MarinaGirl

Full fat all the way. I also think (based on research I've read) that artificial sweeteners aren't good for us so I stay away from them too. I try to eat real food as much as possible and limit the ingestion of man-made chemicals and other modified food products.

Recap: Someone who is 5'3" and weighs 469# has a BMI of 83. (And if you're shorter or weigh more than that then your BMI is even greater.) Being this size (469) would put someone in the high risk category for bariatric surgery. The OP's WLS and hospital must have a pre-surgical max BMI requirement of 60, which means she has to lose 130# before they will operate. Another option is to contact additional WLS centers to see what their max BMIs are. But if z0nk3y can't find any that will operate on her as is then her only option is to lose the required amount before surgery.

How are you doing SP2; better?

Good luck with your surgery next week! I took off 1 week from work then went back to my desk job. My tips to recover quickly for your return to work are: 1. Get off the pain pills as quickly as you can. 2. Walk as much as possible as soon as possible. 3. Focus on fluid consumption right away; sip sip sip, then sip some more. 4. Try to get as much quality sleep as possible.

How are you doing, any better? I used to experience something similar many years ago (well before WLS) and it was due to endometriosis. I had surgery to remove adhesions on my intestines and took birth control pills continually, no placebo pills or periods, and that helped immensely. I thankfully no longer have this problem. Just brought this up in case your issue occurs around your cycle.

Any update? And are you taking a PPI (e.g. Omeprazole/Prilosec), or consuming anything that could lead to an ulcer like NSAIDs (aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, etc), coffee, alcohol, smoking? I hope you figure this out and feel better soon!

I highly recommend my surgeon in Tijuana; Dr. Jaime Ramos Kelly. The surgery was done at Hospitale Angeles and I had a great experience and result.

What was your milestone 1?

Walking is the best way to get rid of the CO2 gas that was injected into your abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery. It often travels upwards after surgery, which is why you may feel it in your shoulders and neck. Good luck!

Which surgery did you have and have you spoken to your surgeon yet about frequent vomiting?

What about getting some of the nicer items tailored to your smaller size?

5-Day Pouch Reset is a fad diet/scam. It was invented as a marketing tool for a bariatric center to sell products. Drinking red wine and soda will not help you get back on track if you're trying to lose weight. Instead, you need to focus on healthy, not processed food, and track your calories in an app like MyFitnessPal.

I eat full fat food; no low fat or non-fat here.

I did not have much pain and switched to Tylenol on the 2nd day. Like others, getting in and out of bed hurt some but it was just like what you feel the day after doing a tough abdominal workout, so not too bad.

It is a fad diet and does not "reset your pouch."

Lunges are great for strengthening your legs (quads, hamstrings, & glutes). And if your goal is to work your quads-upper leg, you should take a shorter step when lunging. Step ups also work the quads well.

Many chewable vitamins contain sugar alcohols, which are artificial sweeteners that end in "itol" (e.g. xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol). After WLS, these types of vitamins make me nauseous and/or vomit. I can't tolerate sugar alcohols in other products either.

Unfortunately, acid reflux can worsen and cause changes to the cells in your throat (i.e. Barrett's esophagus), which is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

None of the dried fruit I purchase has added sugar; instead, the only ingredient is fruit, and that's it. I also make sure they don't include sulfur dioxide (which is a preservative) or any added oils. I recommend people read labels to ensure no hidden and unwanted ingredients.

I experienced acid reflux (GERD) prior to MGB and took Prilosec for 4 months post-surgery, but now I don't take any PPIs as I no longer have reflux. I also do things to minimize ulcers and reflux, such as no smoking or alcohol, no caffeinated or carbonated beverages, minimal coffee (decaf), and very little sweets or sugar.

I had an MGB earlier this year and had no complications. And weight loss is going GREAT!!

Another reason to limit/curtail coffee consumption is it increases your risk for an ulcer.

Check with the hospital as many won't let you take a bus home on your own after surgery. And don't assume you can stay an extra day to get around their requirements as the hospital may not agree to it and if they do it could cost you more money because your insurance might not deem it medically necessary. Good luck!

Have you ever tried a prescription Lidocaine patch for your back spasms? I have and it works well for me and I suffer zero complications, unlike what happens with narcotic or OTC pain medicine. I wear the patch 12 hours on then 12 hours off.

I'm at goal and decided before surgery to give up all artificial sweeteners. This is what works for me and I came to this decision after reading all the awful things these chemicals do to our bodies. I want to and am treating my body better than I have in a long time with healthy food and beverages. I'm energized and excited about this new chapter in my life. I am now what I eat & drink; in a good way!!