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Realistic Expectations
Creekimp13 replied to Creekimp13's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Health Improvements The best news is that you don’t have to get back to a “normal weight” to achieve incredible health benefits after bariatric surgery. The average bariatric surgery patient sees a dramatic reduction in the number of medications they need to take to control their obesity-related medical problems and a significant improvement in their quality of life even if their final body mass index is still in the “overweight” or “obese” range. In fact, I find in my own practice that if a patient tries to force their weight down to what would be considered “normal,” many times they don’t feel very good and often times don’t look very healthy (that Skeletor look!). I always encourage patients to focus on getting back to a “better” weight for them, not necessarily what society considers a “normal” weight. In summary, some bariatric surgery patients will achieve a “normal” weight but most will not. If you don’t reach a “normal” weight, well, that just makes you normal! Answer provided by: Lloyd Stegemann, MD, FASMBS, is a private practice bariatric surgeon in Corpus Christi, TX. He is the driving force behind the Texas Weight-loss Surgery Summit and the formation of the Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons. Dr. Stegemann is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, OAC National Board of Directors, Co-chair of the Convention Program Agenda Subcommittee and is Chair of the OAC Sponsored Membership Program. -
Dear Doctor, I've had Bariatric Surgery, Will I Ever get to a Normal Weight? https://www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/dear-doctor-ive-had-bariatric-surgery-will-i-ever-get-to-normal-weight/
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Do what I'm comfortable with or do as surgeon says?
Frustr8 replied to Unsure133's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have 2/3rds of your co-morbilities, substitute Severe GERD for diabetes. BMI almost identical but bear with me a second on MY story. You have been obese most of your adult life? I was born at the end of WW2 to parents who had just lived through the American Depression so what my mother's doctor told them didn't seem unreasonable. My mother nursed me, although at that time breast-feeding had largely fallen out of favor, after every nursing and yes I nursed well she was told to feed me a full 8 oz of Carnation Milk Formula. I started out my extra uterine life at 7of 12 oz, at 1 year I was 35 inches tall and weighed 36 lb. Yes the size of the average American 2 and half year old, I had fat cells set down in my body before I could walk. And I walked or lurched around on my own 2 feet before I turned 1. No wonder I have 2 arificial knees, I started wearing them out early. Although I looked in semi-average size until. puberty my flesh was always soft, never muscled up, how could I? My muscles were naturally fat sheathed. So I guess I have been lipid-challenged my entire existance. Fast forwarding many years, I will soon be receiving a RnY bypass at 72, yeah my blubber should have done me in before 72, and it dud try! Received isn't perhaps a strong enough word, I have been active to semi-actively seeking Bariatric surgery since August 2015. If I don't get it pretty soon I have lined up a box cutter, 50 pound test fishing line, hair clips , a Swingline stapler, a 3 way mirror , some surgical manuals . I am redheaded, stubborn , at least medically semi-literate and like my pen name Frustr8-ed, do you honestly think I couldn't wreak havoc? Oh and I am also high-functioning autistic, we can center on one subject to the exclusion of everything else. And my box cutter has a nice clean blade in it, a leftover from working at Wally World and they kept my work equipment sharp and up to date. When we parted company I didn't happen to generating,it so they never got it back!👉🐵👈 -
Almost 2 weeks post op and dizziness?
MarinaGirl replied to Spatulachick's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had this issue in the early days after bariatric surgery. Make sure you take care when you stand up; wait a little bit before moving so your body can correct its low blood pressure. My doctor also recommended regular Gatorade,, not the sugar-free G2 version, as it has better hydration properties. But the main tip is to get in more than 64 oz of fluids a day - this is your #1 job after surgery and is more important than food. Good luck! -
I need to make a decision
Frustr8 replied to Beautfully Flawed's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
And since it is a Level 1 Trauma center as well as a Teaching Hospital as well as a Bariatric Center of Excellence and has been since the term was invented, any and all surgical helpers and students Dr Needleman😷 deems necessary- my life and future lies in his very capable and well-trained hands. Amen and Amen -
I need to make a decision
Frustr8 replied to Beautfully Flawed's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
At 72 Not Much At All! I have had 2 knee replacements because my weight worebth r m out. I have had scares with cancer, heart, lungs, kidneys eyesight and hearing I have buried my grandparents, parents, husband, son at 31. I have babies unborn. I have buried relatives who treated me badly I have buried animals who treated me better,than people did I outlived the cousin who told me to kill myself I have,lost friends to cancer who I still miss I outlived the doctor who,told me I would be diabetic by 30 and,I wasn't I outlived people who told me I was ugly, fat, would never have friends, wouldn't graduate or ever do anything worthwhile with my life. I proved the naysayers who said people over 50, 60 or even 70,are too old to plan Weight Loss Surgery I am proving the,people who said i,should sit down, shut up, give,up and resign,myself to dying and doing it soon. I am still,going, going strong and can see a future ahead and. I am part of it. Doubt count me out yet I have pride in me and what I feel I can still accomplish. And from now on I will vibrantly live, with 5 to 7 small scars showing, my badges of honor in a less than honorable world. My gastrointestinal renovations are just that, a remodeling to enhance,my future days. And on the day of my,upcoming I will present myself at my bariatric facility with hope in my ❤ ,pride in myself for this decision, deep humility for this opportunity for my surgery, and a giant smile on my face. On that day I will be doing the right thing At the right time For the Right Reason With the Right Surgeon At the Right Facility For the maximum Results On the Right Day and at the correct time For the Right Person - ME And if my future years are many- Wonderful And if they are few' still I will have lived them and lived them to the best of my ability. I have said my piece- Spoken what I feel- I go forth to write my story and conclude ehat,life I am still given. And that is good and sufficent enough. -
2 years post surgery and gained 30 pounds back
GreenTealael replied to sondra2368's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Visit your bariatric team to make a plan, they may recommend additional support such as therapy or additional surgery, or it may be as simple as a stricter diet and physical therapy plan. Safe journey again! -
My surgeon advised against gummy vitamins and flintstones. If you look at the recommendations the flintstones vitamins fall short on a few things. The Bariatric vitamins are a bit more expensive but I’m willing to pay a bit more for my vitamins as long term it is easier to prevent deficiencies than correct them once they occur. I had a bypass though so it may be a bit different. I order through here sometimes and use the Celebrate Vitamin chewable with iron. I use sublingual b12, chewable vit D, calcium citrate, and extra iron as well.
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Hello there friends. Just finished first month of supervised weight management. I know I have LOADS to work on for the next 6 months until I can fully qualify for surgery. I am looking for a fellow pre op person who is starting this journey or actually anyone who has been down the road also. I need someone to help keep me accountable. I have been doing the food diary thing now for 2 weeks (didn't know until this past Thursday when I attended seminar that it was a thing.) and have been trying to get some ducks in order so I can continue. Things I am struggling with currently: PORTION CONTROL. Holy cow that's huge. Never had to pre measure things out ever in my life. Need to do it and keep doing this. Calories per day: I never really ever took into account how many calories I take in. I know that I have measured carbs in the past and will continue to do that now. Choices of foods: Its far easier for me to buy a cheap pack of bologna than it is to find something else and actually prepare food. But also I love bologna. Like I can put away a bologna sandwich and not think about it. Some changes I have started implementing: I have made contact with bariatric dietitian tonight. I sent email and will follow up with more contact if no reply this next week. I have started going back through diaries and marking caloric content of foods and totaling up daily estimated calories in If this is something you think you could or would want to do: let me know! I want to ensure the success for this journey.
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Have you purchased any goal clothing for after surgery?
Frustr8 replied to Ylime's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I don't k,ow if I mentioned it on here but I have a Ohio State winter weight coat, not the cheap discount store knock-off. The Bono Fide. When I bought it I rationalized it was for Tomkitten, well he is not the fan I am, it's a large maybe 1XL, so help,me when I get small enough, be it winter, spring or the heat of summer I am putting it on and having,my picture taken. And if it is any good I will post it on Bariatric Pal, even,if my hair clashes with it! So There! -
If you like the Bariatric Advantage, you might want to price check them at this link. https://texasbariatricspecialists.bariatricadvantage.com/ I believe the price is lower than other places I looked. But I will also be switching at the 3 month mark, just too pricey.
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My NUT told me that it is better to get our nutrition from our foods. Which I know to be true. This is because our bodies recognize, metabolize and absorb the nutrients better. So, now we are told to take bariatric vitamins for life because we don't absorb vitamins as well. However, I think the jury is still out on how safe/effective synthetic vitamins are. Now I am seeing natural vitamins and minerals out there and wonder if anyone has tried these and what your experience has been. This will be the topic of my next NUT meeting since the fake sugars in the chewables I am taking give me heartburn or gas and we're in this for the long haul, so I want the best quality I can get.
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I'm so sorry to hear this. I haven't had my veg surgery yet, (July 30th), but I have done a lot of reading on this site & I believe what you are going through is extremely common. I have had 2 cosmetic surgeries (nose & breasts) and I can tell you, I regretted it & cried like a baby for several days afterwards. Could sleep or breathe for days with nose surgery & could barely walk or go to the bathroom myself after breast surgery. But after about 1 week, I felt that there was hope I would be normal again. It took about 1 month for me to feel ok after each surgery. I'm guessing the same thing with bariatric surgery. Search post op diet on this site and there are options for post op diet, such as strained soups, jello & sugar free pudding. Of course check with your Dr to make sure those things are ok. Hopefully you have someone at home helping you. But there is a lot of support here and on other message boards too. I'll pray for you & pls keep us updated.
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How many calories a day should I be eating?
Creekimp13 replied to Yo-yo girl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I ate 1000 calories at three weeks, I eat 1200 per day now. Never feel hungry, tons of energy, and almost to goal. Have lost pretty steadily:) Jess is right....ideas about diet among surgeons are all over the map. I'm part of a study with a major research hospital assessing the effect of higher calories sooner impacting sustained loss at five years post surgery. The theory is that eating closer to normal calories sooner gives you a better metabolic reset long-term. Previous small studies support this, and I'm part of a broader study hoping to confirm and support these findings with a bigger population of patients. That said...I know plenty of people who have been VERY successful long term eating low calories through their loss phase. Ultimately, it's so individual. People who are hell bent to make it work....make it work. I really did not consider myself an "ideal" bariatric patient. I'm not overly type A. I refuse to be hungry. I hoped to improve my health conditions, but vanity wasn't a huge motivator. My biggest hope going into this was to get the average result....50-60% excess weight loss. I've done so much better than that, I'm just stunned. I'm not far from goal, and I've got a year of trickle loss left. It's pretty exciting:) I really like my forever diet. It's healthy and balance with lots of good carbs. (lots of fruit, whole grains, beans...very little sugar or refined) I don't feel like I'm "dieting" and that's huge for me long term. I do get 75 naughty calories a day....I can use them or bank them, so nothing is forbidden. I don't crave anything I can't have....I plan for it...eat a legal amount...and am usually puzzled about why it sounded so good. My tastes have changed a lot. My whole life I was either starving and obsessing like a maniac.... or throwing all concerns to the wind and overindulging. I don't want to live this way anymore....both extremes just suck for me. This is the first time in my life I've felt like I have a truly healthy relationship with food. It's been a crazy ride, but I feel like I've finally found a sane way to deal with food. -
I'm just not happy.....
Frustr8 replied to BuzzVSG's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
That's why I think more bariatric practices should institute a Clothes Closet, as an example,i am currently a 26W, oh but,i plan to change down soon. It would be,nice to take,my 26s in and exchange for 20-22-24. Now some I concede,are slop-alongs but some are things anothe person coming,in from 28 or 30 or 4x would be happy to wear. Likewise guyswould,be,happy to trade in their 50 for 46 or 48. And as you return in outgrown you trade for smaller, 2 dresses for 2 dresses, 3 j3and for 3 jeans, you get,the,.picture. And I'm on SocialSecurity, I surely can't afford boutiques but sometimes I can't afford Goodwill, Salvation Army,of Volunteers of America unless it's just a few items. Like you, I've noticed Goodwill jacked up their prices, maybe they are sad to see,their donations go! . -
I like Bariatric protein soups - the cream of chicken is really good and I’m excited to try the cream of corn- it’s 6oz with 15 grams of protein but it’s liquid so if I drink very slowly I have no problem with it - it’s nice to have something that’s not sweet- I’m 4 days out
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HELP, 24, Male on the fence (important Qs)
Frustr8 replied to Collin Clark's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
And weighing in(pun or not) with my 2 cents We all come to the realization we need this surgery at different points in life, you are in your 20s and a college student, I am 72, widowed, grandmother twice over, and just now seeking surgery too. And my reasons maybe different than yours but still vaild. If you would like a bari- godmother/grandmother to talk to I'm almost always here. I realized I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. My life as an older obese person was and isnt as happy as it should be. I hurt in every joint, arthritis has held away over me since 25. I could view my own mortality looming in the not distance. Do I fold up sit down and let the Death Angel hold sway over me? Nope I came into this world screaming mad with red hair, I resoled not to go gentle into that good night(sorry Dylan Thomas- I lifted that line from you) There are things to do, promises to fulfill, people yet unmet, and I will not check up just yet. How to improve my health and lifespan? The more I thought on it and explored possibilities Bariatric Surgery popped up. Now to check into it, in the past 60 or 65 was the highest range, well I am atypical. Except for obesity and arthritis( nasty critters in themselves) I am remarkfully healthy for my age. My PCP tells me I am a 40-45 year old trapped in a 72 year old shell. So next month, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I will be undergoing RnY bypass surgery. at OSU-Wexner Medical Center in Columbus Ohio. Am I excited for July to come? Oh yeah, this is my chance at a future. I want to walk easier and lighter, do the things I go out of breath doing, fit in chairs again, visit relatives and be allowed on their good furniture because I'll no longer be a breakage risk, oh their are a lot of things you take for granted as a small typical sized person that heavy persons are barred from . I'll no longer be known as the old redhead fat broad, I'll reclaim being known by a name and for my inner soul instead of my outer covering. Portions of my recovery may be slower than people,your age but they will be all the sweeter because they will be m8ne and is my story written and no one else's. Care to join me on this wonderous journey? May not always be easy but it will be great. I am committed and it will be achievable.💥😛💥 -
@weirdlittlefox reach out to my bari-pal @Taoz for sustaining and advice if you like. She recently had a sleeve so is now a veteran and is also Australian. She can give you diet advice, knows what products and chemists are available, and will become the good chum to,you that she has become for me. There are also a couple people,in Canberra that come to mind. Lets see ther3care some active from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania , and a very vocal group from New South Wales. Odd to me but recently,I've seen more Aussies than Canadians, my ❤ is world-wide, l enjoy making new bariatric friends . We all are engaged in this weight struggle no matter where we came from, I enjoy everyone's viewpoint. Just recently heard from someone in Singapore. Oh and I am not going to be a VSG but a RnY bypass, doesn't matter, I reach out to everyone. I liken it to the difference between Army and Navy, we are all allies in this grand weight war. It's 8 AM here which means it's 8 PM. down under , hope you had a beaut of a day!
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I bought the Bariatric Advantage because my surgeon's office uses them, but as long as you get chewable/meltable vitamins/supplements in the dosages recommended by your surgeon, then you should be fine. Shop around.
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Thank you all for the feed back. I've compared my list of vitamins with what was suggested and the only thing missing is the calcium citrate. Actually with the D and B vitamins I'm actually prescribed a higher dosage than what was recommended. Really the only reason I think Bariatric Advantage was recommended is because he sells them in his office and told me to purchase them from him. Pocket change I'm sure but still. I'm sure they are great and that's why he said those but times aren't easy and they aren't cheap. I did look into the points system but when I went to turn them in they only applied to gift cards with a purchase. Unless I'm reading it wrong? Also Flintsones sound like a wonderful throw back to my childhood. Thank you and hope to hear many more suggestions.
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I don’t know if the Bariatric Advantage vitamins are specially formulated in some way that allow for better absorption. I’ve wondered that but haven’t done any research on that. But in case you didn’t know, all the points you earn by posting on these message boards earns you a discount in the store. :)
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1) Will I ever be able to eat normal things like everyone else down the road at some point? With restriction of course? For some reason this is worrying me as my surgery date approaches. Yes. You'll be able to eat nearly everything. The only food I've found that I'm remotely sensitive to six months out...is corn on the cob. This varies by individual, but I can eat most things in small quantities. 2) Will I be starving or feel starving after the surgery? I did. A lot of people don't have hunger after surgery. I had horrible hunger....but it went away by week three when I started eating 1000 calories a day. 3) Will I be able to take all of my medications still? Prozac, bp, uric acid pills? Talk to your doctor about your meds. (but yes, most meds will be fine..and you might even get off your bp meds) 4) Is it unsafe to live on such low calories? People who have bariatric surgery generally have lots of calories stored as fat...so can manufacture their own fuel from fat. You do have to pay attention to eating your protein, because you don't want your body to consume muscle. And you need to take your vitamins. My program had us eating 1000-1200 calories 3 weeks after surgery. This is an extremely safe level of calories to live on. You can live short term safely on less. If you run into hypoglycemia or malabsorptive issues, this can be problematic, but most people don't. if you eat 60+grams of protein a day, your muscles should be safe.
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So my surgeon recommended (said I had to) I buy "Bariatric Advantage" Calcium Citrate Chewy's 500mg & Chewable Advanced Multi EA. From what I gather they are just multi vitamins and iron pills. Is there any reason I need to get these other than they are chewable. I take multi's already and one of the last visits I had with him he said all my levels looked good. I'd rather not spend the $ if I can get past it. Is there another alternative? Cheaper maybe? What do you all take?
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Sounds impossible doesn't it? I had finished all my requirements, after re- calling and re calling repeatedly they finally told me I had insurance clearance to proceed. Oh we'll call you with a date as soon as surgeon checks his schedule, if he isn't clear maybe,one of his partners might. Should have saw something screwy, them having a meeting to discuss my case. Then I get a call saying nobody wanted to perform my surgery. When I tried to,pick them down more they tried to say. I was not emotional stable and couldn't understand about surgery. Bullfeathers, I am not so stupid that I want to stay where I'm not wanted. slicked myself up, dried my tears and decided to apply where I had wanted to go from the beginning. Had only gone to first,place because it had been recommended,to,me. Program #2 has treated me with the utmost respect, everybody is kind, honestly likes me and is willing to help me make my surgery, a GOOD experience. As I look back, there was something fundamentally off about the first place. They were not warm, I tried to disregard it, thought maybe that was the way things are supposed to be, doctor never looked me in the eye, thought,it somehow was my fault, but I feel clearly they were the ones lacking. Honestly,think if I had wandered onto the Interstate and gotten run over they would not have shed a tear. And Program #1,was in a Catholic hospital, in fact PCP had recommended them thinking they would treat me in a decent manner. My new program is located in our state land grant university, doesn't matter if I get escorted to the hospital by the🏈 football coach or a 🚜tractor driver, these people DO,have,my back. And I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting every member of their bariatric staff. July📅 is going to be a Wonderful month for me and my surgery! And although I am usually a very sweet tempered person. I wish unrepairable hemmoroids 💩for Surgeon #1 and his office staff!
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Endoscopy- is it a must-do?
Mhy12784 replied to Lizaboo's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everybody gets an endoscopy preop at my hospital. Sleeve bypass, lap band. I'm not sure why a surgeon would do it on some and not others (I guess they use it to exclude sleeve candidates with bad GERD). At my hospital they also do an endo at the end of every bariatric case So if you get a sleeve or bypass they stick a scope down at the end of the surgery to double check that everything is fine and take another look around. Honestly the endo is nothing compared to the surgery
