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Mine is a PA. The key differences between the role of a PA vs. an MD come to light when complex issues arise. MDs have knowledge about complicated conditions that many PAs may not possess. I was not happy to leave my family doc of many years for her to begin with. But my insurance changed with work, and he was no longer considered in network, sadly enough. My company has their own doctors and pharmacy, and the coverage is amazing, but the choice of doctors there are limited. Yes, before ever considering WLS, I wanted to find an internist to sort out all the meds I was on. Some I knew were necessary, some were preventative and some questionable. To be told that I will be on all of them the rest of my life after my bariatric team told me otherwise was disappointing to hear and questionable. She's always been quick to prescribe meds. I didn't see her often but when I did, I always walked away with one or two more. She prescribed Ozempic to me years ago before it became a thing. I didn't take it long, after reading it caused tumors/cancer in mice plus it made me feel horrible every day. Then recently, when I saw her to get a release for WLS, she wanted to put me back on it. I declined. Ironically, we had a discussion about Ozempic face at that time. She told me if I lose too much weight in my face after surgery, to look her up and she will fix it. She owns a business that does fillers. botox etc. So she lives in that world. I guess I've always felt that since she is a PA, she may not be as knowledgeable as an MD when it comes to medication. But I will wait to see what the bariatric team tells me first before deciding anything. Like assuming I would change doctors based solely on her looks? I recently had 3 of her patients tell me they already changed doctors for some of the very reasons mentioned here. So nothing "snap" about it. If anything, I'm biding my time and giving her the benefit of the doubt. For now. Agree... I'm more holistically minded and need a doc who's likeminded. Not someone that hands meds out like candy. I'm not working this hard to be told I can never reverse the need for them. I realize it will take time and I may not be able to eliminate all of them but just never tell me never. Not yet anyway.
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Sleeve Revision to Bypass
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to SarahP1220's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had it done, and honestly, the recovery was SO SO SO much easier with the bypass than the sleeve for me. I had a ton of complications and the revision was the best thing possible. My only regret is that I wish I had just done the bypass to begin with. Losing weight with a revision goes A LOT slower, and you don't lose nearly as much as you do with the initial surgery. But you'll feel so much better and be able to get back to living your life. -
May 2023 surgeries
CarolineLittle replied to WVJess2Less's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just checking in. It's 21 weeks since I was sleeved now. I'm down to 120.9 kilos, for a total loss of 34.1 kilos, or 75 pounds. I've lost exactly 22% of my total weight. I'm 5.9 kilos away from being halfway to my big goal of 75 kilos. Everything is going well, I need to be better with fluid and definitely need to be more active. My weight loss is very obvious, especially in my tummy. Down about 3 dress sizes I think, I haven't really been clothes shopping yet. I do need to though, especially for pants. I still have tops I can wear that were once too tight. I hope you're all well and @SynleeI hope you're closer to getting answers. -
Hey everyone, My name is Sarah. I am 34 years old. I had VSG 13 years ago. Going from 335 pounds down to 180 in 18 months, I was considered a success. I have been through 2 pregnancies and as the years passed, the pounds crept back on. I am currently back to 290, and i suffer from SEVERE GERD daily. If I do not take heartburn medication several times a daily, i will be in agony and vomiting stomach acid despite what I choose to eat. I have had an endoscopy and I have a hiatial hernia and a lot of scar tissue. I am going to be converting my sleeve to a full gastric bypass in the upcoming month. During the procedure my hiatial hernia will be repaired and excess scar tissue removed. I am wanting to know if anyone else has had this conversion surgery. How did you feel afterward? How was the recovery and do you feel the conversion was it worth it? Who has gained weight back after sleeve and do you suffer from severe GERD and heartburn daily? Thank you for any input Sarah
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Revision Surgery Recommended for Hiatal Hernia?
swimbikerun replied to Kim 713's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I am 1 day less than 2 weeks out of a para esophageal sliding hernia repair and Sleeve to RNY revision. My reflux, BAM is gone. I'm not vomiting or feeling like yuck. My surgeon could do a DS and has. I'm not having problems and while it doesn't mean I will or won't later, at least I'm free of the medical issues and the like I had before. I'm also down about 35 pounds in the little over 2 months since I got sick. Really happy as the medical issues were outweighing the weight, especially at the end. -
Best way to get protein
BlondePatriotInCDA replied to TiffanyY2's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
Yes!! I tend to stick to the same foods. I'm not sure (for me anyway) is: 1. Fear of food effects 2. Not losing the weight 3. My hatred of cooking 4. I just know I like what I'm eating or 5 A combo of all of them! Of course I'm only 6 weeks out sooo we shall see, but, to be honest I've always been a picky eater (I almost died as a toddler because I was picky) - I just know what I like! -
Had surgery for GERD, need to gain weight... suggestions?
Jeanniebug replied to jesscanntoo's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
In the early stages after bypass, there is a higher risk of dumping. I think that's why we're told to steer clear of the carby foods (aside from the weight loss aspect of things). I'm with @Arabesque, it's important that you consume highly-nutritious foods right now, while you're restricted. Perhaps adding fat will help? Again, with the risk of dumping, there may be some trial and error to work through. But fat is calorie-dense. Can you tolerate protein shakes? Adding a few of those each day might be a good way to boost your calories. Also, excess protein is stored as fat - that might be helpful for you. -
Had surgery for GERD, need to gain weight... suggestions?
jesscanntoo replied to jesscanntoo's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
My team hasn't responded to me. That was one reason I came on here... so surgeon is silent so far. That said, i am definitely still drinking protein shakes or wouldn't be getting in the amount of protein I need....although I am also doing Oikos greek yogurt and soft cheeses. I was trying to add the pasta on top of stuff, because at the rate of loss I am experiencing I will be under 100 pounds soon and I cannot afford that in terms of my height to weight ratio. I've already lost 16 pounds in just a few weeks and can't go a couple of months until I have the ability to be less restrictive. I hadn't thought of custard or adding milk powder to my soup however. I'll try both of those. Thank you. -
Let's Talk About Maintenance
Arabesque replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Transitioning to maintenance was both easy & challenging for me. Easy was that I had already made my choices about how/what I was going to eat & had been eating that way for most of my weight loss. What I found difficult was being able to eat portions large enough to stop the weight loss & work out how much I needed to consume to maintain. It’s why I kept losing for another 11 months. Though I also believe this was where my body wanted to be. Yes, I weigh myself regularly & yes I worry about what I weigh right down to the grams. While I don’t consistently weigh & track what I eat every meal I am conscious about portion sizes & the calorie content of foods even when I’m dining out or socialising at a friend’s. I do random checks & introduce new foods/recipes slowly & carefully. And yes, I still do protein first, then vegetables too & aim to stick to nutrient dense foods. This is the longest I’ve been able to maintain my weight ever in my 58 years. But I’m not on a diet to lose or maintain my weight. This is just how & what I eat. (The power of words.) I enjoy eating & food but it’s a different focus in my life - it’s more about what I need & less about what I want. Hell yeah, the old mindless eating habits are still just there sitting on my shoulder. (Can’t eradicate them though would be amazing if we could.) A bit like that angel on one shoulder & devil on the other. I try to keep the Angel of new habits I’ve established as the dominant thinking & actions. On the days the devil is stronger, I usually catch myself but … there are times. Though I try not to beat myself up if the devil wins. -
Had surgery for GERD, need to gain weight... suggestions?
Arabesque replied to jesscanntoo's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I’d worry about filling your tummy with a nutrient poor carb (pasta, rice, bread) especially at this stage when you’re on such a restricted diet still, eating so little & not being able to get in the more important nutrients. Remember protein, protein, protein. I presume you are still drinking protein shakes to get in the protein you need. What about making your own protein smoothies with more nutrient dense ingredients - like vegetables (blend & strain). What about adding a soft cheese to some meals or as a snack or some good fats like avocado. Add milk powder to cream soups, smoothies, etc. for extra protein & calories too. What about custard - calories & protein. You’ll likely find that once you’re through the first few months & the restricted diet, & able to eat more without vomiting & the other gerd related issues restricting your ability to eat & consume calories, you will put on weight & attain a weight you’re happier at. What does your surgeon say? -
Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first
HeatherE replied to chiquitatummy's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
So happy for you! I took my son zip lining in Sri Lanka over the summer. He would never had done it himself and unfortunately my husband exceeded the 200 pound weight limit. Was so thankful i could go with my nine year old! -
So many layers to unpack… let me first say that if it is your desire to come off some/all medications you need a doctor that will help you achieve that goal safely, if it is possible. Some truly may be life saving and necessary. You need to address it with every doctor that treats you and/or find one that will listen and guide you based on your needs and the facts. Her appearance could very well be something else- If she’d proven competent in other situations, Im not sure the weight loss alone would be a reason to leave. There are plenty of unhealthy, thin/overweight (insert unhealthy practice here, like smoking) doctors too. Keep in mind all doctors “practice medicine”. Practice being the key word.
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Goal Weights
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to earthshrimp's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ok, so my "healthy weight" is 145-155. Well, back when I weighed that in high school, people thought I had an eating disorder because I looked sickly. When I weighed 160, it was better, but I always thought I looked my best between 170-180. But I didn't dare dream I could get there, so I made my goal 200, which still seemed low, but at least seemed possible. Now I'm eyeballing that 180 and thinking I might actually be able to get there. It's ok to change your goal. Nobody said once you choose it, it's set in stone -
Calories at maintenance shock
NickelChip replied to Hope4NewMe's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
So, post-op he is definitely not advocating for a pound of veggies per day, at least no time soon. That goal is for a person who has not had surgery or is years out and has regained a pretty standard appetite. What he does suggest for bariatric patients is that for that honeymoon period of the first year or so, you focus on protein first. But as time goes on and your hunger returns and you have more capacity to add foods, you should increase the veggies you eat while keeping your protein and starch servings small by comparison. He likes to say veggies should be the star of your meal. In other words, instead of going from 3 oz of chicken to 6 oz so you can feel more full, you would eat your usual 3 oz of chicken and fill up the rest of the way on healthy veggies (but only to your personal capacity, whatever that is). Same with snacks. If you get hungry and need a snack, make it a healthy one with veggies instead of a junk food snack. From what I gather, the strategy is one that really helps to combat that weight gain in later years when it becomes a little too easy to eat a lot more like you used to (the way that got us all into trouble to begin with!) -
Goal Weights
pintsizedmallrat replied to earthshrimp's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think it's very hard to determine how you think you'll look or feel at a certain weight, especially if you've been heavy your entire life and the last time you weighed that little you were a child (True story; I currently weigh the least I have weighed since I was 14 years old, and I look much thinner now than I did then because I have more muscle as an adult). Be flexible, be realistic, and expect the number to change as you and your body evolve. -
Had surgery for GERD, need to gain weight... suggestions?
pintsizedmallrat replied to jesscanntoo's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I have trouble with a lot of pasta, rice, potatoes and bread still because they always feel like they "swell" in my stomach, so gaining weight was hard for me after I too found myself underweight following a health scare. I'm also a sleeve patient who dumps, so eating things like ice cream was out of the question. If you are ABLE to eat those things without issue, I don't see there being anything wrong with consuming a little extra treat here and there to gain weight, unless you are concerned that once you get back to a weight you're happy at, you won't be able to stop eating those things. I was eating peanut butter quite a bit when I was trying to gain; I found some high protein waffles that agree with me (Kodiak), so I'd eat one of those with peanut or almond butter on it, maybe a LITTLE drizzle of honey, a few dark chocolate chips, or some sliced banana. It was giving me more calories with a nice healthy dose of fats and protein vs carbs, which felt "healthier" to me. -
Let's Talk About Maintenance
pintsizedmallrat replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Trying very hard to maintain, but the hardest thing to get into that state is my BRAIN. I've not only spent the last 2 years meticulously monitoring every bite of food I put in my mouth (even though my doctor didn't insist upon it I've been counting calories since day 1), but I spent the last 20 YEARS in the mindset that if I wasn't actively trying to LOSE weight, I was going backward. So, at 41, I have to learn how to eat to maintain which for some reason is VERY hard for me. I can't get out of the "weight loss" mindset. I don't eat enough. I monitor and measure and check and re-check everything. I pour myself a bowl or plate of something and put half of it back. I just can't seem to accept that I am *done* losing weight. -
Let's Talk About Maintenance
GreenTealael replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
There was a very active maintenance thread a few years ago. I’m glad someone is starting the discussion again! I’m a few years into maintenance. I never forget that I had WLS but it’s really only in the forefront when I’m dealing with food. When I prep my meals I have full control and prefer it. If I’m eating out I scan the menu and immediately go to small plates or side orders. Very rarely will I get an entree because I’ll never finish it and I don’t really like leftovers (even though I take them). Otherwise this is my new normal. It doesn’t feel like a burden. I actually don’t even remember what it felt like before when I was obese. I feel like I was always this size (I think that must be a form of body dysmorphia). Sometimes I think I may not even notice if I gain/lose a substantial amount of weight. So I keep measurements and weigh often for peace of mind. So my lesson learned is to confront any WLS related issues very very quickly. -
Had surgery for GERD, need to gain weight... suggestions?
jesscanntoo posted a topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
So I had a revision to bypass at a very low weight (120 pounds) due to GERD. I saw three separate doctors for second opinions as I was quite concerned about losing too much weight by having the bypass. I have struggled to keep weight on for years due to the GERD and the vomiting it has caused me to have to deal with... and it was destroying my esophagus and stomach lining. That said, the GERD is gone, so Yay.... but I am still quite concerned about keeping my weight up. I am 4 weeks post surgery and down to 107 pounds. I am getting in all of my protein and liquids as I have been asked to, and this week I am finally allowed to eat more soft food. That said, I want to eat stuff that is more dense calorically - and that would normally not be allowed.... such as pasta...because I think that will help me keep the weight up better. I had some chef boyardee ravioli yesterday an it was definitely soft enough,... and had 8 grams of protein in the 1/4 cup I was able to eat. So, although it had more carbs than is suggested - I liked that - as I am trying to regain what I have lost... Is there ANY reason why I should not be able to eat pasta or bread products (toasted) if I can handle them.... besides them being bad for weight loss? Or is there something that could hurt my new anatomy? I don't want to break rules and injure myself, but I do want to keep my weight up. The nutritionist at Kaiser has been fairly silent when getting back to me... and keeps treating me like all the other patients.... I don't need to lose weight... I need to keep it on. And, yes, I've had to lose weight in the past.... just not since 2016. I know how to eat to keep weight off... just not quite how to eat to put weight on at this point. Thanks all for any help/ideas. -
Goal Weights
The Greater Fool replied to earthshrimp's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Personally, I never much cared about a goal weight. I had quite a bit of weight to lose and I could decide on a goal when I got there. A less obvious reason was in how my mind works. Not reaching a goal weight could have turned a 500+ pound weight loss into a failure. Just part of the joy of having OCD. Many folks make the mistake of thinking that getting back to the nice weight they were at several years ago is a reasonable goal. It's not. After obesity, mileage and years our bodies are different. You may end up looking very much as you did and still have many more pounds than before. My goals were about how I felt, my health, my happiness. These also happened to be what my surgeon asked me about. The actual number on a scale was never a topic unless I brought it up. Good luck, Tek -
That is totally not me. LOL I question everything. Thank you for the kind words. And I agree. I am the first one to admit to being a nonconformist. I am a little over halfway to meeting my weight goal and who knows how I'll look when I get there. At the moment friends and family are all telling me how great I look, but who knows if that will change as the scale goes down. To be honest, it won't bother me at all to have a rail thin body. But if it comes with a face that ages me twenty years, I don't think I'll be happy with it or need anyone else to point it out to me. Does that hurt anyone else? No. My point in bringing up Sharon Osbourne and my family doc is one... if you read the article, she is warning people against the use of Ozempic. She saw and recognized the effects on her own body and stopped using it. Doctors doling it out to anyone that can afford it, regardless of whether they are diabetic or overweight is hurting people. And some of the side effects are life threatening. And two, how my doctor misuses this drug directly affects me. She's not diabetic or overweight and making decisions on meds for me and others that are potentially harmful to continue long term. More than one patient has voiced their concerns to me regarding her. So, if you have more than one person telling you it's gone too far, it might be advisable to listen. Especially if it's coming from people you love and trust. If it's from people that are jealous of your weight loss than that's another matter and they can wanker off. xD You got that right brother. Thanks for the input.
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Cleared for Exercise 3 weeks post op
saramelie replied to Nicnak's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Cleared for cardio and light weights training (less than 15 pounds) 2 weeks post-op. Clearly not the norm. -
Ozempic Face
The Greater Fool replied to BabySpoons's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm sorry but I've seen more than one photo spread of what went wrong with the last Sharan Osborn medical adventure over the years. Somehow I can just pin this photo on her last adventure. What folks near and dear to each of us may not have expressed is that quick weight loss made many of us appear less than healthy, sick even. I know I was surprised to hear it, but not altogether shocked by the news since I saw many others the same way. We each make our choices and have to live with the consequences, both good and ill. Generally most of the consequences are temporary, some less so. Life is a crap shoot. Good luck, Tek -
I picked a goal weight right in the middle of my healthy (hahahaha what even IS that?) BMI range. I had many many times lost weight and got there by various means previously. My surgeon and dietician thought it might be too ambitious given the average loss with a sleeve, so I was prepared to lose MUCH less. You can do it any way you like OP! Perhaps pick a weight that you have been comfortable at before. OR a weight/BMI that you really want to reach, for whatever reason. Or lick a finger and hold it up into the wind. Turns out my team's advice meant virtually nothing. I got to my goal weight and then lost some more. I didn't need to try or do anything specific - just stuck to my plan. I wish you the best of luck.
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Oooh I hope this is going to be a fascinating thread - what is 'it's gone too far' - is it in the eye of the beholder?? We might all have our own idea of that. Thanks for the chance to discuss this OP!! I get asked pretty regularly now whether or not I am well (I SO AM) and whether or not I planned to lose this much weight (I SOOOOO DID). The inference being - you at best look thin of face and body, or at worst look really unwell (in that person's eye). I filter/ignore those comments depending on how much I trust/want to hear about that person's eye! I think allowing people to do what they want to and need to with their bodies for their own reasons without judgement is probably a good thing on a general and totally generic level. I know it can be difficult when people go beyond what we ourselves are comfortable with, and then that it goes up another level if they do things well outside our norms AND societal norms. If they are not hurting anybody then fantastic. Honestly you do you - if you want to have a skeletal face (and get paparazzi to follow you and your daughter for a day of "shopping") and it feels good to you then dooooooo it! And make your money out of it if you need that too. Absolutely ready for a big old discussion on this one. 😍
