KatFight

I see I left out some words - my apologies.

Hi @erika702 When it’s said that a person will not hungry after surgery, that may true for some; however, it’s definitely not the majority. Initially following surgery, the stomach becomes full so easily that you may not. Oftentimes, hungry rises in the weeks following or after eating carbs. (I saw my surgeon yesterday and told her that I ate something not on the list - a small piece of a breadstick from Olive Garden - and she told me that once carbs continue to be eaten, hunger gets worse.) Amen to wait you said, “it’s a tool, not a miracle.” I’m just mentioning so that you’re wary of expecting that post-surgery will be easier bc you won’t be hungry. There’s a pretty good chance that you may experience hunger often. Your honesty about your feelings and difficulty show that you care deeply about making the decision that is right for you. I do think, as someone else mentioned, that having a conversation with your surgeon or even the nurses at the practice if your surgeon is unavailable could me a tremendous help. If you’ve “cheated” during your pre-surgery liquid diet, it’s important to let the surgeon know ahead of time. Like another member said this poses a danger to you and your surgeon bc your liver may not be small enough. Nobody wants to go through surgery only to find the surgery could not be completed. If you have “cheated” during this phase or need just a little more time to pull it together is there any way you could talk to your surgeon and ask if you could be given another month? Would this still be acceptable to insurance? And will it keep you from redoing everything? Whatever your decision, please keep your safety in mind and I wish you well. 🐈

Hi. I take the PatchMD gastric sleeve multivitamin plus patch. It’s sold on this website when you click on store. I supplement B-12 and Biotin (for hair). Just had my bloodwork done. I’ve been in the patches since October and my bloodwork was perfect, including iron. Hope this helps. 🌻

You’re welcome.

So, you’ve maintained your weight loss for the past five years then, right? That’s truly amazing. Anybody seeing you now would never guess that you were once obese. Your body literally restored itself through process and disciplined workouts. Was excess skin an issue (because it sure doesn’t look like it was)? I’ll bet you get a lot of second looks now...it’s a mind bender to wonder if those same people would give you the time of day when you first started out just bc your body was bigger. Your heart and soul are the same. You really shaped yourself into Mr. America. You’d have my vote.

Hi@Walter.Sobchak. Count me in too as a person whose stomach appears just as it did before surgery and weight loss. So frustrating. It’s good to hear there’s a crowd of us. I started measurements a couple of weeks ago. I swear my husband is not taking them correctly. I had a blouse with billowy sleeves on and he wraps around the sleeve around my bicep but I can feel that it’s not actually touching my skin. I told him that and he was angry. Well, sure enough some of my measurements were gains and I’m not even sure they’re correct. I’m going to have to take my own. He seriously leaves room instead of placing against skin. Then he tells me that I want him to pull tight against my skin. lol So wrong. I just want an accurate measurement. smh

Hi. I agree with@FluffyChix when she talks about doctors not wanting bad outcomes so your surgeon wouldn’t want to do your surgery if he/she thought it couldn’t be done safely. I know it’s frightening when you review the risks. It’s almost like taking a leap of faith. I had my surgery on 12/28/17. When I first began this process, I was 299 lbs. Just the month before I was 305. Today, I’m 243. I’m in my 40s and my surgery and recovery went really well. I said that I wished I had done it a decade earlier...in my 30s. I felt like I was on cloud nine after surgery. It felt like such an achievement. My hope is that you’ll have a similar experience. I do know of someone who appeared to be around 450 lbs. who had surgery late February. I saw her mom and asked about her. She had a successful surgery. Her biggest concern was severe nausea (not pleasant but worth it). Brenda, the young lady who had surgery, was really happy with her decision and she was a week out when I asked about her. You are truly courageous to continue on despite your fears. And, wow, you already have tremendous weight loss. The feeling of putting on a pair of pants or a top in a smaller size and being able to fit it feels amazing. Even more amazing is your body and how it will change - it will refresh and restore. You are worth fighting for and surgery gives you the opportunity to build a healthier life while you’re still young. Oh, the possibilities that await you...[emoji259]

Well,my first message was choppy. I meant should you be concerned, please call your surgeon. I wasn’t suggesting you be concerned.

*60 grams

Hi. It’s actually not uncommon for some WLS patients to feel depressed or anxious after surgery. As I deal with both, my nurse practitioner has been monitoring me closely. So far I’ve been well. Over time, WLS surgery can help relieve depression. So, be gentle with yourself. It can feel overwhelming bc you want to do everything perfectly. I napped daily for weeks. My biggest focus was (and still is) getting protein, fluid, and moving. I certainly wasn’t close to my 69 grams of protein initial goal nor my fluids goal. In fact, I still work hard to get it in and my surgery was 12/28/17. I saw my surgeon today and she is very happy with my progress. Of course, if your exhaustion is severe, you may need to have your iron and b-12 levels checked. Rest assured that what you’re experiencing is not uncommon. You know your body and should be concerned, please call your surgeon. That’s what he/she is there for. I’m happy to hear that you’ve moved about. Your body needs rest too and it’s perfectly fine to give it what it needs. Sending you [emoji295]️ [emoji304] and [emoji882].

Hi. I’m sorry that you’re going through such a rough time. I get discouraged too, mostly when the scale doesn’t move. It’s understandable that you’re feeling discouraged because you’re body isn’t adjusting to what you were informed would occur as a result of surgery. Rarely full and always hungry is definitely not what I would have expected either. Another patient at my surgeon’s office told me he was told post-op patients don’t get hungry. He was pre-op and I was 2 weeks post-op. I could tell he was hopeful that hunger would go away and I told him that I still get hungry. Uh-oh! My tastes are weird sometimes too, sugar-free popsicles taste sweeter post-op than they did pre-op -almost too sweet. The thought of whether or not I’m eating too much grabs hold of me sometimes. I do feel restriction so I know when to stop but sometimes I’ve eaten too fast and realize I shouldn’t have had that last bite. Your concerns are certainly legitimate and you may want to talk about them with your doctor if you haven’t already. Your feelings are legitimate. I’ve had similar feelings at various points of this process. Rest assured that there will be brighter days. You didn’t go through all of this for nothing. Please feel free to message me if you’d ever like to talk. [emoji304]

Forgot to say, yes, bring it up to your PCP and let me know what you found out.

I have had that happen many times in the shower post-surgery. I told my family physician at a follow-up appointment. He checked iron, B-12 level, Vitamin D and more. The only issue was hypothyroidism hi how I’ve had for over a decade. It needed a dosage tweak. I’m intrigued as to why this happens. Thanks for mentioning because I didn’t realize there was at least one other person besides me who got dizzy in the shower. Strange, isn’t it? [emoji97]

Hi. It’s great that you’ve joined us. You have begun your Bariatric Adventure and it will have its highs and lows. Frustration slips in sometimes while working through all that’s expected in order to be approved. But...this is all worthwhile. Joy replaces the low times when you hear your approved and again when you get your surgery date. It feels great! I applaud you for taking this massive step toward great health. Way to go! [emoji259]

Thank you for the update Kate. It’s great to hear that you have detoxed for nearly 3 weeks and that you’re feeling better. lol Pictures cannot always be trusted, can they? You were def following your food plan...”Oh, yes, that cake looks delicious but I’ll just have the blueberries please.” lol One Day At A Time, my friend. [emoji274]

@Miss Ora You’ve got this thing figured out! [emoji253]

Thanks for the recipe. I’m def going to try this, especially like that there’s no crust. [emoji487]

You look like a car model. You seem to be in great shape still. Get your mindset in beast mode! You will be back on track in no time. Have you heard Carrie Underwood’s song, “Champion,” with Ludacris (sp?)? That song will keep the fire going. [emoji91]

No need to be worried. My first week after surgery I lost 7 lbs. then 0,then +1 then 9 lbs. Yes, 9 lbs. in one week! Haven’t experienced it since though. Oh, it’s slow for me but it adds up. I’ve lost an average of 15 lbs. per month. Just wait...give it a couple of months and you’ll know just what I’m talking about. Walking 3-4 miles is super. I need to be more consistent in walking around my block. [emoji1321]‍♀️

What a steal! I don’t think you could look any cooler. Congratulations on all your success. Keep rockin’ it! ☠️

It really feels great to shrink. I’m super happy for you. I was wearing 24w jeans. Now in size 20w and there’s room in the waist (not a tight fit). I’ve worn jeans in between one time! I’m going to either sell on Poshmark or send to Threadup. Some items I’ve just given to Goodwill, if it’s nice but not a major designer. @Seahawksfan You’re making great progress - way to go! 🕺🏻

OMG!!! That’s wonderful! I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well. My surgery was easy too. Aren’t we lucky? I had the same regret you did. Gas pain from surgery can be a beast though. It’s great you’re walking so much already. Post-op I asked my surgeon if my liver was small enough. She said that it was very small. I felt like I deserved a gold star. I also took the pre-op diet seriously. I was very worried about having a liver that was too large and waking up to find that I didn’t get my VSG. You go@Mattymatt! [emoji294]️

@melsabells Yes, you will do wonderfully. Your doubts prove you’re human. I felt pretty secure about everything. Some anxiety the night before and during initial admitting at the hospital. Even then, I looked at my husband right before admitting, I rhetorically asked, “I really need this, right? I can’t lose weight any other way?” He said, “you need this.” I felt better after that. I struggle with generalized anxiety. You are going to live moment-to-moment through this process. There’s no doubt in my mind that you will get through this just fine. And, about the 1 lb. weight gain, don’t sweat it. Weight can shift 1or 2 lbs. and not actually be true weight gain. Sending love & light your way...☀️

They will. I know it doesn’t seem like it now but they will. Some anxiety medication may help in the meantime. If you’re not doing this already, maybe give yourself care by taking a warm bubble or epsom salt bath - whatever little things that will soothe. You are deserving. You may feel darkness emotionally now but hope is still there. Sending prayers your way...🌷

lol Oops! Sending prayers and warm wishes that all goes really well. 😀