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Thanks Sophie ! I pretty much am in maintenance , fluctuate between 169-172 and although the charts say 168 is goal, this fees just fine . I am a size medium /8-10 and don’t really have any loose skin . Exercise a few times a week and probably eat 1500 calories a day . Life is good ! How r u doing ?

If it's hard to pull the recliner level see if you can get a short piece of PVC pipe cut (maybe 8- 10 inches long) that will fit over it from the Home Depot. This will make the level longer and thus easier to pull it with less effort. It might be too hard still but in a few more day to a week having a longer lever might let you be able to use the recliner. Just try it when someone is there so you don't get stuck in the recliner. I read somewhere on this site about attaching your drains to a lanyard worn around your neck so that you don't have to unpin them to go to the bathroom etc.. I don't know if that would work for everyone but I guess it did for someone else. I am so glad to hear your recovery is going so well.

Holy ship a PIC line for feeding due to a leak ? I hope you are in the hospital . How long is this to last 10 days or until it's repaired? Not good !

I decided to start a topic because I tested eating out for the second time. My mom and three of her friends wanted to go to Ichiban buffet. I’d been there before my surgery. I asked if they could mention to the server before they bring the check before we started eating to mention my card, that I had gastric bypass and request a child’s menu. It was overwhelming when I first got there so I couldn’t when I’m sensory overload. No one wanted to just ask. I dropped the issue. I wanted to test myself eating out. I still need soft foods, easy to eat things but I did a test for myself. To try. It was a Japanese buffet so they had some sashimi and they had nice cooked fish and shrimp. breakfast I had a 5 oz cottage cheese 110 calories and 19 grams protein, lunch I had a protein shot with tea 60 calories and 15 grams protein. I usually have 48 grams protein a day and max 400 calories average 380 for reference. im guessing my meal at no more than 230 calories, I’ll overestimate. Maybe 5 ounces of food at most. And approximately 20 or so grams of protein. i took a small plate of salmon sashimi maybe 3 oz at most. Approximately 128 calories, 12-13 grams protein. My cheat was to have some wasabi with tiny bits of soy sauce And ginger. I love salmon and wasabi. It was a nice treat in miniature. The salmon goes down easy compared to heavier proteins. I had nibbles of cookes salmon and swai. I had two small soft cooked shrimp. Maybe an ounce which is about 30 calories? 6 grams protein? I ate very slow. I used chopsticks. I did allow myself a tiny cheat at the end. I knew they had a little soft desert sort of like tiramisu I took a piece, a tiny teaspoon of coffee ice cream, and some sort of eggy flan. But took nibbles with the chopsticks and then covered it with a napkin and was done. I didn’t drink anything. I actually felt more sick trying to drink something to take medication when I got home. A few sips of water. I worked hard to eat right but let myself have a very tiny bit of something. I felt the need to test. I’m nearly seven months out and can’t eat regular foods but sometimes we need to be able to feel like we can join other people when they eat and not be tempted. The others ate plates and plates. I ate a few ounces. But it was ok. I got upset when they paid the bill and could have asked for mine to be a child’s portion but didn’t care to ask. I stepped away and despite my autism got up the nerve to go to the desk and mention my surgery and they would have accommodated me had they just asked when we sat down. But I wasn’t in a place to ask I rarely if ever eat out. So don’t be afraid to ask. And get the little medical card from BariatricPal you never know when a restaurant will be open to it. will this be helpful to anyone I hope so. I made sure to eat protein first and fill up. And just a tiny taste of the coffee flavor desert that I remembered liking before surgery. Just a taste. i was worried and I am trying to do little things without stressing too hard. Just keep in mind my own personal rules and foods I can manage. third edit. I think I am learning that due to a neurological form of dysphasia, water and thinner liquids actually make me feel more sick, thN soft easier to digest foods, it’s crazy.

@Sweetsoul oh how I understand how hard it is. I am 7” shorter than you. I can’t excercise due to chronic illness but I understand avoiding the gym. In all reality exercise does not help with weight loss. Building muscle (which I cannot do) helps burn fat, but I meant to say is I’ve been here before and I fought so hard the first time and it’s hard, I was losing my ability to taste food and I wasn’t getting hungry or full signals but I felt that needs to just want something good, something rich with flavor, strong taste. Never was a snacker either, love salt need salt fo orthostatic intolerance. I tried vegetarian back then too when I couldn’t tolerate meats. I had been doing extreme low carb and calorie counting to lose weight And I finally did but it was extreme under 10 net carbs and very low calorie. but wanted to add more vegetables and vegetarian foods. I was feeling sick. And guess what my weight crept up. Somehow I managed the best I could but always on the brink of gaining until I eventually ended up having drastic weight gain. Maybe because my gallbladder went bad and I wasn’t processing fats but I was eating more greens, kale salads, vegetarian foods and 800 calories yet gaining, no snacking, I felt like a total failure. And I eventually was able to seek out gastric bypass surgery. And have had to recreate my way of eating. I’m finding salt and fats an issue now and vegetables even though I relied heavily on them before I can’t eat much salt and will need to treat my orthostatic intolerance some other way. But you are right in your approach to understanding the problem. I feel you I do. It’s my fear long term so I’m working so hard on what my long term habits need to be especially as things change. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your surgeon and the nutritionist you worked with too and re-evaluate where you are now. I know it’s easier said than done I’m afraid of my surgeon visits after some issues from my own surgery. That they don’t understand my medical issues outside of surgery. But you won’t know unless you take the step. try to find other things to compensate for what salt offers. It’s hard. I hope my response isn’t too forward. To obnoxious. You came pretty far and maintained well and maybe at some point you can take a step further don’t worry. I’m slow in moving forward with food, I have food issues. You are fairly tall too and some people are naturally curvy. I just know you didn’t fail especially because you are giving it good honest evaluation and thought.

Hello all. I just got my surgery date for my DS single loop - 12/23/19. Anyone else getting an early Christmas present?

So my favorite TG memory is from ‘09 when I was on chemo. I had had some really rough weeks behind me and my hair had just fallen out the month before. I was feeling crappy and wasn’t in the mood for a holiday. My sister hosted, and she has yorkies . One of them—Beau— such a darling. He looooooves going out for walks and gets so excited about them. After trying to eat a few bites of dinner, a wave of nausea hit me and I knew I needed OUTSIDE the house right then and there. The weather was gorgeous— sunny and mild temps— so I grabbed Beau and his collar and we took off walking. It was so peaceful just to walk with a dog and take in the scenery while I tried to forget (if even for a few moments) that I was on chemo. Fast forward 10 years. My sister texted me just last weekend to inform me that Beau is no longer with us. He was 14 and lived a grand old life full of walks and playing and cuddling, but when he could no longer get up to eat or drink, she has to make a tough choice. Next week will be our first family TG without Beau, but I’m so thankful that I got to share that moment with him.

I had gastric sleeve on October 17, 2019. I didn’t know I had a leak for almost 2 weeks. Being on TPN feels so restrictive. I also have a drain on my left side. Saturday will be 4 weeks of TPN. I had a swallow test two days ago, and they said they saw no leak, which is hard to believe, because my drain still collects fluid, and because I take OTC sleep meds that are blue, and the drain has blue in it after I take one of those pills. I am actually hungry, it’s so hard to be around food. I never in knew how bad it could be. I would like to know how long most people are on TPN?

I had both a hiatal hernia repair and a gastric bypass on August 15,2019. Just had a three month follow up and have lost 33 pounds. My surgeon said based on where I started with a BMI of 35.5 10 pounds per month was right on schedule. It sounds like you’re doing well! Getting used to not drinking water with my meals yet getting enough water has been a big change and challenge! I use peppermint Altoids for nausea when I eat too much or something that doesn’t sit well in my pouch! I hope you continue to be blessed!

@Msmocha, I meant at my job vacation days are separate from sick days and I officially get five a year. It's really more of a guideline, if people are sick more than that, they are generally still paid and not required to come into the office. It's a small company, we don't even have an HR person right now. I believe I could have taken more time off on temporary disability if necessary. Honestly, I have my HR info at home and I don't know the official policy off the top of my head. In the U.S. you may have the ability to collect money when you can't work from your employer, if offered, under state law, and under federal law. Each person's situation is different. In Massachusetts, under state law, starting 1/01/21 workers will be entitled to 20 weeks of paid medical leave in a benefit year if they have a serious health condition that incapacitates them from work. The weekly benefit amount is based on your salary and maxes out at $850 per week.

Hello everyone I'm new in here, my surgery date is set in for Dec 2, 2019 I'm looking forward to it but I'm also a little nervous when it comes to any kind of surgery Sent from my moto e5 plus using BariatricPal mobile app

Yesterday, Thu, Nov. 21 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 114.9 lbs ... 10:00am - earl grey tea w/ stevia + coffee w/ stevia 1:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + 1.4 oz apple + 1/2 avocado + 1 oz Parmesan cheese + 6 oz grilled chicken + 1 tbsp basil pesto 3:00 pm - 1/2 of a Chocolate Protein Microwave Mug Cake + 4 tbsp whipped cream 7:30pm - Lettuce Burger Wrap: (Lettuce + 4oz beef & pork hamburger patty + 3 tbsp chunky blue cheese sauce) + 1 oz almonds + 1 fl oz pumpkin seeds 9:00pm - Avocado smoothie: (1/2 avocado + 1 cup almond milk + stevia) Totals: 1872 cals - 110g Protein - 37g NET carbs - 132g fat

Hi! I was sleeved on 11/5/19. I have had no post op complications directly related to surgery. I have psoriatic arthritis and have had a sever psoriasis flair as a erupt if surgey along with gastritis. here to help along the way if I can.

Hi there. I had by Sleeve done 11/5/19 with no complications until the last week. I am unable to hold down anything dairy, including protein shakes that I drank prior to surgery. Even soft scrambled egg makes me vomit ! I have a pretty good case of gastritis, feel like I’m drowning in phlegm if I invest anything fuller than broth. Anyone else have this issue ?

You have to go slowly at first. I remember taking a tiny sip every 5-10 minutes. 1/2 ounce would have been way too much. Fluid is your first priority.

Day 19: I am most grateful on a daily basis for the collection of lip balms that I have everywhere I go. My purse, my bike purse, my bedside table, my car, Jim's truck, etc. My lips just constantly feel dry even though I am well hydrated. I think it is an age thing.... B-side: My personal opinion " Don't sweat the small stuff...and it is all small stuff" I just have no patience with people that are constantly in the crisis mode. I feel a lot of empathy for some on here that are younger than me and so much more challenged by health issues but some just need to get a grip.

I had issues with my gallbladder after my first pregnancy. Just a few weeks after it kept feeling like I was throwing my back out. I chalked it up to shlepping the baby stroller etc. then I started to get violently I'll. I had ten atacks in ten weeks. Primary Dr at the time claimed it was acid reflux. Went to ER, (after Dr blew me off). After my 10th attack. I had a stone stuck in my bile duct and was in liver failure. Had a procedure to knock stone back into gallbladder, the next day they took it out. My pain would always start in my back travel under my rib cage make me violently toss everything in my stomach. It resembled a heart attack. The pain was worse than childbirth it was that severe and I would know, I had just given birth 10 weeks earlier.

Hi everyone, I am scheduled for a sleeve revision to sleeve on December 2, 2019. I am 46 years old and have been significantly overweight since I was 20 years when I was pregnant with my daughter. I called this thread 'Weight loss 2.0' because my previous gastric sleeve was December 3, 2013. Looking back, I believed the surgery was the magic fix to all of my problems. At first I had considerable success and dropped 100-120 lbs. Then,life happened - well bad things in life happened. I survived two violent attacks, the first in 2014 which left me with physical challenges, and then in 2015, after a sexual assault, I attempted suicide twice. It took me two years to get to a place of mental stability, but by then I regained my weight, plus more. In 2017, I began discussing with my doctor the prospects of having a revision surgery or bypass. For health reasons, the bypass is not an option. I discussed the options and decided I would not get back on the surgery table until I knew I was truly ready for change. What I have learned though, is that there will never be a moment when I will be truly ready, but it is about making a decision to change my life and working hard to do so. I am very good at self-sabotage and while awaiting my final doctor's visit to schedule surgery, I went over in my head all of the reasons I should and should not have the surgery again. After all, my first sleeve in 2013 was a failure and I stretched my sleeve to 2.5 times its size at surgery. There is a million little things that added up to me regaining weight, but I could not stop wondering if I had the fortitude to stick to it this time. All of the questions and doubts went away when I fell out of my shower two weeks ago yesterday. My spine is fused from C2-T1 and I handed on my back with my head and shoulders against the sink cabinet and the shower curtain rod jammed against the bathroom door. Short of the fire department tearing the door down, I had to find a way off the floor. It was early in the morning and my pride/embarrassment was too much to ask for help. Eventually I painfully got up off the floor. In that moment, I felt there is no reason at 46 years old I should not be able to get off the floor. I went to the emergency room to make sure I did not suffer any real damage and then decided to schedule my final appointment and pick a surgery date. I am teetering through excited and terrified because I have been down this road before. In my gut I know it will be different because I am in a different place and have already made changes to start my journey. To commemorate the start of my pre-op diet, I gave up coffee, sugar, snacks, all at once. For some reason last week, I kept eating things I figured I would never be able to eat again and then went cold turkey starting Monday morning. The lack of coffee and sugar alone makes me feel like crap all the time, but I am keep working at it and already lost 3.5 lbs this week. I had a protein bar today that somehow tasted like a mixture of cardboard and paper mache paste dipped in cocoa powder, which was some sort of scientific miracle that allowed it to be stamped as a food product. But it had 20 g of protein and 3 g of sugar. (definitely will not try that one again). For any other coffee addicts out there, I found that hot tea with dry non-dairy creamer (no sugar) is enough to trick my brain into thinking I had my usual coffee drip. The good news I no longer feel like I am losing my mind. The sugar substitutes are just not my thing. Fortunately, I love water and the many trips to the second floor bathroom have been a kick-start to my exercise regime - that is after many years of couch surfing. I found a 64oz water bottle that has times on one side and inspiration on the other, but I feel like I will start floating soon. I truly never realized how dehydrated I was, probably from the excessive amounts of coffee every day. I am less than 2 weeks away from surgery now and I am grateful that I have a sense of hopefulness, mixed with the reality of knowing that after surgery is when the hard work starts. A part of me is grieving too because I need to give up this life-long terrible relationship with food to live a fuller life. Thanks for reading and happy to be here to share my story. I look forward to learning more about other people here. Mya

Had an appointment with my surgeon today, he wants me to start the pre-op diet Saturday. RNY scheduled December 09, 2019. I’ve been dieting and eliminating foods for the last 7 months and consider it successful journey so far. I’ve lost 62 pounds now, but I still have a 114 pounds to go before I reach my goal. Just praying I’ve made the right decision.

At the top (widest part 20.5), it's the same weather I'm sitting or standing. I have a thigh gap for the first time ever but in shorts, yikes hello wrinkles. That's why for me ideally I think if I gained 5-10 lbs. to fill in a bit I would look better. I think Old Navy runs larger. However my waist is still larger compared to my hips etc so. I am trying to build up muscle in my hips, gluts, thighs to get more curves.

It's a legit great word! Thanks for the support!! I know that meals and days like this are gonna happen for sure. It's part of why I don't plan for these days. I plan for 100% compliance. Cuz I figure the reality is if I can keep it to about a 90/10 ratio, then I have some chance of keeping the weight off. You know? Do you ever feel that way?

OK, this was super duper hard to write this out and it's even more difficult to post it. Yesterday was supposed to be an IF DD for both Mr. F. and me. And at least he fasted until our "Linner" at 4pm yesterday. (Late Lunch/Early Dinner). There is absolutely NO reason for this day to have happened. I wasn't sad, lonely, etc...I have been draggin trail lately, getting up super early to work and working late and working hard. But that's not really a viable excuse. I dodged (maybe) a bullet with this one. But I'm probably just dehydrated and the pounds will show up tomorrow. I literally ate all day yesterday. Maybe in 2-3hour intervals! I was having a starvin' marvin' day and my will power was AWOL>clearly. LOL. I'm not beating myself up. Just tellin' it like it is. And trying to have a good plan for moving through today. So far today I'm doing good with the usual protein latte brekky, + 1/4c of the tuna salad mid morning and then the low carb fried rice and soup for lunch. When I have days like this, there is no doubt in my mind how I contributed to my part in making the Obesity Ball. Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Maintenance/F/57/5'4"/20mo PO RNY/131.4lbs B1- protein lattes (4oz PP) B2-chaffle with romaine and tuna salad L-tuna salad lettuce cups AS1-tuna salad lettuce cups + 2oz leftover grilled shrimp + 1oz leftover grilled salmon + 1hb egg (this is where I sensed it all falling apart) STARVING AS2-4 deep fried breaded mushrooms + 1 deep fried breaded onion ring + ranch sauce + 1 glass cab D-1/3 caesar no croutons + steamed broccoli + about 2oz grilled shrimp + about 1.5oz grilled ribeye + horseradish sauce + 1 glass cab BS1-1oz almonds + 1 square Lindt 90 + 1 glass whiskey BS2-AN ENTIRE low carb pizza (carb sense tortilla, 1/8c lc marinara, 1 1/2oz part skim mozz, 16g jd turkey crumbles, 1 slice bacon, 6 bh pepperoni, 6 bh uncured salami, 1/2 tbsp parmesan cheese)+ 2 glasses cab *From AS1 to BS2 it was 3-midnight (9 hours). Oh the humanity. Daily Totals: 2305calories; 95g protein; 66g fat; 126g carbs; 19g fiber; 107g net carbs (what a **** show!)

I forgot writing last night and wanted to avoid a doctor appointment this morning, meeting the nurse for a treatment for interstitial cystitis but I had a really bad reaction the last time and had to discuss possible alternatives. The nurse in my doctor office felt bad leaving me with nothing for the severe pain from IC but bariatric surgery means I need to change my approach to some things. Which my body isn’t keen on medication anyway. I have severe chemical sensitivities. so I had to postpone what to do until I see a spine surgeon, and other doctor appointments. I’m exhausted. To say the least. And needed to get some errands. In before I crash for the rest of the day. I was able to exchange shorts for a smaller size in Kohl’s and return a jacket that was suddenly too big . And needed groceries since I’m trying to listen to my nutritionist and try new foods. I got dr praegers veggie burgers, pollock burgers because they are a blend of protein and soft vegetables. And some egg frittata things not as much protein but low calories with egg and vegetables. I am still having to eat very soft foods but working around it. i mix plain yogurt with protein or BariatricPal pudding mix. I buy good culture cottage cheese cups because a small cup is only 110 calories and 19 grams protein. I definitely can’t drink enough water but doing the best I can. With tea. Hot or iced. Even though drinking even thin shakes is basically the sensation of being waterboarded. Because it keeps wanting to go to my lungs .... I just needed to ramble before I crash for a while. Literally crash as that is what m.e. Does (post exertional malaise) And no one in my life understands. I had a very late breakfast lunch. i had to organize the freezer and finally donated a few bags of too big clothes. This is the most I’ve done in months and I will be paying for days to weeks for it. hoping I can at least be helpful by checking back here sometimes.

Ok, of you like Oxtail (we love it) here is my oft requested Instant Pot Korean-inspired Braised Oxtail recipe. Now that I think of it, I haven't made it in a while (and my mouth is watering as I type, lol) so I guess Oxtail is going on the grocery list for this weekend: INGREDIENTS - [ ] 3 to 4 pounds oxtail (ask butcher to cut it for you if not already cut up) - [ ] 1 sweet onion cut into large chunks - [ ] 3-4 medium carrots cut into large chunks - [ ] 2 cups dried shiitake mushrooms briefly soaked and quartered (omit if unavailable) - [ ] kosher salt (or Magic Mushroom Powder if available) Braising liquid - [ ] 1/2 cup soy sauce (OR Bragg's Liquid Soy Aminios) - [ ] 1/4 cup rice wine or Mirin or dry white wine - [ ] 1/4 cup water - [ ] 1/2 medium Korean/Asian pear or 1 bosc pear or apple, grated - [ ] 2 tablespoons minced garlic - [ ] 1/2 inch ginger grated (about 1/2 teaspoon) - [ ] 3 tablespoons honey or sugar (OR Liquid sweetener) - [ ] 3 tablespoons maesil cheong or 1 more tablespoon honey or sugar (OR Liquid sweetener) - [ ] pepper to taste Other additions and garnishes - [ ] 1 tablespoon sesame oil - [ ] 2 scallions roughly chopped (and some finely sliced for optional garnish) - [ ] sesame seeds - optional INSTRUCTIONS - [ ] Trim off excess fat. Rinse the oxtail pieces and let them sit in cold water for 10 to 20 minutes to draw out excess blood. Drain well, and pat dry with paper towels. - [ ] Place oxtails in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon Magic Mushroom Powder or kosher salt, toss to coat - [ ] Broil in oven 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned - [ ] Transfer oxtails & brown bits to Instant Pot & cover with braising liquid - [ ] Add carrots, onion & optional mushrooms - [ ] Press "Meat" Function, set to 60 minutes - [ ] When done leave alone for at least 15 minutes then open lid carefully. - [ ] Stir in scallion & sesame oil. - [ ] Remove meat & veggies & place in a bowl. - [ ] Strain cooking liquid and separate the fat (using a fat separator OR by chilling the liquid & removing the congealed fat layer) - [ ] Pour sauce back over meat & veggies (reheat if necessary). - [ ] Garnish with additional optional scallions & sesame seeds

Congrats on the surgery and great success to the future. I had mine done 10/29 with robot assisted. I only had to have the medicine to prevent blood clots while I was in the hospital. They just put it into my IV. I only had one IV and I didn't experience much pain at all. Went home next day and only took pain pills for 2 days. The pain was just discomfort.