wannalise

Well I am three years post op and so grateful for this journey. Having lost the weight increased my fertility dramatically, and allowed me to conceive and give birth to a healthy beautiful boy. However, the strangest side effect has come with my epilepsy. Medications that once managed my seizure symptoms are no more. I have been working with a neurologist for 2.5 years trying to find the magic combo. Taking way more than I had to at 320 lbs (I am at 160 now) the best guess that my medical professionals have. I once had a fatty inefficient liver. I no longer do. My liver is so effective that it chews up more medicine than the FDA's maximum dosages. I am so grateful for the changes I have made. I have so much joy in this body. But my epilepsy before was not even a part of my life. I went for a decade with no seizures. I had friends who had no idea this had even been a part of my life. Now I am unable to get up in the night with my small fry and my husband has graciously taken that role. I am often dizzy, or disoriented from the high doses of medicaion. Yet I still often feel on the verge of a seizure. Its hard to know what to wish for.

Thank you so much. I had hoped that weight loss would mean that I would need less medication too, but I am double the medication I was at my full dosage. I am trying to be patient, and may need to visit with a new neurologist as we just aren't finding what I need with my current doctor. I genuinely believe that there is purpose in all we experience, but want desperately to feel like myself and have the energy it takes to be the type of mom I have always hoped I'd be.

I was stable from about 7 months, there are still variances two years out though. Everyone has had that one day (I've had it lots of times) where you say, "Oh no I've ruined it!" I had months where I could only eat part of a Wendy's chili and one day when I finished the whole thing I almost cried. But two days ago I sat down with a bowl of strawberries and was full at 3. Another thing for me is that eggs are slider foods. Bread sometimes can be too, depending on the type. You are doing great!

The great thing is that we all have the opportunity to do homework, and then do what is right for us. I have had friends that had the surgery in the states and outside, we all feel great about our choices, but ulitimately had to do homework and find what we were most comfortable with. I went because I was pleased with my surgeons reputation, and stats. I also had to consider the financial aspect, I was scheduled to have surgery with a great surgeon here, but was unable to spend that money. That brought risk with it, I understood those risks and FOR ME it was worth it, but that is something that only you can decide for you. These forums can be informative, but remember we are just a bunch of folks chatting. Ultimately it is your responsibility to do the homework and find the best alternatives for you. Anna

I can tell based on what I am eating and how hydrated I am I may have more gas or irregularity. Even post op the quality of what you put in your body still matters. But I don't think I am too stinky a gal. But I may even be more willing to be a stinky gas bomb, then feel how I felt at 310 pounds! Anna

I worked with two different surgeons offices. I think the standard recommendations preop are: Minimum of 60g Protein and neither surgeons wanted me to worry about carbs. Post op: 60-80g protein Less then 30g carbs Hang in there preop is no fun, but totally worth it!!! Anna

You can do it!!!! It really is no fun, but I promise it is worth every bit of struggle. Anna

Awesome!!!! I will never forget the way I felt that day. You will never be the same. Be patient with yourself. Try not to compare yourself to others. You are going to rock this!!!! I will be thinking about you tomorrow. Best of luck to you!!!! Anna

Well, I feel sort of guilty. As I tried to learn all I could about the surgery, during my recovery and as I learned I relied so much on those who had gone on before me, It brought me such joy and probably was what helped me be successful those first few months. So, I have realized that I should be here for those folks who are getting their start too. Thanks to all of you who have supported me, and to those who may need support or have questions I'm here. Thanks and good luck! Anna

You had 80-85% of a vital organ removed, stay patient with your body it is incredibly dramatic and swelling is our bodies way of protecting itself. Good luck to you and I hope you feel well soon. Anna

Okay I shall try to post pictures!

That is so great! Congratulations, keep posting!!! Anna

This is a rough journey, a lot of changes have to be made both physically and mentally. Try to be nice to yourself. You deserve it. Anna

I struggled with nausea for quite a while, it was very frustrating and depressing truthfully. I found out that my main issue was dehydration, for some reason the body develops nausea when you are dehydrated which seems backwards. I hope your doctor is able to find the solution for you! Anna

Good luck to you. Be sure to ask lots of questions if you have them. And follow those instructions! Be patient with yourself after surgery, you will have a hard time initially being able to get all of your liquids and Proteins in, but it you will get there. Keep us posted and know that you have cheerleaders her for you! Anna

Can't speak to the band, but the sleeve has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. You have to do this homework and find what is going to be the best choice for you, no surgery will fix it all. I have lost weight that I was never able to loose on my own, but I still stay mindful of why I am eating, and how I am feeling. The whole they operate on your stomach not your brain! Best of luck with your decision!!! Anna

Well it sounds like your original question has been answered, but I just wanted to wish you luck on your upcoming surgery. (and the weather) It is such a crazy ride, I bet you will do a great job! Anna

It stops! Mine is growing in, and that is more annoying because I have little teeny hairs popping out of my scalp. But my butt looks good in jeans. Worth it! Anna

Hi all! Hadn't checked in for quite a while, hope you are all doing well. I started a new job along with my old job and find the world a bit overwhelming so I'm not on the boards like I used to be. Would love to hear how everyone is doing. Anna

Hi all! Hadn't checked in for quite a while, hope you are all doing well. I started a new job along with my old job and find the world a bit overwhelming so I'm not on the boards like I used to be. Would love to hear how everyone is doing. Anna

The first little while you lose weight inspite of yourself physically, that part is tricky emotionally. I have to work harder for my weight loss then I used to, but I have laid a good groundwork for myself and have NO DOUBT that I will reach my goal. I had dieted and done every other damn way to lose weight and got to a place that even when I'd show up to weight watchers meetings I knew that I wasn't going to make any progress, I don't feel that way anymore. I trust myself and you will learn to as well. Stay focused. We don't have to be the average C students, we are rockstars!!!!

Welcome!!!! Be super patient with yourself this first while. Sometimes on the boards we all so thrilled with the positive that comes from our surgery that we forget that the first little while can be draining. You will rock this!!!! Work hard, follow your doctors advice, sip, and walk!!! Best of luck to you. Anna

Welcome aboard!!!! It really is a journey and it is great that you understand that already. I was with you on the bypass thing, and I am still very grateful for my choice. I have friends who have had both surgeries and when we go to birthday parties and I eat part of a piece of cake and don't feel sick from it and they end up with severe dumping, and remember why I made the choice that I did. Take this time to prepare yourself mentally, it is really a trip mentally, and most days its very managable and amazing, but there are times especially in those first couple of months that can take an emotional toll. My boyfriend was initially unsure about me having the surgery, as he knew people who had the surgery, did not follow surgeons advice and then regained weight, but still had to deal the rest of their lives with forever altered body. He has since become my biggest cheerleader! I hope the same for you. Hang in there and keep on posting, there are some excellent supporters here, and if nothing else there will be someone who knows exactly what you are talking about. Best of luck! Anna