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I "snuck" having WLS
mamabear_2_2 replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This. I am still pre-surgery, but I think a lot about this. I am planning on telling NO ONE but my husband (he already knows of course). Not even ONE other soul will know. So, I feel like I will avoid part of the rude comments, etc from family whom have made my body the focus of scrutiny and conversations since I was a kid. I do worry though how I will react to the potential compliments and praise I may receive on weight loss. I’ve been both skinny and fat and I can say with out a doubt when I was thin I was treated WAY better by family, friends, co-workers, etc. it’s a really messed up thing. I worry how cynical I may become and almost spiteful to my family over any positive comments. Def considering working with a therapist before and after WLS to help. -
Sleeve Maintenance Weight - Macros?
Arabesque replied to momof3_angels's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I was only told to keep my protein at 60g a day (1.2g per kg of weight) & to slowly increase my calories until I reached an equilibrium. My dietician just reviewed my diet every month for about 4/5 months after I hit goal. She suggested a couple of alternative food choices, like adding some beans, lentils & some powdered milk to enrich my milk if I wanted but said I was on the right track. I added a second serve of whole/multi grain to my diet. Increased my vegetable intake. Added a second serve of fruit & slowly increased my serving sizes - generally still under the recommended serving size. Avoid sugar, sugar alternatives & artificial sweeteners where possible & no bread, rice, pasta or potato. I eat about 1200 calories give or take now. That’s me. You may need more calories to maintain the weight you’re happy at. I don’t take any supplements or vitamins. My blood work is very good. Honestly, I found finding the right balance difficult & kept losing for about 12 months. My medical team was concerned but were happy with my weight & that I had finally stabilised at my last appointment in January. If you would rather have more guidelines, give your nutritionalist a call. At the very least ask if they could review your diet or provide you with some sample meal plans. I don’t have appointments with mine anymore but I can contact her whenever I need. Good luck & congratulations on your weight loss. -
There is nothing worse than losing a child. So very sorry for your loss.
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What a lovely pxt @ANewJourneyAwaits. You’re gorgeous. Congrats on your weight loss so far too. Went to a launch of some new labels at my favourite shoe store last night. Crab meat finger sandwiches (not for me though) & Pol Roger champagne. It was a really good night. 😁 Wore my new low rise Vegan leather pants & gold sandals from one of the new labels. Got a special preview earlier in the week before anyone else did & they let me buy them. Yes! Just had to fib a little & say I bought them just before the launch event started.
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Please let your doctor know. Gall stones are common after rapid weight loss, they can cause liver infections, which can cause jaundice. Not sayin that's what's going on....but yellow patches is a sign you need to share with your doctor right away and have checked out. Best wishes.
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Nsaids , Clomid and testosterone replacement therapy post op after gastric bypass surgery
RickM replied to LarrySm88's topic in The Guys’ Room
A couple of comments to fill things in here. It's not really a matter of steroids vs. non-steroids, but rather what a drug or class of drugs does to the stomach as a side effect, NSAIDs are merely the most common that are sited as being problematic for bypass patients. The issue is that the part of the intestine where where the stomach pouch is connected is not resistant to the stomach acid, so that anastomosis there is quite vulnerable to ulcers, so any med that can cause some stomach distress is generally to be avoided. Some of the osteoporosis drugs are avoided for this reason, too. This presumably applies to the MGB as well, as it uses a similar connection. The duodenum, the part of intestine immediately downstream of the stomach and is resistant to the acid, is bypassed along with the remnant stomach. These various meds can sometimes be used in limited times under certain circumstances under medical supervision, but it's a risk/reward trade off between doctor and patient. The sleeve based procedures are generally more tolerant as they don't have that marginal ulcer issue, but many docs still restrict them owing to their bypass experience, (and the sleeve is probably less tolerant than a normal person, while being more tolerant than a bypasser.) Your bypass can be reversed, (that is sometimes one of its "selling points" but it's not commonly done as it's a pretty complex job; not all surgeons will do it. It is usually reserved for times when there is no other option in treating some problem, rather than just buyers remorse. I have seen it done a couple of times in cases of intransigent ulcers, where no other treatment worked. It can also be revised to a duodenal switch, but that's even more complex than a reversal (they have to reverse it first, then sleeve it, and redo the intestinal rerouting. It is usually done when weight loss was inadequate or with excessive regain, or for other RNY complications such as the intransigent ulcers or bile reflux. You weren't offered the MGB as it doesn't fit the "standard of care" for WLS in the US - insurance doesn't normally cover it and the ASMBS hasn't approved it, though it has been further developed and used more commonly elsewhere. The next procedure that's likely to gain approval here is the SIPS/SADI/Loop DS -
Friend saw me for the first time in 3 months...
Pkump replied to BayouTiger's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
These are not friends, unfortunately you are finding out the hard way. They must be insecure because they are unable to compliment you for your weight loss and are condemning you to failure. Don’t let them hurt your feelings, they are not worth it. Tell them that just because they aren’t strong enough to stick with something doesn’t mean you are going to be a failure. And let them know you will be happy to pass along the name of your surgeon when they are ready. -
I'm not sure if the 50% they quote is after the initial weight loss or if it factors in the 10-20 lb rebound weight a lot of us seem to gain after hitting bottom, although honestly, it's just an average. There are a lot of people who lose more or less than that. If you work hard and are really committed, you could lose more than that - and maybe a lot more than that...
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PCOS and sleeve success?
Katiebal_Lecter replied to lunadreams's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I have PCOS and got bypass 3 months ago. I’m currently 223 pounds, down 32 pounds from my highest weight (255 at 5’9”) and 24 pounds since surgery (247). I believe the slower loss is due to the PCOS. My hunger has been slight to nonexistent, and I’m really hoping the loss picks up, but I worry about being a failure. I don’t feel like I’ve had huge issues with any foods or dairy. -
Your weight loss is probably the norm. I need to get the pound a day loss out of my head (that’s what I was told) and be ok that this isn’t a sprint.
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For those on Ozempic for diabetes before surgery...
lunadreams posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm taking Ozempic for my diabetes. I will speak with my endocrinologist before my surgery, but I'm curious to know if those of you who were taking Ozempic before surgery for diabetes (not for weight loss) continued the Ozempic through/after surgery, or if medications were stopped, or if the injection was replaced by something else? I'm on Ozempic because Metformin caused major hair loss for me, and I don't want to take it. -
I "snuck" having WLS
momof3_angels replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I hear you and concur. With my husband though... it wasn't necessarily about weight loss surgery... it was about surgery in general. He has had things go wrong every time he gets surgery and even though I have NEVER had a problem with surgery, he really has a fear of me dying. And my kids.... well... they didn't really even see me as fat so they didn't understand why I needed it. I will say though, my daughter at least believes I cheated to get skinny and took the "easy way out". Not realizing how hard surgery really is on your body. But with her.... I chalk it up to immaturity. And she does think I am "lying" when I talk to my extended family about weight loss and leave the surgery part out. And again... she didn't realize I was fat until I got skinny and she looks back at pre-surgery pictures. Now the rest of my family? They would have been much more judgmental. And you are so right... we should not have to worry how others will react, and people really need to be supportive of others getting healthy... by whatever means to do it. -
I Need Help...
ChiNaDoll2285 replied to ChiNaDoll2285's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I stretch sometimes... when I'm feeling good. Otherwise I'm sitting w a pillow behind me to support my back. The weather has been good so I am walking my dogs more. Thank your for your input. I'll push myself more after I see my Dr for a pain shot in my back tomorrow. That should help alot. Well I went to c my Both Dr's yesterday (surgeon & back pain) the surgeon was so HORRIBLE, my anxiety kicked in. I weighted in at 203 & they where suppose to take 3lbs away for the clothes, which they didn't on the chart. So he said i lost ONLY 2lbs when it was actual 5lbs in 3wks. I didn't go to sleep till 430am. My visit w him was almost like a yelling match. Now he wants me to lose 10lbs instead of the 20....uuugh! he making my hair more Grey than what it is & to stop reading the Bariatric Book. First they want me to read it like it was my Bible, now he's telling me NOT to read it! I'm freakin confused... Needless to say I go back in a month. (Uuuugh!) My back pain dr is awesome. No back pain for a while. & I was able to clean my spare bedroom & den. My portions are measured to 3-4oz of protein per serving, veggies 2nd & then starch...I barely hv room for the veggies 😩 which is a fork full &hvnt had starch yet.. sugar free jello & ice pops are my go to snacks 😋 & my protein drink is my breakfast. I spoke w my brother who had this done 2yrs ago told me the things the Dr said I CAN eat I should no b eating NOW... like beans, hamburger meat & chicken. So I'm going back to MUSHY foods...eggs, oatmeal, jello & yogurt Sheeesh in so 😕 confused I'm going to call the nutritionist to c where in suppose to b at 6wks? Bcuz the book also says I should not b eating these things but I'm not suppose to follow the book.... go figure?! -
I Need Help...
ChiNaDoll2285 replied to ChiNaDoll2285's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I stretch sometimes... when I'm feeling good. Otherwise I'm sitting w a pillow behind me to support my back. The weather has been good so I am walking my dogs more. Thank your for your input. I'll push myself more after I see my Dr for a pain shot in my back tomorrow. That should help alot. Well I went to c my Both Dr's yesterday (surgeon & back pain) the surgeon was so HORRIBLE, my anxiety kicked in. I weighted in at 203 & they where suppose to take 3lbs away for the clothes, which they didn't on the chart. So he said i lost ONLY 2lbs when it was actual 5lbs in 3wks. I didn't go to sleep till 430am. My visit w him was almost like a yelling match. Now he wants me to lose 10lbs instead of the 20....uuugh! he making my hair more Grey than what it is & to stop reading the Bariatric Book. First they want me to read it like it was my Bible, now he's telling me NOT to read it! I'm freakin confused... Needless to say I go back in a month. (Uuuugh!) My back pain dr is awesome. No back pain for a while. & I was able to clean my spare bedroom & den. My portions are measured to 3-4oz of protein per serving, veggies 2nd & then starch...I barely hv room for the veggies 😩 which is a fork full &hvnt had starch yet.. sugar free jello & ice pops are my go to snacks 😋 & my protein drink is my breakfast. I spoke w my brother who had this done 2yrs ago told me the things the Dr said I CAN eat I should no b eating NOW... like beans, hamburger meat & chicken. So I'm going back to MUSHY foods...eggs, oatmeal, jello & yogurt Sheeesh in so 😕 confused I'm going to call the nutritionist to c where in suppose to b at 6wks? Bcuz the book also says I should not b eating these things but I'm not suppose to follow the book.... go figure?! -
I "snuck" having WLS
WishMeSmaller replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have been very open about my surgery. All of my immediate family and a few co-workers knew before I had surgery. Since surgery and the huge weight loss I have told many friends and co-workers. I work in a large, integrated medical clinic (around 200 employees). Everyone there has been incredibly supportive and excited. I think my results have inspired some of my obese co-workers to look into surgery. My family has been very supportive. My normal weight husband and mother have been my biggest cheer leaders. I was very concerned about telling my step-dad as he is very judgmental, but he has actually been great and super excited for me through this process. Because of COVID, I have been working from home 10 of the last 12 months. My co-workers literally do not recognize me when I go into the clinic...even when I tell them who I am. It is a little awkward for a minute until it clicks that I am me. I will tell my extended family when I see them again, but COVID has kept us apart thus far. I think they will all be supportive and excited, but sometimes people shock us. At this point, if anyone is negative towards my decision to have WLS, I have plenty of ammunition to educate them. The positive health changes since my surgery are more than enough for me to not give a damn about any negative reactions or gossip! -
I "snuck" having WLS
BayougirlMrsS replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well I have been on both sides of this fence. In 2009 when I had the lapband placed at 232lbs (5'2") I told my (now) x husband (we were married 26 years), my two sons, daughter in law and a couple of co workers that i thought i could trust. Well my x went and told a few friends after they made comments that "chris's looking good". He said and i quote.... Well she's only losing weight because she had SX.....then, of course, others started to ask and I would say from diet and exercise... Which was true. But when i found out what he said and turns out the co works were saying the same things..... I had a person say.... Well i heard you had WLS.... So after that i was open about it. I found some support and a lot of judgment. Grant you it was back with WLS wasn't as well accepted as it is now. Awful comments from my x, x-friends, x-co workers.... and people in general...... Too skinny, i looked sick, i was lazy for having WLS, i thought i was better than them cuz i was skinny now, how people died from WLS, that i would lose all my hair....i could go on and on. So in 2017 my band slipped and was removed. I went on FB and told everyone. Six months later I moved out of state to where no one knew me except my husband and four of his co workers. When i moved here i was 143lbs.... over the next 2.5 years i put on 30lbs. So i decided to do a revision.......It was not covered by insurance. I was going to crossfit 4 days a week and trying to lose for pending wedding in Sept, 2019. So i laid the groundwork....... Told my co workers i had a hernia (true, Hiatal) and it needed to be fixed (still truth). The weight loss started and they just thought it was from dieting for the wedding (still true). I went in on Wednesday and was back at work on Monday. Still, the only person that knows is my husband. Didn't tell sons, family, friends (not even best), or co workers....... THIS IS 100% BETTER. No comments, no snarky looks, no having to explain anything. Now i'm 120lbs and you know NOT ONE PERSON has said.... You look sick, you are too thin, you are lazy, .... etc. Not one person said i would die from hernia sx..... I'm 100% team.... keep your mouth shut....... Even if you tell just one "friend".... it will get out, especially if its a girl. Us bi*ches like to gossip. -
Does this ever really happen? I'll be honest, I'm tired of the "restriction" 2+ yrs out. What I mean is I hate feeling full and I always have, even pre op. I didn't think this would affect me so much. Even when I eat til satisfaction only, it's like the food eventually stretches and fullness ensues and takes a long time to "digest." Now I just lean on things like shrimp, salad, eggs that don't cause much of the sensation. Sounds crazy but am I the only one that can't get used to the restriction. Will it ever go away? Has it ever gone away for anyone? Sure I can eat good amts of unhealthy foods but that's not even what I'm looking for. Is my health better? No. I really did not have much in the way of chronic medical problems to begin with. But my mental health is/has been in the toilet. Some might say well you'll wish you had the restriction when it's "gone." I doubt it because mental health is priceless and I've lost that. Thanks for any input.
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I "snuck" having WLS
Blueslily replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks so much for sharing about your experience of sharing or not sharing with others. But, your post really heats me up inside. I mean we really shouldn't have to do all this work and thinking about others potential responses when it comes to having surgery. I mean people have all kinds of surgeries all the time. I just dont get why it is anyone's business when it comes to our choice to have WLS. Why is there so much stigma and shame about it? But, I get it when it comes to not disclosing and having to have lots of conversations with people. I'm also not telling tons of people because I really dont want anyone saying it's too much to do or that I dont need to do it. That will be the line. Because in my family, they wont say anything negative about me as a person, just concerns about me having surgery in general. I read the replies here and it's just sad what people experienced from others when they chose to do something that they hope will help them better help themselves on their weight loss journey. To me, wanting to help yourself get healthy is such a positive aspiration. And then once you do it, it's such hard work and dedication involved. I commend everyone and wish you all the best. A good therapist to help during this process is priceless because I certainly think that could be helpful to get through all of this. All the best everyone! -
I "snuck" having WLS
MariaC6 replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@chiquitatummy like you, I had WLS and told very very few people (husband, my sisters - my mother the next day only because she’s a complete worrywart and that’s pretty much it). And yes I agree that COVID and social distancing has enabled me to pull this off “on the down low”. My surgery was in August. I’m still working from home and I haven’t seen any of my coworkers except via zoom. About a month after surgery I got on an exercise kick (for the first time in my life) and would occasionally post photos on my Instagram story of my workouts (not necessarily images of me but images of the machines I was using). Anyway I have posted a few random photos on Facebook and Instagram that do show that I have lost weight but honestly most people think it’s because I started working out! They’ve even commented things like wow your exercise is paying off! I think posting those photos of the gym equipment that I was using has got most people thinking that I did this all by working out and honestly that’s fine with me because in large part my weight loss is none of their damn business. -
Alcohol during maintenance??
momof3_angels replied to xoto2000's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You can reintroduce when allowed by your surgeon... but start out slow and stick to moderation! Alcohol and weight loss don't really usually go together. Alcohol and maintenance only go together if you are monitoring calorie intake. And how fast you feel tipsy might be accelerated from before.. but that isn't the case for everyone. Me? I have had a couple sips... maybe twice... of wine in the last 18 months since surgery. Doing fine without it so not seeking it out. But not overtly avoiding it either. -
I did my pre- pre - op class lol (so many hoops !) It was like the online classes only they went over stuff that you need to bring to the hospital, pick up and drop off instructions, things that may happen after surgery, food basics for the first serveral weeks, they showed pics of the facility, they talked about cross addiction, the incisions and wound care, etc. oh they also mentioned that you should take a picture of your Kaiser card and then have your person who is picking you up stop by the pharmacy and grab your meds while you are getting released. (Great tip!) So ....relevant info..... it wasn’t too bad. I also returned my wheelchair since I am walking better with the weight loss I’ve already had and don’t need it anymore. I have my pre op appointment with the surgeon on Friday (in person). I plan to make some protein sugar free Jell-O shots this weekend. I buckled and ordered some of the clear isopure drinks online because the premier protein isn’t good for clear liquids stage. (Isopure has phosphoric acid in it which I’m not supposed to have, but my phosphorus levels are lowered since May last year and a little bit just during the clear stage won’t kill me). in discussion during the online meeting I also realized that I might be too ambitious. I am getting surgery on Wednesday. My kids are spending the night elsewhere Tuesday-Friday. My plan was to pick them up on Friday but that only gives me a two day recovery before I’m in mom mode. Not to mention I’m not supposed to drive for a week. I don’t think that plan is realistic. So I made arrangements to have them stay with family until mid week the week after surgery. That will give me 1 week of recovery before I have to play referee between my 10 and 4 year old boys.
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Plateauing & Aggravated
Arabesque replied to HealthyLifeStyle's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Oh, that last pound or two are the hardest. So close yet so far. I sat just off my goal for almost three weeks so I feel your pain. It’s like those numbers are just taunting you. Catwoman7 is also right. A real good bowel movement or a night peeing can see the scale drop a pound or so. (Sorry if tmi.) Try to look at your plateau as if your body is just sorting itself out & finding its new ... I so want to say its new normal but that phrase has been ruined forever. I know it’s easy to say that but it is sort of what’s happening. Your body is working out what it needs to function & maintain at a weight in relation to your calorie intake & activity level. It could just be your natural fluctuation around the weight your body is happy at. Mine fluctuates about 1kg (2.2lb) so similar to yours. Congratulations on your weight loss. It’s a wonderful achievement -
Well, the honeymoon may be over
Arabesque replied to Arabesque's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thank you everyone for your support, common sense advice & your your kind words. As some of you know, it took me about a year & an additional loss of 10kg to find my maintenance sweet spot. And I was eating a lot - several snacks a day just to get the calories in so I wouldn’t loose more. Now I’m eating a little less & on about 1200 calories a day. I have a little wriggle room with calories I could cut but I wouldn’t really want to go below that 1200. I’d be back where I spent most of my life basically starving myself. Eating only once or twice a day kills your metabolism & I did that a lot from age 13. It was my default. And I don’t want to live like that again. Yep, I do have some wriggle room with my weight but I like my weight where it is. Though I’m a lower BMI I’m not bony by any stretch. And believe me I still have ‘fleshy’ thighs. But finding clothes that fit can be a bit challenging at times. Been watching Dr Matthew Weiner’s videos about the end of the honeymoon period & his reset diet. I have his book too so I’ll be doing some reading on the weekend. 🙂 Fingers crossed I can quickly discover what will work for me in this phase. -
I "snuck" having WLS
james2021 replied to chiquitatummy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am telling select friends and coworkers. Anyone who I trust to accept the information as presented and not say something harmful. My parents and my living grandmother are the only people I absolutely, unequivocally want to keep this from. Too much trauma from childhood regarding dieting and comments about my body when I was never clinically overweight until my late teenage years. I avoid discussing any subject with them that could even potentially veer in the direction of giving them an opening to talk to me about my body. I am desperately dreading having noticeable weight loss and them praising me for it. I don't want my family's, or anyone's, praise about something that doesn't change my worth as a person. I'm also hoping to get this done before things return to normal so that I can more easily fly under the radar. -
MN People - Charles Svendsen
DoodlesMom replied to ImSweetJane's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Thanks so much for sharing. I can absolutely relate to questions and concerns going unanswered. I went through the weight management program with Allina. In the beginning, I felt supported and heard. As I progressed through the program I was able to get a handle on my eating and increase exercise. I felt good. I followed calorie counts, diet, vitamins, and exercise which led to meeting weight loss goals (which were steep) every month for nearly a year. Like you, I was getting contradictory advice from my therapist and dietitian. That took some navigating. Physician and dietician visits began to feel impersonal and rushed and I wasn't getting much out of them. These are a few contradictory statements I was told: Weigh yourself every day--no don't weigh yourself every day Track calories and weigh portions-- don't count calories instead focus on hunger cues It's ok to have a 100 calorie treat a day-- reward yourself with a treat at the end of the week if you've maintained your diet On my last visit, my Dr. said the dietician had seen concerning calorie counts in my food journal. I was confused because I had kept with the 1200 calorie a day diet that she had recommended and as I said, was meeting weight goals. Also, she hadn't asked to see my food journal in 3 visits/ 3 months. I was floored and confused. I was following the diet they told me to and they waited 3 months to tell me they had concerns!?? What?? I thought there was a misunderstanding so I tried to explain-- this is what you told me to eat, I'm doing what you told me to, you haven't looked at my journal the last 3 visits. They wouldn't hear me. Even my therapist contacted them to say I was doing well and asked them to reconsider. I was kicked out of the program until I completed an ED assessment. At the time, there was a lot of shuffling happening in the organization, maybe that had something to do with it. Regardless, I felt bullied and abandoned. I continued seeing the therapist so I didn't slip back into eating when stressed. The whole situation was really disappointing because I have read a few positive experiences on this forum about Allina, that just wasn't mine. On a positive note, my experience with my therapist was good overall. I learned methods that have stuck with me. Again thanks so much for sharing. It's helpful to hear I wasn't the only one with a less than great experience. I hope everyone gets the absolute best care no matter where they go. Good luck! I hope you're doing amazing!
