Tomo

I love it with fresh cut pineapple with Tajin seasoning on top! Yum!

A baggy dress that slips over your head, easy to get in and out of, especially after surgery where it hurts to move. A pillow to hug for the bumpy ride home. Easy slip on shoes. Typical emergency items like cell phone, charger... Etc. I basically went in, had surgery, slept, went home. They have all you need for drinks, meals if you stay the night. They also have disposable toothbrushes, shampoo... Etc.

I'm a fan of under the desk ellipticals or cycles. It keeps me mobile all day even when I have to work at the desk. I have bad knees and there's no strain on my knees using those either.

I hope this finds you well and you are okay. From my understanding, the upper GI series your surgeon has recommended is a crucial diagnostic tool. It can provide insights into various post-surgical changes, such as alterations in the anatomical structure of the gastrointestinal tract or potential issues with nutrient absorption. This non-invasive test is instrumental in identifying the underlying causes of unexpected weight fluctuations following weight loss surgery. It’s a key step in ensuring your ongoing health and well-being.

I don't follow a low carb but I had asked something similar to my team, and basically they said that you count only Net carbs. So if it were up to my team, you can definitely have that tortilla lol. ^^

Yeah, I second @Catwoman7. Somewhere in the ballpark of 30 grams is what is recommended. Some days I may get a lot more, but a daily 66 grams of Fiber a day does seem quite high. Can ask your team what they think. Everybody is different.

If you haven't already, can get your Ferritin levels checked. My hair started falling out when my Ferritin got below 20 ng/ml. I read 70 ng/ml is the key figure to stop Hair loss from THAT particular reason. But yeah, unfortunately, hair loss can be from several different reasons, for example, just stress from any surgery. For many of us during the WLS process, it is inevitable but luckily, it does grow back.

You will be successful. Supporting your success!!

On 3/17/2024 at 9:08 PM, GreenTealael said:

Southern Indian Chole Batura (my favorite), What’s everyone’s favorite regional food?

I have too many favorites but the one that popped up in my mind reading your post is probably Hakata ramen (aka Tonkotsu Ramen) from the Fukuoka prefecture, Japan. I also like Singapore noodles which are not for Singapore but interestingly a Cantonese dish. So suffice it say, I can't have my favorite dishes too often lol.

I believe you'll need and appreciate the 7 days off. Although I felt good a couple days after surgery, I was seriously tired and lagging for quite awhile due to lack of calories, body healing... Etc. If you have the option, I would say don't rush it. Most take 2 or 3 weeks if not more since it is a major surgery, and recovering from it is a little different from other major surgeries because you can't really eat (and some can't drink much either right after surgery) so there is that major body adjustment as well.

What an inspiration you are. You look great and healthy too. You have a lot more discipline than I do! lol. I am a 80/20 person myself.

Pre-wls was the hardest part of the whole process. You don't have to long to go now. If you have slipped, just get back on it, and don't beat yourself up. The most important time is 3 to 4 days prior to make sure you have an empty stomach. Good luck and congrats on your upcoming surgery.

I take 3g a day in the morning with my coffee to keep me regular with no side effects. I think half a dose is about 8.5g. Either way, glad you are feeling better now. Sitting on the toilet all day is no fun! Miralax does works miracles for me, and it's inexpensive, safe for long term so I can see why she recommended it. I was also told not to take Metamucil or any psyllium husk for a few months because it swells in your stomach, adding bulk and our tummies are so tiny already.

Natural to feel itchy and discomfort but if you are running a fever or pus/liquid is coming out, or the incision has a bad smell, please see a doctor asap.

I never had a leak but a relative did. The stomach takes 6 weeks to heal and she split open her sutures by not following plan. She ate solids way too early.

I was allowed coffee before during and after. It depends upon your program.

Like @ms.sss I had problems of skin irritation when I was heavy, I don't have any after the weight loss. I found Caldesene Medicated protecting powder to be a lifesaver. I still use it whenever I get any type of rashes from allergies or heat.

So excited. I actually found Boursin cheese at the supermarket! We’ll ignore the calories & low Protein & reflect simply on its deliciousness. Going to make the zucchini tart again but as mini tartlets for drinks next weekend.

Ooh, I love that cheese!!! Mmmm! Good find [emoji3059]

It's similar to most WLS, I believe. I was advised to take 2 to 3 weeks off but I was up and about in no time (the next day) but I was tired a lot due to much lower calorie intake, after effects of the surgery, healing.... Etc. Depending upon the type of job you have, you can't lift anything heavy the first 6 weeks since your stomach will still be healing. Congrats on your recent approval!

I had the lap band for a long time, and there were definitely days that food would go down much easier. Then I had days I couldn't eat but a few bites, and other days that it felt like there was no restriction at all. Many times, it depended on what type of food I was eating. I don't think you need a fill unless your weight loss has completely stalled, and even then, a common problem is being too aggressive and getting too many fills and ending up causing serious long term side effects with the esophagus. As long as you are still in the general ballpark of say, your calorie goals, I wouldn't worry about the day to day fluctuations. You can get a barium swallow and see if you pouch has stretch or not, I did that yearly to make sure the band didn't slip and/or if I stretch the pouch above the band. Sometimes that can cause people to be able to eat a lot more when they have the band.

It varies from doctor to doctor so I would ask your team. Some say nut butters are fine, while others don't. I was on a "clear" liquid diet so I couldn't.

On 1/31/2024 at 1:09 PM, sillykitty said:

Was anyone else afraid of stomach stretching when you had your surgery? I was. I had nightmares about accidentally eating a giant plate of food (hello anxiety! 😂)
Well six years post op next month and very little stretching!
(A Rachel on sourdough with collard greens)

I worried about it in the beginning. I make a point to not overeat often because of it. My habit is to stop at about 80% full. I can eat 2 cups at one sitting, on a hungry day and depending upon what it is. But as some say, just because I can doesn't mean I should or will lol. I have to rely on filling with fruits/vegetables, healthy low calorie foods, on those super hungry days or I would gain weight.

I think most doctors tell their revision patients not to expect much weight loss. It disappoints many. I remember mine telling me 20 lbs. at most and only in the beginning since hunger comes back by year 2. Something like that. I had my revision done due to complications of the lapband, and then gerd from the sleeve. I think you'll find the RNY much more comfortable to live with compared to the lapband. For one, it's a lot easier to eat. I remember I couldn't eat bread and many things without gagging when I had the lapband. I can eat anything I want now without that feeling. I think if one wants to lose a lot of weight after a revision, they have to really follow the rules and work at it. Especially after the hunger comes back. I really think you'll be able to maintain the weight that you are happy with.

I have been following the rule the way @ms.sss has, I have always drank up till the meal but afterwards, I've been hardcore about not drinking till at the very least 30 minutes, but usually go much longer, until I feel my stomach has emptied. The times I have drank after 30 minutes, I feel hungry much sooner so I wait as long as possible. It applies to Snacks and meals, any time you have anything other than a liquid, including Soup.

We had a company function in December and I was the talk of the event. I didn't go last year so this was the first time a lot of people saw me since the WLS. I could tell that people were talking about me and many of them came over to say hi and ask me how I managed to lose the weight. I guess everyone had "lose weight" in their 2024 resolutions. I gave them the "eating healthy and cycling" answer and even showed them photos of my mountain bike.
A lot of them reminded me of how huge I was before and that they were really concerned etc. This was the first time I'm hearing these comments which I assume were always made behind my back. Then they started talking the same about other people who need to lose weight calling them fat and make jokes about them. I was not amused and couldn't help it but telling them to stop. People can be really mean. You don't know what those people are going through and was struggles and problems do they have. Just because you are skinny doesn't make you a better person.
Have you had a similar experience?

Some of them may have been their private thoughts that they are sharing with you now. That they were truly worried, especially if you're a good guy[emoji3590] and worth worrying about. I have been concerned about others who have put on a lot of weight but because I had a history of obesity myself, I know better how to phrase weight comments.

The ones making fun of others is unacceptable behavior, period. I label them jerks, and would avoid toxic people.

You've done great, congrats.