BabySpoons

Reminds me of a documentary I watched recently on HBO called The Way Down. It's about a diet guru pastor, Gwen Shamblin who wrote a book that swept the nation/world back in the 80s/90s. The Weigh Down Workshop. It basically teaches that all you need to lose weight is self-denial and faith in God. But if you are overweight, you are shamed into believing you're a selfish glutton that lacks self-control and a prayer life.

That same mindset is still quite prevalent today by a lot of churchgoers. So, it's amazing how many sheeples (your so-called friends) buy into this messed up type of teaching. Sure, gluttony is listed as one of the 7 deadly sins but this line of thinking doesn't take into consideration at all that obesity is a medical condition and not just a moral failure.

That's really encouraging to hear @summerseeker. I hope my scale continues that downward direction when I reach 1 1/2 years out too. Smiles well earned

I've read that some people's bodies can't differentiate between sugar and artificial but that has never been the case for me. I use Stevia or Torani SF syrups in cold coffees but in hot, just Creamer. I couldn't have caffeine until 5 weeks out.

I also use Stevia or Crystal light to flavor and sweeten my Protein Drinks in the blender. CL uses aspartame. I wish more SF products used Stevia instead. But it is what it is...

SF products are OK according to my nutritionist's plan since day 2. If you don't have one to ask, I think you should be fine. Most everything we eat or drink in the beginning is trial and error anyway in how our bodies will react.

Nature camp. That sounds fun. What all does that entail @learn2cook?

Music makes me smile...going to concerts makes me even happier. This modern day Led Zeppelin was amazing to see live. Since my weight gain, I quit going to shows because it was too hard to get from the car to my seat. But someone bought me a ticket so I went. 7/22 No regrets. I plan to attend many more in the near future as I become more mobile

"We need some healing...♫"

I don't know how high your nicotine % use was but I started vaping at 12mg and over time reduced down to 3mg. I quit vaping nicotine, 2 months prior to surgery by mixing my juice at 0mg.

I never gained any weight in those 2 months, and I was tested a week before surgery for levels. Main reason being tobacco hinders healing and can cause ulcers. I was honest with the doctors from the start and none seemed to have a problem with my plan since I ended up cutting out all nicotine use in the end.

Good luck with the weight loss and quitting the nicotine!

It's best to get clearance from your doctor. That said.. my program suggests starting weight training 6 weeks out. 2xs a week and advance from there. No maxing out or pushing to muscle failure. Lift enough to feel a burn but stop if you feel any sharp pain, experience chest pressure, nausea or extreme shortness of breath.

I haven't started weights yet myself but have been cleared to. I had hernia repair same time as RNY. So I'm pacing myself. I am easing into exercise with walking on my treadmill or outside, weather permitting. Also just started using my exercise bike today. 6 miles. I do cardio 5x a week but eventually I will shift that to concentrate more on strength training since I think we will benefit more from that in the long run.

I used to drink an ACV drink daily before surgery to help control reflux and blood sugar levels. Apple cider vinegar is actually not acid once consumed. Instead, it has an alkaline effect on the body when taken internally. Post-surgery I will still pour it over a salad but no longer really feel I need it.

As for loose skin, I still believe autophagy/fasting can repair cells and improve collagen production but that is no longer an option for me diet wise. I chose RNY and so will rely on my new tool and follow those guidelines. For now anyway.

Good luck and stay strong.

7 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

i think im hilarious gigantic and tiny, ha! 😂

I would think so too. I'd hate to think my doctor or anyone else not find me funny anymore after I drop my weight. LOL

11 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

thats an odd question!

It's referring to the video. I've heard it a million times people saying that people are no longer funny thin. Usually, actors or comedians. I myself think it's BS. xD

On 6/5/2023 at 8:27 AM, GreenTealael said:

Parfait: vanilla greek yogurt, blueberries, chia seeds and honey

I have chia in my freezer. How do you think taking it dry will affect my stomach at 8 weeks post since it expands to 10xs its weight in liquid? I used to take 2T daily. Dry.

I'm thinking I should soak it first.

50 minutes ago, pintsizedmallrat said:

The gas station sushi is typically comprised of only cooked ingredients

I wouldn't know. I thought Lindsay was referring to raw sold there.

1 hour ago, pintsizedmallrat said:

I don't really know how that's any more sketchy than a grocery store.

I can imagine how long it sits there before being bought or thrown out. To be safe I'd use Wasabi in case there's any bacteria floating about.

I started binge watching Mike and Molly TV show when I was recovering from surgery. For a few different reasons:

One, never watched it before and found it made me laugh. It deals a lot with food and struggling to lose weight as well.

Two, my doctor calls me funny lady. Says I make her laugh and remind her of Melissa McCarthy. I'll take that. Loved her on SNL and the movie Bridesmaids too.

Three, Billy Gardell. Have you seen this guy's transformation after Gastric Bypass??? Amazing. He's quite open about how he lost the weight publicly. Said he wants to live to see his son get married.

His weight loss makes me smile. People talking negatively about his choices, not so much. People are saying he's no longer funny after the weight loss. I blame it on his new sitcom though. Do you think people are less funny after losing weight?

Check this out...

12 hours ago, omrhsn said:

I might have done that on purpose

Haha, nothing wrong with that. Always good to hear the compliments.

Until I get closer to a normal weight, tighter clothes still make me feel big. I know it's a head thing because I know smaller sizes can be more slimming.

But it is nice to hear that initial WOAH response when people see me. Makes me smile

18 hours ago, LindsayT said:

don't buy it at a gas station

Is that a thing? Even worse. 🤢

But I will admit, reading the responses here, sounds kinda good. I may try it at some point. Just not from a gas station.

I realized I continue to wear clothing that is getting too big for me. I think it's because it makes me feel good knowing I've dropped weight. Kinda like people who enjoy their loose skin.... 🤭

Any ideas for a good Bariatric trail mix? I used to mix peanuts, raisins and M&Ms to snack on at the lake. Would dry fruit be too much like candy and cause dumping???

I made the mistake one day of watching a tv show, The Doctors, and the subject was about a woman who ate Sushi everyday and complaining of horrible stomach/intestinal pain. Turns out she was full of parasites. Uhhhh!! I have never been able to try any type of raw fish since. And the only Sushi I ever did eat was in Vegas but it was cooked.

Am I missing out? IDK but maybe that helped a bit with your cravings for it @LindsayT. LOL

1 hour ago, losinglosinglosing said:

Ozempic might wind up being as expensive as WLS

I agree. Even if your insurance partially covers it. You have to continue it for life so in the long run.... more expensive.

16 hours ago, stevechavez505 said:

found out my insurance only covers 80% and I have to pay 20% that would be 5,800 out of pocket !

Find out what your out-of-pocket spending limit is for the year. Mine is $4200 meaning when I have paid that amount towards deductables and co-pays, all the rest of the bills are covered 100% for the rest of the year. Don't figure your share of the bill as 20% of the total cost of surgery. Unless your insurance doesn't have a yearly limit. I think most do.

All my bills collectively with pre-op testing came to over 80K. At 20% I would have had to pay 16K without a yearly spending limit. I also have a high deductible HSA account so your out of pocket could be even lower than my 4200. Unless $5800 is your limit?

Another option if your part of the bill is too much at once is a CareCredit card. If your doctor participates, it will finance medical bills at 0% interest for 1-2 years. I have used this in the past for elective surgeries like Lasik eye surgery. Also many healthcare facilities will let you set up payment plans with no interest as well. It's worth checking out. Good luck!!

4 hours ago, mcipanda said:

I think there is a lot to learn about these surgeries

Agree... I will be getting tested at my 3-month follow-up for Vitamin levels. Fingers crossed.

9 hours ago, BlessedMomma91 said:

He said he loves me for other reasons

He said he loves you. That is something to work on. Find out what those reasons are. Love is more than just physical attraction because at some point we all will lose it. What then?

Just another view.... but if you find you need more, nothing wrong with that either. Best you can do is not give up on yourself. Not for anyone. {{hugs}}

I was worried I would have to sip liquids the rest of my life but finding out at 8 weeks I can guzzle Water with the best of them . xD

12 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I think most of the people who opt for bypass now are people with GERD issues.

That was me. Fixing that alone was worth getting the bypass. I didn't need to exasperate it further by getting a sleeve.

But another major reason I opted for bypass was hearing that some sleeve patients were only seeing a 30–40-pound weight loss. I struggled to lose that much anyway with diet and exercise and wasn't willing to go through major surgery to find out I was in that category.

My GP confirmed this to me when I went to her for a release signature. She asked which procedure I wanted. I told her bypass. She said good because she has a close friend who had the sleeve and helped her through all of the process. Said she did everything right (that she knows of) and could only lose 30 pounds. Now after all that she's taking Ozempic injections.

I told her I don't have the time or money to try one first to see if it works. So yeah...I went for the "gold standard."

12 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

And a lot of younger surgeons probably don't have as much experience with RNY

Probably so but mine is pretty young. 30's maybe. And oh so handsome. LOL I went to him specifically because his office was the only one approved by my insurance as in network in the state. He's smart and funny too. When I asked him if I had stiches or staples, he said titanium. You will have them forever and no you won't set off metal detectors at the airport. xD

Here's the video that helped me to decide between the gastric bypass and the sleeve. It's lengthy but informative and hopefully helps anyone trying to decide which procedure to get. Make sure to consult with your primary care physician as well. I chose what I felt was best for me. YMMV

Find out if your insurance requires a certain amount of diet counseling before surgery can be scheduled. Mine didn't and told me, timewise, it was up to the discretion of my doctor. Whatever pre-op health testing is needed, based on your condition, the doctor will order. I had to do a lot. Above and beyond what I think is considered the norm but completed everything and got insurance approval all within 3 months.

Yeah I tend to be a sceptic sometimes. I remember asking my surgeon that if the bypass is considered malabsorptive, how will I be assured my Vitamins will be enough. He just smiled and said not to worry, just take them. Of the 4 doctors in that office he's the only one that does the RNYs. All the rest do the sleeve. I guess it's the popular choice nowadays.

1 hour ago, catwoman7 said:

it was a kick being told I needed to gain a few lbs (for the first time in my life..))

I'm looking forward to that day myself. And I've seen your pics. You look fantastic!

We park our RV at the lake for the season and spend almost every weekend there. A bit less this year since the surgery. I call it glamping because there's internet, AC and Netflix. LOL

For soft food phase, I like to make a big roast in my Instapot, then shred it , adding SF BBQ Sauce with a side of baked Beans, coleslaw or pea salad. Sometimes I'll make a low-fat gravy/ shredded roast beef or chicken and put over mashed potato. Grilled asparagus is always good or any other cooked green veggie. Ground beef Sloppy Joes is another alternative with low-fat cottage cheese. Big pot of chili or Soup if it's a cool night. My beverage of choice besides Water is ice cold Crystal Light Raspberry Tea. And my freezer is stocked with SF Popsicles/Fudgesicles. Not the typical camping food but it works.

On occasion I allow myself a 3 carb whole wheat tortilla for making a wrap. But then I'm on normal diet phase now. I'm holding back on grilled steak atm or hamburger/hotdogs. And I can't eat anything from the marina grill. Everything is deep fat fried except for a $10 green salad with grilled chicken which I haven't tried yet. Definitely need to catch more fish this year. I ate most of what was in the freezer during my pre-op diet. Baked oven crisp crappie, walleye, white bass and catfish. Yum

Hope you have fun and enjoy your trip!!

3 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

everything I've heard is that malabsorption of calories (in bypass) is temporary - lasts a year or two at best.

I watched it again to see if I missed something. He does mention a 6 -18 month period of greater weight loss with bypass but attributes it to the stomach healing, less food. Not to malabsorption. He also claims this myth originated as a marketing ploy to promote the Gastric band. Hmmmm. And now... the sleeve?

If science proves what he is saying and doctors are using misinformation to steer us towards an easier procedure or one that might need a second surgery, then so be it I guess. For me it's good news because the last thing I need is to come out the other side of my RNY frail and malnourished