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Hi there. So I will make this as short as I can I have had a good amount of health issues and surgeries throughout my life. I am a 34 y.o. mom of 3 who has no appendix or gallbladder. Also I have had a few brain surgeries and procedures before ultimately having to have craniotomy all thanks to a A.V.M. in my cerebellum. There was a time when I had a "G-tube" as well. I was 210 and was starting my lifestyle changes because I was completely unhappy with myself. My primary prescribed me semiglutide pills since my weight and my fasting glucose levels weren't ideal He also referred me to a WLS dept to gain information on the VGS. He believes that I am perfectly healthy just overweight. I have gone through 5 months of nutrition classes. One a month. My final class is Thursday (tomorrow) and I'm uncertain if this is for me. I am down to 184 which I am absolutely proud of myself for. I know that with my height (5'2) the normal but high bmi is 135/136. I believe 137 starts the overweight bmi section. I see the surgeon in Jan & psychologist in Feb. I am not sure id pass that clearance with these thoughts. And since im on the lower end for weight loss I am afraid I would be denied anyway. I don't have any health conditions req for WLS if you don't meet bmi requirements Haha I know im annoying. I want the surgery but then don't at the same time. I have improved my lifestyle choices, getting more active, proportioning meals etc but I'm not sure if I continue with just these things I could lose more weight. Ugggh I frustrate myself. Anyone start on the lower side? Does BMI really matter. 5'2s where are you? I know everyone carries their weight differently so it looks different on everyone. What is comfortable?
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Congratulations to everyone for what you've achieved and what we know you can achieve! I'm 61 and had my surgery August 20, 2024. The weight has been coming off and I've been exercising regularly (Orange Theory Fitness), taking walks, walking the dog, line dancing. The pre-and-post surgery fast can be a challenge but I think it prepares you for next stages. I'm still eating about 2oz/meal. I'm definitely in an exploratory stage as far as playing around with foods and understanding when is too much. I returned to a habit of snacking before bed by eating a small piece of cheese or an ounce of nuts... that was definitely the wrong idea. I paid for that by feeling very uncomfortable. I kicked that habit to the curb quickly. So I'm working on eating dinner earlier and making applesauce the snack. I'm open to ideas. We've got this!
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I was 330 lbs in 10/2019 had the sleevectomy. Since day one massive pain in my stomach. Never healed. Kaiser Dr. Edward Zane Southbay medical center. Was in hospital 2 days went home with a bottle of hydromorphone. I’m 56 years old, 6’1 and weigh 195. In 2021 I was as high as 220 but taking daily opioids and now I’m weaning myself off of them switching to cannabis gummies. Even on cannabis with the munchies I can’t eat anything. I never healed and I’ve struggled for 5 years. I was prescribed hydromorphone since 2019 and I need it at every meal or drink. If I drink water I cramp and bowl over in pain. I eat anything cold or hot I bend over in pain. I had ultrasounds endoscopies etc. I have serious GERD and been on proton pump inhibitors for 2 years. I can’t eat protein of any type without massive pain and opioids from a hamburger white fish pork steak chicken turkey it all hurts all of the time. Carbs and minor fat also hurt but not as much as protein. I switched to BCBS the new bariatric Dr says I either have a stricture or I need the bypass surgery now. current weight is 195and I’ve been losing weight this past year and really hate all food. It doesn’t matter if it’s carbs fat or protein it hurts my stomach. I also get nauseous and throw up if I eat too much regardless and have massive cramping 5years later. Also have burning sensation with bowel movements but was tested negative for crohns/ulcerative colitis. after 5 years addicted to opioids I went to BCBS and they said Cedars Sinai surgeons can look at stricture correction surgery or just go for the bypass. They want me to eat nuclear egg salad and barium drink during an mri to see what is wrong. Last endoscopy was 10/24 and my esophageal ulcer was 90% healed. I had an untreated ulcer since 2019 that also contributed. Current medication metoprolol 100 mg x a day lisinopril20 mg 2 x a day, Amlodipine 5mg 2 x a day, omeprazole 2x a day, gummies and Vicodin daily with every meal. I can stop opioids once the pain stops. after 5 years of losing weight and my quality of life has deteriorated I’m leaning towards bypass surgery. please help group. I also have massive starvation and nutrition issues and take vitamins but still can’t get even 2k of calories in my body and have low energy all of the time. sincerely, Mark
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Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!
Christina B1128 replied to Justarwaxx's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Congrats! Welcome to the post-op club! I will be 2 years post-op next month. I can't believe how fast the time has flown! I am now at 132 pounds and feeling the best I have in years. To be honest, I have not had many issues so far, the most difficult one being my hemoglobin and ferritin levels were down to 8 and 5 respectively back in February. So my nutritionist said I needed to start iron (nature's way ultimate iron) that and along with iron infusions for 5 weeks brought me up to hemoglobin 13 and ferritin 22. To be fair, I've been anemic most of my life, but a gastric bypass makes iron harder to absorb as it is. I have a membership to the YMCA. I dance and I love Zumba and Pilates. I've also started Vinyasa Yoga. My biggest chunk of weight came off last March after a 3-week stall. I don't have dumping syndrome as much. I like to stay active and now that I have way more energy it is doable. It's been a year since I'm off of CPAP. Prediabetes gone, A1C at 5.5. Inflammation is nonexistent in my lab draws. I love buying smaller clothes and I love this new me. Maintenance has been fairly easy, I keep in mind that I never want to be obese again. -
"You're wasting away"
Lilia_90 replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I had a colleague come up to me during my coffee break and hovering over my head saying "can I ask you a question?" and I instantly knew what he was going to say, and he goes "are you okay? You look really thin and frail these days" he is a sweetheart and he is someone I have worked with a long time ago and have great rapport with, so I just smiled and told him yes I am okay and thanked him for his concern. Not a day goes by that I don't receive comments from multiple people on my physical appearance. How thin I look, how awesome I look ...etc. and it's just a multitude of opinions varying from you look awesome to are you sure you're not terminally ill? I asked my husband the other day if he thinks I look like death and he goes you look like a sports illustrated model, which at the end of the day, is the only opinion I value besides my own opinion of myself. People see it as drastic weight loss, I see it as one of the greatest successes of my life, using a tool that helped me lose weight and running with it resulting in great satisfaction and a much healthier body image. I don't take these comments to heart, I look and feel great, and often think that most of these comments aren't personal, they are probably the byproduct of shock. Yes a fraction of them are ill-intended but then again, why should they matter to me? The good and bad, they're just opinions and they belong to others, not me. -
Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!
learn2cook replied to Justarwaxx's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Congratulations on your new you! My RNY surgery was August 12, 2021. My biggest fear before WLS was maintenance. I kept loosing until 2yrs, 3mo. There were a number of stalls, a couple of gains, but maintenance isn’t that bad. The stats are in the file on here, but I lost 75lbs before surgery, and 75lbs after. My tops are the same size as when I was 5’7” and 140lbs at age 20 so I think I’m there (I’ve aged and shrunk, and acquired a load of skin since then. It all hangs around my belly apron and above my knees.) I’m 56yrs old and love being active and staying active is my passion. The trick is to find activities you love, then let yourself obsess over them! The secret to my maintenance is smell. I have wicked allergies and noticed I loose weight easily when I can’t smell anything. So, I “forget” to take my nasal spray, or wear a mask with peppermint scent in it. Viola, 5-10 lbs falls off in a week. Thankfully, I also dump on sugar so I don’t need to do the smell trick often :) -
Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win??🥇
NeonRaven8919 replied to Mspretty86's topic in Rants & Raves
Not sure if this is a win, or if it's just in my mind, but here it is. I was in the US for Thanksgiving so I haven't been riding my bike to work for the last two weeks. Today, I got on the bike for the the first time in two weeks and I just felt lighter and faster than I usually do. I think my bike is breathing a sigh of relief that she has less weight to carry. I can feel like I'm really flying now, even on the eco power mode (ebike) and not the full power mode. -
August Surgery buddies
Justarwaxx replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey, congrats on starting your journey! So, sleeve and bypass are both great options, but they work a bit differently. With the sleeve, they remove a part of your stomach, so it’s smaller, which means you’ll eat less and feel full faster. It’s a simpler surgery, and you don’t have to worry about rerouting your intestines or major long-term complications. But, it’s irreversible, and if you have or develop acid reflux, it might get worse. Now, bypass is a bit more intense. They make your stomach smaller and reroute part of your intestines. It’s great if you have diabetes or really bad reflux because it helps with those. Plus, people often lose weight faster. But the downside is you have to be super committed to taking your vitamins forever, or you’ll run into deficiencies. And there’s this thing called dumping syndrome if you eat too much sugar or fat, which feels awful. Honestly, it depends on your health and your goals. Like, do you have reflux or diabetes? How much weight do you want to lose? And are you okay with a more complex surgery if it gives better results? Your surgeon will guide you based on all that, so don’t stress too much now. Just go in with your questions ready. You’ve got time to figure it all out. Good luck at your consultation—it’s a big step, and you’re doing amazing by researching! i did the bypass and lost 20 kgs in 3.5 months Starting weight 109 kg and now 89 kg Also regain is harder with bypass. I suggest u keep reading and also there's more information on YouTube and tiktok -
Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!
Justarwaxx replied to Justarwaxx's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I completely understand what you mean about the surreal feeling and the challenges of adapting mentally to the changes in our bodies. It's so interesting (and inspiring) to hear about your experience of seeing food as fuel and learning to listen to your new stomach – that’s something I’m working on too. It’s definitely a process to shift those old habits and ways of thinking about food! I also resonate with the struggle of recognizing our new size. It’s such a strange feeling to realize that clothes we never thought would fit actually do now. It’s a learning curve both physically and mentally, but it sounds like you’re handling it with such grace and determination. Wishing you all the best with your gym journey – muscle gain definitely changes the scale numbers, but it’s amazing to see your strength and confidence grow! Thank you again for sharing your story – it’s so motivating for me. 💕 -
Many find having elevated liver function tests whilst in the losing phase. Weight loss, especially the larger amounts we’re losing, is hard your liver. It does settle again once your weight stabilises. If your liver was fine before surgery and now a couple of months in & your labs are elevated I would think it may be because of your weight loss and it will improve. But see what your surgeon says.
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Food Before and After Photos
Lilia_90 replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Weighed myself today and saw that I lost weight after stabilizing for almost 3 months, yikes. So ice cream it was, took the kids for an after dinner ice cream run and decided to have one myself. I was reluctant and decided to lick some off theirs because I didn’t want to dump, but after driving around and deciding that it was a really good soft serve, and I would eat some and toss the rest away if needed, I went back and grabbed one. Fortunately the soft serve machine ran out of ice cream and I ended up with 1/3 of the portion (divine intervention I tell ya) so this was what I was left with, ate it all! (Also cracked the waffle cone that was sticking out and threw it away, nobody has time to dump this late) -
Im glad to hear it hasn’t been a big issue for you. I have a family member who just died from it so it scared me a bit. I bet the pain is for sure the most difficult thing to deal with nowadays. Everyone is so afraid to prescribe pain meds. I guess what really doesn’t make sense to me, though, is that my liver enzymes were always normal pre surgery and now that I am 4 months post up exercising like crazy and eating great I have it?! Just seems backwards. I did read that “bypass” and “rapid weight loss” are risk factors but would that be something that’s just temporary and not the typical presentation I wonder.
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Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!
The Greater Fool replied to Justarwaxx's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Congratulations on your surgery and success. To answer your questions first: How much weight did you lose after gastric bypass, and over what period of time? I lost 500+ pounds over a period of 2 years. Have you managed to maintain your weight loss, and for how long? I have managed my weight at just about a Normal BMI for just shy of 20 years. What were the biggest lessons or hurdles you faced during your journey? The biggest hurdle I had was the actual surgery. It was an open surgery where they cut from stem to sturn so they can reach in and manage the surgery then staple things back up. The staples at drain were extraordinarily painful with the slightest movement for the month until they took them out. Another couple weeks after that I was as good as gold. Next was learning how to eat, chewing, swallowing, learning when I was full, learning that I dumped on fats, then learning I dumped on sugars. Listening to my stomach on what I would be able to tolerate, then how much. Learning not to take that one more bite. My highest point was running 5 marathons, the third of which was across the Golden Gate Bridge (twice). Never even a hint of a possibility before my surgery. Good luck, Tek -
So I am four months post op from my revision and I just had an MRI for something unrelated but my dr said I have fatty liver. This is very puzzling to me because I get my labs every 6 months and nothing has been off to indicated elevated enzymes and of course they were just in there and didn’t think it looked bad?? Google does say that “bypass” and rapid weight loss are risk factors on one site but I would like to think that would be a temporary issue that resolves itself? I am going to call my surgeon first thing tomorrow but I’m just curious to know if anyone else has had anything like this. I recall a few people saying their liver labs came back elevated and their bariatric teams were not concerned but what about imaging?
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I believe it’s only supposed to maybe beneficial to your immune system (bovine colostrum for adults vs how human mother’s colostrum benefits a human baby). Nothing about consuming it for weight loss. Out of curiosity I wonder what the nutritional value is?
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"You're wasting away"
Spinoza replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
"Unfortunately, so many people think they have a right to comment on our bodies" I think that's the take home message here. Some people are well-meaning, some people aren't. Either way it doesn't give them the right to say whatever is in their heads about us without considering what the effect of hearing that might be. I have been beaten into a corner by those both when I was obese and now that I'm not. The furthest I go with commenting on the appearance of people in my life is to tell them they're looking good. And that doesn't relate at all to their weight. They're almost always looking good to me 🤩 -
Survived Thanksgiving!
Spinoza replied to NeonRaven8919's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Sounds like it went as well as it possibly could have. And losing weight over Thanksgiving - only WLS can achieve that surely! Nice work - I know you were wary before you went. -
"You're wasting away"
ms.sss replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
so here's my take on it: its all about relativity others have been so used to your bigger size for so long that when you change that long-held view is such a short amount of time, its jarring and surprising to them. compared to your previous morbid obese self, your regular overweight size seems tiny...despite the fact that on paper you are actually indeed overweight. i started at 235 lbs, and when i got to 150 lbs 5 months later, everyone around me were calling anorexic or starved human or cancer patient or every kind of slightly uncomfortable comment you can think of. but i mean, i was still overweight and like 25 lbs from goal. geez, man. now 6+ years later, i am 105 lbs (and well below my initial goal weight) and no one even bats an eyelash...and this is 45 lbs less than when they were all worried for my existence! its ridiculous because *i* actually think i'm the thin side these days and everyone else just keeps telling me i look awesome (which i do, but still...lololololzzzzz 😂😂😂) long story short...the only opinion that matters is YOURS. nod and pat the head of others who have something to say and just keep on truckin'. good luck! ❤️ -
Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win??🥇
NeonRaven8919 replied to Mspretty86's topic in Rants & Raves
Tomorrow is my 2 month surgiversary and I'm already halfway to my (numerical) weight loss goal! -
August Surgery buddies
Justarwaxx replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey there, I hear you! Craving processed carbs can feel like a slippery slope, especially when it keeps triggering your hunger—it’s such a common struggle for many of us post-surgery. The good news? You’ve already recognized the pattern, and that’s half the battle! First, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a journey, and cravings don’t mean failure. Try focusing on protein first—it’ll help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you fuller longer. Pair it with healthy carbs like veggies or a small portion of sweet potato, which you know don’t mess with your appetite as much Another tip: stay hydrated! Sometimes thirst can sneakily feel like hunger. And if you’re still feeling those cravings, maybe try a low-carb alternative for the thing you’re craving (like zucchini noodles instead of pasta or almond flour crackers) Lastly, take it one day at a time. You haven’t gained, and that’s proof you’re still in control. You’ve got this—remember why you started and keep moving forward! 💪 -
"You're wasting away"
BigSue replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
This is kind of a random anecdote, but I recently went to a new doctor who noted on my chart that I was "ill-appearing," citing "temporal wasting." I had never seen that term before, so I googled it, and it means a hollow look on the temples of the face, which can be a sign of malnutrition (but also just aging and weight loss). Maybe an interesting point that there are some legit signs that doctors look for to indicate illness, and perhaps laypeople pick up on it subconsciously to get the sense that you look unwell. -
Do you track your food? That would help! I rarely feel "full" I just eat what I know I should be. 3-4oz of protein, veggies then carbs (if I even eat them). Lots of water. Snacks are meat sticks, cheese, PB balls, fruit and ect...Also moving is huge! Building up the exercise, example I started at walking 1/4 mile in 30 min to now I run 3.25miles in 30min, its been a huge success to my weight loss. Movement really will help!
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Need some suggestions please....
Lily2024 replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just a thought here, you've recently had several surgeries, along with a large blood loss. Significant weight loss, and new job. Now working overnights a few days a week. I'm thinking you may be feeling the effects of the combination of all those things, and it will take you and your body longer to adjust than someone who hasn't been through all of that? I remember you saying you have to eat very low carb due to sensitivity, and maybe your body is not liking that considering the increased demand on energy. Is there anything you could pair some carbs with that wouldn't make you feel awful? Like crackers with butter and cheese? That would provide fats, protein and carbs all together? -
Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!
AmberFL replied to Justarwaxx's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Congrats on how well you have been doing!! I had the gastric sleeve and would love to share my story The good: I had my surgery on January 24, 2024, and I am now almost one year post-op. I reached my goal weight about seven months after the surgery and have been maintaining it within a +/- 3-pound range. Once I started weightlifting, I noticed a significant transformation in my body, which has kept me motivated because I am starting to love what I see in the mirror. I have gone from a size 2/3X top to an XS/S top, and from size 18 pants to size 4. I never imagined my body could look and feel this good. My health has vastly improved, and I have so much energy. I am happier, and that positivity radiates from me. The bad/challenges: I still experience episodes of binge eating, although it is not as severe as it was before. However, when I'm not being mindful, I tend to grab chips and eat too many, or take mini candies and other snacks that I shouldn't have. I am aware of my actions, but for some reason, I don't seem to care in the moment. It has happened maybe two to three times, and each time, I feel really angry with myself. I recognize that this is something I need to work on, and I'm conscious of it. I understand that this will be a lifelong challenge for me, but I am actively working on it and taking it one day at a time. I tend to be hard on myself because I am so afraid of going back to my old habits. This is a second chance at life and I want to make the most of this! Everyone has their own journey. We will all face challenges and struggles, but for the most part, this is an amazing tool! Make the most of it in the first 12 to 18 months. Take advantage of the rapid weight loss, work out, and engage in activities that intimidated you when you weighed more. Take risks, because I promise you will be so happy that you did! -
No, Luxembourg. Here it is covered but you have to meet certain conditions like significant weight loss, loss has stablised and then the doctor submits a report to the health service. I figure I will go and see what he says, the cost of the consultation is 90% refundable so nothing really to lose.
