GBLady41

I’m 5’7” and my heaviest weight was 298 and I wore size 22ish. I had mini gastric bypass on 12/12/16. I am now 138 and wear size 4-6. I figured I would be able to wear a size 6 or 7 but a size 4? I can wear my daughter’s clothes!!!

Eating a lot of carbs may be the issue. Losing 30 pounds is no small feat and you should not consider your self a failure. As the poster above this points out, we all lose at different paces, and dependent on how much in total you have to lose. Maybe you should try using a meal tracing all like myfitnesspal if you're not already doing so. It helps keep me in line and lets me know what I'm lacking in a day. I am following a high Protein and fat, low carb diet, and it seems to work well for a lot of people. Speak to your nutritionist and see if they can give you and insight on how to make it easier on yourself. You've always got this community here to help you out when you need it.

Eating a lot of carbs will definitely not help you lose weight. I agree that using a food tracking app will help you to see what you are eating and make the necessary changes to start weight loss. I also agree that you need to see your nutritionist and come up with a plan to correct your eating habits for long term weight loss.

So I was told that because I put my life in the hands of God and follow instructions of the doctor that I am ridiculous. There are so evil people in this forum that are far more dangerous than any doctor.

Actually, the only dangerous person I see on here is you. Go to who you want to. But there is more than enough proof that this doctor does not care about his patients. Just because you are one of the very few who are ok is not proof that he is a good doctor.

There is no proof that hurricanes are more intense or more frequent due to possible 'climate change'.

Excuse me....have you heard of Hurricane Irma?!? And now we’re on Hurricane Nate. It’s only been a little over a month.

What were you saying about the intensity and frequency of hurricanes again? Do you watch the news? Or are you living in a fantasy world, where we can use and abuse this planet without consequences?

It’s called climate change. Please, please do some research so you are no longer ignorant of the actual facts. Thanks

I was given Toradol (Ketorolac) IV and tablet prescription after I was discharged. Worked great!

You may want to join BariatricPal MX Weight Loss Surgery Group on Facebook. I believe you will run into DS patients there and you can get all of your information there.

Maybe replace one of your Protein Shakes with animal Protein. I like the three small meals of 4 oz each. I would maybe try adding at least one snack that has a good amount of protein, like Mini Babybel Light, which has 6 grams of protein, and Frigo CheeseHeads Light String cheese, which has 7 grams of protein. I would also try to get in more fluids and more protein, because the more active you get the more fluids and protein you need. Muscles require two things: fluids and protein.

It's not about calories. It's about fuel for your body. Your body needs more than 80 oz of fluids in order to not feel like it's in starvation mode. The same thing about protein. Your body needs more than 90 grams of protein, especially with how active you are.

I would try upping both your fluids and protein for a couple of weeks, not changing anything else, and see if that starts your weight loss again.

I think that it should work itself out as long as you are taking your Vitamins. You are still in the beginning of healing. It will take a little time to get back to 'normal'.

Somewhere between 4 & 6 weeks usually. Ask your doc.

Know, though, that exercise doesn't do anything for flabby skin. It can fill up the space to a small extent with muscle, but exercise works muscles not skin.

Again, this is different for everyone. I have been weight training for at least 4 months and I can tell you that my flabby skin has gone down quite a bit. It really does depend on your DNA, your BMI, starting weight, etc.

I also moisturizer my skin a few times a day to give me more elasticity. Everything helps. And weight training certainly doesn't hurt. Well...not much anyway. [emoji2][emoji854]

As far as the veggie Pasta, there is nothing wrong with that. I think some people read your original post as you were eating regular pasta. So, if you want to add that back into your diet, you can. Veggies are good.

I also have PCOS and I am no longer taking Metformin. I stopped after I had surgery, and my first blood tests came back normal (my PCOS tests and my Bariatric tests).

Because I do have PCOS, I keep my carbs at or below 35 grams a day. I work out 5 days a week, with two of those days being weight training. I also use the elliptical 5 days a week and the recumbent bike 3 days a week. I drink a drinkable yogurt every morning for Breakfast (eggs are too heavy for me and the yogurt gives me more protein). I also drink one shake for dinner every day (it works for my lifestyle, so that when I'm out and can't cook something, I still get my protein). I drink at least 150 oz of fluids a day, including 12 servings of Water. I get in at least 100 oz of Protein a day. My nutritionist told me that when you start exercising more, you need two things: fluids and protein.

And....I can only get in about 800 calories, and I'm over 8 months out. I have never stalled once.

My point is...everyone is different. You have to find what works for you. One thing I have learned is...it's not about the number of calories. It's about the amount of fuel you are putting in your body.

But don't think you have to do what other people do. It's about your life and you lifestyle. So if Protein Shakes help you in your lifestyle, then do that. Find what works for you and go for it. Don't try to force yourself to eat more calories thinking it will definitely help you. I tried that and it didn't go well.

As far as personal trainers and nutritionists, unless they have actually dealt with bariatric patients, they are going to give you the same advice they would give anyone else, and we are not anyone else.

Keep discovering. You can do it!!

You do not need an adapter. You may want to bring a power strip for your electronics. They do come in handy.

I'm glad my doctor did not suggest that. If someone is already having issues with their gallbladder, he will remove it. But if not, he won't. And I'm over 8 months out, and have had no problems with my gallbladder. Why go through extra pain when there's nothing wrong?

Hi,

I had MGB surgery in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr. Illan. I went through BariatricPal MX. I had my surgery in a full service hospital (Oasis of Hope) with a full medical staff and surgical staff. The hospital doctors, nurses and staff were very attentive with me, coming in my room seconds after I pushed the nurse button. Not a speaker conversation, they came to my room to see what I needed. They took my vitals every few hours and changed my bandages frequently. I never had to wait on any of my meds. The hospital was cleaner than in the US. They cleaned it at least a couple of times a day, including the walls. The BariatricPal MX valets were attentive and made sure that myself and my companion were well taken care of.

I stayed in the hospital for three days, then once approved for discharge, was taken to Pueblo Amigo Hotel & Casino. My companion and I stayed in a junior suite with a mini fridge, microwave, safe, coffee pot, two double beds and a sitting area. We stayed two days there.

I paid $5400 for myself and my companion, three-day hospital stay, two- day hotel stay, and we received a 'gift' package from BariatricPal MX that included fluids and Protein I would need and a book that talks about bariatric surgery. We also received vouchers from the hotel that allowed us to get some broth from downstairs.

Dr. Illan does only four surgeries a day, if that many, so you know he's not trying to rush you through. And whenever I have a question, I can email him and he will reply. He's the best! He is certified and as of now, is an international member of the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) He will take care of you.

I found BariatricPal MX by accident actually. I was looking online at the BariatricPal Store (store.bariatricpal.com) and a chat popped up and I clicked on it and saw it was about BariatricPal MX and how much they charge for bariatric surgery. I started chatting with them and set up an appointment with the coordinator, Bill Yanez. The rest is history.

I am more than 8 months out from surgery and have lost almost 100 lbs since surgery. I couldn't be happier!!!

Thanks for the replies. Would anyone share how payment is handled and how much extra cash should be taken? I realize some of my questions can be answered by speaking with a representative from the surgeons office, weight loss agent, patient coordinator? Just who ARE all these different people anyway! Scrolling around I found a post regarding weight loss agents and how you think your speaking to a professional adult but instead it may be a teen ager hired to take phone calls and give information out? Another question (should I start a new thread since my questions skip around so much!) How did your primary Dr here in the US react to your decision to fly to Mexico for this surgery? Not the decision to have bariatric surgery but the decision to have it in Mexico? Were you reassured you would have continued care and their support and care should any complications arise? Thanks again everyone for your answers!

I had my surgery in Tijuana, Mexico with Dr. Illan. I worked with Bill Yanez of BariatricPal MX and he answered all of my questions. He is an adult and anyone you speak to at BariatricPal MX are adults.

Payment is handled through a credit card or Wells Fargo. You can ask Mr. Yanez for more information on that. However, you first must fill out an extensive Health Questionnaire and be approved. Then, if you are approved, you give a deposit (I paid $500) in order to schedule and guarantee your surgery date. And you will have a certain amount of time to pay the balance, depending on how far out your surgery date is. I believe full payment is due one to two weeks before your surgery.

As far as primary doctors, each one will react differently to your getting the surgery in Mexico. But...how I looked at it is like this: I'm paying you to be MY primary doctor...if you don't like it, I will simply fire you and get someone else who will give me the care that I need. For me, I asked my endocrinologist to continue care, because she is the one who suggested I get surgery. And her care was simply giving me blood tests at three month intervals. She agreed to do that for me. Other than blood tests, I have not needed any extra care for my surgery.

Should any complications arise once you get home, there are different insurance companies that do different things. I would check out your particular company to see what they say. However, I have seen on many forums that if you go to the ER, they cannot deny you treatment, irregardless of where you had a surgery.

Also, there is insurance you can purchase, I believe, that will give you coverage for an amount of time after surgery.

I would call Bill Yanez and ask him all of your questions. He is very attentive and will listen to your every concern. You can also talk to, Skype with, and email Dr. Illan with any questions and concerns.

I am more than 8 months out from MGB. It does get easier. I used the Gas-X strips. They worked great for me. I still use them every great once in a while when I get bloated. During my first week of healing I started sleeping on my side, using a small pillow to put under my stomach so I wouldn't feel that 'movement' on the inside of me. That took a little getting used to lol...

I didn't have too much pain after surgery. More like soreness and gas pains, which were really helped by walking. The more walking I did, the more I farted.

Other than feeling like I had no energy at the end of the 2nd week after surgery, I have been feeling fine. Healing good. And to date I have lost 99 lbs since surgery, and 145 lbs from my heaviest weight. Take it a day at a time. Walk. Walk. Walk. It gets better. [emoji2][emoji41][emoji854][emoji16][emoji4][emoji38][emoji13]

I lost 12 lbs the 2nd month and 12.6 lbs the 3rd month.

I didn't have a revision but I did have the MGB. My recovery took a few weeks to get my energy back. I was walking a couple of hours after surgery. About a couple of weeks after surgery, I didn't have much energy and my nutritionist told me to start with a little of a Protein Shake a few days early. It worked. I got my energy back and haven't had any issues since.

This is total BS. I was at Weight loss agents, used Dr. Almonza and had the surgery. I've lost 130 lbs and counting 9 months after sleeve surgery. they were completely professional. State of the art technology and very careful to make sure my needs were met before they let me leave. The pre surgery and post follow-up was excellent and I highly recommend them. This testimonial is obviously fake made by a competitor. Shameful that some people have to try and get ahead by tearing someone else down.

Sounds a little rehearsed to me. Not to mention the fact that you didn't even spell the surgeon's name right. Surely if he was your surgeon, the least research you would have done is to learn the correct spelling of his name.

Seems like the fake testimonial is coming from you.

We really need to do research, and not listen to people who can't even spell 'their' surgeon's name.

Something I learned from my nutritionist that would have worked for me way before surgery was when I worked out, your muscles need two things: fluids and Protein. So make sure to get in more and more protein before and after you work out. Also, drink lots of fluids (I drink Smart Water or Essentia-both have electrolytes added) so that there will be no water weight, because you are fueling your muscles and body while you're working out. I'm 8 months out and have been weight training and cardio since I was 4 months out. I have not gained any weight whatsoever. Instead, I kept losing. A slower loss, but for the better. I'm so much more toned and fit.

Fluids and protein. The more, the better.

I work out 5 days a week. I'm on the elliptical for an hour all 5 days. I'm on the recumbent bike 3 days a week, when I don't weight train. I also weight train two days a week, one of those days at the gym. Soon I'm also going to incorporate resistance training.

[mention=322806]Mersh[/mention]you are kinda being an aggressive prick. You post a topic, you open up the conversation, then don't like the path the conversation follows.
It sounds like you are doing awesome and are very successful. You have a solid plan to live your life and meet your goals. You have a dietician and a trainer and "get all the advice you need" .
If you have all the support and all the information and don't enjoy the opinions of others to support you, then might I suggest you stop visiting this site. You seem to have support all around you.
And yes this is my opinion and judgment based on your sarcastic bullying remarks to a perfect stranger on a social media site.

I agree. I will never understand why people come on any public site, post something, then have the nerve to get mad at the responses. Having a knife fight with someone? Yea...that's a problem. Trying to 'test your limits' at six weeks? That's a problem. Your motivations may be strong enough. But from your own post, it doesn't sound like it. And the bullying someone else because they are not patting you on the back? Come on now. Can we be adults?

This is MY opinion and judgment on what you posted.

I started couch to 5k at four weeks out and ran my first half marathon at eight months out. Added yoga at three months out and did 4-5 hours per week.

Reached my goal weight at a year out. Lost 136lbs from 271 to 135. Size 20 to size 4. 74% body fat to 17%.

Didn't cause any stalls or hunger for me. I think there is no one answer. We are all different with different genetics and habits and histories and mental process. One day science will know a lot more and know the people for whom exercise will work well off the bat and those if will cause hunger and stalls for.

If I hadn't exercised like I did my lean body mass and musculature would be very different so it was definitely the right thing for me. So I suggest experimenting with your study subject of one--yourself.

I'm like you [mention=194772]jess9395[/mention]. I have been working out basically from week 4 on, increasing it continually, until recently when I decided to change it up from twice a week at the gym to once a week at the gym, only because I wanted to switch the type of weight training I do, and I can do that at home with my hand weights and ankle/wrist weights. Even though it is much less amounts of weights, I still get the same results. From about six weeks post op on, I have been working out 5 days a week, 1 hr on the elliptical, and 35 minutes on the recumbent bike, in addition to weight training at the gym.

I decided early on that I want to not only be healthy but fit. Exercising like that did not cause any stalls or hunger for me too. Also, for me, one of the reasons I got surgery was because I couldn't exercise. And I love exercising. Call it the 'tomboy' in me. I compete with myself and I love it!!

I am still around 800 calories a day at 8 months out. And I have more than enough energy to do whatever I want, all the while my body is burning fat for at least 3 days after I weight train. So...basically all the time. I also have resistance bands I plan on adding in at some point, because when I do travel, I can add a resistance band routine to whatever fitness center the hotel has, so I can continue on my journey to fitness.

I also drink one Protein Shake a day because it helps me get my Protein in and it fits my lifestyle. Working out for me is not an option. It's part of me getting my life back. It's not an obligation. It's a joy. And...my muscles continue to get stronger and leaner. I also make sure to get protein and fluids before and after I workout. And I have much less loose skin than I would have if I wasn't working out.

I am about 16 lbs from goal and I'm so excited!!!

I am a newbie here, who just had MGB surgery on June 21. I am so excited to begin losing! Right now the biggest battle I am dealing with is the post surgery gas. I am really hoping it is a short term (post surgery) issue and not a long term problem. I have read various reports, but most of the, are from RNY not, MGB people.
I would love to hear updates from those of you who are a bit further down the path.
How long can I expect this gas? Any tips on helping? I am not in the US, so access to some meds for me might be difficult.

I am 8 months out from MGB, and for me, I still have gas. It's not everyday, but when I have it, it's brutal. I don't take anything for it. I have heard some people taking Probiotics and that has helped them. But I just deal. It does get a little better with time. It has with me. [emoji40]

I was on Metformin because I have PCOS and I didn't really lose weight. And after I hit 260 lbs, I couldn't lose another pound. Metformin is for diabetes or pre-diabetes and PCOS. It's not for losing weight.

These show's are about entertainment. They take a tragic person and use their life story for entertainment to others. Sponsors' won't sponsor them if they don't get viewers, therefore they use shock and awe to get the largest audience possible. Their audience isn't the small group of people seeking gastric surgery, it is as big an audience as it can get.
What is the objective of the show? First and foremost the objective is to make money.
As I mentioned before, for people like us who have battled with weight problems, we have an empathy and some understanding of what it is to struggle with these issues. But the majority of viewers are there for the shock value.
How we all got this way is a combination of many things. Eating too much, not exercising enough, giving up, laziness, mental health issues, lack of education, addiction we are all dealing with some or all of these issues. I personally was well on my way to 600lbs and I am guilty of all of these things.
What works for some will not work for another, we have to remember that everyone here had their own journey in life to reach where they are now.
We are all here to support each other and I hope we can continue that without allowing different journeys and experiences to get in the way.

Well, the point of ANY show is to make money. So I'm not sure that's supposed to be a bad thing.

The show also opens the world of the disease of obesity, like no other show ever has. It is not only relatable by obese people, but also by those family or friends of obese people who won't listen to their obese loved one.

Bottom line? That show has many many viewers. Thankfully, people who are obese can be heard like never before. Entertainment? I doubt it. Most people looking for entertainment would not turn on this show. Before I had surgery, watching that show helped me tremendously. I actually couldn't believe that there was such a show.

Dr. Nowzardan is one of the best bariatric surgeons on the planet. And he gets to show the world the issues with the disease, the surgeries, and how the success of losing weight is up to the person, not the surgery, all of which are true.

There are definitely people in this world who are not obese who have somewhat of a better understanding about it because of this show. Is it perfect? No. But does it need to be.

I'm also glad they show completely stubborn people, who refuse to follow the doctors orders, a lot like real life.

As far as why we are obese, there are a lot of reasons, including illness(s) (like me) and everyone's story is different. Another reason I like the show.

So I will be watching that show, and hope it continues on for years to come.