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catwoman7

Gastric Bypass Patients
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  1. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Liv_94 in Revision Denied by BCBS of North Carolina   
    I don't know about this company or policy in particular, but many won't approve revisions for weight gain. Some, however, approve them if there are medical issues. Since you've had issues with GERD and high blood pressure, that *might* be enough for some companies -but again, not all companies approve revisions. I wonder if a doctor could have a peer-to-peer review with them. Although your current surgeon isn't in your network, so that might be an issue - is there a bariatric surgeon who's in your network that you could do a consultation with?
  2. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Arabesque in 2 weeks post-op surgery and having trouble feeling full   
    A lot of nerve endings were cut during the surgery, so many of our old signals just don’t get through or don’t get through in the same way. This is why it’s very important to eat to the recommended portion sizes & to eat slowly. You may find too, that when those signals come back they’re different & you have to relearn what they mean.
    Also try not to eat until you are full (& try to stop before you feel your restriction when that kicks in). Signals take time to get through (another reason why we’re advised to eat slowly) & by the time you’re brain says you’re full, you’ve actually eaten more than you need. Eat until you’ve had enough. That is when you’ve eaten what you need not want.
    Don’t feel you have eat until all your portion either. If you feel you’ve had enough & don’t need any more stop. I still often have partially eaten food in my fridge. You can finish it later if need be or save it for tomorrow. Left overs are great.
    I know lots of things to learn & learn about yourself. But you’ll work it out. Congrats on your surgery.
  3. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Tomo in Gas problems and binder.   
    some of us get binders, others don't - I never got one - so it's optional. If it's not comfortable, then you don't have to wear it (unless, of course, your clinic directed you to). Gas pains should go away soon...
  4. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from pintsizedmallrat in Weight gain & Health Issues   
    the people who gain it back are those who let bad eating habits slip back into their lives.
    most people do experience a 10-20 lb rebound gain after hitting their lowest weight. It's not inevitable, but it does seem to happen to most of us. As far as gaining it all back, though, yes, it happens to some - but not most. If you monitor yourself, though, and keep up with the good habits, then you're not going to gain it all back.
    serious health changes? That would be super rare. You're much more likely to experience serious health issues by staying obese. Most people see vast improvements in their health after surgery.
    Fatigue is common the first couple of months after surgery - surgery is a major stress on your body (any surgery - not just this one), and you're taking in very few calories to boot. After that, though, you'll probably have more energy than you do now.
    hormonal changes are temporary. That should all stabilize sometime within the first year. Permanent Hair loss would be extremely rare.
    no weight loss at all would only happen if you don't follow the program.
  5. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to kcuster83 in gained 3lb in 4 days...   
    It happens, don't stress.
    You couldn't eat enough to gain that weight in fat so very likely Water weight.
    Take 1 cup of lukewarm water and 1/8 of a fresh lemon. Squeeze the juice in the water and drink it. It is a natural diuretic and works amazingly!
    PS: I can gain and loose 10 lbs in water. I have seen it. Especially when I was bigger, now i don't see that much fluctuation but still fluctuate none the less.
  6. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Tomo in gained 3lb in 4 days...   
    Unless you ate 10500 cal, my bet would be it is Water gain. It happens to me all the time, especially when I eat pickles. It should come off in a day or two.
  7. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Tomo in Not losing Weight   
    some people don't lose ANY weight the first week. A lot of us come home from the hospital up to 10 lbs heavier due to the all the IV fluids they pump into you.
    that said, 5 lbs is pretty normal. Most WLS patients (at least normal ones - not the kind who are on "My 600 lb Life) lose in the 15-25 lb range the first month. So 5 lbs in week one is pretty normal.
  8. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from MG83 in 30 lbs away!   
    not everyone loses hair - and some people lose just a little. I didn't lose very much. I could see extra strands in my comb after coming it out (probably twice as much as usual), but just looking at my hair, I couldn't tell a difference - so no one else would have been able to, either.
  9. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Sleeve_Me_Alone in 440 Days   
    One year, 2 months, and 2 weeks
    114.5lbs
    64 inches
    Pant size 22 to 8/9
    Shirt size 2xl to M
    I have been trying to lose weight, quite literally, my entire life. My earliest memories are of being uncomfortable, knowing I was in a bigger body than I "should" have been. I tried and failed at every diet, and consulted with 3 other surgeons over the course of a decade before I finally committed and had surgery. I went to therapy, read the books, stuck to the plan, fell off the plan. got back on, cried, rejoiced, and everything in between. And today, I hit my "goal" weight. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't elated to see that long desired number. It was overwhelming and thrilling. But truly, even more than any number, is the life I've gained, the love for myself that I've learned to cultivate, the life changing decision to care for myself well and no longer allow myself to be at war with this one precious body I have.
    As so many WLS patients say, I just wish I had done it sooner.
    I'm rooting for each and everyone of you as well. 💓
  10. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to lorlybeth84 in Finally!   
    FINALLY hit 100lbs down today! I have been waiting for this moment for a while and I am so excited. I hope it never comes back on again!! I'm at 203 now so next big goal is getting to ONEderland. I hope everyone else is doing well also. So glad I had this surgery and am finally getting healthy.
  11. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from sillykitty in Weight gain   
    first of all, pouch resets are discouraged by most dietitians. It just puts you back into "diet mentality". Just go back to basics - Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, and then, if you're still hungry, a small serving of fruit or complex carbs. And log everything you eat so you know how much and when you're eating.
    secondly, the vast majority of us have a rebound weight gain of 10-20 lbs after we hit our lowest weight. It's just your body settling in to a weight it's comfortable at. I used to "attend" Unjury's Zoom support groups occasionally, which often feature speakers. There was a really interesting dietitian on once who said at her clinic, they don't even consider it a regain unless the person has gained more than 15% of their lowest weight (so for you, that's 25.5 lbs).
    I regained about 20 lbs in year 3 (it usually occurs in year 2 or 3, after you hit your lowest weight). It really bothered me for a long time, but clearly this is where my body wants to be. I could always go lower by cutting my calories, but then, I've been sitting at this weight for quite awhile, so it evidently is not as important to me as I think it is, otherwise i'd be doing exactly that (cutting calories). I know it'd be a struggle trying to get down to my lowest weight again and staying there, because my body seems to be comfortable where it is. Do-able, but it would be a lot of work and then a challenge to stay there. I've kind of given up the ghost at this point.
    if after tracking you find you're taking in too many calories and are doing too much eating while you're not really hungry, then do what you need to to get back on track (the suggestions people had of going back to your clinic for support - therapy and/or dietitian is a good one). But if that's not really the case, if this is just the normal rebound that most of us experience, then know it's just that...normal - and also, expected.
  12. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from sillykitty in Weight gain   
    first of all, pouch resets are discouraged by most dietitians. It just puts you back into "diet mentality". Just go back to basics - Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, and then, if you're still hungry, a small serving of fruit or complex carbs. And log everything you eat so you know how much and when you're eating.
    secondly, the vast majority of us have a rebound weight gain of 10-20 lbs after we hit our lowest weight. It's just your body settling in to a weight it's comfortable at. I used to "attend" Unjury's Zoom support groups occasionally, which often feature speakers. There was a really interesting dietitian on once who said at her clinic, they don't even consider it a regain unless the person has gained more than 15% of their lowest weight (so for you, that's 25.5 lbs).
    I regained about 20 lbs in year 3 (it usually occurs in year 2 or 3, after you hit your lowest weight). It really bothered me for a long time, but clearly this is where my body wants to be. I could always go lower by cutting my calories, but then, I've been sitting at this weight for quite awhile, so it evidently is not as important to me as I think it is, otherwise i'd be doing exactly that (cutting calories). I know it'd be a struggle trying to get down to my lowest weight again and staying there, because my body seems to be comfortable where it is. Do-able, but it would be a lot of work and then a challenge to stay there. I've kind of given up the ghost at this point.
    if after tracking you find you're taking in too many calories and are doing too much eating while you're not really hungry, then do what you need to to get back on track (the suggestions people had of going back to your clinic for support - therapy and/or dietitian is a good one). But if that's not really the case, if this is just the normal rebound that most of us experience, then know it's just that...normal - and also, expected.
  13. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Tomo in What am I doing wrong?   
    I lost 16 lbs the first month, so I was probably about where you are at six weeks out. I was really worried about being a "slow loser", but I went on to lose all of my excess weight, over 200 lbs. So don't worry - if you stick to your plan, the weight will come off, either fast or slow.
  14. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to ms.sss in 3 months post op Gastric sleeve   
    i was notoriously un-hungry during weight loss phase. the discomfort of eating more than my stomach would allow was also a factor...the potential annoyance of the "full feelings" (which was a given) always trumped the desire to eat (which didn't happen often anyway). I was definitely Pavlov'ed (still in am a way)
    Eventually, my stomach allowed more stuff in (we're talking like 1 cup in volume here, which i realize still isn't much in the grand scheme of things), AND i was able to digest a little faster, so I could eat again in a few hours. As a result, I am a grazer. I was a grazer pre-wls, but that was more all-day snacking, just wanna eat type of deal. Now its sort of necessity. I have small "eating sessions" many times throughout the day, lol. I'm 4 years out now, so the portions are a little bigger and less spaced apart, but comparatively, volume-wise, its still a lot less than "normal" people.
    RE: turning skinny. I'm assuming you are referring to becoming TOO skinny? Everyone is different, and has different ideas of what "too skinny" is, so it would be difficult to get a baseline on this. Regardless, lots of people worried about this (myself included), but based on the anecdotal evidence of many, many members posts on this forum, as well as personal experience, the idea of being too skinny is fleeting. The entire time i've been on this forum, I have yet to come across someone who is 2-3+ years out (AND otherwise healthy/doesn't suffer from medical condition) who lament being too skinny. There was ONE a couple years back who was 2 years out and had a BMI of 18 and was indeed concerned about her ever-shrinking frame, but I have not seen/heard from her in a couple years, so not sure how she is faring today (hopefully she achieved some peace, though).
    In short, the fear of becoming too skinny during weight loss phase is a normal feeling, but mostly unfounded. Ask anyone 2-3 years out if they are worried about being too skinny, and I'm willing to bet that you will be hard-pressed to find one who still is (and who isn't suffering from a medical condition).
    Good Luck! ❤️

  15. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Arabesque in 3 months post op Gastric sleeve   
    I also lost my interest in food & wasn’t really hungry so I get how you feel. I also was only eating two ‘meals’ a day to begin but then I realised I needed to eat for my body to function properly. So I started to eat more regularly. I found eating to the clock helpful. It actually changed a lot of my relationship with food. That adage of eating to live not living to eat became true for me. (I still very much enjoy food but I consider what & why I’m eating it.)
    As a place to begin, try adding a third meal of a smaller portion & eat it even more slowly than you normally would just to get into the routine. Or add a yogurt drink or shake at sometime during the day & look at them as a drink not a meal with the bonus of necessary nutrients.
    Have you had a chat with your dietician to review your diet, nutrient & calorie intake. They may have some suggestions re nutrient dense meal suggestions.
    The lack of hunger & interest in eating doesn’t last. It’s a temporary bonus of the surgery. Though my lack of hunger lasted into my second year, most find it starts to return in their first year from about 6 months. Actually you’ll get to a time in the future when you wish you still experienced them.
  16. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Bee kami in A weight loss Story:   
    The Struggle is real but with the proper tools and determination the job can get done! I’ve struggled with being overweight the majority of my life. Growing up the fat kid at school and in the family was not easy. I always had the love and support of my family but sometimes people were really mean and made assumptions about fat people that weren’t necessarily true. I don’t remember a time growing up when I was not on some sort of a diet. 20 years ago I made arguably the best decision I’ve ever made regarding my weight. I underwent Bariatric Surgery! It was the tool I used to maximize weight loss ,change bad eating habits and understand Portion Control. Over the course of those years I’ve lost 170 Ibs. I’m a tiny girl at only 4’11. My highest weight was 296 Ibs, lowest weight 126 Ibs and current weight 145 Ibs. For years it’s been difficult for me to discuss this journey because of past trauma. I decided recently that it is more important to share my story because someone might benefit from it. Someone might need help, or information. Why not help people? It’s time out for being embarrassed of photos when I was really obese. It’s time to Celebrate and be proud of my success. My story is one of Success by God’s Grace. Having Bariatric surgery in 2002, at young age, was good for me. It’s been a Positive weight loss journey through dedication, discipline, and accountability. Ultimately, I Desire to function as a weight loss surgery guide. I’ve contemplated writing this post for a few weeks now. I hope this post inspires someone in a positive way.

  17. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Tomo in What am I doing wrong?   
    I lost 16 lbs the first month, so I was probably about where you are at six weeks out. I was really worried about being a "slow loser", but I went on to lose all of my excess weight, over 200 lbs. So don't worry - if you stick to your plan, the weight will come off, either fast or slow.
  18. Thanks
    catwoman7 got a reaction from BigSue in 3 months post op Gastric sleeve   
    most people do lose their hunger for a few months after bariatric surgery. Mine came roaring back at five months out. Enjoy it while it lasts....I wish mine had never come back. It is SO much easier to lose weight when you're never hungry and don't give a flip about food! Things get a lot harder once your hunger comes back. Again, there are days I wish mine had never come back - I found it very liberating, on top of making it easy to lose weight (I'm 7.5 years out now)
    I wouldn't worry about getting too skinny. For one thing, only about 10-15% of patients make it to a normal BMI, let alone get too skinny. There are a lot more people who never make it all the way to their goal than there are people who get too thin. Plus if you DO get too thin, you can always increase your calories to either stabilize your weight - or gain some back. I wouldn't let that worry me AT ALL.
  19. Thanks
    catwoman7 got a reaction from BigSue in 3 months post op Gastric sleeve   
    most people do lose their hunger for a few months after bariatric surgery. Mine came roaring back at five months out. Enjoy it while it lasts....I wish mine had never come back. It is SO much easier to lose weight when you're never hungry and don't give a flip about food! Things get a lot harder once your hunger comes back. Again, there are days I wish mine had never come back - I found it very liberating, on top of making it easy to lose weight (I'm 7.5 years out now)
    I wouldn't worry about getting too skinny. For one thing, only about 10-15% of patients make it to a normal BMI, let alone get too skinny. There are a lot more people who never make it all the way to their goal than there are people who get too thin. Plus if you DO get too thin, you can always increase your calories to either stabilize your weight - or gain some back. I wouldn't let that worry me AT ALL.
  20. Thanks
    catwoman7 got a reaction from Kelseydawn in Just went to the surgeon for a hiatal hernia and he recommends gastric bypass   
    I had gastric bypass 7.5 years ago. I love my bypass and would make the same choice if I had to choose today.
  21. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from sillykitty in Water whoopsie   
    Leaks are almost always discovered before you even leave the hospital. You should be fine. Your pouch is just telling you that you drank too much or too fast.
  22. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from learn2cook in What am I doing wrong?   
    exercise only accounts for about 20% of weight loss - and I've known of several people who've lost a bunch of weight post-op without exercising at all- so it's likely not that. If you're getting 600-900 calories a day, that should be fine. It may just be your body's particular weight loss "pattern". As long as your general trend is downward, you should be good.
  23. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from sillykitty in Water whoopsie   
    Leaks are almost always discovered before you even leave the hospital. You should be fine. Your pouch is just telling you that you drank too much or too fast.
  24. Like
    catwoman7 reacted to Arabesque in Looking for information on GOLO release use after sleeve   
    I’ve never heard of it so did a quick read about it. It sounds like a way to sell their supplement (yeah, I can be a bit cynical) & those with certain medical conditions should not follow it.
    Sure people can lose weight on any diet but keeping it off is the problem as we know. (How many diets have you tried over the years?) Diets are designed to be short term & restrictive. Finding a sustainable way of eating that doesn’t restrict you living your life & provides your body (not your head) with what it needs is the way. It may include aspects of certain eating styles but the way of eating you find that works for you will be personal to you. It won’t be exactly the same as how & what I eat or someone else eats.
    Go back to the basics of your initial post maintenance eating as a start. Meet your Protein & fluid goals. Eat lots of vegetables, some fruit, some low processed whole/multi grains & some good fats & oils. Avoid high processed, high fat, high sugar foods. Reestablish the good post surgery habits of smaller portions, eating slowly, measuring & tracking your food intake, etc. And then modify your eating as you need. Get in touch with your dietician for some guidance & support.
    Life just gets in the way sometimes (health, family, friends, jobs, etc.) & old habits sometimes regain their old power & override our good intentions. Many turn to food for comfort in times of stress. (So sorry about your mother’s diagnosis @mgt3boys.) Maybe visit a therapist to discuss ways of managing stress & anxiety without turning to food & ways to break those old habits.
    Because you’re newly post surgery, it’s best you follow the diet you’ve been given & the advice your dietician & surgeon give you @Merri Beth. Because our portions are so small after surgery what we eat is extremely important to ensure our body gets the nutrients it needs. And they have access to your medical records & blood work to ensure you are getting what you need. As you get closer to your goal, start exploring how & what you want to eat for the long term & what your body need to eat to benefits your health.
  25. Like
    catwoman7 got a reaction from sillykitty in Weight gain   
    first of all, pouch resets are discouraged by most dietitians. It just puts you back into "diet mentality". Just go back to basics - Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, and then, if you're still hungry, a small serving of fruit or complex carbs. And log everything you eat so you know how much and when you're eating.
    secondly, the vast majority of us have a rebound weight gain of 10-20 lbs after we hit our lowest weight. It's just your body settling in to a weight it's comfortable at. I used to "attend" Unjury's Zoom support groups occasionally, which often feature speakers. There was a really interesting dietitian on once who said at her clinic, they don't even consider it a regain unless the person has gained more than 15% of their lowest weight (so for you, that's 25.5 lbs).
    I regained about 20 lbs in year 3 (it usually occurs in year 2 or 3, after you hit your lowest weight). It really bothered me for a long time, but clearly this is where my body wants to be. I could always go lower by cutting my calories, but then, I've been sitting at this weight for quite awhile, so it evidently is not as important to me as I think it is, otherwise i'd be doing exactly that (cutting calories). I know it'd be a struggle trying to get down to my lowest weight again and staying there, because my body seems to be comfortable where it is. Do-able, but it would be a lot of work and then a challenge to stay there. I've kind of given up the ghost at this point.
    if after tracking you find you're taking in too many calories and are doing too much eating while you're not really hungry, then do what you need to to get back on track (the suggestions people had of going back to your clinic for support - therapy and/or dietitian is a good one). But if that's not really the case, if this is just the normal rebound that most of us experience, then know it's just that...normal - and also, expected.

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