bariatrick

I'm 63, 6 months post-op, and have lost 75 of my 100 excess pounds. I worried about drooping, sagging and wrinkles too, but there is an advantage to surgery at this age - I'm WAY past wanting to wear crop tops, "daisy dukes", or short skirts! Shapeware does the trick, and I still avoid sleeveless. I had decided beforehand that I would consider a facelift if my face or neck was droopy, but I haven't had any issues and everyone says I look much younger. I think genetics is a big factor in skin elasticity, and I am thankful for my good genes....

I was told to be sure to stick to calcium citrate, which is more easily absorbed. Most over-the-counter supplements are calcium carbonate... Be sure to check the dosage- the labels will often indicate "500mg", but that refers to per-dose of 2 tablets, rather than per tablet...

I had the laundry list of comorbidities - type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, yada, yada, yada. I chose gastric bypass to give me the best shot at treating/curing those conditions.

SuzeMuze - So glad that you clarified that you removed the glue only after an incision check, and with your surgeon's approval. For those who've done the same, it's a nice tip. I was concerned that someone might see the original suggestion and start oiling up as soon as they got home from the hospital... (Sorry, can't turn off my nursing background)

I'm 7 weeks out - the scale got "stuck" at exactly 3 weeks post-op (had lost 15 pounds to that point) - My stall lasted three weeks. It was tremendously frustrating, but I'd read so many posts here by people who'd experienced the same thing, so I didn't panic. During that time, though, my clothes kept getting looser & looser, just as though I WAS dropping weight..... and I've lost 8 pounds this past week.

would highly recommend against removing the skin glue with baby oil. The port site incisions are not sutured - the skin glue is used to approximate the skin edges. Removing the glue with a non-sterile substance, much less an oil, within a few days of surgery does not seem wise. If the wound is not adequately healed, you risk contaminating it, as well as producing an unsightly scar. I was instructed to allow the glue to fall off by itself - took about two weeks.

Mama, That's a GREAT question! I had a drain which was removed just before I went home, and the site needed to be bandaged as it continued to drain for about a week post-op. This was not mentioned to me pre-op, so I was unprepared. I only had large bandaids at home, and they were not up to the task - I ended up having to launder pajamas and bedding several times before I was able to get to the drugstore. The best product I found was 3M Nexcare 3" x 4" adhesive pads - no leaking, and easy to apply.

I volunteer at my local blood bank, and know that major surgery may prohibit you from donating for a specified period. If you required blood transfusions, you will likely be deferred for at least a year. Once you're well recovered, the criteria has more to do with your hematocrit (blood count), which is checked before you are permitted to donate. Bariatric patients may have issues with iron-deficiency anemia, particularly if they are not careful about taking their Vitamin and mineral supplements. I would check first with your surgeon, and if you get the O.K., go for it. I realize that you are no longer in contact with your surgeon, but you might want to run it past your family doctor or internist.....

I'm two weeks post-op, still on just protein shakes and clear liquids. I'm able to drink "normally" and so grateful for it - the first week I sipped, sipped, sipped, and became so discouraged - I was really having a hard time with all the artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners. Everything tasted awful, and I was having a hard time making myself get it down. I started drinking at my normal pace, and it has made a huge improvement - the stuff is not spending so much time in my mouth!

My nutritionist recommends light soy milk after RNYGB - they find that even people who had not been lactose intolerant may become so post-op. They don't recommend Water while you're still on a liquid diet, as calorie intake is then too low.

How does everyone set a "goal weight"? I've read (and surgeon's office confirms) that the average weight loss after RNY is 65-70% of excess weight- which means that a successful patient would still be 30-35% above their ideal body weight. Yet looking at profile listings, it looks like many, if not most, have set a goal weight that's much closer to ideal body weight - and it appears that many of those who are a year or more out have achieved their goal. So..... Are the surgeons being conservative to discourage unrealistic expectations? Does losing the additional 30% require extreme efforts?

I had been planning to have the sleeve, but when I met with the surgeon this week, he recommended that I rethink my choice- I have an esophogeal anomaly that should be considered a contraindication to both the sleeve and lap band. I'm disappointed, but determined, just trying to wrap my head around the change in plans...