brandnewme

I feel for you and will be watching this thread with interest Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks, will save you a fortune! Also, check the Next outlet site great to pick up a bargain especially when buying a season behind.

Was wondering how everyone is doing? Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

Well done, you look fantastic!! Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

There are many people in my family that do not know either and my op was Feb 2013! Just didn't want any negative vibes as I had previously (many times) lost and gained right back. In fact I think some were waiting for the gaining, waiting to say....told you! Determine not to give them the satisfaction Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, hope everyone is doing OK? Being a few years further along than you guys, i just wanted to share! As your time goes on you pouch (so I've been told) relaxes/stretches/heals my appetite has increased. I am now on meal replacement drinks I got from Asda, I went for the vanilla and it's lush! Only £4 for a pack of 10 sachets and currently on promotion 2 boxes for £7. I will stay on them for week or so - well that's the plan.... Need to feel like I'm back in control especially on the protein front. I've made a batch of chilli and put in the freezer as that's my all time fav food. When I know i'm struggling with keeping up with protein I will have a small batch for breakfast! By doing the drinks for a bit it's like a reboot as I still have my fat head on. I did join Slimming World for a while but didn't feel welcome as there was a click going on. On the application form there a box to tick if you have had weight loss surgery. I will continue to follow the principal from home and will put the money in a jar that I would have spent going to the meetings. At Paddington there was only 2 years aftercare and then if no complications you are discharged from Clinic, so much of the information I've got was found online or after speaking to someone that had the operation same day as me as we've become great friends. Take care and remember it's all about the protein xx

Long post alert.... I'm in Birmingham, had my operation in London, St Mary's, Paddington in Feb 2013. Started off at 20st got down to about 11st 8lb but looked too thin and always felt like I had a cold coming, weak and tired all the time. Am now just under 13st got my curves back, and don't feel shattered all the time, I'm in a happy place now. After the op I didn't feel that anything had been done as I had no pain, didn't need painkillers and everyone else that had the op in the ward was doubled up in pain and couldn't leave their beds. At St Mary's they had some funding as the offset was paying dividends due to me for example being on 5 types of blood pressure medication to now only being on 2.5mg water retention tablet every other day as still get slightly swollen ankles. In addition I have 30mg Lansoprazol antacid tablet every day also a centrum multi vitamin am lucky as my GP gives me them on prescription. What are you taking? The whole process for me was very quick was referred by my GP November 2012 got letter for a group presentation New Year Eve as all types of surgery are presented. Then I got an appointment for mid January 2013 where everything was done... X-rays, blood tests, talking to doctor and anethantist. That day was given my surgery date of 8th February. Had to do a pre-surgey diet I opted for low carbs. Loads of people did slim fast, I didn't want to feel deprived. I lost 15lbs in the 2 weeks. Food side was difficult to get my head around initially as someone​ loves food I totally skipped the purée stage and made lentil soups and blended down and had whenever I felt hungry and to keep my protein levels up. Can recommend a book called weight loss surgery for dummies Google it as there is a PDF copy online. I'm at the stage can eat most things but have to stop myself from overindulgence. Often said that your stomach is size of an egg. I queried this and was told for me was bigger as I didn't have as much to lose as some patients. Was glad was told this as I constantly kept seeing and egg and I are more than the size of an egg so thought I had an eating disorder! Over time my pouch has relaxed and stretched a bit, was told it would after your body repairs after the surgery. Meaning that now it has to act as a tool. I can have one food this week and next week can't stand smell. If I get a metallic taste in my mouth I have to get to a toilet... quickly! That's my trigger for throwing up. Has your hair thinned a bit, mine has but took a couple years to recover, I was told to have more protein. Often ask if I regret having done, for me I regret not having it sooner! Did look at having it done private at Dolan Park in Worcester had an appointment saw doctor etc but changed my mind after reading reviews online and getting a hard sales pitch from the assistant, I felt uncomfortable. So went back to see my GP and that time the funding had been approved. One tip though, hold off buying clothes...I found that I'd skip a size and got expensive. I would buy stuff from charity shops, jumble sales, hand me downs from friends etc. I went from size 22/24 have been down to size 10 M&S skirts but now a happy size 14 tend to wear slightly bigger top as don't like a snug fit. Hope info has been of help to you? It's a great journey and I'm learning every day.... Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, I'm from UK, Midlands. Had a bypass a few years ago so a lot further along than you. Happy to help with any questions you may help, but as I have no medical training can only give my own opinion or personal experiences. Sent from my CUBOT MAX using BariatricPal mobile app

Well done you look AMAZING! Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Good luck Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I read a book called weight loss surgery cookbook for dummies fantastic reference book with loads of recipes for every stage of the journey. I did get a booklet from my surgeon but very basic. The net and of course here was a great help. Everyone is different so it will be hit and miss until you settle into your routine, good luck! Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Hello I am ok thanks, not going to lie this has been a challenge. Have put on a little bit of weight as over time I have been able to eat more. Of late I have been eating 1 main meal a day when I get home (am lucky with my current job I'm home by 4.15pm) when I do feel like having Breakfast it can be porridge, or leftovers of chicken, ham even chilli - small portions. Have been more focused lately and resist all the usual temptations in a large office. During the day may sip on a Protein shake and mainly Water. In a week I've dropped 7lbs but believe mainly water weight as ankles less bloated. With Christmas looming I'm dreading it, and will have to make sure things don't get out of hand, usually means giving the illusion of eating more as people always ensure everyone is eating up! Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Please could you count me in! Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

For me it was about breaking the cycle, I pushed past that thought to be honest as every year I was at least 10 pounds heavier and taking more medication. I was a ticking time bomb. Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

How is everyone doing? I have been off grid for a while, determined to participate more. Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Hello, everything gone really quickly for me based in the UK - having my operation in London but now live in the Midlands. Saw my doctor early December of last year and he referred me to the Hospital. My appointment came through for New Years Eve, had a follow up appointment Jan 17th where I was given my operation date of Feb 8th. I know so many people have to wait so long before the op my health authority now are convinced with the benefits - fingers crossed I will be off all my meds in due course. Pre-op diet was low carb, no shakes. I can't wait for the "brandnewme". Will update when I can....... Take care all....

Hello from Birmingham - originally from London. Had my op at St Mary's in Paddington (gastric bypass) Feb 2013. What op did you have and how you finding it so far?

Curious to know portion sizes for meals. I know everyone is different and pouch sizes differ. For me I need a warm drink before facing any breakfast which now is usually meat sometimes 2oz chilli. Lunch will be about 200 ml soup with some crackers. Dinner the other day was a boil in the bag piece of cod and a yogurt. I keep away from snacks and just fill up on water. As it is quite cold now I have recently boiled water rather than cold goes down a lot easier.

Even now at just after 3 months out my eating is still very hit or miss. In the mornings I can't think of having anything at all until I've had a hot drink even if it's warm water with lemon in it or could be a coffee. Sometimes during the day I completely forget to eat because I try and make sure that I get as close to my 60oz quota of water during the day. I sip all day long and I think this will have an impact on how much you can eat as the water does fill you up also.

Weather permitting I am out on my bike all the time! I've noticed that since my weight loss the cycling is much easier and I can cycle further. I don't go mad but make sure I go steady and am gone for a few hours. Instead of going in the car I get my bike and run errands. It's given me such a new lease of life and it's great!

Hello I had my surgery Feb 8th and can't remember when my Dr said I could resume cycling, will ring them on Monday to double check. Was wondering how far out people were before they resumed their exercises? Have you now changed your routine and find a different exercise to benefit you more? I'm now getting a bit bored with walking and can't wait to get back on my bike as I can go further distances and time seems to fly by.

Hello, I'm from Birmingham but had my op in St Mary's Paddington. The diet I had was a low carb one for 2 weeks no more than 100g of carbs a day. I was so focused and managed to lose 15lbs in the 2 weeks. After the op I couldn't drink semi-skimmed milk let alone be able to fortify it in order to keep my Protein up. I still can't have egg, just turns Walter off! That's the name I've given my pouch LOL Good luck and can't wait for an update.

Hello, I'm pleased that someone from th UK is around LOL....I'm guessing by now you are well underway on your journey. Can't wait for an update. Regards Emma

Hello, I'm based in the UK and had my op Feb 8th. Has anyone experienced dry skin? I have now got on my legs, I know probably I have to up my water intake. Just wanted to know other folks experiences and how you dealt with it? I am now slathering my legs in the hope it will create a balance and the dry skin will slow down if not stop,