WL WARRIOR

Here's a good article: 8 foods to avoid: Post Bariatric Surgery Diet http://guidedoc.com/8-foods-to-avoid-post-bariatric-surgery-diet

I reflect back on how miserable I was being morbidly obese and I drink it down. Nobody said this was easy and sometimes you just have to suck it up in order to get the desired outcome.

Here is an interesting article comparing VSG to bypass: Gastric Sleeve vs. Bypass: Who's the Winner? http://guidedoc.com/gastric-sleeve-vs-gastric-bypass-surgery Some of the facts presented in this article are quite interesting and new to me. It's a good read for those seeking info. about bariatric surgery as well as for post op patients.

Turkey pepperoni Butterball turkey sticks FISH (salmon, tuna, tilapia, cod, swai) spinach kale cucumbers Walden Creamy Bacon Salad Dressing (0 cal) Apple Cider Vinegar Sugar Free/Fat Free pudding Almond Milk 30 calorie strawberries

I was given a 1 oz medicine cup and a 40 oz cup of Water. I would fill my medicine cup ever 5-10 min and drink it all at once. This method helped me keep track of how much I was drinking throughout the day. By the way, drinking an ounce of water at one time every 5 minutes was not hard for me, either. I never had trouble getting all my fluids in early on.

Mine did not and I'm nine months out as well. I did nothing to help prevent it besides taking my bariatric Vitamins daily. My vitamins do contain Biotin, so that may have helped.

Weight: 130 pounds Height: 5' 7" Pants size: 6, 7, 8 (so many different brands vary in their sizing that I tend to fit all three right now) I'm quite curvy as well. I could not possibly fit into a size 2 or 4 at this point because of my hips. I am trying to put a few pounds back on because I'm quite tired of buying new clothes and can't afford to replace all my pants. Plus, my face has started to look a little skeletal. This was not the healthy look I was going for.

That sounds like sliming to me. Are you burping up food and thick saliva every few minutes? I've had this happen before and it went on for 4 hours. It was most likely due to eating too fast on a very empty stomach. I hope you feel better soon!

I like my bariatric Vitamin regimen because it is only one pill a day, It includes all the required Vitamins for bariatric patients, plus added extras like Biotin for hair and nails. It is called Bariatric Complete Once a Day Multi Vitamin. A 90 day supply is $34.99 at procarenow.com. You will need to add a calcium supplement in addition to this. I haven't yet because my labs were perfect. As for Isopure, the cheapest price for a 3 pound powder jug can be found at puritan.com. They charge $44 with free shipping. The ready to drink kind is much more expensive.

I used Isopure powder for the first 6 months post op and loved it. If anyone is wanting to get rid of their supply, let me know and I will it buy it from you.

More and more research is showing that putting a cap on the variety of foods and tastes you experience will help you control your weight. In Dr. Oz’s book, The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management, he devotes a chapter to the Pick and Stick strategy. Although I had been eating the same thing for breakfast and lunch (dinner is the same every day except on weekends), it was validating to read that I was doing something right. At a wedding last weekend, I was excited by all the food choices at the buffet table. Instead of sticking to a serving of dense meat, vegetable, and fruit, I decided to put a few spoonfuls of different foods on my plate. I ended up with a plate with tiny piles of black eyed peas, turkey, baked fish, ambrosia, pineapple, apple slice, shrimp, and kiwi. While chatting with relatives for the next three hours, I hung on to this plate of food and dabbled in it every few minutes until it was gone. Late that night I reflected on my meal at the wedding and realized that how eating like that everyday could lead to weight gain. The following is an excerpt from the chapter that explains the strategy: Yeah, sure, variety may be the spice of life, but it also can be the death of dieting. When you have a lot of choices for a meal, it’s a lot easier to slip out of good eating habits, and into ham-induced bad ones. When you sit down at a diner and are presented with a menu that’s the size of a phone book, it’s easy to give in. One way to get away from fat bombs is to eliminate choices for at least one meal a day. Pick the one meal you rush through and automate it. For most people, it’s lunch. So find a health lunch you like—salad with grilled chicken and olive oil, turkey on whole-grain bread-and have it for lunch every day. Yes, every day. Think of your dog: Penelope stays the same weight when she has her regular food every day. But as soon as she starts gorging on variety of nightly table scraps, the puny poodle looks more like a massive mastiff. How does Pick and Stick work? It seems that when you have meals rich in flavor variety, it takes more and more calories to keep you full (think of Thanksgiving, when you eat a lot of different things, stuff yourself, and still have room for pumpkin pie). So when we experience meals with lots of diverse flavors-think Mexican or Indian cuisine, we tend to eat more to satisfy our taste buds. Now, we don’t want you to become bored with food, but if you make this a habit at least one meal a day, it’ll decrease your temptations and help you stop thinking about food so often. In fact, we usually prescribe two meals that are the same each day for our patients. It’s one of the ways to automate your brain so your habits follow. Of course, we don’t want you to stop enjoying diversity of flavors, but it will control your appetite. Automate the Process: One of the reasons why we’re a society of shotputters instead of a society of milers is that we have millions of choices about what to eat. And while our variety is a win for the food industry, it is a miserable defeat for our waists. One of the ways that you’ll be able to reboot your body is by stripping away the millions of choices to automate your actions. You’ll eat essentially the same meals for breakfast, lunch, Snacks, and change up options for dinner. By decreasing the variety of food eaten throughout the day, you’ll decrease the chance for the hedonistic rampages that can be so dangerous. Another trick: Use extra-light virgin olive oil, which has less flavor and may help control taste cravings.

I lost 103 pounds after the first five months after surgery and hit goal of 140 pounds lost at 7.5 months post op. While this may seem fast, it was originally what I set out to do from the beginning. There was willpower involved, of course, and I never ate unless I was hungry. My eating plan was under the supervision of my doctor and I stuck strictly to the rules 99% of the time. Nobody informed me that problems could occur when losing weight at this rate. I had heard others mention that you get more loose skin when losing this quickly, but I don't believe that to be true. Most post ops develop loose skin no matter what rate they lose and the body adjusts once you his maintenance. So, it all evens out over time. My issue with this rate of weight loss is what it does to your hormones. I'm beginning to go through menopause at age 38. The hot flashes and skin blotches are nothing compared to the mood swings. The medication available to help correct the issue is full of side effects, with the number one being WEIGHT GAIN. I've pretty much decided against it. I just wish that I was made aware that this could happen so that I could've been proactive. I want to hear from others that have lost this quickly and their experience.

What kind of complications do you need to experience before an insurance company would cover an arm lift? I have scars on my left arm from a house fire and I'm still having trouble getting insurance to cover laser. They consider it cosmetic, which drives me mad because its much more than that.

I just want to make a quick update to my post. Last week, I emailed Dr. Weiner (reputable bariatric surgeon, known worldwide as a leader in bariatric surgery) and he told me that my problem is quite rare. He couldn't recall any of his patients having the same issues. I'm a little bummed about never getting pregnant again. One of the reasons I underwent surgery was so that I could have a healthy pregnancy. My first one was high risk and he was born two months early after I started experiencing heart failure. I knew the only way I could ever have a second child successfully was to lose a lot of weight so that my heart wouldn't have to work so hard. Now that my heart is in good enough condition to tolerate a pregnancy, I can't do it because of this early menopause problem. I've been going back and forth with deciding whether to take hormone pills. I'd like to be this weight for awhile longer since I've worked so hard to get to 130 pounds.

There is a reason they put that guideline in place. I didn't understand the real reason why until last week. We were on a long trip and there weren't any Snacks in the car to munch on. I'm usually quite prepared and know that my 145 pound loss is because I have followed the guidelines quite strictly. However, during the trip all I could find was a pack of sugar free gum. I thought that it might not have much of an effect on me since I am 9 months post op. I sucked on the gum and then chewed slowly for about 5 minutes until I get a terrible stomachache. It lasted for an hour and even walking around didn't help the pain subside. It is quite true that gum will give you air bubbles in your tiny tummy and I found out the hard way.

These kind of thoughts and feelings are common during the first few months out. I went extreme (strong adherence to the rules, low calorie, low carb, no eating out, exercising everyday) for the first six months and then finally it all got better. This was not because I could eat more and go to restaurants, but because I got so use to the structure and routine that it became second nature. So, my advice is to give it time. You said you lost your two best friends. Although they are not people, you may have to try and move on like they really were. When someone close to me passes away, it pisses me off to hear that it gets better with time. Because at that moment, the pain is real and its unimaginable how will your life could ever be the same without your "friends.". However, you learn strategies to help cope and have to reach out to others for support when you feel like you are losing it. My best defenses are my CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), OA (Overeaters Anonymous), and medication. I take Wellbutrin XR to ward off binging, food addiction, and depression. It's not a wonder drug, but seems to help.

I've talked to many people that have gained part or all of their weight back years after surgery. Most of them say the same thing: "My restriction is still there; I just made bad choices." If you overeat to the point of discomfort and pain more than a few times EVERY week over a long stretch of time, you may be stretching your stomach a little. If you overeat a few times, then learn from it and move on.

Try and compare your Sleeve Gastrectomy operation to a sink. Think of your new small stomach as a very small sink. Imagine pouring liquid into such a sink – if you pour the liquid too fast it will overflow, but if you pour it slower or wait for a minute the liquid will eventually drain thru the sink hole. Now imagine putting thick, dense sludge into such a sink – the sludge may never make it down the sink hole unless we add Water and stir. Once you start eating, no drinking with your meal – do not liquefy the food you are eating. You will be able to eat more, and you will be hungry sooner if you are drinking while eating. Never put a glass of any liquid next to your meal – the habit to eat and drink at the same time is very strong. You may not realize that you are even doing it till it is too late. Do not help mother nature – your pouch can liquefy the food on its own without your help. Your pouch will take longer on its own, thus giving you prolonged satisfaction and hunger control. The point is that you DON'T want to add water once there is food in your stomach so that you can stay full longer. Will it stretch your stomach? I don't think so, but everyone seems to have their own opinion on this one.

My nutritionist recommends Quest bars. I've never had a Protein bar even after 9 months pre-op because I've tried to focus on foods that won't cause carb or sugar cravings. However, I am going to attempt making my own. The "Good Eats" collection on Netflix (episode 2) has many recipes for great all-natural protein bars. The quirky host (Alton Brown?) is entertaining to watch and models the cooking procedure in a way to make it easy to duplicate yourself.

Here are some points made by Dr. Weiner in his revision video: 1. Conversion from sleeve to bypass: only 10-25 pound weight loss, usually reserved for patients with severe acid reflex 2. Gastric Band over sleeve is experimental 3. Skilled surgeons can convert sleeve to duodenal switch, if you choose this route please research the surgeon carefully and make sure he has performed this kind of revision successfully for a large number of patients 4. Some surgeons can switch from sleeve to SADI, but is not done often in US yet (refer to video for more details)

First of all, I am sorry you are having this problem. Even after losing 140 pounds and making it to a healthy weight, I still have hypothyroidism. In fact, its just as bad as before surgery and I still take the same medication at the same dose. Surgery does nothing to help thyroid problems, unlike diabetes and hypertension. Although I’m still in my honeymoon phase (9 months post op), I haven’t been one of the lucky ones that can eat anything they want and still lose weight. Nor am I one of those patients that are full after three bites. I realized this after 6 months and decided to put more of a rigid eating structure in place. Fortunately, I’ve learned that your rate of success is not determined by the size of your sleeve or even choice of procedure. The quantity of food you eat is not near as important as the actual food choice. When I learned this, it finally became clear to me why I had lost more weight than others in my clinic support group that were boasting extreme restriction. My strategy now is to focus on food that will never cause re-gain despite quantity (green leafy vegetables). I've gained much insight about how to be successful from Dr. Matthew Weiner, a reputable bariatric surgeon that has many YouTube videos that are extremely helpful. Bariatric Surgery Revisions-Do they help or not? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiWd9stWnu0 **How to prevent your stomach from stretching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_aahPETzH0 How to lower your set point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M1OUvHM_D4 Preventing Weight Regain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy31fEgrrZA **this video was an eye opener for me

Yes, I get exercise everyday for about an hour and stay very active. I'm well aware that exercise is suppose to help release endorphins and serotonin, but I don't see how is going to bring my period back. This problem could resolve itself, but it has stayed the same for the past six months.

I am seriously considering quitting my Protein shakes and replacing them with his set point smoothies. drmatthewweiner.com/set-point-smoothie

tomi71, I would love to be able to take something like Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium (Benzo's) and it would probably do the trick quite well. The script wouldn't be hard to get, since there are many doctors that give it out like candy. My PCP, however, will not. That is why she is my chosen doctor. I just cannot take something so powerfully addicting. The switch from food addiction to drug addiction would be to easy for me. I wish it wasn't that way and I probably could fool myself into thinking it's all okay for a few months. It just never ends well for me when it comes to those kind of drugs. Plus, they have addiction clinics specifically for patients who are having a hard time detoxing off of benzomyapines (sp?). That tells me that I would probably be better off without than even attempting these type of medications. I'm currently trying out some all natural pills (Melatonin, Valarian Root). No such luck with these yet.

I've lost all my excess weight (140 pounds) after 8 months post op. For the first 3 months post op, my menstrual cycle was quite screwed up and eventually stopped altogether. It's been almost 6 months with no period whatsoever. I'm not doing anything to get pregnant, so that is not the cause. At 38 years old, I'm too young for menopause. My mood is very up and down, but then again, it has always been like that as far back as I can remember. My cuckoo psychiatrist said that my depression would disappear completely once I lost all my excess weight. Well, I'm here to tell you that is not true in my case. His statement did compel me to lose weight as quickly as possible. Being at an average weight makes physical tasks so much easier, but it has not changed my brain chemistry. I have since stopped seeing my psychiatrist and relied upon my General Physician for all my medical needs. She thinks my menstrual problem will eventually resolve itself and its not really a big deal. I'd like to believe her, but I have my doubts. One of my main reasons to undergo VSG was so my heart would start functioning normal enough to carry a child. I have cardiomyopathy, which basically means my heart is enlarged. Losing the 140 pounds has put enough pressure off my heart so that I could possibly carry a child close to term. If it doesn't happen within the next two years, then I am giving up on pregnancy totally due to my age. I would like to know if anyone out there has had similar issues with fast weight loss causing hormonal issues. I'm an avid reader on this site, but have yet to come across anyone with a similar problem. It was never made aware to me the problems that could possibly occur with quick weight loss. I'm hoping that my problems will be resolve once I stay at my average weight for a longer length of time.