MrsFitz

Received a call at 8.30am this morning to be told that I was discussed in last Fridays MDT meeting and was accepted for surgery 🥳🥳🥳 I was then told I would be having a ‘One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass’ - huh?? The nurse repeated herself and I was still none the wiser. She said that she would ask a specialist Bariatric nurse to call me to discuss and would send me the info out. I asked for it to be emailed, which she did. I had a read through and did some more research on the internet, just to familiarise myself with what had been suggested. It’s the mini gastric bypass. The specialist nurse rang me just after 9am and explained that it meant that my ‘pouch’ is slightly bigger then that of a Roux-en-Y bypass and there is only one connection or ‘anastomosis’ which is from the pouch to the bowel. Apparently it’s not as complex with the op taking around 1.5hours and recovery just the same as the normal bypass plus the weight loss is expected to be the same. I was recommended it because of Fibromyalgia and the chronic pain I have with RA and osteoarthritis as it would be easier for me. That made sense, thankfully! The specialist nurse said it was a relatively new procedure to the hospital which is why it wasn’t discussed in any detail at the first education session I attended a few months ago. Fair enough, I’m happy to go ahead with it. The wait is around 4-6 months - oh 😒 I was honest and said that I was concerned about losing focus while I’m waiting and gaining weight once again (we all know how easy that is) She went through everything again with me - 3 meals a day, 20/20/20, use a portion plate if I have one (I do) focus more on my protein etc. She also said that if I do begin to struggle, to contact her and they would fit me in with the dietitian to go through things with me. I felt better for her saying that. I did reiterate that I am happy to take a cancellation. She said they do get cancellations but would have to make sure that I had at least 3 weeks notice to complete the LRD. I’ll be honest and say that I’m really, really hoping that the 4-6 months is on the outside and that the surgery is sooner! I know that whatever will be will be, so just to keep on keeping on. Gym is going well, 3 visits last week and I’m hoping for 3 more this week. I’ve upped my levels and weights and I’m burning around 600-650 cals in around an hour or so workout or so my Apple Watch tells me! I can feel muscle, it just happens to be deeply buried and camouflaged with fat 😮 I tried my smaller sized gym stuff on yesterday and, while I can get it on I wouldn’t say it actually fitted, so a few more pounds to go before I would feel comfortable enough to wear it. I bought a new black trench coat from Costco at the weekend. It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve been able to fit into clothing from there so that was a nice boost. It will definitely last me a reduction of a couple of sizes too. My weight is steady at the moment but I do hope to bring it down a little bit more before I have to do the LRD. Bloods to have taken yet again on Wednesday. If my liver is off this time then they will have to think of something else. I’ve not had my weekly jabs for 7 weeks, I’ve missed my other jab for 4 weeks plus no pain relief for 4 weeks either and it’s all wearing really thin with me now. I’m finding that I’m snapping at hubby because of pain and it’s not fair. The gym is really helping my range of movement but the pain remains. We’re out for belated birthday drinks on Friday (postponed because of blood tests ) and that’s about it. I’ve decided to crack on and make a start on wrapping Christmas presents this week. Thankfully my Christmas shopping is almost finished - hurray for sales! Wishing everyone a happy week 🥰 Onwards and Downwards!

So pleased that you’ve found your balance and are happy with where you’re at 👍

Just a quick post to say that I hope all the US forum members, their families & friends who are having to deal with the hurricane emergency in Florida and the surrounding areas have managed to evacuate and have found somewhere safe to wait it out If anyone knows of any registered charities or organisations that can be donated to, could you please post that information? ❤️🤍💙

Thanks @ShoppGirl for the info. 90% of what they spend?? Mmm…seems tricksy wording doesn’t it? I agree, it should be 90% of what they get shouldn’t it? It’s the same here - bigger charities seem to give less to those who need it as they pay the big bucks to various directors, advertisers, managers etc. There’s been a lot of criticism over charities in the UK. I donate things to a local hospice charity shop here as I know it all goes to the hospice. I will have a nosey about and see if I can find any smaller, local organisations, but thank you for finding the info for me 🙂

So glad you’ve come through the op OK and have now started this next part of your WLS journey 🥰

A nice, positive week last week 🙂 Weight gain - gone with a couple of extra pounds thrown in for good measure. Our anniversary dinner was lovely. As autumn has hit with a vengeance (non-stop rain and cold 🙄) the dress I was going to wear was relegated back to the wardrobe so I bought a smaller sized top and IT FIT!! I was so pleased. I was able to wear a nice set of underwear, a skirt I couldn’t get over either my stomach or my arse a couple of months ago and a smaller top and dressy jacket. I’ll be honest, it felt wonderful to be in smaller sizes and not feel that I was trussed up like a chicken in clothing that was too tight or something that didn’t really suit me. I didn’t even have to wear pully-in control knickers - the shock!!😮 I called the Bariatric admin on Friday, just to enquire about the MDT etc and was told that it was around a 3 month wait to go to the MDT. This should be around the beginning of December. At least I know now so can stop wondering. I will just carry on with what I’m doing presently and wait for the next steps on the WLS journey 🙂 Went back to the gym today and really enjoyed it. I upped my levels and really felt the difference. Will see if I can get out of bed without crying tomorrow, just to make sure I didn’t overdo it! Hope everyone has a wonderful week! Onwards & Downwards 🥳

Nothing much to report this week, everything is just ticking over. Weight is stable, no losses this week after the unexpected losses of the week before. Happily going to the gym 3 times a week and I do feel improvements even if I can’t see them. Been to see my GP today (she’s the one who put me forward for Bariatric surgery) I’ve had a sharp pain smack bang in the middle of my chest. First time was a couple of months ago - it woke me up and lasted about 5 minutes or so. Could only be eased by sitting forward. Then nothing else until the pain happened again yesterday afternoon. The area still felt tender when I woke up this morning so rang the docs and actually got a face to face appointment - the shock!! Anyway, GP listened to my heart and chest, asked a stack of questions and came to the conclusion that it’s some sort of ligament pain where something is slightly out of alignment. I then explained about the endoscopy 💩show I had - pinned down, thrashing around etc and she thinks it could be caused by that as the timing adds up. She did ask if I was taking ibuprofen and I said no and explained about not taking anything until my next set of bloods (17th) in order to give my liver some breathing space. Advised to take after my bloods if needed as it will help recovery. Thankfully the gym isn’t causing any pain so I was cleared to carry on with that. We did have a chat about WLS and how everything has been so far. She is so incredibly supportive, it makes such a change. She said she’s updated with everything from the hospital and is really pleased with how things are going, so that was nice! So, that’s about it. Hope everyone is having a great week so far. Onwards and Downwards 😉

I think it takes our minds some time to catch up to the changes in our bodies, especially when the change has been so quick and you have been distracted by all the new eating rules and weight loss. You also had your holiday to focus on too. Now there are no real distractions and the changes have hit you. I know when I lost weight previously, it didn’t feel ‘real’ - ?? I felt like I was observing someone else from afar. I know it doesn’t make sense - I was the one dieting, I was the one working out, I was the one weighing and measuring but it’s honestly how I felt. I certainly didn’t feel that, once I had hit target, that I would stay thinner and that would be that. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, as they say! Comments from others can add to the problem, especially when your mind is playing tricks on you and you’re struggling to come to terms with a different ‘you’. I hate the backhanded ‘compliment’ because it just strikes me as bitchy when there is no need. It generally means that the person giving it is jealous or miffed at what you have achieved. Well screw them, that’s their problem, not yours. You certainly don’t owe anyone an explanation of how and why. 💜

Wow, your gym does seem erm…a *little* expensive? Is that the average cost for where you live? Maybe it’s to encourage you to go once you have actually paid?? I think it would be interesting to see what your scan says though? Attending for 6 months should give you a really good grounding in working out and deciding what works for you 🤞

Lots of sales on 😉

Thank you @GreenTealael 💛 Woo Hoo for being sub-target once again @FifiLux👏👏👏 It does give a bit of a boost doesn’t it? Especially knowing that the odd gain can be tackled in a timely manner and be rid of. I had some beginner Pilates classes donkeys years ago and actually enjoyed them. Wouldn’t manage them now because of my knees but I would like to try it again once they are sorted out. I can definitely feel the difference in my muscles from upping my levels at the gym on Monday. Like you say, it’s a *good* pain! It’s interesting that your gym offers a body scan process? Mine certainly didn’t! @Bypass2Freedom I had prosciutto and burrata mozzarella to start, fillet steak with pepper sauce, small chips, mushrooms, grilled tomato for main and then chocolate fudge cake for dessert. I was happy with my choices and it really was a lovely meal 🙂 Our weather really isn’t good at the moment but then I read about how bad other places have it and I know we don’t have it that bad in comparison. Winter clothes? Mmm…I’m looking for jumpers but nothing is catching my eye particularly. At least with winter clothes you can get away with coming down a couple of dress sizes before having to bag them up and donate them! Did you get sorted for the gym?

Use this forum for help, support and advice. There is a wealth of experience here with people who have been in probably every situation you can think of, who will answer your questions and give guidance when you want it 🙂

I wear high-waisted Nike ones and they stay in place plus are really comfortable too 🙂

Well done 👏👏👏 What a buzz for you, all these new clothing places you can actually go in to and buy things that fit you 😉 So pleased for you…it’s time to get rid of the stuff that is too big for you now - enjoy!

It’s lovely to read about how much you’re enjoying trying out different exercise and activities!

Well that was a fun-filled week! I’m finally on the other side of Covid and feeling tons better. After far too much faffing, I got the antiviral meds on Tuesday evening and, all credit to them, they really do work. Thankfully the only side effect I had was a godawful taste in my mouth which everyone gets apparently. I need to test myself today, just to make sure I’m clear but I have to build up to ramming cotton buds up my nose! Hubby is now in the throws of Covid but without the antivirals as he’s not judged as ‘vulnerable’ so he’s white-knuckling it with just paracetamol for the symptoms. He was a total star last week though and really did look after me as I was floored with it. He’s doing OK-ish with it, still working from home but definitely not at full capacity. So, having a bit reset this week food-wise. I’m 5lbs up from my lowest weight which isn't the end of the world. I just need to tighten up my eating habits and think about what I’m eating. Our postponed anniversary dinner is on Saturday so fingers crossed my gains come off pretty quickly and things settle down in the next couple of weeks. I’ve heard nothing from the hospital regarding the MDT, which is OK. I’m back for bloods on Friday for checking my liver function. Hopefully it will have sorted itself out! I think my second blip was the beginning of Covid. I’ve not taken any of my RA meds in order to give my liver a rest and will hopefully get back to normal with them next week. Nothing else going on here. Just planning on pottering around this week and getting odd bits done. Have a happy, healthy week everyone! Onwards and Downwards 🙂

Hurray!!! Gains have gone plus another 1.8lbs on top 🥳🥳🥳 Did a very happy bathroom dance this morning 💃 @ShoppGirlI knew exactly what you meant! It’s why I’m not too fussed if I have to complete the LRD over Christmas because it does away with the temptations for me. I think sometimes we eat more of things we shouldn’t over Christmas because it’s almost like it’s expected or excused? Or is that just me? @FifiLuxHow maddening for you 😡 It could be water retention though, especially if you have been eating foods prepared by someone else? My body does complain and take a couple of days to settle down after travelling so hopefully yours will be back to showing target (or below) on your scales in the next few days 🤞🤞 Half portion pancakes? Is there such a thing?? 😉 Off to the hospital to have my eyes checked in a bit. Hopefully this will be the last time as I’m no longer on the meds that can cause eye problems. Had bloods yesterday and the LFT is still high. Oh well, just have them done again in 3 weeks. I’m not worried about it now, covid and antivirals have quite probably contributed to my levels. I did try to explain to the Rheumatology nurse who rang but she didn’t seem to grasp what was trying to explain 🤷‍♀️ I’m sure if it was a massive issue, I would be in to see the Consultant 🙂 TFI Friday eh?

If nothing else you have shown the surgeon your commitment to your WLS which should hold you in good stead post-op when following a whole new set of rules! (I still think he’s a sadist though 👹)

Yep, still waiting for my surgery date @Spinoza The dietitian had warned me that I could end up doing the liver reduction diet over Christmas and I was wondering if anyone else had managed the same 🙂 When I had my appointment with the surgeon, we both agreed on having a bypass so now I wait for the date for the op! Definitely glad I’m over Covid though 🥳 @FifiLux isn’t it odd how the there are so many different approaches to WLS? Some have no pre-surgery diet, some have a couple of days, mines 3 weeks plus there are longer ones etc. It’s hardly surprising that some people end up totally confused with what they are supposed to be doing! Oh, how was your break? Did you take your travel scales? Did they help if so?!

@ShoppGirl we enquired previously about a kitten from a rescue place and was told no because of where we live, regardless of whether it would be an indoor cat, just in case the kitten ‘got out’ 🙄 @Bypass2Freedom As for cat names - George: Georgy, Porgy, Pudding, Pie, Beautiful Boy, Mercedes: Sadie Mitten Cat, Sadie MittMitt, MittenCat, MeMe, Sadies Enzo: Ennnnnnnzzzzzzzzzooooooo, Enzo Fat Cat. And each cat answered to their range of names!!

George was 19 when old age got him ☹️ We lost 3 cats in 2 years - 2 to age, 1 to cancer. We’ve been cat-free for almost 12 months now and I keep pondering on whether to get another. We can’t have a rescue cat as we live on a main road so will have to consider a kitten as an indoor cat. I’m still not 100% so will ponder a little longer 🤔 I hope you’re managing to shake off Covid and it’s not being too much of a 💩 with you 😉

Thank you @FifiLux, @ShoppGirland @Bypass2Freedom 🥰 I managed to shove a cotton bud up my nose (hate the sneezing and ‘scratchy’ feeling at the back of my throat 🤢) and I’m now clear of Covid - hurray! Hubby is still in its thrall though: headache, sick, generally feeling out of sorts. Amazing how it hits people differently 🤷‍♀️ 3lbs of my gain off this morning - thank you water weight! Just over 2lbs more to go and I will be back on track. This morning I went through my underwear and nightwear drawers and binned lots. All the too big and/or tatty items have gone. I do have some really nice things that I’ve not worn due to sizing so hopefully I will be wearing that at some point in the near future. I am enjoying getting on top of things once again as I think I really lost my way for quite a while. All down to a lack of interest in pretty much everything I think. No gym this week but hope to get back to it next week when hubby feels better. I have missed it and my knees are definitely stiffer for not going. I’m on with the circulation booster in the meantime, just to get the blood flowing in my lower legs. Can definitely feel a bit of the autumn chill now ☹️ I received an email from M&S saying it’s Christmas food stuff is now available to order and it feels quite strange not to be bothering with any of it because I don’t know where I will be on my WLS journey. All that stress, gone!! 🥳 Has anyone done the LRD over Christmas, just out of interest? As it stands, I’m not bothered if I have to do it then, be nice to have a festive season where I actually lose weight 😉

Fantastic achievement in getting 10kgs off so far 👏👏👏 Cheering you on for that last little bit 🤞🤞

Well done! You have achieved (and continue to achieve) so much 👏👏👏 It’s such a kick when you start shopping for YOU and not just because it fits. It can feel strange because you’re also finding out your style, your likes and dislikes, what suits you and what doesn’t. I would love to book a personal shopper/stylist at some point once my weight is off, just to have someone else’s perspective 🙂 Enjoy every moment - you have worked for this and definitely earned it!

So glad you had a wonderful holiday and was able to deal with the heat and get loads of walking in, with weight loss too! How are your cats with you, now that you’re home? My older cat, George, used to sulk massively when we’d been away. He would sit on the end of the bed with his back to us, letting us know of his displeasure! I would take a day before he would consent to be stroked and then he would gradually forgive us. I hope your dose of Covid isn't too bad? There’s a lot of it about apparently and it’s hitting people differently. My son had migraines with his, but the 3 month old baby and his 4 year old sister both sailed through it! You just can’t tell, unfortunately. Loving the new profile pic - your cheekbones are looking sharp!