MissKay

The period I had last month was the heaviest I've ever had. I leaked through absolutely everything. And everything i was using were overnight items that should've been able to hold up. They'd last about 2-3 hours, max. This one isn't as heavy, yet, but still heavier than what use to be my norm. I'm wondering if since my body isn't use to the 'loss of blood' anymore, that it could've taken a nosedive quicker than normal. Guess that'll be a question for my doc once the test results come back if it does show one.

I don't mean to be rude, and perhaps you're not meaning it this way, but this feels like a scare tactic. See below for why I disagree with this immensely. So yes, SOME doctors won't know what in the hell they're doing. If you're honest and open with you PCP BEFORE you have the surgery, they can prepare, educate themselves, and express any issues/concerns. There's a slim chance you'd have to change PCP's to get the follow up care you need. However, Dr. Illan and his team provide a list of blood work to have done and at what intervals. When those intervals come around, I let my doctor know, she orders the tests, I get my blood drawn, she lets me know if they're within normal range or not. It's easy peasy and isn't even related to anything bariatric when it comes to my insurance or anything. It is entirely dependent on how flexible your PCP wants to be. If they're not willing, find one that is. You can get the follow up care you need, it just might take some dedication and research PRIOR to going to ensure it's all lined up. That aside. I had my surgery with Dr. Illan on June 13, 2016. Before they made the move to Oasis. I'm actually jealous they weren't there when I went. Even so, the hospital was great, the staff was great, he was fantastic, and my boyfriend was taken care of every step of the way as well. I got better treatment and care from them and their staff than I've ever experienced in the US. I'm terrified of hospitals and was scared about going under as I never had before, but they eased me through it and got me to the other side. Now I'm sitting here at 199lbs, and 49lbs away from my goal. I don't regret it one bit, other than wishing I'd done it a couple years sooner. If I ever needed anything again in the future, you can bet I'll be going to Dr. Illan and his team again. I had no complications. I experienced a bit more pain post-op within the first 3 hours of surgery than I expected. Some people say they experience none. I, however, did have some and I have a VERY high pain tolerance. So this surprised me. Once they found a good pain medicine and coupled it with anti-nausea, I was great. Once I was released 2 days later, I didn't ever have to touch the pain meds I left the hospital with. Of course do your research and talk with your regular doctor beforehand, you only hurt yourself by not doing so.

Nope. I personally think those are hyped up fads. Skin elasticity is dependent upon genes, time you've carried the extra weight, and how fast/slow you lose it. I don't think there's anything you can do to regain the elasticity.

Yes, definitely common. Headaches, fatigue and even mood swings. You're depriving your body of carbs, calories, fat, etc. Basically what it's use to. Usually by days 4-6 you see this taper off and you feel a lot better. Still not great, but less like poop.

Yeah the hair hasn't lessened for me and I'm almost 9 months post-op. I have had a 'regular' period the last 3 months, though. And I had like maybe 2 periods a year for the last 7 years, so that's a good sign. The hair is annoying, but it's just a part of my routine to take care of it at this point. I'd rather deal with the hair then the lack of fertility and the weight.

Is it your stomach or your throat? Are you on any sort of omeprazole? No matter your answers, I urge you to call your doctor/surgeon. Better safe than sorry.

Well it's better to know now than it is to have a complication arise and then them say they won't cover it. Whether you wait or not, it won't change their decision on it. They can't refuse to cover covered treatment, so I suspect as long as they don't have to do the actual surgery you should be fine.

Once you're back in the US, your policy SHOULD cover you, unless you have a strict one that has many bylaws or whatever. My insurance wouldn't cover the actual surgery without all the hoops, but they will literally cover anything else, no matter how or why it happened. Have you checked what that coverage would be?

I HIGHLY recommend the PatchMD Vitamin Patches. Some of mine did the same and then I never wanted to take them. There's none of that with the patches because it bypasses your digestive system.

I went back 2 weeks after and wound up dehydrated my first day because because it was July, 100+ degrees and it's semi-physical. I ended up calling out the next day to recover. The lack of calories and nutrients while your body is still healing is going to make you rundown. You'll feel a pick up in energy when you start more solid foods again. Don't give up! And, if you're not on an energy supplement, i'd recommend talking to your surgeon/NUT about whether or not they think it's a good idea to add one in. It can help a lot of they approve.

I was on a 9 week thing. 1st, clear fluids. 2nd, full, 3rd, mix of liquids and pureed. 4th, pureed, etc. etc. It gradually built up. It can be hard, especially in those first 2-3 weeks, but they do it because your stomach is still very swollen and sensitive. If you move on too fast, you can end up hurting yourself. However, talk to your NUT and see what they say. I healed faster than typical, and was allowed to move on as long as I was super careful, and if my stomach didn't agree with something, I dropped back to the last stage. You're essentially re-introducing food back into your healing stomach.

There was a brief period. I attributed this to the fact that when you're rapidly losing weight your hormones get whacky for a bit. So it could be that. Give it a bit and it should balance out.

Good luck with the start of the process! And welcome

I was told 18 months... sorry I'm just surprised by the 12, ahaha. But yeah, because our bodies are still adjusting to the shift in nutrition, it could put more stress on a pregnancy to do it beforehand. That and the lower your weight, the easier time you'll have/less complications. I'd just urge that whatever you do, talk to an OBGYN beforehand (if you're planning).

I'm not sure about that specific area, but I do know that with weightloss, especially rapid weightloss like most of us are on, it can cause some back pain since the excess weight is being relieved off from the spine and it can take it a little bit to 'heal'. If it gets too bad, I'd talk to your PCP about seeing a chiropractor just to be safe.

Lots of Water, make sure you're getting your Protein in, and taking a Biotin supplement (I recommend the PatchMD patches) can help speed up regrowth.

For SOME it's painful, not everyone. I've had an alcohol drink where there was Sprite in it (unknowingly to me until I was halfway through it), and beer/champagne, which are both carbonated. As well as a flavored, sparkling Water. I was very timid to try them, though. I only did that 3 weeks ago and I'm 8 months post-op. I had zero pain. I took it slow to test it first, because I didn't want to chug them and regret it later. The biggest thing is that sodas (even diet) have high sugar, empty carbs, and high fructose corn syrup (typically). They can be a self-sabotage during the weightloss period. I know some who are at maintenance that allow themselves one every so often, but even then it's few and far between. Just be careful! And if you drink anything with carbonation, take it slow and test it out first.

Yup, same as SoCalLaura said. There are some days I can have 3 meals and 2 small (healthy) Snacks. Then there are some days that I can only manage 2 meals. It does fluctuate, and I don't think it's anything you can really change.

We all have weak moments, it's better to just pick yourself up and learn from it instead of beating yourself up for it. You've already paid the price by getting sick. I hope everything with Jasper works out. <3

Better to do it at 21 than put it off and be older and regret not doing it when you were young. Trust me, I'm edging close to 27 and wish I had done it a few years ago, but at the time I only knew about the bypass and lapband and both of those horrified me. Your family is scared and uneducated (I'm assuming) about the procedure, so it's normal. There is almost always one or a few who seem horrified and unsupportive. Either they'll come around, or they'll be grumpy until they see you succeeding and pretend like they were supportive all along. You may even encounter some who are jealous (even some of your 'normal' sized friends/family). The main thing is that YOU know you've put your heart and soul into it, and your surgeons and pre-op tests will put you through a lot. Most people who don't know a thing about it and aren't supportive think it's some sort of lazy fix to being overweight--which obviously it isn't. It's just another tool in the arsenal, and all about how well you utilize it. Keep your boyfriend and sister close, and just remember you're doing it for you and your health!

Congrats! You're looking great

I'd call your nutritionist. I've been on a B12 energy patch since day one because my energy levels were nill, especially post-op. If I don't use them, I can feel it after just a day.

Definitely trying to increase your sleep will help. 1300 is a bit high. I'm surprised. I barely manage to get 1000 calories a day, and sometimes I don't. I have to push myself the days I'm in the gym. I'd try to lower that down a bit. The Protein, yeah. I mean don't stop your protein intake! But dropping down to 70g a day and increasing your vegetable intake will likely help. Vegetables will provide so many nutrients that you need and will help weightloss. Weightloss does start first and foremost with what you put in your mouth, but exercise is the next big puzzle piece, and it's an important one. If you aren't a gym person, walking/fast walking/jogging 30 minutes a day, even, will help a lot. But a good mix of cardio and weights will go towards helping build muscle which burns the fat, and increases your energy as well.

Hi! So you're 2 years younger than me, so I feel a kinship with you on that, haha. Dr. Illan was my surgeon, and while I did go with the sleeve, one of the other women who was on the same day as me had the MGB done and I've kept track of her progress on the Facebook group page and she's been doing fantastic. Dr. Illan and his entire team are great. You and whoever goes with you will be taken care of the entire time you're there. If something happens while you're there, they'll see to it to get it all taken care of. Now, stateside, most PCP's will have some knowledge of these surgeries. They aren't/won't be experts, but they should still be able to help. I'd suggest reaching out to your PCP ahead of time and let them know what you're planning. They don't need to approve, just be aware and make sure they'll support you post-op. Typically all that's needed post-op wise is blood work to ensure your Vitamin and nutrition levels. If anything else should arise, if they cannot help you, there has to be someone around that could. As well as I know Dr. Illan will still do phone/Skype calls to address anything too. As for your dad, it's unfortunate he's not supportive. I know most people's first thoughts about going to Mexico is botched surgeries, yadda yadda, but as long as you do your research (which sounds like you have), you'll end up in good hands. It's about you and your health, and he's likely just scared because he doesn't know anything/much about the procedure, the doctor, the hospital, etc. There is a thread in the Mexico forum where Bill Yanez has posted MANY video testimonials from Dr. Illan's patients. It's something that could help ease your mind, and if your dad was ever open to doing so, even his.

230lbs as starting is on the lower side than many others. It might be higher depending on your height and your goal weight, but it's still considered 'lower'. I've noticed that a lot of people starting lower seem to progress a bit slower, and I think that's normal. My best suggestion would be now that you're about 6 months out, focus more on vegetables, Water, and increase the exercise if you can. I do 1.5-2 hours every other day. An example for a meal (I eat about 6oz a meal now as I'm a bit further out than you): 4oz vegetables, 2oz lean Protein. The veggies are going to be what contribute to weightloss, the protein just keeps you feeling fuller longer and helps with muscle gain/definition.