NickelChip
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Everything posted by NickelChip
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December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That delay must have been so frustrating! I'm glad it's finally happening for you. -
I just wanted to say first that I have the same surgery date! I've been trying all sorts of brands ahead of time and I can tell you that I am not a fan of a lot of the protein shakes out there because I can't stand sucralose or aspartame. Also, apparently vanilla is a no-go no matter what brand it is. But here is what I have found that I liked, which are either whey protein isolate or vegan protein: Syntrax Nectar Naturals, especially the peach flavor (whey) Wicked Protein in the cherry limeade and ice pop flavors (whey) Truvani, especially the pumpkin spice flavor (but I don't care for how long their shipping took) (vegan) Ka'Chava, especially the chai, but this one is tricky because it exceeds the fat content allowed by my doctor, so I will do half a serving of this plus half a serving unflavored protein to make a shake that is within guidelines (vegan) Vega Real Food Smoothie in wildberry bliss (vegan) I've also tried and can recommend: Kettle and Fire bone broth in beef, expensive but really tasty and soothing. Unjury chicken soup, way better than other brands I tried, but maybe not enough to buy more than the sample. I also have samples of several flavors from Unjury to try, and I've ordered Bare Bones bone broth instant powder, which has a Black Friday deal going on right now on Amazon. I only have to do two days of liquid diet, which is really good on the one hand, but sucks a little that it starts ON CHRISTMAS. For that day, I have ordered a container of Premier Protein Good Night Cozy Cocoa as a treat, which I may try with a drop of peppermint oil. And now that I've read this, I feel like I may have gone overboard with the protein powder taste testing...
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I don't know if normal pre-surgery jitters or true second thoughts
NickelChip replied to kbeana's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Since you've been doing your homework, you probably already know that your chance for any complication is just under 6% and your chance for a serious complication is about 2.5% with the RNY. On the flip side, you have about a 74% chance of curing your sleep apnea and a decent likelihood of reaching a BMI in the healthy range. I am scheduled for surgery next month, so I can't tell you about my experience with it yet. What I can tell you is why I am choosing it after almost 7 years in my hospital's non-surgical weight loss program. I am 5'6 and 49 years old, with 2 teen/tween daughters. At the start of 2017, I was 249 pounds and on blood pressure meds, no other co-morbidities. My primary care doctor referred to me to the weight management center. They said aim for 1500 calories per day, 30 minutes of exercise 5 days per week, and check in with them every month. I was motivated and started tracking my food and exercise. I went in for nutrition, psych, and medical meetings as directed. The weight came off. I was thrilled! I got down to 202 in 6 months. I was so close to being under 200, and I was certain I could easily get to at least under a BMI of 30 to no longer be "obese." Piece of cake! Or rather, some suitably healthy cake alternative. Like apples, maybe? And then I stalled for months. I never hit that magical 199 on the scale. I kept doing everything the same and my weight didn't budge. I ate a little less. I exercised a little more. I gained 5 lbs. I gained a few more. I became discouraged. Life happened. I would lose 10 lbs, gain 8, lose 5, gain 15... I tried various meds but couldn't afford them longterm. I lost health insurance for a year and couldn't afford to go to my regular check-ins, which I know were partially responsible for keeping me at least a little motivated even when the scale didn't cooperate. I got health insurance again, and went for my physical. My blood pressure had worsened and now I was prediabetic. My doctor urged me to go back to weight management. I had to wait 3 months for an appointment, and despite wanting to lose some weight in the interim (so the doctor there wouldn't be disappointed in me), I weighed in at 251, which tipped me over to 40 BMI. That was the most I ever weighed. When the doctor recommended I consider weight loss surgery, I knew that was the answer for me. One thing I learned in all this is people can lose weight, even a lot of it. The likelihood of keeping it off longterm without meds or surgery is around 10%. Between a 2.5% risk of a serious complication or a 90% chance of being obese and on blood pressure meds the rest of my life, and risking diabetes, I prefer to take my chances with the surgery. It's not the losing weight that worries me, but the keeping it off that I don't think will happen without it. -
bariatric vitamins and calcium chews: where to purchase?
NickelChip replied to Longview Lady's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It's celebratevitamins.com -
OMG, family is such a touchy subject. I will be 50 years old in a few months, and I still want to be the "good daughter." I worry about what my family thinks to a degree I never imagined when I was younger. But you have to advocate for yourself because no one else is going to (easier said than done, I know). There are a few things that might help. First, if your family are the type who will "listen to the experts," I suggest you direct them to the extensive video series by both Dr. Matthew Weiner and Dr. John Pilcher. They are totally free on YouTube. I have watched every single video, some of them multiple times. Both of these doctors have this sort of calming aura about them. I swear, I feel less anxious every time they speak. They explain everything in really simple terms, and I think your family members will get it a lot better if they at least watch a few about eating after surgery. Another thing you could try if they're more visual is buying one of those bariatric portion plates where it shows the different amounts of each thing. Or maybe if you get a bariatric cookbook and have your mom work through it with you and make some recipes, she will see for herself how much you should have and how it should look on the plate. I know the cookbook Dr. Weiner published tells you portion size for 1-2 months, 6 months, 1 year, and beyond. So she can see it's not going to be a couple tablespoons for the rest of your life. Ultimately, if she can't get on board, you may have to stop eating around her. But hopefully it won't come to that!
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Feeling a little sad today because a few weeks ago I had a call from the surgeon's office and they had a last minute opening on November 20 because of a cancellation. I am not scheduled until December 27, which is way later than I had expected when I started all this. My "ideal" date in my head had been November 13. I was so ready to jump at the chance, but I just couldn't make it work. As soon as I mentioned it to my mom, instead of being supportive, she had all sorts of reasons why I shouldn't move the date. Some were valid, like my teen daughter has a special (but not super special) thing going on later in the week that I would probably have to miss, and others were less valid, like she didn't feel ready and it might ruin everyone's holidays. Um, excuse me? It's not about her! And how would I single handedly ruin both Thanksgiving AND Christmas for my entire family by having a surgery? But she had informed me when I first got the December date that she planned on getting a hotel near the hospital and staying that night to be nearby, despite the hospital only being about 40 miles away from home. I didn't ask her to do that, but that's her plan, so there you go. She didn't ask me if I felt ready now, or what the wait through the holidays felt like for me with the surgery looming. So that was the part that hurt. I felt like I was having to make sure everyone else was okay with my choices instead of me, which is a theme in my life for sure. Don't get me wrong, my parents have been there for me so many times, and I don't want to sound ungrateful. But this really made me sad that what I wanted simply didn't factor in. Basically, I passed on what felt like a dream come true to get that call, and I've had to reconcile myself to it as best I can. I've found some silver linings, like more time to clean my house and test some recipes. But if I hadn't, I would be on my pre-op diet now (my surgeon only does a short liquid diet beforehand, so a Monday surgery starts the pre-op diet on Saturday morning). Instead, I'm getting ready to make dinner for myself and the kids, and I still have 39 days to go...
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I can relate to the parent's situation. I am 42 and still struggle with pleasing them. Yet they do whatever they want with no concern for how it affects anyone else, so why do I feel so obligated to them? I wish I had some advice that could help. One thing I have tried to do is stop sharing things with them that I really don't want to hear their opinion on. (like the business I am starting)
Like with this surgery, I knew I was going to need their help getting to the appointments and back from the surgery, so I knew I had to tell them. But I did not tell them until I was almost at the point of getting surgery that I was doing this.
I got hard judgment from my father, which I expected, I made him promise not to share this with his brothers (who are assholes) I told him whether he likes it or not I am an adult and I deserve respect and privacy especially when it concerns my health. (he begrudgingly agreed)
My mom on the other hand was supportive, but she has the tendency to add some dramatic flair about everything. her typical M.O. is to pop onto social media and rattle on about how something that is not happening directly to her, is affecting her ( I get it there no talking to the man she married about this stuff, so it's nice to have someone to listen).
I know they both struggled with trying to respect my wishes, they looked shocked when I told them that if I lived somewhere else, I would not have even told them I was having this surgery.
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I'm glad your father did agree to respect your privacy by not sharing with your family. And I guess I should be glad my mom keeps the dramatic flair off of the socials!
I'm both lucky and unlucky that my brother had VGS 15 years ago. On the one hand, my mom understands the concept and has seen my brother's good results from it, (we inherited the obesity from my father's side, and Mom has never dealt with more than those pesky 10 lbs average weight people always want to lose). On the other hand, my brother took exactly the opposite approach from me. He didn't live near family and told no one, had no support. He went to Mexico as self-pay and didn't say a word until about 4 weeks after when he was having some serious emotional struggles, living alone, and compounded by the fear of realizing that to get family support, he had to "confess." So his recovery was very different than what I anticipate for me. But because of all that, my mom definitely sees this as a "REALLY BIG DEAL." Which it is, but not the level she's at with it. Like, it's not an open heart surgery being performed in 1982, or experimental cancer treatment. I've also noticed that as my mom ages, she takes change a lot harder. She doesn't have the mental flexibility anymore to make an instant change of plans and roll with it, whereas I do that probably a dozen times a day.
I'm grateful for their help, but it comes at a price.
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bariatric vitamins and calcium chews: where to purchase?
NickelChip replied to Longview Lady's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was given samples of the Celebrate tropical chewables (the Celebrate One 45, which has 45mg iron) and one of the fruit calcium chew (cherry, maybe?). They were better than anything else I tried by far. I set up an account with Celebrate directly and have them ordered on a 3-month cycle. You can get 90-day bundles and save a little that way, and the calcium you can get with one bag in each flavor for variety, either fruit or the sweet treats (chocolate, coffee, and caramel). I don't have surgery for another month, but I started them early so I can get in the habit, and I actually look forward to taking them. The fruit calcium reminds me of Starburst, and the caramel is the best of the sweet treats, in my opinion. I also tried Bariatric Fusion and I found the texture and aftertaste unpleasant by comparison. -
Does your weight fluctuate for no reason ?
NickelChip replied to KathyLev's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Weight fluctuations are definitely normal. Salt intake, water retention, hormones, even how much food is still in your digestive system, all influence your weight at any given moment. I'm pre-op, but I traveled last week and just the change to salty foods and restaurant meals was enough to make me gain nearly 10lbs. I thought it was from the unhealthy food and was so distraught, but it was almost all fluid retention because less than a week at home eating my normal healthy diet and it was all gone. Just keep track of what you're eating, but don't starve yourself! That will just cause more problems. -
Should We End Obesity?
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
In 1956, I might follow these guidelines to eat like this: Breakfast: 1 bowl oatmeal, 1 glass milk, 1 serving berries Lunch: A sandwich consisting of 2 slices bread, a serving of sliced meat, and a slice of cheese, plus an apple Dinner: A serving of meat, a potato, and a green vegetable, plus a dinner roll with a little bit of butter But you get to the 1980s and we're being told that's not nearly enough food. Eat more and be healthy! -
Should We End Obesity?
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
I think it's partially the ingredients. The amount of added sugar has skyrocketed. Also portion sizes have become so large, and what we get in restaurants influences how much we serve ourselves at home. I found this great article that shows the USDA illustrated guidelines starting from the early 1900s. In 1956, people were told 2 servings milk, 2 servings meat/egg/beans, 4 servings of veg and fruit, and 4 servings of bread/cereal. I can picture those amounts in my head and it feels reasonable. By 1992, we were being told a minimum of 6 bread and 5 veg/fruit, with upper limits provided that would make it "okay" to have 11 bread, 9 veg/fruit, 3 milk, and 3 meat/bean. If you assume 3 meals per day and take the upper limits, just imagine having 3-4 bread/grains, plus 3 veg/fruits, plus 1 meat, and 1 milk for every meal, every single day! And the government experts are telling you that's a great idea! -
Should We End Obesity?
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
As a kid in the 1970s and 1980s, I remember that "cereal" meant Cap'n Crunch (peanut butter flavor if you were lucky, or that one with the fruity "berries" if mom wasn't paying attention while shopping), and a sandwich was a slice of Oscar Mayer Bologna between two pieces of Wonder Bread (with French's yellow mustard and a side of Fritos, of course). And I couldn't have told you what a "serving" of any of them was, aside from whatever fit in my bowl or on the plate. It was easy to make all the wrong choices and think you were doing okay. I really wish we'd been taught the difference between healthy food choices and unhealthy ones. Although it is far from perfect, the newer My Plate guidelines are at least better, and easier for kids to visualize. And yeah, the idea that a piece of fresh fruit is the same as a candy bar "because sugar" is insanity. -
Damn Tik-Tok
NickelChip replied to Ashley_vsg_2021's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think this is like being pregnant and then hearing about someone who had to deliver her own baby on the side of a road during a blizzard. Does that happen? Sure. Is it statistically likely to happen to you? Probably not. But when nearly every person on the planet has social media, you will definitely find a terrible story if you try. Or even if you don't try, because that stuff is clickbait gold and it will find you. Turn off the TikTok and breathe. -
I can't speak to the Unjury brand protein powder specifically, (maybe email the company to explain the warning if you're concerned), but I did find this study of protein powders and heavy metal, which concluded: "The data in the current study suggest that heavy metal exposure via protein powder supplement ingestion does not pose an increased non-carcinogenic risk to human health. Further, no carcinogenic risk was expected from As via ingestion of protein powder supplements. This study demonstrates that health risks of heavy metals in protein powder supplements should be conducted within the context of relevant background exposures and established health based standards instead of the presence of hazardous substances alone." Regarding Prop 65, I stayed at a lovely inn in the central coast of CA a while back. There was an antique fireplace in the lobby that had these beautiful glassy-looking tiles around the hearth . There was a framed sign warning that the glaze on the tiles contained lead, with the Prop 65 warning language about the state of CA knowing it caused cancer. I can only assume this was to stop me from prying off a tile, grinding it into powder, and snorting it, because how else would it be a risk? But the inn did not wish to get sued. I also had a friend who spent $1000 on a special ground quartz to fill her kid's sandbox because bags of regular playground sand have a Prop 65 warning on them. I tried to explain that it's because sand in a sand blaster on a job site can cause lung cancer if you don't wear protective gear such as a particulate respirator, but she was convinced sitting in the sand would cause her child to get a tumor. So, take Prop 65 warnings with a grain of salt (which is probably known in the state of CA to cause cancer).
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That 1st weight at the Surgeons office
NickelChip replied to KK711's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I've been a lot more careful with my eating since July, but last week I had a business trip to Las Vegas. I didn't go completely crazy, but I was eating in restaurants every day and the food was so salty. Plus flying, which always causes me some water retention. I weighed myself Sunday, the day after I got home, and I was up 10 lbs! But I know this was almost all water because I weighed today and I'm back down to where I was before the trip. A big, salty Thanksgiving meal and a couple days of leftovers would probably do the trick! -
That 1st weight at the Surgeons office
NickelChip replied to KK711's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Have you recently weighed in a little higher, like at your doctor's office for a physical? That may be good enough. When I was still in the nonsurgical program at my hospital, I weighed in at a BMI of just over 40. At that point, my doctor suggested I look into surgery. I was pretty shaken by hitting that number and I immediately made some changes, so 2 weeks later when I came back for my first appointment on the surgical side, I was around 39.8. They said it was fine, that they go by the highest weight for qualifying. And yes, I wore my heaviest shoes that time, just in case! I know that usually they will deduct a couple pounds for clothing, but they didn't for that highest weight, I think just to be safe. I do have a comorbidity, though, so I would qualify anyway. You might try a few days of salty foods before your next appointment, too. -
Should We End Obesity?
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Remission is a great way of looking at it. Without diligence in the form of lifestyle changes including good nutrition and proper exercise, the weight comes back. I should mention, when I was taking Saxenda and Wegovy, my insurance plus coupons covered all but between $25-50 of the monthly costs. At that price point I would consider taking it in the future if WLS wasn't enough to maintain my goal weight, but with 100 lbs to lose, meds won't get me there, whereas surgery hopefully will. -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You must be so excited! I started in July 2023 and the wait is killing me. They told me 3-6 months when I started, but I kept thinking I would be lucky and end up on the shorter end of it. I guess not! -
Should We End Obesity?
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Fascinating article. Despite having taken several of them myself over the past few years, (including Saxenda and Wegovy), I'm very hesitant to embrace a world where weight loss drugs are the first line of defense against obesity. I say this knowing that at least some of my issue comes down to poor nutrition choices, made far too easy by an environment swimming in garbage foods and a culture that values quick convenience over everything else. When I commit to good nutrition, my weight decreases. I don't get skinny, or even "not obese" but I do lose weight. When the snacks and junk food make their way back in the house and I have stressful weeks with work where I'm at my desk for 12 or more hours and fast food feels like my only option because I'm too tired to cook, I gain weight. In about the past 60 years, we've gone from 13% obesity to 40%, with a 10x rise in severe obesity. This isn't just a weird thing that happened in a vacuum. There are pretty obvious reasons for this, some that could possibly be solved with significant changes to our food policies and investment in real nutrition instead of lining the pockets of pharmaceutical companies and massive food corporations. Much of our so-called food today has been designed to be addictive, by the same folks who brought us cigarettes, no less. That should give people pause the next time they're in the grocery store looking at all those shiny boxes and bags. On the other hand, in the days when only 1% of the US population was morbidly obese...that was my family. And some of my family lived really long lives, into their 90s. Except the ones who didn't and died young. And you don't know which you'll be until it's too late. Up until my 40s, I was one of those people who had healthy bloodwork despite being 90+ lbs over my "ideal weight." I didn't worry about my weight because I was healthy. But that changed rapidly with middle age as my weight went even higher. Now I take blood pressure meds and am prediabetic. My feet and joints ache and I worry what that means as I age. I wish I had done more to keep my weight lower when I was younger and developed better habits early on. I can't believe how ignorant I was of nutrition facts when I was in my teens and 20s. One thing I know is I can't afford $12k or more a year for the rest of my life to take these "miracle drugs." I'm not sure who really can or should. I'm grateful for surgery being an option, but it's not for everyone, and neither are the drugs. As a society, I would like to see more acceptance of humans in all sizes, and more focus on real health and nutrition instead of fads and gimmicks that make a few people really rich. -
NYT Article: Childhood obesity and bariatrics
NickelChip posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I read this article in the New York Times this week and thought it brought up a lot of interesting issues. With the alarming growth of obesity in young people, including children, there are a lot of questions about when should a patient become a candidate for WLS. With my upcoming surgery, I've had a few conversations with my teen/tween daughters about nutrition/healthy eating, as well as some of the possible genetic components of weight gain. Both of my girls are active and not currently at risk, but I know that my younger daughter is physically a lot like I was at her age, and I would do anything for her not to ever have to deal with weight gain the way I have as she gets older. I hope I can teach them both good habits now that they can carry with them. But what happens when a kid is already so large at age 16 that their quality of life is impacted? What's the responsible/ethical thing to do with regards to a surgery that can't be reversed? This is a very interesting read. In case you didn't read it, here's a link (it should bypass the paywall for non-subscribers until the end of November): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/31/magazine/teen-bariatric-surgery.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7Ew.M7l-.QaJi8BjntPW_&smid=url-share -
November 2023 buddies
NickelChip replied to brandycsiz's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sending you lots of positive thoughts for quick healing! -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It's November 1st! Somehow, December feels simultaneously like it is just around the corner and also a million years away. I had my air cut today and scheduled the next appointment, and I had to move it closer by a week than I usually would because otherwise it would be the day of my surgery! So now I'll have no gray roots for my surgery -
Bariatric Surgical Risk/Benefit Calculator
NickelChip replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
This is exciting to see the chances of hypertension remission. I just went to the eye doctor a few days ago and she showed me the photo of my eyes where she can see the difference in blood vessel size as a result of my high blood pressure, (even though it's fairly well controlled on meds). It really makes it hit home that these conditions have consequences you can see a picture of it, and I would be so excited if my blood pressure was no longer an issue. Also, this chart estimate a 12-month BMI that is lower than some of the other calculators I've seen, so fingers crossed! -
I never knew the reason for the BMI of 40 or over until reading this, but it makes sense. Back in the 1990s, gastric bypass was an open surgery with a whole lot of risk. You just wouldn't do that unless you were in dire health or the future risk of dying prematurely was great. It's such a different surgery, or surgeries, now, yet the guidelines remain the same. Sometimes I wonder if more people would get bariatric surgery if those who had it talked more openly about it. Not to blame anyone who chooses not to, because people can be awful. But I wonder how many people in part believe they or others can diet and exercise their way thin if they really try because that guy they work with did it...except he actually had surgery and just doesn't say it. Only 2% of people who qualify getting the surgery is so sad. It kind of makes me mad that I would have qualified a while ago but no one told me until I hit that magic 40 BMI on the doctor's scale, even though I have other conditions that meant I would have met the requirements probably 10 years ago. Instead, I was put on Saxenda and Wegovy at different points, and neither one was a real miracle drug for me. Plus, my insurance only covered them for about 6 months, so nowhere near lifetime like you need. I think there's a lot of education that needs to happen out there on every level.
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5.5 Years out! 130 LBS kept off :)
NickelChip replied to ashsleeved21's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I love this advice! It reminds me of something I heard a long time ago, that when you're walking across the street, if you trip and fall, everybody knows you just pick yourself up and keep going from that spot. But a lot of times we act like when we make a mistake or have a set back in other parts of our lives, we somehow get dragged all the way back to the corner and have to start all over again, when it's not true at all. -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had my eye exam today and I was really hoping my prescription would be the same so I could hold off buying new glasses until after I've lost some weight. Unfortunately, based on the blurriness I've been getting when driving, I had a feeling it wouldn't turn out that way, and I was right. It was enough of a change that I couldn't get away with waiting. The whole time I was trying on new frames, I kept asking myself, "What will these look like if my face isn't so round?" It's hard enough choosing glasses as it is!
