ahappycamper

Hi everyone, Is this a thing? Accountability partners? Texting buddies? I'm kind of hoping so. I've been struggling for a little while now which I posted about elsewhere, and I've been racking my brain to come up with something that might help. Because of my schedule I'm not able to attend the support groups hosted by my surgeon's office each month and I don't really know anyone else going through anything similar with whom I could commiserate. In late November 2016 I was sleeved. My highest weight pre-surgery was 347lbs. My weight going into surgery was around 280lbs or just under and my current weight fluctuates between 196-201lbs. At 5'5" I'm hoping to get to at least 150lbs before my excess skin surgeries (for which I have no dates, I just know I'm going to have them probably in early 2019). I think this amount of weight loss is completely doable, but I'm having a hell of a time remaining accountable to myself. I've also found it motivating in the past to have another person kind of working in tandem with me. I was wondering if there was anyone who might be in a similar-ish boat and would like to be accountability/texting buddies? I'm hoping to get back to basics with my diet (have considered doing a sleeve reset diet for a few days) and have a gym membership but find myself not using it. I'd prefer to workout at home but it's hard to get cardio in at home. It would be nice to have someone to check in with about our workouts, exchange recipes or meal planning ideas with, and to support and encourage to meet their goals. About me: I'm 30, in a long-term relationship, dog and cat mom, full-time student, work part-time, have a very weird schedule, and am also in the midst of some very lame Seasonal Affective Disorder. Really love yoga, one day in the far future would be interested in crossfit, like pushing myself (except for when I don't). I struggle with discipline as far as fitness goes but am ready to sacrifice what is necessary to finish making my dreams a reality. Just hoping to do it alongside a new friend. Anyone interested? P.S. If this topic somehow isn't allowed, I apologize.

Hi folks, I was sleeved 11/22/16. Pre-op SW was 347lbs and CW is 197lbs. Lost 70lbs pre-op. My sleeve has been incredibly successful thus far, mostly without incorporating exercising into my routine. That is something I have only really started in the last two months. I'm really struggling. I'm not 100% sure I know why. Maybe lack of support by others in the same boat? My surgeon offers a support group meeting, but they only meet on Mondays once a month and since last August I have had classes every Monday night save for two weeks during the holidays, but those days did not fall on support group meeting dates. I will continue to have Monday night classes until end of April at the earliest. Due to a number of factors (being in classes 1hr away from where I live every weeknight, working whenever I'm not in class, and generally being somewhat more introverted) I don't have too many local friends (most live 40 minutes or more away) and I have zero friends that are in the process of losing weight or generally getting fitter. My boyfriend is very supportive and encouraging, but he is much fitter than I am and currently working out with him is intimidating. I'd rather work out by myself at home or with a friend in a similar boat. Additionally, both my boyfriend and I decided to recommit ourselves to our health/weight/fitness goals after the new year, but he hasn't kept up with working out that much which makes me somewhat less inclined to workout myself. We both have incredibly busy schedules and are up at 6am already and not done with work/responsibilities for the day until 8pm at the earliest and 10:30pm at the latest. We are truly exhausted physically and both our jobs/my schooling requires a lot of emotional and mental labor so we often don't feel we have much left for ourselves at the end of the day. For Christmas I asked for and received an unlimited monthly pass to a yoga studio in town. I have loved yoga for years and was doing easily an hour of yoga at home by myself after the holidays, but then I began my pass. I attended once and that has been it so far. The studio's schedule seems to be set up for people who don't have to work and I have mild to medium-level anxiety about working out in front of people. Once I had the pass I felt like if I was going to do yoga, I had to do it at the studio so I stopped working out at home. Then I got it in my head that I needed to work on my cardio because my heart really needs strengthening. I debated getting a Planet Fitness membership for a few days and eventually just went for it. That was a week ago. I've been once and worked out for 20 minutes. I don't like going at their busy times and with my schedule that leaves 5am-6am (waking up at 4:30am to to get there) OR after 7 hours of work, two hours total commuting, and 6-7.5 hours of classes. That would put me at the gym at 9:30pm and not home until 11pm. I know mostly everyone is crazy busy and exhausted and they still find the time and motivation to work out, but I'm struggling to find it. It comes in spurts. Where I live is a great place to go running in the morning or at night when there aren't that many cars around to see me, but I've only managed to get myself to do that once in the last two weeks. I'm also having a somewhat difficult time with food. Before my surgery and all through the diet that was managed by my nutritionist I did spectacularly. Ate according to my diet exactly and never strayed -- never even really felt too much in the way of cravings. I lived on protein shakes, yogurt, tuna fish, soup, and salad for almost two years (pre and post). Once I was able to eat "real" food again, I got away from two protein shakes a day and stopped eating yogurt -- had only one shake a day and ate regular food except carbs and too many veggies. Focused mostly on the one shake and protein sources. Since the holidays I've gone back to two shakes a day and occasionally eating yogurt. My diet now consists of protein shakes, turkey roll-ups, carrots and hummus, chicken breast, salad, cheese sticks, and more "real" food for dinners. Last night I did turkey taco bowls with lettuce, a table spoon and a half of rice, black beans, red bell peppers, salsa, and a small swirl of non-fat greek yogurt. Filled a small bowl but didn't finish it all. My carb cravings are off the charts, though. Baked goods and chocolate are almost all I think about. I have not been as strict about resisting these cravings as I should be. In the past (years ago) I struggled with depression. I was on numerous medications for years trying to find something that worked, but never did. Eventually the depression let up and I was okay -- better than okay, even. I've considered that perhaps I'm having a small bout of depression but I have no interest in going back on medications after 6+ years of feeling like I was living in a fog and dealing with all the side effects which were HORRIBLE. I felt like my brain wasn't my own. Since that time period my memory has suffered and that scares the crap out of me. I don't want to tempt fate again. If it gets worse, I would certainly consider it much more seriously, but at this point I'm not even sure it's depression. Everyone naturally has small slumps and I'm hoping that is what this is. I'm just not sure what to do. I think that setting weekly goals for myself is a great idea and would give me the direction I need, but I don't really have a method of accountability to make myself follow through. My boyfriend says he would like to be that for me, but the truth is that he just doesn't really have the time. He hardly has the time to be accountable to himself for his own health goals. (Plus, it isn't his responsibility, ya know? It's a lovely and thoughtful and generous offer, but ultimately it's on me.) I meal plan for him and cook his lunches so he can eat healthy and do somewhat of the same thing for myself, but I find it a lot easier to do for him since he eats regular-people-style. I struggle to find foods that are easy and lightweight to transport that are tasty, not carb-loaded, and often do not require warming. All of my food essentially is on the go. Likely I SHOULD go back to multiple protein shakes a day, yogurt, and keep it super simple. I should. I know. I'm having a hard time letting go of the variety of savory flavors that "real" food offers, though. Most protein sources that would meet my needs are of the sweet variety. Shakes, yogurts, bars. But also I really missed the texture of food I had to chew. Even as I write this I'm getting frustrated with myself. I don't use my phone/instagram/snapchat/forums of any kind with any kind of regularity anymore, so while having a weight loss instagram/whatever was helpful in the past, I don't really have time to take pictures of everything and write posts, etc. I can't guarantee that I'll have time everyday to check into an accountability post on the BP forums. Unless something is coming to me via text, there's almost no chance I'll get to it. I have no idea what I need or even what I'm asking. Or if I'm asking anything at all. I just needed a place to vent, I suppose? How do you all keep yourselves accountable if you don't have too much in the way of in-person support and don't have too much time to spend here on the forums? Perhaps later this year when I have more time to spend here, it won't feel so difficult and I won't feel quite like I'm doing this alone so much, but for now I just don't have the time. Especially not if I'm going to somehow create time for myself to workout. For those of you who have tightly packed schedules and are making the time for yourselves early in the morning or late at night or whenever to get to the gym, how do you find the energy to get through your whole day without a nap or without a constant stream of caffeine? I feel zapped of energy all the time and all my vitamins are in good working order (thought it might be iron deficiency but no). Is there anyone else here looking for a texting buddy for support? To talk about meal planning/recipes/keeping each other accountable with working out, etc.? I'm 30, studying to be a mortician, rarely at home except on the weekends when I'm studying non-stop. Please feel free to send me a message here if you're in a similar boat. Any thoughts/advice is welcome. I'm feeling pretty lost and frustrated at this point. Thanks in advance for your comments and I appreciate whomever read this entire novella. -A

Anyone in Frederick go to Planet Fitness early early in the AM? (Like 5-5:30am)? Or late at night? Around 9:30pm? I’d love a gym buddy but my schedule is so nuts those are the only times I could go (Saturday/Sunday is more open, though).

I'm in a mortuary science program right now, and honestly...eating can be tough. I have the sleeve and I'm just over 2 months out. I really dislike always having to carry a lunch bag with me, but there's really no other option for me. I keep Oikos Zero Greek yogurt, a few cheese sticks, a think thin low GI Protein bar or two, and sometimes tuna with relish or sliced rotisserie chicken in my bag with cold packs. Cracker barrel 2% reduced fat cheddar cheese sticks are a life saver. Sent From BariatricPal App

I haven't received mine yet either, but it's not uncommon for things to be delayed in the mail. I'm not too worried, I know we all are very busy at this time of year and some folks may not have had a chance to mail theirs in time for it to arrive by the 25th. I'm looking forward to whenever it arrives. Sent From BariatricPal App

I am really wishing this was my experience. Pre-op was very easy for me. I'd nearly adopted the pre-op diet for 8 months before surgery. The official pre-op diet I was on was only a slight change. I rarely if ever had cravings I couldn't shake off easily and really didn't have any intense emotions. For me, post-op has been a bitch. I can barely get my Protein in as I can't seem to tolerate my favorite shakes (favorite and most convenient) or most foods. This means I've been living off mashed potatoes and suffering the consequences of drinking my shakes anyway cause other high protein foods upset my tummy without the benefit of the high protein count. My cravings are off the charts. I want to eat EVERYTHING. Even on good days when I have nearly all my protein and fluids in for the day, I crave all kinds of foods I haven't had in months (surgery was only 4 weeks ago). Sugary stuff and carbs, mostly. It's torture. I feel hungry all the time, and the issues with getting food in and actually absorbed is keeping my weight loss at a snail's pace. I'm hoping that now I'll be starting to add more foods in that it will get easier, but I just don't know what to expect. Sent From BariatricPal App

If you can make it to Frederick, there is one hosted at Frederick Memorial Hospital with Dr. McKenna. Sent From BariatricPal App

I'm also in school and have a commute of 45 minutes without traffic. Tomorrow will be my first day of classes since surgery. I took 2 weeks off. If my school had been closer, I think I could have gone back after a week and a half, but because I was so tired, the commute made me nervous. I tried going back after just one week, but was scolded by my surgeon's office and encouraged to rest another week. My grandmother had her sleeve done last year and was driving, doing her normal activities after a week. It really depends on how your recovery goes, how your body responds. Some people are ready earlier than others. But I would think if you have it in early January you will be okay by the 21st. Just keep in mind you'll be more tired than you're used to for several weeks, even after you're okay to go to class. Pace yourself, inform your teachers (with doctors note) that due to medical needs, you may need to take a day off if it becomes too much. Tell them ahead of time, just in case, and be sure to have a note. Make sure you're drinking Water during class, too. Sent From BariatricPal App

I did a trial by eliminating things from my diet. Turns out it was the dairy. Apparently, I can't do dairy anymore. I had to go shopping since most of my liquid and soft foods were dairy based. Sleeve date: 21 Nov 2016 Height: 4'10" SW:190 GW: 125 Have you tried taking lactaid pills? They're sold over the counter and work for some folks, but not everyone. You could also try asking your doctor for a prescription version. I don't actually know, but they may be stronger than the over-the-counter ones. My surgeon's physician's assistant told me she frequently prescribes this for people after surgery and said if I continue having tolerance issues with the dairy that she'd write one up for me. If you haven't, I'd try those two things. If you've already been down that path, please disregard haha. Sent From BariatricPal App

This is VERY true lol Today was post-op Day 12 and I slept through nearly the whole thing. Most days aren't like that, though, I do take at least one nap a day. Finals are coming up, though, so that trend may not continue lol Sent From BariatricPal App

Hi everyone, Just wondering...is it common to be extra, extra sleepy all the time after getting the vsg? The last pain medication I took was around 4am. I'm to take it every four hours as needed, so it usually wears off by the 4 hour mark. I have slept all day long and am still tired. I could lie down right now and fall asleep easily. I'm not light-headed or anything unusual, but the constant sleeping is making is difficult to get all my fluids and Protein in. I try to stay awake and keep myself focused, but I drift off while reading, watching tv, knitting, browsing the internet, etc. When I'm awake, I try to walk as much as possible, but the second I'm done, I'm ready for another nap. I'm not ready to drive just yet and there are limited places in my house where I can get comfortable, so I feel a bit tied to my bedroom. I've never had any kind of surgery or anything done, so I thought maybe my body is still just in "wtf did you do to me" mode, but I'm not sure. My post-op appointment is on Wednesday and I'll bring it up then if there is no immediate cause for concern. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you all! Sent From BariatricPal App

Is slept a lot as well. My doc and nutritionist said to get the Water in and once I was done with that to try protein. All water first and rest is important. I set a time for 2 minutes so that I would take a sip of water. It took a little time but it got better. Listen to your body but stay hydrated so you can heal Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App This was really, helpful, thank you! I haven't really been sure which to prioritize, and my nutritionist just keeps saying, get both in. I'm 12 days out and just the last day or so have had trouble timing things to get all my water in. Um transitioning back into the real world, and because I spend so much time in my car, sometimes I've caught myself going 20 or 30 minutes without drinking anything. My commute is 45 minutes one-way, so I can't keep doing that. Unfortunately, traffic is often in that terrible in-between place where it's very crowded, but not slow enough to always easily open my bottle of water every few minutes. I'm going to have to find some kind of flip top water bottle since I can't use straws. Sent From BariatricPal App

No worries! The pain the day of surgery was slim to moderate thanks to the anesthesia and the IV drip I was on. They gave me a button I was allowed to push every ten minutes or as needed. Day 2 is what you should prepare for. The anesthesia has mostly worn off and your team may or may not take you off your drip. Mine did. There were pills I was prescribed, but my throat was SO dry I couldn't get them down even cut in half. The first day I was only permitted ice chips. By day 2, they had me sipping Water, but because I'd only just started the water, I couldn't get enough down to get the pill down without overdoing it. Partially the problem here is that my nurse told me incorrectly I wasn't able to crush them or cut them smaller than halves because it would hit me too fast. She was wrong, I later found out. Instead they had me drink liquid Tylenol with codeine. It made me very nauseous and it took about an hour to get the whole dose down. Between the anesthesia wearing off and the mess with my pain medication, day 2 was really really hard for me. I cried all day -- partly from the pain, partly from the frustration of seeing very little progress in getting what I needed from my nurses, partly because I was exxhausted, partly because it was an emotional experience and I hadn't really let any stress or anxiety out previously. The pain was about an 8 for me. Getting up to walk is paramount. It would have helped me so, so much, because a lot of the pain was from gas. Unfortunately, when I stood up for more than a minute or two, the gravity hurt my belly. I don't know why but it took 8 hours for my nurses to find compression binders and they couldn't get the right sizes. I had my grandmother bring me one from home. I'd ask your surgeon about ordering one ahead of time. It helped immensely. So, that sounds scary. And honestly, for me it was. But the biggest thing that got me through is that I knew the gas pain subsides with time and that most recoveries are not outright horrible the whole way through. I knew the next day would be better. I'm also a huge chicken and a total newbie to being a "patient". I'm very independent and it turns out, relying on others sucks for me. I'm adjusting, though. Day 3 I woke up at 7:30, still in a little pain, still burping non-stop, but I was walking within 30 minutes and didn't stop and until I was discharged. Once I got home, I slept. I was able to cut the pills smaller, and by then I could take it a little more water, so I took my meds and crashed for several hours. When I coughed, bent over, stretched too far in one direction, or sneezed, I had a tiny bit of pain. Otherwise, very little if any. Except pain from the gas bubbles in my stomach, but that's pretty minimal and I'm 7 days out. Mostly that's just discomfort, I guess. Still lots of burping, which is super attractive, but it's not a huge deal. I was expecting a much easier recovery, so Day 2 being so hard was surprising for me. The fact that I'm not yet driving at Day 7 is also frustrating, but I'm hoping in a day or two I will be. My biggest issue has been balancing fluids/protein with an upset tummy and potentially not being able to tolerate my primary source or Protein. I would not advise to freak yourself out, because it's definitely not that bad at all. However, I think if you prepare for difficult, you may find things are easier than you anticipated, whereas I did the opposite. But remember 3 things: 1. Gas-X strips. 2. Everyone's recovery and journey will be different. 3. Time takes time. Time takes time. Time takes time. I repeated this to myself all day long on Day 2. It got me through. You're going to do great and whenever you're scared or nervous, we're here for you. You've got this. Sent From BariatricPal App Omg thank you so much for such a thorough reply! I appreciate it so much. It makes me feel guilty to ask you something else.. but I hear so many people talk about the gas pain and say it's excruciating. Is it like typical extreme gas pain or totally different? How would you explain it? Is it like a sharp pain, throb, stabbing pain, etc? Again, I appreciate your answer so much! I just found this app and since I'm terrified and sort of preparing for the worst, it's helped me a bit. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Don't feel guilty at all, we're here to help each other! The gas pain is definitely not something you've likely experienced before. It's a lot. The pain can feel like a dull ache, bubbles rolling in your tummy, or like one giant a** bubble stretching your stomach which feels like a sharp pain. Again, day 2 was worse for me than day 1. I cried, but I also had that weirdness with my pain meds. I'm 1.5 weeks post-op and haven't had gas issues beyond burping for several days. Of course, if I drink something too fast or swallow too much Soup or whatever too quickly, I do get a sharp pain in my stomach and end up burping. The best thing to do for the gas while in the hospital is to walk as much as possible. That will break some of it up and your body can absorb it. The rest has to come out, one end or the other (not to be crass). I had very little intestinal gas and really have just been burping solidly since the surgery. All day long it seemed there for a while. Was that at all helpful? I feel like I lost my sense of direction halfway through lol Sent From BariatricPal App

It didn't even occur to me to ask at my post-op appointment, but now it's night and I'd love to relax in a bubble bath. I'm 9 days post-op. Anyone told specifically when they were allowed to take bubble baths again? I don't want to mess with my healing incisions, of course, but truth be told...my bath is from the 70's and not very large so most of my belly where the incisions are don't always get covered. They'd get wet, but wouldn't be left to soak in the Water. Kinda random, but thought I'd ask! Sent From BariatricPal App

I know this is corny, but your comment made me cry. How sweet he was to carry you and how wonderful that he could!!! You hD to feel like a princess!This is so, so sweet. I can see myself crying the first time someone is able to successfully pick me up. No one has ever before. I didn't realize until I read this how much I was looking forward to it. After 12yrs I'm finally lighter than my hubby but he struggles with his weight, and I can encourage him that he can make a changeI cried too! Such an adorable story! Sent From BariatricPal App

Congratulations, that must be such a wonderful feeling! And thank you for adding something no one else had previously mentioned! I googled Tefillin, as I'd never heard of it -- very cool! I love learning about other religions and cultures, so thanks for the inspiration to learn a little more! Sent From BariatricPal App

As an avid bubble bather, this is something I really relate to. Can't wait to hit this one! Not there yet, but it's coming! Congrats!! Sent From BariatricPal App

I WISH! I have always loved collar bones that show, but mine never do -- no, not even when I'm super thin, they don't stick out at all. I broke both of them when I was a kid, so maybe they just didn't grow the same after that. *pouts* But I love semi-fitted t-shirt tops with 3/4 sleeves and biiiiiig scoop necks -- and collar bones would look so fab with them. *pouts again*You could try using makeup along your collar bones to accentuate them. Just a little dusting of highlighter powder or cream blended in very very lightly is all it takes. The light will hit the highlighter and they're easier to notice. I love doing that in the summer, but if they're showing in your outfit, it'd be just as fine in other seasons. Send me a message if you'd like some more info to decide whether you want to try it. I can send a tutorial and a couple brand suggestions. Sent From BariatricPal App

Thank you so much for putting this together! Sent From BariatricPal App

I'm definitely experiencing this right now! chicken sounds nice and all, but....I could really go for a good, long soak instead! Sent From BariatricPal App Smart woman! Enjoy it while you can! Sent From BariatricPal App

Thank you all for your fast responses! Bought a special bubble bar for winter from Lush and I can't wait to use it! Couple more weeks! Sent From BariatricPal App

Darn. Thank you! Sent From BariatricPal App

I had the same problem. My nutritionist suggest taking a lactate pill before dairy products, and for me that worked. Keeping up with fluids was really hard, though. I added in some 0 calorie Powerade because I was waking up shakey and weak each day after diarrhea. Really, really push the Water so you don't get dehydrated. Sent From BariatricPal App

Can this be done with powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury powder? Has anyone tried it? Was it terrible? Sent From BariatricPal App

No worries! The pain the day of surgery was slim to moderate thanks to the anesthesia and the IV drip I was on. They gave me a button I was allowed to push every ten minutes or as needed. Day 2 is what you should prepare for. The anesthesia has mostly worn off and your team may or may not take you off your drip. Mine did. There were pills I was prescribed, but my throat was SO dry I couldn't get them down even cut in half. The first day I was only permitted ice chips. By day 2, they had me sipping Water, but because I'd only just started the water, I couldn't get enough down to get the pill down without overdoing it. Partially the problem here is that my nurse told me incorrectly I wasn't able to crush them or cut them smaller than halves because it would hit me too fast. She was wrong, I later found out. Instead they had me drink liquid Tylenol with codeine. It made me very nauseous and it took about an hour to get the whole dose down. Between the anesthesia wearing off and the mess with my pain medication, day 2 was really really hard for me. I cried all day -- partly from the pain, partly from the frustration of seeing very little progress in getting what I needed from my nurses, partly because I was exxhausted, partly because it was an emotional experience and I hadn't really let any stress or anxiety out previously. The pain was about an 8 for me. Getting up to walk is paramount. It would have helped me so, so much, because a lot of the pain was from gas. Unfortunately, when I stood up for more than a minute or two, the gravity hurt my belly. I don't know why but it took 8 hours for my nurses to find compression binders and they couldn't get the right sizes. I had my grandmother bring me one from home. I'd ask your surgeon about ordering one ahead of time. It helped immensely. So, that sounds scary. And honestly, for me it was. But the biggest thing that got me through is that I knew the gas pain subsides with time and that most recoveries are not outright horrible the whole way through. I knew the next day would be better. I'm also a huge chicken and a total newbie to being a "patient". I'm very independent and it turns out, relying on others sucks for me. I'm adjusting, though. Day 3 I woke up at 7:30, still in a little pain, still burping non-stop, but I was walking within 30 minutes and didn't stop and until I was discharged. Once I got home, I slept. I was able to cut the pills smaller, and by then I could take it a little more water, so I took my meds and crashed for several hours. When I coughed, bent over, stretched too far in one direction, or sneezed, I had a tiny bit of pain. Otherwise, very little if any. Except pain from the gas bubbles in my stomach, but that's pretty minimal and I'm 7 days out. Mostly that's just discomfort, I guess. Still lots of burping, which is super attractive, but it's not a huge deal. I was expecting a much easier recovery, so Day 2 being so hard was surprising for me. The fact that I'm not yet driving at Day 7 is also frustrating, but I'm hoping in a day or two I will be. My biggest issue has been balancing fluids/protein with an upset tummy and potentially not being able to tolerate my primary source or Protein. I would not advise to freak yourself out, because it's definitely not that bad at all. However, I think if you prepare for difficult, you may find things are easier than you anticipated, whereas I did the opposite. But remember 3 things: 1. Gas-X strips. 2. Everyone's recovery and journey will be different. 3. Time takes time. Time takes time. Time takes time. I repeated this to myself all day long on Day 2. It got me through. You're going to do great and whenever you're scared or nervous, we're here for you. You've got this. Sent From BariatricPal App