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Djmohr

Gastric Bypass Patients
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Everything posted by Djmohr

  1. Djmohr

    Vision Problems

    I don't think this is anything to worry about. I have had a lot of major surgeries and I always have blurred vision for a few days up to a week. It just takes a time to get all that anesthesia out of your system. Congratulations on getting to the other side! Your life will change for the better.
  2. Djmohr

    3 week stall Vegas trip

    Oh my! It definately sounds like a binge to me. 22 months post op and I don't even come close to that bad food you ate and trust me, I have my days where I will have some cherry pie or something that is not on my normal diet. I went to Vegas exactly 8 weeks post op, was there 10 days and lost nearly 18lbs. I simply could not eat more than a bite or two of anything and was terrified to try foods not on my diet. So it was lots of fish meals and Protein shakes for Breakfast.
  3. I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. If you are able to keep Powerade and Water down, you should not get dehydrated. What about some chicken broth? Honestly I would stick to Clear Liquids and as much as you possibly can. If you are not able to keep that down then, yes you need to go to the ER where they can treat you for dehydration. I might add that dehydration can cause that nausea and dizziness so if you are feeling that you are not likely getting enough liquid. Try sipping more or head to the ER. Sip like crazy and I hope you get better soon! Hugs
  4. @@MrsSugarbabe Thanks so much! Isn't it strange how hard it is to refrain from all the dark colors? I have to be very on purpose about moving away from those colors. I have been building my closet now that I am at goal. Today I had to go buy a swimsuit as I am taking some Water exercise classes. I ended up in a size 8 swimsuit and I initially headed for black or navy. I challenged myself and went for a pink paisley tankini and a cute matching black swim skirt. I am happy I chose it and figured no one will see anything but all my wrinkly loose skin anyway. LOL! Can't wait for some plastics to help with that.
  5. Djmohr

    Chronic Constipation Woes

    I have been taking Linzess for about 4 months now and I honestly do not know how I would live without it. That stuff works fantastic. I do not understand why drug companies do this to patients. For Pete sakes the co pays on it are ridiculous enough. I thought 60.00 per month was expensive. I did have this happen with another medication and talked to my doctor about it. I am on a drug called Stelara for psoriatic arthritis. I get a shot every 8 weeks and have been for about 6 years now. This is a new drug and the cost to my insurance is 18,000 per injection. They determine the dose on your weight. As soon as my weight went below 200, they dropped me to half the dose which does not work by the way. My doctor tried to push it through 2 different insurance companies an they would only approve the 45ML dose. So, my doctor went to the drug rep and told them about it and now Stelara drops off a second 45ml injection at my doctors office in my name. I was shocked and have moved states. I cannot change doctors because I guarantee you another doctor that doesn't know my history would do that. This doctor actually saved my life. I had been hospitalized with a fast moving staff infection in my left foot & leg as well as my right hand and arm. They brought him in for a second opinion and I thank goodness everyday for meeting him. I had been incorrectly diagnosed my whole life until 6 years ago when that happened. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, see if they know of any programs that the Linzess team can assist with. It might help? I know I would not want to give up Linzess either. That stuff works great.
  6. Djmohr

    My food is often imitated, never duplicated including by me!

    I hate to tell you this but that doesn't get better as long as you are on Protein shakes. You can clear the house out in a hurry so it comes in handy when you have unwanted house guests. LOL.
  7. Honestly! I had the same problem and because I am a rule follower, I really tried to hit those goals. When I could not even come close I started to freak out. So, i called my nut. She made some suggestions and told me to simply do the best I could. That there was a lot of swelling and most people don't come close to those goals. LOL! I was kind of pissed at the time because you give me a goal, I am going to kill myself to get to it. After that call, I really focused on making sure I got my liquids. I was probably 4 to 5 weeks before I even came close to drinking a whole Protein shake in a day. I will say once I did, boy did I start to feel better. Just do the best you can and realize that the most important thing is to stay hydrated. Your ability to do the rest will come in time.
  8. Djmohr

    Food help!

    @@xingmaltese It is normal to feel this confusion at the beginning. I am really glad to hear that you reached out to your nutritionist, they really can help you through these first few months. As far as Protein options go, it is important to keep trying options until you find one that works for you. I had a lot of trouble with finding a protein solution. It turned out that I was lactose intolerant those first 6 months so they suggested taking Premier Protein ready made shakes and milking them down with either lactose free milk or fair life which also boosts the protein. So I would take one shake and mix it with 22 oz. of lactaid (I hated the fair life milk). I would work on that shake all day long and do the best I could. What I found was that the premier Protein Shakes do not have that discussing protein taste nor smell. For me, they tasted pretty much like chocolate milk and I was in heaven that I found something that not only tasted decent but I didn't really have to do much. By the time I hit week 4 I was able to drink a whole 11oz shake without milking it down. I believe I drank two shakes a day until I hit the 4 month mark. Premier protein has 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and 160 calories. Many insurance companies will even pay for them if you get your doctor to write a prescription. I hope that things get better for you soon. I started to feel much better when I was able to get my Water and protein in. That was about 4 weeks post op for me. Best of luck and reach out if you need anything or have questions.
  9. Djmohr

    What foods do you avoid?

    I avoid any prepackaged foods and fast foods like the plague. The great news is, I cannot stand them anyway so it honestly makes it easy to do. I also limit bread, Pasta and rice to maybe once or twice per week.
  10. Djmohr

    First Major Struggle

    It is good that you recognize what you need to do. I wish you the best of luck and I know you can do this. You have done it before. Yes.....I also think you are a vet and facing vet problems.
  11. Any new situations that you did not expect? (2) What has worked well to maintain. Still trying to figure that out but doing fairly well. I fluctuate within 3lbs up and down from my goal. Sticking to tracking seems to be the hardest thing for me. If I track, I am able to stay within goal. If I don't track I gain 1 or 2 until I get back to tracking. (3) What triggers have given you set backs. For me, sweets. I have always loved them especially anything chocolate or cherry. If in over indulge I begin craving and then....on comes 1 or 2 lbs and I go back to Protein, veggies and fruit only. (4) What keeps you motivated Fitting into my smallest size clothing. Looking forward to plastics. These things keep me on track. (5) Now that life is normal after goal..What is new ? Really, life is normal? Not for me. Life is all brand new and still a bit overwhelmed by all of the things I can do that I couldn't before. I love the way I look when I see myself in pictures but I don't always see that thin person when I look in the mirror.
  12. Djmohr

    Stomach Binder

    I didn't use a binder at all. Honestly I did not have pain, just a bit of discomfort from the gas. I simply walked that off after a few days. The first 2 were tough.
  13. I am feeling excited today. I signed up at the pro health center in Pewaukee, Wi. Having such severe arthritis in my back, neck and shoulders makes it very difficult to exercise enough to burn calories. This center has a warm water therapy pool , warm water lap pool, whirlpools, saunas, full service spa, full service gym and even an acupuncture therapist. I am scheduled to have my first ever acupuncture session. I am a little scared but very hopeful that it will improve my pain. :)

    1. Djmohr

      Djmohr

      Will do. Thanks!

    2. MrsSugarbabe

      MrsSugarbabe

      Sounds like a great idea! Will be interested to know your thoughts following your acupuncture treatment. I, too, have a lot of arthritis and assorted other issues causing chronic pain. Meds and staying mobile and exercising is what keeps me going. Here's to hoping you get the relief you need!!

    3. Djmohr

      Djmohr

      @MrsSugarbabe. I will definately keep you posted. I have been through pure hell with my current back and spine team. Apparently when you have severe throracic pain you are simply full of sh@t. All they have done is through hard core drugs at me and I am been in PT since December sometimes 3 times a week.

      Yesterday I told them they couldn't diagnose a hangnail. LOL. They immediately decided now, after all this time that they should do an epidural steroid injection in the nerve root that is compromised. We scheduled it yesterday then today I get a call from their nurse, they thought that would be too agreesive and so they would like to cancel that appt. they thought continuing with pt would be the way to do. I was livid pissed and basically told them I was nervous about letting them touch me in the first place given their lack of ability to diagnose what is going on with me.

      I told them to cancel every appt that I have because they are just collecting insurance money. I am tempted to report them to my insurance.

      The only good news in this is I researched and found a highly respected orthopedic surgeon who reviewed my records and wants to see me. Called me himself. I see him on the 21st and I am looking forward to it. In the meantime I am using water exercise and acupuncture and hoping it will really help.

    4. Show next comments  150 more
  14. Djmohr

    Trouble Sleeping

    I have had trouble sleeping mostly related to my weight loss. I believe it is because my bones tend to rub together. I used 3 pillows when I sleep but I also have severe osteo arthritis that causes me to have to change positions frequently. Trying to align your spine, knees and hips is challenging for me. It has really been in the last 6 months that this has become harder and I am 22 months post op.
  15. Djmohr

    Brand Spanking New!

    I had my surgery in MN through park Nicollet in St. Louis park. Best thing I ever did for myself. I love their center of excellence and how they prepare you for the transition to a whole new healthy lifestyle. I was so ready by the time I got a surgery date that it honestly was pretty easy for me to give up the crap I used to eat. I tend to be a rule follower though so I would say I stuck to their plan at about 98% and still do follow most of the rules that were set in place by the team. I would say the one rule that I break everyday is I went back to eating and doing other activities like watching tv or posting on Bariatric pal. LOL. I find when I do that I eat slower and recognize when I need to stop. If I sit at the table, I find my fork moves faster and before I know it I have eaten more than I should. (I know, backwards right?) I definately would suggest scheduling a sleep study ASAP. Everyone is right, you likely have sleep apnea and don't know it. There is an online test for sleep apnea that asks you 7 questions about yourself. It can help you determine that a sleep study is necessary. That would definately put you clearly in required spot.
  16. Djmohr

    When can I eat potatoes, pasta, etc.,?

    James is right about this one. In the beginning 6 to 7 months it is best to stay away from carbs like Pasta, rice, bread and sweets. They tend to cause you to stall out and there is a short honeymoon period that you really want to take advantage of. That being said, most of us will just try a bite once in a while. For me, bread, pasta, rice and sweets did not sit well in my new tummy. I do NOT get dumping syndrome but those starches feel like they swell in your pouch, take up all your room and make you feel like crap. At least that is how it was for me. I am now 22 months post op and I can eat a bread if it is toasted crisp. I can have small amounts of pasta as long as it is cooked to a more soft state. Pasta in a Soup works best for me and I do eat that maybe once a week but I am done losing and notice when I have a carb heavy week, I will gain as Much as 2 to 3lbs that week. In ordere to get it back off, I have to go back to Protein and veggies with some fruit. I think you will find that those items are not all they are cracked up to be any longer and you really will be ok with it. I am Italian and pasta is the reason I weighed 310lbs. Cutting it out of my diet altogether for the first 18 months is how I got to goal. It's up to you but I would take advantage of my first years honeymoon period before wasting space on those items. BTW, I did eat homemade mashed potatoes in very tiny amounts about once a week during the honeymoon. Same thing with sweet potatoes but rice, bread and pasta just did not work and even now they sometimes don't.
  17. Last night we went out to Celebrate my birthday at the melting pot. I have found that this can be a really great meal for me with the meat and cheese course. I wanted to enjoy a nice glass of wine (yes I know I am not supposed to eat and drink at the same time). I simply wanted to sip that crisp cold Pinot Grigio and enjoy a bit of cheese fondue. We went with the spinach artichoke cheese fondue. It it delicious. First, I ordered a 5oz (small) glass of wine. It was delicious! I think I maybe sipped half while enjoying the cheese and seriously was feeling no pain. I was just at that threshold were you go from feeling no pain to this is too much! Lol. I read all the stories but part of me wondered if that would happen to me. Well, it takes a while for the entree course but it is truly my favorite. I had 3 shrimp and one potsticke, 2 mushrooms with their lovely green goddess sauce. I was full. About 5 minutes later I became very ill. I had to leave the table, I was literally doubled over in pain. When I got home I threw up. I never get dumping syndrome, I never get heart burn. I was feeling sick for a couple hours, then went to bed. I was exhausted. I layed in bed until 4:30 this morning, unable to sleep and so exhausted. I am 22 months post op, I have eaten this meal before and not had a problem. This morning I got up and had some Water. About an hour later I had a whole grain 1/2 English muffin with Peanut Butter. Before I even finished the last bite I was vomiting again. What the heck? This seriously could not be that 1 glass of wine could it? I have been sipping water all morning now but feeling exhausted and nauseous. Anyone else have this experience and know why? I am supposed to go out to dinner with friends tonight and to a movie which we already bought tickets for. I thought I would take a nap, shower, drink some more fluids and take it really easy for dinner tonight. I can honestly say for the first time I am really worried about going out to eat with friends. We are going to a Chinese restaurant. I usually nibble on muu shuu chicken but I don't think that will work today with the way I am feeling. Maybe I will have a Protein shake and then simply push some food around on my plate. Could eating and sipping wine slowly have caused this for me. I usually never ever do that unless I have eaten something spicy. Then I might take a small sip just to wash the heat down.
  18. @@Christinamo7 I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is very difficult and even more so when it is so sudden. Having lost my mother way too soon, the only advice I can give you is to be good to yourself. Take the time you need to truly grieve. The loss never goes away but it does get easier to deal with as time passes. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs.....
  19. Djmohr

    Food help!

    @@xingmaltese Tough love here......YES you can stick with the program. You absolutely do not need food to survive the first 6 weeks post op. You could live on Water alone. This is where the head starts to take control of your body. Advancing your diet before you are supposed to can cause serious damage to your new tummy. It can create problems down the road. I will also ask if you are getting a minimum of 64 oz. of liquid? If not, that can cause the feeling of being hungry but I assure you, you are not. This is when you learn to manage head hunger...... Many of us were not even allowed puréed foods until week 4! I know my doctor required Clear liquids week 1, full liquids weeks 2 and 3 and then finally puréed. Soft food did not come for me until week 6 post op. You came this far, don't mess up now.
  20. Thanks everyone and I think you are all right. I don't think that was dumping, I think something simply did not agree with me. As the day progresses, I am feeling better and happy to know that others did not experience anything similar. That darn wine tasted so good that I certainly want to have a glass again some time.
  21. Djmohr

    Another setback, long.

    I had a simliar issue regarding heavier than normal blood loss during period causing severe anemia. It can be resolved with a good ob/gyn. In my case I was done having children so I opted for a hysterectomy. Do yourself a favor and don't put a time limit on when it has to be resolved. Most Bariatric teams will work with you to get the problem resolved. They don't just kick you out at the end of the monitored diet. If your surgery gets pushed off a month or two it really isn't the end of the world as long as you are healthy going into this. It is such a big physical transformation that you need to be as healthy as humanly possible. I know my own 6 month program actually took 9 months before I got into surgery. Is your Bariatric team telling you at the end of the 3 months if you are not healthy enough to have the surgery you are out? If so, you might find a new program. I am guessing you are putting that time limit on yourself but I could be wrong. I also caution those that put timelines to their goals. So many assume that they can lose all this weight by a certain date and it doesn't always work that way. It took me exactly 18 months post surgery to lose all my weight. Honestly that time went so darn fast and my body had a hard time catching up. Also, worse yet...my brain is still not caught up. This is a huge body and mind transformation. Take it slowly and safely. Keep us posted on your progress. I hope they get to the bottom of this quickly for you.
  22. Djmohr

    Week 3 stall

    Mine was fairly short. For me, I had a stall at 7 months that went 28 days. Just stay the course, as you know your body needs time to adjust.
  23. Hugs to you! I always say when one door closes another one opens. I hope that is how it works for you. You have had a lot going on this last year and it will be important to take care of you while going through it. Honestly it may be the thing your Dad needs to stay healthy. The stress of his business has clearly had a role in his health. I know from personal experience how much being a boss can literally suck the life out of you. He may have held on to the business because his children were so tied to it as well. There are plenty of jobs out there for those willing to work. I pray that you all land on your feet. Spend time taking care of yourself though so you stay healthy as your new life begins. Wishing you all the best.....hugs again!
  24. Djmohr

    School project

    I started the surgical process in Dec. 2013. I began with what was supposed to be a 6 month supervised diet. I was 51 when I started, I weighed 310lbs at 5'10" I lost only 7lbs prior to surgery which was performed on 9/26/2014. I was 303 on surgery day. December - 2014 - Weighed 243 - loss of 67 March - 2015 - Weighed 225 - total loss of 85 June 2015 - Weighed 199 - total loss of 111 Sept 2015 - weighed 189 - total loss of 121 Dec 2015 - weighed 175 - total loss of 135 March 2016 - weighed 164 - total loss of 146 June 2016 - Weighed 159 - total loss of 151 I participate in Bariatric Pal as my primary support group.

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