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Daily calorie intake
BlondePatriotInCDA replied to reennnee's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I agree with your statement and probably why I've been in a holding pattern at the same weight now for 2+ months and I'm not happy about it. As far as macros: Protein: 80 grams was 70 until 3 months post op Carbs: 50 or less - H2O: min of 45oz but prefer 80+- JennyBeez: "It sort of makes sense? A nutritionist I saw years back (not program related) told me that she often starts people on higher calorie counts and then as the weight loss slows down, that's when she restricts them further to keep the momentum going. These days, I take it all with a grain (or seven) of salt because everyone reacts differently to foods / calories / etc. Different strokes. " These are what they've had me at since I went to solids about 8 weeks post op. I've had no change oin calories since then..your idea makes sense tho! -
Having doubts.. lost a lot pre surgery.
NickelChip replied to Jordan.RNY's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If you've lost weight and gained it back multiple times, you might want to ask yourself if there was something truly, miraculously different THIS time that is going to stop you from repeating that pattern. Because if you have not had a completely life changing experience that has totally altered your approach to weight loss and nutrition forever, there's no reason to think the weight loss this time is going to prove any more permanent than it was before. But only you know the answer to that. Change is scary, and surgery is a big change. The chances of a serious complication are very tiny, but the chances for things that annoy you after surgery are close to 100%. I still find that I get an upset stomach about once a week for reasons unknown, and it can be a real nuisance. And I still have to take protein shake supplements sometimes and I hate how they taste. On the other hand, the power of the metabolic changes for losing weight and improving comorbidities is unmatched. All I can say personally is that I worked with my hospital nutrition and medical program for 7 long years only to never reach anywhere close to my goal and eventually gain every single pound back. I have now reached a weight after only 4 months post-op that I haven't seen in 25 years, no matter how many times I tried. And the surgery gives me a much better chance of keeping it off. So I'm glad I did it. Whatever you decide, just make sure you are being realistic with yourself about the possible risks and rewards of either choice. -
I have read through so many posts on the topic of revision and see that people are mostly very happy to have gone through with it but a lot of them seem to be due to regain, hernias or bad GERD so my query is a bit different. My surgeon has mentioned a number of times to me about doing a revision from sleeve to bypass as following my surgery a year ago I had bad reflux. When I was released from hospital in November I was prescribed two pantomed (PPI) a day and since then GERD has become less frequent, for the last three months I am now on just one a day and I don't consider that the GERD impacts me, maybe once a week I might have a bit of gas, but the surgeon was still suggesting bypass and at my last appointment (in May) even mentioned that it would help me lose more weight, even though I was then just 5kg/11lb from the target he gave me and still only 10 months post-op. Given all the complications I had after my sleeve surgery in July last year I am very hesitant to have any further operations as I don't know if it was the medical teams fault and/or my body. If it is something that the surgeon says is needed I am torn between asking for a referral to another hospital or risking his team again in the belief that they would be extremely careful with me after everything that went wrong the year ago. So far, in just under 12 months, I have lost 47kg/103lb and am only 7kg/15lb away from my goal weight (3kg from the surgeon's target) and therefore I was wondering, from those who have gone through the revision process, if you think it is worth it? For me the only benefit I see is that I would be able to stop taking the daily pantomed, so not sure that is worth risking another surgery for. I have not had a single dumping episode and for the last few months have been able to tolerate all foods without issue so am a bit fearful that the bypass may lead to a backwards step on those fronts. If my GERD is not impacting me is there any other long-term benefit to the revision when I am still (slowly) losing weight? I don't want to go more than a few kg below my goal weight as it is not a good look on me. If there is no drastic weight loss, given so much has been achieved already, is there hair loss with the revision? Any insights would be appreciated as I have my one year check-up in a couple of weeks and I want to be prepared for when the topic is raised
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take pictures of your self now before the weight loss begins! also take your body measurements!
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Having doubts.. lost a lot pre surgery.
JennyBeez replied to Jordan.RNY's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There's no shame in postponing or calling off the surgery if you're feeling uncertain about it. It's a big step to take, and there's no un-doing it. It can change your life for the better, but there's also lots of changes that become necessary that are difficult. Not to mention, any surgery carries risks associated. Maybe take this weekend to think about why you decided to get the surgery to begin with. Everyone's reasons are different, but for the most part I think a lot of us have had the up-down fluctuations, the diets that works and then the weight came back, the diets that never worked to begin with, etc. Is the weight loss your only goal, or do you have other obesity related health conditions that this would improve? Do the benefits to your life outweigh (hehe) the potential drawbacks? Also, question your uncertainty now. Is it because you think you haven't given other weight loss attempts a fair shot, and feel like you now can? Is it because you think the pre-op weight loss will continue at a similar rate, or do you feel like this jumpstart of weight loss has given you a better starting point to continue with other diet/exercise methods to lose the rest? Or is it because the surgery itself / risks / post-op side effects / etc are giving you reason to doubt? Like @SleeveToBypass2023 said, the pre-op diet isn't meant to last long term. It's basically a cleanse / crash diet to reduce complications prior to surgery. I don't know what your specific program had you on during this stage, but I had two weeks of 'medical shakes' that basically amounted to a starvation diet in terms of calories. My pre-op diet program definitely would not have been healthy to continue long term -- and honestly, it reminded me of other diets I tried in the past (looking at you 1990's slim fast) that would help you shed some quick initial pounds but came back ridiculously easily just trying to stay in 'maintenance'. There's no right or wrong answer here. No matter what choice you make, you'll be making in your own best interest. -
It sort of makes sense? A nutritionist I saw years back (not program related) told me that she often starts people on higher calorie counts and then as the weight loss slows down, that's when she restricts them further to keep the momentum going. These days, I take it all with a grain (or seven) of salt because everyone reacts differently to foods / calories / etc. Different strokes.
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Having doubts.. lost a lot pre surgery.
ShoppGirl replied to Jordan.RNY's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Did you lose this weight on the liver shrink diet? If so, that diet is specifically designed to drop a big chunk of weight quickly but unfortunately the weight loss won’t continue to come off that easily long term. Only you know if you have given it your best shot at natural weight loss in the past but if you are like many of us here you have tried a number of times and nothing works to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off. It’s your body and there is no shame in rescheduling if you feel like you need to give it one more try but also keep in mind that the biggest regret that many people list about bariatric surgery is not having done it sooner. Maybe make a list of the pros and cons and one of all the ways you have tried to lose weight in the past. Also keep in mind that pre surgery jitters are perfectly normal. You wouldn’t be sane if you weren’t at least a little nervous about major surgery. You are not alone. -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
Arabesque replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Besides our usual daily hair loss, we also experiences more major hair loss cycle about every 7 years. (I just had one which was a bit scary). We also tend to shed more in summer than winter. I’m more conscious of my regular hair loss since my surgery & because I have a protein malabsorption issue. Maybe you’re more conscious of it too. Don’t forget stress & anxiety can increase hair loss too. As to vitamins, we get told so many different things & then we all have our own individual needs. For example with my sleeve I was only advised to take a multivitamin & vitamin D in the beginning. After a couple of months I was told to drop the vitamin D. At about 8 months, my surgeon okayed me dropping the multi vitamins too. But my blood work continues to come back fine (except for the protein 😩). I do take D3 in winter as my levels drop a little then. It’s a mouth spray which you may absorb better than capsules - worth a try. If you’re concerned about your iron levels, there’s nothing stopping you taking a supplement even if your doctor says not to worry. May be take them every second day to reduce the possible nausea & constipation side effects associated with iron supplements. There are studies saying taking iron on alternate days is actually better so …. Something to consider anyway. -
June 2024 Surgery Buddies?
FlutterflyD replied to Mississippigal21's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I will be having my surgery on June 26. My current weight is 326. I am so happy and ready to move forward with my weight loss -
Food Before and After Photos
Tomo replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm so so sorry for your loss [emoji22]. -
Calling all hair gods! And hormonal acne
Erin18 replied to Erin18's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I haven't lightened my hair since August due to the fact that I ended up damaging it and I don't want to use lightened anymore until my hair is healthy again. I only use a semi permanent color which won't damage because there's no developer in it. I dont go to the salon. I have my license so I do my own hair. I know our hair is made up of protein (keratin). I know my problem is not getting that protein in. Why do I struggle with it so much? The Collagen I take has biotin in it. I just wanted to know if there was something along with protein that would help. I take my vitamins.every day. Nothing came up in blood work saying I was lacking anything. I had blood work done in february and last month. Both came back good. I did cut off a good amount of my hair back in April I think it was. It was about 2 and a half to 3 inches. I also keep my hair up in a bun cause I don't like the way it looks down lol. I like it out of my face too tho -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
Hey Man replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
He wasn't concerned in that it was just slightly low - so he didn't feel a need to pump me full of more iron with a new level of pills to take. He didn't specifically say that doesn't think the iron is the reason for the hair loss. That is still up in the air and up to the dermatologist. I think when a man tells a doctor they are losing their hair - it is often an assumption of age (I am 53) or male pattern baldness or some more common issue. My blood work has been good overall, so I guess nothing is jumping out at him. I will let you know what happens. Thanks! -
Calling all hair gods! And hormonal acne
Cindy Lynn T replied to Erin18's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had my surgery about 10 months ago and started losing my hair 6 months post-op. My hair was thick and curly and now its thin and the curl is not like it used to be. I started taking biotin, I'm using the OGX biotin and collagen shampoo and conditioner and now my husband got me the Spoiled Child biotin hair boost spray. I have baby hairs that have definitely grown in the last month, so maybe something is helping! I couldn't believe the amount of hair that came out in the beginning!! Thank god that only lasted about a month because I was scared I was going to have bald patches! For now I wear my hair up in a bun because I hate the way it looks when it is down. -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
catwoman7 replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If your ferritin level is OK, I wouldn't worry too much about the iron, esp if your surgeon hasn't said anything. Ferritin is the iron stores in your body that your body taps into if it's too low on iron. also, as far as people taking different amounts of supplements, it depends on the surgery (DS and RNY patients malabsorp vitamins and minerals, so they're usually required to take more of them than sleeve patients are), and as someone else said, after the initial few months post-op, how much you take is going to depend on your labs. If you're too low on something, you'll be told to take more of it; too high on something else, you'll probably be told to cut back. hair loss this far after surgery could be due to a lot of things (although I just read that iron deficiencies CAN cause it). Are you meeting your protein requirements? That can cause it, too. -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
ShoppGirl replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I don’t know for certain how much of an iron deficiency you would need To cause hair loss but I assumed that your doctor does. I just figured If he said he wasn’t concerned and was referring you to a dermatologist then he had ruled out iron as the issue. I guess the easiest way to know for sure would be to increase your supplements though. Doctors aren’t always right after all. I really hope you figure it out soon. I can only imagine how scary it must be to not know the cause. -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
Hey Man replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hey ShoppGirl, I haven't had Covid recently as far as I know, but I did have Covid in 2023 and there was no hair loss issue then and I got over it quickly. If it isn't the iron, then I would be even more concerned, because it could be a 100 other things. Just seemed to make the most sense given that I haven't had any other recent changes. I should say that I am low in vitamin D, but I always am. No matter how much I take - other medication I take for epilepsy diminishes the vitamin D in my system. I have been this way forever, but it hasn't caused hair issues as I know that vitamin D deficiency can be a factor with hair loss. So maybe the D in addition to the iron is a problem. Unless you are saying that you need to have extreme iron deficiency for it to impact hair and not just a slight deficiency. Yes, I am being referred to a dermatologist. I hope whatever it is - will just be temporary. Thanks for your response. HM -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
ShoppGirl replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
There are so many opinions about what vitamins people are told to take immediately post op any even more variations of what they stay on once people get labs back and realize that our bodies all respond differently to the same surgery. If your doctor isn’t concerned about your iron I would keep an eye on it with your labs but I doubt it’s low enough to be responsible for hair loss. A stab in the dark though, did you have COVID lately by any chance. A friend of a friend of mine got COVID and then started losing her hair several weeks afterwards. A quick google just revealed it’s referred to as hair shedding and it often follows a very high fever that comes with COVID and one site suggests biotin. If this applies to you maybe do a little more research into it. Otherwise I think a trip to the dermatologist is a good next step if your doctor didn’t see any explanation in your labs. -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
Hey Man replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hey Tek, Thanks for responding. I should have mentioned though that I had my surgery in May 2023. So any effects from the stress of just having surgery are long gone. I have been fine blood work wise and hair wise all this time. The hair loss has been sudden now thus why I am assuming that the slight iron deficiency is the factor here. As I said my family doctor isn't that concerned because it is a slight deficiency and a blood test a month later could be fine, so he isn't yet feeling the need to tell me to take more iron daily. For me, I was told the mutlivitamin, B12, vitamin D and calcium is for LIFE from the hospital/doctors where I had my surgery. Not a temporary thing. It seems random since that doesn't appear to be the case for you. Thanks again. HM -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
The Greater Fool replied to Hey Man's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Surgery is a stress on your body that often causes hair to fall out. Suppliments won't change it. My suppliments started with a basic multivitam, iron (slow-FE), Calcium, and B-12. The basic multivitamin is because the first few months we are often on a virtual starvation diet so it's to make up that deficiency. After the first few months we were expected to eat adequately to cover typical requirements. Iron, Calcium, and B-12 additionally because Bypass patients are known to malabsorb iron, calcium & B-12. Any and all other suppliments were/are in response to deficiencies in blood work. Times have changed in the last 20 some-odd years. I haven't. Good luck, Tek -
How Much Iron Were You Told You Needed Daily?
Hey Man posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Greetings, I live in Canada, so things may be different from US recommendations - but after having the sleeve, I was told that 2 multivitamins a day with no less than 9mg of iron was all I need. I have a slight iron deficiency with blood work I had done and looking into it online - it seems some patients are required to take a separate iron supplement in addition to a multivitamin. It just seems to be random depending on where you have your surgery. My doctor isn't that concerned, but I have noticed some hair fall/thinning - so I am assuming it is the iron deficiency even if slight and so I am kind of freaking out about it. Going to a dermatologist to see what they have to say. So I was just curious to get some feedback here. Are you just taking multivitamins or additional iron on top of that? Thank you, HM -
Just really need some encouragement if anyone will
JennyBeez replied to Dchonlee's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ditto the ditto, and I also wanted to say WOW. 29 lbs in 2 weeks is actually pretty incredible when you think about it. Most non-WLS diets average 1-2 lbs per week at most, after the initial water-retention loss. Think about it -- can you think of any time in your life that you even managed to lose 5-10 lbs per week? 14 or 15 instead is amazing. ^___^ I think it's really important in WLS groups to remember that while we're all here to chime in and give support, share common trials and tribulations -- actual comparisions of weight or inches lost can be a little unhealthy / unrealistic. Everyone starts from a different place -- different surgery day weights, different co-morbidities, different physicalities. Even where we carry our weight can make a big difference in how it comes off. So while it's great to find common ground with others here, please please please never judge your own journey by how others' have gone before you. It's not a contest. The only winner is you, the individual who wakes up every day and makes conscious healthy choices (often difficult -- especially at the beginning) to work towards your goal. ❤️ -
Thank you all for your suggestions. It helps to just know that I am not alone in this. Some of these options I have never even heard of and others that I had forgotten. For starters, I am one of those people that has the tv on 24/7 just for the background noise and I always turn it to a familiar show at night so the tones do not wake me. I absolutely cannot sleep when it’s quiet but I’m sure the light from the tv is not helping me now. If I go to a friends house or the power is off or something, I listen to podcasts and I think maybe I need to switch to that to eliminate the blue light for starters and I definitely want to do some research on that red light as well Also its curious you mention the hot shower at night @ms.sss because I recently started sweating at night dampening my hair and bed clothes (I assume it’s the beginning of the change) so I switched to morning showers… maybe that’s playing a part In all this. Perhaps until I get back on track I need to take a second shower or bath. I guess I won’t have the sweating excuse for not doing a little cardio at night either. I had a really bad experience with Ambien years ago so I want to steer clear of the prescriptions if at all possible. Two of you mentioned the ashwagandha. I hadn’t heard of that one. I will have to ask my dr about that with my other meds too. Another friend just told me that she has had luck with that magnesium that you spray on your feet for anyone reading this later. I am so relieved to know that there are so many things to try. Something has to work so I can get some 💤. Thanks again.
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i've never used melatonin, BUT... some tips from a self-proclaimed insomniac (i.e, me! lol) i sleep very little (always have, but even less so since losing the weight). pre-surgery i averaged maybe 6 hours a night; past five years or so, its closer to 4 or 5. weirdly enough i still function perfectly fine during the day, and if anything i probably have an excess of energy (but i digress...). ANYWAY, if i had a few days in a row of very, very, little sleep, and i KNOW i need to get some sleep for some event (like early morning yoga, or need to go to the airport, or gonna have a long party day - like xmas, etc - or something) here are some things i do to ensure i don't toss and turn and stay up all night: 1) don't eat or drink anything (other than water) at least 4 hours before bed. 2) do a bit of cardio a couple hours before bed - OR - some deep stretching just before bed. 3) no screen time at least an hour before bed. 4*) sometimes a hot shower just before bed also works, but then my wet hair may annoy me. so this one is a hit or miss. Good Luck! ❤️
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Just really need some encouragement if anyone will
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Dchonlee's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I would definitely switch up the tomato soup. That can cause havoc on your stomach. 29 pounds in 2 weeks is awesome. That's about where I was. If you look at my signature, you can see I was someone that responded EXTREMELY well to the surgery. But even with that, I had to learn to manage my expectations. Stalls happen. They're real, they suck, they will continue. It's important not to obsess over the number on the scale and pay attention to NSVs (Non Scale Victories). How are your clothes and rings fitting? How is your mobility? Are you able to get off any meds? Can you fit in booths and chairs with arms better? How do you look? When stalls happen, stay off the scale for a while and pay attention to NSVs. In the beginning, you lose the most weight because of water weight, inflammation, and your body's general "OMG wtf just happened??!?!" response to the surgery. The rate of the loss WILL slow down. It's inevitable. That doesn't mean it won't be a success. It just means that you have to change your expectations and relearn the process for what it is, not what you saw on tv or read online that it would be. The higher your bmi and starting weight, the faster you initially lose weight. As your bmi and weight get lower, the weight loss slows down. That doesn't mean it'll stop, it just gets slower. Be very mindful of what you eat, how much, how often. Pay attention to actual hunger vs head hunger. Avoid slider foods. This is the stage where you work on your mindset and relationship with food. No cheating. No alcohol. No junk food. Stick to your diet religiously. Listen to your body. -
Just really need some encouragement if anyone will
catwoman7 replied to Dchonlee's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
first of all, most people who aren't the size of the folks on "My 600 lb Life" tend to lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the entire first MONTH. So at only two weeks out, you are way, way ahead of the game. secondly, you are starting out at a MUCH lower BMI than most WLS patients, and starting BMI is one of the factors that determines your rate of weight loss those first few weeks and months. So your rate of weight loss would be expected to be at the lower end. So again, esp given your low starting weight, you are way ahead of the game. third, you have likely hit the infamous "three-week stall". The vast majority of us have our first major stall within the first month or so after surgery. It's usually the third week, hence the name, but it can happen any time during that first month or so post-op. It usually lasts 1-3 weeks. I had mine during weeks 2 & 3. After it broke, I dropped like six or eight lbs practically overnight. so first, you need to manage your expectations. You are not going to lose like someone who starts out at over 600 lbs. But again, you are currently WAY ahead of most of us even "normal" WLS patients at this point. Secondly, the stall: you just have to ride it out. The only thing you can do is make sure you are following your plan to a "T", and stay off the scale. Stop weighing every day. Just weigh every few days or once a week until it breaks. And it WILL break as long as you're compliant with your plan. if you want more info on the three-week stall, do a search on this site for it. You will find over 17,000 posts on it. And no, I am NOT kidding.
