Cheri_j

I don't make resolutions, but I have set a goal. I got a personal weight training trainer for Christmas and my goal is to complete the three-month program and then to continue on my own.

everything but the meat went to the trash or home with relatives. my husband smoked two pork butts and pulled the meat. With those leftovers, we used the food saver and sucked 12 separate meals. I would highly recommend a food saver. I can portion everything. and nothing is ever thrown out because of freezer burn.

I suffer from Chronic Idopathic Constipation (CIC). I was worried about all the Protein and Calcium I would be taking after surgery and knew this would only compound my problem. No amount of laxitives or supplements would help me. Even drinking a bottle of magnesium citrate wouldn't make of a difference. My regular doctor prescribed Linzess. This medication is a god-send. My surgeon and his office were aware of me taking the drug before surgery and after and have no problems with it. Now, I will say that it is a new drug and my insurance company has given a little push back, but I'm still taking it. Now that I've had my colonoscopy and the doctor saw the results of my CIC, it should convince my insurance company that I need to have this drug. There is one downside to Linzess. You will have diarreah at times. For me, this little issue is not an issue.

While I was going through the prep, I only told two people. When I was approved and a surgery date scheduled, I told a few more people, figuring the gossip line would let everyone else know. Not until about 50 loss, did anyone comment. I readily told them I had bariatric surgery. Their first response generally was "I know someone else who had that surgery and they had _____ complications." Now after five months and 80 pounds, I want to discuss my surgery with anyone who has an interest. I want to be an advocate for WLS. People are going to ask how you are losing so quickly. And as in my case, those who didn't ask, assumed I had cancer or some other bad thing wrong with me. Don't fool yourself by thinking no one is going to notice or ask. I think the biggest struggle with telling or not telling is the fear of what feedback you are going to get. Most of it will be positive. But then there are uneducated (uneducated in bariatric surgery) people who will say something stupid or hurtful. When this happens, you have one of two choices. You can either allow that stupid/hurtful comment to chip away at your self-esteem or you choose to realize that this person has no clue as to what they are saying. Trying to educate them more than likely will be useless, because they know everything about everything. But you can try. Don't give these negative people the power to make you feel bad about yourself. The most hurtful thing someone can say to me is that I took the easy way to weight loss. This has only happened once. My response was "I respect your opinion, but you have no idea what you are talking about." And I left it at that. I did not give that person the power to make me feel bad. I put a lot of hard work into my weight loss. My surgery is only a tool. Generally, when someone belittles you, they are trying to make themselves feel better and more superior to you. They themselves suffer from low self-esteem and the only way they can feel better about themselves is to belittle someone else. This is not your issue, but theirs. Don't allow this to be your issue. I was married to a bully for 17 years who made me feel I was lower than the grunge build up at the base of the toilet. It took a divorce and five years of counseling before I finally realized that there was nothing wrong with me - it was him all along! Just don't give away your power to anyone who doesn't deserve it.

I lost weight on my legs and feet first. Then my head. My hat was too big. I had RNY on July 29th, lost 80 pounds so far and it's now just starting to come off my stomach. I still haven't lost ONE bra size. The nurse said that my remaining 30 pounds has to come from somewhere, so hopefully, I will loose a bra size or two.

As everyone else has stated stalls are normal and will continue throughout the process. Think of your weight loss as stair steps and not a downward slope. This is just the way it is. Think of the weight you've lost so far and don't give up. The stalls are temporary or they would be called stops! You have to be patient. If your nausea doesn't let up soon, call your doctor's office to get checked out. As far as your stomach goes....you are not alone in that boat. I'm sure most of here have the same issue. Makes buying clothes a little difficult. For me, I lost weight in my legs first, which means any pants I buy, I have to get them to fit in the waist and then the legs are way too baggy. I feel like I'm wearing clown pants or I should change my name to MC Hammer. My biggest complaint is that I've lost 75 pounds and not one bra size. In fact, it's what I talk about most because it's the most frustrating to me. To have these huge bazoombas and a smaller frame makes me look totally out of balance. I'm still in an XL top and a 12/14 size pants. I did ask my doctor's office about it at my last visit. Seems I'm carrying all of my extra weight in my tummy and boobs now. So, she said that it would be likely that whatever I lose now will be coming from those places. HAH! Now my body has decided to only shed 1-2 pounds a week, if that much and it hasn't even been five months since surgery! I guess what I'm saying is be thankful of what is and what will be. Check with your doctor and take care of yourself.

I still eat ice cream. It's not one of those problem foods for me, but it's one of my most favorite foods. If I eat over 1/2 cup, I will dump. I've only had to dump once to make sure that doesn't happen again. I never get a cone, always a scoop in a dish. I eat 1/3 to a half cup and stop. I might have ice cream twice a month. If you have the will power to stop after just a few bites, you should be good. Some of us have foods that once we start eating, we can't stop. Mine is caramel. I won't eat that. But if you feel that it will lead to over eating, dumping, or eating other unhealthy foods, then you should stir clear. Is this a food you can cross back over line from? You are best judge of you.

I'm on the five-year plan. I've got the bad polyps. This is my year to get it done. I've never had trouble with the prep in the past, but now I have a little pouch. The prep includes drinking a massive amount Water along with a whole bottle of miralax and magnesium citrate. I asked the nurse (surgeon's team) and they said to ask the gastroenterology folks when I made my appointment. When I made my appointment, I asked about prep alternatives and they weren't sure. They asked me to check with my primary physician. Surely, I can't be the first gastric bypass person to get a colonoscopy at this rather large clinic in Minneapolis. Has anyone here had a colonoscopy done after they've had weight-loss surgery? Did you have an alternative to the prep or the procedure? I thought I would explore my options before writing my primary care physician an email. I will also google it, but do want to hear first hand from people about their experience (pros and cons). This way I could tell her which alternative I prefer. Thank you so much for your responses!

I had my colonoscopy late October. My gastro clinic and surgeon's clinic have no specific guidelines for colonoscopy prep. I had to follow the same instructions, just took a lot longer to do it. Instead of drinking eight ounces every 15 minutes for an hour, it took me three plus hours. The only problem with drinking so much SF Gatorade laced with Miralax is that there really wasn't time for me to eat anything on the liquid diet. So basically for two days, I had two cups of broth. I really wasn't hungry because I was drinking so much. My NUT said that not eating for two days wasn't going to kill me and I wouldn't suffer nutritionally. She also said that even though they discourage drinking juices, that drinking apple juice or another clear juice would be ok, especially if your diabetic like me and worried that your blood sugar is going to crash. Another suggestion is unjury makes a Protein chicken Soup and this would be good to keep up with your protein intake. Other than that, we don't get an easier way of prepping. Lucky me, I've been promoted to the three-year plan now and I get to do this all over again in three years instead of the five years.

Last month, while on vacation in NW Arkansas, I discovered hiking. Now I love hiking and we have been hiking every weekend since. A couple of weeks ago, after a grueling and sweaty hike, I discovered a bright red ring around my bellybutton and it smelled horrible. I asked the nurse about it at my three-month check up. She said it was a yeast infection! Because of the roll of skin that covers my bellybutton, the moisture is trapped and that causes a yeast infection. She said it is very common for WLS patients to get these yeast infections in the folds of excess skin. She gave me a perscription cream and it was cleared up in a week. Now if you are talking a vaginal yeast infection, I agree with Djmohr, go get some monistat. Before surgery and my diabetes was totally out of control, I had one continuous yeast infection. I was tempted to buy stock in the company that makes monistat. Since surgery and my diabetes going into remission, this has not been an issue.

I too weighed about 250 when I had my RNY at the end of July. Last week, I met with the RN and NUT for my 3-month checkup. The nurse said that because I didn't start at a much heavier weight, the weight loss would slow sooner than a person who was 300 or 400 pounds. I wasn't frustrated by my weight-loss progress, but more so with a stubborn plateau and wanted to know the science behind a plateau. I was curious as to how in one weekend, I could take two 8-mile hikes, take in less than 600 calories per day and not lose an ounce. One of the many times I was in Weight Watchers and was in the program long enough to experience a plateau, someone once told me to increase my carbs for a few days, that would trick my body into thinking it wasn't on a diet and my plateau would break. So this is what I did. Going from a high Protein diet to a high carb diet was an eye-opener. First off, I didn't feel "light" on my feet. I felt like a slug. I didn't want to exercise. But most importantly, what I realized was that I started craving more carbs and was hungry ALL OF THE TIME. I felt totally out of control! I haven't felt like that since surgery and it was scary. I imagined myself sliding right back were I started. My plateau broke this past weekend after three weeks. Was it the high carb diet or did the plateau just run it's course? I have no idea. I do know that I will never do that again. As far as I'm concerned, too many carbs is not a good idea. You've already recognized that you have some problem times. Prepare in advance for these times. Instead of eating salty Snacks full of carbs - how about a Protein Bar, some beef Jerky, or some fruit? There are some dried fruits, like apples that are crunchy and even come flavored. The best way of taking care of that "I'm feeling down" or "I'm doing so bad" feelings is to take control back from old habits. Take control and plan ahead. Plan for those times when it's difficult to stay on track. Google it. Keep writing in your food journal. Good luck!

I thought this would be posted in the woman's only forum. Sorry.

Long distance relationships take a lot of work, trust, and commitment. Eventually one of you will need to make a decision because they can't go on forever. I lived in Texas and my then boyfriend lived in Minnesota. We did the long distance relationship for 18 months, before I decided to move to Minnesota and marry the guy. During that 18 months, we would see each other for a week every two months. Once it was two weeks. When I moved to Minnesota and moved in with my boyfriend (now husband), it was hard. Really hard. I had been by myself a making my own decisions for over 10 years. My boyfriend had been divorced only a couple of years and he didn't want to make the same mistakes, so there was a lot of arguing and compromise. During that first year, I thought for sure I made the biggest mistake of my life. But we stuck it out and really worked at the relationship. Almost 13 years later, it was worth it. I am married to the best husband ever. I have no regrets. Long distance relationships are hard, but if give them a chance and see where it takes you, you will never have to wonder "what if?"

The few times I've fallen asleep (in my chair) since surgery, I haven't snored. But I've slept with my CPAP for so long, I can't imagine sleeping without it. I've tried, and I just can't do it.

Second thoughts are normal. You seem to be putting your sex life above other things in your life. A lot of obese women have sexual issues - especially women who have been sexually abused as children. I spent five years in therapy with the same issues. I'm not saying this is true for you, but sometimes overweight women value their self worth through sex. You feel great about yourself when having sex because someone desires and wants you. But those feelings are short-lived when you aren't having sex and you see yourself in the mirror. You are 29 years old. I am 56 years old. I've been through the obsessive sex thing and you know what? Having sex didn't keep me from getting diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity related asthma,GERD and two bad knees. I'm eight weeks out from surgery and have lost 58 pounds. Sex now, 58 pounds lighter, is so much better. As I lose weight, I know it can only get better. Part of the pre-op process will be a psych evaluation. Discuss your concerns and second thoughts with the doctor. The doctor might give you some insight as to why you are feeling the way you do.

You and I could be twins! I had a VBG done in 2000. It was difficult to get insurance approval for the conversion to a RNY, but this year, I was finally approved. Funny thing, my staple line was also broken and food/liquid would go through the staple line and just sit there and eventually I would throw up food that I ate days before. That section of my stomach would blow up like a balloon, put pressure on my lungs and I couldn't breathe. Twice I was rushed to the hospital with suspected heart attacks. When a fat old lady can't breath, they automatically assume it's a heart attack. I had horrible GERD, hiatal hernia, sleep apnea, diabetes, and obesity-related asthma and insurance said a revision to a RNY wasn't medically necessary. My surgeon convinced the insurance company to approve me because of my GERD. Ok....I'm off my soap box now. The first surgeon I saw in 2010 told me that I would have only lost 50 pounds when I was denied by insurance. I guess this was his way of telling me the grapes were sour. My current surgeon said that there is no reason why I can't lose 100+ pounds. After eight weeks, I've lost 58 pounds. I had to have two upper endoscopies because the surgeon needed to know my stomach anatomy. I have no clue as to why I had to have two, I just followed his instructions like a robot. I wanted this surgery so bad. I had to have a swallow x-ray. Because my surgeon had no idea about how much scar tissue he would find when he started the RNY surgery laproscopically, I was his only surgery that day because he said he might have to open me up to complete the surgery. I went into the surgery not knowing how long it would take or how long I would be in the hospital. I consider myself very lucky that the procedure was done laproscopically and I had a fantastic recovery. My surgeon's team advised me to lose FIVE pounds before surgery. From everything I had read, almost all doctors wanted at least 10%. I lost the 10%. I wasn't taking any chances on anything happening. Because I started eating healthy, exercised at least an hour every day, and stayed very very active up until the day before surgery, my recovery was so much easier. Good luck with your pre-op. It will all be worth it in the end.

I have used mine more in the last eight weeks (surgery), than I ever did before. There are tons of recipes for dishes that are healthy and the meat is moist and easy on the pouch/sleeve.

I wish I could say the same. I came home from the hospital after having my surgery hungry and it seems that I'm hungry all the time.

I am almost 8 weeks out. Last week, I lost only two pounds. I was bummed. My first week that I didn't lose more than 4 pounds. but you know what? I might have only lost two pounds, but I lost FOUR inches in my waist!!! So, don't let the scale have that much power over you. Even though you aren't losing pounds as fast as you want, you may be losing inches!!

check with your woman's battered shelter. they are always looking for clothes.

I've also been thinking of this. Planning is our key to success, right? For Thanksgiving, turkey with a little gravy on it (to moisten it up a bit) and I will put some fresh vegetables on my plate. I will skip all the pre-dinner snacking and deserts. For Christmas, it has been my husband's family tradition to prepare home made chicken noodle Soup. Even the noodles are home made. There is home made lefsa as well. I'm planning on a bowl of soup without the noodles. I will follow my NUT's rules and eat the soup with a fork, so all I will be eating will be the chicken and vegetables. Oh...and no lefsa for me.

I did the RNY because of reflux, but more importantly, because of diabetes. I was a diabetic for over 20 years and since my surgery, my diabetes has been in remission. That in itself was worth everything.

I was so excited to move to pureed foods after several weeks sucking down broth. I wanted some texture! All plans are different. I could have yogurt during the liquid phase. I wasn't limited to plain yogurt, but could have any yogurt I wanted as long as it was low fat and under 10 grams of sugar - oh and no chunks of fruit. Are you going into pureed foods or "soft" foods? During the pureed stage, I pureed everything. Some of the things I pureed were chili, chicken breast and pot roast. When you are in the pureed stage, you can't eat with your eyes. I didn't thin the mashed potatoes and it only took 2 bites of cream of wheat for me to say no way...this is yuck. I love the premier pre-made shakes, so I never had to deal with almond milk. I'm in the soft foods stage now. I make chicken salad, taco salad (no chips), and manwhich. I also marinate chicken breasts, that I can grill. Oh...I also made bbq pork ribs in the crockpot that were absolutely delicious. I've made marinated grilled shrimp that is to die for. You do need to watch how much bbq sauce and marinade you use because of the sugar content. I think this stage is pretty fun. I look at pinterest and other recipe site trying to find recipes that will fit the soft food stage - and there are tons of them. I'm lucky too because I have a very supportive husband and he doesn't mind being the guinea pig with all of the new dishes that I'm feeding him. You wouldn't think that I'm afraid to eat after all the foods I just described, but I am. I carefully weigh all of the foods I consume so I don't over eat. I even carry a pocket scale in my purse so I can weigh my food if we eat out. I'm terrified of stretching my pouch. I think this is completely normal. So instead of fearing the unknown - PLAN for it! I'm sure your dietician will give you a list and guidelines for your next stage in eating. Believe me - you can eat delicious - yet very healthy food - and still be 100% compliant on your plan.

food was never a hobby for me. It was more comfort and protection. My hobbies include: Golf Traveling - golf vacations across the country Quilting Reading Listing to Audio books Since my surgery, I've added exercise as a hobby and also searching for healthy recipes and then preparing it. I guess I did make food a hobby now.

I have had food dreams since my surgery in July. Right after the surgery, I was dreaming of food binging almost every night. Donuts, tacos, cake - all of my favorites. I knew in the back of my mind (dream mind) that I had surgery and I wasn't supposed to be eating these foods or the amounts, but it didn't stop me. I mentioned this to my doctor when I had my two-week checkup and he had never heard of anyone have food dreams after surgery. It's been almost eight weeks since my surgery and the dreams aren't as frequent, but I still have them. Saturday night, I dreamt that I was eating chips and queso. When I quit smoking almost 10 years ago, I quit by using Chantix. Every night, I would have bizarre dreams (side effect of Chantix) and I would be chain smoking in every dream. Personally, because of the chain-smoking dreams and the food dreams, I attribute these dreams to my addictions - nicotine and food. I think our minds must sense a cessation of what it likes and plays little tricks on us by using our dreams.