jjwhitman

I'll check it out; thank you!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm 7 months out and have been in a stall for over a month. Very aggravating. I log my fitness pal everyday with food, Water, and activity. I eat clean 90% of the time, and try not to go over 900 calories a day. I guess I need to up my exercise. :-(

Hi I think it's only natural that at times we may feel resentful at what others can eat that we can't or shouldn't the thing is we decided to do this and deal with the changes required and if we are going to be around other people at family functions restaurants etc we have to deal with what's on our program and not be resentful of others you can't control what others do say eat how they act we can only control what we do when we were all heavy and eating high calorie high sugar foods we didn't want ppl calling us out and humiliating us in public let's not do it to others if they have diabetes they already know they shouldn't consume that and if they do it anyway they will live with the consequences my mom developed diabetes in her late 40s and was dead by age 56 from complications due to not following the diet continuing to eat high carb high sugar foods etc not exercising I guess the addiction got the better of her no amount of begging pleading yelling lecturing or trying to replace the bad food with good food did any good we all have to be accountable for what we put in our mouths no one can do it for us save your energy to work on you don't waste it being a food cop for others they will do what they are going to do

You have to remember how long it took you to get to the place where you are now. Until you were personally ready to make such a drastic 360 degree life style change, Mother Theresa herself could have offered you healthier food options and you would have chosen the full sugar route too.
Trying to force change on others, or even gently suggest it, even with the best intentions, can often make the situation worse. I know of a few times in my past when others tried to "politely" suggest I lay off the sweets and savory goodies. Or at least cut down on my gargantuan portions and It only made me defensive and angry. Plus I usually ended up eating more just to make me feel better.
The best thing you can do to promote change is to continue to be healthy and lose weight. That's the kind of example and unvoiced message that people will want to follow. You can only have ultimate say over your own journey.

@@JLT1971 You posted this, so I assume you want some honest responses, so here goes.
I guess I'd ask why do you care what anyone else eats? Why are you keeping score? You laid out a very detailed account of what everyone else ate. How is this helping you at this point? I'd say stop judging everyone else and keep your eyes on your own plate.
I'd also ask myself why you want to "match" what they eat....all those artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols etc. aren't that great for you. So, you trying to convince others to eat the poison...is like trying to lead ants to Aspartame or Splenda. They don't want that, they already know that's worse for them, than real sugar. They want the real thing. I don't blame them. You could have easily enjoyed a few chunks of fruit, with natural sugars, and that should have been sufficient, and would have been healthier. You are on, or "should" be on, another path. Away from all of that, and towards health.
Look if you want sympathy, someone may give it, but if you want honesty, and I think you really wanted honesty. It sounds like you could benefit by looking into food addiction issues with a therapist. Why you want those foods, and why you feel left out, and are upset about what others get and you don't, is a clear sign you have issues to work on. The only reason I know this, is because I spent a lifetime doing the same, and finally got the help I needed. That's my honest opinion. You seem to want help, and there is help out there for you. But you have to take the first step.
I wish you luck, with everything! I'm not a mean person, just blunt, and to the point. I blame my Sagittarianism on that. lol

It seems to me like you're doing awesome! You just keep doing what you're doing and don't let ANYONE get you down. You know your body and your abilities better than anyone else. Weight loss is 80% diet. If you can keep eating healthy and Portion Control you will lose that 100 lbs+. The exercise will get easier once you lose more weight. It will make you feel more toned, stronger, more energetic, and happier, but all things in time. Set your goals and do just what you can do.

I had surgery 6 months ago, and have lost 104 lbs to date. My goal is to lose a total of 150, so just 46 lbs to go! I don't exercise very much- I go for walks sometimes. Mine is all from eating very clean and healthy 90% of the time. Even my 10% cheat foods are in small amounts and still healthier than I used to eat.

I'm so sorry! Were you taking the medicine Actigall by any chance everyday? My surgeon prescribed me to take it twice a day right after my surgery for the next six months, but I have a hard time swallowing pills right now and usually only into taking one a day, sometimes I even skip it. That is a fear of mine that my gallbladder my act up some day. I was hoping that with my new diet changes that I wouldn't have to worry about gallstones. I don't know anything about enlarged liver's, or what would cause a liver to become enlarged. Did your doctor explain to you what might've happened? What is he advised me to do at this point?

I had to use a tongue scraper. The Protein Shakes really do leave a buildup and I remember battling breath issues the first three weeks after surgery.

You're implying that by not telling people, someone isn't proud that they've taken charge of their life. One has nothing to do with the other. Some people just aren't comfortable in the spotlight, so to speak, or just don't care for their medical care or weight to be the topic of discussion. Someone can be very proud of their accomplishments and still be a private person.

I read somewhere that people who suffer from morbid obesity and lose all their weight, only 10% can keep it off for good. Compare that to patients that have gastric bypass's surgery and the success rate goes up to 80% Weight loss success permanently. It's just simple, logical math.

This is something that I really want people to understand. I'm a certified colorist and someone who has struggled with this. Coloring your hair breaks down the bonds in your hair. If you're covering grey you break down less bonds than if you lighten your hair. Both do some damage. A Demi hair color which contains no ammonia is your safest bet because it doesn't change the structure of hair. That being said, it won't give you 100% grey coverage. Depending on how much melanin is in your hair and what your wanted outcome..it's just all relative.
I noticed Hair loss at about 4 months out. By noticed I mean my hair was everywhere except on my head. As a professional I looked closer into this. One thing I learned and noticed on myself is that I wasn't necessarily losing my hair; it was breaking off. Hair is made primarily of Protein and the lack of protein causes breakage. I immediately started protein treatments (always took biotin) but the only thing that really helped was reducing weight. So.. If you have long hair, consider taking it shorter. It hurts but it stops the breakage from too much weight and not enough protein structure.
If you love your color, continue coloring. Let your stylist know what is going on and they can help. You won't end up bald, trust me. This side effect only lasts about 4 months and it's sooooo worth it.

I'm not a stylist but I can tell you from my experience and the 4 friends and husband that have had the same surgery - everyone is different! On friend drove herself home from the hospital and went back to work at 3 weeks. I didn't even put on pants for 2 weeks. I was very uncomfortable (also had gallbladder at same time, which may have complicated things). Another friend took 5 weeks to go back to an office job. I know this doesn't really give you an answer. If you can schedule in advance but change clients at the last minute if you need to, that might be a way to go. Hope for the best with a backup plan just in case?

I have no experience having kidney stones however it is definitely one of the concerns of my surgical team. You should talk to your nephrologist before proceeding, they will guide you through this.
My nephrologist is the person who actually asked me to consider RNY and helped me get the ball rolling. I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease and my function has definitely improved since surgery.
If you have a good one, they will help you through it.
Good luck!

You might be gaining muscle

I agree! I bought everything in bulk before surgery and ended up having to give everything away because it all made me sick afterwards. I can still drink the Premier Protein chocolate flavored shakes, but I almost gagged on those because I get sick of the milky taste. I agree the syntax nectar Protein is great added to your water bottle. I also add a packet of Crystal light to sweeten the deal. I wish it had as much protein as the shakes, but it's better than nothing! What has bothered me the most are the Vitamins. I bought all gummy vitamins before my surgery on recommendation from my doctors office, and enjoyed them. Fast forward to after surgery, and the Gummy texture and flavor made me completely gag. I had to give all those away to my sister, LOL.

jjwhitman, maybe that's what happened to me this morning. Felt majorly hungover from melatonin. First time taking since surgery with anti depressant....hmmm....

My consultation is in 2 days! I hope I click with this surgeon. I had a consultation with another surgeon a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't like how his office was run. It felt like a surgery mill, honestly, and left me wondering what kind of support I'd be getting after my revision surgery. When I tell a bariatric surgeon that I've been having issues with my band and that I'd already had replacement surgery once, I shouldn't be left on my own to find a radiologist that is familiar with the band in order to get an upper GI series done.
About a week before that consultation, I had a severe sliming/PB episode while I was at work (I made the mistake of eating a raw carrot). It was the last straw for me. I'm having more issues with my band since then, and I'm honestly starting to think I've had another slip. I hate to say it, but I'm actually hoping I have, since it will make getting a revision approved a little easier. I'm having acid reflux (with which I only had issues when my last band had slipped), my esophagus and chest aches off and on, and my port area has been a lot more tender.
I'm sick of not being able to know what I can or can't eat until I try to eat it, and then getting painfully "stuck" and suffering projectile sliming. Always having to know where the bathroom is when I go out to eat, so that I can rush there if my band has decided to be restrictive. I want to be able to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and not have to spit out the fibrous parts. I want to be able to eat at work without having to wonder if I'm going to have to run to the bathroom (really embarrassing when you work in a very small group).
I'm just so tired of this.

Well i made it. My surgery was on Jan 28th. Beginning weight before all this was 512 lbs. Day of surgery my weight was 486lbs. Surgery took about an hr and a half. Waking up after surgery was painful. I felt this pressure under my breastbone, very uncomfortable. That night i felt nauseous and started spitting up blood. I was like that until early next morning. I finally felt like i let it all out and that uncomfortable pressure was gone for the most part. The nurse contacted my Dr but he said it was normal. I hsdn't heard any body mention that in any of the topics. I was kinda freakin out. The next day i felt better. Still in a bit of pain and couldn't drink very much but kept trying. Had to stay an extra day in the hospital. But thank goodness i was released to go home today. Feeling much better. My first walk on day of surgery went really well. Day after it went better but you gotta remember to take it easy and not over do it. Choose a comfortable pace. You do not want to hurt yourself. Your body is healing. Originally i was told about 5 incisions would be made but it ended up being 8 for me. Been sipping Water and Protein Shake since i got home. Went for a couple short walks after being home as well. Excited for this recovery period to pass and continue my weightloss journey. I have an awesome support group. My friends and family are awesome. I will be checking in soon again. Tslk to you all soon.

How did your surgery go? Hopefully you're not feeling too much discomfort right now. I remember when I came out of surgery they put me on the morphine pump, but after one night of that I asked them to disconnect it because my pain really wasn't enough to justify morphine. I asked for something a little milder and they gave me a couple pills to take. it was fine, and allowed me to sleep. My advice to you right now is sleep as much as you can in the hospital. I know the nurses come in and out constantly but try to rest. With that said, when you wake up try to get up and walk the halls. Make sure you take a walker, just in case, but the exercise will really help with soreness, and help your bowels start to move again faster. Don't be afraid to wear your pajamas home. nobody will care what you look like you're being wheeled out to your car, LOL. Oh, and drink as much as you can. Sip, sip, sip like it's your job. if they offer you a Protein Drink, try to drink it, but don't be surprised if you don't like it. Don't be afraid to ask for a different flavor if need be. Also, I believe in Most nurses stations stash Popsicles. Ask for a sugar-free popsicle as soon as you're allowed liquids. For some reason, those tasted so good to me after surgery. The Blue Bell Bullets are the best in my opinion. I wish you all the luck with everything! The first week home was the hardest for me. worse than any discomfort, was the head hunger. Your body has yet to get rid of all the hunger hormones and addictions to sugar and fat, so the first couple of weeks if you are anything like me, you will still crave foods even though you are not physically hungry anymore. Hopefully that will go quickly for you, but know that it does go away, and your former addictions will be cured. You'll be able to look at that piece of cake and really not care about eating any of it, or if you are tempted you'll just eat one bite, and feel like that's enough. It's a crazy, and amazing process! Keep us posted.

My total process time took seven months, and even though sometimes it felt like it was taking forever, looking back I realize that I needed that time to really learn and to change my bad habits before my surgery. I think if you read a lot of these message boards it will give you a good idea of what to expect. For me, this has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the best. It's not something to go into lightly, and I don't think it's the right surgery for everybody because you have to be committed to change for life. It's not like one of the diets we would go on and then if it didn't work out we could just quit and go back to doing whatever we wanted. you will never be able to process everything the same way. So in my opinion, if you've done your research, and you've talk to your doctors and nutritionist, I say go for it! All best and good luck to you on your journey.

I read somewhere that people who suffer from morbid obesity and lose all their weight, only 10% can keep it off for good. Compare that to patients that have gastric bypass's surgery and the success rate goes up to 80% Weight loss success permanently. It's just simple, logical math.

My total process time took seven months, and even though sometimes it felt like it was taking forever, looking back I realize that I needed that time to really learn and to change my bad habits before my surgery. I think if you read a lot of these message boards it will give you a good idea of what to expect. For me, this has been one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the best. It's not something to go into lightly, and I don't think it's the right surgery for everybody because you have to be committed to change for life. It's not like one of the diets we would go on and then if it didn't work out we could just quit and go back to doing whatever we wanted. you will never be able to process everything the same way. So in my opinion, if you've done your research, and you've talk to your doctors and nutritionist, I say go for it! All best and good luck to you on your journey.

You can visit the Protein company's website, or go to http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/protein-powders/protein-powder-samples-1-serving.html where you can buy individual samples with lots of choices. I haven't bought samples from them yet, so I can't tell you how their service is.

I'm so..... excited even though I haven't really gotten to much reply here ( I wish I would ) it's nice to see the support ! And read it even though it has not been much for me ???? but it's ok I have just 3 days to go whoop whoop !! Very excited starting my liquids diet. Any suggestions or advices what should I pack ?