kcuster83

I had skin removal surgery years ago after loosing 140 lbs. They gave me a abdomen binder at the hospital. They also gave me one after my bypass recently.

I am 5 months post op and I think I saw it drop around 3 months, that is when he had me cut my meds in half then about a month later off all meds and now it fluctuates between perfect and too low.

I saw my PCP yesterday...Apparently this is common within 6 months post bypass. My body is trying to adjust as it is loosing weight so rapidly. It should pass on it's own but if it starts happening too much there are meds to help regulate it. I see my surgeon in a few weeks for my 6 month follow up and plan on confirming all of this with him also. In the meantime, increase my sodium levels. I am drinking so much water, and with such a low sodium intake my body is flushing the fluids. He even said maybe swap 1 water a day for a gatorade. I didn't even realize my sodium was so low because I never paid attention to that number but when I went back through my tracking APP I am under 800 mg most days, my worst day in the last month was 1100 mg. (those are salted peanut days, haha)

Did you bring it up to your surgeon or your PCP? I smoke once in a while, but it seems to get lower when I smoke so i stopped again.

yep, already on it. Thank you

I assume you are at the pureed stage? I was allowed crackers at soft foods because they chew to soggy mush. You cheated, live learn and move on doing better. You don't want to harm your healing belly. You can do it!!

I know! I felt like such a fat ass having to UBER home so close. haha But, you could clearly look at me and see that something was wrong. I was white as a ghost and soaked in sweat, breathing super heavy. I am mostly worried about driving.. I definitely do not want to pass out behind the wheel.

Hello! Congratulations. I am sure everyone had pre-op jitters. Don't stress, overall it is a pretty uneventful surgery.

Drinking that much you will likely go through withdraws, I would wean yourself off if it. Maybe 3 cups a day for a week and then 2 cups for a few days and then 1 cup and then switch to decaf? You still have the creamer issue though, try flavored coffee and use milk or almond milk? I don't really drink coffee so I am just throwing my opinion out there without any real experience. Good luck!

call your doctor!

Exercise wouldn't hurt but it will not "solve" the problem. It is inevitable. I still want to loose about 60-80 lbs and look like I have 2 sets of boobs now. If I could pull that skin up and tuck it in my bra I would be good as gold. HAHAHA 😂😂😂

This was one of my bigger fears also. I was adamant about hitting my protein and taking my vitamins daily. My hair is thick and has always shed a lot. I am just over 5 months post op, and it may be shedding a little more than normal but nothing that I can undeniably notice. Your hair falling out is because of trauma to your body, it can happy with any surgery not just WLS. Everyone's body reacts differently and recovers differently so no one really knows the real outcome. But, I can say that I am a part of 3 different support groups and 2 FB groups and I have only came across 1 woman that had terrible hair loss and she admittedly stated that she does not properly take care of herself since surgery. (ex: not taking vitamins, not eating right etc) I wouldn't worry that much just take care of yourself. PS: My hair is very long (my profile is an old pic)

ehhh That sucks. I hated crushing and swallowing pills post-op. I seem to be fine with pills now, even 2 or 3 at a time. Luckily!

What is the online calculator you are talking about, I am curious? I don't have any tips, other than I do know the closer you get to an ideal body weight the harder it is to loose. Just keep tracking and I am sure it will come off, it is just going to be slower. Or like you mentioned, maybe increase exercise?

🤣🤣🤣 Pickle salads. I'm not even gonna lie, that sounds delicious! haha

I won't lie the gas pain was awful the first night after surgery and the next day for me. (I had a double dose of gas though) After that second day, I had a minor discomfort still in my shoulder/chest areas (still gas) and then I was completely fine. I never took pain meds or even Tylenol once I left the hospital. I think most people's complaint is the gas pain. You will be fine, just remember the goal!

Every surgeon has their own version of the pre-op diet. They change drastically too. Mine had 2 options you could choose from. One option was 6 "Bariatric Advantage" and only calorie free drinks. The second option was 4 "Unjury" protein drinks and a list of foods and their serving sizes and you were allowed 6 of those servings a day. (SF pudding, yogurt, veggies, etc. No meats or anything like that) I choose option 2 just so I could chew things, it was a life saver. I am a huge veggie fan so I was very happy with my veggies which is pretty much all I ate from the list. Point: It was easy for me, I had no problem and was only truly hungry the first day and then I was fine. But, some peoples are VERY strict. I imagine it is harder without the chewing option. Just put your mind to it, remember why you are doing it and you will be fine.

They would DEFINITELY know you had surgery. And, you would hate for them to find out while you're already under and on the table and then they stop. Never hide medical information. It is only a risk to yourself. Plus, I actually think they would learn along the way with the pre-op testing. For example, most people need a EDG so I would think they would see it right there. Just leave out the "Mexico" part. haha

Man, I am going to have to try the built bars. My rule is no less than 1g protein per 10 calories and under 5 sugars. Carbs are not a huge deal for me because I don't eat much anyway and I am allowed to. I randomly try different one, I really like QUEST brand and keep them on hand regularly. But I will randomly grab a new one to try from a convenience store where I can buy and sample 1 of them rather than buying a box and not like them. My latest try was the "Snickers + protein" bar. I was VERY let down. Didn't taste like snickers AT ALL and it wasn't good regardless. I took 1 bite and tossed it. Guess I am going for a built bar next time.

Wow, that is crazy. How is it any different than if your original surgeon retired or something? You would need a new one? Makes no sense. Sorry, I hope you get it worked out. Do you have to tell them you were sleeved in Mexico?

Hello and welcome! I didn't have any emotional issues either. I do hear a lot of people do, I assume because your hormones may be all wacky from the huge change in your body. I am sure it will regulate and you will be feeling better soon.

If you have an Aldi around you, they have them. Cheaper and usually a couple flavors. You may be able to freeze them also, I haven't tried though.

oooo I never thought to grill them! Definitely giving this a go! Thanks

I have had them. They are a little bland to use as a wrap and the rubbery texture kind of gets to me. (I have weird texture issues) But: PRO TIP: I use them in place of noodles to make lasagna and it is DELICIOUS! I highly suggest it!

I guess it depends how chubby your feet are to start. I used to wear wide shoes and now wear regular width but the size is still the same. PS: I WISH my feet would shrink- THEY ARE SO BIG! I hate it. I can never find cute shoes. haha