Rashi

Officially 8 weeks and 2 days Post-op and honestly I'm pretty comfortable with my progress though a little disappointed with my hydration. The weight loss is steady, protein intake was a little tricky but I think I got it, and keeping up with physical activity has been smooth. Last month's first follow up with the nutritionist did get under my skin, I questioned returning to my previous vitamins vs these nasty Flinstones...and she went on and on about my calcium, iron and protein levels wouldn't be sufficient due to me not eating meat. I explained I had no problem taking additional calcium or iron IF necessary, and finding new ways to add my protein BUT I wanted to see how my bloodwork came back. She finally conceded in saying "well, you're an adult, if you want to take more vitamins that's your choice". I mean OBVIOUSLY it is my choice and her condescending tone is one of the many reasons I've never cared for nutritionist. Nevertheless, guess who's blood work is PERFECT?! In other news, I will say this ketosis stage, while extremely beneficial... it is giving me the "ick" with side effects, smells, body odor etc... I've introduced some carbs hoping things will balance out but it seems to be a slow process. Uranalysis confirmed I'm still burning ketones sooooo there's that. 🤷🏽‍♀️but when will these side effects end ? Speaking of introducing carbs... I had a small bowl (4 oz) of mac and cheese (chickpea pasta)... this is a true trigger food for me, but I ate it, I enjoyed it and I moved on... it wasn't until the next day, I was thinking wow, I really didn't "Want" another bowl... "I'm good". In the head scratching category... I overheard my co-workers having a convo about individuals on the show "My 600lb life"... DISCLAIMER: I say overheard loosely, there's 3 of us in a small room, they were speaking freely as we usually do but I had my earbuds on and wasn't a part of the beginning of the convo. While I can't say I've ever watched a full episode, I am familiar with the premise of the title as well as what "reality shows" really entail when it comes to production and I'm sure I've caught a snippet of an episode on a meme, commercial etc. They also do not know I've had a procedure. I digress, at some point in the convo, they were both giving their opinions on "how could someone let it get so bad"..." when your pants stop fitting..." "when you're out of breath walking from house to mailbox..." etc. and while I have no doubt that they did not have malicious intentions nor have I personally fit into any of these examples... I suddenly became very offended. I even thought to myself have I lost that much weight that this is how "skinny" people speak freely among you ? (The answer is no, regarding me... I've lost a good amount, but they've known me for several years...at my heaviest). I thought, are they thinking I'm really deep into my work and not paying attention ? (The answer is no, we always engage with each other based off of body language to get the others attention and they were engaging). The answer boiled down to, they were just ignorant to the reasons this could happen to someone and the fact that reality tv has a way of making people look and behave at their worse. So I chimed in with "As a fellow big girl..." and explained to them that food addiction is real, and it's real easy to forget that unlike, drugs and alcohol, people have to eat for survival/nutrition and if you are addicted to such it's easy to forget how someone can "let it get so bad", there are also health issues and medication side effects. They were both receptive and admitted that didn't even consider that thought. We went on to talk about the state of "healthy" food choices, labels, vending machines in schools and all. But I definitely walked away from that convo scratching my head because they are both thin and love to eat and not always the "healthy" stuff... so I'm thinking it didn't occur to you others JUST CAN'T do that. Anyways, it was an experience and I'm glad I had it.

Finally cleared for soft foods, increased physical/sexual activity and massage. Oh it's a good day! Was able go handle half a scrambled egg and 2oz of mashed pinto beans. Was so nervous they'd taste bad or make me nauseous. So far, only my Vanilla protein shake that I've loved for a few years; now tastes like syrup. Has anyone "lost" the ability to enjoy their favorites since having surgery? And if so, has it changed ?

I've always had to be int he mood for Avocado and even when I was, I had to have it with something, like toast or cracker, maybe in a salad... now guacamole was a different story😋. Though it's not something that's really crossed my mind. Thanks for mentioning the potato (we call it Baked Potatoe in the states), I'm pretty sure I can have that and so now I know what to make or dinner!

I am definitely a salty-crunchy craver. So far that still seems legit, I think about my deluxe nuts and stove popped popcorn, but that thought/craving may pass since it'll be sometime before I can test it out. As someone who hasn't eaten meat for years, and still find the thought unappealing, I'm interested if I'll wake up one day like... "Oh, I could go for a steak 🤣" As for the Vanilla shakes, yes, I've been mixing them in my coffee as well as with my Protein Powder and I've been enjoying PB2 for years... still tastes Amazing... though I miss putting a little granola in it (maybe that'll pass too (shrug), But hey it's the Protein Boost and I'm happy for it.

Bums sounds cooler 🤭. I'm 2 weeks out and the constipation is definitely in the way. I'm not miserable with bloat or pain, just needing relief b/c these "partial" BM's mean nothing. Today my provider told me it could last about 6 mos and encouraged me to take stool softener everyday.

As I am just a few days away from surgery I've come across many stories of revision procedures. For those who have had to do this or know someone who has... I'm curious what some of the reasons were ?

So yesterday, I was finally able to get down a cup of decaf coffee, cup of yogurt and a full protein shake (along with sipping my water). I wanted the coffee for sure, the yogurt was purposeful though I didn't really want it and finishing the shake in a day was surprising. However, today I can't help but wonder was that success the beginning of now having an "appetite"? Because did I just have some phantom hunger urge? I mean what is an appetite now? Am I doing too much? Today, coffee down, yogurt down about 2 hours later and I actually wanted it, and now I'm sipping my Butternut Squash soup that I truly did want 😋. Curious what are my true appetite/hunger signals will now be? Anyone care to share their experiences in the early days of PostOp?

Most appreciated. I am having zero problems sticking to the plan and I don't know that I agree wanting coffee is head hunger or "hunger" at all. I suppose it's a routine/want no different than having tea in the evening (for me) Nevertheless, remembering that the signals are currently obscure is a very helpful. Thanks 😊

Sumo squats and leg lifts are great for the thighs and best beginner friendly for core that I believe in, is planks, increasing your hold time will tighten your core.

Wow! This reminder is so helpful. I'm only 4 days PostOp and I am already overwhelmed with the thought of...getting up at 5AM, to get to gym and workout, be showered and ready to for work by 8AM at minimum 4 days a week... like OMG! But you are so right, having something you enjoy doing makes it less of a "chore". I really love yoga; I mean truly love it. I remember going to classes and having the ability to do poses that were "potentially questionable" for my size and thinking how much more amazing it would feel and benefit me to do the poses at a smaller size. This goal was and remains on my list of experiences I am looking forward to. I will say, remember @Bypass2Freedom it's about healthy movement so to me... any and everything counts.

Tomorrow is the day... but today's clear liquid diet had me with a constant headache. Of course it didn't help that my mother decided to schedule a cookout at the last minute not realizing (or accepting) that I cannot have a thing. *side story I've been vegetarian for over 12 years so if there's a cookout she goes out of her way to have things I like to eat...months ago I asked for a lasagna for my birthday for this month (not knowing I'd be back on this weight loss path or that my procedure would be expedited or that I'd be scheduled for Sept) sooo guess what she decides to have on this menu for this surprise cookout? 🤦🏽‍♀️ She meant well of course but there I was sipping broth and watching my family enjoy my gift 😆. Anyway, then I had to take my daughter to urgent care for what I knew was strep and I'm in there praying no one coughs, sneezes or happens to touch me... including her... not sure how this exposure will pan out tomorrow. I notice my husband seems on edge and I finally accept that his worry and stress has got the best of him. Nevertheless all is quiet now, early day tomorrow... I do believe I'm ready to finally get to the other side of this journey... THE REAL WORK.

So glad I found this forum as I'm looking to calm my nerves. My procedure is scheduled next week and my anxiety is BEYOND. 3 years ago I made it until the night before my surgery where I had a total meltdown and canceled the procedure. This time around the process was shorter (less nutrition visits) and I feel like I'm on the speed round, while that may have seemed helpful at first... the countdown has me so frazzled. I'm open to any feedback, tips, suggestions... anything to get me through these next 6 days. Thanks in advance

Thanks so much for asking. Well, I'm 5 days away... still nervous. Similar to your mention; I think of the most illogical and irrational things to worry about. However I find comfort in now realizing how "popular" this procedure is, though I worry about the long term outcome, let alone just getting through my post op liquid diet and the healing process. It's a lot, it's heavy but I'm centering myself with thoughts of things I'm excited for, grateful for this platform annnd I think I'll op for the ear buds and music for as long as I can on surgery day. *On a plus, I'm down 4lbs since Monday in prep for Tuesday 🤷🏽‍♀️

Could you elaborate on your complications?

Thank you soooo much everyone! Certainly appreciate the idea writing things down I'm excited to experience. To be continued