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Lower Bowel Obstruction
Dan1131 replied to Melissa4444's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is happening to me right now! Had my revision surgery (sleeve to bypass) on 1/9 and ended up in the ER last night 1/13. Now I’m admitted to hospital. NPO (no fluids or food by mouth). They think it’s swelling at the new junction with the jejunum and had me drink contrast to track it’s flow through my GI track over the next 24 hours. So far not suggesting anything more invasive. But this sucks. Pain has mostly subsided but I’m pretty sure that because I threw up everything above the blockage. I haven’t pooped since the day before surgery but I am farting a bit which they say is a good sign. This sucks. I never wanted this revision, but was convinced that with my reflux if I didn’t do it I was far more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus and then all the bad things that could come from that. So 10 years after my sleeve which admittedly I didn’t lose all the weight I could/should have on I now going through all of this. This sucks! -
Am I losing weight too slow or am I where I should be @ 10 weeks post op?
catwoman7 replied to spata's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
as Arabesque said, rate of weight loss is dependent on numerous factors, only a couple of which you much (if any) control over, which are: 1) how closely you stick to your program and 2) your activity level. If you do well with those, the weight will come off, whether fast or slow. If your overall trend is down, then you're golden. I just checked and I'd lost about 32 lbs by then, but my starting weight was lower than yours, plus I don't know your gender, age, activity level, how much muscle you have (the more muscular, the more calories you burn, even at rest), etc. So again as Arabesque said, you can't really compare yourself to others....there's just too many factors at play. Again, if your overall weight trend is down, then you're fine. I think 45 lbs down sounds great, actually. -
Help skin shrinking with slower loss
Arabesque replied to cuddly sam's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I echo @catwoman7’s comments. The benefits of the surgery which make the initial weight loss much easier don’t last so I wouldn’t deliberately try to slow your weight loss. It will only make it harder to lose the remainder. I don’t have a lot of loose skin. I lost about 90lbs. I didn’t have much at all when I reached my goal (which was always my lowest weight). I think genetics helped as I certainly had my age against me. When I dropped the additional 11kg the loose skin was more noticeable though still not enough for me to justify plastic surgery. They ‘d probably only remove about a kilo of skin if they took it from all over my body. I cover mine very easily with my clothes. I wear body con clothing often & don’t need shape wear to restrain/control my saggy skin. And as catwoman7 said, I’d rather have some loose skin than still be at my higher weight. -
Am I losing weight too slow or am I where I should be @ 10 weeks post op?
Arabesque replied to spata's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You’ve lost 45lbs since surgery - that’s a good amount so far. Something worth celebrating. 🏆 Never compare your weight loss journey with anyone else. It will only drive you down the road to crazy town. There are too many factors that can influence your rate of loss: genetics, medical history, weight loss history, medications, age, gender, stalls, etc. And you lost a lot pre surgery which can affect your rate of loss after surgery - you’re at a lower weight which means you won’t lose as quickly as you did when you started back in April. There are averages which can be used as a guideline but as with all averages some lose more & some lose less & there’s nothing wrong with that. What does your team say (they know you & your situation better) ? -
Meal preppers - looking for some advice/suggestions
learn2cook replied to Tufflaw's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I like meal prepping because I make healthier choices and save money. I use the OXO toddler 4oz containers and weirdly it also holds 4oz in meat weight. Earlier in healing I used the 2oz but now that size is convenient for carrying salad dressing or a sauce (not 2oz of sauce but what you need for you.) I prep for 3-4 days out so food stays fresh. I fill up on veggies after the 4 oz of meat. Last week I made a pot roast for Sunday dinner for the family and before serving the family took out 3 servings for 3 lunches. I rotated between mini bell peppers, broccoli and cauliflower, and one day of raspberries. (I’m currently trying to up my iron.) Chicken or eggs are a quick dinner. This week I’m going to cook up buffalo meat into homemade marinara and serve it with different veggies like squash or beans (chili) one plan is to put it on cauliflower crust pizza. I’ll keep the meat premeasured in the little 4oz containers. Restaurants measure food all the time with ice cream scoops and weight scales to be careful about uniform portions. They prep food too. I guess all that restaurant work normalized planning, prepping and measuring food for me. It also lets you take advantage of seasonal/regional foods that are on sale. I got the buffalo last fall and froze it. Right now I’m waiting for pork and lamb prices to drop. I have some salmon burgers in the freezer to get creative with, or I might check out the tofu prices. Anyway you would use ground meat you could replace with firm tofu, just add the tofu last at the last minute before eating. -
Help skin shrinking with slower loss
catwoman7 replied to cuddly sam's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I don't think it matters that much whether you lose the weight slowly or quickly. That skin was stretched out to cover whatever your heaviest weight was, and once it's stretched out, it's not likely to bounce back. If you're young and not very overweight (maybe 20 or 30 lbs), it could snap back, but at the weight most of us start at, you'll probably have at least *some* loose skin. I'd follow my program and not try to eat more just for fear of loose skin. You want to lose all the weight you can, while still remaining healthy. This is your one opportunity in your lifetime when you have a chance to lose a massive amount of weight with a lot less effort than it took before surgery (granted, it does take effort, but the surgery really helps it along!) I lost over 200 lbs, and I had a TON of loose skin (have since had it removed). Honestly, no one knew it was there except for me and my husband . For most of us, it's pretty easy to hide in clothes. I think I'm speaking on behalf of most/all of the "vets" here who've had to deal with loose skin - we'd take the loose skin any day of the week over being morbidly obese again. ANY DAY! -
14lbs in a month is a lovely loss. I have seen it said that the weight loss can be slower when you have gone from a sleeve to a bypass. On this journey our emotions can really mess with us, Some days we feel up and the next we are down. I had a bad couple of days this week. It only took a small change to make me feel like I could do this again. I am also on bipolar meds and anti d's. Are you able to go for gentle walks? This will help your circulation and help the blood move around your body and help you in the healing process. Check in with dietician to get some advice on what things you can do at this stage. Might be small things will make a big difference. Breathe. 😊
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Weirdest None-Scale-Victory - I'll go first
Possum220 replied to chiquitatummy's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Yesterday I went to the optometrist. Previously when they raised the chair in would moan and groan under my weight. This time it was a smooth and very quiet ride. Yay!. -
Help skin shrinking with slower loss
Spinoza replied to cuddly sam's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi Sam, that's a really hard question to answer without more information about how far along you are and what surgery you've had! Could you fill out your stats or give us something more to go on please? My understanding is that how our skin adapts to weight loss is a lot to do with genetics/age and much less to do with how we manage that! Do you have specific concerns? -
November Surgery Buddies!!!
Spinoza replied to Tristenhilpert97's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Just checking in again. Today I reached my 'ideal weight' of 147. Never ever in a million years did I think that I would do this. Almost 14 months post op. Still losing very very slowly. I really want to hear from my November 2021 buddies. I hope you're all as happy as I am with your surgery. Onwards and downwards! -
January 2023 I got very ill in September of 2022 - had a tear in my hiatius - a hiaitial hernia tear - that was bleeding into my chest area. No symptoms until I was so weak and tired that I couldn't function well. Ended up needing transfusions and emergency hospitalization to figure out what was wrong. 5 days in patient with no food or water, just IVs. Lots of testing and then came home on lots of iron pills and vitamins. Three weeks later had a gastric bleed.... more hospital stay of 4 days and endoscope and found out that I have some, well, a lot of issues in my "normal sleeve anatomy" - lots of areas that were bleeding. No actual ulcers, just ... issues. Now will be doing weekly iron infusions - no more oral iron; and meds to help heal my stomach lining. I lost 10 pounds in the hospital, but was warned to eat well and drink lots of fluids and to put back at least 2/3 of what was lost in the hospitalizations as a good portion of that is blood building. I craved macaroni and cheese. Not something I even usually like much ! So I ate that and high protein, lots of water and saw my doctors on a weekly basis. I, of course gained weight back as I healed. But decided to be VERY VERY careful in what I ate as directed by my doctors to not piss off my gut - and then added in what I knew to do for my over all health. My 13 year old tool was still there and of the appropriate size - I had NOT "stretched out" my sleeve in 13 years. I was assured by the gastro doc that it was fine ! So I took the 2 total pound weight loss from surgery and then post op required gain.... and have lost 6 more pounds in 3 months. I am out of the 30s BMI for the first time in ...... more than 40 years. Yes, BMI of 29 on the Smart BMI for my age. I am doing much better, will probably need monthly iron infusions on a regular basis; as the oral iron is not working for my irritable gut. But I am a seemingly healthy almost 67 year old, now wearing a size 14 petite slacks to work ! The last time I did that .... I was about 23 years old.... I have almost lost half of me.
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3 Month medically supervised diet
Jeanniebug replied to BypassTheBS's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Welcome! You know yourself best. Hopefully your passion doesn't burn brightly for a few months and then wane in time. This is a long game and it's nearly all mental. I had 6 months of visits and I'm glad for it. The delay gave me time to start therapy, time to read all the books I could get, time to research complications and treatments, time to gather supplies, and time to prepare my loved ones. It also gave me time to try to lose weight on my own, fully cementing the conviction that I cannot. Take advantage of this time - as short as it is. Learn about yourself. Learn all you can about your issues with food and learn ways to correct them. Learn new coping skills - you'll need them when you can no longer turn to food. And you'll need to keep practicing them, so that when food becomes a viable coping option again - later on - you won't go down that road. -
Pre-Op by a month and I'm scared...
merrymayhem replied to Kris Poole's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I’m also pre-op (2/22/23 since I’ll be out of town for my 2/11 anniversary) with MS. I’m worried about triggering another flare because I got them when trying to lose weight with very low carb. I was undiagnosed until that 2nd one which caused near constant dizziness and my legs would lock up while walking and I would rather not go through that again! -
Not a pretty subject constipation help! please
kko2ffs replied to Merri Beth's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Merri Beth, We are almost twins - same weight/height/goal. My surgery was Dec 14th. I had the same difficulties. Colace didn't work for me and in fact didn't sit well in my tummy. For me I find Philips Milk of Magnesia to be the best and does not create gas pain. Miralax worked for me but created gas pain. Good luck to you. -
I've lost 37 pounds since surgery. The thing that helped me was patience. I know that there's no possible way that I can't lose weight right now. I'm not eating a high enough volume of food. So, any stalls are just my metabolism recalibrating.
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Post Op Skin Care - How do I minimize skin issues?
Arabesque replied to Nadae's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Some of what are you are experiencing could be a post surgical effect &/or from the anaesthetic (it’s renown for causing skin & hair dryness). Also there could be some hormonal issues at play too. Slather on a good body lotion & as you start to eat a wider variety of food you may find it decreases. As for loose skin & stretch marks nothing can stop that happening. How much you end up with depends on many factors like age, how long you’ve carried your weight, how long you’ve been at your highest weight & genetics. Think of your skin as a hair band that has been well used & stretched out - ain’t nothing going to make that go back to how it was when it was new. Same with your skin regardless of how many vitamins you take. I’m using a ‘wonder’ cream at the moment that’s supposed to reduce stretch marks. ‘See results in two weeks.’ Well it’s been more than a month & there’s been no change. My skin is a little softer so I guess that’s a win. Won’t be buying it again. Find a good facial oil, with or without collagen. (I love Drunk Elephant’s Marula oil & Charlotte Tilbury’s Collagen superfusion facial oil - wish I could bathe in it.) At the very least you’ll notice a change in the tone & texture of your skin. Then you can join those of us who’ve tried UV, RF & derma needling treatments to help with facial skin laxity. (The treatments have become my new addiction 😁.) -
Hi Jeannie! I am in the same boat... have lost 20 lbs in the first couple weeks after revision to bypass, and only another 1-2 lbs the last week or so. I am one month out today. It looks like you went on to lost another 41 lbs in the next 2 months or so, is that right? That is super encouraging! I just started regular foods today, so I am hoping that jump starts my weight loss again. Did you notice anything that you did that helped yours start up again after the stall?
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Stalls are normal after the initial post-surgery weight loss. Its your body's time to stop and reset and get used to the new pipes. lol It's feeling that "uh oh something is different so it must be wrong" feeling so it's holding on to all the calories it can in case your body needs them to cope with what ever stress is happening. Once it realizes there is no new stress (other than new pipes!) it will start burning the calories/fat for you again. That is my "very non-professional" explanation. Hope that helps!
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Pre-Op by a month and I'm scared...
Arabesque replied to Kris Poole's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
To add to @Smanky’s response, remember the main reason you’re doing this - for your child. It’s a very good reason coupled with improving your general health. I mean it won’t change your MS status but the weight loss will likely make your life easier. I didn’t have any comorbidities befits my surgery but I knew the chances of them starting were very high. And I wanted to be able to do fun things with my nieces & nephews. And I can now. On Christmas Eve I was jumping on a trampoline with four of them. We were laughing so much as they tried to double bounce me so I’d fall over - I did. They’re aged 5-9 & I’m looking at 58 this year. Before the surgery I wouldn’t (embarrassed) & couldn't (physically) do that. It is so worth all the perfectly ok concerns & worries you may have before the surgery. All the best. -
VSG Experience; starting weight 205lbs
Michele 2021 replied to KRod6's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was also a lower BMI… prior to my surgery I was 205. I’m almost 2 years post op and will fluctuate between 139-144. Lbs. I was hoping to lose a bit more weight but appear to be stuck at my present weight and am very happy. My surgery was a breeze! No issue’s postoperatively only took pain meds. For a few days. no hair loss, no dumping syndromes or any issues at all! It’s been a wonderful experience for me and I have zero regrets. The best of luck to you on your weight loss journey! My only advice is to keep up with the exercise water and diet plan! It’s so easy to lose your focus on those things when your at a smaller size…. -
Post Op Skin Care - How do I minimize skin issues?
Smanky replied to Nadae's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I kept my skin in the best condition I could with collagen support supplements, biotin, hydration and body lotions with actives like retinol in it. Oh and a daily and pedantic application of 50+ SPF. I still have a lot of loose skin (I'm 51, so it's not gonna bounce back much), but the scars are almost gone and my skin is as happy as it can be. There's no escaping at least some loose skin with big weight loss, and unless plastics are an option down the track, leaning to love it is all you can do! -
Classical/opera singing straight after surgery
learn2cook replied to Allycaterpillar's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I just sing for fun with my church choir. It took me four months to build up my stomach muscles to reach F and G. I noticed remarked improvement after I was cleared for weight lifting and yoga. You will get more gigs and you will have more stamina (Adele). Only you know your body, but I can only suggest you let yourself heal. Professional singing takes serious abs! -
Sleeved 2017, Bypass 2023.. I'm actually terrified this time..
JohnGraySmiley replied to TheRevisionedVagabond's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Hey! No problem. You’re more than welcome. Thanks for your well wishes. 🤗 No question is bad, ask away. That’s why we’re here. Support. 🙏🏾 I chose the DS because the sleeve & DS were once one procedure & in some cases, they still are. I figured there’s more “practice” with this one. 😀 Also, my therapist had the full DS switch procedure done & she randomly shared while I was in therapy one night discussing some of my challenges with weight. She’s done well & hers was several years ago. Lastly, I trust my surgeon’s statistics. He performed my sleeve. He’s the head of the bariatric program at the healthcare system he works for. He also teaches there, so his advice helped after he shared what I should expect from bypass or switch. I still have a lot of restriction from my sleeve, so he won’t do anything to my stomach this time around. I’m not sure if this is what some may call a “mini bypass”. Don’t think I’ve heard that term before. I lost 90 lbs from 2016 - 2017 following my sleeve. He told me to expect to lose 50-60lbs with this surgery. In 2016 I asked him how the sleeve would effect my weight insecurities, & if weight would still be an issue. He was very honest and said, “you’ll always have a goal to lose 10 more lbs.” -
Eeetch. That is tough, but you I’ll drop weight like mad! So that is exciting!