. I can't wear sun dresses much longer! Thanks for reading my story! I'm hoping that reading your stories will motivate me to continue working on my goals!

Thanks for the diet suggestion! I used to eat 2 eggs every morning but since transplant they don't agree with me and my new meds. It seems everything reacts differently with my body now, so I'm trying things as if they're brand new now. Fresh veggies are hit and miss, but I'm good when they're cooked. Right now my breakfast is just a 1/2 cup of bran cereal with almond milk. Lunch is something like a bean and cheese burrito or grilled cheese on oat wheat bread, and dinner is usually a few oz of protein and 1/2 cup of veggies. Snacks are things like yogurt, low carb chips and salsa, unsalted sunflower seeds, pistachios, and tons of water. I'm still trying new things so that will change I'm sure. Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for your motivation! Unfortunately I don't look like that anymore, but I plan to, hopefully in the near future! Good luck with your surgery! Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for the encouragement! It sounds like you've been through a lot, too! I hope you're doing well! Thankfully I don't have a specific diet to follow at this point, just a heart healthy one. So how did you beat the prednisone battle?? Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm still pretty anemic (kidney disease does that) so every other week or so it seems I'm just devoid of energy. But on those days when I do have energy I go walking. The time and distance varies based on my energy level but I make sure I get it in there. If I'm not able to walk I fill two tall water bottles up with water and lift them like dumb bells. If the weather isn't right for walking I youtube some walking videos and do them indoors. Leslie Sansone has some great ones! This is the one I started out doing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBgB_cqDiXs The first mile is at a slower pace and the second mile is faster. I started off just doing the first and moved on to the second mile as my energy bounded and the weight came off. Oh! I also try to do leg lifts while I'm laying down, watching tv, etc. Sometimes after walking I feel like a Barbie that's had her legs ripped off and stuck back on again so I make sure I stretch real good when I'm having down time. I hope this helps! We're all rooting for you!!

Hey Everyone! It's been awhile since I've given you all an update but I thought I'd check in. I'm currently down 91lbs, with 50 to go til goal. I'm happy to say that my dr is weaning me off of my blood pressure meds finally, and the majority of the pills I take now are vitamins!! I'm still not counting calories or any food at all, just making sure I eat lots of protein and hardly any carbs. With my body adjusting to the changes in my kidneys (they've gotten a little better!) I can drink more fluids now, so I'm focusing more on getting in as much water as I can. The hardest thing for me is still not drinking with my meals. I usually take a sip or two after I eat to rinse my mouth out, but sometimes that leads to more. I gotta curb that! Exercise-wise, I still don't get in as much as I'd like, although my energy level is starting to come back now that I'm taking regular epogen shots for my anemia. I'm up to walking 2 miles at a time when I do now, and next week I'm going to start running... maybe lol I'm very concerned about my "top shelf" bouncing around and hurting, even though I've invested in really good sports bras. My husband is verrrrrryyy happy with the curves I have now and can't seem to keep his hands off of me lol He didn't really seem to care if I lost the weight or not in the beginning but he's obviously glad I did! lol I hope you all are doing wonderfully and are enjoying your new lives! Hi5's & Hugs all around!!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and well wishes. The gum swelling is going down but the jaw is still in a lot of pain. I have upgraded from apple sauce to protein laced jello. Gonna try some pintos and cheese for dinner. I swear this is like starting all over again! I know we aren't supposed to use them, but straws have become my best friend!

This week I've been suffering from an abcess on my gums that seems to have spread to my jaw. I went 2 days of having nothing but life water because that's the only thing I could tolerate warm, and then today I've had some applesauce. As a result I've lost 7lbs in 3 days. While I absolutely love the loss, something tells me that I should expect to see them back when this is all said and done. Your thoughts? I am on pain meds and antibiotics but for now no one will see me until all the swelling has gone down.

I suppose you can say I've turned into a lurker since I read the posts daily but rarely chime in. Life keeps me busy these days! I'm very proud of all of us not just for working our tool, but for using this forum as a support tool as well. I feel like I know all of you personally! Lol! My progress is going great. I had to stop tracking daily because I was becoming obsessed. I realize it's best for me to just live consiously and listen to my body rather than worry about numbers. I haven't had a stall since either! I can tell the days I don't eat right because I only lose ounces. Otherwise I'm losing about 3-4 a week. No complaints here! Hw 317 Sw 309 Cw 252 My hw was right before liquids so it all counts to me. 65 lbs gone forever!!! <3

I drink decaf daily. I put my crushed meds in it. I asked my son to make some for me over the weekend and he accidentally made caffinated. It gave me a slight tummy ache but other than that I've had no problems with coffee. I use sugar free creamer and splenda. Enjoy!

I went to Burger King the other day and got their veggie burger with no bun. It was delish! It comes in a container so you have to use a knife and fork but you can get it with lettuce, tomato, etc. Took me about an hour to eat it lol

All of these UTI's have me very concerned. I even have a friend who hasn't had the surgery that is suffering from this, too. I'm thinking my saving grace right now is that I add sf cranberry juice to my tea in the morning and night every day. I'm praying for all of you to get some relief from this discomfort quickly! On another note, I got the all clear from my dr and nut to eat as I please (as long as my pouch is happy) and work out as I want! I'm about 9 weeks out and 50 lbs down. Just wanted to share a little good news

So glad to hear you made it through!! Have you tried yelling at the top of your lungs (if you can) They'll rush right in then! Or you can always call from your phone. Hope you get some relief soon!

Try some black tea with a little ginger in it. When I had surgery before, they gave me that in the hospital to help with nausea and it worked. I give it to my kids when their little tummy's hurt too. Feel better soon!

I'm in the same situation as you are Shaunda but I'm pre-dialysis. It's even harder when you have that extra pressure on you to lose quickly, but I try not to focus on it because it WILL stress you out and that's even worse! If you need someone to talk to feel free to message me.

I'm 6 wks out and I crush twice a day. I've heard too many stories of pills getting stuck so I've decided to keep crushing til they take me off of the meds. Vites are small enough but some others are huge. Just easier to do them all, plus I mix them in my tea so it helps with liquids too.

Southern had some major problems during her surgery so she's still dealing with complications from that. It's wonderful to hear that you're still pushing forward Southern! Don't give up, you're going to be even MORE beautiful when you're all healed! Count on it!! Always praying for your (and everyone elses!) successful journey!!

I'm a month out and I start to belch when I'm getting full. Don't know how long that feeling lasts but it's quite helpful! Does anyone know?

My nut likes almond milk too. It's also good for my kidneys. My fitness pal is ReDoableMe I'm so very happy for this group! It's like we're finally getting it and growing up a little bit with our journeys! Thank you ALL for being here and being so supportive, even those who just lurk! I truly appreciate your "cheers" this morning for my loss!! Huggggssss!!!