dhrguru

I chose bypass cause with the amount of weight I had to lose- I wanted the double effect of malabsorption and restriction. A large part of why I did not want VSG was because of the large possibility of reflux. It was never an issue for me before and I didn't want to come out Of surgery with new issues. I've lost 137# so far, zero complications . I'm happy with my choice.

When I woke from my surgery my abdomen actually felt tight like I'd had a tummy tuck. I realized it was the bloat from the gas swelling. No shoulder pain like many describe- nor was did I have any nausea. My voice was hoarse. I was On pain pump- so didn't notice pain really. I had no issues drinking. Fairly simple for me.

I've heard of people doing it and I think it's a very, very bad idea. How far out are you? Why can't you eat?

I sorry that happened. At your weight/height I've heard of case were laparoscopic surgery isn't doable-- but I thought they would just convert to an open procedure. I think it's absolutely worth it to try again-- if you can find a new surgeon and discuss options is lap surgery won't work again. I'd also encourage working on Weight loss now to help make surgery Problem free.

Every time this topic is posted you get a myriad of answers--because it's a personal decision. I chose to tell family; not much of anyone else. When people comment on my weight loss I thank them and say I'm working on it. Haven't had a single person pester me beyond that. If you opt to shout it from the roof tops-- make sue you can let the Snide comments go. One thing for sure- people will talk either way.

I think you've made a very, very wise choice. Now I encourage you to start or continue with therapy to work though the emotions that drive you to overeat/make poor choices.

I've heard thin, slimming down, skinny best I can recall. I'm now in the "how much more do you plan to lose" phase because-- I apparently don't need to lose any more according to others.

I add it to my chocolate protein shake. I've mixed it with water to make into a peanut butter consistently-- it's good, but doesn't keep well. I couldn't be bothered whipping up a little each time I got a craving for Peanut butter. So I mainly use it as an add in to stuff now. I've tried it in yogurt, and oatmeal-- I don't love it or hate it that way.

15 months out and my incision above the navel looks like a second belly button too

Congratulations!! I remember your struggles and you did it!! Our surgery dates aren't to far apart I think... I'm at 204 today... so close!!

I like the idea of a vet forum that's closed in some fashion to deflect the newbie reptitiveness. My only thought/concern is that the group make up will seem heavily skewed towards those at goal/in maintenance vs those working towards goal still. I read / post far less then I used to the further out I get-- this may be a reason to come back to BP.

My hips. I've always loved my hips, even when I was obese. I love laying on my side in bed and seeing how they curve to give me that hourglass effect.

Damn, I'm sorry they treated you that way. You'll have to develop some responses that shut down their busybody ways and shows you are strong in you decisions about what you put in your body. I'd suggest having a serious talk with your husband about him taking your plate... You are not 4! This has not been my experience at all by the way. My family knows about my surgery and never comments on what/how much I eat (to my face at least). Don't accept it as the norm.

One of my incision did start oozing puss, but it wasn't a constant stream. I ended up needed antibiotics to clear the infection. Did you have a drain?

Starting weight: 337: 3 months 278; 6 months 255; 1 year 215

One-- you CAN be thin-- don't doubt that for a minute, but seek a goal that works for you! My starting weight was 337, and I'm at 210 now. The worst of my excess skin is my wings (arms). I have skin on my stomach of course, but it doesn't 'hang' or otherwise protrude horribly/awkwardly. I can easily live with my stomach. I've gone from a 46dd to a 38D. Mine haven't take on the 'tube socks with rocks in them' look I've heard other describe. They hung before , just seem a bit deflated now. Nicely hidden in clothes/bras etc. like you, I'll never be able to afford plastics. Even if I did have a financial windfall, I'd hesitate in plastics. Arms would be my hands down must do-- anything else ehh. My husband hasn't complained. He actually hasn't said a single word about my weight loss at all, so if he said anything at all- it'd be a pretty big deal. I can't say I've noticed anything flopping around.... But maybe I'm just focused on other things

Wow, what a surreal year this has been!! My stats: High weight: 337; current: 213.1; goal: 175 Height 5'6.5"; #lost: 123.9; # to go: 38.1 Health: I'm not as thrilled as I thought I'd be with health improvements. I was taken off blood pressure meds, but I won't be surprised if I end up on them again based on readings lately. I'm still pre diabetic (Grrr!), but my A1C has gone down. Blood work otherwise looks good, I'm battling to keep my ferritin and Iron up, but feel no ill effects. I take my Vitamins regularly. Fitness: I'm rocking this. I have a routine I love, a mix of activities including running, circuit training, weights biking and the elliptical. Best of all, it's a sustainable routine. I feel fabulous! What's surprised me about post op life: not having any complications. That dumping and other GI upsets can be so subtle and easy to miss if not paying close attention. That while I have loose skin; it's not nearly as bad as I feared. I didn't hate life before- it was good then- it's just enhanced now. Some pics...

Size 10 is ideal for me.

How many calories are you eating? What worked to wean me off of "white carbs" pre op was to limit them to one carb per meal. (IE- instead of chicken, Mac and cheese and cornbread, I had chicken and cornbread.) Then eventually I transitioned my one carb to a vegetable. It's overwhelming to drop it all at once, so that's why I opted to gradually work things out of my diet. You can also start using Protein shakes as Meal Replacements, but you will struggle with hunger initially. Do you have a nutritionist?

Hi Tammy, I'm 13 months post op RNY. Your worries are normal, but trust me, for the most part, won't be a concern the further you get post op. Can I eat the food I love- yup 90 % of them. I choose not to though cause the foods I love is what caused me to be super morbidly obese. I can't tolerate fried foods, of fatty food at all. I don't drink calories at all, only water or diet Snapple. O can tolerate sweets, which is bad cause that's my biggest problem- but again it's a choice to eat what my body needs nutritionally, and sweets arent nutrition. I've dumped a few times, and for me it's extremely subtle, not the writhing agony some describe. I really have to pay attention to realize it. Everyone's experience is different-- just giving you mine. A huge part of this is dealing with the mental-- I'd encourage counseling to sort though what ever is the driving force one use food to hide from, cope with etc. (I did years of therapy a few years before WLS it helped me understand why I had the attitudes towards weight and nutrition I had) Tackle one thing at a time to not get overwhelmed. It will all be so worth it!

The days i tried brown rice... Never.again.

So when I searched you I see your an Advocare rep-- is there really a group or are you just seeking people to join this multi level marketing scheme?

What are you eating on atypical day? How many calories, what are you drinking? Are you exercising? We can "monitor intake" but still be eating the wrong things...

I just say "thanks, I've been working at it" and if they insist on knowing what I'm doing I bring up that I started running... It shuts most up as they aren't interested in it themselves

I'm almost 4 months post op. Even before thinking about surgery, there were small steps I would take to try and 'preserve' what health I had. (Ie- drink water, diet soda, bring lunch vs buying it etc) All the while I would hope my husband would adopt something for himself too... But he's his own person. He's never berated, bullied or lectured me about my weight, and I try and do the same for him. But, part of me wonders if he was kind of 'enabling' me, or simply not doing me any favors ignoring the 'elephant' in the room. But, it's nearly impossible to approach this topic of weight without seeming like you are 'fat shaming'. I see how physically unhappy he is with himself. And how unhealthy he is, cholesterol issues, elevated A1c, sleep apnea, joint pains etc. I love him and want us to enjoy growing old together, but we're too young for all that! Guess I can only pray that he chooses something that helps enhance his quality of life at some point. I ultimately had to make this decision on my own, So I need to transition my worry for him to love and appreciation for his support of me.