canadianpopcycle

Hello! I'd opt for surgery..either through the province or privately. My personal belief is that fasting, along with a host of other 'diets' are fads that don't have long term success. I had my surgery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada through a bariatric program, and was covered by healthcare. If you have specific questions, let me know and I'd be happy to answer what I can

I'm generally pretty sarcastic and also don't like these types of personal questions....so I say things like.. 'You know...no one would ever tell me I was fat when I was fat...but now that I've lost weight...everyone wants to let me know how fat I used to be. Weird huh' Or something like that...and no one asks me again after that lol.

I hear you...it bothers me too when people talk about what they are eating...and don't seem to have the same results. Try your best to ignore what others are doing...focus on you and your progress. Remember... comparison is the thief of joy. 😘

Hello! I hope some people can give some advice! I have been stewing on this for a number of weeks, and I am not really sure what to do. I will start by saying that my program is in Canada, and it is set up a bit different than most Americans. I go to a bariatric clinic that includes the psychologist, internal medicine doc, Dietitian, Nurse. The surgeon you are referred to after you have jumped through the hoops with the other professions. You are assigned the surgeon who does your surgery, for the most part, you don't get to shop for one...and they have little to do with the Diet/Medical Part (vitamins, labs, etc). The surgeons are general surgeons that obviously know how to do these surgeries, but they are not solely bariatric surgeons. So essentially, if I have questions I go to the bariatric clinic, and not the surgeon. The problem is, I hate my Dietitian. I don't feel like I can ask her anything without her being weird, and control freaky about everything. She has argued with me over my food logs (aggressively suggesting berries instead of the banana I ate everyday pre-op), She got upset with me for taking psyllum husks and omega 3 after surgery because "WHO TOLD ME TO DO THAT??!". I asked her about when my protein requirement would reduce (since I am losing weight obviously), and was told never because the protein requirement was based on my height, and not weight. (????). When I ask what calories I should be at, she won't answer and tell me my calories need to be higher. She also made a point to tell me that my weightloss will greatly slow down now (at my 3 month appointment). I was never a big/fast loser since starting this. Other than the first 2 weeks after surgery...I average out at about 2.5 pounds a week. In my program, regular food started week 4 after surgery. Once I went to solid food at week 4, I eat between 1100 and 1300 calories. I have yet to eat out, the 'worst' thing I have had is a very small bite of Candy to taste it. There is no forbidden food except for carbonated drinks...and obviously they recommend staying away from overly fried, processed, sugary things. Prior to surgery, the last time I had lost weight sucessfully was in 2016 when I went to the gym 6 days a week and tracked all my calories. I used MFP and fitbit. I ruined my knees in the process of that (a whole other story lol). I still use MFP to track food. So right now, MFP has 1300 calories to lose 2 pounds...and I am still a bit over 250. How in the world am I going to keep losing weight if I am supposed to eat more? Currently, my body is doing this thing where I lose 2.5 one week....0.7 the next....2.5 the next...I feel like I stall every 2nd week or so. The dietician doesn't help at all. She always rags on me to eat 5-6 times a day. I get all my protein in, in those 3 meals and I currently still don't experience a hunger sensation at all...so why would I eat more? She wants me to eat more and I feel like what I am doing is okay. I told her I would add more snacks if I need it, and she doesn't like that. I am at 5 months out...I feel like I am trucking along...but then I get really worried that I am not going to continue to lose weight, especially when she is on me to eat more and more often when I frankly don't want to. Everyone wants to believe that they have some tailored medical diet...and we don't. Every single program is done by an expert and they are all different from each other...and it really annoys me when people say 'follow your program'...when it seems every doc has a different idea of what would be successful., and nothing is standardized. Am I too set in CICO that I am frustrating myself? How can I continue to be successful and get to the lowest reasonable point that I can?

It took me until day 8 as well (and I needed to take something), and I birthed a fossil. After that....smooth sailing for me

I'm so sorry to hear that...I can imagine how devastating this feels. When I saw that you were in Southern California....I immediately thought about Mexico. If you are losing your insurance, would Mexico be an option for you in terms of price? I say this not knowing the state of how easy or what restrictions are for travelling to Mexico, but I know it can be cheaper (especially if you won't have insurance). There is a whole section devoted to travelling to Mexico. Perhaps you can do some research while things get sorted Wishing you the Best!

Hello! I met with my Dietitian on Monday for my 3 month follow up. I have been able to eat about 1-1.5 cups of solid food since about 4 weeks. Obviously this depends on the type of day and food. But she assured me this was good and normal. Hope that helps!

5 Weeks. 5x High Protein Boosts a day I didn't get any cheeky chicken breast or 1 'light' meal a day. 5 weeks of liquid (then another 2 weeks after!). I did just watch an RNY procedure (I generally cannot watch surgery things)...but after watching it, the concept of shrinking your liver made so much more sense. Seeing how they move the liver out of the way was interesting.

Hey! I haven't been walking quite as much as you....but I was noticing my hips were hurting, which I thought was weird. I did come across this article....interesting read! Hope it helps. https://phoenixfitnessdenver.com/2020/05/27/hip-pain-after-gastric-bypass-surgery/

Regular foods were at 4 weeks for me. I think I waited like 3 days into the 4th week? lol I made a beef stew....it was so damn delicious! I figured I might have an issue so I thought I would start with something softer...and it went well! I had roast beef week 5 and didn't have an issue. Truthfully...the only thing that has bothered me was scrambled eggs. The first time I tried it was fine....but it just felt weird for about 15 min after. Had them this am and I don't have any issues

Honestly...I don't understand why there is no standardization with this surgery. Between calorie 'limits' to keto, some/no carbs, etc etc its really ridiculous. Not sure if this helps you: My surgery was March 29...so I just started my 8th week since surgery. My 'program' after surgery: 2 weeks of Full Fluids, 3rd week puree and soft foods and 4th week everything else. There are no calorie 'goals', as they want you to get as much nutrition as you can in..but they don't want you to be restricting food. My protein goal is 80 - 107g. During the full fluids phase I was getting about 550 calories a day. Puree I was getting about 900 calories. Regular foods until now are between 950 and 1100 ish depending what I am eating. I walk everyday (weather permitting) about 25 min. I'd like to get to the gym, but those are closed currently here. My weigh ins are: Surgery Day March 29: 315.6 April 5: 308.8 (-6.8) April 12: 302.6 (-6.2) April 19: 301.8 (-0.8) April 26: 299.2 (-2.6) May 3: 296.6 (-2.6) May 10: 294.0 (-2.6) May 17: 290.8 (-3.2) Total since surgery: 24.8 lbs

Well...here goes... My husband knows....and a coworker (inadvertently) because they saw me in the hospital. I do not plan on telling anyone else currently. Perhaps in the future I will be more open about it. So the question becomes why.... A small preamble: Diet, obesity, food, exercise etc has been a really big interest of mine for years. I have spent so much time researching so many things when it comes to this topic. I feel I am reasonably well versed in this topic. The problem is...most people are not. Many people are still knee deep in the billion dollar diet industry that will argue about Keto, CICO, Southbeach, Atkins etc etc. Many people also believe that you can control your own weight...and if you are over the amount you should weigh, it is your fault. Many people don't think about the factories that make "food". Many people don't think about so many things that so many people deal with. Lots of people think having surgery is cheating. My obesity is still very much tangled up in emotionally abusive things from childhood. The very last thing that I want to do is have a conversation about that with people I don't know, or only know professionally. This has been a long hard road to get here, but I don't need to explain myself to anyone. Did it occur to you that maybe people shouldn't be commenting on people's bodies? Why would it be my place to ask someone about their weight? There are going to be many people that don't agree with surgery for whatever reason....frankly, it's not my job to enlighten people on what they should do with their lives. If someone wants to know the 'secret', then they can do the research and figure out what is best for them and their health issues. I hate to tell you this....but the surgery stigma is alive because of the rhetoric of the billion dollar diet industry is alive and well in most people. The stigma isn't alive because a few people 'lied' about having surgery. I also really hate the explanation: If you needed surgery because you broke your leg, you wouldn't be hiding that from anyone! But really...medical ailments and treatments can be embarrassing and private or shameful. If I needed a colostomy bag, I wouldn't put out a newsletter about it. Jesus.

I have clothes in my closet ranging from 16 - 24. I never got rid of some of my favourite clothes because I was going to lose weight and fit back into them (ie my rationale for keeping them!). When I knew I was getting surgery I just hung on to them so that I didn't spend a fortune on clothes. For all the other things I need...I'm close to a few thrift/goodwill stores so I will supplement there. I almost never buy clothes online...though...I'd really like to one day! I'd go ahead and buy a few things that you'd like...and then save for next summer when you can go all out

Hello! I had a 5 week liquid diet. I believe a number of Canadian programs have a specific 4-6 week liquid diet. I say this knowing that many other programs have a 2 week liquid diet that is low carb...and people typically use premier protein. I was allowed no actual food. I was to use 'meal replacements' (ie Boost or Ensure)...5x a day. I could also have 1 cup of chicken broth. For 5 weeks...nothing but 80g of Corn Syrup a day (Sorry I'm a little bitter about it still!!). PLUS...most programs have a liquid diet after (clear, then full fluids)...so you're looking at 6 weeks of liquids if you start early. Honestly...I would try and scale down some food and give yourself a calorie limit and try and stay within in. Personally...I would have liked to have had at least vegetables while I was on it (I had a lot of bathroom issues). I am not sure exactly how much 'extra shrinkage' you are looking for with your liver...if 2 weeks are all that are required I wouldn't torture myself longer than necessary, IMO.

Hello! I used to have heartburn 'occasionally', and it would be typically something like ketchup or a tomato based meal that would set it off. I also really enjoyed my wine. Then whenever I would order out, I would take a Zantac preemptively. Eventually....by last May everything was setting it off. Sometimes I would even happen in the middle of the night. I was even having heartburn on protein drinks during the pre-op liquid diet! I had originally decided on the Sleeve because I was afraid of the malabsorption aspect of the RNY, as well as the thought of them re-arranging my intestines. Before meeting the surgeon, I decided on RNY due to the GERD and my high BMI. After meeting the surgeon, the agreed that RNY was the best way to go in my case. Since surgery, I haven't had any issues with GERD (Thank Goodness!) since. I Hope that helps.

I was instructed to not take any vitamins or supplements (I take Omega 3) 1 week before surgery.

Hey! I was hoping that someone had some insight for me! Does anyone work as a teacher or trainer or something of that sort? I don't go back to work for a few more weeks; however, I am really concerned about getting my fluids and nutrition in. I work in a hospital, teaching/training adult learners. The classes are in person, and I will need to be wearing a mask the entire time. We obviously get breaks...but I don't know how I will be able to eat anything in 15 min...let alone get all the fluids in I need to all day if I need to wear a mask the entire time, plus not chug or choke down some food. I could probably get medical documentation to be off longer, but I am trying to avoid that. Does anyone have any suggestions?

After surgery, it took me 6 days to go (had to take Milk of Magnesia), and I birthed a fossil. After that I started taking a few Psyllium Husk capsels a day....and I haven't had an issue since. I was nervous to try anything...since before the surgery I always had the opposite issue (I have been suspicious that I have IBS, but not tested). However, I haven't had an issue with that and the fibre has been helpful.

When I went to preadmission before my surgery (March 29), I had asked the internal medicine doc if I should wait after surgery before getting the vaccine. She had advised me to wait a few weeks after surgery. Since it will illicit an immune response...and suggested making sure I am healed up from the surgery first. Mine first dose is booked for next week. Other than not spreading your immune system too thin, she didn't cite and reason not to get it after surgery (few weeks).

Hello! I am 11 days Post Op....and I thought the same as you. I woke up in a lot of pain in my abdomen...and under one incision in particular. I had morphine for the rest of that day along with nausea meds. I was nauseous from the pain more than anything. It just felt like my insides were being pulled apart....best way to describe it. The next day I was given codeine and tylenol....and I actually found that managed my pain better. I think the key thing is...the pain meds will get you to a comfortable level, but not take it all away. I believe in the end mine was mostly gas pain. It settled in the middle of my abdomen...and it didn't matter how many rounds I made around the hospital unit...it didn't move (A lot of people say it moves to a shoulder or back...mine stayed put!). The third day was a turn around as I spend the whole day....ummm...expelling that gas....but I felt so much better after that. I think it's just a waiting game at this point. Just try and get as comfortable as you can and try and rest up. *hugs*

I am up for March 29! My liquid diet is different than most...and I can only guess it's because it's a Canadian Bariatric Program (vs USA). I started mine on Feb 22...I am so tired of it :S

Hello everyone! I finally have a surgery date!!! March 29 is the big day!! So I have been assigned a 5 week pre-op liquid diet (starting today!). The diet is 5 x High Protein Boost or High Protein Ensure per day. I am also allowed 1 or 2 cups of clear low sodium broth (Wooo!! Calm down lol). Oh, and I am allowed coffee with sugar substitute. So Canadians often get shafted for flavors or variety for a lot of products...so I am working with $300.00 of High Protein Boosts in Chocolate and Vanilla. I have got a few sugar free syrups (Salted Caramel, Coconut, Peppermint) to change up the taste....hopefully?! Maybe?! I also made some popsicles with Mio flavoring in water. Does anyone have any other suggestions to fancy any of this up a little? Also, does anyone drink their protein/protein drink and coffee together? Do you just use instant coffee...or do you ice your coffee and mix together? Any help or suggestions is super appreciated. Thank you!!

Hello! This is my first time posting, I have been lurking for a while. I hope I am posing in the correct section!! I am from Canada, and was referred to the Bariatric Program in my city. I know that the USA and Canadian programs are similar in terms of requiring time with a dietitian, psychologist, internal medicine doctor etc. In April, I was booked for my first class in June. As a smoker (now ex-smoker!) I planned to (and quit) a few days before the orientation class. In the orientation class, immediately we are informed that being in the program or class isn't a guarantee of surgery (which is completely acceptable!), it is posted everywhere, and we are reminded of it pretty much all the time. I had an appointment with the Nurse case manager in August. She was great. In each appointment, you book your next appointment with another discipline you need to see throughout the program. I was then booked for a nutrition basics class for the end of August, then with the dietitian in September. The nutrition class I didn't find particularly useful (personally), as the things that we covered, I was already practicing. I was excited that the dietitian wasn't the type to roll in there and tell everyone they had to eat a certain diet. In the class (there was about 20-25 attending) she had said that they started doing the nutrition basics class because they felt that they often had to go over basics with so many people...they thought one class for everyone for the basics, and then when you meet with your dietitian, it is more individualized, and targeted to your needs. I was very excited about this, and it turned out the dietitian that was teaching the class, was who I was booked with in September. Then I rolled into the appointment in September (the day before my vacation - a cruise) for my first appointment with the RD. I feel like we immediately started off on the wrong foot. I had blood tests done (as requested) and I don't think she liked them. Everything on the blood tests were fine. Whenever I get tested for my white blood cells they come back 'slightly high', and it's been like that for years and I chalk it up to obesity, knee arthritis and the steroids I take for asthma. My family doctor is not concerned. The other thing was my triglycerides were boderline high (the rest of my cholesterol is good), and I have spoken with my doc about that and he is not concerned. She didn't seem to like that I wasn't running to my doctor about my white blood cell count. I felt like she was snippy about the triglycerides, even though my doc wasn't concerned. She looked at my food tracking (every day religiously for 6 weeks), and looked at one day. I eat 1 banana and 1 apple everyday during the work week. She started telling me about substituting berries instead of a banana. She also suggested that I walk around the buffet a few times on the cruise ship before deciding what to eat. When she asked how much wine I was going to drink on vacation (I stopped all alcohol for over a month at this point), and I said "Maybe 1 glass per day at dinner...?" that was the WRONG answer...and told me to try again. So I said...I guess 1 glass every 3 days....? Then she suggested I use smaller plates to cut my portion sizes. I left there...and my poor husband...I came home in a flurry of tears, and frustration. I didn't ask how to reduce my portions on vacation...I already know how to do that. I didn't ask her to help with with my cholesterol, I have a doctor for that. She wanted to know why I was taking Omega 3 ...and seemed skeptical of my answer that most people don't get enough, so I figure it would help to take some. I am still so discouraged by this. A few weeks ago I went to the psychologist. There was a questionnaire I had to fill out (essentially about being compliant after surgery). I told him I struggle with exercise now because of my knees...so he suggested yoga. Really? I am obese, with painful knees....if I have a hard time on the treadmill or on the elliptical, why would kneeling on the floor help...? Oh. because you do Yoga. Noted. I tried to create some discourse: The link to obesity and sleep is something I notice...I started to tell him I notice my appetite increases if I haven't slept well because it's like I need to stimulate myself to stay awake. And that turned into getting tested for sleep apnea. I don't have sleep apnea. He mentioned smaller plates to me again (it just seems out of context) So I am feeling like because I am not a total trainwreck, they don't know what to do with me. I totally get that people need more help than 'read a label', but I feel like I have spent a lot of time researching diets, weight loss, obesity etc etc for the better part of 10 or 15 years...and they have not taken the time to find out what I do know. I feel like if I say certain trigger words like 'tired' = Sleep apnea! Wine = Alcoholic! So I don't know what I am supposed to be doing. I feel like I don't know what they want from me. If they want me to lose weight, then I want them to say it. If they want me to stop this or start that, then say it, and have a purpose. I have read all sort of literature about WLS and Set points etc etc and when I go to these appointments I don't want to walk away feeling like they think I am obese because I opted for a banana instead of blueberries (hate them) all these years. I want to get more out of this, but I am also very tempted to just try and tune it out and tell them what they want to hear so I can get the surgery. I am just a number, and I somehow have to fit in their flow chart...not the other way around. Does anyone have any advice? I just feel super discouraged and criticized and not looking forward to another year of appointments every month feeling this way. Thanks for your help!

Thanks everyone for the insights you have provided! Unfortunately, I don't think I can just get another team. Since this is covered by healthcare, the Bariatric Clinic was a waitlist. Through the Clinic it is a team of Dieticians, Psychologists, Nurses, an Internal Medicine Doc(s). I have not met a surgeon, and won't until I am 'approved' for surgery. I don't believe there are actual specialized bariatric surgeons in Canada (I could be wrong), but everyone I have looked up in my city and a few others are general surgeons that do bariatric surgeries. I believe this is mostly due to our publicly funded system. I have thought about talking to the Nurse Case Manager about switching some people around...but I think I will wait until I see them again....I see the dietitian in 3 weeks, and the psychologist again in 6 weeks. I think this is where some of the intimidation factors come in. I cannot just 'throw my money around' and go somewhere else...Unless I wanted to fly to Mexico. If these people don't view me as compliant, and 'working the program', then I don't get surgery. If you miss any appointments, without proper notice, you are out. I get it...it's publicly funded...but I am also not really enjoying take time off for at least 2 appointments a month, and drive all over the city, and have them be dismissive and still possible not do what they want, and I don't get surgery. My frustration has been that...and then I am not seeing some of the correlation between what will happen 'after' surgery. I feel like I am on a weight loss program, not on a program to determine if I am a candidate for surgery, and how successful I can be. It's like the banana thing again: You are criticizing my fruit choice...I should have berries instead. The debate isn't between a double quarter pounder and a banana, it's literally a banana and berries! It just seems ridiculous. Or the 1/2 cup of haagen daaz I had one day (that I measured!!!!)...not really believing how much protein was in it, because it was ice cream. I guess I am just trying to regain control of the situation...and I don't like that I can't disagree with someone because they decide if I get surgery. That said, I can do my best to bite my lip if I need to. I just don't want to be so frustrated with them that I miss valuable information from them because they irritate me. I believe someone asked earlier...but my BMI is quite high, so I am not on the cusp of eligibility.