VDB

@ Thanks for that information.

Guess I have to make some decisions.

Me, too! I don't want to pay 48 bucks a year for VIP status to keep my posts confidential... that does not seem like a support group to me...I have loved the group, but darn, why can't it all be kept private? I am a non-tech old guy and know my millenial age kids think I am crazy for expecting privacy...

The other day, I posted a new post about being wrong about how I took my supplements. Then, later today when researching Calcium citrate use, I found my post on Google... so for personal posts, no privacy when you post and reply on Bariatric Pal, this is wrong! Our support group functions should not be public.... what is going on here?

No regrets. I should have done it in my 50's but I was in fairly good shape, even though 150+ pounds overweight, could still travel, farm, etc with good energy. So, was not ready. But at 64 yrs, after beginning to lose mobility, diabetes worse each year, gaining weight gradually, urge incontinence, etc.... it was time. On Sept 21, it will be five months post bypass. Off four diabetes meds, just take a small amount of one med, urge incontinence gone, BP normal without meds, neuropathy in feet 65% better; and over 90# gone... mobility much better, can bend over without risk of calling 911; almost back to bicycle riding, swimming much easier, gardening/light farming much easier.... no regrets, this has saved my life. It is your life, you define the need for the surgery.

When I took the Citracal's (Calcium Citrate) tablets, I failed to read the label and the dosage was based on consuming 2 tablets. Therefore at my first appointment with the nutritionist, she pointed out the error of my ways.

I put the Citracal's in a small bowl and take them throughout the day, spacing them around 2 hours apart. I take two at a time. (Therefore I don't have to remember how many I have taken. I just load up the bowl first thing in the morning.) I found out that a few months after surgery I was again able to swallow the large tablets whole without crushing them. That made life a lot easier.

I take my Iron tablets and Flintstone Multivitamins that contain Iron at night just before bedtime. That way I don't get them mixed up. Also because I have milk (which contains calcium) during the day, it also doesn't conflict.

James, do you think the Calcium pills dissolve ok with just swallowing and not chewing? I use Citracal petites, but worry that they are not dissolving in the pouch.

I am tolerant but the emoticons get a bit much at times

So, did my four 1/2 month Gastric Bypass checkup with the bariatric clinic. All good, good blood tests etc, but discovered via the PA that I was taking my Vitamins and Calcium citrate supplements wrong. I was using three "One a Day" Vitamins plus a little Iron pill (because I had them prior to surgery, they are expensive and wanted to use them up) and four calcium citrate tablets a day, taking them at the same time three times a day. WRONG! First, taking the Vitamin and the calcium citrate together negates the Calcium absorbtion (the Iron hurts the calcium); second, with Gastric Bypass, the pouch does not have enough acid to dissolve the hard Vitamin or the calcium tablet; and third, was taking them too close to meals.

So now, I chew the calcium tablets when I take them at approximately 6 am, 10am, 4 pm, and 8 pm. I take the vitamin (crushed using a mortar and pestle, but switching to Bariatric Plus Ultra with iron, a capsule which dissolves in the pouch) at 8 am, 2 pm, and 10 pm. These times keep me an hour away from meals.

I am trying to get a routine established for these supplements, but whew! alot to remember. I put the calcium in a separate daily pill container, and the vitamins in with my regular meds in a daily am and pm pill container.

I second AWJONES28 ... you look great! Over 65 pounds, that is a real loss....

As Red Green said: "I'm a man, I can change, if I want to...I guess"....yep, it is a man thing. Simplistic solution (we men like it simple). Catch him at a quiet moment and say "Hon, I need you to notice the changes in my body. Complement me, give me support, your noticing is very important to me". Try it, can't hurt. If he does it, give him a reward of some kind... men like that.

Love this topic! I am currently in a Mustang and have gone from 415 lbs to 327. Definitely fitting much better! My gift when I reach goal will be a new car and I'm thinking a 3 series convertible.

Jealous!

Yip, but not the crazy the technical trails, easy flat ones and around the campgrounds and lakes. It sure is fun to get out though.

Tiller, was there a point in your weight loss where riding got alot easier? At over 330 and certainly over 400, I was too top heavy to safely ride, but am almost able to ride again... can't wait.

I have a hybrid bike that I have kept for 30+ years waiting for the moment that will happen in about three weeks, which is being 100# down and finally it will be safe enough to ride my bike again. I have lost over 90#, just bought a new bike helmet, ordered BIGFOOT brand pedals (size 17 feet), and am getting some rust off my chain. My bike is a very large frame, made for people 6'4" and over. I am very excited about this, I live in an area with lots of trails here in Colorado.

I had RNY in April. Have had dumping a few times. oatmeal (regular); Mexican food that had cheese on it; beef. Someone put a piece of rhubarb pie in my mouth and made me eat it, didn't cause any problems.... then the same person made me eat some birthday cake...darn that big guy! This is how I learned that sugary does not phase my pouch. But of course (if my NUT is reading this), I would never eat any of that stuff because I have no room after Protein. Not for any ice cream, either.

Sorry guys, I love my 99 Silverado, never getting rid of it. It is a farm truck, scratched and dinged, but I have had it for 15 years. Even skinny I will love it. Never broken down, and keeps on going....

Cream of wheat Cereal worked for me....

I am trying to plan for my surgery. Went the seminar. Have had two out of three weight loss management with my regular GP. cardiac appointment done now I just want to try to eat some of the foods that I can. I heard you only get chicken broth for the first 12 weeks . after that I'm not sure what you can eat and after seminar the doctor said something about following the South Beach Diet? has anyone else been told that? any comments will be greatly appreciated on little hints on what to expect and do. thank you.

After surgery, I did the liquid diet for 2 weeks, as prescribed... then to soft and mushy food for 12 weeks (including soft cooked turkey, veges, fruit such as bananas), now am on regular food but no beef, Pasta, starches etc. This phase will last until 12 months out.

Yes, it is the norm for my office, but I too wish I could also see the surgeon so I could thank him in person... the PA assisted with my surgery, so she knows the scoop. I think if you want to see your surgeon, you should get to....it is your body, and you are in charge.

Whew! great deal. Unfortunately, started at 54 W. and blew past 44 a few week ago.... good luck!

Tell her to go **** herself.

Seriously the only way to stop rude smug people from walking all over you it to shock them into shutting up.

Sure would be my first gut level response... but would likely do my favorite, look at the commenter, look really shocked and incredulous, say "WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?" in a loud voice, and abruptly walk away... knocks those haters on their butts every time....

Okay I just saw a post about a crazy hospital bill. Now I'm freaking out. I looked up the average cost of rny in my area and its $25,000. My insurance pays 70% after my deductible.

Basically, at this price, I calculated I'd be paying roughly $7000 out of pocket. Which is fine, my husband is borrowing against his retirement and we've saved.

But I just saw a post with multiple people saying their bill was 100-200k+. Does anyone have a similar insurance as mine? If so, what did you pay out of pocket? Please say I'm freaking out for no reason.

My RNY (98% covered by insurance) cost Aetna about 60 grand...this is in western Colorado.... my results have been so wonderful, I would have figured out a way to do this even if I had to leave retirement and work for a year, it saved my life, that is worth alot.

Sending Dave and you the best of energy, good vibes, prayers, healing waves of compassion, when I press "Post", it will travel up and out of our Colorado mountain valley, go up to 15,000 feet and find you, and with light speed, come to you and envelope you both with love. Get ready, it is about to fly..

Way to go! You will never regret it, after the gas passes!!!

We are there for you...unconditionally.

ME, too, very funny visuals on the barfing, made my day... but sorry you had to go through that

Smye, I know this must be REALLY tough. But, one thing I deeply believe about marriage is that we owe our spouse unconditional love -- no conditions, just absolute acceptance without judgement. For example, my wife of 35+ years has a chronic illness and due to her pain, has no interest in sex for three years now. Yes, it was tough I was not pleased but I also know she has tried everything to get better, and nothing has worked.

I just fell back on good old absolute acceptance, and we actually have a deeper love than ever, we enjoy each other's company, physical affection without sex, and continue on our road as a couple. In your situation, the greatest gift you can give your wife is unconditional acceptance without any qualifiers. You say to her "If you are gay, you are gay. You deserve to be with someone you are attracted to, whom you can connect with at every level. I also deserve this, and don't want to lose you, and want to stay close, stay in contact, still be best buddies."

Thanks for sharing this with the group. As far as I know, none of us have ever met, but I find the support here to be invaluable.... and I love your recipes!

Thanks for the advice y'all.

I am going shopping with the wife today.

I will be looking of some loose fitting, but fashionable sundresses and "mumu's".

Where do you get those in size 3x with 48" waist ?

Thanks, Mike

Don't forget to post those photos! Actually, why should women get to wear all of that loose, airy stuff... it is unfair, bring on the mumus. I just may not go outside here in rural Colorado, it might get dangerous...