Tamika James

So I was reading that we are not supposed to have sugar after surgery. Are they talking pastries and stuff cause I drink the chobani complete yogurts. Are those okay? They have a like 20g of Protein and they taste so good

Just now, AmberFL said:

I am the exact say way, I am trying to learn to be happy with what I achieve in the now and not keep looking forward to what's next..its been a struggle my whole life

So glad to know I'm not alone. *big hugs

1 minute ago, AmberFL said:

YEP!! I graduate with my business degree this summer. I am terrified about finally finishing school and not having that a part of my identity anymore. Getting a new job in my new body. Will it bring more harm than good to my relationship? What will my kids think? I should be excited but I honestly panicking.

This!!! This exactly. I panic every single semester that I'm not going to actually pass my classes. Then when I pass I worry about the next semester. Now I'm worrying about the LSATs, surgery, passing the bar. I don't know why I don't feel like I can't achieve my goals while I'm actively achieving my goals.

1 minute ago, KathyLev said:

You have one thing we all share ............ fear of the unknown. The "what if's " can kill us if we let it. As I was told ( because I'm a worrier) to just take it one day at a time . It's working Best of luck to you - I'm glad you found this forum !!!

You guys have been so great and welcoming and I so appreciate every single reply

Anyone else dealing with a serious case of imposter syndrome or anxiety? I am back in school to get my undergrad and law degree, that's actually one of the main reasons I decided to get the surgery. But I was sitting here thinking of my graduation trip and imagining being on a beach somewhere in a new body and I started to panic. It's like the thought of actually achieving my goals causes me to panic. Anybody else deal with that? I spoke to my therapist about it yesterday and I am addressing it but I hate the panicky feeling I get. Shouldn't achieving things bring joy?

How much weight did you guys lose before you started to notice a difference in your face.

3 hours ago, SomeBigGuy said:

I was pretty lethargic most of the time prior to surgery, but I started to have a little more about 4 weeks after surgery. I was able to walk 2 miles at a time pretty easily, and not get really tired until I was around 5 or 6 miles total for the day. However, I caught covid and had a rough time with it for about 2 weeks, and I feel more tired than I did before surgery. I can't do a half mile without having to sit down, and walking up a flight of stairs makes me dizzy. I have an appointment with my doctor on Friday to see if I need some different Vitamins or see if I developed long covid.

If the fatigue persists, check with your doctor, and see if there are some other factors that may be causing the issue. With the restricted diet, it could be that you're not getting the Vitamins and minerals you need as well.

Also, work on your sleep schedule! Even getting 1 more hour than you're accustomed to routinely can make a big difference. It takes about 3-4 weeks on a new sleep schedule to see results though, so be patient.

Yea I just realized I said since losing weight and I meant since gaining weight

24 minutes ago, Arabesque said:

Oh I didn’t realise you hadn’t had surgery yet. Your energy levels will drop & be low for a while after surgery so be ready for that. Once you lose some weight & have increased your general fitness (because you’re able to be more active), yes you will have more energy. Plus there’s a lot less of you to move about so it doesn’t take as much energy to do things. I’m a short burst of energy type of person. Still am but not lugging around that additional 40+kgs makes doing whatever I’m doing way easier. I sleep a lot better too. Before, if I got 6hrs it was wonderful. Now only getting 6hrs is pretty unusual. I can easily do 7, 8 or 9hrs. That gives me more energy, better concentration, etc. too.

Ohhhhhh see this is what I was looking for, thank you!!! I am the same, if I get 6 hours of sleep we having a great night lol

20 hours ago, Arabesque said:

Yes, your energy will return. Especially as you start to eat more & a more varied diet. Try adding an electrolyte drink to your daily fluids. (They may taste sweet to you so dilute the drink so it’s not as intense.) I still add some hydrolyte to my Water if I’m going to be doing something very active.

You’re in calorie deficit at the moment & your body is burning fat so it will function effectively. Sometimes it takes time for your body to realise it needs to burn more to give you the additional energy you may need especially if you’re increasing your activity levels.

You may need to speak with your doctor/gyno regarding the PMDD. The hormonal flush of estrogen that occurs with your weightloss could be contributing to those symptoms.

Oh I haven't had surgery yet. It's just with all this weight I just feel sluggish so I was hoping that with the shedding of weight there would be an increase in energy

My kingdom for some energy lol. Please please please tell me that you got more energy after you started losing the weight after your procedure. I've noticed more and more that with my weight loss I am sluggish and tired all the time. I've also started getting symptoms of PMDD. I've been reading online that a lot of the things I've been dealing with like OAB and asthma, improve significantly but I really really want to stop being exhausted all the time

I haven't had my surgery yet but I'm hoping you guys can answer this question. Please please please tell me that you got more energy after you started losing the weight after your procedure. I've noticed more and more that with my weight loss I am sluggish and tired all the time. I've also started getting symptoms of PMDD. I've been reading online that a lot of the things I've been dealing with like OAB and asthma, improve significantly but I really really want to stop being exhausted all the time

41 minutes ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

My first appt with the surgeon was on Feb 28th 2022 and my surgery day was May 3rd 2022. So about 2 months and a week or so.

Daaaaang that was super fast. I had my first appt with the surgeon in December. I'm hoping to get surgery in February or March.

2 minutes ago, AmberFL said:

I take it! My doctor told me that the gastric sleeve was the best option for it I am in school as well, this is my last full semester! However, I have no idea if it takes longer to absorb or if my dosage will end up being too much. Right now I am at 20mg extended release in the morning before work then I take 10mg fast release after work for when I start my studies.

That puts me more at ease knowing the sleeve is best for those of us who take ADHD meds cause I know I can't get through school without it

I take a couple of medications that are not weight related, one being adhd medication. Does anyone know about the absorption difference after gastric sleeve. I am in school to get my law degree and I cannot afford to have my medication to stop working.

23 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

My stuff went really fast, too. It's awesome when it works out that way because there's no time to sit and freak yourself out lol I'm excited and happy for you. Congrats, and I'll be watching to see how everything goes for you

how long was your process total

On 1/6/2024 at 5:47 PM, NickelChip said:

That's so exciting! I've been at this since early July and I still have over a month to go! I hope the time flies by for both of us.

Oh no, why so long?

On 1/6/2024 at 4:45 PM, Mspretty86 said:

Welp I will be following your journey I'm right behind ya

Hey surgery buddy lol

1 minute ago, KathyLev said:

You're moving along fast ! The end is going to be a whirlwind ...suddenly all your appointments are over and you're in the hospital !!! You sound excited and I'm excited for you 🤗 Best of luck with everything and keep us informed on how you are doing.

I am really nervous and super excited. Thank you for the support

So I got my psych eval back on Thursday. I also found out that I can do 2 of my dietitian appointments in the same month. I've already did 1 and I only have to do 4 total. I did the clearance with my pcp and have pulmonary and cardiology scheduled for this month. I also called my insurance and they said that approval comes one week after the file is submitted. So it looks like I might be able to get my surgery done in March. I'm actually hoping for the end of February but I digress lol

What did everyone eat and drink in these stages. I'm allergic to eggs and whey so I'm trying to get my lists together now so when it's surgery time I just have to go to my Amazon or instacart and order everything I need.

What did everyone eat in the liquid week and the pureed food week. I'm allergic to eggs and whey so I'm trying to make my lists now on what I need to stock up on.

On 12/28/2023 at 12:21 PM, GreenTealael said:

If I remember correctly (it was 2017) the clinician told me immediately he would approve me and the official results were in my file within a week (this was before the hospital system I used implemented MyChart)

yea she told me I was approved and my doctor would have the results in the portal within the week

I had my psych eval today. One more step down. I have almost all my appts set to be done by mid January but my insurance requires me to do 4 visits with the dietitian. How long did it take you guys to get your psych evals back?

21 hours ago, GreatHope said:

Has anyone gotten a gastric sleeve when they already had reflux problems? I’m presurgery but my doctor is deadset that the sleeve is the best surgery and only option he’ll do. I already have reflux issues so I’m concerned it would make those worse as all my research has said it will. My grandma died due to esophageal cancer caused by years of bad reflux so it can be a serious issue and I don’t want to make it worse.

My doctor told me she wouldn't do the sleeve if my upper GI showed severe GERD. She would only do the bypass. Fortunately I have minimal GERD

One of the things that I hate about my current weight is I ALWAYS feel so tired and sluggish. Well that and the constant pain in my back. My bed is my best friend. I have mobility and all that but when you have to use your inhaler to walk up and down the stairs it's not cool. I also have a gym membership but I always feel so tired. I'm hoping that once the weight is gone I'll have more energy. Did anyone have an energy boost after surgery?