Debbie Jean

CW: 169 GW: 165 Been at a stall for almost 2 months now and I'm so close to my first goal... aargh!!

I started at a BMI of 48.8. My all time high was 56.6 7 1/2 months post sleeve I'm at a BMI of 32+. I'm only a couple pounds from my surgeons "goal". I don't think this is where she thinks I'll end up but it's a 65% loss of my excess weight. She said this is the average and if I reached it she would qualify my surgery as a success. She said I would lose the most in the first six months but continue to lose more slowly up to the 12 month mark provided I followed my nutritionist's instructions. So I don't think I'm done yet, though I've been stalled for a few weeks.

What do YOU think you should do? [/quote The most weight I've lost before is 13 pounds, just to gain it back and then some. I've tried WW plus I am at times an emotional eater. My PCP suggested WLS and I do feel I need it. I'm 5'7 and between 303-307 pounds. I'm ready for a change and I feel that WLS will be a tool to help me gain more control of my life. My husband says he is behind me having WLS but he feels its an easy way out. He said I should do my best to lose weight and that I shouldn't keep my weight at what it currently is just so I can have surgery. I'm going to go thru with the surgery if my insurance approves me but I wanted to know if I was making the right decisions. Based on your stats you currently have a BMI of 47+ so you could lose 40 lbs and still have a BMI of over 40 which is for many insurance companies the cut off for approval without co-morbidities. But call and find out the exact BMI requirements for YOUR policy... which weight they use and what BMI you need to present with. I think you are safe to start a weight reduction program using some of the techniques you will likely have post surgery. Small bites, chewing longer, increased protein, more water, etc. If you start developing good habits now not only will you be healthier for surgery... always a good thing... but it will make the post op transition to a new eating protocol so much easier. This is such an exciting time for you!!

CW: 167.8 GW: 165

I started salads about week 5 or 6. They were allowed as tolerated and I never had any problems. Thank goodness since they are a staple in my diet! ☺️ Surgeons & NUT's vary widely, however so definitely check with YOUR doctor and follow his/her protocol.

CW: 171.4 GW: 165

Gas-X is your friend post op ????

I am 7 months out, down 78 lbs and have dropped the pressure on my machine twice since surgery. My pulminologist said he wants to wait until I am finished losing weight before he sends me for another sleep study. He also warned me that some people continue to need therapy despite the weight loss. Honestly, I sleep so well with my CPAP I am really in no rush to get rid if it. ????

If you can't find them you probably didn't get any. I didn't. My directives were 60 grams of Protein, 64 oz of Fluid first, then non-starchy veg, then fruit. If I had room I could then have complex carbs. For all practical purposes this limits carbs because I rarely get to them and I usually consume less 50 grams per day. I'm down 78 lbs in 6 months so losing pretty steadily. Been in my first real stall the past month but sticking to my eating program and expect that will break when my body feels ready ????

Tell them the truth. You are eating less and exercising more. They don't need the particulars. As for turning down the cake, I suggest watching how naturally skinny people handle these situations. They have no problem saying they don't like it, don't feel like it, don't want it... or taking a piece and pushing it around their plate and dumping it. I tell people I had WLS and it doesn't bother me at all. But then again I couldn't give a rats *ss what others think of my medical decisions. That's between me and my doctors. I suspect people understand that since I've never gotten anything but positive feedback. FWIW, If asked, I use the opportunity to educate people when it seems appropriate. Often what seems negative is actually a combination of ignorance and curiosity.

Isn't she wonderful? Just could not be in better hands! ☺️

Don't wait for a book. Download the app MyFitnessPal on your phone and start tracking! It has EVERY food known to humankind in it. Not only will it keep you on track if you are counting calories, it will show you a breakdown of all nutrients so you can watch your Protein carb intake. Lots of people here work and eat with others at lunchtime. You need to plan, plan, plan.... then plan some more! I ALWAYS carry food to work. ☺️

It varies, so you need to ask YOUR bariatric surgeon. As I mentioned above, my doctor does not routinely prescribe post op blood thinners. My experience was post knee replacement.

Not with my sleeve surgery. But I had them after each of my knee replacements. They auto-inject so its not a big deal. You'll probably start them in the hospital so the nurse can show you exactly how to do it. Honestly, the worst was all the bruising on the abdomen at the injection sites. That takes awhile to clear up... looks gross but is harmless.

I felt better the very first night. I think because I actually slept Certainly within a week there was a noticeable difference. Before I was always nodding off at my desk after lunch at work. That's where I saw the effect first. I wasn't sleepy after lunch LOL

Although my surgeon/NUT included Protein shakes, the approach was very similar to your team. They wanted me off them when I was able to get in 60 grams of protein with regular foods... the sooner the better. I actually had my last shake at about week 4.

That sounds like perfect timing! Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly for you ????

Yours is a very powerful story. Thank you and your family for your service to our country.

I've heard people say they put weights in their pockets and wore heavy shoes. Just sayin' ???? You are soooooo close!

Just got back from vacation CW 172

Any chance you could change surgeons? Moving forward with the bypass given all the problems you have had sounds like a good move... but you want a doctor who understands and is supportive. You are much too young to have so many serious health issues to face!

I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. As I'm sure you would concede everyone's experience is different. Unfortunately you can't know beforehand exactly what yours will be. You just have to weigh risk versus benefit and make that leap of faith. My experience was completely different. The 2 week pre op diet was a challenge but nothing I couldn't handle. My surgery and recovery were textbook... pain, yes but again nothing unexpected. I followed my surgeons protocol for reintroducing foods and have had no issues. At 7 months out I am now down 78 lbs and feel better than I have in years. I'm a happy camper and would do it all again in a heartbeat. I hope that as the weeks and months pass you'll be feeling better. There's nothing like seeing the weight drop off to make the world seem like a happier place ☺️

I was diagnosed as part of my pre op testing. My surgeon required that I wear my CPAP successfully for 2 weeks before my surgery. I'm sure I had sleep apnea for a long time but resisted testing because I thought I could never sleep with a mask on my face. Honestly, I adapted so well I have to laugh at my own reticence. I sleep better and feel so much better! I actually love my CPAP! But I wouldn't have finally done if my surgeon hadn't required it. I'm sure it's added years to my life ????

This is my experience, as well. I think this is one of those YMMV things where you may have to try it to find out how your sleeve reacts.

Do a search on BP for threads about regaining the weight after surgery. At 7 months out, those are the people whose posts I take to heart along with the responses they receive. I don't need to learn the hard way! Protein first, veg then fruit. Carbs are not my friend.