Djmohr

I am big into crafts: Knitting Crochet Cross stitch Quilting Sewing I also love to read, watch movies (I have a collection of over 1666 titles of DVD) - I used to work at Best Buy and would buy new ones every new release Tuesday I also love to travel and spend time with my grandchildren

I had RNY 16 months ago. I am down 140lbs and very close to goal but still losing. The first week is the roughest from an energy perspective. I was on Clear liquids for that week and had not yet started Protein. Week 2 was better after starting Protein shakes on a full liquid diet. At week 3 more improvement but still exhausted by early afternoon. By week 4 things improved a lot but would still get tired in afternoon. At week 8 I felt pretty much like myself again. The reality is it is difficult to get enough fluids and protein in during those first few weeks because you are very swollen. You literally have to be sipping Water and protein all day long. If you don't, you get tired, dehydrated which then causes a whole host of other symptoms. It is a vicious circle. Most people learn very quickly how critical proper hydration is and then of course the protein which helps you heal. It all sounds so easy but right after surgery you really do not feel like eating or drinking anything so getting a minimum of 48 to 64 oz of fluids in is much more difficult than you think. For me, getting used to executing fluids every single was more difficult than the surgery itself. Once I was about 8 weeks post op, life became much more normal for me and I am still losing 16 months post op. I am about to head into maintenance. Good luck to you!

Glad to hear that everything went well and you are safely recovering.

It is normal that you would be feeling weak and tired at this point. Early on there is a lot of swelling and that makes it difficult to get everything that you need to down. I think I was about 8 weeks post op before I was able to get the full Protein and fluids down and that took great focus. It is difficult to do that when you are also focused on work. You might set a timer to go off every 5 minutes so you are sipping constantly. Keep working at it and do the best you can but don't forget you won't feel better until you are fully hydrated and are able to get enough protein. The minimum requirement for protein should be 1 gram for every inch you are tall.

Congratulations!

@@Sophie74656 I am so sorry you are going through this. The way you describe your chest tightening, stomach turning and on the verge of tears is definately anxiety. I know exactly what that feels like and you do not want it to get out of control. A few years ago I went to a therapist because all of my friends and myself kept getting laid off from work. I had a high paying job and was the bread winner in my family. Had a huge house and property with a huge house payment to go with it. I have exceptional credit and was literally in a panic about my job and my friends. I had never had anxiety or depression but this was doing a huge number on me. I went and saw a therapist who then sent me to occupational therapy. Let me tell you, this helped me so much. I learned how to meditate and control those feelings of anxiety. Deep breathing and getting yourself healthy is seriously very important. If you can, I would suggest seeing a physiologist that can help you work through this. Things may work out with your husband but in the end a therapist can help you become much more focused on you. Honestly the panic that you are feeling is not healthy and that could in itself cause hubby to not get the space he needs which might push him further away. You first need to work on you. I am glad you are going to your parents for a few days. The space may be good for both of you. I am sending hugs and prayers your way.

I just had this happen but not for WLS. I had back surgery on November 16th. I have severe arthritis and two severe tears in my rotator cuff of my left shoulder at the same time. My ortho surgeon wanted to wait 12 weeks to give me time to heal. I have my shoulder repair happening on February. 12th. My shoulder situation bummed me out because I was all set to have brachioplasty and will be putting that on hold for a while now. I had hoped to get it done in the winter so I could go sleeveless this summer but I am sick of having surgery. This will be my 3rd in less than 12 months. I had cervical spinal fusion on June 3rd as well. Ugh!

@@jane13 I posted pics weeks ago. You can see them on my profile. They aren't the best but the difference is significant. I will have hubby take more with my new jeans!

@@2goldengirl I have to say I was dancing a lot but mostly in shock. The clerk that works there was so sweet and when she found out I had lost 140lbs, she was excited for me. She was on the heavy side herself and had mentioned that she has been yo yo dieting.

@@jessicasantana28 Hi there and welcome! Congratulations on making your decision to get healthy! I had RNY 16 months ago. I had many comorbitities, many very serious. I am down 140lbs to a normal BMI. I was 310lbs when I started, 303 on surgery day. I am now 170 and 5lbs away from my ideal weight. I am beginning the maintenance phase of my journey knowing I have a lot of loose skin. I am guessing at least 15lbs of it. All of my comorbitities are in remission. My only regret is waiting too long to make this decision. I love how I look and how I feel. I wish you the very best!

The exact same thing happened to me. I was all set to move forward with the sleeve and after meeting with a surgeon and my gastroenterologist it was very clear that bypass was going to be the better survey given my severe Gerd. I was terrified of the malabsorption issue mostly because I did not understand it. I spoke with 3 different doctors about malabsorption concerns. I learned that I did not need to worry about it as long as I take the Vitamin supplements required of me and that I get my macronutrients checked regularly. This way if I have a deficiency it can be dealt with at that time. Malabsorption actually plays a key role and I am so thankful I went with it. My Gerd has completely resolved since the very day of surgery along with a whole host of other comorbitities. Don't be afraid, just educate yourself and follow your surgeons instructions. Good luck to you!

I am only 16 months post op and have my "body drain" done every six months right now. Because I have had what will now be 3 surgeries post bypass I have some in between blood work done. I also had my A1C checked in November and it was 4.8 which is great! I had it checked Friday for my pre op physical (having shoulder surgery on 12th) and my A1C is still excellent but now at 5.2. That is very strange to me because my eating habits are the same. I had her check my B12 because they had me stop taking it for 6 months and that is now in the normal range. I am certain in April they will have me start taking it again. I know this blood work is key to staying healthy the rest of our lives. I cannot imagine being one of those people that simply stop follow up after bypass. Scary....

On the topic of shaving in general, this is a great big non scale victory for me! Since losing all my weight it is a pleasure to shave my legs! If I wanted to shave my lady bits, I could do that too, just some loose skin in the way but I can see it! See, look what you all can look forward to! I can even shave my legs standing in the shower! Who knew life could be so good! Funny topic though and love all you guys!

@@esskay77 I use it for a meal. Breakfast.

Ok so today I went shopping because my size 12 jeans were getting fairly loose. I went to my favorite place to buy jeans since having WLS. Lucky Brand Jeans. I grab a pair of sweet and straight jeans in a size 10 and I am grinning from ear to ear because I am confident they are going to fit and I love that feeling. I have not fit into jeans this small since I was a teenager. I put them on and I am right! They fit fantastic! I come out of the dressing room and model for hubby who promptly says, those look a little big. Maybe you should think about a smaller size. I the immediately say "no way!" An 8 is not going to fit me. I am honestly not sure if I have ever worn a size that small. I decide to encourage him and prove there is no way I will get them up. I grab an 8 and head back into the dressing room. I look at this tiny pair of jeans and go, here goes nothing. They fit perfectly! I could hardly believe my eyes. Then the sales clerk tells me that they are buy one get one half off but she says the darker dyes seem to be more forgiving so she gives me an 8 and a 6 to try on. I laughed but thought well just see how far off you are. Well, I put the 6 on, buttoned them up and stood there in shock. Now, I didn't buy the 6 because although I could wear them, I do like my jeans to be comfortable and have a little room. So when I started this journey I wore 24 jeans and 26/28 tops. I am now in a size 8 and a medium or large top. Sometimes I have to get the large because I have a lot of loose skin. I cannot believe where I am today! For me, clothes shopping is when I can really see the thinner me.

I had a similar experience and it turned out that I became lactose intolerant. My surgical team suggested I try premier Protein ready made shakes. Initially they had me use have the shake and the other half fat free lactaid milk. I found these to work great for me and by week 8 I was able to drink the whole 11 oz. Shake by itself. These shakes have a whopping 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar. Once I reached the purée and soft food changes I only had to drink 1 shake per day. Even now at 16 months post op I drink one everyday. They taste great, especially chocolate. There is no fuss with blenders or shakers because they are ready made. There is no discussing protein grit. If I were you, I would try different types until you find one that works for you. Honestly protein choices is a personal choice but very very necessary to heal and stay healthy. Good luck!

@@cheyenne6483 I had my surgery 16 months ago. I am down 140lbs and am entering the maintenance phase. I am now a normal BMI of 24.5 I have had no complications and hope that trend continues. I did this to get healthy. I have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe Gerd, anemia, sleep apnea and stage 3 kidney disease. All are in remission. I do have severe osteo arthritis of the spine and psoriatic arthritis which are both worse at the moment but I am working through it.

This is a great NSV! Congratulations!

I have been eating out in restaurants since the soft food stage. I have 1 rule, no fast food in my diet. I steer clear completely. I do go to places like panera, noodles and company - I would consider these fast food but they have excellent options for me. Soup and healthy salads with Protein. Buff bowls from noodles and company are fantastic. Other restaurants I will start by looking at the appetizers or small plates. If that won't work then I will find a protein with a side of vegetables. Tonight on my way to Minnesota, I opted for a small plate of grilled walleye and sautéed zucchini. I did however eat a couple of my hubbys fried cheese curds. Oh my was that a treat! They have great protein but the fat content was pretty high.

For me it is about keeping track. Using a tool like myfitnesspal truly keeps me accountable. Snacks and meals add up and the reality is if you really don't track it it's hard for me to really know where I am at. It also allows me to make better choices. So if I want that small piece of cheesecake, I then have to make sure the rest of my day is right on track. I also use ready made shakes and Protein bars when I need my protein and don't have access.

Small meals and Snacks definately add up. Especially if they are empty calories. Have you tried going back to the basics? If it were me, I would start with the 5 day pouch test which basically puts you on the liquid diet as if you had surgery yesterday. Then I would focus on: Making sure you are getting your Protein - 1 gram for every inch you are tall Get your Water - 48 to 64 oz. every day Take your Vitamins and get your macronutrients checked via your doc Follow the rules - no drinking 30 min before and 30 min after I would literally start over. Oh and don't forget to track your food and excercise. That is absolutely key when you are struggling.

I would just like to say congratulations! Losing 11 lbs in 3 weeks is actually excellent. You have to remember that this is not a race and the reality is you want it to come off slower. It's easier on your body and skin. 6 months down the road you will wish you could lose 11lbs in 3 weeks. The reality is after those first 2 to 3 months it does slow down. If you lose 5 to 10lbs per month that is great. And there will be stalls along the way. Stick to the plan and you will continue to do fantastic. I promise!

I haven't but am certainly worried about that. Do you know the cause? I have been very careful not to take NSAIDs because I know they can be the culprit. I miss them as I have severe arthritis. I would be interested to know what causes them and what they do about it. Sorry to hear this is happening to you.

This is an interesting post. I am one of those people who constantly scolds myself for doing so much damage to my joints and spine. Now I do know that while the weight certainly did not help my joints I do have auto immune illness called psoriatic arthritis which attacks your joints and your skin. No amount of weight loss helps that disease. In addition I have severe osteo arthritis of the spine. I had really hoped that my losing the weight would improve my spine. For me that is not the case. My spine is worse that ever. Both my neurosurgeon and my orthopedic spine surgeon both told me that they see a lot of weight loss patients who hope for improvement. The reality is a lot of that fat provides more structure and once it's gone, your back gets worse. I will say that both my knees and my ankle joints have improved tremendously. I just need to remember that some of this was unavoidable because of the disease. My Mom died at 66 from complications of Rhematoid Arthritis. My goal when I chose to have this surgery was to be around a lot longer for my children, grandchildren and husband. My Mom passed in 2005 and I am still heartbroken. I swore I would never do that to my family. So here I am strong as hell, down 140lbs and moving forward!

My Bariatric team had me get a bone density scan as a baseline and intends to repeat periodically to watch for bone complications.