Savagegirl

I’m 18 months out from surgery and raw veggies are iffy. They fill me up with just a few pieces and feel stuck. I used to eat salads 4-5 days a week but rarely now.

I had elevated liver enzymes and in fact, I’m 18 months out from surgery and they may still fluctuate. My oncologist was concerned and made me get a Petscan last November and all was clear. I just had an MRI of my abdomen and all was clear. So sometimes they fluctuate a lot but it may not mean anything bad.

I had surgery last year at age 53.

I had an ulcer about 2 weeks or so after surgery and had to go back in the hospital for four nights due to internal bleeding. No pain, though. Then 7 months later I had another one. Just stayed overnight one night for that one. It’s been almost 10 months now with no other ulcers thankfully! Hang in there!

Yes, I lost too much and too fast. My BMI is 20 which is fine, but my muscles atrophied and I had neuropathy brought on my B12/Thiamine deficiency. I’m working with a physical therapist to build muscle, balance, and stability.

Surgery May 2017. 305 pounds. Almost 5’10. Now 143 and haven’t budged from that in months. (Me in white dress, before)

I had that and it was internal bleeding from an ulcer at the connection site, which isn’t too uncommon. Get checked out!

I figured since so many people have revisions from sleeve to RNY, I’d just have RNY to begin with. Higher weight loss and keep more weight off longer, per data.

You did it!! You look fantastic.

Wow! You look incredible. Enjoy that vacation!

Congratulations and I notice a huge difference already!

Well yesterday was my one-year anniversary since bypass surgery. Like everyone, we all have a unique journey. I have lost about 159 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 8 or 10. Here is my journey, which includes ulcers, cancer, kidney stones, malnutrition-induced neuropathy, and stenosis. Fun, huh? I'm really happy with my results, but I have a LONG way to go to get healthy. My journey and situation is NOT typical, so for those of you considering surgery, please just know this is one story out of many, but you won't face this same situation. Surgery - May 8, 2017. Successful! 10 days later - blood in stool. Had a large ulcer (not uncommon) and spent 4 more nights in hospital. All good. Never felt I could eat much as the weeks and months progressed, but didn't throw up and no pain either. Just couldn't eat more than a small amount before feeling extremely full. Also could not tolerate chicken, scrambled eggs, and other denser foods. September 22, 2017 - Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. 2cm tumor. Started chemo in October and finished 6 rounds in February. I'm HER2+ so I am continuing with infusions every three weeks (which are not chemo) until October 2018. Chemo affected my appetite and taste. I had no nausea. I already was not eating much and had lost so much weight so fast. Having no desire to eat didn't help. I am SICK of sweet protein shakes, pudding, jello , soups, cottage cheese, etc. However, I worked fulltime and kept my sprits up and never felt sorry for myself. I am cancer free (none found in any lymph nodes or in the tissue removed), so I feel very happy that I found the lump when I did and can move on. I do have a genetic mutation that was found, so I opted for a double mastectomy, which was performed on March 13, 2018. After losing over 150 pounds, my former 44 DD breasts were very low and flat, so I needed a lift anyway. Now I have them where they should be! Ha. Surgery went well and I'm recovering still. Met with my gastric surgeon two weeks ago and they want me to continue getting B12 shots once a month to help with the neuropathy in my feet brought on by vitamin deficiency. I am also supposed to up my protein to try and reach 80 grams per day, which is very tough for me. Tomorrow I am getting my second endoscopic dilation so I can eat more. Dr said it's from inflammation and between 6-20% of patients have to get that done at least once. I had it done in February, but need one now again as I still can barely eat 1/4 of food (more of soup or softer food). SOOO looking forward to being able to eat a variety of foods soon. It gets frustrating to have such limited choices. I will start physical therapy because my muscles have atrophied a bit, but need to wait a bit until I recover from my double mastectomy. I didn't ever think I would need that after gastric bypass. My biggest fear was that I would not get to my goal weight of 170 (here I am at 150). Before and after photos attached. After shots are with a wig as I only have 1/4 inch of hair at the moment!

Love that one. Getting this one today : “Does this mastectomy make my butt look big?”

Oh my gosh thank you!!

Thank you Bryn!

Ha! Yes, I “raised the rack” back where they belong. I had the dilation today and the doc said he couldn’t even get his endoscope down and had to use a small one to start. I was dilated to 15mm and ho back in a month to have it done again so it will “stick” for a few years at least. Already eating more volume.

Wow! Loved your words about walking with me! I needed to hear that! Appreciate it! [emoji175]

I appreciate your comment! Really helps me heal and feel like I can support others through my story.

Thank you! I always enjoy reading your supportive posts to everyone. Yes, I’ve had curly hair my whole life so I’m assuming it will be back.

Damn right!

Thank you and I’m cheering you on, too. Love to see everyone’s journey and to finally share my own.

Aww thank you Ash!

Thank you so much! I hope to be an inspiration but I’m also always inspired by everyone here too.

Thank you! Hope to be a hot mom soon, lol

You look fantastic and I’ll bet you feel wonderful too! You need to change your username from “big” to “slim” or “fit”. Wishing you all the best on the rest of your journey and thank you for sharing the inspiration!