BostonStrong617

Hi everyone! Today is my 35th birthday! I am kinda stoked about it! This year has been an interesting one. Full of challenges and many successes. I am so glad I finally decided to move forward with getting my lap band removed and having the gastric bypass surgery. Recovery was tough and I still struggle with healthy eating, but overall I am doing well. People have noticed I have lost weight. I am finally able to shop in the regular department stores...but for some reason, I struggle with these changes. I still see myself as "Morbidly Obese" and struggle with the physical changes. I spend hours browsing stores for new clothes (I have a new job)...I KNOW I cannot fit my old clothes, but it's like I can't bring myself to buy my current size with ease. I still buy a size bigger because that's what I use to do...in case I gained weight *insert shamed face here"... I see pictures of myself and yes I can "see the changes"...but I still see the things I hated 50 pounds ago. I am 13 pounds away from my goal, but now I wonder if I should subtract another 10 pounds to really feel normal. I don't know what I expected, but not sure if where I am is that place. I was wondering if anyone else had these problems and what helps you move forward?

You have to love family. My mother was on me for years about losing weight and how "thin" she was when she was my age. Would drive me crazy. Had the surgery and once I lost approx. 30 pounds all of a sudden she was worried I was too "thin"...You can't win. Thankfully my kids and fiance were super supportive and continue to support me. A lot of my friends know I've done it and the only ones who "offer" support are the ones who have also had WLS and gained weight back...I get a lot of...you're going to gain it back...but they don't realize they went back to bad habits, I have no and don't plan to. It's been great practice for me to start "meditating", lol. Best of luck!

After having to drink them so often after the surgery I HATED protein shakes too! I had my favorite brand and flavor and still couldn't do it. I was drinking Glucerna, but ironically the sugar alcohol made me dump...so I had to get protein through yogurts, puddings (sugar free), milk and tuna. it was tough, but it does get better. Hang in there!

I had two c-sections. First one was an emergency. Recovery wasn't bad. It took me about a week before I was up and on my feet and two weeks before I could sleep comfortably. My second one was pre-planned, but also an emergency because it had to happen sooner than expected. That recovery was ROUGH...I had a really bad head cold and terrible cough...it took me about a month before I was really moving normally...although I was driving before I had my stitches removed (my daughter had to stay in the NICU). I had my lap band removed at the same time as my bypass surgery. The hospital stay was rough. I couldn't sleep well and I was so sore. So in many respects it was very similar to my second c-section in terms of recovery. But I also didn't control the morphine drip like I could have post surgery. It annoyed me having to push the damn button every 10-15 minutes...so that may be why it was a rough recovery. However, many of my friends who had the surgery were fine right after. My doc said I had a lot of scar tissue when they removed the lap band and they had to cut into some muscle so that may have been why I was so sore and my body rejected the sutures in a few wounds, so they had to cut the sutures out. But I am sure you will be fine. Most of the individuals in my support group (well most of the women) said this was a piece of cake in comparison to a c-section. Best of luck!!!

I couldn't stop thinking about food throughout my entire recovery process. I mean I was obsessed, until I started eating. Then all of a sudden food wasn't as important. My desire for certain foods have changed. Especially protein (oh the irony)...but I think it's normal. You brain is hard wired and change is hard. But take your time, follow your doctors instructions to the best of your ability and be patient with yourself. I am six months post op and have good days and not so good days. Trust the process and your body. Best of luck!

I don't indulge often, but it never increased my appetite which is why I find it weird that so many get the "munchies". I am actually considering it for treatment of other chronic conditions I have (I am on a ton of meds with crazy side affects). When in doubt, check with your doc. But I am sure you'll be fine.

My recovery for some reason was tough. My stomach/abdomen region hurt for about 5 weeks. I joined the gym about 6 weeks after the surgery. Although I must admit I have only gone twice (I know, I know)...however, I have other medical conditions and have to be uber careful. However, now that I have a more structured schedule, I plan to start going at least 3-4 times per week. Focusing on different things with each work out. My doc advised no heavy exercise for at least six weeks, but walking at least 30 minutes daily. I think each provider has a different criteria. Check in with your doc and see what he/she says and then go for it. I wish you the best of luck!

You'll get there! I remember eagerly waiting to get to 199. Lol. I haven't been under 200 lbs since I was 16. So I couldn't wait. It's been a little over six months and my weight loss is slowing up. But I noticed that I HAVE to do the right thing (like eating Protein and staying hydrated) for things to go my way. Which is hard because I don't like to eat (I am more of a grab a snack person). But stay with it, try not to obsess with the scale (it is really hard to do). We're rooting for you!

I dislike so many of the Protein choices (like eggs, Peanut Butter, etc) and couldn't wait until I could incorporate things I love, like chicken, turkey, tuna, but since having the surgery I don't like the texture of certain foods. At all. I force myself to eat them because protein intake really does contribute to weight loss...but discouraged by the fact the little I did like, just doesn't do it for me anymore. Has anyone else ever had this experience? if so, what did you do to combat it?

http://www.massgeneral.org/digestive/services/weight-center-medical-management-program.aspx

That's the thing, I was diagnosed as type II...but not they they are saying I was either misdiagnosed and/or I have other underlying issues. But, like you said, I am thankful I am not on as much insulin as before. It's a reality check that I am still going to have to maintain a specific/healthy diet to combat my diabetes. I got kind of lax, once I was able to eat again. I am not happy about it, but at least I have better control.

I had this surgery, not only to lose weight, but to combat diabetes (supposedly type II). I've lost a total of 45 pounds (I had the surgery 3/23/15). Initially I had minor improvement with my A1C and was feeling hopeful that I'd be off of meds within the next couple of months. My endicrinologist (sp),dropped the bomb on me and told me I "may" have other underlying issues and I am back to 5 shots per day. Low doses, but still back where I started. Trying not to let it get me down. But it's hard not to feel some kind of way about it. Anyone else have these kind of issues?

I was hungry fairly quickly after surgery. Many told me it was dehydration, but it wasn't, I was hungry. I snack all the time. Most time I am able to choose healthy Snacks, but I have not so good days too! I can't eat much, but when I am hungry, I don't feel better until I eat. I had my surgery 3/23/15.

I guess I'll start. Hydrating is tough for me. I've never done well with hydrating, even before the surgery. It always seems like such a chore. I push myself daily to at least meet the minimum, but I know I need to do better. I've always been one of those people who doesn't eat until she absolutely has too (and by then I am starving). I do my best to remember to bring small, light, healthy Snacks, but in the hustle and bustle I often forget... Since my surgery, all things Protein seem to turn me off. I'm finding ways (I am only 7.5 weeks out) to trick my mind and tastebuds, but it is definitely a challenge. I'm sure as time goes on I'll get the hang of it. I feel like I am overly critical of my every move when it comes to food. I feel guilty I had to get the surgery to help me weight loss and other medical issues...but I know I ultimately saved my own life. Anyway, just wanted to hear the experiences of others. My SO and kids have been so incredibly supportive, but I feel very lonely in this journey sometimes. Thanks! Monique

Well I am rooting for you ladies and at least you know you're not alone. Everything I cook (with the exception of a turkey and beef meatloaf I made), turns me off. I generally love turkey and chicken and if I make it, I despise it. I've only thrown up once (thank goodness because I hate throwing up). Dealt with dumping a few times (only once from food though, the rest of the times it was because of sugar alcohols in my Glucerna shakes which I no longer drink). Hydration...loathe it. Eating to fast, I'm trying. Good news is I've lost 30 pounds and my A1C is finally under 10 (8.9 to be exact). Sometimes I regret my decision and then other times I think I can't believe I waited so long (well actually insurance only approved my lap band, otherwise I would have done this 3 years ago). In any case, no matter our obstacles, we did something to improve our health. I appreciate you all sharing your struggles. Not because I want you all to struggle, but at least I know I am not alone in my thoughts, feelings and experiences. Keep going! Monique

I wish I was writing something profound, but I can't. I weigh myself naked every morning daily. I can honestly say I am not as obsessed with the number now that I've reached one milestone (weighing under 200 pounds). However, the weight I focus on the most is the # I see on the scale at the weight center when I check in. Which right now I'm there at least one or twice a month for groups. It's hard not to focus on the weight loss. The number I'm most impressed with, even more than the weight is my A1C (I am a type II diabetic). Anyway, good luck everyone! Tomorrow I will be 8 weeks post op.

Great topic! I am almost 8 weeks out and I'm not sure how I feel about food anymore. I can say my entire family is adapting to healthier choices, in terms of hydration, Snacks, and meals. I'm the one who seems to be having some difficulty. I'm glad I'll be meeting with the therapist tomorrow to vent out my thoughts and feelings and then move on. I'm committed to the change, I just don't like change. It doesn't help I am very much a picky eater. I don't have issues with food like Pasta and rice, not sure how I feel about bread (I only eat wheat or multigrain). But I am very mindful to incorporate more Protein in my meals than anything else. Some days I have an appetite, other days I don't want to eat at all. Hydrating is a hit or miss. Definitely a work in progress. Some of the recipes above sound amazing. Thanks for sharing!

I've had dumping syndrome even before having my surgery. I am a type II diabetic and would experience it if my sugars would drop too fast after being high for so long. Since my surgery I've had it happen a couple of times. Once because of one of my Protein shakes (which contained sugar alcohol) and a couple of days ago when I overdid it with fruit. Sometimes it happens right away, I'll get the sweats and tough it out. Other times, it can be more gradual and I'll end up in the bathroom for an hour or more. I'm almost 8 weeks out and still figuring out what food are ok. I've lost a little over 25 pounds. Fatty foods my body doesn't seem to like at all. So I stay away. I still crave sweets, but I am doing my best to keep away and not wanting to dump helps with that. I want to try a small bowl of ice cream, but I am nervous. In any event, I wish you the best of luck.

I am not a fan of cold cheese. The texture does not work for me. I was wondering if anyone has tried warm mozarella sticks? Is that a healthy protein? I am so bored with the options (which is partly my fault because I don't eat most of the approved items).

My nutritionist gave me an AWESOME list of what I can have, but unfortunately I don't eat most of those items. I was wondering what worked for ya'll. The following week I can add cooked/mashed veggies and fruit. I'm looking forward to tuna (you think it would be okay if I add a bit of relish?), as well as the bean Soups and chili's...but in terms of plain Protein (more specifically meats), how did you handle making choices. I am going to buy a slow cooker tomorrow as I think as I progress in my diet this may help keep meats soft and moist. But yeah, I am at a loss. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

I spoke to soon. food is NOT my friend right now. Or I should say the Proteins I eat are not my friend. This is going to be an INTERESTING journey.

Thanks, I am going to try the recipe above. I have a nutritional meeting in a couple of weeks and will ask (again) what other options I can try, They recommended trying foods I didn't like prior to the surgery and it was (for me) a waste of money. This is much more difficult then I thought it would be. I just want to make sure I am getting enough Protein.

I've been having horrible cravings, but at the same time I don't want to eat (even though I want to eat). I'm not doing well with my water/protein intake so decided to slow it down and refocus on that stage and give myself a few more days/week to heal. I also have to work on eating slowly...the gas I get when I do eat is horrible. I was hoping I'd be that person with no issues with food...but that is not the case. It's hard to be patient. I am three weeks out (well on Monday) and I am mourning food like you would not believe.

I had my lap band removed and RNY done almost three weeks ago, so still undecided on how I feel. Right now I am miserable. liquid diets, trying to re-learn how to eat...it's not easy!!! But every one of my friends who have had it done, tell me I am going to be so happy I did it months from now. I can say, it's motivated me to do things I never thought of doing (I joined the gym on Wednesday), did a general overhaul of foods I purchase for my family (healthier options)....but I can't lie, I am mourning food!!! Great question! I wish you the best of luck!

Thanks! I think I may have jumped the gun. I had a hard time with some of my Protein shakes (dumping) and like I said I am a very picky eater. However, I know this is part of the process. I have found I really enjoy tomato Soup. I am extremely bored with options, but my stomach is not tolerating a lot of foods well. I was wondering about baked mozarella sticks...anyone try those? Tuna was a success, but after three days I was tired of it. It's going to be a very long, interesting journey for me.