Berry78

Not sure about the joey in the pouch, but otherwise it's cool!

I've been a believer in compression wear as a guard against chaffing for a long time. Back in '99, my boyfriend and I went on a hike, and by the end of the day, he was raw to the point of bleeding. I researched the solution... compression underwear! I love how my leggings make me feel. Size wise, it's best just to try them on. They should fit firmly, but not be a struggle to put on or take off.

Just playing devil's advocate, would your surgeon go for a sleeve first, then finish the switch later if you needed it still? Granted, the revision isn't going to lose as much as the virgin procedure, but you could have a plan like.. if you start regaining and get to 30lbs that you'll do the revision then.

OMG, thanks for the belly laugh! I needed that! But, everything you say is true! I just read an article yesterday that said about 1/3 of female bariatric patients, and 2/3 of male patients don't even consume the RDA of protein. That # is something like 46g for women and 60g for men. I was dumbfounded, but maybe I shouldn't have been. A bariatric surgeon was speaking at a support group I attended. I mentioned I couldn't stomach the protein shakes the 2nd week out of surgery, but I got my 70g of protein in anyway. His jaw dropped and he exclaimed "HOW?!". So funny.. Liquid yogurt, milk, broth, kefir. (The kefir has 40 grams in a 16oz bottle). My vitamins also have 10g. No problemo! Of course if someone couldn't tolerate dairy, that is a whole different story. And yes, I did get plenty of carbs, but that early out I don't think it is a problem. The body is trying to heal, and it can't do that if it is starving. As my diet advances, I've been shifting the macros.

It is normal to not see much change (for quite a while) when we start out pretty heavy. Our eyes just aren't sensitive to "less fat". We just see "fat" and "fit". You'll really start seeing the difference when you get down to wearing clothes under size 20. (I started at size 24 and am size 20 now, but people can't tell except my face).

Drastic weight loss is a symptom of runaway diabetes. My brother in law had this happen. He was eating a ton, but he was losing tons of weight. He already knew he had diabetes but wasn't seeing the doctor. We told him he was losing weight because of the disease, but he didn't believe us! He was used to his insulin-dependent diabetic father gaining weight. My BIL developed neuropathy and had a stroke within a year. He is doing better, but he went from a strong, able bodied contractor to a dude that rides the cart in the grocery store. Why do diabetics lose weight? The cells refuse to accept the energy (sugar) from food. The cells are starving! So the body starts digging into its fat stores, trying to feed those cells. The sugar from food gets excreted in the urine, that's why they drink, pee, drink all the time.

Sorry to hear about the gallbladder.... definitely added insult to injury! This surgery creates a major emotional rollercoaster in most people. Sounds like you are partying in car 9. You will feel full when adding more solid meats to your diet. But if it is a gnawing type hunger, you might need more antacids. Did you have discussions with people prior to surgery about why you wanted the procedure? Maybe remembering those talks will help you now. The weight loss will come, but it isn't instant. The body has a ton of work to do carefully disassembling every cell. There is a mile of blood vessels in every pound of fat. Those have to get broken down as well. You are going to do great!

Ok, so I was speaking to my MIL this morning. We live in the same house, so she sees me daily. She got to talking about an episode of My 600lb Life (which I don't watch). She mentioned how surprised she was that I was still heavy. (Mind you, I am 6 weeks post op and have lost a total of 40lbs.) She honestly believed I was going to lose 150lbs (goal) in 3 months......... ................. ................ *speechless* I reminded her that had I been on a regular diet for 8 weeks, I would have expected to lose 16lbs. at most. So she watches these shows, yet has no true clue what the surgery entails...

To be sure, I'm thrilled with my progress! And I truly don't care what she thinks. I guess I posted to find out if this is a common misconception about the surgery.. and I guess it is based on what Outside said. The idea that it takes a year or two to hit goal is a relief. It gives TIME to adjust my lifestyle and learn new habits. I'm already grossed out watching others eat (shoveling huge quantities of food in at a time).

Awesome! Congrats! Drink up those calories ... for now...

I would call the radiology dept., just to set your mind at ease. I'm glad your recovery is going so well! Revisions do tend to lose less weight, but you are mostly just in the 3 week stall for now.

My default is to recommend sleeve unless a person has pre-existing heartburn, or a food addiction. The malabsorptive/dumping aspect of the bypass helps with the occasional slip-up.

If your body stopped at that weight, personally I would try to come to terms with keeping it. Because: Additional weight loss will increase the loose skin, causing other problems. If you go lower, your body may set up a struggle.. attempting to regain. And if it wins, it might overshoot the mark, making you heavier than you are now. You are beautiful! Be happy! Fall into a comfortable life routine and just enjoy it! If it is easy to maintain 170lbs, or a pain in the butt to maintain 150lbs, which seems like a better idea for YOU? (I know which I would choose ).

Thank you for this. Several of these spoke to me, but especially #2.

Ask your doc if they think a cardiac workup would be a good idea...

I recently went to a group session. The patients that were a year postop did look a bit haggard. BUT, the patient that was 3 years out looked great! It's a small sample size, but I suspect our skin will go through phases, and the one year marks the end of the majority of the weightloss, and the skin looks its worst at that time. The patients that were golden brown obviously used tanning beds. They looked particularly old! Please don't do that to your skin! Facial moisturizer every day with spf15 or higher. Hydration, vitamins, protein.

That isn't typical. Definitely tell your doctor about it. It might be too much salt, but it could be other things too (vitamin deficiencies, circulation problems, etc). Did you change what you wear to bed? Maybe something is too tight...

The surgery can't fix you. Only you can do that. But, the surgery WILL allow you to shed some of your weight, restrict your food choices, and give you the room to breathe while you figure things out. If you are surrounded by people for whom the surgery didn't work, it is in your best interest to distance yourself from them. Birds of a feather flock together. You need a positive flock with which to fly. You have your whole life ahead of you! Use the anger to fuel your determination to learn the right path to take.

I've noticed that I'm extra sensitive to the acid taste of fruits. Blueberries, honeydew melon, strawberries... They really do nothing for me. Bananas are ok. Too bad they aren't low glycemic! Maybe it'll keep changing...

Sounds like things are going well! My surgeon didn't clear me for weightlifting until further out, but as long as yours ok'd it, then keep on keeping on! It's great that your sleep has improved! Mine did for a while but resumed its normal pattern. (But I'm not sure if it is me waking up or husband/ pets doing it...). Great update!

It's a tough call if someone has heartburn, but requires regular meds. Definitely sit down with your doc to discuss the best plan. Sometimes the sleeve doesn't affect heartburn, or could make it better. But sometimes it makes things much worse. An option would be to start with the sleeve with the possibility of a conversion later if things go badly. But then, if that is a possibility, then why not start with the bypass and be done with it? I'm just thinking aloud.. Your surgeon will know the best procedure for you with those specific meds and your history. But feel confident that either way you go, you will do great!

Ok, so I am only 6 weeks out, so this is just my opinion. I believe the honeymoon phase is a term to describe the period of time when the body is working towards its new set point. As long as you are working with the body, the weight will come off without a struggle. The honeymoon phase is completed when the new set point has been reached or the patient begins working against the body by eating too much or little and exercising too much or little. It would be nice to know what the body's idea of the new set point is.. but the only way to find out is to do everything right and have the scale stop moving. Once the honeymoon is over, additional losses can be achieved, but the effort is as great as preop.

Yes, if you wait at least 6 months, and then drink...very...carefully.

I did want to add that I am truly enjoying my food. I find most things better tasting than before surgery, and after the brief adjustment period for the visual portion size, I haven't had problems wanting more than I can eat. I do portion out approx. what I can hold, rather than eating from a full plate. I may or may not finish the last bite, but at least I see the dent. I also bought tiny dishes and silverware. Love them! Google Fiesta fruit bowls... They hold 6oz. The silverware are Food Network demitasse spoons and forks from Kohls.

I'm 6 weeks out tomorrow, and when I eat I am full and satisfied after 3-8oz, depending on what I had. The very first puree meal was disconcerting because I got full after 3 spoonfuls. I was like, what the heck?! But just now I finished a cup of clam and potato soup (first one of those), so to be sure things get easier. I see where portion control will be necessary long term.