Inner Surfer Girl

It might be blood sugar, blood pressure, dehydration, or it could be vertigo. I had vertigo pre-op and it SUCKED.

Thank you for your very nice, and concerned response! I have been seeing a therapist, but not for the weight gain. I was seeing one for the OCD and anxiety, and they prescribed me with Lexapro. Ever sense I started taking it, I hardly ever have anxiety or panic attacks. It really has helped. But I heard it makes people eat - go figure, lol. The Lexapro has given me my spirited, outgoing self back. But I still have low self-esteem issues with my appearance. I know I'm attractive, but my weight is making me feel like I'm not myself. I am not at all in the process, besides making the decision to do it. If the Bypass were the only surgery available, I probably wouldn't have weight loss surgery at all. I heard the Sleeve is a bit safer. At this point, I'm going to have severe health issues in the future if I don't get the weight off. I have found a surgeon. His ratings are 4.8 stars out of 5, which is great! I called and left a voicemail at his office, but no one has returned my call. So, I think I'm going to give them a call in a few minutes. I am not being treated for sleep apnea. I haven't had a diagnosis yet, but I am almost certain that's what I have. The only thing is, I've heard you don't remember your dreams when you have sleep apnea; but I almost always remember mine, and have them frequently. WOW!! 200 pounds in a year?! Congratulations! That is so nice to hear. I am so happy for you. That is like 16 pounds per month! Have you had to continuously replace your clothes? Lol! As much as that would probably cost a lot of money to replace that many wardrobes, I'm actually looking forward to it. I still have a ton of clothes saved from high school that I hope to be able to wear again, since I haven't grown a single inch since I was 15. A few things that I am wondering about are my gastritis and PCOS. I found out I have gastritis, which is when the lining of the stomach is inflamed. I'm wondering if this will be a problem. I know you're not a doctor. I'm just hoping the surgery will maybe even improve my stomach problems. I also have PCOS which can cause women to gain weight. Do you have that? I don't have PCOS but your surgeon should take everything into account when recommending a procedure. I have never heard that people with sleep apnea can't remember their dreams. I never noticed that. Other than WLS, being treated for sleep apnea has been the best thing I have done for my health. Getting good, restful sleep is critical. Your surgeon and/or insurance will most likely require a sleep study and treatment. I don't spend a lot of money on clothes. I am not working so I am still wearing old clothes (I have a lot of basic dresses). I do make sure I have a bathing suit that fits: I started with a size 32 and my current suit is a tankini with a top size 20 and a bottom sized 24. I have buy a couple of new skirts and tops periodically so I have something to wear in public. Not long after surgery I bought underwear in three sizes so I always have underwear that fits. I just bought a packet of the next size down. I bought a couple of new bras a while back. I am due to get a new bra. I know a lot of people buy clothes at thrift and consignment shops while they are transitioning. One other thing, I recommend you make sure you use a surgeon who is at a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

Why not file FMLA. It is for your protection. If you have complications or other health issues it is designed to protect your job. That is not something I would want to risk.

I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing difficulties. Have you talked to a physician about this? Your surgeon? A gastrointestinal specialist?

Congratulations on your weight loss. Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges and goals? What does he or she advise? Are you tracking your food? What is your protein target? Are you eating protein first and reaching your protein target every day? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried food? Are you practicing mindful eating? Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly? Are you exercising?

Wow, you have really been through the ringer during your short life. Welcome! Congratulations on being willing to explore your options for getting healthy. You mention shame, anxiety, etc. Are you currently seeing a therapist? If not, I would suggest that you see if you can find a good therapist to help you through this process. Your surgeon/insurance will most likely require a psych eval. Whoever does your evaluation may be able to refer you to someone. Your surgeon's office may also have some suggestions for referral. How far along are you in the process? Have you found a surgeon? Started a pre-op program? I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and have lost over 200 pounds. I still have a ways to go but I couldn't be happier with my surgery, my recovery, and my progress so far. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Are you being treated for your sleep apnea? That is another thing that will help you to be successful.

Make an appointment with your PCP and look for a Bariatric Center of Excellence and schedule a seminar. Your PCP may also be able to recommend a surgeon. I was fortunate in that I started with my PCP and he referred me to an outstanding surgeon.

Personally, I think I am better off just following my program and using my highly experienced medical team as a resource. My NUT, PA, surgeon, and even my PCP and personal trainer have given me plenty of information/advice for being healthy. I don't need to spend even more money on supplements.

https://le-vel.com/experience Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App So, are they selling supplements?

Oh my gosh! You're doing amazing! What kind of exercise do you do? And how did you feel right after the surgery? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I257 using the BariatricPal App Thank you. I feel great and am regaining my mobility. My exercise of choice is swimming. I started with deep Water aerobics and weights and now I do a mix of swimming laps, deep water aerobics, and water weights: almost all of my exercise is in the pool. I had a great experience with my surgery, recovery, and progress. It was my first surgery ever so the worst part of the whole process was some delays due to financing issues and the pre-op uncertainty. Post-op, I had a sore shoulder from gas and a little bit of constipation. The hardest thing was drinking water. It has already changed my life and it is only going to get better.

Just curious, but do you know why you have had so little success? Do you follow your program? Your sleeve is still there. If you aren't following your program with your sleeve, how will the bypass be different?

I am in Danville. I have been trying to get to more support group meetings. I get to the ones at Cental Baptist in Lexington more easily. I still haven't made it to one at Georgetown where I had my surgery but keep trying.

Good luck! I try to keep my WLS life separate from my Facebook/social media life.

What is thrive?

Congratulations! That is awesome!

Don't apologize. Just order what you want to order. If anyone asks, just say you aren't very hungry, or that this is what you want to eat. If someone tries to push food, just say "no, thank you." Or, "it looks delicious, but no, thank you. I am fine with what I have." One of the gifts of WLS is a chance to practice being assertive.

I am quite a bit older than you, taller, and started at a considerably higher BMI and weight than you. But, I am fairly close to your weight now (I am down over 200 pounds from my highest weight). I was sleeved April 20, 2015. Best of luck with your surgery!

Try increasing your protein and your fluids. Have you talked to your NUT? Have you talked to a personal trainer?

I never had problems swallowing pills so don't really know what to tell you other than to talk to your surgeon. I am over a year post-op and don't eat cereals, and am only recently eating oatmeal. Frankly, I avoid most starches and when I do eat while grains I can only eat small amounts. Why do you wait a whole hour between drinking and eating? I was sleeved, and I drink right up until the time I start eating and then usually wait a little while after eating for when I have room to drink. I certainly don't wait an hour. Were you sleeved or did you have a bypass?

At two weeks I was on full liquids and recovering well. The only thing I remember about that time was that I was still mentally fuzzy. Some people also struggle early out with fluctuating hormones which can lead to moodiness, depression, etc. As long as you take it easy and be gentle with yourself, you should be ok. Just don't plan to participate in any sack races!

It sounds like you handled it fine. Just tell her you prefer to keep your healthcare decisions private and thank her for her concern.

Congratulations on your tremendous success so far. If you are not happy with where you are, why not make an appointment with your NUT to talk about your goals and challenges? You talk about eating very little but don't mention Protein. Are you eating enough? In the meantime, go back to basics. Track your food. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Fluid a day. Eat protein first and make sure you are reaching your protein target. (What is your protein target?) Mine is 100 grams a day.) Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements. Have you had any blood work recently? Practice eating mindfully. Eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Try changing up your exercise. Are you doing any kind of weight training or resistance exercise? Maybe consider having your body fat and muscle composition assessed and talking with a personal trainer about your goals. Get enough restful sleep. Eating enough protein with frequent small meals and Snacks, staying hydrated, exercising (especially preserving and building muscle), and getting enough restful sleep will all help keep your metabolism running effectively.

I think the cold is partly at least because your body pulls resources (blood, etc.) from your extremities to heal from the trauma of surgery. As you heal you may feel somewhat warmer.

Mine was a Bariatric Center of Excellence. I didn't have a liquid diet either. Just high Protein, low carb with NO starches or sugars. I mentally referred to it as the bacon diet because my surgeon said bacon was fine!

I HOPE you meant 6" and not 6'!