Lily66

During a phone appt. with my bariatric nurse practitioner last week, I commented the scale hasn’t been moving despite 600-700 cal. daily, 2 mile walks every morning and working out with weights afterward. She reminded that for some of us, actually for all of us but at different points, the body fears it’s being starved and holds onto weight in self preservation. She suggested on days where energy expenditure is up, my caloric intake be upped by at least half the calories I expended. She advised I go to 800-1,000 on those days. The weight should begin to move once the body is happy knowing it’s not being starved. Sounds like your trainer knows his/her stuff, Kimyana1. Good luck and please keep us posted!

Nefertari, My heart goes out to you because I remember that short phase. If Winston were here he’d assure you that a great part of that, is head hunger. Some debate it, but for me, there was certain truth to it. Watch for a guy named Winston and honey watch out😉, he pulls no punches but/and he’s usually spot on. Earth to Winston, Earth to Winston, can you hear us Winston? Please come in. Over and out for now.

Thanks, Lamermaid! I took it whole yesterday and will continue to. It absolutely amazes me how much it helps with long term pain and slight mood lift. They started me on it a year ago prior to having microdiscectomy at L5 S1. At the time, he said it would greatly reduce nerve pain associated with herniated disc and surgery, and lessen the anxiety surrounding it. Started on 30mg, built to 60mg. My liver enzymes became elevated (they also had me on mega doses of prescription NSAIDS, steroids, etc.) so we discontinued all meds except Duloxetine, brought that down to 30mg and enzymes returned to normal. I’ve remained on 30mg since. In researching this weekend, I found they came out with Duloxetine in a sprinkle form last year, under the name Drizalma Sprinkle. Retail price here in FL is over $200/monthly, and even with my insurance it has a $100 copay. Once the patent runs out price should come down. Thanks again for sharing your experience and continued best wishes to you!

Question for gastric bypasser’s who take Duloxetine/Cymbalta: do you take the capsule whole or open/sprinkle the contents into food? I have been opening/sprinkling since surgery but read somewhere that we shouldn’t. My concern is if we don’t, then capsule could pass through us whole, largely intact with less absorption? My Dr. did comment that as long as I take it I will need to take Pepcid to prevent ulcers. I tried to go off it last week but musculoskeletal and nerve pain from last year’s back surgery returned with intensity so started back on it 30 minutes ago. Any input will be greatly appreciated!🙂

Every morning I’m using a Biotin patch ordered from PatchMD.com. So far so good, no hair loss yet but ‘‘tis still early...hoping for the best. Nurse practitioner told me to be sure and take iron as that affects hair loss, as well.

😳I am SO Sorry! I did not realize i was in the guy’s room!😖

..And for those who are new here, let me share that when I first logged in here, my panties would get in a wad when Winston said things like “face it, you’re addicted”, etc. I thought,😤what nerve! He doesn’t even know us and he’s calling us addicts?? How could someone be so rude and assuming, he must be projecting his own stuff, not mine! But 7 weeks post op, and having studied my own behavior, my movements toward food, when and why I was reaching for food when not hungry, indeed I witnessed my addicted behavior. Some of it was in response to certain foods that manufacturers intend to create addiction in us, other times it was an addicted drive within me to self medicate with food, even healthy food, but driven by addicted moments such as a death in the family, or feeling sad for a day, I mindlessly walked to the kitchen to soothe the savage beast. Was I really hungry? No. Winston’s talk is straight here. We have a few straight talkers and we need them among us, call it a talent for tough love or what you will. All of this to say, don’t be too eager to dismiss the straight talk as not applying to you. At least keep it tucked in the corner of your mind that there just may be a tiny shred of truth for you, too. Often times, it’s the small tweak of behavior that had the power to derail us at some point in life, and with self reflection, facing hard truths without shame, we can simply tweak it back, no longer held hostage to mindless consumption. To live the free, easy breezy life out of bondage we so desire and so deserve.

So happy for you that it works! I do love my squatty potty and believe it does help. I also take a stool softener daily. I was trying to do both Miralax AND Benefiber Clear and believe that’s where I messed up. I think my surgeon may have meant for me to “try either or” but I was trying both same day. I truly believe Miralax daily will help, but yah, for SURE the squatty potty! (Hubby still thinks i’m nuts for so loving the SP😂)

Phillips Cherry Milk of Magnesia...very tolerable when needed . Surgeon did say Miralax is much better on a daily basis. The mechanism is different—-Miralax is “nonstimulating” was his word.

Sounds like a perfect regimen, Catwoman. Thanks so much and I’ll start it. I found the cherry milk of mag (Amazon) goes down easier than the white chalky stuff. Also picked up 3 bottles of mag citrate this week but have held off knowing how strong it was during my colonoscopy prep. Miralax every morning—Milk of mag if needed-1/2 bottle Mag Citrate as last resort. I’m on it!👌

I’m borderline right there with ya!😬IF I used Miralax and Benefiber daily as surgeon suggests the plumbing would probably “work” okay. But “sipping” that stuff just turns my stomach —when I drank it really fast one day I was miserable for over an hour. Hopefully we’ll get some good, sage advice from someone here! Good luck Angel Sale!

CONGRATULATIONS🏆 on losing ALL excess weight at 7.5 months out! To me that is AMAZING! Our stats are similar and I would be so thrilled I couldn’t stand it.😁 Any words of wisdom on what you did to EARN this Success would be SO greatly appreciated. Again, SUPER CONGRATS!💐

Very helpful, informative book for those of us who like to read, hi-light, underline and review. Dr. Matthew Weiner, M.D., bariatric surgeon explains one surgery vs. another including revisions, why some lose faster than others, why some are more successful over time than others. Not preachy nor judgmental in any way, just factual. Explains how our bodies go through hormonal changes post-op to establish a new metabolic set point. 150 pages, easy read in one sitting. $11.99 on Amazon for paperback. Well worth it!

Pre-op drug test for MJ? Have not heard of that.. Isn’t Oregon an MJ recreational legal state? Are you certain? ...Just trying to save you some time💖.

Winston223322 really is telling it like it is! All Best wishes on your decision!

Welcome! We’re happy you’re here to share the journey of a lifetime! All and only Wonderful Wishes to YOU! And what a beautiful Smile you have!

Did you lose weight before surgery? My surgeon explained that many times it can make for a slower start in the first weeks post op but you will take off if you stay with your program.

Hi BariPals, I’m 3.5 weeks post op and that wiped out, low energy stage is still with me. Wondering when energy usually kicks back in? I’m getting my protein & fluids in, averaging 600-700 cal daily. I walk 1.5 miles daily but/and have little energy for much of anything else. Do you remember when your energy returned? Thanks!

Looks SO YUMMY and to imagine the chuck roast was smoked...to die for!😋

As far as right or wrong “rules”, I agree there likely is no “universal rule”. I asked my surgeon if I could have a couple glasses of wine with my stepdaughters in June...he replied “Sure, but expect it to go to your head much more quickly”. So here’s another very good surgeon saying it’s okay. My reason to shy away from it is (for me) fearing the slippery slope knowing the unwanted gene of addiction in my family. I feel like with all we know re: alcohol after WLS “Buyer Beware” on your journey of Life.

And here I am envious of y’all. I am down 25lbs but have not lost any in my boobs which I was looking forward to (40DD). Instead, I’m down more than a shoe size. Watch me end up with big boobs and itty bitty chicken feet🤪!

PHENOMENAL CHANGE!!! Congratulations!!!!💥

AND Slim_Mommee! We were SO eager to tell you that EVERYTHING IS OKAY, that I totally neglected to say CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your first goal of 180’s! Woo-Hoo🎉this is FABULOUS!I can totally relate because I said to myself this morning...”the real excitement for me will be reaching the 180’s”. I yo-yoed the 190’s-200’s for last bunch of years, but the 180’s were back aways for me. I’m kind of in a stall past few weeks, but keepin’ on and know it will happen. Years ago I worried alcohol was becoming a problem for me, so I’m planning to not go there except maybe a glass or so family reunion, etc. a few times a year. I, too, have heard the risk of alcohol addiction is greater after WLS and I don’t want to go there!! I’ve watched it in my siblings and it’s a bear. Your surgery was a couple of weeks before mine, and rjan above and I were same day! So many kindred threads here... Bliss out on your SUCCESS Reaching the 180’s and give yourself a little smile and tee-hee that you’re choosing to slow the vino!💐💝

I don’t have the answer, will leave that to others with more experience, but just HAD to SEND YOU HUGS working from home, trying to keep 2 adolescent children occupied and moving forward AND manage our WLS details. Slim_mommee, this hugs for You and All in similar challenge. BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF!! Congrats on reaching out here! This too shall pass!! All Best Wishes!💖

Once again, You summed it up well, Cheeseburgh, and I am TOTALLY COMMITTED, as you were/are! Failing at this is not an option for me and hasn’t crossed my mind. I have no timetable on this, understanding there will be stalls while my body adjusts inwardly, am doing my very best each day food/exercise, and it will happen. It IS happening and I am one grateful lady! Continued best wishes to you, and especially for taking the time to help us!!💝