angelface811

Started at size 18 bottom and 18/20 top by Lane Bryant sizes. Now I wear a 4/6 on bottom and xs-m shirt and still losing. Barely hit normal BMI. Not really shooting for a smaller size (but not complaining either) but I want to settle into a lower BMI and improve my measurements. Currently 34-30-38...working on the waist to a proportion I like on myself. Very happy with my progression and the way my body has responded.

Almost all of my female friends who have had bariatric surgery have experienced hair loss including myself to varying degrees. My hair was very fine and thinning to begin with because of my thyroid. I asked my hairdresser about extensions and she told me until the hair loss stopped the extensions they would install would come out. Clip ins might work but my hair is so fine the clip won't grab on. Having dark hair makes it more noticeable but coloring it is not an option for me. I have glazed it though. I do also have a wig which I love because it gives me a different look. I am only 38 by the way. I am a year out and I now have a normal BMI. Weight loss has slowed and so has the hair loss. A lot...for now I use wide decorative headband to cover the most bare spots and I love to use the hair Fiber product called Toppik. It's a powder and you can purchase an adapter so you don't have to worry about the mess of sprinkling it in your head you just point and squeeze. It works so good for me. I knew this might happen ahead of time but my mind was made up and I don't regret it one bit. Just had to become resourceful and creative. Sorry for the long post????

Oh my goodness...how did they find out? Or do I not want to know? The escargot? I hope you feel better soon...????

I would keep a journal of what you are eating and drinking for a week? Are you getting 64 ounces of water a day? Has your diet become to carb heavy? Calorically where are you? Journaling will tell you that. In addition everyone has a different definition of a plateau. How long has it been since you have lost weight? I also find that sometimes I have to adjust my foods when I workout. I also find the pouch diet to be an excellent tool. You can reference that online. Other than that keep up the hard work...you will push through this. The longest plateau I have personally had while I was losing my excess weight was 3 weeks.

I also noticed a change in my cycle. First irregular bleeding and while I was on a predictable 28 day cycle it changed for a few months. The cycle was about every 22 days. Now every 26 days. I have a period tracking app that I utilize. I had heavy periods before and continue to have heavy periods. Possible oblation in my future. I am only 38 but started my cycle at 9.

I actually utilize wonton wrappers and skim mozzarella. I cut the cheese in half and can roll it within the wonton. Or i place the wonton wrapper open faced in a muffin pan and fill it with healthy fillings like spinach and skim cheese or sautéed veggies. You can also go sweet with some mixed fresh fruit. It's an excellent vessel for placing healthy fillings inside and provides that crunch.

I would recommend Quest Bars. While they are mostly between 180-200 calories they provide 20 grams of protein each and around 1 gram of sugar. Also they contain plant-soluble fiber. A whopping 17 grams of fiber. Very low in carbs. I would recommend buying the variety pack from quest directly to see what flavors you like but it is an excellent resource. Keeping one in your car and one in your purse is ideal. You definitely get the most bang for your buck with quest. So far I like strawberry cheesecake and apple pie the best. Still have more to try. Think Thin bars and Pure Protein also have excellent bars but contain more artificial ingredients and no where near the fiber content. Which helps things move along ????

Once you are healed and able to progress to normal foods you have countless options in regards to food. The key is proper education on nutrition before having surgery and not trying to "wing it" after surgery. Suggested post-operative eating after surgery in regards to all bariatric surgery is the same. Just because you have the RNY doesn't guarantee you will have dumping syndrome. There is a percentage of patients that will ingest sugary and/or fried foods and will not experience the syndrome. Unfortunately, many patients think dumping syndrome is simply having immediate diarrhea after eating. Diarrhea is only one of the potential symptoms of dumping. Other symptoms of dumping can be abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, hot flashes, feeling faint, confusion. Reference the Mayo Clinic's website they have a great description. In addition some patients have reported dumping after eating certain fruits. I am one of them. After all fruit does have fructose a.k.a sugar in it. The truth of the matter is until we have our surgeries whether it be the sleeve or bypass we don't know how our new bodies will react. I know this is lengthy but another point is that some of our loved ones think we can't eat very much because we can't eat the same foods they can. So they see us as poor deprived human beings who are being punished by having this surgery. We are choosing to live a healthier lifelong lifestyle. I love to bring bariatric friendly dishes and Snacks to gatherings not just so that I will have something to eat but to show them how many yummy foods we can have. Many people end up re-gaining weight after reaching their goal because they think I've lost it so now I can partake in everything or because they thought weight was the issue when in fact it was a symptom of something they haven't dealt with emotionally. Lots of things to think about huh? I am so happy with my decision to have gastric bypass and after losing the weight I continue to educate myself and others on nutrition and coming up with new dishes. After learning how to eat I don't feel deprived...I live deliciously!

If your program is similar to my own you will be on soft foods. Both WDW and Disneyland have excellent options for people who have had bariatric surgery. There is Piccolo Pete's at the Magic Kingdom. You can get refried beans or tortilla soup without the strips. They have yogurt parfaits but you have to be careful with those as they can contain quite a bit of sugar. If you have advanced to regular food they have lots of awesome options including quinoa and lean chicken meals plus salads. Lots of fresh fruit. They also offer a pomegranate lemonade made with Splenda which is 5-15 calories per serving. I love it. If you are staying at the resort each one has there own dining areas and convenience stores and many healthy options. They carry Dasani and Vitamin Water Zero in the park. I did take some protein bars to supplement. Even a few shakes. I took my pedometer and walked over 70 miles while I was there. It can be quite humid and you will be sweating so really be on your hydration. I was very happy and relieved with their options. If you happen to not feel so swell they even have medical centers at each park. It was one of the best vacations of my life. Just listen to your body. If you need to take a break then take a break. You can even pull up the menus for each quick service and dining room online and pre-plan. You will have a blast!!

Out of curiosity how far out are you? Could you be lactose intolerant or have an allergy or sensitivity to something you have been eating or drinking if you think of your daily foods?

My body is so super sensitive to sugar that this sometimes happens to me when eating certain fruits. I am almost a year post-op. Sometimes it can take an hour sometimes a day to feel better. But it can also spark a chain of events if you haven't really experienced it. When I experience "dumping syndrome" I just flat out don't feel good I get hot I get palpitations I feel a little weird in the head...lol. I never have the diarrhea thing. I go lay down and take a cool cloth. It's happened maybe 3 times in the past year. But each time with a fruit because when it comes to the diet I am pretty hard core. It happened with plain sweet potato and apples. Each time it triggered my anxiety which makes sense with the symptoms. I don't eat sugar, breads, pasta, etc. But I am actually thankful that my body reacts this way to tell me "hey girlfriend it might be fruit but it still contains sugar so just be mindful." I named my pouch Bob...yep...and he talks to me not so much in words but actions...lol...jk. It will be ok and if in doubt pick up that phone and call your doctor. Best wishes!????

Awesome! I'm not wasting my second chance either...Logging in everything is so important. Not just to tally what you've been eating but for making adjustments as well and then some. Here is to a lifetime of success!

I also ended up in the hospital impacted. It took 11 days even with the stool softener I was discharged with initially. I would definitely call your surgeon if you haven't had a BM to see what laxatives or enema they want you to use. Miralax works well for me. I tried MOM, smooth move, dulcolax, and miralax was the answer. Enema if it simply won't come out. The answer to yours will be unique to you. Also walk walk walk. This helps move things along. The fact that your passing gas is great that means your bowels are working. I actually logged not only my food, liquid, vitals, measurements but my BM's as well. Especially after the hospital experience. Please learn from our experiences...

While recovery varies from patient to patient I believe if you do your research regarding nutrition and allow yourself to heal you will be ok. Many people who have bariatric surgery are lost when it comes to nutrition and the stages of eating after surgery. They don't meet their protein requirements, fluid intake, or stay on top of their vitamins. Yes, some of that education should come from our nutritionists and surgeons but I believe the bulk of the responsibility is that of the patients. There is a ton of information and resources out there. Armed with that knowledge and being psychologically ready to make these changes and commit to them for life is critical. Ideally 6 weeks out you should be able to start on "normal foods" as your body tolerates them. As a former educator and thinking of the routine throughout the day you will need to get some of your fluids in during class time. You should be able to get in your breakfast, lunch and at least one nutritious snack by the end of the "school day." I pack an insulated lunch bag every single day with small portioned containers and liquids. Bathroom habits definitely vary from patient to patient and day to day. But this will happen regardless of when you have your surgery. By the time you return to school you will have had time to adjust to the way your new body works and you will continue to as time goes by. ????

Julie I would absolutely appeal that decision. You can send for or print out your insurance policy regarding bariatric surgery. But with a BMI of over 40 and at least 3 co-morbidities you have an outstanding chance. Will your pulmonologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist etc. write letters in support of the surgery. Will they acknowledge this surgery could resolve the medical issues you suffer from? In addition do you have any joint issues? Knees or hips etc...again take a close look at your policy as you may have more medical issues that qualify you, but honestly sounds like you have a great case based on medical necessity. Best of luck Julie...be persistent. Arm yourself with the knowledge of their policy.

Hi Magi Mojo I think you should also go for it. But I would also like to add that some surgeons have more experience operating on more mature patients. I'm sure they will do a thorough examination of you pre-surgically. In addition thorough bloodwork to check for any deficiency. Make sure that you make them work for the services you are paying for. My aunt Joanne was 60 when she had her gastric bypass. She had countless medical issues. She did beautifully. She gained back her mobility and spunk. She was probably around a size 28 and got down to an 8. She is now in her 70's and still going strong. Gone every weekend on some adventure...enjoying those golden years! Best of luck to you and if you need any support or encouragement utilize this site...we truly are a supportive bunch ????

Almost immediately after surgery I felt very hot. I had the temperature turned down to 65 degrees in the room. Freezing everyone out. It did go away though. I would have episodes everyday for a little while and it wasn't dumping as I was on clear fluids followed by full liquids. As we heal our bodies tend to run hotter it promotes healing. Sometimes we will develop low grade fevers as we heal. I just made sure to check my vitals at home everyday after surgery. Temperature, blood sugar, blood pressure and pulse. I logged it every day along with my food and liquid intake and how I was feeling that day. It is a tremendous tool. If it persists call your surgeon and express your concerns. You employed them to do your surgery. It is their job to care for you and monitor you. Utilize them...everything is going to be alright. Keep up that communication. I am now approaching the one year mark and have reached my surgeons goal weight and am almost to my personal goal weight of 135 lbs. If you should need any encouragement or tips feel free to message me. I have really enjoyed becoming a mentor and have a passion and thirst for all knowledge regarding bariatric surgery. You are going to have a lot of new and different sensations within your body but remember you are now physically different. New sounds, new sensations...you are going to do great! Take time to heal well. Don't push it, especially in regards to lifting. Let those wounds heal.

I agree get clearance first. Also, do not count it as part of your liquid intake as it is counterproductive. I also suggest researching caffeine and bariatric surgery. Why they would prefer you don't have it? Beyond being a diuretic...

I would recommend the 5 day pouch diet. You can get all of the information online. It begins with all liquid, to puree, then soft and normal food. You may not necessarily see a weight loss but it is an excellent way to re-boot your mind and body. Some people report feeling as they did shortly after surgery. As time goes by your stoma or pouch matures and does get larger. I believe ideally between 5.5 oz-9 oz. whereas in the beginning it is much smaller. I would also recommend journaling all that you are eating and drinking and what time. Not counting caffeinated beverages. In addition keep an activity log. Sometimes that alone can cause that aha! moment. Or perhaps schedule an appt with your nutritionist or bariatric doctor. I'm sure you will get over this little bump in the road especially with your determination. Best of luck to you!

The bariatric foodie's book on shakes is also an excellent resource.

Wow! Sounds like you have quite a busy life. The great thing in all of this is that you are aware of it and you want to do something about it. I agree with the previous comment. Seeing a therapist and possibly attending a support group regularly could make all the difference. Perhaps you might also want to start the 5 day pouch diet to get back on track. You can do this!!!

Your doing great girl! Everyone is so different in regards to the pace of their weight loss. You'll get there...just stick to the guidelines.

That's amazing meister! I am also coming up on 11 months but am female. I am so sorry to hear about your sister. My first husband died before my very eyes in a horrific accident. It definetly makes you put things and life in general in a different perspective. What a wonderful opportunity to become a personal trainer. I am currently mentoring new patients and while I encourage them to go to the gym I tell them to be very careful if they decide to go with a trainer very early on. Most trainers aren't trained to work with new post-bariatric patients and while they have the best of intentions they could cause some unintentional damage. I think your knowledge will be priceless. One question: What types of ab exercises did you do to get them to respond so well? I have made my weight loss goal but still working on toning and getting my body fat percentage down.

I may soon begin facilitating a small group for bariatric patients. I am looking for suggestions and input as to what you are looking for in a small group. I have run and been a part of support groups in the past. One of the biggest problems is having 10 people in the group and getting through only 2 in terms of getting a turn to share what's on your mind. To resolve this I am proposing utilizing a 5 minute timer and going through the entire group. Then opening things up for discussion. I know it may seem callous but everyone should have a chance to share. That time to share can make a world of difference to a person. What is your opinion? Have any suggestions? Thanks for the input!

Thank you James your input means the world to me...I hope more people reply so I can just do the best job possible