learn2cook

I’m a teacher too. I didn’t feel really able to concentrate until the two weeks mark. I noticed it was when I could get a full night sleep. Spanx at night helped with that. I could read and take online classes but I was scoring 60-70% when I’m usually 90-100%, but everyone is different.

I eat a 5oz yogurt every day with probiotics in it, Fage. They make lactose free versions too, 12g protein. Aerobic exercise helps too. In the old days it was called “the daily constitutional” meaning it keeps you regular.

I would check with your doctor. Can you keep plain liquids like water and Gatorade down? It could be lactose intolerance but check with the pros before you get any more dehydrated.

What @Dinah said, just happened last W/E. Lots of saliva and very little food. I didn’t chew my eggs as thoroughly as I should have. It reminded me of baby spit up, only my entire abdomen felt horrible.

I’m talking the Flintstones with iron until my blood work says otherwise. I loved the sunshine brand from the Vitamin Shoppe while I was prego and nursing or just heavy flow. It wouldn’t work for my bypass now.

You did great work getting there!

Wow thanks! This reminds me of the old WW soup recipe that changed depending upon the season and veggies available. I can alter the veggies to suit my stomach and family. Yum

I wanted a bypass and my surgeon felt the sleeve overall was a better option. I asked to talk with another surgeon in the practice and after all the pre-op tests were done, both thought the bypass was the best for me due to severe GERD and severe asthma. The hiatal hernia helped in the deciding too lol! Sometimes just asking for a second set of eyes in the same practice helps. A larger practice with multiple doctors helps because they do (or should) work together like a team and they respect each other’s ideas. That only helps your health outcomes in the end.

Hi @gabydoc I’ve been facing the same thing with new family gatherings since we all got vaccinated. I agree with @TonyB and @lizonaplane. I got more supports from a distant aunt and from a therapist. I also brought it up to a support group for WLS, OA would fill that same niche. The goal is to enjoy (or endure) the party staying true to your goals of health. I had to pick a likely person for support, great aunt. I spent most of my time outside away from food. I ate BEFORE the party. I drank my water during the party. I convinced the teenagers to go for a walk. The focus became the beach, the dogs, and the people. I read you are day 2? I’m not sure I was fit for society on day 2. Maybe this party can be a pass until you are ready to come out of your butterfly chrysalis. Best wishes!

Congratulations Lane 1988! I was a faithful Weight Watchers member when I got pregnant while 260lbs. My doctor suggested I keep going to WW and maintain weight. I was successful with a lot of group support and effort on my part. Your doc may say something else. It was important for me to avoid pregnancy related diabetes. My son was born a healthy 7lbs as a result (adult diabetes makes large babies). As a teacher and former nanny, I also saw many pregnant moms eat for their comfort instead of a bright colorful array of foods. Those little brains need bright colorful foods to grow properly. Ok I’m off my soapbox. You will learn so many positive changes and have a wonderful healthy child. My best to you!

I started by getting the virus at the beginning of lockdown. It was mild and turned into long Covid. That made me mad instead of scared and it was the straw that broke the camels back for taking control of my health. I started loosing weight on my own Aug 2020. I switched insurance plans and doctors through the market place until I found good ones who listened, really listened to me. Yeah, it took that much maneuvering because many doctors hate fat people. That’s just the way it is, move on, even move across the country but get yourself some good doctors. The main thing is to DO. Like Nike said, “just do it.” If you are working your plan and getting your shots and wearing your mask, you still need to contribute back to society. Start caring for people other than you. (Yes getting the vaccine is also about caring for other people.). You will be so tired and you will be alive and fully engaged with the world. You will have meaning. Go on, do it. Now if you are at the stage of being paralyzed by fear. Get mad and get a therapist for that. Feelings need doctors too. I see my therapist online for a check in. It’s like tuning up my car but it’s my head. Third and lastly, my relatives lived through worse than this and lived to tell the tale; Holocaust, Irish Potato Famine (no wonder I’m fat), The Great Depression, Soviet take overs, Vietnam War, Spanish Flu 1918. If they can do it, so can I. We can all do something to help.

You are inspiring me!

Hi @2ndChance, Higher Covid rates in your area did not happen just to screw you up. It’s not personal, it’s just the ongoing pandemic we are all living in. That said, I’m deeply sorry that you have done all the preparation and plans to have to wait some more. That’s so disappointing! Now, how do you deal with disappointment? If you’re like most of us here, maybe food and drink need to exchange places with therapy and exercise? Seriously last week, two days before surgery, my insurance declined the procedure. My first thought was ice cream and wine. I decided I am a grown up woman and I called the WL office to ask about the therapist. We also talked about what the office was doing about my insurance appeal and what I could do to push it forward fast. Guess what? It all ended up working out ok and I “met” the therapist. Keep Calm and Adult on!

Update, no clots. The constant moving around did prevent it! Need new asthma plan because they gave me a shot intravenously of steroids. The weight loss program explained that steroids can harm your surgery healing, but of course asthma can kill, so there was a compromise of a lesser dose of steroids. So the uptake is keep walking, it does prevent blood clots. And, advocate for yourself, I can finally take a full breath and slept a full 5 hours. Next, I will need to spend a significant amount of time with my pulmonologist when this has settled down. We are all worth spending time upon!

Uh ooo! I’ve been having breathing trouble since surgery last Thursday. I have asthma but because of concerns over possible blood clots I’m back at the hospital in ER. Because of the smaller stomach I can’t take steroids without an IV. This would all be ok but I waited all day for the doc to call me back. She didn’t call until 4, fought Boston traffic to get here, and the wait is real.

Whoop whoop!

That was a thought provoking abstract. I wasn’t sure where it was published or if it had peer review. I did factor in having a more successful career path when choosing WLS. The perception that a professional looks like they have their life together would urge a boss to notice the good work. Yeah, it’s totally not fair. The flip side could be true too. I think about great leaders who were heavy and they had/have power; Fanny Lou Hammer, Winston Churchill, Stacy Abrams, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I’ll have to see, the thinner me still wants a job promotion by next spring. This was a great question/observation.

Surgery was four days ago. I am one with my Spanx.

I had my bypass surgery and feel ok. I’m drinking the shakes and walking around. I still feel like me. Those of you waiting for your turn, you will do fine.

I’m so sorry for the super disappointment SierraMama and Tinyhounds and everyone this can or will happen to. I keep saying to myself that long term goals take a long time. This may be me too. I’m going to call the WL therapist and refocus on smaller goals today.

Hi @Cindi129, I use Ripple or OWYN for protein shakes because I’m lactose intolerant. They can be found at Vitamin Shop or Amazon. It’s made with pea protein. I like OWYN best and there’s 5 flavors. Best of luck!

@nursesunshine said “The surgery practice has a great protocol to manage pain and nausea before surgery.” What was the protocol?

Yeah! Anything unexpected you can tell us about? One guy from last year suggested bringing a pair of shorts or pants for comfort while walking around and getting in and out of bed.

Any August 2021 bypasses? Is the other name.

Check out the August surgeries on “where are my August peeps?” That group is mostly sleeve. There’s another for August bypass. They are both easy to find on the recents page. By the way, my surgery is the same day as you! I have the hardest time after dinner with this liquid diet. I’ve been sewing, chatting on the phone, organizing my house, sewing, basically anything that keeps my hands busy and my mind off food. I’ve turned into a bit of a monster and told my family that the kitchen is closed at 6pm! The lights are off and I put a chair in front of the door. Eight days in and it’s working. Beware of watching TV because of the ads. I’ve been streaming videos or watching PBS when I do watch. Good luck and check out the other groups! You can do it for this short term.