MargoCL

Just keep drinking your fluids and walk, walk, walk. Everyday gets a little better

I am 4.5 months post op, I went in with no fears. At 3 months post my weight loss stalled (still stalling), a week later my hair loss began and about a week after that, I began have trouble swallowing. Because of the trouble swallowing I was having almost no restriction because I couldn’t chew slow enough and had to swallow often. Ultimately a stricture, which required another EGD and balloon dilation. I’m now a week post EGD and even with all that... I still have no regrets, weight loss has slowly began again. The one bit of advice I have is EVERYONE is different, don’t compare yourself, follow your plan, and seek medical advice if you need it. You paid good money to have this surgery, don’t waste it!

Exactly what Orchid said. It’s nothing

I was given a script for all my pre-op / post meds at the same time. I was given Tylenol and it worked just fine. I think I took 1 post op for a migraine vs. post op pain. I know everyone is different, but I also believe some people have to know what they are taking and if it’s not an opioid they complain of excess pain. NOTE: I said “some” people. This is not the majority

This isn't a slam the needs of protein, but this article came across my email and caught my attention. If this is what is noted for the average healthy person aging, I'm curious to know how it relates to those of us after bariatric surgery. Just a random article I thought I'd share... no comments needed. https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/3-weird-reasons-youre-gaining-weight/?utm_campaign=SilverSneakers - Newsletter Yes&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=67292921&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--bgIkZMMoXHl8eJUMMRjxMMUuiYzaEtVkTcwRgP-UiUdHdA3Q8fweyYpH_KzVU4cVE4_dnLCDov6AACwajYuSl8JItqA&_hsmi=67293380 3 Weird Reasons You’re Gaining Weight By K. Aleisha Fetters | October 31, 2018 Staying slim through the years isn’t as simple as calories in, calories out. Here are the age-related changes that can mess with the scale. As you get older, it becomes more difficult to keep your weight in check. You’re likely well aware of this fact. The most common culprits: slower metabolism, less active lifestyle, or menopause for women. But sometimes, the source of weight gain is much more mysterious. “A lot of changes occur in the body during the aging process that people aren’t aware of,” says Craig Primack, M.D., an obesity medicine physician at Scottsdale Weight Loss Center in Arizona. “And these changes can have a large impact on weight.” Here are three such examples, plus simple ways to tip the scale in your favor. Weird Reason #1: Your Body Doesn’t Absorb Protein Like It Used To “As we get older, our bodies become less sensitive to protein and can absorb less of it,” Dr. Primack says. And since protein is critical to muscle health, this means it becomes more difficult to maintain your muscle mass and continue burning the same amount of calories every day. Remember: Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest. Your body also absorbs amino acids, the building blocks of protein, more slowly with age. Recent research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging found that while amino acid levels spike in one hour after protein consumption for adults ages 20 to 25, it takes three hours in people ages 60 to 75. More research is needed to determine exactly why older adults absorb less protein, and do so more slowly. But we do know that stomach acid levels decrease with age, Dr. Primack says. And since stomach acids play a role in protein digestion, it’s one possible explanation. Tip the scale: Increase your protein intake. According to the National Academy of Medicine, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults in their 50s and older is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight—or about 0.36 grams per pound of bodyweight. But research shows that roughly 40 percent of women and men ages 51 and older don’t meet those recs. Meanwhile, mounting research suggests that for optimal muscle health and metabolism, adults ages 50 and older should consume at least double the RDA for protein. That works out to about 0.7 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day. For a 180-pound adult, that’s 126 grams of protein per day. For maximum benefits, space out your protein throughout the day, suggests Rob Danoff, D.O., director of the family practice residency program at Jefferson Health Northeast in Philadelphia. Getting 25 to 35 grams of protein at every meal will help keep your muscles fueled with the protein they need, increase your daily calorie burn, and help reverse weight gain, he says. These protein-packed breakfasts and high-protein dinners can help. Weird Reason #2: Your Sense of Smell Isn’t What It Used to Be Loss of sensitivity to smells, called anosmia, affects between 10 and 20 percent of all older adults, according to 2017 research published in the Journals of Gerontology. What does sense of smell have to do with weight gain? Smell plays a large part in how foods taste, Dr. Primack explains, so when smell fades, foods can taste bland. This may result in a loss of interest in food, which could cause unexplained weight loss. But it can also lead people to seek more flavor, so they eat fewer healthy foods and more processed ones high in artificial flavors, sugar, and salt. What’s more, when people stop finding pleasure in the taste of foods, the next thing they look to is texture, Dr. Primack says. And the most commonly preferred texture is the creaminess of fat. Tip the scale: If you think your sense of smell or taste is dwindling, ask your doctor for a referral to an otolaryngologist (a.k.a. an ear, nose, and throat) specialist. The ENT will be able to rule out nasal problems like polyps, blocked sinuses, and seasonal allergies. If all checks out, simply understanding how sense of smell can influence your eating habits can help you eat more mindfully going forward. Try adding flavor with herbs and spices or marinades. Plus, harness the power of exercise to sharpen your senses. Weird Reason #3: Your Circadian Rhythms Are Off There’s no end to the list of ways poor sleep can trigger weight gain, including increasing levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin and slashing levels of the feel-full hormone leptin, Dr. Danoff explains. Even short periods of too little sleep can have a big impact. A 2015 study published in Diabetologia found that as little as four days of sleep deprivation reduces the body’s insulin sensitivity, which increases the risk for fat storage. Not making it a priority to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night is one thing, but if you’re physically unable to fall and stay asleep, changes in your body’s circadian rhythms could be to blame. A research review in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep at night and regulates your sleep-wake patterns, decreases with age. This often causes people to wake up earlier, not sleep through the night, or need naps during the day, Dr. Primack says. Another potential disruptor: cataracts, which happen when protein that’s naturally found in the eye starts to clump together, making the lens cloudy and obscuring vision. In people with cataracts, light might not effectively enter the eye to help your body know it’s daytime and time to be awake, Dr. Primack explains. Tip the scale: Start by prioritizing good sleep hygiene—no excuses. That includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding electronics at least one hour before bed, and using your bed only for sleep and sex—no work, TV watching, or anything else that’s associated with a wakeful state. (See five ways to fall and stay asleep, starting tonight!) Also, try keeping a sleep journal to track how many hours you’re sleeping at night and when you find yourself needing a nap. This can help you ID and deal with any lifestyle issues that are keeping you up at night. If good sleep hygiene isn’t enough to score you a good night’s rest, the next step is talking with your primary care physician or a sleep specialist. He or she will want to check for any underlying health problems like sleep apnea. Last, for those dealing with cataracts, talk to your doctor about whether surgery makes sense for you. A 2017 review published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology found that cataract surgery improved sleep in people with both cataracts and insomnia.

Charlotte, NC - surgery date 8/20

Are you surviving on protein shakes alone? There is so much variety; including protein water, unflavored proteins to mix into soups, bone broth soups, etc. The shakes are tiresome, but that’s why you have to give yourself variety. It will help you in the long run.

No unfortunately NSAIDs are a no-no. I would call the office (despite after hours) and ask for another Rx and explain your situation. In the meantime try taking Tylenol up to 600 mg (3 pills?) as an alternative.

Random question to you all first, I may post this in an open thread, but wanted your thoughts and opinions first.... Has anyone noticed a change in weight loss based on total sleep hours? Personally I’m experiencing a pattern, less than 7.5 hours of sleep, I will lose .1 - .2 pounds.... 8 hrs of sleep .5 - 1 lb weight loss My water consumption and food intake remain the same on both days. 800 - 900 kcal between 70 - 100 + oz water. Thanks for your thoughts

According to the internet up to 10 days, pending the type of test taking

I was the same way after a fairlife chocolate milk. I thought my belly was never going to recover. If I ever drink again, I’ll mix it with plain fairlife, but for now I’ve had my “sweet” fix

I’m almost 3 months post op, and the ability to gulp water shouldn’t be worrisome. The items you’re concerned with are minimal compared to the benefits of wls. I drink water everyday and sometimes I can gulp, sometimes I can’t. Weight loss stalls happen w/ or w/o surgery. And the length of time it occurs is different for everyone. Good luck with your decision!

Full liquids stage just means you can have any type of liquid but you shouldn’t have chunks in this stage.

it does get better, give it a few days. Sip, sip, sip, walk walk walk. You got this,

With the sleeve, I returned 1 week later. Good luck on your journey

I'm sorry for your frustrations. I officially began the process on January 2nd of this year and I jumped through the mandated hoops like insurance requested. I was at the end of June that I met all those requirement and almost, not quite a full month later I got the insurance approval and phone call. But my decision on the type of surgery was discussed at my very first appointment. I met my surgeon when he completed my EGD in March and not again until the the end of June before my final approvals were sent in and then again on Surgery day. The process is a process, just remember as frustrating as it can be, it's well worth it. You've got this!

As mentioned above walking and a spirometer help immensely. The other thing that helped for me was having someone rub my back in slow circular motions. I don't know what it was about that but it helped release a ton of gas when the other two didn't. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.

I have been in the health care industry in my past life, and I promise you if you've ever had any type of surgery, this one is a breeze. Because you have that knowledge I think it makes you moreweary, but it should also give you more confidence because you do know the physician from your patients. You've got this! Good luck and welcome to the forums.

I know you said you don't like to crush, but have you tried crushing and putting it between layers of apple sauce? I use the squeeze apple sauce and layer a bit on spoon, add meds, layer with more apple sauce... can't taste meds at all that way.

@veehappy, based on what I've read you are only drinking enough water post eating to take your meds, unless you're drinking 8 or more ounces of water directly after eating, taking a sip of water with meds will not cause stomach pains. It's possible what you've eaten has caused the belly aches, but how long has this been going on? Have you changed the way you take your meds or what you take them with? it could be the combination, The belly aches could also be a form of gerd and you may need to take a PPI. You could also try taking them with milk. If this pain is persistent and has lasted longer than a week, I would contact your Dr. for further evaluation. After all I'm no Dr.

Thank you!

Not sheltered, I only know because a work colleague used to attend. When we hired her, her intro included OT and at the time I too wanted to know. LOL. The only other thing I know is it's pricey. I'm quite happy with my little old Planet Fitness.. LOL

Before making changes to your plan, you should really follow up and get permission from your team. They lay out plans for us to help with our bodies healing. As for ways to get proteins in, I found that making homemade bone broth soups was an easier way to get my proteins in without shakes or powders. There is also a variety of protein waters available to help with protein intake. I also had / and still have to have 4 - 6 small meals to ensure I get my proteins in daily. The smaller and more frequent meals have helped me immensely. Light and Fit Dannon Yogurt as well as Oikos Zero have upwards of 15g of protein per serving. If you can do pureed food, that would help and you could also add cottage cheese pureed (but as always, check with your team to make sure it's OK)

your pouch is roughly the size of a banana. Having difficulty with fluids is not uncommon. I'm 10 weeks post and water flavor, texture, and temperatures are a constant belly battle. I can say it's all trial and error and just don't give up. The pain could be gas, if it's the incision port itself, it will take a minute to heal as most likely that's where your belly was removed. The pain eases in about 2 weeks. Congratulations and good luck

@ashmarie794, great news! There are a wide variety out there and try them all! also as @fluffychix, get a toy... they "spice" things up too. lol... use on you, use on him... win / win... fluffy, I can't recall the last time I used a movie to help get me in mood.... partially because my past experiences are better than movies or...maybe because I'm always there...ROFL. But, I do love your way of thinkjng