Danny Paul

Went to a group session and the topic of alcohol consumption came up. Group leader (nurse in the program) said 12 months before you drink alcohol but, we're happy if you make it to six months. When I went for my psyche consult psychiatrist said alcoholism disqualifies a person for being approved because drinking alcohol post op will make you gain weight. I don't drink but I hope others at least wait until the one year mark in order to try to get the full benefit of your surgery.

It had nothing to do with nauseous or vomiting. My surgeon believes you can get by with a month before vitamins so you can concentrate on the liquid phase and puree phase (2 weeks each).

Thanks for posting, very informative

White Plains, NY

I also use bariatric advatage but, my Dr didn't allow me to use them until I was one month post op. I also take Noscabel which is a B12 inhaler (prescription needed). My insurance company pays for it with a $20 a month co pay.

I get to the gym at 5AM. I like this time because I don't have any excuses not to go. After work I found myself staying home or getting involved with a project. No excuses for me at 5AM.

When there is a very potent scent like a person wearing a lot of perfume or cologne I smell it as a chemical smell. Same thing happens when I walk into a room that had the floors washed with Pine Sol.

Was in the gym this morning and saw the kettle bells. I wondered how they were used. Thanks for the info it helped a lot. I'm going to give them a try tomorrow.

I still have Allupurinol around just in case. By now I know what a flare up feels like. If I get the feeling, I'll certainly take my meds.

Today I went to a restaurant to celebrate the birthday of a family member . I didnt think I was ready for a meal in a restaurant and I was right. I nibbled on a salad and a small piece of egg plant rolotini appetizer . I was stuffed and had a difficult time making excuses for my lack of appetite.(I didnt let anyone know about my WLS). Also, I felt out of place since I didnt eat anything. No one made me feel this way, I just felt it. In my past posts I've said me and food had a great relationship and now its gone. In my monthly group sessions we discussed eating out and how it will change so it wasnt a complete surprise. Since my surgery I have been very regimented with my diet. Getting in my proteins and liquids. Going to the restaurant took me out of my comfort zone. At the restaurant a family member invited me to dinner this Friday. I made an excuse to avoid the dinner. Im sure in time it will get better but for now my heart isnt into eating out right now. Especially in a large family setting. You guys who went through WLS, any thoughts.

I experience gout but it's under control with medication. I haven't had a flare up post surgery and I stopped taking my Allupurinol. Another medication I stopped taking post surgery.

Told people me and 5 friends put in $1,000 each. The person to lose the most weight by New Years gets the $6,000. So far everyone is believing it. For the record, I tell everyone I'm a distant second in the standings.

I wasn't given any soap. Dr. told me to wash as usual and they would wipe me down during the surgery.

I like to call it the winners bench. As you lose weight you become more healthier. That's a win.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll be happy with the results

Like many have said: Pre surgery we used to live to eat. Post surgery we now eat to live. I find no joy in food anymore because I dont feel hungry. I eat to get my basic nutrients and to be healthier.

The 1st two weeks I was on a liquid diet. Next two was pureed foods. Next two weeks were semi soft foods. I couldnt eat a banana until I got to the semi soft stage. (I could of pureed it but I didnt like its texture) As for weight loss, unfortunately its not one size fits all. Some lose weight quickly. Others like me lose it slow. Everyday is a healthier day as far as Im concerned.

I had a size 18" neck for my dress shirts. I currently wear a 15 1/2". Today through some unplanned laundry problems I did not have a new 15 1/2" shirt to wear. I had to wear one of my 18" shirts. I had three people at work who see me everyday ask if I'm losing weight. Since my surgery everyone at work has seen me and everyone can see that that I am losing weight. The first few weeks had many asking about my health. So, by wearing a larger garment people who see me everyday finally realized that I'm losing weight. I'm not complaining I just find it amusing. Has anyone had a similar experience?

I'm sure you'll give the grand kids a run for the money. Always remember, have faith in the program but most of all have faith in yourself.

I just had the same thing happen yesterday. I'm still pre op, but have lost almost 70lbs during the first 5 months of my 6 month pre op plan. I wore a polo pullover for the first time since last winter, and I was drowning in it. (It was tight on me last winter!) I got compliments all day! Wow, 70lbs pre op. I don't think I've heard of anyone losing that much weight pre op. Imagine how much you'll lose post op. Keep up the great work.

For all you September Sleevers, hope all is well. How are you guys doing post surgery? Any positives or negatives you'd like to share?

How did your surgery go? How are you doing post op?

Look forward to hearing what they have to say. My surgeon wasn't the least bit concerned with it and said as long as I felt good don't worry about the scale but it's hard to do that. I'm also having a hard time just enjoying the whole experience.... I'm so obsessed with food and planning ahead what I'm going to eat and when... it's ridiculous. I know it's better to meal prep but I think I'm running into this mindset that I have it in my bag at work therefore I want to eat it. Then I feel guilty even if it is grapes or cauliflower. My mind is set on "I'M ON A DIET!!" I was hoping to break free from that! I too have experienced the "stall". I wasn't too concerned as I went through WLS to get off my many medications. That said, just like everyone else I did want to see the weight go down. As others have said even if you don't see the weight on the scale go down you will notice your clothes fitting looser. I was sleeved on 8/31/17 and I had two suits I called my HOPE suits, I hoped I fit into them. Today they are too big for me. Reading the forums I stopped drinking Crystal Light and drink only plain water, that seemed to help with some weight loss. Also, I started going to the gym and the exercise jump stated my weight loss again. I plan all my meals just to get my proteins in. Another poster recommended the Baritastic app to keep track of my proteins, calories,etc. It's a great tool. What you're going through sounds a lot like what the majority of us went through or are going through. Have faith in the program and most of all have faith in yourself.

It's normal to be nervous, you're going for surgery. Listen to what the doctors and staff tell you and you'll do fine. I didn't find this forum until after my surgery. You're a step ahead by coming on prior to surgery.

I'm nine weeks post op and I decided that I'm ready to get into the gym. So, I go into the gym yesterday to find that my membership had lapsed. The young lady behind the counter renewed it with no problem and off I was to the treadmill. I used to do 30 minutes at 2.5 MPH with a 6 incline. I never ran just walked. Well, I started out with 45 minutes at 4MPH and I incorporated jogging into my routine. I couldn't jog with the extra weight but now, my breathing is better and my legs don't hurt. After the treadmill I started slowly on different weight machines so I can eventually build up my muscle mass. In the past after the treadmill I had no energy to even look at the weight area of the gym. I'm hoping to expand on the golden ticket I was given by eating right and finally incorporating a steady routine of exercise. If anyone has any workout tips for a senior please feel free in commenting.