MSWDiet

Hi , I was diagnosed with bipolar at age 18 and I’m 52 now, in my 30’s is when I started really taking care of my mental health, I had my surgery when I was 40 and being on my medication and making sure I had a great support system at home helped me a lot. To this day I still have my mood swings but not as bad. Losing the weight helped my bipolar sooo much, I didn’t like myself at all being heavy and not being able to lose the weight on my own, my surgery saved my life and my mental health. I love myself and the person I see in the mirror, I use to dream of being thinner and now I can wear jeans and certain clothes , I didn’t wear jeans for 25 years when I put my first size 4 on ,I was a new woman. Please know the surgery doesn’t make our bipolar go away but it helps it so much because we , me , loves who I am now . Good luck with your new journey and keep me posted, I’d love to know how your doing with your surgery and your mental health 🙂

I'm really happy to hear from someone with bipolar disorder who has stayed at a healthy weight so long after surgery! I'm still jumping through hoops with insurance, but I've had bipolar disorder since I was 14 (I'm 41 now) and I am really worried the meds will make it impossible to keep the weight off. Also, I'm worried I won't be able to keep my mental health stable after surgery. Has that been an issue for you?
Thanks for joining and sharing!

Hi ....
a few lessons I did learn is don’t go back to eating what made you heavy, after a few years I started my bad eating again and gained 30 pounds back. I wasn’t happy with myself at all. So I started back from the beginning after I got out of the hospital. It worked for me and since then I have kept my weight down. You have done an amazing job with your weight loss. Keep up the great work .

It depends on why your doctor prescribed gabapentin. Some say Valentin reduces appetite, although that wasn't so for me, as my hunger stayed the same. If I remember correctly it takes some time for this drug to build up in your system, so 7 days seems a very short time. I did not experience any adverse side effects, so in my opinion you would be fine to give it a try for a week. I would ask your doctor why you need to take it, and why only for 7 days. Topomax or even Buproprion were also supposed to reduce appetite according to my doctor, and although I took those for Migraines, neither suppressed my appetite. Hope this helps.

Your health care professionals work for you. Replacing any doctor is your decision. However, you must be willing to do the work needed to find a replacement in a timely manner; and, to evaluate exactly why you believe this relationship is not in your best interest.
Do you have someone reliable who you can talk this through with? Someone who cares enough to tell you if You are the problem? Is there someone willing to accompany you and act as your advocate in dealing with the medical staff? Can someone assist you in communicating your needs and responding to the reply?
Should all indications conclude that you are not getting the care you need FIRE YOUR DOCTOR. "This is not done" is no reason to jeopardize you health. Get copies of your medical records from the doctor's office and the hospital.
Replacing your follow up care professionals may not be easy but it can be done. Understanding exactly what is wrong with this relationship will help you to find a good fit for the future.

As I understand it, this may be normal if you have metabolic issues and or use certain medications. This was the case for me.
Two to three weeks post op I began gaining after being stalled from the start. My surgeon called me metabolically challenged but insisted I stick with the program. On average I lost less than half a pound weekly. Despite sticking to my program, I repeatedly had weight gain to re loose.
After almost a year and a half, I made my personal goal which was about 15lbs below the medical goal. There was no wls "honeymoon" for me. No fast weight loss whatsoever.
Hang in there. Try not to be discouraged. It will happen for you too although it may not be as expected.

Congrats to you!

I'm only 12 years successful but I stay squeezed into my goal weight sized jeans daily. The discomfort serves as a reminder that I will not let myself down.

MSW

Your health care professionals work for you. Replacing any doctor is your decision. However, you must be willing to do the work needed to find a replacement in a timely manner; and, to evaluate exactly why you believe this relationship is not in your best interest.
Do you have someone reliable who you can talk this through with? Someone who cares enough to tell you if You are the problem? Is there someone willing to accompany you and act as your advocate in dealing with the medical staff? Can someone assist you in communicating your needs and responding to the reply?
Should all indications conclude that you are not getting the care you need FIRE YOUR DOCTOR. "This is not done" is no reason to jeopardize you health. Get copies of your medical records from the doctor's office and the hospital.
Replacing your follow up care professionals may not be easy but it can be done. Understanding exactly what is wrong with this relationship will help you to find a good fit for the future.

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

Miss MEOW, this is my 3rd and last post.
I do not mean to hijack your thread. I'm just long winded and this really takes me back. All this enthusiasm warms my heart and brings back memories. Pre or post, you ALL inspire me to maintain.

I don't think I've input my stats but RNY is the best thing I've ever done for myself. After bouncing between 235lbs & 285lbs for years my regular weight is below 140lbs. It's still a struggle. My weight still fluctuates. However, I've never bought a larger size since getting below 140lbs. I'm 5'4" and 58 years old with chronic health issues unrelated to weight. However, I'm in the best health I could hope for given my auto immune disorders. WLS gets a lot of the credit.

Keep sharing and inspiring each other. Support is proven to increase success rates. Congratulations to everyone!

Miss MEOW, this is my 3rd and last post.
I do not mean to hijack your thread. I'm just long winded and this really takes me back. All this enthusiasm warms my heart and brings back memories. Pre or post, you ALL inspire me to maintain.

I don't think I've input my stats but RNY is the best thing I've ever done for myself. After bouncing between 235lbs & 285lbs for years my regular weight is below 140lbs. It's still a struggle. My weight still fluctuates. However, I've never bought a larger size since getting below 140lbs. I'm 5'4" and 58 years old with chronic health issues unrelated to weight. However, I'm in the best health I could hope for given my auto immune disorders. WLS gets a lot of the credit.

Keep sharing and inspiring each other. Support is proven to increase success rates. Congratulations to everyone!

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

I'm really really late for this party
Don't Do It!
Reason?
ULCERS
Ibuprofen & naproxen are like magic for me but I used them only when absolutely necessary according to me. I never had any discomfort what so ever.
After a routine colonoscopy I was given a surprise endoscopy. ULCERS! Minor enough to be treated with otc meds but who knows what could have happened. The Dr checked only because she knew I had wls.
As I said before, I had no clue anything was wrong. Long term ulcers can lead to cancers.
Talk to your doctor about alternatives. Please do not take Ibuprofen without medical advice and monitoring.

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

Congrats to you!

The key to managing weight gain is staying alert to it and having a workable plan. Seems like you have this in hand.

I'm also 10+ years out and living through the ups and downs. My salvation has been shopping with a tape measure to ensure I never buy a larger size. Vanity also helps.

I prefer the best quality I can afford over quantity. When the pounds pile on I cringe in the mirror and deal with it. Looking like all hell is breaking loose and having limited use of my wardrobe is motivating.

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

@Lilly66

I must agree that WALKING, as much as you can and as soon as you can aids recovery! Within a couple hours of waking up in my room I was doing laps around the bariatric center.
(In my pre-op room I greeted my surgeon then awoke in my room post-op. In between remains a blank.)

When seated I "wrote" the alphabet with my feet every half hour as instructed. Then I walked some more.

Twice I hit the narcotics button in fear of pain that never came. I had showered and dressed on my own when the surgeon came to see me. State law made me wait five hours to be released the day after my RNY (vs 3-5 nights expected). I walked every hour until I was released.

Walking not only gets that gas moving. It prevents blood clots in ways medications can't match. This is true for almost any surgical procedure.

Dumping is a syndrome that may occur following gastric bypass surgery. Often it is discussed in relation to RNY but it can occur with other bypass surgeries. Not everyone dumps.

When part of the intestine is bypassed, sugar and fat are digested differently. The digestive tract can handle small amounts but if you over load your digestive tract dumping may result.

Dumping may include any or all of the following in no particular order: dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, sleepiness, foaming, vomiting, sweating, hot flashes, headache.

I dumped once after sipping Water immediately following a few strips of bacon. Half an hour later, the world was spinning and I was hot flashing. After forty-five minutes sitting with my head between my knees it began to pass.

This was about two months post op RNY. I now place my liquids out of reach until 30 minutes after eating. I never want to experience this again.

@Lilly66

I must agree that WALKING, as much as you can and as soon as you can aids recovery! Within a couple hours of waking up in my room I was doing laps around the bariatric center.
(In my pre-op room I greeted my surgeon then awoke in my room post-op. In between remains a blank.)

When seated I "wrote" the alphabet with my feet every half hour as instructed. Then I walked some more.

Twice I hit the narcotics button in fear of pain that never came. I had showered and dressed on my own when the surgeon came to see me. State law made me wait five hours to be released the day after my RNY (vs 3-5 nights expected). I walked every hour until I was released.

Walking not only gets that gas moving. It prevents blood clots in ways medications can't match. This is true for almost any surgical procedure.

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

For me, dumping just made me really sick.. Didn’t affect bathroom habits, just felt really sick for about 40 min. Came on about 20 min after eating too much sugar. Best thing was to lie down and try to sleep it off. Definitely prevented over indulging, at least for first 18 months.

What does this actually mean?
I know with the sleeve, Snacks were “slider foods”. 
With the revision I’ve read dumping a lot. 
Is that bowel changes or vomitting? 
I would think diarrhea as you dont have a stomach like you did prior to the sleeve and the sleeve. 
I will have to research more. 
I would have to be out to dinner when the time comes and then have to run to the bathroom or be on vacation etc lol 

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!

I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay.

I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top.

*First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success.
*Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge.

Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd.

Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, Protein Shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL!

Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls.

Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

Thanks, Meow😉! The single biggest tip I can give you is to Walk, Walk, Walk the hospital hall just as soon as you possibly can, and keep it up! Make it an adrenalin game to Walk ALL that you can, reason being the terrible gas pain we hear about was completely eliminated for me because of walking. They say the pain shoots up to the shoulder and I experienced Zero of it. My Surgeon did not have me on narcotics post surgery so I literally tapped into the “Joy Adrenaline” that I made it through surgery fine, and did NOT want to deal with excruciating gas pains! Nausea was real but they gave me plenty of Zofran to take home and it handled it completely.
Yes, I had moderate pain abdominally, but as Catwoman described, it just felt like I had done 1,000 crunches and it only lasted a very short time. Another tip I learned here was keep a small, soft pillow handy to place on your tummy getting up and down. They had me in a binder in hospital and I kept it on a few days at home until I was able to shower. The pillow was for at home and helps.

They kept me an additional night in hospital because of trouble eating Jello and keeping broth down. They asked if I felt more comfortable staying that extra night and I said YES! If there was a problem I wanted it to be handled there! and not at home to end up back there. I felt great the following day and came home easily.
For first few weeks I slept in a comfy recliner...it felt better support and easier getting up and down. You may not feel like walking, but again, it is SO worth it to get up and walk every hour or so, whatever you can do will reward you BIG time in far less pain and gas.
I told only a very few close friends, not even extended family and SO glad I did. They would have opinions and this way my energy stayed with greatly supportive tall thin handsome hubby and friends without judgment. Keep it positive!!
Mostly, just think Blue Skies and envision the Healthy, Beautiful Butterfly preparing to emerge!💖

EXCITED FOR YOU, MEOW!😀 You’ve got your ducks in a row, and are READY to ROLL. I initially wanted Sleeve but surgeon suggested RNY for same reason as yours, reflux. We all have a bump or two in the road, but at 11 weeks out I am THRILLED that I chose to do this and vow to overcome any obstacles I face. We’ll be here for you to cheer you on, Celebrate victories, help ease concerns. June 9th will be here and gone before you know it!
CONGRATULATIONS!!🎉🎊💖