Keys Pirate
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Everything posted by Keys Pirate
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what do you wish you knew before hand
Keys Pirate replied to salty91's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Welllll... let's see.. a Multivitamin that I'm supposed to take twice a day, I only take it once, sublingual b-12, chewable Iron, Calcium petites twice a day, potassium (leg cramps) x4/day, magnesium (leg cramps) x4/day, Biotin, Vitamin A (only thing low on my last labs) and of course my acid neutralizer. I've gotten used to it, it's not that big of a deal. Once I can get off the potassium and magnesium, that will help. All good, all worth it!!!!!! C -
YES they are!!! Hard to find around here tho. I stock up when I'm on the 'mainland'! C
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what do you wish you knew before hand
Keys Pirate replied to salty91's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The outward "signs" kinda wig me out a bit. Specifically, the hair loss which still hasn't stopped after 4 months and I had none to spare to begin with or so I thought. The new stuff is coming in so the chia pet effect is starting too... weird. The loose skin is annoying, I have lost this much weight before and this didn't happen, ok, I didn't lose it this fast but still. I'm 43 so loose skin on someone my age I guess is normal but if I was in my 20's or 30's it would bother me even more. Wasn't expecting it. Someone posted awhile ago that she was approached in the gym by a random guy that asked if she had weight loss surgery... how freaky! I wonder sometimes if people know just by looking at me which is silly because everyone around me knows anyway! And then there are allllllll the supplements! I feel like a geriatric with all the pills I have to take! Ugh! All that said, would I do it again? IN A NEW YORK SECOND!!!!! The side effects are weird but the hair will grow back in, hopefully the skin will get better and the supplements, well, it's just part of it. I'll take this over 99 pounds any day of the week but, more importantly, knowing that more than likely, it really is gone forever unlike weight loss in the past! Good luck, C -
Let's count Dr. Aceves Patients!
Keys Pirate replied to Oregondaisy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Count me in. Jan 25, 2010 - an incredible experience, I know I was in the hands of two of the best surgeons out there. If there are better, I would like to know who. What an amazing team. The fact that they work out of a full blown hospital is super reassuring too. Loved it!!! C -
What protein have you liked the best?
Keys Pirate replied to meriteri's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My favorite so far - hands down - has been one that is fairly unknown called Tight Curves. I get it at the Vitamin Shoppe (or online) and it's specially designed for women. It's not a super high Protein shake at 15g's but the carbs are low and protein absorption at one shot is only about 15 grams anyway. That said, I usually mix in a half scoop of Jay Robb whey vanilla. Still using this mix daily and not sick of it yet. Oh yeah, my favorite Tight Curves flavor is chocolate but they are all tasty. One thing I can tell you is if you get powders, don't add too much Water. That seems to be a common mistake and can really make them gross. Good luck! C -
Globe, here's my experience with nuts. Simply, they have become my sleeve crack! Almonds are not my favorites but I would about crawl around on the floor searching for cashew crumbs! It's ridiculous and it stalled my weightloss for about a month until I finally admitted to myself that eating a can of "healthy" nut Snacks per day just might be a problem... So, i haven't quit cashews entirely but I only buy single 1.5 oz packs and don't keep them in my home. I have to physically leave my home and go hunt them down on the base somewhere - either in my truck, at the laundry area, in my office, in my hub's office, etc. Pretty pathetic, huh?? I'm laughing at myself reading this... Anyway, 22 nuts goes FAST as time progresses and the carbs do add up, trust me. As you know, I could give a flip about the fat. Brazil nuts are very low in carbs too and yummy. And large. Stupid cashews... Oh yeah, I also started buying deluxe mixed nuts (no peanuts) so I would be tempted by fewer cashews and more influenced by the better nuts in the bunch. Good luck. Be aware, be very, very aware... :thumbup: C
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Hey Anna! How cool that you got to see Dr. A and the gang again!! They are simply amazing, without a doubt, someday I'll go back just for hugs! Gary B who had the surgery the same day I did was just here in the Keys for a visit - he's dropped an incredible 142#!!! Makes me look bad - lol! Anyway, that's funny about the mountain biking - not sure who he's talking about but we sure like doing it - it's funny how it's become a habit - I'm so thankful. Yeah, almost to goal, this durn last 5 pounds is being sooooo stubborn tho! But, I think I might be "there" - my ribs stick out in front and in back, it's hard to get comfortable in bed sometimes because of bones, my bmi is normal, I'm in a size 6 and, well, life is just great however it works out. You're doing terrific too!!!! Congrats! Thanks for the note!
Carol
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Anyone prescribed 2 PPI's a day?
Keys Pirate replied to mp8btpc's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've been up and down, on and off ppi's and neutralizers... Acid has been my one and only big battle and it continues although it seems to be lessening. I started with a Nexium per day as per Aceves rx, it ran out after 90 days, tried to go off - big mistake - went back on with otc omeperazole, generic I think - sometimes having to take it twice a day. Found a primary care doc here who wanted me off and prescribed 40 mg (a lot, most are 20) daily of famotidine which is a neutralizer that I take in the a.m. Mostly it works pretty well, combined with Gaviscon most days but sometimes I'll pop a Zantac in the late afternoon. It is getting better tho, like today, not even a whisper of burn but some days... man... I feel like I could eat the paint off the walls. Good luck! C -
YAY Carrie!!!!!! It's soooo good to hear optimism from you!!!!! You will feel better and we are all here from you. I'm nowhere near Washington state but wish I was just to meet you and hang out. I hear it's a great place to be though! Good luck to you!!!! C
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Something I never thought I'd have to cope with...
Keys Pirate replied to WildIris's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
thinoneday you gotta let that hostility go darlin'. WildIris too, don't let it eat you up, it's just the way the world is. We don't have to accept it but certainly don't let narrow minded jerks get the better of you. There are PLENTY of men out there that either don't mind our heft or prefer it. I've been married to both and what a difference. And, oppositely, there are plenty that won't have anything but an ethiopian build hanging off of them. Just the way it is like we prefer tall over short men or vice versa. Doug is right too, fat men get plenty of predjudice aimed at them as well but it's true, men with a little extra weight can get away with a lot more than women can. Just the way it is. I've had the same kind of thoughts with my new bod and the attention I get now but... I also think that some of that attention might stem from my constant, glowing, happy smile that I never used to wear because I was mad at the world for my being fat or that I no longer am afraid to make dead on eye contact with anyone any more because I'm no longer worried that the first thing to their mind will be "fat" and then, if I'm not instantly dismissed, maybe see the deeper layers of me. I think happiness is an incredible attractant and, hopefully, that is what you are exuding more than simply being thinner. C -
I'm impressed with myself! BIG NSV for me!
Keys Pirate replied to goodlife's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
SO proud of you!!! Of us!! There simply are no words at how fricking great it is to have our lives back, our mobility, our flexibility, our speed, our health!!! Rock on baby!!! C -
how much weight did you lose at the 7 months mark?
Keys Pirate replied to kerri21's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
70 pounds in 7 months is doable. Don't let the very common early stalls discourage you, however, like some of us, you may not experience any at all. I was down a solid 95 pounds by 7 months - I'm almost 8 months out now and it's really coming to a standstill but I could be perfectly happy if this is where it stops as I've never weighed below 160. I'm in a size 6 and I'm 5'7" tall with ridiculous bones. I like to think I'm fairly muscular too, I ride my bike about 100 hard miles per week (worked my way up to that recently but started riding again right after surgery.) Watch the carbs, exercise, keep it honest and you'll do great! Oh, and yes, I did/do obsess about weight loss - I still weigh every day in the morning. It works for me and keeps ME honest. C -
Maintenance advice/suggestions/issues
Keys Pirate replied to Tiffykins's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm in the same boat. I randomly set a goal for myself at 150, I'm tall and big boned, but figured my body was settling in around 160. Over the last week I've dropped four pounds without even trying. I've been eating around 1500 calories too, but still low carb. Go figure! Looks like I might actually hit 150 though both my husband and myself are wondering where it's going to come from! Wow!!! I'm guessing for the long term anything between 150 and 160 will be perfect for me. What a ride! C -
Anybody change their mind completely and NOT have the sleeve??
Keys Pirate replied to misspatrice's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Nope, I didn't have any doubts whatsoever. I was excited as could be to finally get off the roller coaster. I was "only" morbidly obese myself with no co-morbidities other than aches, pains, no energy, no self esteem and just generally feeling like a slug 24/7. I never had any trouble losing weight over the years when I put my mind to it, it was keeping it off that was the devil for me and I think I speak for most of us here. YOU, on the other hand, must be 100% sure that this is for you, it's major, drastic, last resort stuff. If you can tackle the situation with diet and exercise, fantastic!! Then yes, maybe you should wait a year or so and see how the diet goes. To be successful with the sleeve, you must be in the right mindset or things will be so much more difficult for you. Oh, and what we eat is by no means unnatural. What I USED to eat was very unnatural and look what it got me. I feel what I eat now is the most natural thing in the world at about 1200-1400 calories per day. This is how humans are supposed to eat, actually. Same with drinking. The first few months are tough with drinking, at least they were for me, but it's sorted itself out. I work out a lot and need to drink a lot and I do. I easily get in 100 oz per day, more on workout days. I'm a little over seven months out. You are being very responsbile voicing your concerns and maybe NOT going through with it, by the way. Good for you. Good luck whatever you decide!!! Carol -
Globe, I wouldn't sweat the fat so much. If you have chosen to go lo carb, you can't be low fat easily at all, it's almost impossible, in fact, especially if you don't plan on torturing yourself with a ridiculous "diet" - what's the fun in that? I've done lo carb since pre surgery over seven months ago and have been hugely successful; 95 pounds down in six months. I never worried about fat and some days... well, I'm embarrassed to admit the count but it was over 100g's... things like steak, eggs, sausage (yum, a fairly regular staple for me), Peanut Butter (strangely not a slider for me as a tablespoon is soooo filling and soothing, even 7+ months out.) nuts, cheese, and so forth. Oh yeah, mayo, makes all that Protein so much more delicious. I'm just now thinking about switching to the low fat version of mayo just to assuage the twinge of guilt a tiny bit. :thumbup1: I'm happy to share some of what I've been eating over the last several months if you're interested. How far out are you from your surgery? I haven't been able to get by on 600 calories in many months. I'm at 1200 or so now but I do exercise alot (intense biking about 100 miles a week). Don't sweat it. Good luck! C
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Holy crap you look great. It's Rich here. Carol wants me to go but I'm too chicken. Hopefully we'll see you guys soon.
Rich
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Hi Jane! Good to hear from you, sorry for not responding sooner, I haven't logged in in awhile but I read the board many times per day. Congrats on your weight loss tooooo!! I actually just logged in because I dropped another 1.1 pounds - the loss has really slowed but I've become quite bony, size 6 and normal BMI. My body may just be stopping at this point, who knows. I do know I've never weighed 150 - 160 yes - but never 150 so we'll see! I'm so thrilled nevertheless. Most of my physical activity comes from intense, 30 mile+ bike rides every other day, not so much during my work day. I ride with my husband and we really push each other, it's a real blessing, the whole situation.
No, the oil did NOT affect us, thank God!!!
Take good care!!
Carol
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Huh...Acid, Vitamins, Time of Day...
Keys Pirate replied to Keys Pirate's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Georgie! Thanks for the feedback. I wish I could blame it on carbs but I've been super low carb since pre-surgery, less than 40g most days. I never had problems with acid at night or even late in the day - always for most of the morning AFTER my vitamins! Don't know why I didn't make the connection sooner. Maybe I'll be able to get this last 9 pounds off afterall as with less acid/less desire to soothe with food... woo hoo! -
Huh...Acid, Vitamins, Time of Day...
Keys Pirate posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A couple of days ago, I didn't get around to taking my handful of Vitamins (b12, multi, Iron, magnesium, potassium, Biotin, Vitamin A and calcium) until the evening, before bed. I usually take them almost first thing in the morning, around the time I have Breakfast. Well, I've been battling "acid" pretty much since day one; doubled my ppi, tried neutralizers, etc., etc., nothing working too well at all. Needless to say, I've been very frustrated by this and worried about the long term. This has really been my only "problem" since my surgery and no, I still wouldn't trade it for the world. Anyway, I had a great stomach day on Friday, did the same thing yesterday - same results - and planning the same today and, while it's too soon to call it a scientific breakthrough, I am really, REALLY excited about maybe getting the acid monkey off my back! I haven't had this calmness in my gut since before surgery - over 7 months ago! Don't get me wrong, it's been tolerable but annoying and frustrating.. So, maybe try switching your Vitamin schedule around a bit if you're in the same shoes as I am - maybe we're on to something. I hope. Carol -
I basically told my husband and son that they were gonna be on their own for awhile. Not every wife can get away with that (jeez, that sounds medieval...!) but we have a pretty good relationship and my hub doesn't mind cooking. My 15 yo is pretty good at making sure he gets fed too (yep, he has the gene...). An added bonus is that we live at a scout camp so there are always 3 squares in the mess, worse case scenario. Not the best options but no one's going hungry. Now that I'm 7 months out, we pretty much eat as a family, same meals with the exception of Pasta or rice and anything high carb they might be craving and I feel like cooking. I don't mind as I usually have a few bites of something yummy leftover or easy to throw together for myself. I'm delighted how easy it is to cook things like spaghetti and not want to devour all of it, let alone any of it! Good Luck! C
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Hey Mini! Oh man, I am in the exact same shoes! I have regularly been consuming 1400 calories, around 40 carbs, too much fat and my weight loss has been crap for a month or so now. I am happy where I'm at with 95 pounds lost and a size 8/10 but my goal is another 9 pounds. It just does not want to come off and I know it's my own slacker butt's fault. Like you, I can't believe I'm mad at myself for eating 1400 calories but here we are...! I am still eating well and lo carb but too many calories I guess or my bod truly has bottomed out. I'm exercising like a nut and actually just upped my routine by about 30% from 60-75 hard miles per week on the bike to 90-100... it better help! :biggrin0: My weakness has been Peanut Butter and nuts (cashews, omg!) - if I could quit that I would be well under 1000, I know... Those two things are my sleeve's crack without a doubt. Just have to quit buying them I suppose. It would be helpful if you posted some ideas of what you are eating to stay at 1000. Here's the thing for me too; my stomach is almost ALWAYS hungry! Very frustrating. Still on a ppi, gaviscon and thinking of adding a zantac back in the middle of the day. If only my stomach wasn't always talking to me... Good luck and thanks for the post! C
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Howdy! Islamorada here, sleeved in January - loving every second of it so far! All I can tell ya is DO IT!!! You really won't regret it, promise!! About a surgeon - I was sleeved in Mexico by Aceves but a dear friend of mine was sleeved in March by Enrique Whitwell in Miami. We researched him extensively together. He's one of the best in the area, without a doubt. I would have gone to him myself had my insurance paid for it. I know you are in Melbourne but to me, a trip to Miami or any comparable distance would be well, well worth it for a top gun surgeon...! Cheers and Good Luck!! C
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Finally! Major Goal Reached - No Longer FAT! Er, overweight!
Keys Pirate posted a topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Whooppeee!!! Yahooo!!!!! It's official! As of today, I'm Normal (whatever that really means!). At 159#, my BMI is 24.9 - barely normal but I sure don't feel fat anymore! I never thought I had so many bones!!! I haven't hit my "official" goal of 150# - YET but it's coming, without a doubt. I've lost 95 pounds total since my VSG on Jan 25, just over six months!!! Only 9 more to go! Woo! by far, the best decision I've ever made for myself. Not only was this the easiest weight ever lost for me (of several hundred over the years) but I am unbelievably optimistic about the future and keeping it under control. Life is fantastic!!! If you're on the fence about this procedure, all I can say is Run, Don't Walk!!! Do It, you WON'T regret it, I promise!!! Last but not least, thanks to all of you guys on this board for your support and information, what a fantastic resource we are to one another. Yay!!! C -
Give up green tea for surgery?
Keys Pirate replied to sychadelic's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi, Fortunatly, Aceves patients are not told to quit green tea. I would have had a really hard time with that as I've always drunk a TON of Arizona diet. Still do. I gave up coffee and that was tough enough! Glad I did, however, for the caffeine effects. Started drinking it again about 3 weeks out. Heaven. Good luck, keep us posted on your journey!! C