Ginger Snaps

Just a note on supplements and Vitamins since that seems to come up as a reason to go with sleeve instead of bypass. I had bypass and I take: 2 adult multi-vitamins a day (took 1 a day before surgery anyway) B12 every 2-3 days (labs were high at 3 months so he cut back) Calcium citrate Biotin I also take D3 every 2-3 days but I had a deficiency before surgery, so I was taking that, too. I have never been anemic and I can't tolerate Iron supplements, but I understand some people have to have those, too. It's not a requirement per se after surgery but depends on your body and lab results. So, the Vitamin regimen is not difficult. Since I don't take iron, I can do them all at the same time in the morning. If you take iron, it has to be separate from the calcium citrate.

I struggle with this, too. When I was my heaviest, I always hated my mid-section the most. I think I gained there last -- ending up with a pot-belly. Now, even when I look in the mirror, I look at that little bulge just above the belly button, turn sideways, study it -- wish it would go away. I think it's a leftover of a lot of self-hatred and shame. And I argue with myself non-stop about sizes when I'm shopping. Always go in the dressing room with a bigger option than what I know I wear. I hold up my now size 4 jeans and think there is NO way they will fit. And they do. And they're baggy with the last 10 I've lost. I've been trying to find a counselor to talk with about this. I try positive self-talk and facts. I DO wear a size 4. I DO fit in small tops. My belly is NOT bulging. I am stronger than I was. I can run now when I couldn't before. Those ARE hip bones in the front. I think it's ok we have these thoughts for a while... mine have gotten better the longer out from surgery I get. I did speak with my psychiatrist who told me it's normal and not to worry too much about it unless you find it interfering with life -- like avoiding social situations because you feel weird, etc. Hang out here and get support and we'll get through it together.

@@CowgirlJane should chime in here... she has some bikini pics and has been wildly successful. Personally, I'll never end up in a bikini. I have LOTS of stretch marks and scarring on the belly after the kids and now lots of sag. But, I'll be rocking a really cute one piece this summer! Just have to have lots of padding on top. I wasn't well-endowed to start with or when I was overweight but I have NOTHING left there now! lol

WOW! How fantastic for you! Sounds like you're regaining your life! I had surgery in June, hit goal in 5-1/2 months and I'm feeling so good it should be illegal! Like you, I can't wait for the warm weather, swimsuits, activity, cute clothes. So tired of winter layers! I hope you have a fantastic vacation, stay on track, and hit your goal and have wild success!

WOOT WOOT!!!! I haven't been on the boards for a while and when I get on I see THIS GREAT NEWS???? Way to go! I'm so happy for you. @esskay77 -- work the plan. Eat your Protein first. Avoid carbs except fruits/veggies. Exercise consistently (weight bearing and cardio). If you're off track, talk to your doctor and nutritionist. I hit my goal at 5-1/2 months following the plan exactly. I'm feeling fantastic, loving the new level of energy and I've gotten to where the eating plan is my normal routine. You can do it, too!

It's just a matter of choosing to slow yourself down and doing it. It sounds like you've talked yourself into not liking the texture, so you can certainly change that mindset. I used the "Eat Slower" app on my phone to help me slow down and chew more. You set the phone by your plate, you set it up to buzz every 2 or 3 minutes (or the time you choose), you take a bite, put your fork down, chew for a while, swallow and then wait for the next buzz before taking another bite. I also cut my food into very small chunks to start with, so there's even less to chew. It's a habit and you can learn it. I eat so slowly my boyfriend usually eats a salad and a huge plate of food before I finish half of my plate. Then he waits until I'm through and finishes my plate. It's definitely something you can learn to do.

You didn't say why the endocrinologist and nutritionist recommended bypass. My surgeon left the decision to me but I had pretty severe reflux and we agreed that there was too much risk that the sleeve would create more problems with it. I went with bypass and wouldn't change my decision at all. My starting BMI was 36, too. I was addicted to carbs and since surgery I really haven't craved them at all. I wasn't worried about "rerouting the intestines"... cutting off half your stomach with the sleeve is just as dramatic or invasive. I have had about 3 dumping episodes in the 8 months since surgery but that 'negative reinforcement' helps me stay on track. I have no problems eating anything really except carb-heavy foods like bread or crackers, tortillas, etc. I have had no nausea and only vomited twice when I ate too fast. My sleep apnea disappeared after the first 25 pounds or so, I haven't chewed a Tums or Rolaids since surgery and I hit my goal weight at 5-1/2 months. I never imagined even hitting that goal and now I'm 9 pounds under it. The decision is completely yours and based on your medical history and situation. My only advice is this: Don't make your decision based on fear. Both surgeries have pros and cons. Listen to the doctors and professionals who know your situation and make the decision of what you think is best for you. You can rock it either way.

I'm sure I'm not the only one but I'm struggling to my impression of my own body. I hit goal about 8 weeks ago. Now, when I go in stores to try on clothes, I always pick sizes too big first. I just can't believe the numbers or sizes on the tags. When I look at myself in a mirror, I guess I basically see my shape but I still feel like I'm big or fat. I have people tell me that I'm so slender and I have people tell me I shouldn't lose more weight. I'm not interested in losing more because I'm happy with the numbers and measurements I have but it's just hard for me to reconcile those numbers and sizes with how my brain perceives me. My friends have a hard time understanding when I try to tell them... they just say "you look great!" My boyfriend tells me I'm "hot" and I smile and say thank you but in my head I'm like "He's crazy and just being nice". Has anyone had a similar problem and have any advice? I'm thinking of trying to find a counselor who maybe specializes in food disorders to talk to. But I would like recommendations of maybe books others hae found help with. Thanks in advance for any help.

I only told a couple of people before -- my best friend who took me to the hospital, the ex-husband and kids (in case I died or something ) and the two friends at work who would always leave candy on my desk if I was out sick. Figured they needed to know! Since surgery, I tell most people who ask. I'm not embarrassed or ashamed of what I did. I just didn't want to get everyone's opinion before surgery and have my surgery choice be open to public vote. I usually get positive responses... occasionally the "oh, you weren't big enough to need surgery" but nothing nasty. It was a little difficult figuring out when to tell the new boyfriend. We had been dating about 8 weeks and I finally felt like I needed to tell him why I eat such small portions. He wasn't a food pusher but I felt like he thought maybe I was playing games only eating a little in front of him or that I had an eating disorder or something. I told him I had surgery and that I'd lost about 75 pounds and he said "Wow, congrats, good for you". It was probably a week or two later he asked when I had the surgery and when I said 6 months ago he almost fell out. Then he said "Wow... you have worked so hard, I thought it had been a couple of years!" He's really supportive about it and is totally impressed with how hard and often I work out. It's cool to me to think he thinks I'm such an athlete now when 9 months ago I would have qualified as a couch potato. It was really intimidating to show him before pictures but he was totally impresssed. Do what you feel comfortable with but I say be an ambassador for the surgery and help people understand what it's about.

Thanks guys... I knew I wasn't alone. I've learned to smile and say "Thank you!" when people compliment me even if my head is saying "No, you're wrong... I'm fat". I read somewhere that it is like a slap to people if they give you a compliment and you talk back instead of just accepting it. I am wearing size 4 jeans and when I hold them up and look at them I think "There's no way I'll fit into those" and then I pull them on and they fit and I can still breathe. Something about the eye-brain connection is just off. And I focus on my tummy -- right above the belly button. Always have, especially when it was gianormous. Now, I look and see a little bulge sticking out there (which includes loose skin) and it just looks fat! I think when we lose weight so fast it takes a while for the brain to register but I just don't want to obsess over these negative feelings I have when I look at my body. I've tried googling to see if there are some exercises (not exercising but active steps you can take) to help reconcile your brain with your body but I'm not having much luck. But it does help to know I'm not alone. And, when people tell me I look fantastic, my new response is "Thanks! I FEEL fantastic!"

I have to admit, when I had surgery I tried to "temper" my dreams with reality -- telling myself I might be about to get to 160 or maybe even down to 150, but no lower. I didn't want to be disappointed. Now, I'm sitting here at 135 with a BMI of about 23 and wondering how that happened! I'm enjoying the smaller, cuter clothes and exercising like crazy. I feel like my body is finally on my side again! But, like many of you, too, I'm looking forward to some beach weather! Not sure how the excess, wrinkly skin will be in a swimsuit, but I'm gonna rock one anyway!

I'm 6 months and 10 days out and loving life. I hit goal at 5-1/2 months (lost 72 pounds) and I'm staying right at that number +/- 2 pounds. Tuesday, my surgeon had a holiday celebration for former and prospective patients. He asked me to be one of the models and it was SO much fun! Here're the transformation photos that tell the whole story without words How incredible has this surgery been!

This surgery has been amazing for me... no complications (other than a little pneumonia just after surgery)... staying on track... exercising like the Energizer Bunny... feeling like a million bucks. Here's a little photo evidence of why...

Another two thumbs up for unjury -- best, smoothest tasting Protein shake. I like the chocolate splendor, too, and the vanilla tastes like melted ice cream. Good stuff!

So a question for all you vets... amazingly, I'm one pound away from my "conservative" goal. I can still lose another 20 pounds or so and be at a healthy weight but I just kind of started wondering... what do I do when I don't want to lose anymore? Honestly, losing hasn't been very difficult for me. I'm an all out Protein girl, very few carbs, still eating tiny meals and feeling satisfied, so I can keep up this style of eating, no problem. How did you know when you hit the weight you wanted to maintain and what did you change eating wise to stop losing and maintain instead? Ginger

@@Fabsab -- not sure if bloating and cramps necessarily mean a blockage. Some foods just tend to "blow you up". The hair falling out is definitely a symptom of too little Protein, so you may need to keep up with your protein grams for a while and make sure you are getting your target. Mine is 80 grams per day but everyone can vary. It might also be good to make sure you are chewing enough. Usually the only pain I ever feel in the tummy is when I don't chew enough or eat slow enough. Wishing you wild success on your journey!

@jessica2014 Those first weeks are the toughest... hang in there! I wasn't able to get 60 grams the first couple of weeks and now at 5 months out, I'm supposed to get 80 grams and it's very hard! I'm just not that hungry and all I eat is Protein, so it's hard to fit in more. Just do the best you can and try to meet those goals and stay on plan and you'll be successful! You can do this! My profile pic in the Robin costume is at about 4-1/2 months... hit goal at 5 months and 12 days!

I'm wondering if it's maybe a pre-cursor to hyperventilating? I know when you hyperventilate you get tingling and numbness in extremities. Is it happening when you're very breathless? I agree about checking with the doctor. If it doesn't get worse and you don't actually pass out, it might not be dangerous but it's worth checking.

I have that arguement with myself many mornings... I need to get up and workout, I don't want to get up, Get up NOW!, It's cold... You have to just keep doing it until you make it happen. It's not motivation -- it's just doing it. My doctor gave me a good idea... he said to just agree with yourself that you will walk or move or whatever for 5 minutes. If you get up and do that, you'll probably find after 5 minutes that you are ok to keep going. It's the getting moving part that's hard. You just have to make up your mind and do it. Don't wait for some magic... get up and do it.

Some people have very strong opinions about the surgery and they're happy to share them. I don't mean to offend anyone but in my experience, some middle-Eastern doctors come across as very arrogant and they enjoy "pontificating" to anyone who will listen. It's ridiculous to say you are not obese at 240 and 5'6". You meet the defnition of the word. Of COURSE excess weight especially around the mid-section causes back pain. My pain management doctor told me if I lost weight it would significatnly decrease the back pain. I wouldn't even worry about what the doctor's motivations are... He sounds like a complete narcissist if he thinks he can call your surgeon and convince him not to do surgery. He's not going to talk the surgeon out of doing what that surgeon has seen be successful for hundreds or thousands of patients. Only you can make the decision of how to move forward but make sure it's YOUR decision. I'm all for gathering information... I read all the good and bad I could find on this forum and others and felt that the risk to my health of staying overweight was more than the risk of surgery. My personal journey has been wildly successful -- hit goal this morning after 5-1/2 months... exercising, feeling wonderful, energetic, even a little sexy!

I buy the precooked chicken and steak strips for fajitas (they're in the meat section of my grocery store). That way, I always have an option of just pulling out a couple of ounces of them to heat up for a "meal". There are also beef tips in gravy that are precooked, you can just take out a portion and heat them. Fat free refried Beans are one of my favorites -- especially with some salsa mixed in. I also buy individually wrapped tilapia filets -- put a little pat of butter and some blackened seasoning on them and microwave for about 1-1/2 minutes. You've definitely got to get more Protein in or you are going to lose muscle mass and hair. I usually drink a Protein shake for breakfast. Muscle milk 100 is my favorite and it's perfect for in the car on the way to work. I also eat a lot of almonds... I counted out 24 in a handful, so I know exactly how to count it. Days I'm home I eat leftovers for breakfast -- just finished 2 chicken on a stick skewers from the Chinese food place last night. On another note... I've only thrown up once since surgery and this may sound funny, but it wasn't as bad as I was afraid of and it actually wasn't as bad as throwing up pre-surgery. Maybe you don't have as much stomach to heave or whatever but it was over quick. Sorry if TMI!