Stephanie Stroup McIntosh

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

The fear of getting sick is front and foremost, which is why I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass. I am 67 and my bad habits have had plenty of time to become "the normal" which is why I am starting all this so early. The two worse things to have are a toothache and nausea. YUCK!!!

Louise

I think people tend to get sick more frequently with the bypass. If I eat fat or sugar, my body can usually handle it. After bypass, if you eat the wrong foods, you will likely get very sick. I also probably pushed the limits on what I could eat when. Zofran works great for nausea.

Oh and if someone says something negative about having surgery, I explain that I still have to do the work. I explain that if I eat the wrong foods, I will gain weight. I explain that if I overeat, I will gain weight. Most people just don't understand what the surgery actually does.

I smile and thank them. Then I explain that I have really been trying to lose weight. I usually even tell them what I did at the gym that day. Some people know I have had surgery, others don't, but regardless you are making healthier choices and its paying off.

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

I would encourage you to talk to her. Become her friend. Once you get to know her a bit, then maybe you can share your story. It is great to get encouragement from others and helps to keep people motivated. I found that it also helps to keep me motivated because I want to show them how well I have done and that they can do it too.

I have my own scale and weigh on it regularly. Even if its not exactly the same as the doctor's you will know how much you have lost since you last stepped on your scale. Also, your weight can vary due to Constipation, hydration, and time of day. Don't let it stress you out.

My guess is that taking it out would cause more trouble than good. You will already have some hormonal issues related to the weight loss. You don't need to make it worse by suddenly stopping your birth control.

Stay away from fat and sugar from this point out and your should be fine.

GNC sells them. They are more expensive as singles, but often runs specials on the boxes at buy 2 get 1 free.

I think my husband is jealous.

Doc said to keep them on for at least a week and if they came off before that to cover with a bandaid.

You should be fine, but stop cheating now. It will only make the process harder. You need to avoid fat and sugar in order to shrink your liver. It is important to shrink your liver before surgery. It has to be moved out of the way and it becomes very fragile when enlarged.

Some people can handle spicy foods but some people can't. I would wait until your stomach is healed to go spicy,

I would count it as a clear liquid. This early on you probably won't be able to do meals, but just drink constantly. Are you on full liquids or Clear Liquids? If you are on full liquids, I would recommend trying to get in some Protein shakes. They will have more nutrients that you need.

I am almost 6 weeks out and have had no problems with recovery. I have been able to tolerate all foods that I have tried.

I have been gassy and constipated for a few weeks, but it wasn't really causing any issues. Starting yesterday, I have been very gassy and needing to burp constantly. It happens even when I haven't had anything to eat or drink for hours. I also have a general feeling of an upset stomach without eating.

Anyone have any advice other than gas-x?

This is normal. They should have given you some meds for nausea. A heating pad may also help. Definitely make sure you are still getting up and walking. If you are having trouble keeping fluids, you may need to contact your surgeon. You don't want to have to be readmitted for dehydration.

You will be pretty out of it an won't need much. I brought my own personal products. The stuff they give you in the hospital is fine, but its nice to have your own stuff. Chapstick and lotion were also helpful. It gets very dry. I even brought a back scratcher, which was my best friend while I was in the hospital. I was itchy all over. Definitely bring the cell phone and charger.

Your wife will want to bring things to keep her occupied. You will sleep most of the time, so she will need to occupy herself. She may also want to bring some slippers and comfortable clothes. She won't look out of place on the floor and will be much more comfortable.

I am not in CA, but with a 49.5 BMI, you shouldn't need to have comorbidities. Call your insurance and see if they cover the procedure or visit a surgeon for an info session and ask them to verify with your insurance.

Don't stress yourself out.

Most insurances do require a documented weight loss program (6 months is typical) and several tests to make sure that the surgery would be able to be safely completed.

I know how you feel, but it will really fly by. I started my process in September and was sleeved in March. Use that time to do plenty of research and to improve your eating and exercise habits now. The more you can change ahead of time, the easier the surgery and recovery will be.

Ween yourself off of fatty foods, fast food, sugar, and caffeine now. It will make it easier when you get to the pre-op diet and after surgery.

You can do this.

At this point, you can only wait. If you get denied, you can write a letter to appeal the decision. I would consider working on that letter now. Even if you don't need it, it would be great to get your reasons to have the surgery nailed down. You will be able to look at that everyday after surgery and keep yourself on track.

My pre-op visit was basically a review of the surgery to make sure I understand everything and then a visit with anesthesia. They checked my teeth to make sure there were no issues to be concerned with and if there were, they would just document it, and keep an eye on the area during the surgery.

I also was given an incentive spirometer to practice on and use prior to surgery, because you will need to do it during recovery. They also gave me a special soap to wash the night before surgery and the morning of surgery.

It wasn't anything too scary or crazy.

You will struggle with the amount for a while, but after the swelling goes down, you should be able to get enough Protein and Fluid. Once you can actually get the needed fluids, you need to make sure that you are to avoid dehydration. Until then, just get as much as your can but don't get too concerned unless you start having signs of dehydration. (very yellow urine, swelling/tingling in your extremities, etc.)

Thanks.

I am usually getting around 80 for Protein.

I am worried about the whole starvation thing. That's why I am asking about it. I feel like I do need more calories than I am getting.

My doctor gave me general guidelines for calories, but not for exercise.

I log everything in myfitnesspal and they say I should have around 1200 calories to lose 2 pounds per week. I would like to lose more than that since I am only about 6 weeks post-op. I am not back to work yet, but go to the gym regularly.

Today, I did 2-60min spin classes and burnt over 1500 calories just doing that.

I will be at roughly 700 calories after I finish my Protein shake and still plan to have dinner tonight. This is high for me, since I had a Lara Bar, but I needed some carbs with 2 tough workouts. Usually, I am at roughly 800 calories per day.

I get 60-100 grams of Protein and minimal carbs.

I guess I just wonder, based on my exercise, where I should be with my calories. I had stalled for about 2 weeks and was only getting about 500 calories then and started to lose slowly once I upped to 800, but I am still not sure where I should be.

I will be going back to work in 2 weeks and have a very physical job. Prior to surgery, I had gotten a personalized nutrition plan and they had me eating 2800 calories to lose 3 pounds per week. Obviously, that is way too high now, but just wondering if anyone had any better info than me. I don't go back to the doctor for another week and a half.

Thanks. Its definitely not a gas pain and I don't think its an ulcer. I imagine it could be related to the nerve. There is no tingling or numbness, just a burning jabbing type pain. I see the doctor in less than 2 weeks. There weren't any available appointments for next week.