naturegirl

I returned to work at a week and half post op.

I'm a teacher and received 8 boxes of chocolate, 1 mug of chocolate, and 1 candy bar from my students. I plan to regift it so I don't eat it. I'm not a big chocolate fan so that helps with temptations. I politely tossed 3 cupcakes, a few Cookies, and dessert bar after school. #thoughtfulstudentsbariatricteacher

I don't drink carbonated beverages because they hurt my stomach. The last actual soda that I had was July 2015. While I'd love a cold Mtn Dew or Root Beer, I avoid them to avoid the pain. Now I can drink beer, but only a few sips and I'm done/full.

I usually don't drink OJ because it's so surgery, but will eat oranges or the occasional piece of pineapple. Small Mandarin oranges/Clementine's are my best friend. They are perfect in size. Regular oranges I share with my kids as one slice is all I can have.

You will know when you take too big of a sip! My stomach screams at me in pain when I take in too much. I often have to be careful after running as I'm craving cold Water to gulp down, but can't. I use a straw and take in water easier this way, but still inhale too much from time to time. Good luck and get in those small sips however you can. Avoid the big ones!!!!

I'm an ice cold Water kind of gal. I drank it before surgery and continue to this day. Room temp water is just a bore.

Between months 3-6 I lost more than half of my hair. My hair prior to this was very thick and full. It's now thin. I did not notice any help in the hair loss process with Biotin. It was falling out like mad and I was really scared of going bald. A year out from when it stopped and it has finally grown to my shoulders. It is growing back curlier than before. I actually got it cut today, something that I was scared to do. It's cut above my shoulders to get rid of the dead hair.

I was introduced to the show back before I had surgery. I binged watched every episode that I could to get a better understanding of what was on the calendar. The show provided me with insight into the surgery as well as an appreciation for not being that size. I still watch it as a reminder of where I never want to go. That my new stomach is a tool, and that I need to maintain this tool. Too many of the people profiled have drama. Lots of people claiming to have been molested as children. That they blame their food consumption on their families. Then there's those who appear to have control issues and only really go out with their family member/significant other to grocery shop, yet hate the looks from others. I have to wonder if these people go shopping to ensure that the person they're with buys the food that they want. Control issues. What I find frustrating is that so many of the patients would not pass the required psych eval if they were going through their insurance company. They are not ready to make the changes necessary to be successful. They complain about everything and don't want to make the changes that are required.

I'm just outside of Memphis. Welcome to the group.

Personally I'd pass on them. While they might sound amazing right now, save it for later.

I received a gift card to Old Navy for Christmas and purchased a new pair of jeans in a size 6, and a sweater in a small! Those are sizes that I have never seen in my closet in my life! Not even in my teen years.

It was about the 40 pound mark that I treated myself to a few new shirts and pants for work. I didn't get new bras until about 75 pounds. But I'm cheap, lol. I started pricing my closet around 60 pounds, but we also moved making it easy to do.

My doctor had me wait 3 weeks and to keep things easy.

I'm maintaining more than losing at this point, and that's fine by me. I'm enjoying life again, but also need to occasionally remind myself to behave. Have more confidence too. Reached my high school weight. Was an over weight teen, so its a realistic milestone to achieve.

Last week I wore a summer dress that I have t worn in 15 years. Weighing myself and seeing my high school weight (back in 1997). I was over weight but active. Losing the first 50 lbs, then 100! My husband walking right past me because after 16 years he didn't recognize me in a crowd. Has happened multiple times. Running my fastest 5k since high school, 32:29!

I've only had a couple of them and usually at races where they are the snack item when you cross the finish line. Not something that I would purchase on my own due to carbs and calories, but they were there and I needed something in me. Plus I typically only eat about half of it then throw it away from disliking it.

Your comment about rides scaring kids is on a case by case basis. All 4 of my kids went to both Disneyland and WDW multiple times by the time they were 1 and never had any issues. It's all about exposure and the individual child. Plus it's at the discretion of the adult and what to take them on, and whether or not to hold them close if the child might be scared. As for a doctor, Disney does have certified nurses and doctors staffing their First aid centers in each park so that in the event of an emergency they can care for the patient until able to be transported elsewhere. Also, if staying at a Disney owned resort and need of a doctor there is an in house doctor that you can call on for an emergency after hours (and if without a vehicle to get you to urgent care). I had to do this for DH a few years ago. ~~~~~ I went to Disneyland 3 months out form surgery. I was fine and fully recovered. No issue there. I would also share food with either my DH or one of our kids. Was at WDW at 9 month post op and there were a few restaurants that I didn't want to share food with anyone and the waitstaff/managers worked with me to provide smaller portions/kids meals due to my dietary needs. All you have to do is ask. Never expect that they will charge you less, but be pleased if they do. As you know, wear comfortable shoes, remain hydrated, and rest as you need to. You know the parks and know your own limits. Just don't over do it. If you don't get to something then there's always next time. Besides, you'll be going at a slower pace anyways with a 1 year old. Don;t push the thrill rides that have speed or too much jostling just yet. Save them for a future trip. °o°

I was on the pill for roughly 12 years. I got pregnant while on the pill twice, each time I missed 1 day. A few years prior to surgery I got a Mirena IUD. Period free, no replacement for 5 years. Yes please. I'm now on my second IUD and have not experienced any weight gain. It's wonderful. Insertion and removal is a b%&%&%, but worth it IMO.

No tips on their practice, but be sure to follow their pre-op diet. You want to make sure that you're following their orders and not jeopardizing your possibility at surgery. Also, now's a good time to stock up on protein drinks, liquid soups, jello, sugar free popcycles, etc that you might consume pre and post surgery because you won't be in any mood to shop following surgery. Also take plenty of before shots. I regret not doing so. Be mentally prepared for the surgery. You won't look different over night. The loss might be slow. You'll actually leave the hospital weighing a little more due to the IV. Walk as much as you can while in the hospital. I slept much of my stay, but also watched tv, read, and played on my phone. Nothing strenuous. If you have kids work out for them to be watched. My parents and DH took turns. Get in your fluids once home!!!! I went to the ER for dehydration at 3 days home. I was back to work at just over a week. I had a desk job, so no heavy lifting. Loose clothes will fit best. Again, don't be frustrated at that point if you haven't dropped a size or the scale hasn't moved. Question, who is your surgery through? My mom is going through St. Francis (I think), but since I had mine out of state (where I was living) I don;t know anything about them.

When I was in the 18-22 size range I had a few nice pieces from Nordstroms and then filled in with pants and blouses from JCP. Occasionally I would find a nice top or pair of slacks that fit well at Maurices. Lane Bryant was always hot or miss as I'm 5'4" and things didn't seem to fall right on me. You can also try wardrobe rental companies like Gwinnee Bee (?). At this stage I recommend trying Goodwill if you live in a large city. I've found a few good pieces to supplement my wardrobe during the last year. My comment about a large city was due to when I lived in a rural area there was never very much in terms of quality pieces at GW.

When I was taking Biotin during that stage nothing seemed to grow. Since it was winter I didn't really need to shave my legs daily, so perhaps I just didn't notice it.

When

Did you find if it was the cause of your weight issue? I'm on my second Mirena IUD and haven;t had any problems. I have loved my virtually period free life for the last 5 years!