Ivanova8

Honestly I kind of see it as who am I to judge. I don't know the trials they've been through and there was a doctor somewhere willing to endure the risks of performing this surgery. I've heard through this entire process that I don't really need surgery. Even my therapist and dietician didn't believe me when I told them my weight until they I got on the scale. Then was quickly followed by a "you carry your weight very well". Gee thanks! I think most people in their right mind don't directly go to the route of surgery, such a life altering thing, but have tried and failed at things prior. Additionally, many people have other co-morbidities, that will only become more significant if they are unable to get their weight under control. 50 pounds may not seem like much to lose to somebody who has 200lbs to lose but 50lbs is significant and you don't know how they necessarily carry it either it may appear 50 but really be 75 or so.

Fifty pounds is not a lot of weight to lose when compared to 150 lbs, but it's still a lot. If I had known when I was only 50 lbs overweight that I needed intervention because I could not lose weight AND maintain it, the choice of WLS would have spared my body a lot of damage. Internal damage to my heart, arteries, and kidneys; external to my joints that are forced to carry around a massive amount of excess weight; and emotional damage to my mind.
I think some people are just wiser and nip it in the bud. Others like me, fight a good fight and still go down swinging in full denial thinking maybe just one more diet will work. And yes, there are probably a handful of folks who have other motives but that type of mentality probably permeates many other areas of their lives as well.

January 12 in Toronto.

January 12 in Toronto.

Thank you all! Just got home from the hospital and everything is going well so far! Can't wait to see progress!

Yes I bought a tea at the herbal food store yesterday to help with the nausea and gas. Giving it some time to work.

I always keep in mind a line from a Glenn Frey song "Living Right" which goes something like "give something up - get something back". The something you get back will be much more valuable as you come to realize what you gave up was an unhealthy pathological relationship.
I went through GB surgery being as emotionally addicted to certain kinds of comfort foods as anyone could be. I don't miss those foods now - they don't taste the same and food is now just food and it is the most wonderful life when food is no longer the 800 pound gorilla in control of your life, but you are now in control of it.

Hi everyone! My name is Natalie, 29yrs old from Canada. I am 1-month post op Roux En Y as of today. I have always struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember and tried so many diets I've lost count. This was a "last-chance" as my doctor puts it as I started developing health issues due to my obesity such as sleep apnea and hypertension. I decided to do something about it when my weight hit 394lbs, I cried...infact wept as I always vowed I would never let myself get that big.
Since surgery on November 19th I have lost 32lbs and for a total loss since October 8th of 50lbs. It hasn't been easy but my mom always says to me in patois "if Yuh waan good Yuh nose haffi run". Which translates to if you want something bad enough you have to be willing to endure the hardships and pain. Not just the rosey stuff. Hope to make lasting friendships here as we embark on the journey

Non scale Victory

My favorite one to date has got to be fitting in the booth at our favorite Mexican restaurant without having to move the table closer to my son. Plus, having lots of room between my belly and the table.
The others:
Seeing all the bones in my feet and ankles
Having just 1 chin
My son wrapping his arms around me and getting excited that he can clasp his hands for a "real hug".
All of my rings and bracelets being too big
Buying regular sized clothes from Old Navy
Having my dermatologist not even recognize me until she read my chart, that was an amazing feeling.

Wonderful Bob! I absolutely love this thread. My shouts outs so far:

* tossed all my size 2x - believe me, not even the Goodwill would want them.
* fit into Liz Claiborn 16WP jeans - tossed my 22WP - see above.
* able to go 1 hour vigorously on the treadmill and love doing it.
* rewarded myself w/a Sansun slot radio to keep me going while exercising.
* have more energy than I have had in years.
* vow never to wear black again unless it is lingerie.
* stopped caffeine, diet soda, sugar, flour, but haven't we all!

I don't mourn food anymore. Mostly because I can eat pretty much everything except super sweet things like ice cream or cheesecake. Only one bite cause it will make me feel yucky. I don't mind being kept in check this way. There were Christmases where I'd eat dozens of Cookies or chocolates and now I know to stop at 2 or pay the consequences. In the early months it was hard because two bites of any meal and I was done no matter how yummy it was. Now 21 months out my portions are what they should probably be if we all followed what is really a portion size. So what if no room for multiple courses or dessert. Not supposed to be eating all that volume even if no weight problem! Do I sigh because at restaurants I wish I could get surf and turf but know there is no way I could fit all of that? Yeah I do but only for a second. Then I pick either surf or turf, hold the potato, and bring any leftovers home to the delight of my daughter!
It definitely takes time to come to grips with the new way of thinking but it will over time as you realize that just because you can't have something doesn't mean the end of the world. In fact at some point you can enjoy some treats on special occasions. And that's how it should be. Our bodies didn't evolve to eat 24x7 nor to indulge in high caloric treats just because they are yummy.

I want that!!! You hear the negatives,....that people fail, and regain what they lost. I have had that thrown in my face almost daily by someone. People watch too much TV or read about one person who regained, or ate more then they did prior to surgery. I find those stories hard to believe. Maybe because I WANT this. Not because I'm being forced into something I don't want. You know? Like how kids don't appreciate the things we give them, but appreciate it more if they get if for themselves? That's my theory. Anyway........I really want that!!

In the first few months after WLS, I had trouble adjusting to my new way of eating. I mourned enjoying my favorite foods. But now at 7 months out I have learned to appreciate the fact that I can be satisfied with such small portions of holiday treats and can easily pass up the treats until I deem it appropriate to indulge in a bite or two. Before WLS I was able to do that with willpower. Now it just seems to come naturally. I hope this feeling will continue for the next year.

Oh no not at all if you're on the 9th floor it isn't like that. No big open wards here

@@MisforMimi So sorry. Anticipation is hard enough without them changing things. But as you said, everything happens for a reason. Which I know is sometimes easier said than lived. Hang in there.

If you want to continue running, I would recommend you start slower. Don't focus on speed at least for the first year. Use a Couch to 5K app to go through a gradual training plan. Most of them start at running for about 45 sec walking 2 min and than repeating for about 30 min, not 1 mile!
Run slow enough so that you can still talk while running. Don't run every day; your body needs time to rest. Check out YouTube videos for Chi running form. It will put less stress on your joints. Also get fitted for good running shoes. If you have knee pain, I would recommend a zero drop or low heal shoe.
Set a goal, for example, you can probably run a 5k after training for 10-12 Weeks, so sign up for a race. Don't worry if you can't run the whole thing. There will be many people that will interval run or even walk most of the race. Running feels great when you're in shape and have trained. I do my best creative thinking on my runs.
Finally, I always look at three things when I'm running. If I'm having trouble breathing, I slow down. If my legs are hurting, I give them a good roller massage after I'm done and a hot soak in Epsom salts. If I'm fatigued, I analyze what I ate and drank before running. You shouldnt need any additional food for a 30 min run, but I need to fuel up for weekend long runs.
I started running a month after surgery when I was about 70lb to goal. Ran my first 5k using intervals after 3 months. Ran my first 10K after 9 months and ran my first half marathon after 11 months at 48 yrs old. I'm back training for a 10K after having plastics in July. I started back using the Couch to 5K app and ran a 5K this weekend.

Lol I used to run 3-5 miles a day 6 or 7 years ago at 4:30 am outside every morning before work . I physically hate running! I hate feeling my body jiggling and hate that my boobs get in the way. However, I loved the mental aspect of running. It was my quiet and alone time where nobody needed anything from me and I could mentally shut down for a while. My body slimmed down rapidly once I was running regularly and didn't have quite as much jiggle after a while. I got injured and haven't run in years and I do truly miss it. It does grow on you after a while!
On another note- if you need a high compression sports bra try Enell brand. They are absolutely hideous and ugly, but your boobs Do Not move at ALL. I wear a g cup and had never found a sports bra that would keep them still. I used to wear multiple sports bras and then wrap an ace bandage around over the top just to keep them somewhat still. I just had to share that little piece of advise too.

I like the body Spanx that are one piece and drop below your bust line. I like to wear my own bra.
I don't think I can afford plastics. So this has been a good option to hold the loose skin. The only people to see me O natural are me the hubby and the occasional Dr.

Knowing your pain management plan post surgery will allow you to reduce complications and get out of the hospital soon. I have included some helpful tips from a hospital pharmacy insider... ME!


I often times get asked what is the biggest piece of advice I could give someone for surviving their hospital stay. For me the answer is a hands down no brainer. CONTROL YOUR PAIN MEDS! Nurses and hospital staff will be in and out to see you, but you need to realize that each nurse probably has four to six other patients all vying for attention. It is your responsibility to take your pain management into your own hands. You do not want to mess around when it comes to managing your pain! If you are in pain you will be unable to get up and walk. The longer you take to begin walking the greater your risk of complication and the longer your hospital stay. In this case DO NOT BE A TOUGH GUY! Wuss out and take the meds.




You will be constantly asked during you hospital stay what your pain level is. It will be on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst pain you have ever felt in your life. Be sure to answer honestly. DO NOT TRY TO BE MACHO! 3 to 5 on this scale is considered pain, but tolerable. If you drop below a 3 many doctors will begin reducing pain medication. Above 5 and they may begin increasing. The doctors and nurses want you in the blissful middle zone of 4 to 5. It should feel as though you have a bad muscle pull in your stomach, but no sharp or stabbing pain on a continual basis.

Your pain post-surgery will most likely be controlled in one of a two ways. The first is with a gloriously blissful device known as a PCA pump. This is a machine in which a syringe of Morphine or Fentanyl (depending on what your doctor and a hospital pharmacist deem to be appropriate) is placed to be administered to you at the push of a button. The best part is that you have control of the button! The machine can be set to allow you to administer the dose yourself every so many minutes; usually half an hour. The other way your pain will be managed is with an injection of morphine or fentanyl? This is pretty straight forward and don’t worry if you are scared of needles. This pain candy is injected into your IV.



Once you get past the injections or PCA pumps, usually once they take out your IV, you will most likely be weaned onto an oral pain medication of some kind. Many surgeons prefer Percocet for this application, but you may also be given an oral morphine. There is really no major difference between these in terms of effectiveness though there are other consideration that your doctor and a hospital pharmacist will use in consideration of which to give you.




It will be your job in the hospital to stay on top of when you get your pain medications. Here is what you need to know from an insider. I work as a pharmacy technician in a hospital so I am familiar with the workarounds. Here is the rule of thumb. The PCA pump will be available to you at your discretion and will most likely be hooked up before you wake up from surgery or shortly after, but injectables last about two hours and the oral liquid lasts about four. That is a very short window and you need to be sure to talk with your nurses and find out how long each medication is good for.

I made it a point to let my nurse know half an hour before each medication was due. This will allow them plenty of time to get your medication to you before time runs out. If the medication is not stocked on the floor then it will be delivered from the pharmacy and will take time. You want to give your nurse plenty of time to make this happen. Your nurse will not always remember when your pain meds are due so it will be your job to remind them. Remember, they have five other six people all needed medicines and all needing extra special attention so it is possible that you could be forgotten if you do not speak up. I am positive some nurses found me annoying, but other said they really appreciated the fact I was trying to stay so consistent with things and remind them. They key here is to be very nice and just let them know you are trying to stay on top of things since you know how the pharmacy works. Nurse’s love blaming the pharmacy for delays and they will love you for not blaming them. Far too many people do.

Running out of pain medication is a lot like falling off a cliff. You go down fast and it takes a while to climb back on top of it. So do yourself a favor and make sure you understand how long your pain medication will last and what types you are on. Make it a point with one of your final doctors’ visits prior to surgery to discuss what their plan for pain management will be and specifically which drugs he likes to use and why. With this in particular and your weight loss journey in general, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! The power to finally begin taking control of your life. That is what this amazing journey is all about. This will be a great way to practice in the hospital before you get home and the real work begins!

Like sunflowerchild said earlier, you're more likely to read negatives online (about anything, really) than positives. When we're not happy with something, we want to warn everyone, but if we're happy, we don't always do anything about it.
Having said that, one of the things that really reassured me before surgery is how many more positives you read about on forums than negatives. Sure, they're there, and they may stick in your mind, but most of us have had really positive experiences. I'm 10 weeks today, and I've had a bunch of positives: getting off of almost all of my medications, losing 70 lbs, being able to exercise with less pain, fitting into smaller clothes, fitting in a theater seat, and having more self confidence. And that's all in less than three months. I can't wait to see what the summer brings!

No regrets. I feel wonderful and I have lost 45 pounds and I'll be 7 weeks on Tuesday. My biggest problem was Constipation. In the early days I did have an issue with overfilling my pouch. Somehow I thought I was supposed to eat 1/2 cup but it turns out I can only eat 1/4 cup. If you eat too much your pouch is not happy. But I have figured it out, if I eat the right amount and eat slowly I can eat most anything. I certainly can take a little bite of anything even desert. It's hard to explain but just that little bite feels just as good as a plate full. It is awesome.
Sometimes I chuckle at the size of my meals.
Example: A tiny piece of fish, 5 black Beans, 1 grape and a 1/4 inch slice of banana (yes, that's a little thin circle). But that's all I need and I love it.
My biggest regret, not doing it sooner. I feel like I lost 10+ years of my life feeling miserable but I was so afraid. It was a silly fear because the results are amazing and I am not even 7 weeks post-op. Thank you Dr. Fitzer.

Not sure if this has already been said but.... When you feel like you're reading about a lot of bad keep in mind that the people who are having a difficult time are the ones who need the most support so they feel the need to post more often. People who are successful and happy don't necessarily need support from a forum.

My experience, even with my insurance company (Tufts) has been amazing. I think it is important to remember that everyone handles things differently, they heal differently, they tolerate pain differently, have their own support system and ways of dealing with things. So everyone's story will be different. I try to take everyone's stories with a grain of salt. Even a negative experience may yield some very good advice that you can use. I have found too, that some people are just negative people. I try to avoid those people, the gloom and doomers! Even when I have been sharing my decision to have this surgery with the people in my life, there was always that one (or several) person that has to say "Oh, I know someone that had that done and they died" or "so and so had that done and they can't ever eat food again"...it's always something with those types of people!
For me, since my surgery 4 weeks ago, I have had only one bad moment: the day after surgery, still in the hospital. I was just about to take a sip of Water when my cell phone rang, hurrying and eager to talk to my friend, I GULPED THE Water DOWN! Bad move, very bad. One minute into the conversation, I had to hang up as I felt as though I was going to throw up! I dry-heaved for 10 minutes...it was AWFUL! So when they say SLOWLY DRINK AND SLOWLY EAT, they mean it!!!
The only other thing I have found to be difficult is drinking the Protein shakes post-surgery. Pre-surgery, no problem, lost 12 lbs on my pre-surgical, two week diet. But since the surgery, the shakes will not go down well. And it makes no difference if the shakes are premade or I make them myself with water!! whey Protein and I do not get along well right now. So at my two week check-up I met with my dietician and she recommended I try Isopure Protein Drink. It's a black tea based Protein Drink I purchased (by the case, fingers crossed) through Vitamin Shoppe online and has 40 GRAMS OF PROTEIN!! I literally ordered them in the waiting room on my phone in between appointments. I was that eager to try something other than the whey Protein Shakes. They would get stuck in my throat...it was uncomforatable. Thankfully, I enjoy the Isopure tea. It goes down easy and the taste isn't bad, very tolerable. I prefer it with ice. I am even putting ice in my milk. I found I need drinks to be very cold.
But other than that I couldn't be happier, no regrets because I am under 200 lbs for the first time in over a decade. I am so looking forward to upcoming events in my life without dreading having photos taken or looking like a giant clown in a "plus size" outfit!!
Another piece of advice, talk with your weight loss center, be it behavioral therapist, your dietician, P.A. or surgeon if you have any questions, concerns or fears, that's why they are there!!!
Good luck and best wishes with your journey!

@@anewme2015 Thanks! I love reading about everyone's experiences too. There's really no one in my personal life that can relate to what I'm going through. My husband is supportive but he doesn't have a weight/eating problem. I don't post a lot but I do get inspiration and good tips and information from reading so much on here.
And it's great when we get to Celebrate someone having their surgery.

@@cab127 Yes, I guess I'd have. I'm still amazed by it. I'm taking it as a good sign that all is as it's meant to be.
This list of recipes I got from Tracey 112205 on Obesity Help so I want to give her credit. There's a group there called OH Ontario Recipes. I hope you like them.
Queen of Opti and I loved it so here goes some ideas.

Always use extra liquid and lots of ice, blended is best,not just shaken.

Vanilla with rootbeer extract.

Vanilla with cinnamon mixed in.

Vanilla made with cold coffee.< /span>

Vanilla made with pineapple passionfruit crystal light, add some rum extract, coconut extract, banana extract, instant pina colada

Vanilla made with Water and add a splash of SF caramel syrup

Vanilla made with extra strong cold chai tea and extra cardammon.

Vanilla with tangerine grapefruit crystal light

Vanilla made with coffee and 1/2 tsp of pumpkie pie spice

Vanilla with 1 tsp of instant coffee and some maple extract

Chocolate with some coconut extract.

Chocolate with SF caramel Syrup.< /span>

Chocolate with mint extract (very small amount and this one is super strong)

Chocolate with orange extract

Chocolate with cold coffee.

Chocolate with banana extract.

Chocolate made with strong mint tea Nice compromise on the 2.5 weeks on Opti! The less the better it seems like. Staying focused and practicing good habits now. Those are my two biggest tasks.