Darktowerdream

Prior to surgery, during my first weight loss effort I didn’t realize I was starting to have gallbladder attacks. Over time I tried avoiding certain foods like meats and fats. I’d started getting worse attacks. It wasn’t until last year maybe when I mentioned to my gastroenterologist the symptoms, like burning pain, spasms, sorry I can’t think of them all. He finally did a hida scan. This was when I started seeking out gastric bypass surgery when I was suggested my gallbladder was low functioning. They didn’t see stones but when I had my surgery it turned out to be chronic inflammation. My suggestion is see a gastroenterologist about a hida scan. Mine recreated the symptoms of the attacks. Your body doesn’t process fats properly, nor fat soluble vitamins. Most doctors don’t discuss that part. Take digestive enzymes to help with certain foods but likely the only relief is cholecystectomy. And dietary changes. Plus bile salts and digestive enzymes. My doctor didn’t quite believe it was a problem until they took it out.

Me again otherwise my lack of memory will eat it. ive never been a snacker. I do still stick to very low carb. I do some intermittent fasting. And sometimes it’s good to fast a day once in a while. though those were unintentional due to fasting for blood tests or procedures. It helps. yes I treat every so often. A little sf whip on my coffee. And I have gone out to eat. One time I had a bit of sweet potato mashed. The second time I managed a couple Shrimp it risks my allergies but is a low calorie protein easy to eat if not too chewy. Lots of protein in least calories. I had a 4 oz veggie burger for dinner w. A little Bit of mustard a drop of mayo. I ate as slow as I could and it was good (soft easy to chew not too hard to swallow) but foods still make me sick. But Doesn’t start until I’m done. I am learning to see food as nutrition vs comfort more now. And that I don’t need as much to sustain myself. hard lesson. Still learning. Not to push. And if a food causes too much backsliding either I limit it or eliminate it. now the holidays will be tough but try not to think of sweets as a treat but nice bit of roasted turkey maybe and a veggie egg casserole or “pie” and look for low carb pumpkin pie recipes that you can make with protein. And eat a tiny bit. Or try seasonal flavor protein bars like oh yeah one or no cow. BariatricPal mug cakes too. Or just seasonal sf flavor syrup like skinny girl syrups in tea or yogurt or protein shakes. I find them at stores like marshals, Burlington, sometimes tjmaxx or home goods, sometimes Wednesday morning (whatever day that store is) I like our local Burlington or Marshall’s. They are cheap. I’ve meant to write about this. My nutritionist wanted me to share in a support group but I haven’t been able to get there. Makes me nervous being judged by others. So I’m trying my best here for a while. When I can. Though my energy is limited, I end up writing more if I’m crashed. Sometimes this is as active as I’m physically able to be. But losing the weight still gives me physical freedom of not carrying the burden. Despite the cost I pay otherwise. in hospital I was like omg what did I do but I knew it was the right thing to do despite how I felt physically it was either fight or give up and know despite all my efforts otherwise I’d have kept gaining on minimal carbs and calories. And adjusting to new habits and way of eating. I hope to reach goal and finally maintain steady.

I was recommended thickenup but it contradicts with gastric bypass, my food intolerances, my pouch. It tends to fill the belly that I need to be getting protein and vitamins into. I have trouble with the ingredients I can’t recall them. There’s a jello but it’s very expensive. Small sips from my water bottle sets it off. I try to have wetter foods and no meats. The more I drink the more pain. And swallow what I can. Priority is protein. And vitamins. And just enough calories. I’m trying to split the breakfast, lunch and dinner protein more equally instead of skipping lunch. I need to follow up with a different neurologist. The neurologist I saw says I need a diagnostic hospital or clinic. But I was also told even if they figure out what the cause is it can’t be fixed if it’s neurological damage, that was my pcp. Yet she doesn’t quite take it seriously I guess because I, not totally dehydrated. I was asked if I was suggested to have a feeding tube, I’m not there yet. I want to give foods a chance even if I need to eat nutrient dense very small portions ( and still feel sick.) I bought some of my teas I could find like Yogi teas, natural India tulsi tea. I buy 5 calories ocean spray crab grape usually but now they have grapefruit. I make a small herbal tea, ice it, mix in ocean spray 5 calories juice (hardly any sugar) and sometimes protein if I need it. I have only one vice I started and that’s a small cup of cafe bustelo in the evening, seems the only thing to keep my heart racing into oblivion as it does all day. Instead of milk I take a rtd protein shake with 30 grams protein and use a little bit like coffee creamer. so far I’ve tried Dr. Praegers pollock burger as lunch when I need less protein, one pollock burger is 90 calories and 9 grams protein. I had two since they are tiny. Then there is a plant based burger (I couldn’t find more today) but it’s 4 ounce 240 calories but 28 grams protein. They use pea protein and vegetables. I got anoTher plant based dr praegers perfect burger 4 ounces, 230 calories and 20 grams protein. (They only had one) so I got the all American burger same size and calorie with 22 grams protein. I’m just not a big fan of onion in it. I normally like Gardein best. But these were bogo sale. And I’m looking for whatever has vegetables with more protein for the least calories in the smallest portion. So I get it all in one simple to prepare portion. i do soft boiled eggs even though they don’t like me so I go easy on that. a few BariatricPal protein foods are good low calorie meals for 15 grams protein like their pancakes, mug cakes, protein shots, I had my first soft protein bar finally. Admittedly I ate that between sips of yogi slim life tea with ripple milk. i like their soups and protein pasta but they do make me bloat on a bad day. In a pinch I grab a Koia plant based protein rtd, the cottage cheese is a very small finely blended cottage cheese and loaded with protein and probiotics. that goes down easier I sometimes put a little low sugar chia jelly. Maybe a teaspoon. my nutritionist recommended 2good yogurt. It’s good to blend with protein powder. Now I do a smaller portion. I bought aldi plain yogurt and mixed 3 ounces with a little pea protein ripple milk and BariatricPal toffee flavor pudding mix and it’s really good and 140 calories, 20 grams protein. The stricture is still a issue but if I’m careful I get the nutrition I need. I log my food by calories and protein but mostly low carb. Each day I make a quick meal plan, write down my weight and what main task I have that day if any. Usually a dr appointment or laundry. my biggest cheat, (for the fiber) I had an apple peeled and cut up what I couldn’t finish I feed the birds. They do get my leftovers sometimes. I tried protein crisps once. whatever takes the least chewing to dissolve so there isn’t too much to swallow l chewing tires me and I have to be careful. One would think I was older than I am. Hopefully this information can be helpful. Almost seven months out I’m actually taking it slow and doing my best to keep things moving along, I’m working on the forever “way of eating “ admittedly dairy is a bit of a allergy trigger but low fat dairy does help progress weight loss. Like TwoGood yogurt, good culture cottage cheese. the hard part is the neurological problems, dysphasia, inability to truly taste food. I sparingly add things to add punch. I’m also now officially in menopause. I’m working against a lot. Not for attention or accolades or pity but in hopes that something I say can benefit someone.

I forgot writing last night and wanted to avoid a doctor appointment this morning, meeting the nurse for a treatment for interstitial cystitis but I had a really bad reaction the last time and had to discuss possible alternatives. The nurse in my doctor office felt bad leaving me with nothing for the severe pain from IC but bariatric surgery means I need to change my approach to some things. Which my body isn’t keen on medication anyway. I have severe chemical sensitivities. so I had to postpone what to do until I see a spine surgeon, and other doctor appointments. I’m exhausted. To say the least. And needed to get some errands. In before I crash for the rest of the day. I was able to exchange shorts for a smaller size in Kohl’s and return a jacket that was suddenly too big . And needed groceries since I’m trying to listen to my nutritionist and try new foods. I got dr praegers veggie burgers, pollock burgers because they are a blend of protein and soft vegetables. And some egg frittata things not as much protein but low calories with egg and vegetables. I am still having to eat very soft foods but working around it. i mix plain yogurt with protein or BariatricPal pudding mix. I buy good culture cottage cheese cups because a small cup is only 110 calories and 19 grams protein. I definitely can’t drink enough water but doing the best I can. With tea. Hot or iced. Even though drinking even thin shakes is basically the sensation of being waterboarded. Because it keeps wanting to go to my lungs .... I just needed to ramble before I crash for a while. Literally crash as that is what m.e. Does (post exertional malaise) And no one in my life understands. I had a very late breakfast lunch. i had to organize the freezer and finally donated a few bags of too big clothes. This is the most I’ve done in months and I will be paying for days to weeks for it. hoping I can at least be helpful by checking back here sometimes.

I’m trying to catch up on emails coming from BariatricPal. Such a tiring morning with a dr appointment that didn’t go as planned, needing to return shorts and a jacket for a smaller size in Kohl’s. And groceries. And now having a late breakfast lunch. While thinking about a comment someone made to me last night. My mother’s boyfriend (at Bingo) commented on my weight When I took my jacket off, which I hate. And I said to a friend of my mother’s I lost almost 80lbs. She said at least it doesn’t look like I have loose skin, I said oh but I do. And her answer was at your age you can exercise to tighten up. I didn’t answer, i couldn’t, but in my head I’m thinking A. Not at my age now, b. Not when I can’t exercise and c. Even though my current compression pants hide it i desperately want thigh tuck to wear normal shorts and maybe even skirts. Thinking big I’d love a tummy tuck and liposuction and other things but I’m in the dilemma of not having funds. Unless I apply for special credit and go to BariatricPal Mx hospital. given my medical history it should not be priority but my thighs are so ugly (the worst part for me) and a lot of extra belly skin. My neck isn’t too bad I use bio oil I think and always exfoliate and moisturize. Plus not much sun exposure lately. I’d love to be comfortable to get in the pool (though chlorine hates me) my chemical sensitivities put a kink in my treatment plan at my doctor. And will need more doctors appointments and to deal with my bad knees, degenerative scoliosis, degenerative si joints, degenerative discs, etc. I haven’t look at my butt I’d rather not know right now. but the thigh swelling, wrinkling sagging, belly swelling extra skin are causing pain too. It just says heavy on my frame and kind of makes me sad when I want to just rest without too much clothes on and not feel disgusted. ive always felt the need to just stay covered.

I’m trying to answer before I crash for the night. Laundry day always has me beat and I went to play bingo. I don’t get out much. Tomorrow I’m supposed to have a interstitial cystitis treatment but the last one made me very sick. im trying to branch out and add new things and find it a struggle to keep on top of it all. I tend to be over honest especially in writing with my thoughts though I can’t always process the emotions. Yeah I could use a break from myself but I am ocd. Maybe some would call it an eating disorder. I just need control of even one thing in my life. I tried so hard to not let stresses to cause me to make mistakes. If I do i get back on track. Without family, being just my mom and I the holidays will be tough. Especially since it tends to be centered around food I try not to let others habits influence mine. That’s hard. To do the head work. To not fall into bad habits. To know what foods are good for our bodies. I’m far far from perfect but I’ve got nothing else so I fight until I can’t. I want to at least have words to help if I can. And I know sometimes that’s not wanted. I wish my moms friend would listen and take care of himself. When people notice I lost weight they say things like you don’t have loose skin or exercise can fix it (nope) I don’t think they realize my age. And my body feels even older. now I’m rambling. Each day I weigh myself I hold my breath and hope for the best and that I can keep the right path despite stress and pain and exhaustion. My childhood was rather hellish and always had weird food issues. But keep working at it, starting with navigating what works for you.

I am sorry you didn’t mention it being a medical issue vs a taste issue, I hope my comment didn’t offend you I wouldn’t judge a persons eating if they are struggling with eating at all. You need protein. And vitamins. Period. If it won’t stay down for medical reasons than all the more reason to reach out to your surgeon or go to the ER, trust me I had to go to the ER shortly after my surgery and I didn’t want to I was stuck in hospital another three days due to critically low potassium, acute uti, pneumonia, and diagnosed with a neurological form of dysphasia. I was later diagnosed with a stricture as well. I couldn’t tolerate anything but pushed to get protein even though I couldn’t drink water and still can’t properly drink water or thin liquids. I drink hot tea even though it hurts and had things that probably were out of norm I got protein soups from BariatricPal, because the pastas were easier to get down since they were very soft. I struggled to find what I could tolerate. Yes you do you and what helps you but get protein or get medical advice you can’t starve yourself totally. We just want to help not criticize someone struggling.

Can’t quite say how much I appreciate the response. I will be back around tomorrow. My surgery wasnt normal I was bed bound And couldn’t move. but we all need to know it’s ok and why we take the first step in our journey. And for what reason. We just can’t give up when the going gets rough. Especially with the holidays approaching and emotions tend to be very raw. Takes all my energy to do small tasks. Including writing messages. But we also need to support each other no matter how different our personal journey.

I haven’t counted carbs but fare better with as little carbs or sugar as is possible. For me it’s an addiction so I try to avoid what I easily get addicted. Feel it out and see how your body responds. My nutritionist says complex carbs come with maintenance. Even then I don’t think I will.

Nuts and crackers are too early for four weeks out but check out BariatricPal for soups. They have protein soups. Try them to see how your body reacts. They make broth flavor proteins, soups and they do make protein crackers but some things are best reserved for maintenance. If you can manage carbs (I can’t very well) try their protein pasta for soft foods. They even have protein mug cakes, pancakes and more, palatable things. I really like their protein shots. Try to get creative what you eat.

I’m fairly new here and just terrible at friendships in general and keeping up with posts I want to answer and can’t always find the energy or words to do so. My journey has been rough but I don’t regret it. Anesthesia hit me hard, then pneumonia and other things. We weigh the risks but sometimes step right in because we know it’s the right thing to do. I hadn’t posted on any forums in a long time due to what happened with a friendship gone wrong. She was like a sister to me. At times I’m wanting to delete what I say and now I try to resist that need. I literally couldn’t move after surgery. Get out of bed or function. But it was time for me to make that choice. I had bypass, my body would have rejected a band. I had bypass due to GERD and BMI of 40. we are all on the road to doing what’s best for us. We feel alone in it and can be hard to open up and discuss on a open forum, I find yes people, talk more when there are problems but it might help someone else down the line.

I think it’s ok to post here if you aren’t ready to start your own. I kind of stepped in a lot of posts too. I don’t want to wait for plastic surgery but my body might have other plans. We do what we can when we are ready. They say to be as close to goal as possible and be able to maintain it. I personally feel getting rid of the extra skin will help me feel more likely to maintain. I’ve struggled for a long time. Some fat can’t be lost without liposuction along with skin removal. And all depends what shape we wish to have.

It was hellish without the medication and treatment but my body can’t tolerate meds. I need something for orthostatic intolerance aka pots but that does a number on metabolism too. I don’t fit anywhere, either in the autism spectrum, myalgic Encephalomyelitis community, or here. But more people have a very normal experience with bariatric surgery with calories and protein. and should not be afraid of it and learn to adapt to their personal needs.

@FluffyChix thank you for being understanding. It’s been rough. Im sorry you had breast cancer I had a breast mri due to genetic risk. I was diagnosed with something called adult onset adrenal hyperplasia but the only treatment was steroids and my body can’t handle them. I was diagnosed severe pcos I was so sure it was Cushings. But I also have endometriosis. Now my hormones are going haywire after my hysterectomy in 2010 (long story) which left my ovaries but then I needed surgery last year to fix problems from said hysterectomy (another long story) he took my one ovary covered in endometriosis but left the other. Just recently I needed a second procedure to re-fix a repair and he took my remaining ovary and diagnosed Chronic interstitial cystitis which I went for treatment but it made me sick. I too fell into the grips of the carbs and sugar demons especially the more sick I was and after surgeries and just wanting to subsist on saltines. But that’s another conversation. I battled my weight with all my might twice. The first time I was over 215lbs I went extreme low carb and low calorie and mostly protein. Think a combination of Atkins with weight watchers points. I was taller then my lowest weight was 124lbs but time, stress, surgeries i gained some back and fought again but moving to Florida all of a sudden my weight did the climb and I think my gallbladder didn’t help (fat metabolism) because I was eating 800 calories and less than 20 net carbs and gaining. I wasn’t counting protein but getting enough. my calories and protein now needs to be so low it’s a tad crazy. Thank you for helping with the math. I’m not good with KG but it made sense once I translated it. I also calculated 36 grams protein based on my current weight. Though I think for now 48 grams protein is working out well. i usually go by pounds for weight but to calculate protein kg translated better for some reason. If I say my goal is 100 lbs my doctor will be unhappy. But my activity level is an issue since simple activity due to chronic illness is very low. I might post and not take over another conversation. Just my typing and thinking physically exhausts me. most people don’t need to deal with low metabolism like this but I’m hoping those who do can learn to understand the role protein plays and sometimes there is such a thing as too much.

I’m hesitant to do a third dilation, I stick to softer easier foods. Water and thin shakes are an issue for other reasons for me. My gastroenterologist did a dilation upper endoscopy before a colonoscopy I think the prep made me sick, he ended up tearing my esophagus I’ve not seen either dr since I was upset. Both follow up aren’t for a while either. I’m not trying to scare you they said a hiccup caused the tear. I don’t think a stricture gets better on its own though. Many people have dilation and do fine. Also depends on the size of the stricture. im wondering if you might be allergic to something in premier protein. It made me sick from the added iodine. Water, well that issue is a neurological problem for me. don’t regret the surgery just talk to your surgeon about the problem, pay attention to how you eat and drink and work on your mental approach to all of it. It’s a hard road but we take it because we have run out of other options to get us where we need to go.

No nsaids, no times release, tablets must be very small to have time to absorb. I am concerned about needing toprol but it’s timed release so I haven’t approached my dr about it. I am autism spectrum and adhd. I started drinking some caffeine in the evening again to try to help with that since I can’t risk adderal. My chronic illness causes meds to have serious side effects. I can paste an informative post about meds post op though. I hope it helps. my personal tip is to inquire about liquid forms of medication for the first months. 21 medication rules after gastric bypass There are certain pills that you should not be taking after surgery because they will either irritate your pouch, such as all pills in the NSAIDs catagory or pills that just won't be absorbed like they should. Any pills with enteric coating (kind of like a candy coating) or any extended release type med may not be absorbed like it is supposed to. If any of your meds do fall into those catagories you will want to get them changed. Those meds need the gastric juices to break them down and after RNY those juices just aren't there to do the job until well down your intestinal system which won't be enough time to break those meds down. So basicly, you want to avoid any meds that are extended release, delayed, controlled, sustained or any medication that is an NSAIDs. Over-the-counter NSAIDs are: Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Orudis KT, Ibuprofen, Excederin Prescribed NSAIDs are: Motrin, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Toradol, Lodine, Feldene, Indocin, Daypro, Relafen, Voltaren and Celebrex. There is the belief by some surgeons out there that even one NSAIDs can cause some kind of damage to your pouch and they strongly recommend staying away from them, if possible. If medically there is a reason to be taking them, such as the use of low dose asprin for heart conditions, it is okay to take them but you should also be placed on some kind of protectant such as Carafate or Cytotec. If you are unsure if any of the meds you are on fall into any of these catagories talk to your Pharmacist, they will know. It isn't a bad idea to let your Pharmacist know that you are a Gastric Bypass patient. They can list it in your information almost like an allergy so that if you are ordered a med that you shouldn't be on an alert will be generated. There are ALOT of physicians out there that don't know this kind of information it is our respondsibility to make sure they are aware of it. Here are 21 basic rules we should all follow in regards to our meds: 1. If side effects appear or increase, consult your doctor or your pharmacist about dosage or other medication options. 2. First-pass effect medications may not provide effective absorption at the currant dosages. Check dosage or check for alternative medications that do not have first pass effect. (your Pharmacist will know if any of your meds are "first-pass" meds) 3. Medications that are in a liquid or solution form will be absorbed faster than those that are solids. Check for liquid forms of medications. 4. No extended-release, sustained-release, controlled-release, timed-release or osmotic pump medications. 5. Many medications can also have gastrointestinal side-effects like gas, diarrhea, constipation or intestinal cramping. 6. Read the pamphlet attached to the prescription bag for potential side-effects. 7. You should not take any NSAIDs without a protectant such as Cytotec or Carafate. EVER!!!! 8. Be able to recognize an NSAIDs when you see one. 9. Use a protectant if taking daily low-dose aspirin for heart health or to prevent stroke. 10. Check all PMS over the counter medications (OTC) for NSAID ingredients. 11. Read all OTC medication packaging to check for NSAIDs ingredients. 12. Inhaled steroids for asthma are okay. 13. Taking steroids of any kind, even by injection, requires taking a protectant as well. 14. Medications commonly used in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva have the potential to cause gastrointestinal ulceration. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. 15. Do not continue to take medications that have been discontinued. 16. If dosages have been changed, do not finish out a previous dosage just because it is there. CHange the dosage immediately unless instructed otherwise by your physician. 17. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications are fat soluble. If so, stay in touch with the prescribing physician and report your currant weight every month for possible dosage changes. (as the amount of fat in your body changes your dosages may also need to be changed) 18. Tell all medical providers about your status as a weight loss surgery patient. (Lap-Banders too!) 19. Keep all your scripts at one pharmacy if possible. 20. Meet and get to know your local pharmacists. They truly can be invaluable friends. 21. Remember to have everyone work as a team for you! You're worth it! (Used with permission of Little Victories Medical/Legal Consulting & Training. All rights reserved) One other word of warning when it comes to taking Tylenol. You MUST watch the amount of Tylenol you are taking. No more than 4,000mg in a 24 hour period. You can cause yourself liver damage with Tylenol overdose. You need to read your labels. Look to see if things have Tylenol or acetamenophin in them. Vicodan has Tylenol so if you are taking Vicodan or Lortab make sure you aren't adding a lot of Tylenol on top of it. That is why it is important to read the information on those pharmacy bags and on otc medications.

@FluffyChix i agree, I am slowing down on my protein shakes and starting to move toward other proteins that my body can tolerate even though I still struggle with more solid type foods I have tried soft boiled eggs, dr. Praegers plant based veggie burger, etc. I do mix some yogurt with protein powder but stopped doing 30 grams in one meal and splitting them. Add in I’m. It normal to the mix. But with metabolic disorders I try not to get too much protein or calories. I went by. Ratio of 0.8 grams of protein per kilograms of body weight? I’m math illiterate but I stick to around 48-50 grams protein at most 60. The more you lose the less protein your body requires. I still do drink either Koia for breakfast (plant based RTD) because I love cinnamon horchata and need the extra water. Or a little PESCIENCE mixed in plain yogurt or 2 good yogurt. oddly enough for some reason BariatricPal soup has been tripping me up with weight loss either ingredients, sodium or the protein amount I like to mix boullion with a pasta ... it didn’t seem to have much effect before so now I guess I’ll reserve it for occasionally. it’s hard as your body changes you will need to change the food you put in.

@Sheribear68 Hopefully we didn’t jack the thread from @sillykitty though I think no matter our starting weight we all will face this sometime in the journey. I’m still sorting through a lot of issues and the prospect or hope of removing saggy skin is one of them but not the biggest issue. I hide it with compression Capri, pants or shorts which had a main purpose of being recommend for orthostatic intolerance aka pots or what other name it goes by, but you can’t wear that in a swimming pool. Or make you feel better about excess weight still in thighs and belly. Along with sagging skin. They put my height too high at 5’ 2” at best I’m 5’ 0” at most half inch more ... my mom is only slightly shorter. She weighs 100 lbs. she is able to be more active. I posted middle of the night last time and then jerked awake thinking but this site isn’t private and neither are our conversations really but nothing is private and we all are dealing with similar issues. Not all the same but sometimes similar. i actually wanted to start a thread on unexpected or overwhelming wins but losses at the same time. And can’t decide if I should. it wasn’t this topic but ... has anyone discussed plastic surgery with their bariatric surgeon? I think unless it’s a huge amount of skin they don’t see it has an issue? But for us it is. I know someone who could benefit from RNY but he isn’t in the head space to do it. But he has very high BMI, blood pressure, diabetes, needs knee replacement, etc, but he comments every time he sees me about my surgery and how he thinks I should feel. my journey isn’t a normal one to compare to. all the best to sillykitty on your journey too. I look forward to seeing how it all turns out.

I had a hysterectomy in 2010 that affected my body shape too. I don’t have my records anymore when the reduction was. I asked to be as small as possible I thought I was a c cup. I was early 20s at the time? I had it done at a clinic in NYC. To bad I don’t remember my measurements. oddly enough I’m Bony around my bra band and can wear between 28 G or 30 F. Yet stubborn weight elsewhere. I am trying to figure out how I’d ever have skin removal and how much weight that would come off. BariatricPal has their MX Hospital in Mexico and a heath credit to help pay. But I’ve so little money. People might think I’m thinner now I don’t quite feel it. I wanted to post about it on a different subject. I’m in a weird head space right now. And it’s hard to talk about.

I saw your answer this morning and You said what I feel but couldn’t verbalize very well. i was mocked and bullied for having a big butt and big boobs as a kid, early teens my chest grew practically overnight to a size I wouldn’t know now since back then the biggest you saw in cup size was DDD and that didn’t come close to fitting. And I couldn’t afford to buy them. I had a very large frame (large wrist circumference) Eventually I had breast reduction out of medical necessity. At the time I was actually 5’ 4” I also weighed 180 lbs and hated every inch of it because I didn’t understand why. Due to chronic illness and disability and metabolic disorders and a long list of medical conditions I lost bone density. i don’t miss a big but or big boobs. My mom has always been very slim, at my heaviest she was half my weight at the same height eating the same foods. I just wanted to feel thin for once in my life. I wouldn’t even mind a more “boyish” shape. I think what bothers me most is the sagging skin in the chest, my stomach and thighs and that they aren’t getting thinner like the rest. Which is basically what you said (sorry for repeating myself) probably easier to say I agree. It would be nice to just have a lean slim body. Long isn’t in the cards for me I’m very short. Though my torso is a little longer so my butt is very low. having struggled with my body shape for so long I just want a slim balanced unsaggy body I didn’t have as a teen.

I already want my thighs done. My weight has gone down and I’m 10lbs from my second goal. But think For my height I’d like to reach around 110 lbs so that final goal would be at least 23 lbs from where I am now. Hard to believe I might have reached 75lb loss now. My starting weight was 208 with 40 BMI. Im math illiterate ... numbers escape me. As does tracking time. im wishing for a thigh lift already ... that’s the worst. For some reason I am bony in some places but still stubborn thigh and belly weight. I don’t know how much weight skin removal takes off. I don’t even know that I will ever be able to afford it even in Mexico. But I wish for it. My belly is second on that list. my butt hasn’t existed since I had a hysterectomy in 2010. It’s just flat I have no natural curve.

I have a PCP for the fact I have a bazillion medical conditions and she isn’t very understanding at all. She thinks she can play devils advocate about things like surgery. Like here I was trying to get answers and help for my weight to where I was at least 208lbs on the doctor office scale and BMI of 40 and she was like oh but you look fine, your weight is fine ... I has to take it into my own hands and find a endocrinologist after the first one I saw was basically an ass about the whole thing. It was the second doctor that finally listened and referred me to Cleveland clinic for bariatric surgery. But my PCP after having surgery and i saw her after her maternity leave , about some post op issues basically might as well have just said oh I told you so (not to have surgery) stuff happens and I knew I was at risk given my list of conditions. My point being we know better than some random doctor does and if we feel it’s the right thing it’s what we do. I didn’t even mention to her my recent surgery Which was also necessary. But she didn’t agree with me the first time I had it. And sometimes crap happens and you have to deal with another surgery. my brain is scrambled. Sorry. Hopefully you can get what you need for your upcoming surgery out of this doctors office. Before you find a new doctor. They should be happy you are just there for pre op clearance and it’s not up to them to decide if you need the surgery or not or to say what they think is fine (insurance isn’t paying) I have to jump through hoops for everything and get referrals for any test or doctor or surgery and the office I go to is terrible at getting these things going. I can’t even get the name and referral for a spine doctor. Would you believe she sent me to one knowing how bad the doctor was and when I tell her repeatedly she ignored me and then finally admitted oh he has a reputation. She gave me a whole speech of what she thinks I should do knowing I can’t do it (or should know) It can be frustrating. But congrats on getting closer to surgery!

@sillykitty here are some front zip post surgical bras, you can get 3 for as little as $20.99 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078HMKSHV?ref=em_1p_2_ti&ref_=pe_3811160_448494540&th=1&psc=1

It’s really important to get a blend of both insoluble fiber (bulking fiber) and soluble fiber (prebiotic fiber that feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut) it’s usually best to get fiber from foods. I’m still working on this myself but I’ve got other gut issues. i didn’t finish what I meant to say so had to edit: benefiber is only prebiotic and is what dextrin. Psyllium fibers are just no good either. Chicory is an excellent prebiotic fiber. At first it is hard to fit in fiber especially with foods but I never trust the fiber supplements they sell in grocery stores. You can try making chia pudding for fiber. Also adding milled flax seeds will give you soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, healthy fats plus protein. You can mix flax in a lot of things. Milled flax seed is one of the best sources of both types of fiber. a good fiber blend is also gentle fibers, I Think found it in vitamin shoppe or vitacost.com https://www.jarrow.com/product/327/Gentle_Fibers I forgot Inulin is also a good fiber. I’m pretty sure it’s a prebiotic fiber. im trying to find ways to not use laxatives. Cascara sagrada is a good natural laxative. Also Ayurvedic supplements (I studied holistic health but my memory is getting worse over time so I can’t recall the name) I did find this interesting article on the subject of fiber after bariatric surgery https://www.njbariatriccenter.com/constipation-weight-loss-surgery-dont-suffer-silence/

Are you sick or is it for sleep? If you are sick you need to make sure it only has Tylenol not nsaids/ibuprofen. Liquid is better than the large pills, they likely won’t dissolve enough to be effective. If it’s for sleep unisom makes tiny pills, they also make sleep melts. Small pills without coating and that are NOT timed release will dissolve better but it depends on where you are at after surgery, you need to wait a few months after surgery to start taking pills of any kind.