BlueBongo

I'm about 1 1/2 years out from surgery. I feel that I was well prepared about the actual surgery and eating during each stage for the most part. I always planned on changing my lifestyle to include exercise but it never dawned on me I would become the girl lifting weights, building strength and looking for muscles under my droopy skin.
The last 10 lbs have not come off easily even with vigorous exercise, strength training and conditioning. I know I am stronger, leaner and have good cardio stamina for someone my age. I know I have more muscle than when I started but I have no idea what I should be eating to maintain or lose that last 10 lbs of fat while building MORE muscle.
In short, I'd love to see nutrition programs specifically for bariatric patients and our inability to ingest large meals at one sitting that allow for muscle building along with the typical maintenance programs.
I hope that makes some sense!
I wish you much success with your studies! Keep us posted on what area you decide to focus on.

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 5 years ago. I have documented my experiences in the following two articles:
http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf
http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf
From my experience, there are two phases to weight loss surgery. These are the weight loss phase and the maintenance phase. I feel the medical community pretty much has the guidance for the weight loss phase down pat. But they seem at a loss in the maintenance phase. Better guidance is needed here. Much of this transition has to do with the change in dieting routine between the two phases.

Pre-surgery I never smoked and definitely stopped drinking... but post surgery, once I was where I needed to be I added in a glass of red wine here and there, but it definitely hit me a lot harder post surgery.. so it is very seldom that I do that. I was just shy of 2 years post op last December when my anxiety began to get so much worse and I was having panic attacks, I usually combat that by trail running...but even that wasn't helping. SO, I began exploring making my own cannabutter and from there used that and made healthy edibles (which I still make and use). I do smoke once in a while, but it is all for medicinal purposes.
I definitely understand quitting all of that pre-surgery as it can help lead to ulcers and other post-op issues that nobody wants to deal with. I think everyone handles their anxiety, depression, and other stuff in their own ways. My goal is to not add to my plethora of Vitamins and supplements I take daily, so it was important to explore more holistic options for handling my rising anxiety. I found a dosage that works for me and I have felt so much better in the past 6 months.
I am working towards my MPH to be a registered dietician in my state so I can help bariatric patients long term, the lack of long term support and education kinda drives me nuts. So I am looking forward to working with the local weight loss clinics in my small forest town to set up a positive environment for patients to ask questions and get any help they may need,

Until it is fedrally recognized and taken off the narcotics list, it will sadly remain taboo. Post surgery my anxiety increased dramatically and I don't like the massive head fog from anti-depressants or neurological meds. I havd found doses of thc and cbd that work well to control my anxieties. I know how to measure it out for infusion and use both in my daily cooking and liquids. I prefer ingesting them than smoking.

Just have to find what works for you and learn how to properly use/dose it.

i'd say listen to your body. it is, for the first time in a long time, giving you very accurate signals.
if it's hungry, provide it nourishing, healthy food.
if it's not hungry, don't eat.
if it's telling you to get off your ass and walk around the block, DO IT!
if it's telling you to slow down and get more sleep, do that too.

oh, and never stop drinking more Water than feels necessary, even after you've lost all your weight. kidney stones are not fun. not that i speak from experience or anything...

thank you so much for your response, i’m also into educating myself on more holistic and natural alternatives, though i do take anxiety medication. but for example, i will be purchasing some cbd lotion and oil for post op, i refuse to take any painkillers. cbd and all forms of marijuana are legal here in MA and i don’t see why i cant use that to my advantage. i prefer it over drinking, which quite frankly is 10x worse for you and i don’t understand why it’s such a taboo subject.

Oh my goodness this is one of the very questions I asked of my support group last week!!!
I feel like we are all given this massive amount of education and help pre-op and then we are left to our own devices post-op. It was an interesting adventure to navigate post op, but I feel like there is SUCH a HUGE lack of long term support for all bariatric patients. Yes, we have out follow up appointments.. but what about emotional, educational, physical, and all of those changes we go through that have such a massive impact on our progress and growing into these more positive improved versions of ourselves on our journey.
I was so disappointed by the lack of long term care I went back to school and am working on my Masters in Health Science (will be a registered dietician at the end of it all!). I work with the two local weight loss centers in my little forest town and have helped put together a great long term care program for patients that includes having access to nutrition, support of various types, and focuses on helping people grow in a positive direction post-op. It is so amazing to be able to help people that are at various stages of their journey and offer them support along the way,
I feel like if we knew then what we have learned now and through these journeys we would all have made healthier choices hopefully not needing to go through all of this. BUT without this journey I would not be who I am and I would not be able to have such a positive impact on the world around me and helping others as they work through and navigate their own journeys.

Pre-surgery I never smoked and definitely stopped drinking... but post surgery, once I was where I needed to be I added in a glass of red wine here and there, but it definitely hit me a lot harder post surgery.. so it is very seldom that I do that. I was just shy of 2 years post op last December when my anxiety began to get so much worse and I was having panic attacks, I usually combat that by trail running...but even that wasn't helping. SO, I began exploring making my own cannabutter and from there used that and made healthy edibles (which I still make and use). I do smoke once in a while, but it is all for medicinal purposes.
I definitely understand quitting all of that pre-surgery as it can help lead to ulcers and other post-op issues that nobody wants to deal with. I think everyone handles their anxiety, depression, and other stuff in their own ways. My goal is to not add to my plethora of Vitamins and supplements I take daily, so it was important to explore more holistic options for handling my rising anxiety. I found a dosage that works for me and I have felt so much better in the past 6 months.
I am working towards my MPH to be a registered dietician in my state so I can help bariatric patients long term, the lack of long term support and education kinda drives me nuts. So I am looking forward to working with the local weight loss clinics in my small forest town to set up a positive environment for patients to ask questions and get any help they may need,

Oh my goodness this is one of the very questions I asked of my support group last week!!!
I feel like we are all given this massive amount of education and help pre-op and then we are left to our own devices post-op. It was an interesting adventure to navigate post op, but I feel like there is SUCH a HUGE lack of long term support for all bariatric patients. Yes, we have out follow up appointments.. but what about emotional, educational, physical, and all of those changes we go through that have such a massive impact on our progress and growing into these more positive improved versions of ourselves on our journey.
I was so disappointed by the lack of long term care I went back to school and am working on my Masters in Health Science (will be a registered dietician at the end of it all!). I work with the two local weight loss centers in my little forest town and have helped put together a great long term care program for patients that includes having access to nutrition, support of various types, and focuses on helping people grow in a positive direction post-op. It is so amazing to be able to help people that are at various stages of their journey and offer them support along the way,
I feel like if we knew then what we have learned now and through these journeys we would all have made healthier choices hopefully not needing to go through all of this. BUT without this journey I would not be who I am and I would not be able to have such a positive impact on the world around me and helping others as they work through and navigate their own journeys.

Hey Kathy! CBD is the non-psychoactive component from Cannabis. IE it doesn't get you "high". It does have some amazing anti-inflammatory and pain revealing properties. No negative side effects at all and 100% natural. Sadly New York is really against anything to do with Cannabis, so CBD might not be an option for you. Talk to your primary though, they *should* know the details.

So I'm about 2 years post-op, just turned 36, and I definitely concur with many people that you really want to get yourself centered, happy, and comfortable before getting out there. I moved to a forest town and adventure all the time (trail run daily and I wouldn't change it for the world!).
I recently started dating after a couple of years focused on me and now being happy and centered in my own existence... it really can be a challenge. I have pretty high expectations and definitely only date people that will positively impact my life.... and it really has been amazing meeting awesome people. Sure there are those that are looking for something different than I am, but for the most part still good people. I'm still single, but have made some pretty amazing friends in this new and wonderful active and adventurous lifestyle of mine... still wouldn't change it for the world!
You'll definitely have your pick and gotta find that person that can keep up with ya, when you're ready!

I'm hoping I won't run into this issue. I had a sleep study last year, but my sleep apnea is mild (6 episodes per hour) and I actually feel like my sleep has improved. I guess I will find out... still waiting to here back from my patient advocate, but this Holiday stuff is in the way, lol. Likely next week... I wonder if I will have to do another sleep study. :x

I was on vacation in Hawaii.. mid-trip felt a bit weird and took a test. Definitely put a spin on the rest of my trip! lol
I have/had pseudotumor cerebri with papilledema, which is why I had RNY surgery in the first place. I was down a total of 120 pounds (with 30 more to go) when I got the big news that I didn't anticipate. So I immediately contacted and OBGYN and began figuring out what I needed to do for myself to make sure this would be a healthy pregnancy.
I was glad to learn that many of the Vitamins I was already taking post-op sort of mimic pre-natals, but I found a great liquid pre-natal and changed my vitamins around a bit. Went back to my nutritionist and am still figuring out my diet, but I log everything and make sure I meet my daily goals. So far everything looks good, baby has a healthy heartbeat at 6 weeks. The doctor said if I follow what I've been doing I will only likely gain 15 pounds or so... hopefully.
Just wondering what anyone else's experience with this might be? I've read lots of posts about finding out about being pregnant, but not too much on the journey or how things wound up afterwards for post-bariatric patients. Bad enough my family is scarring me for life thinking about how most babies in my family were no less than 10 pounds at birth..... gotta love family!

Well, I am only just over 8 months post-op and found out I was 6 weeks pregnant. I will also be 35 next month... both of which make me sort of high risk. BUT a lot of the daily Vitamins we already take sort of mimic what is in a prenatal Vitamin, so there were only minor changes to that.
So I lost 120 pounds (30 away from goal) and have to put that on hold. However my OBGYN says everything looks good, baby has a very strong heart beat and I've been taking really good care of myself... still losing weight a bit, even with eating a few extra small meals per day, getting in lots of Protein, and liquids.
I have/had pseudotumor cerebri with papilledema and it was birth control over many many years that got me to the point I was at where I was having lumbar punctures bi-weekly and needing surgery in the first place. Luckily everything has gone pretty well with recovery, except the unanticipated pregnancy.... but even that won't be so bad as all is well, so far.
I am pretty nazi like about food intake, as well. I log everything and make sure I balance my diet that I set with my nutritionist. I've been doing pretty well so far, minus feeling like I constantly need a nap. lol.

I was on vacation in Hawaii.. mid-trip felt a bit weird and took a test. Definitely put a spin on the rest of my trip! lol
I have/had pseudotumor cerebri with papilledema, which is why I had RNY surgery in the first place. I was down a total of 120 pounds (with 30 more to go) when I got the big news that I didn't anticipate. So I immediately contacted and OBGYN and began figuring out what I needed to do for myself to make sure this would be a healthy pregnancy.
I was glad to learn that many of the Vitamins I was already taking post-op sort of mimic pre-natals, but I found a great liquid pre-natal and changed my vitamins around a bit. Went back to my nutritionist and am still figuring out my diet, but I log everything and make sure I meet my daily goals. So far everything looks good, baby has a healthy heartbeat at 6 weeks. The doctor said if I follow what I've been doing I will only likely gain 15 pounds or so... hopefully.
Just wondering what anyone else's experience with this might be? I've read lots of posts about finding out about being pregnant, but not too much on the journey or how things wound up afterwards for post-bariatric patients. Bad enough my family is scarring me for life thinking about how most babies in my family were no less than 10 pounds at birth..... gotta love family!

I was on vacation in Hawaii.. mid-trip felt a bit weird and took a test. Definitely put a spin on the rest of my trip! lol
I have/had pseudotumor cerebri with papilledema, which is why I had RNY surgery in the first place. I was down a total of 120 pounds (with 30 more to go) when I got the big news that I didn't anticipate. So I immediately contacted and OBGYN and began figuring out what I needed to do for myself to make sure this would be a healthy pregnancy.
I was glad to learn that many of the Vitamins I was already taking post-op sort of mimic pre-natals, but I found a great liquid pre-natal and changed my vitamins around a bit. Went back to my nutritionist and am still figuring out my diet, but I log everything and make sure I meet my daily goals. So far everything looks good, baby has a healthy heartbeat at 6 weeks. The doctor said if I follow what I've been doing I will only likely gain 15 pounds or so... hopefully.
Just wondering what anyone else's experience with this might be? I've read lots of posts about finding out about being pregnant, but not too much on the journey or how things wound up afterwards for post-bariatric patients. Bad enough my family is scarring me for life thinking about how most babies in my family were no less than 10 pounds at birth..... gotta love family!

So I had my surgery two days ago and I had a major epiphany that I wanted to share with anyone that is thinking about, is going through, and is about to undergo weight loss surgery! When packing for the hospital please take a pair of headphones and a small mp3 player, cell phone, whatever to walk and listen to music, pod casts, etc.... it will be your true saving grace.
I randomly packed my large noise cancelling headphones and let me tell you.... right after surgery, when they finally decided the anesthesia had worn off and I wouldn't hurt myself getting out of bed... I put those bad boys on, put spotify on my cell phone, and jammed out to my music walking through the corridors almost dancing!!! It really was the best feeling in the world and it truly lightened my spirits.
I know this may seem odd and everyone's experiences will be different, but I would advise taking at least these with a light robe/pj pants, and small pillow. Might seem excessive.... but you'll be ever so grateful for them post-op!
Hope this helps anyone going through the process and good luck in your journeys!

The weight did affect it when I was heaviest, losing the weight was the closet thing to a "cure" I will get. Mainly the extra weight caused my body to work in overtime creating even more excess spinal Fluid, causing even more excess pressure.
I work for an airline, fly a lot and scuba dive a lot....I've not been able to do those two things in three years because my head would literally explode due to excess pressure from the extra spinal Fluid on my skull and the added pressure from the atmospheric changes.
I've had no issues with this condition since my surgery. In fact, my papilledema swelling in my eyes from the pseudotumor haso been reduced by 85 percent in the 5 months since my surgery and I will be completely off the neurological medications in the next few months!

I would be careful with the coconut Water though.... the sugars are quite high in some.
Try to cut down on the fruit, the sugar in them will also not help... maybe cucumbers or another high Water content might be a better choice.
Perhaps buy an electrolyte mix and have a glass everday.. try having some foods with a high water content... stay away from caffeine and foods that pull water from your system.
Also, wear a hat and cover up...
Thats the best advice an Australian who is used to high heats can give so far ☺

Had any one else had issues with heat and added stress to the body due to higher temperatures?
I knew this summer was going to be a challenge working on the tarmac that's 140+ degrees and am outside temperature upwards of 120+. I drink a ton of liquids....literally feels like a ton. I am outside at the airport most of my shift.... it finally happened that I passed out yesterday from severe heat exhaustion
I am gonna try drinking more coconut Water and definitely getting more electrolytes, as that's where my biggest issue has been in not replenishing those...some I only drink Water.< /p>
I was just curious if anyone else had adverse reactions to the higher temps as well and what you may have done to combat it? I've got a few more months of this junk... ugh. Lol.
Thanks!

https://www.pickleaddicts.com/products/bobs-pickle-pops-dill-pickel-juice-popsicles-6pack
You may want to look into these.

It sounds like exercise is not a problem, not at 15 miles per day. Not too sure I can give you answers, so I will give you some thoughts. Prior to RNY surgery, I experienced profuse sweating. That condition has gone into remission after surgery. So even though you are experiencing 110 degree heat, your body might be better prepared to deal with the heat. Since you are drinking a gallon a day of Water, I suspect that dehydration may not be an issue. Before surgery, I didn't mind cold weather. Generally when it was 40 degrees outside, it was comfortable to drive around town with my windows down. But after surgery as I lost the fat, I also lost the insulation that the fat provided me. Now I am sensitive to the cold.
Your body needs Protein. Without it, your muscle mass will deminish and this will affect your health. So Protein is more important than meals. So I would recommend that you use Protein Bars when you reach that stage where they are acceptable post-op. I found Quest to be a good brand.
There was one individual in our Bariatric Support Group meeting that went to the extreme with exercise after his surgery. He was in his 60's. He entered a bicycle competition and rode his bike from one end to the other end of the state of Indiana across. When he crossed the finish link, he had drained all the energy from his body and he collapsed. A small amount of food revived him and he was O.K.
I experienced heat stroke one time when I was younger. As you approach this condition there are several warning signs that you should immediately react to. Your will notice that your body completely stop sweating. Your cheeks will feel hollow and have a warm glow.

Perhaps instead of eating when you get a break, you could drink a Protein drink and eat later. If I remember correctly, nausea is a symptom of heat exhaustion and stroke. I use my Protein drinks after I go for a run because it replenishes liquid while giving me carbs and Protein. I personally like powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chocolate Splendor with Fairlife milk. If its cool or cold, it will help lower your body temp at least a little bit. As its gotten warmer, I don't feel much like eating in general, but especially after a run and we havent' even gotten that warm yet in Minnesota so I can only imagine what you are facing.
Just a thought.
Keep me posted on what you learn. I am training for a marathon this summer and am looking for fueling ideas, especially for the long runs in July and August, which in no way rivals your heat in July and August, but will be plenty warm.
thanks,
pam

@@BlueBongo
I'm quite interested in this as well. I'm a fairly new transplant to the Phoenix area and just had surgery in March (RnY). I don't work outside as much as you, but I do worry about Fluid intake living in the desert. But drinking a gallon of Water a day, it sounds like you're above and beyond your required daily goals. Maybe break up your Protein a bit? If you're at the stage where you can have Protein Bars, maybe keep one with you and have that or 1/2 of it while you're working to give you energy through the shift? I find if I go too long without eating while at work, I do sometimes get a little sick/nauseous.
When in doubt, check with your medical team/nutritionist.

I'm a Crew Cheif and load master for a major airline at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport..... the reason I open with this is that I work outside rain or shine! My job is very physical and I walk upwards of 15 miles a day on top of managing and loading flights.
I had my RNY at the end of January and have been doing really great meeting all of my nutritional goals and drinking at least a gallon of Water everyday (I do live in the desert and work outside!).
One thing I am worried about and had started creeping up as the weather had begun to spike is that add I'm exerting myself and being outside working for 4-6 hours straight (sometimes without a break) I wind up not being hungry. Then when I do eat, I get rather nauseous. I feel full and not hungry when it's hot and I'm super busy with work outside....add the weather can be over 110 here, I'm concerned or wonder what I might do to try to counteract this?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I don't want to be scraped up off the tarmac this summer, it's not too classy and will not help any of my vacation plans. Lol.