moose18201

I find a lot of names on here interesting and I'm sure there are good stories behind how everyone chose them. Anyone like to share? For me, Kindle is my horse's name and she was the "straw that broke the camel's back" in my decision to have VSG. I feel bad for her, having to lug my fat ass around the mountains and would love to be able to hop on her without having to find a rock or log to climb up on. (there's a dozen other reasons behind my decision, but my profile name is my tribute to her and how much more fun we will have next summer!)

I cant totally relate. My surgery date is August 4th. I start my low carb diet on July 21st. But they told me to go ahead and be practicing chew, chew, chew. That's hard for me. I practically inhale my food sometimes. I have to make a conscience effort to chew slowly and thoroughly. I'm excited about surgery though, seems like an eternity till August!

But where's the Protein? That has more sugar than I'm supposed to have.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who posts from their personal experience and share their stories with others. I am in that dreaded 3 week stall with about 5 days of losing no weight. However, I'm out 23 days and have lost 22 pounds, so with all the info I get here and all the support I've seen others receive, I know it's
NORMAL!!!

And I'll get through it and I'm not through losing weight and I'll be fine next week and the week after and I will reach my goals!
Thanks to all of you who help!
Ginger

The holidays remind us of family get-togethers sharing food, laughter and bonding. If you are a food addict, the holidays may be one big guilt ridden binge. Food addicts think about food and have memories of food too, but they will most likely be linked with memories of hiding food, being punished by withdrawal of food, or being abandoned from loving relationships and using food for comfort. This is one reason the holidays are so stressful for people who struggle with food addictions. The frenzy and excitement brings stress, and food addicts comfort and calm their stress with food.


Most people gain 3 to 5 pounds over the holidays. After the holidays one of the reasons many people become depressed is due to their out of shape bodies. Waiting until the New Year to shed a few pounds usually finds you carrying the additional weight you gained during the holidays into spring. By planning your holidays to include exercise and healthy choices, you don’t have to gain weight and you can still have a wonderful holiday.
Why does overeating happen more during the holidays?
Variety brings back emotional memories, images and feelings.
The holidays come only once a year and are stressful…food is comforting for many.
When we are stressed, upset or feeling lonely sugar can give us a high.
Food is associated with good friends, parties and feeling connected.

How do you avoid overeating?
Before a party eat something hot. Things such as Soup are wise choices so your tummy will be full.
Avoid over drinking…in most cases over drinking causes overeating in that order.
Make the holidays more about relationships than food.
Try a small variety of many things instead of eating a whole pan of one thing.
Exercise at least 10 minutes each day. This helps you relieve stress and is much healthier than food.
Eating won’t help you deal with a breakup, boredom, or isolation, but reaching out for a good friend will. Avoid going to parties alone and when you go with someone ask them to help you limit your intake.
Eat until you are comfortable and then stop. Overeating is hard on your heart, liver and stomach.
Journal your feelings so you won’t have to eat them.
Learn to say “NO” to someone who is pushing food on you.
Bring your lunch to work and limit yourself to one holiday goodie in the work kitchen.

Preparing yourself and your family to focus more attention on the meaning of the holidays and less on food served will strengthen your family’s communication and bring a deeper sense of gratitude for one another.
–Mary Jo Rapini

There are vets who post but you are right that many leave. Some just don't need or want it to be a focus anymore but many move on to private groups (Facebook etc) to seek support. This is why I hope we can keep the veterans forum active so people can get meaningful support here.

Hey I'm still here.... When I am not in the hospital I am here trying to help everyone I can.. Please don't count me out yet!!!!!!

Congrats and welcome to the best of your life!
When I was about 4-5 days post-op, I was almost exactly like you. NEVER hungry but tummy always growling. The feeling like you're going to burst is pretty normal, but if I had to guess I would say it's a decent indication that you're taking too big a sip each time. The day I left the hospital, I was getting ready to walk out the door, grabbed the mug they gave me, and -- without thinking -- took what used to be a normal gulp full of Water.
Big, big mistake.
If you haven't already, you might consider a "sippy cup" and realize that you are NOT expected to be able to drink 64 oz of Water per day at this point. 64oz is the goal, not the starting point. Just take a sip, sit down the glass, do something else. In a minute or so take a sip, rinse, repeat for the entire day.
The big thing here is to keep hydrated, and keep your throat wet throughout the day.
Drinking (and eating) more will come with time as your body heals and adapts to the massive change you've just gone through. Trust me, at 13 weeks or so out, I'm just now starting to deal with cravings again. Not like I'm really hungry. It's all in my head, but it's more like normal where I'd really just like a bite or two of my favorite foods. I order what I want, take a couple of bites, then make 3-4 meals out of the leftovers in a to-go box. It's all good.
What you're going through is the physically hard part right now. It gets much, much better.
Wayne

My experience has been the same as Terry's. I am one year post surgery and I can down 20 ounces of Water in about 15 minutes if I am thirsty. Probably a bit slower than pre-surgery, but no sipping. And I have used a straw since week three with no problems. I know they can be problematic for some, but I have never had a problem at all. I had the exact same fear, so I was really glad when it all worked. Listen to your new pouch, it will let you know if it doesn't like something!
Carol

Oh sweetie, it does get better, I had the worst time at the beginning of mine, I had a large upper incision and i had to get staples to close me up, and I was in pain like that for about a week then I was in more pain because the staples hurt. Not everyones experience is the same, and I know it seems like it won't get better but it does. I would just drink, drink, drink as much as you can for right now. Don't get discouraged, believe me I thought with all that happen I made a mistake doing it but now I am 56lbs down in 3 months and a week and I am so happy that I did it now, I still have days where I can't eat very well but I do what I have to, and I am getting better. Good Luck!!!

I'm almost a week out of my surgery and I soooo appreciate the encouragement and wisdom the vets have shared. Thank you all so much!! I know b4 wls when I would blow up with a family member about my weight it was a smoke screen to hide I was doing something wrong. I KNOW this surgery is going to bring me to another level of humility. So grateful for the surgery and this forum to help me through this. Newbies, please don't go on the defense, they're speaking from experience.

I'm HOPEFULLY about a month from surgery and I know that I have seen that same questions about a hundred times (I'm looking at you Protein posts) since I joined this site in April and each time at least 1 or 2 vets will still step in and answer and that is greatly appreciated!! I like all the others that posted in here greatly appreciate the vets for sticking around and answering everyones repeated questions with patience and honesty. I like the no nonsense responses because we don't have time for babying, those days are over. Babying ourselves for years is how we got to this point! So again...THANK YOU!!

Hi Pic, I have most of the same issues as you. I am terrified to have this surgery done b/c I now weigh 213 lbs. I was banded 5 yrs. ago and lost 48 lbs. I've gained back 15 lbs and my A1-C level is higher than it's ever been along with my HBP. I know I can't do this on my own, I've been trying for 30 yrs and I am now 59. I'm listening to everyone else here that has gone through what we are going through now. I've been approved to have the band removed, but now I'm waiting for a call back to see if insurance will once again pay to have rny at the same time. I just want you to know that You're not alone and I wish you the best

This site was invaluable to me before and after surgery. I learned a lot, both by other's mistakes and successes. I knew what to expect before during and after surgery and got good tips to prepare for it. Tips about what to buy, what to do and not do, and tips for easing discomfort of painful gas. VERY valuable - the threads regarding constipation! Reading about successes was a great encouragement and kept me focused so I could someday be in that category. recipes helped me eat foods at each stage that met my dietary needs and tasted great. Sometimes all I needed was a little sympathy after a 'foamies' incident from someone who knows what 'foamies' are, and I got that too. And so on, and so on...
As a 'vet' of just over one year post op, I have to give other vets a lot of credit for tirelessly answering the same old questions over and over and over again. And occasionally getting bashed for it. Sometimes people don't want to hear the plain honest truth, but the best help you can give them IS the truth! After my surgical team, this site is the most valuable resource I have had since I made my decision to do RNY back in Feb 2013 (my actual surgery was 5/30/13). I thank the vets for being there when I needed it. With your example to follow, I hope to continue to share my personal experiences when it may help someone else. :-)

Aren't we supposed to steer clear of beer due to the carbonation?

You have permission to Beat me into submission if needed....I am a babe in the woods and soo appreciate the insight. I have been reading and reading and reading and still have so much to learn.

As somebody who has about 4 months to go before surgery, I can tell you I am drinking in and absorbing every single bit of knowledge the vets provide. It's like a connection to the future. I know I will get there. It will be stressful and hard and I may make stupid mistakes, But I can read these forums and know I'm working towards a wonderful goal that will change my life. So when I make mistakes, I get on this site and start reading questions, stories, even stats.
Thank you to all the vets that have stuck around to provide this information and motivation for us. Being 4 months away, it's not like I can call my surgeon and ask a million questions yet. I haven't seen any vets respond negatively to any of my posts yet, but if they do, I'll take it for what it's worth. It's someone that has been there, done that, and got through it themselves. I know they are taking the time to respond because at one point, they probably asked a stupid question themselves and they know how important it is to get honest answers whether I want to hear them or not.
So whether you're ranting or raving, please keep doing what you're doing. We may not like your response, but we need it. We didn't get to this point because we're perfect, and sometimes a virtual slap upside the head is exactly what we need to stay on track.

...don't come down on folks when they offer it.
Especially if you are new to the WLS experience and the vets respond to you. We see the same questions over and over and over again and we still take the time to answer you because we know that for you, it's the first time you are going through this.
It would be so easy for us vets to leave the forum and live our lives successfully but we stay here because we remember how it was at the beginning or if we see that you are struggling during the WLS journey....so we stay here and try to help. Please think about that if you don't like how we've responded. It's not because we know better....it's because we simply know more than you do right now. Respect that please.
We try so hard to be sympathetic when you screw up or ask questions that you already know the answers to...like I didn't lose 5 lbs. in one week, is this a stall? Or, I ate a bag of chips...did I do bad?
I've been on this forum for a year and a half and in that time, I've seen too many vets take a hike and it's often because they are rebuffed when they offer insights or even just their own personal experiences. If you want this forum to succeed, and if you personally want to succeed...be aware of what you say either on the forum or when you PM. Especially when you PM.
And one more thing. I didn't post this on Rants and Raves because it's not a rant. It's a request.

With all due respect y'all, I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one around here! Lol! Thanks for the replies so far. Whew.

Just got discharged and crawled into my bed. Tip: It is easier to sip and swallow while walking.
Groan.

I can sooo relate. Five years ago I was over 320 pounds and I cried as I walked around my yard for my first exercise. I slowly lost weight and pain. I began on the elliptical the first month. It probably was 3 months and 50 or so pounds before I felt significant drop in pain. The next two years were great. I lost 135 pounds and LOVED working out. I was running for the first time in my life. I was biking over 50 miles a trip. Mountain biking became a passion at 50. Endorphins are wonderful things. I had a significant hip injury and exercise came to a halt. I was devastated, depressed and ate. I got back up to the 270's and reinsured my hip just due to the weight. Knees kill me, back pain is affecting my other passion of gardening. About 2 months ago I said enough and made first appt at a Bariatric clinic. I have until December or January until surgery and can't wait. Memories are fresh of how good my body felt. I never made it to goal but I felt great in the 180's.
I know this time I have done additional damage to my body and arthritis is progressing everywhere so I am sure I will still have some pain. But I know it will be nothing compared to now. I likely will have to have hip surgery again and want to give my hip the best possible situation for recovery.
You are not alone!

Hi Crosby, thank you so much for replying. The hardest thing is when people just think you are too lazy to exercise and not understanding just to walk is painful. Good luck on your journey. In a year's time we will all feel much better I am sure. My hips are killing me even without any "injury" so I cannot even imagine what you must be feeling. Go all of us for having enough courage to say enough is enough.

I have a type of arthritis and I can't do much physical activity without major pain that is one of the reasons I am having surgery. I was just told to build up to it. If I do 10 minutes on the tread mill I have to wear boots on my feet for 30 minutes due to plantar fasciitis pain. My knee grinds every time I take a step. My list could keep going.
I'll be praying for you pain to ease just know that your not alone

I had a gastric bypass on April 8, 2014. I was in the pre-op room when my daughter took a picture for Facebook. That's the last thing I remembered until 3+ weeks later. The surgery took a little longer than normal because my stomach had adhered to my liver & they needed to be separated. I came out of surgery fine. Then apparently I began having severe pain in my lower abdomen. Thank God the nurses & my surgeon were on the ball. He sent me for a CT scan which showed a leak. I was taken back into surgery where I had to be opened. I had had other abdominal surgeries which caused a lot of scar tissue. When the doc went to pull up the intestine for the bypass, it ripped, causing a leak. This caused me to become septic. I was in ICU on a ventilator for over 2 weeks. I was also kept basically comatose for that time. After coming off the vent, I was confused, didn't understand what happened. It was almost impossible to move my legs, turn myself in the bed. I had lost function, strength & a think a little of my mind. I was in the hospital for nearly 2 months. Then I had to go to rehab for 2 weeks to learn how to walk again. When I look back, I'm just thankful. I was on death's door, but God pulled me back. My family was even called in from out of state. So blessed I am.
I am still weak, but I'm working on that & endurance. I walk on the treadmill nearly everyday. I'm lucky if I get 20 minutes of walking done. I get so frustrated! They tell me it may take several months to get back to normal. But I'm working hard, trying to do a little more each day. I want to be able to walk thru the mall, the park. I'm tired of having to use a wheelchair when it's going to be a longer walk. But I WILL get there!
My highest weight was 350. On the day of surgery I was 303. Today I weigh 243. That's a total weight loss of 107 lbs. 60lbs from the day of surgery. I'm having to buy new clothes, I can see a difference in the mirror & although I'm not 100%, I will get there. Would I have the surgery again? Absolutely!!

Millions of Americans will go away on vacation this year, and if you are lucky enough to be one of them, you need to know what to pack. Packing requires a little more thought than it did before weight loss surgery, when you did not have much to worry about besides your clothes and toiletries. After weight loss surgery, you need to be sure that you bring what you need to stay healthy and keep losing weight. That means adding a few extra items to your packing list. These are some essential additions to your suitcase when you are taking a trip after weight loss surgery.


Keep reading even if you’re one of the nearly half of Americans who are not going to travel this year. These tips can be just as helpful for staycationers as for vacationers, since the goals are the same. On vacation, you need to stick to your weight loss surgery diet, keep exercising, and be prepared for unexpected complications that can come up.
Water Bottle
Before surgery, hydration was a lot easier. You grabbed a bottle of Water, a soda, or whatever else was around. If nothing was available at the moment, you just waited until the next opportunity to drink something. That doesn’t fly after weight loss surgery! You need to stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and your hunger down, and you cannot afford the calories of sodas, juices, or sports drinks.< /span>
Another wrench is that you cannot drink beverages while you are eating solid food, so you need to be prepared to meet your Fluid requirements within small windows of time. Take a reusable water bottle so that you can always have water available when you need it. A reusable water bottle is not necessary if you are certain that you will always be able to purchase a few bottles of water when you need one. Include a few packets of powdered sugar-free beverage mix if you do not like the taste of water.
Protein Powder
Getting enough Protein was no problem before weight loss surgery. There was no way you couldn’t get enough each day. After weight loss surgery, though, your 60 to 85 grams of protein per day can be challenging. Being on the road can make the task much more difficult. You might not be able to check the nutritional information of a food before it is time to eat your meal, or you might find yourself at a restaurant that seems to have no high-protein options. If you are in a foreign country, a lot of the foods you eat may be unfamiliar, so you will not know the exact protein content.

You can still enjoy these exotic foods on your vacation, though. Stash some Protein Powder in your suitcase so that you never need to risk being without enough protein. A 1-lb canister of protein powder can provide 300 grams of protein, which should be enough to help you meet your needs when you combine it with the healthy foods you choose during your trip.
Healthy Snacks
Snacks and meals were easy before weight loss surgery. There is always some sort of food around, and when your stomach growled, you could hit the nearest vending machine, convenience store, or restaurant. After weight loss surgery, you need to eat healthy foods. If hunger strikes and you are unprepared, you are out of luck.

Bring a few healthy Snacks to prevent diet disasters at the airport and throughout your trip, unless you are certain that you will be able to visit supermarkets with the healthy foods you need whenever necessary. These are some ideas.
Protein bars.
Nuts or peanuts.
Peanut butter.
Beef Jerky.< /span>
Microwave popcorn.< /span>
Packets of instant oatmeal (use the coffee maker in your hotel room to heat water to make the oatmeal).

Emergency Contacts
Anything can happen at any time after weight loss surgery. Lap-band patients may get sick and need an unfill, and any weight loss surgery patient can need to see a surgeon for a variety of reasons. Be sure you know how to reach your surgeon, primary care doctor, your pharmacist, and a friend or family member who can act as your emergency contact. You likely already have their information in your cell phone, but write it down on paper, too. That way, you can easily make copies of the information. Include names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Anti-Nausea Medications
You may have already been prone to motion sickness and nausea before weight loss surgery, but the risks associated with vomiting are more serious after weight loss surgery. Vomiting can displace the lap-band or rip the staples if you have the gastric bypass, sleeve plication, or sleeve gastrectomy. Pack an over-the-counter anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication that your doctor approves of so that you can minimize vomiting as soon as possible if you happen to get food poisoning or fall ill on vacation.
Running Shoes
Take your running, walking, or other active shoes…because this year, you are going to participate instead of watching on the sidelines! Don’t forget other activewear, such as comfortable exercise clothes that are suitable for whatever you might encounter, whether that involves outdoor hikes or indoor group exercise classes on a cruise ship.
Food Journal
Calories and portion sizes count just as much on vacation as at home, and logging your food is just as important. Take a paper notebook so that you do not need to rely on having internet access to log your food. Or, if you are staying in the U.S. and are confident that you can keep logging your food on your mobile device like you always do, you can stick with your smartphone.
Nutritional Supplements
You don’t want to waste your vacation chasing down the assortment of Vitamins and minerals that you are supposed to be taking. Some of the vitamins and minerals may not even be available over-the-counter in the doses you need if you are in a foreign country. Bring enough of each kind of supplement that you take to comfortably see you through your trip.