travelergirl
Gastric Sleeve Patients-
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Everything posted by travelergirl
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Best way to disolve whey powder in liquids
travelergirl replied to doublek240's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thank you! I have been having the same problem and trying different things but nothing worked yet. Looking forward to trying this! Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Looking for buddy in Bay area
travelergirl replied to Carol94303's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Which 'bay' area? I'm in SF...east bay Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
A confession at 16 weeks
travelergirl replied to snapy17's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The key is to get right back on wagon. We all have our falls...just have to get back up and on plan. We're here to support you. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Need Help and Advice
travelergirl replied to rusnj's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If you are always hungry look at your fat. Healthy fats are good to help us feel satisfied. Look to add some dairy, nuts, nut butters (check to make sure no added sugar). They make a big difference. I find that when I have been at the low end of calories my body can slow down on weight loss. Adding back some calories gets me losing again. Also, I like to change up my activity...if I've been on treadmill try a zumba class...or switch to some circuit training with weights. Surprise your body. This is a marathon not a sprint so keep moving forward and stay focused on goal. You can do it. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
How long from First appt until surgery?
travelergirl replied to riemgirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I saw my surgeon in November 2016. Surgeon requires psych consult, nutrition consult, a swallow xray test and and endoscopy, plus an information session and a support group meeting. All completed by December except Endoscopy wasn't completed until February because of the doctors schedule and my schedule having several conflicts. Surgeon also required minimum 25lb weight loss. My insurance did require 6 months but I already had several months in a medically supervised program so that didn't delay me. I could have had surgery in March, but I had a Suez canal cruise planned so I asked for surgery after I got back. [i was gone for 19 days and lost 4lbs while on vacation!] Had vsg on 5/26. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
One more suggestion...i just went through my evening routine and I remembered I had someone tell me to not just moisturize the front of your neck but to go under ears and to back of neck. All that skin is connected Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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I've lost 67 lbs so far and noticed the loosening of my skin in my neck at around 40 lbs. Some loose skin is to be expected. No miracles but there are things we can do to keep it minimized. 1. Hydrate - drinking your water. 2. Moisturize- I asked my dermatologist and she suggested coconut oil. 3. Exercise - muscles can help fill in the void in parts of the body. 4. Time - I've heard from several people that as tour weight normalizes the skin does seem to catch up. 5. Collagen - I haven't tested this yet myself. But my aesthetician said she noticed improvements in some clients who use powdered collagen. Mine just arrived today so I will start using tomorrow. Then the real solution may be surgery. My overall health and quality of life were more important than fearing some extra wrinkles etc....that a good plastic surgeon could fix. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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If you are going off plan, eggs sound like a modest detour. There are so many different plans that people have from the different doctors and eggs are allowed by some. That said trust your surgeon and their plan. Get back on plan and don't beat yourself up. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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Sleeved today, staff driving me nuts
travelergirl replied to Brick Daddy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My RN checked on me every 2 hours. The nurse tech/assistant checked on me every two hours. But as you say...they weren't coordinated. So every hour someone was coming in. At some point the RN came in and I was sound asleep so he decided to let me sleep and came back an hour later when the tech was there too. This was around 5 am. Problem was that I had pills to take every 4 hours when I got home so it was about a week until I finished those and I finally got to sleep a whole night. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
1 week post op dreaming about food
travelergirl replied to Crystaltothefuture's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
During pre op liquid phase I had dreams about hot dogs and bacon. At a weigh in the nurse suggested my body may be wanting some salt. I'm 15 days post op and the first thing I wanted when in was cleared was Applesauce but I went for the mashed up tuna (protein first!) Stick with what your doctor says. Try adding flavors to your shakes or some new soups. Do something to change up because I found it easy to get into a rut on liquids. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
2 weeks post-op, only two pounds down
travelergirl replied to LunaCantu's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My heart goes out to you. I gained weight from hospital when I got home...all the iv fluids and inflammation. But it did start coming off about 5 days after I got home. What did your DR say at the visit? I'm with blizair...stay off the scale and let your body do what it needs to do. -
I find when I stall that it is good to change something up. If you have been walking try a low impact workout dvd. Are you in a food rut eating the same things? I agree that increasing calories and even carbs for a couple of days would be good. The key is to stick with it and keep sharing your progress/venting to us. We've all been there and can relate and you are not alone.
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Day of surgery I was also shocked at how good I felt. Second day had a little more discomfort. Muscles were more sore when I was getting in or out of bed. Incision sites were a bit tender for next couple of days. I'm on day 6 post op and incisions itch and have almost no pain. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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Retaining water post surgery?
travelergirl replied to AngieK72's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Phew. I am seeing the same thing. I'm showing a higher number on scale after surgery. I assumed it was the in fluids and some inflammation and bloating. I'm going to bathroom every couple of hours so I'm hoping to see the numbers keep coming down. Thank you for sharing because it is reassuring to know I'm not the only one Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Uugghh...this is the day I was dreading. Two weeks of liquid prep. I am so hungry. I know this has importance to help with a successful surgery. This is going to be a tough mental challenge. Any tips on how you made it through? Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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Pre Op Liquid Diet Starting Today
travelergirl replied to travelergirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Well it is the night before surgery and I did it. This was a tough two weeks. Thank you for the support! Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Gastric bypass or sleeve? How did you choose? Anyone 5 years out of surgery?
travelergirl replied to LoveLife4U's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I decided on sleeve. It was my first choice mainly because it left the basic system intact. That means if I ever have problems a standard endoscopy will still be able to reach everywhere. The portion of my stomach is being removed and sent to pathology for testing. I was concerned about having a large portion of my stomach and intestines that would be inaccessible in the event of a cancer or other issue. I also came out of my NUT consult feeling like the sleeve was the right one for me. I never could pinpoint the exact thing she said. Because I'm at a high starting weight my surgeon double checked with me about the bypass. I feel good about choosing the sleeve. People gain weight back on both surgeries. Keep doing your research and asking questions. That will get you to your answer. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Cheating on pre op liquid diet
travelergirl replied to sleevedqueen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Drink lots of water. The headaches can be from toxins that get released as your body uses up fat. Can you try any soups other than broth? I found the warm proteins help. I got some protein hot cocoa from the bariatricpal store. You could probably make your own with milk and unsweetened cocoa. My plan is 3 protein shakes and 3 other protein liquids. If I was hungry I would have a 7th serving. I'm also allowed Jello and sugar free popsicles. It is day 12 for me and it is still effort to stay on the plan. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
How long to return to normal energy level
travelergirl posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm in the pre op liquid diet phase. I have a lot less energy than I normally do. I can't workout, I struggle to work my whole day plus commute without having to close my office for a nap. And it doesn't help waking up every couple of hours to use the bathroom. I'm tired! This will continue post surgery but I'm wondering when it will return to normal. 2 months post op? Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
To-go meals and snacks... No refrigerator needed?
travelergirl replied to mrsdaniel2013's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There are various snacks for sale in the bariatricpal store. Also look at some of the powdered soups. You should be able to get hot water at any Starbucks or similar place. Oatmeal packages too. The meeting may even offer hot water for tea that you can use. I second the tuna packs. They are a great go to for me. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
15 days post op...Still catching up on Sleep!
travelergirl replied to 10stackzz's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm on day 8 of liquid pre op diet and finding that I'm tired and don't have my normal energy. I'm expecting that to continue to decrease over these last few days leading to surgery. So, I expect post op will be the same. My boss had someone else go through this process and he warned me about being tired. So he's given me carte Blanche to work from home after I recover. That takes the pressure off since I have over an hour commute each way on mass transit. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Pre Op Liquid Diet Starting Today
travelergirl replied to travelergirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Day #8 and as you all shared it has become easier. I'm even finding I have to remember to have a shake as I'm not getting those hunger pangs. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
I'm with Diane Kwan in Concord and will have surgery at John Muir Concord. Dr Kwan has been great! She was recommended by my PCP. I did research her and she did a specific fellowship on bariatric surgery. She is one of the few who uses a robotic laparoscopic machine which she describes as giving her wrists while doing the surgery. That gets her better angles as she works. She is about my age as well (I just turned 43) so I feel like she has good experience and is also still connected to the newest information. During my pre op admission appointment the nurse said if she ever got this surgery she would do it with Dr Kwan. The staff in her office aren't always able to answer the phone but they return your calls and I email using the john muir site and get prompt responses. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app
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Travel and food
travelergirl replied to Arthur Dent's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Eating out in general is a concern. Eating breakfast at a hotel...well since I can't stand eggs I don't plan on ever really eating their breakfast again. Those lounges (including Alaska Airlines Board Room) and breakfast bar are major carb sources for me. Pancake machines, bagels, cereal, juice...yum! I figure I'll need to travel with some protein powders to make my own shakes. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app -
Anyone get REALLY scared close to surgery?
travelergirl replied to char3672's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had no nerves until I got to the liquid pre op diet. I am so happy with my surgeon and there were so many other steps that i didn't get to focus on the potential problems. Now that I'm so close and enduring the liquid diet I have found myself very emotional. I have these thoughts that creep in and I have to fight them back. What if something goes wrong. What if I have complications and horrible GERD afterward. And worst...what if I don't lose weight. I have to keep talking myself through them. What ifs can really mess u up. I wish I could magically say something to take away your fears but I don't believe there is such a thing. Just knowing you are not alone, that so many of us are going through this too, will hopefully be enough to help you stop that thinking when it starts to creep in. Find yourself a mantra or particular goal that you can repeat to yourself when you find the fear and negativity come in. For me...I'm repeating to myself better liver better surgery to get through this liquid diet. For the surgery...I think about going up stairs without the feeling that my lungs will jump out my chest and the dream of no longer needing a seat belt extender on an airplane. Those things make me smile and bring me back to a good place. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app