Screwballski

I use Truvia instead of sugar or any other sweetener for everything. I’ve used it since before my surgery. I’m 14 months post op.

I’m in remitting/relapsing Pain Hell! It’s coming more often and much worse. I’m not asking for a diagnosis. I just want to know if this sounds familiar to past gallbladder attack victims.😬 Nearly every week for the last three months, I spend 24 hrs in excruciating pain. The next 24 hours in level 8 pain and a third day in less severe pain. By days 4-7 of each week I am sore to pain free and able to stand upright. During pain days, it feels as though someone has plunged a wide dagger into my sternum. Every movement tears me apart. There is no comfortable position. If I have to walk, I do so bent in the shape of a “C” like an old woman, barely shuffling along. To sit I must assume the same position and draw my knees up in a loose sitting fetal position. And sleeping? Lots of sleeping pills then painfully on my right side. I’m a left side sleeper but that is extraordinarily painful during an episode. Today I am pain free again. I have a Doctors appt first thing tomorrow. Does this sound like the same symptoms any of you folks who have had gallbladder issues have experienced? Will they be able to tell anything if I’m not in an active flare up?

Oh, I’ve been in a ton of pain since this began in February! But, now I think we may have the abdominal issues solved! Kinda ticked it’s messing up my peak pool month but very glad they found all these hidden issues! 😁

Congratulations!

UPDATE: Additional tests revealed that my gallbladder was not releasing only filling. Showed up for simple gallbladder removal 6/18. When they got inside they found a massive hernia hanging between my liver and stomach.. It was wrapped in my intestines. Further, my intestines were knotted and balled up in several places. After unraveling and checking my intestines to make sure no areas had died off, they put them back in the right place, removed/repaired hernia and then removed my gallbladder. I stayed in hospital overnight for observation. Now, two days post op, I’m a sore puppy. I got up and walked right away. I’m staying hydrated. I’m allowed to eat but have no appetite or desire to do so. My insides are too tender for anything but lukewarm fluids. i went into procedure at 116lbs. All of the swelling and fluids have me at 123! I know it’s temporary but I’m kinda freaking out. It will pass but it’s hard to see the scale go up so dramatically when I’ve had nothing to eat, 🙂

I'm also struggling a bit, too. These comments are helpful. I've slipped to 118. I want to get back to about 123 but it really is a struggle to PUT weight ON. Especially since I just had bloodwork, physical, etc., and everything indicates I'm super health. Even so, the Doctors, my husband, my friends are on me about weight. It's hard to know what I look like (heathy, fat, frail) because I ave a very dysmorphic view of myself. In any case, your comments about gaining are extremely helpful.

You never know! i met an old friend’s new boyfriend the other day. I’ve known her since back when I weighed 260!!! His first remark was, “How could your frame carry THAT much weigh?!” i had him feel my wrists. Let’s just say, straight off the farm bones hold this lady together!

The photo on the left is me at about 209lbs. Both photos on right were taken in March ‘19 at approx 121. I went from 2XL to size 2 in under 1 year. Again, if I can do it, you cam, too! ❤️😁

Sodium will def defeat you! I’m nearly a year out and I fluctuate between 121 -123lbs depending on how many calories I eat. If I eat over 1100, I tend to gain. I can easily lose it by eating under 1100 the next day. Mostly I just eat 990-1000 and stay around 121. If I dip below that, I eat extra nuts the next day. My tricks on days when I’m using up calories but feel legitimately hungry or just “want” food? A 16 ounce mug of Hot decaf tea with Truvia and a splash of sugar free French vanilla creamer. Very filling, sweet and few calories. It’s also hydrating. Sometimes I have to do that a few times in the same day! Other times I just say, “Eff it”, have a single serve ice cream cup and deal with it the next day! But I always deal with it within 48 hours so it doesn’t pile up.

I’d dial that sodium down to about 1500, too. It makes a huge difference in weight loss. I know the common thinking had been 2,300 for adults for years but that thinking is changing. Salt is a killer. If you wean off it now, you won’t have to as you age and you will see a difference in your health.

Yes, thanks! I dealt with ulcers in my teens and twenties. I don’t remember this level of pain, but I wasn’t old then either! 😁

You’re all doing fine! I cant begin to tell you how many stalls I’ve hit these last 11 months while working my program with very few slip ups! Guess what? As long as you’re doing what you’re supposed to, it all works out. Just follow your plan! You’re going to make it! Best Wishes!

I think you’ll find that when you ask questions here you will get informed answers from folks who have your best interest at heart. They are not trying to hurt your feelings or pass judgement. They are trying to answer the question you asked with supporting info that will help you succeed.

I can’t do whey any longer since surgery. I use plant based protein only otherwise I get very bad digestive issues. I also avoid sugar and chemical artificial sweeteners (since before surgery). Although I use Stevia, I prefer Truvia. I cannot tell the difference between Truvia and sugar.

UPDATE: CT scan in ER yesterday revealed that pancreas and gallbladder are functioning at 100%. In factt, all of my organs look great. No hernias, no problems that a CT would catch. Blood work shows enzymes, vitamins and iron levels are terrific. I’m healthy as can be. ER doc consulted with gastric surgeon. They suspect an ulcer. I will proceed to annual appt on Weds as scheduled then off for endoscopy. meanwhile, back on protonix (sp). I hope to have a definitive answer soon so I can put a plan in action for healing! Thank you for your insight and support! ❤️

Congratulations!

Things people forget to tell you: 1. General anesthesia can drop you into depression. Remind yourself that it may not be real. It may be after effects of the meds. You can Google that ****!😀 2. Your body has gone through a huge trauma. You’ve been through the equivalent of a massive controlled car wreck. It’s using all of its resources to process and heal. You’re going to feel like a mess, physically and mentally, for a minute. 3. YOU ARE A WARRIOR! Think about this amazing leap you’ve taken to change your life?! That takes Lady Nuggets, my friend!

I am so tempted to do this! Yesterday I ate a ton of fat but it was all good fat because I am so conditioned now not to eat garbage. My blood tests should be in today and a sonogram is scheduled. Honestly, I really just want an attack and an ER visit so I can have an answer right now! Meanwhile, someone shove some lard down my throat in the form of wedding cake frosting (which not longer even appeals to me)! Merp!

Thank you for your responses. I’m seeing the doctor tomorrow. I’m almost hoping for a bad day before whatever tests they set up so I can go to the ER and get this over with. I’ve been through at least 10 flare ups in the last 90 days, each lasting three or more days. I had no idea what it was until I started looking up symptoms. Half the time I was on vacations of had out of town company so I just used Lamaze breathing. I did three days of labor with my only child so I just kept telling myself I’d get through the busy stuff and then go see someone. I’m now exhausted! Company is gone. They can take anything they want. I’m done! 🤣

I did it. They took me off metformin as soon as I started losing weight while waiting for approval. I lost 30 pounds in the 4 months it took until my surgical date. I’m a couple pounds away from losing 90 now and nearly 30 below goal weight. You hang in there. Work your program. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. If you are doing what you’re supposed to be doing, your body and sleeve will get you there. Everyone has a different timeline. You go!

I seriously doubt it has anything to do with the tea. I’m always cold now so I drink at least 4 cups of decaf tea with Truvia everyday. I can’t keep weight on at nearly a year out! I’d bet the ranch you are in a stall or slowdown phase.🙂

54 What used to be my booty is now ripples above the back of my non existent thighs. My husb and I joke that my butt slipped!

Congratulations!

First, how wonderful that the tides have turned and everyone wants to support you! However, if you need space, just say so. Best wishes.

I bought two very similar pillows and they work wonderfully.