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
Welcome! You're the same day as me! One of the things I have done that I think has really helped me feel more prepared is watching YouTube videos. I started with every video available from both Dr. Matthew Weiner and Dr. John Pilcher, and I also watched all of the ones from Dr. Vuong, although I know he's a more controversial figure these days. But I did get a lot out of some of them when he was talking about your mindset and that type of thing. I also watched a ton of videos made by regular people talking about their experiences. I've done book research and such too, but I feel like the videos are just a way I can get a little bit of something to think about every day. With 4 weeks to go, my plan is to try out a few recipes from the bariatric cookbooks I've bought and see if I can get some menu ideas for some of the earlier stages, figure out the groceries I will need, etc. Oh, and freezing some meals for my kids so I can avoid cooking the first few weeks. Other than that, I think we just have to take it one day at a time. -
November 2023 buddies
NickelChip replied to brandycsiz's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I plan to do both. As difficult as it was for me to look at them, I took photos of myself in a tank top and exercise leggings just a couple days after the doctor appointment when I had my highest ever recorded weight. I kind of needed to look the picture to really see it and process it, you know? I plan to put on the same clothing again probably the day before surgery, and then keep those clothes to take pictures every month or so after. I think wearing the same clothing will really help to see the differences. I may take additional photos wearing just undergarments, but those will never see the light of day (whereas I already posted my before picture to an album here because I appreciate all the folks who have posted theirs). And definitely measurements. You'll want those for your own records, and keeping up with them as you lose will help when shopping for new clothing. -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I did something today I wouldn't normally do. I was out and saw a dress on a clearance rack that really caught my eye. It was 70% off, but I was about to put it back because it's "not my size" when I realized it might fit me by the time the spring rolls around I would probably be about 4 months post-op by then. So I bought it! Of course, if I'm wrong, it was only $14. But it's exciting to have something in my closet to aspire to. Last time I lost a significant amount of weight was about 7 years ago, and not only did I regain it all, but I've moved since then and got rid of most of the smaller clothes. I think I have a few pairs of jeans and maybe a dress that I thought was too nice to give away "just in case." I think I'll mostly be living in oversized shirts and black leggings until the summer comes because I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff that I'll be out of quickly, especially since I work from home. Am I the only one thinking about this stuff, and a little afraid to jinx myself by buying clothing in a smaller size? -
Having trouble with pre-surgery weight loss (TW negative feelings)
NickelChip replied to Theia103121's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It may help you, like it has for me, to focus on adding good habits as much or more as taking away your bad habits. When I first talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery, I spent several weeks cleaning out all the items in my pantry and freezer that I knew were not doing good things for me. Things like snack foods and highly processed stuff, and anything I know I will binge eat, like pretzels or chocolate. I also bought some WLS books, including A Pound of Cure from Dr. Matthew Weiner. I read through all his steps for changing your diet and figured out the easiest ones for me to do and started there. For example, I'm not a big fan of artificial sweetener, and Diet Coke was the only thing I was really doing that broke that "rule," so it was pretty easy for me to make the cut. Same with adding a pound of vegetable per day. That change alone has made a lot of other things easier for me, like cutting out bread and reducing dairy. I find I am so full after a green smoothie at breakfast or a salad with beans for lunch that I am not as hungry at dinner, and don't feel the need to snack as much. When I do snack, I've bought raw or dry roasted nuts to replace the junk I used to buy. I've lost about 16 pounds in 4 months, and unlike in the past when I've "dieted," I don't really feel like I'm missing out. Plus, I make exceptions a couple times per month and don't feel guilty about it. By focusing on the health aspects and not tracking the calories, it really helped me make changes that promote a healthier weight without feeling overburdened or deprived. I hope that helps! -
Vegetarian w/o meat substitutes
NickelChip replied to Theia103121's topic in Vegetarian or Vegan Eating
Focus on beans and leafy greens! I started following the advice in the Pound of Cure book and have lost 16lbs since August without the usual dieting woes. Also, this video might address some of your concerns and give you some things to think about going forward when it comes to protein and veggies: -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
For premade, I like the Kettle and Fire beef bone broth. But if you have the bones leftover from Thanksgiving, or from a rotisserie chicken, homemade broth is easy. Put the carcass in a Crockpot along with an onion cut into quarters and a sliced carrot and a celery stalk. You can throw in a sprig of thyme and a bayleaf if you want, but it's not necessary. Fill to 1/2 inch of the top with water, turn on low, and let it cook all night while you sleep, 8-10 hours. Ladle the broth through a fine mesh strainer and skim off the extra fat. Add salt to taste. -
So glad you're doing well!
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Wegovy vs bariatric surgery
NickelChip replied to Adipocyte Apoptosis's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I also took Wegovy for a while and am going the surgery route in part because my new insurance won't cover it. But also, the big difference with surgery is that it is a permanent, lifelong change. Not necessarily the lack of hunger, but the overall benefits of the tool remain with you lifelong, changes in your metabolism that are very enduring, whereas with meds, the effects start to reverse as soon as you stop taking it. You might check the Pound of Cure Youtube channel for recent videos on how surgery plus meds like Wegovy can work together down the road for those who need both. -
Weight loss plateau so early?
NickelChip replied to Ssedmak's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
All of the in-person groups and classes have stopped at my hospital, too. The nutritionist said maybe in 2024 they would start again. But too late for me! I had a group info/immersion class all the way back in August, and so much I've learned in research and from this site were never mentioned. I really think there should be in-person groups, either for just the hospital or for several programs in the area, where we could connect with people who are at the same stage and actually learn and discuss what to expect. It's really a shame. -
Am I supposed to swear off ibuprofen entirely?
NickelChip replied to Penguin733's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There was a Scandinavian study published in 2022 that looked at the medical records of 41k patients, both bypass and sleeve, over a period of several years. They compared patients with no known NSAID use with those who had been prescribed NSAIDs (in other words, not just over the counter use but a set dosage daily for a trackable amount of time). The total rate of ulcers was 1.9% of patients, nearly all from the gastric bypass group. They found no increase in the risk of ulcers in the sleeve patients who took NSAIDs. They did, however, find an increase in the likelihood of ulcers in bypass patients who took NSAIDs for 30+ days, but not in patients with temporary use of less than 30 days. Do with that information what you will the next time you have a headache. (But remember, I am not a medical professional! I am a romance writer!). Doctors, however, will generally tell you not to do something, (not ever, never, ever!!!), knowing how few patients actually listen to a word they say. (Of course, trusting what they say would also be easier if it matched the peer reviewed literature. But that's an issue for another day.) -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
By far the craziest item I have purchased lately is a ZozoFit measuring suit. I have not yet used it, but I plan to put it on and do the measurement app the day before I start my pre-op diet and then once a month. I've heard the system can be glitchy, so we'll see how it goes. But I wanted an easy way to record my measurements over time, the same way my smart scale tracks things automatically for me. I would never presume to call this a must-have item, though. -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I should start by saying I am going to interpret the word "need" very broadly here. I got my 12/27 date in mid-October and it's possible I've been using shopping as a way to make the time go faster. Also, since I won't buy myself any new clothing right now, I'm definitely justifying it that way as I buy crazy things... I just ordered and received a set of Perfect Portion storage containers from Amazon this week, along with a set of bariatric silverware. I also have 2 melamine plates and 2 melamine bowls (also Perfect Portion brand) coming soon. Do I already own small plates and 1 cup glass storage containers? Yes. Did I want the ones printed with portion reminders and motivational sayings anyway, despite a ridiculous price? Also yes. I like to cook homemade food, so I bought several bariatric cookbooks. My favorites so far have been The Bariatric Diet Guide and Cookbook by Dr. Matthew Weiner and Bariatric Meal Prep Made Easy by Kristen Willard. Since I still have 5 weeks to wait, I'm planning to try 1 or 2 recipes each week and fill some of the meal prep containers ahead of time to freeze. My hope is to find some things the kids will like, too, to make my life easier in the future. -
Weight loss plateau so early?
NickelChip replied to Ssedmak's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was curious what causes the 3-week stall, and this is what I found out in doing a little digging. When we experience calorie deprivation, whether a diet or after surgery or just not having the usual amount to eat for a bit, our bodies first turn to our store of glycogen to keep things running. Glycogen is a form of stored sugar, and for each gram of glycogen in the body, it's bound to 3 grams of water. So, if you burn a gram of glycogen for energy, you lose 3 additional grams of water as a bonus. Your body will always burn glycogen before it burns fat because that's how we've evolved to handle brief food shortages. Which means most of the weight you lose right after surgery is not actually fat, but water (and that's fine!). But after a few weeks, your body is low on glycogen and you still haven't hunted down a wooly mammoth to eat, so now it starts burning fat to keep running. At the same time, it does what it can to replenish those glycogen stores with whatever calories you have coming in, because it's a little worried you won't survive the next famine. Glycogen makes me think of the $100 cash my mom always kept stashed in her sock drawer for an emergency. If she used any of it, as soon as she got more cash, she replenished that first before putting anything in her wallet. Remember, each gram of glycogen comes with 3 grams of water. So you might burn 4 grams of fat, but also replenish 1 gram of glycogen (along with the 3 grams of water that tag along for the ride), and the scale shows you the same weight. Now you feel like nothing has happened and start to panic. But you still lost fat, which is the goal. And once your body does what it needs to do to replenish that glycogen, it'll start showing on the scale again. I really wish doctors would explain this process to patients before surgery! Some mention plateaus in general, but they rarely explain what causes them, and the 3 week stall is the type of thing they really should explain in detail so we know what's going on because it's basically a given. -
Such a transformation!
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I'm curious what you had instead of the protein drinks, or if you just weren't getting much protein those first weeks. Was there something that worked better for you than whey?
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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!
