learn2cook

I’m three years out from RNY and from my experience, you’re normal. There’s multiple threads on here, some very old, but the info is the same. I like having a restriction, but at this point, I think I have a cup full of food all smashed (like salad can be very smooshed). My sassy response if someone questions my smaller portions (most don’t) , “I’m watching my figure.” At this point I don’t know who cares so I will tell some people, mostly older than 35 year olds, because they have battled the bulge and know the struggle. Unfortunately you live in a highly visual youth due do constant cameras and video. It’s also normal for 18-29 year olds to expound upon all the great minds and debate things to infinity. (No shade, I did it too.) You could be caught in the crosshairs of some well meaning people who think you’ve suddenly gone “anna.” I practiced some short quick phrases that shut down nosy people. “I’m working with a doctor.” “My dietitian suggested this.” “I’m doing this on purpose with a medical team for my health.” And the biggest help was getting a therapist. I was terrified of eating in public before WLS. Investing in my health and wellness (all of me) was and is very important. You are very important!

I’m super impressed by this. Where do you get these routine labs done?

As an asthmatic I so feel for you. I have a difficult time after any incident with anesthesia. It sounds like you’ve turned a corner for the better and I’ll keep cheering you on. Congratulations on your new success!

I like Diet Coke, I was addicted to it for years. I think it was the relaxing part of phenylalanine. But I gave it up because of G.E.R.D. and possibly future osteoporosis problems because I already take a rather large amount of steroids (inhaled) to control asthma. Every once in a while I’ll have some D Coke at a party. I gotta say, my teeth are whiter now without it.

Hi Possum220! I feel like you are very honest and courageous to ask for help because it’s the true first step. Yes, I have been seriously depressed before and yes I am mortified by regain. My last serious depression was way before WLS but I know that the longer it goes without help, the longer it stays. I’m going to suggest you start your healing journey there because it’s life threatening. Please continue to advocate for yourself and your health in that regard! As regards regain, I have had some success with “Glucose Goddess.” Look her up, she’s on all social media platforms. She is a scientist and mathematician who got into a serious accident and needed to heal herself. She cites all the medical papers that she has researched, peer reviewed, and published. You can by her book, but I’m just watching YouTube to get the basics right now. Eating veg, then protein, then carb has seriously slowed my hunger AND stopped the near daily dumping I was experiencing. I was never diabetic but I think the severe dumping syndrome of WLS was making me the equivalent. I swear getting my blood sugar under control has been a game changer. Many studies report lessening depression and less anxiety. It has helped me with asthma because it reduces inflammation. I have lost four pounds this week, and all I did was change the order of foods I eat. So, depression is like asthma, you need to treat it first. But the Glucose Goddess has practical applications that help with those problems and helps with weight loss too. (By the way, it has helped even though I’m on a new medication that has even more steroids too.) I’m wishing you the best! Keep up with therapy and finding a med that works:) You are not alone. Let us know how you’re doing and what you found that helps.

I’m sensitive to carbs (dumping) and totally lactose intolerant. I can eat potatoes if there’s protein with it, but it can still backfire on me. I agree with Ms. Sss. I feel better with one once of walnut, almonds, or avocado, basically a healthy fat mixed with blueberries or whatever else you want. (I need to measure one ounce fruit but you know yourself better). I tried healthy fats to add some calories and now they help me maintain. I have to measure it because the 3 year rebound is upon me. You do you. Other later night fat snack ideas are one teaspoon peanut butter, or one teaspoon of liquid omega3 orange syrup from Vitamin Shop, or one ounce of real Vermont cheddar cheese. Hard aged cheeses are basically lactose free.

Hooray!

Ignore the stomach size stuff because you’re saying your stomach will remain the same. Interesting, I admit I know nothing.

I had bypass, but from illustrations posted on here it looks like the stomach gets smaller in the switch operations too. There is a healing phase which takes a while. It seems to take a 2-3 week longer process if you’re a person with reflux issues. Some of that process is testing what your body can tolerate at different stages. I had a hard time getting eggs or chicken down. I still have trouble with turkey 3 years out but it may be a sensitivity at this point. Mostly all foods are fine now. The funniest/cute thing is the regurgitation is like a baby burp. The new stomach is so small! Seriously, a baby burp that’s quick and fast and tiny. The yuckiest for me was a communion wafer. It’s made of wheat. It’s hard and dry, and Covid was still on so no sharing the wine. I still hold it in my mouth until it’s thoroughly wet, then swallow. It got stuck and I had the “foamies” which is basically like dry heaving for a long length of time and it was painful. The whole problem of foamies can be avoided by taking small bites, chew thoroughly and try to use some sauce type thing to help food slide down. Stick to the stages and extend them a week or two if you’re worried, but talk to your team about it first.

There was this video of Julia Child making an amazing meal for herself. This was after her husband had died. Including shopping and chopping it took several hours. Then she made an elegant table for one outside in the shade near a brook. There was wine, linen napkin, several courses, polished forks, multiple plates of fine china. I remember thinking “this woman is nuts to make such a mess to clean up all for herself.” Then her words (very approximate!), “Cooking for me is a creative making and sensual process. I’m also worth celebrating and nurturing. So why not make a fuss over myself once a day?” She put me in my place! So, it’s the nurturing and creative outlet that’s important. Our new life goals are to figure out what creative outlets we like (because we’ve been doing too much ‘nurturing’ with the food). Maybe it’s something from our childhood. Make a bucket list of all the things you’ve ever wanted to do but were afraid, and try them one at a time. Keep using them to nurture yourself.

I made a list of things that help me get out of or lessen a mood. I’m currently working on anger today so; Journaling Singing/playing music with instruments Thrifting Any self care-lately dry brushing skin Exercise Go to church Outside time Talk with a friend Plan a vacation Go on vacation There’s more but you eat the idea. Just DO something. When I find myself procrastinating I hand wash the dishes to get me started on momentum. It’s small and easy and I feel accomplished when I look at the clean stuff. When I’m sad or burnt out, self care is essential. My motto is “self care is health care.” You are not alone, “this too will pass.”

You might have (temporarily) gotten lactose intolerance. Most medications have lactose as a binder and if you’re sensitive, look out! You’ve sure been through a lot! It’s only been a week so I guess you’re on liquids. I used OWYN shakes because there’s no lactose in them. Others on here turned me onto Fairlife milk and shakes, there’s no lactose there either and both are high in protein but less than 5gms carbs. Who’s at home with you now?

Woop Woop!

I agree with the others! You just had major surgery and your calorie intake is still super low. I was so tired the first 2 months, I remember sleeping like before motherhood. You probably still have little ones waking you at night so you’re not getting any recovery time! Listen to your inner voice and trust yourself. At one week I was pleased to get out of bed, do some simple house chores, move around hourly, and take a shower. I went back to work after week 2 and went to bed as soon as I came home. My kid thought it was great playing outside longer living free like a Gen X kid! Lol, seriously sit in the shade with a fan on while the little ones play outside with water. Send the older ones off to friend’s houses with bikes. Enjoy your pause in life :)

I dump and my first sensation is feeling loopy, then I see bright spots that don’t go away, they get worse. Then the sweats and shaking starts, and if I haven’t fixed myself with some protein then it turns into vomit/diarrhea town. Others could feel different, but the clue to me is you saying your “skin was crawling.” If it’s food allergy related, it’s very serious. I wish you the best!

I’ve done this with spaghetti squash! The kiddo liked it too. No, I don’t make little fancy stuff because by the time I figure out I’m hungry, I’m too hungry to care about rosettes.

I soooo feel this! I think I’m going to try OA again because they’re cheaper than a therapist. I hope they don’t hate on me for WLS, I get so sick of explaining WLS is medical help for a health problem like glasses for seeing. I think I’m due for a psych tune up.

I’m into charcuterie for summer meals. I got some mini boards at Dollar Tree. I’ve been playing around with horseradish and mustards to change it up. I tried some pickled peppers and olives for flavor. In the winter I like hot foods and cook up big orders of chicken and meatballs, freeze and use as needed. I love a salad but it can get boring and early on after WLS they were not digested. Cue pictures of cute charcuterie boards now lol. We’re having pre-cooked shrimp on ice for dinner tonight!

I didn’t loose any weight with the liquid diet because I had already been following the bariatric plan for a whole year before the surgery so my body was used to being calorie restricted. The salt levels sound kind of high… like others have said. Don’t be surprised if you gain weight while in hospital because the IV fluids are full of salt too. Just keep drinking water and it will come off. Best of luck with your recovery!

I’m glad you’re going to see your doctor, because I would have suggested a call. Maybe it’s your body still healing, or a little hernia starting. Don’t push yourself too hard, and follow your team’s advice. You’re in major metamorphosis right now!

Hmm, I don’t like purée anything so I stayed in liquids stage a full 4 weeks. As long as I was on liquids, the BMs were liquid too and would announce themselves with surprise. I got regular and less liquidy with more solid foods and the introduction of magnesium and probiotics at night. My son says the RNY caused me to make the paint peel in the bathroom, (mom eye roll here)There seems to be more unpredictability for relatives and friends with Crohn’s or cancer. I wonder if it’s because of sections removed lower on the intestines? DS and RNY seems to effect the first part of the small intestine.

I kept loosing until the 2 year 3 month mark. I found the last year of it needed more attention from me. I still need to be mindful, not obsessed, but mindful. If you make the effort to keep your good habits up the scale will go down and stay down.

Whoop whoop 🙌🏽!

Stuff happens, sometimes randomly. I tell myself that feelings are just feelings, nothing good or bad about them. They just are. Feeling low is not your fault, and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’m glad you’re getting the emotional support! It takes great emotional strength to admit out loud that you need help with something you can’t fix (like we all did by asking for WLS). You gained experience and better health overall that no one can take away from you. Bravo!

I did. You may also be hitting the famous three week stall. It’s a well known topic thread on here. I had/have PICOS (does menopause get rid of it?) and it made me a slow looser. Just stick to your nutrition plan. 10lbs will just suddenly fall of when your body adjusts. I suggest not getting on the scale until you notice your underwear feels a little looser. Also, you might want to check in with your endocrinologist about any adjustments if you still feel overwhelming hunger and/ or wonky fatigue. Number one thing I’ve learned is be patient with yourself. You’ve got this!