jj7481

That's a great starting point. Thanks all!

Insurance is always a great place to start in regards to specific requirements. Another place to start is your PCP. Get records of how long you've been obese and any co-morbidities. See what your PCP has for recommendations for a weight loss center, but make sure it's BSCOE and accredited by MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program).

This was actually a concern for me before I had surgery. I thought "well, what if it doesn't work?" Then I convinced myself that was a trivial concern and either I wanted to be thinner, or stay obese. WLS is mostly about determination. There will always be hiccups regardless of the path you choose for weight loss. However, those who are successful in keeping the weight off don't stay discouraged because of bumps in the road.

I'm a 35 yo male who is almost 5 wks post op. My original factors for surgery were being young and already having health problems of someone twice my age. Aside from the HTN, fatty liver, and borderline diabetes (A1C of 6.4) I was looking at my daily pill regimen thinking "What the hell am I doing?!" The biggest factor for me was my 4 yo daughter. Aside from not having enough energy to keep up with her during play time I started to think "How much longer will I live if I stay this weight." As I pondered this question it came down to this: it's selfish of me NOT to try RNY and do everything I can to be around for her as long as possible.

Best of luck! Here's to a speedy recovery and success in your journey.

Local support groups can be a great resource as can online forums such as this. If you don't like your current support group try to search out another on close by. Until then, you've got plenty of support here.

Right now we just have a digital scale, but have ordered a FitBit Aria. Like stated in previous posts this syncs via Bluetooth to your phone. If you already use FitBit it also syncs directly with the app. PLUS.....Target has it on sale for $89. http://www.target.com/p/fitbit-aria-wi-fi-smart-scale-black-fb201b/-/A-14263197

Exercise is a part of the weight loss journey. It sucks, but is a necessity to improve life style. There are plenty of workouts you can do at home. There are also home workouts with tools like resistance bands, kettle bells, etc. One of the programs I've come across is Exercise Launchpad on Youtube. This is geared towards obese and limited mobility patients. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPJKAG0mknI

I didn't weigh myself until the following week follow up at the doctors office. I had lost 13 lbs in the week following surgery.

There is plenty of support here from many people who have had similar apprehensions. You've got this!

Grill away! Just follow the Proteins you are allowed for the specific stage of diet you are in.

Tell those closest to you. Only my closest family knows and a couple of close co-workers. If they begin to question/grill you....shut down the conversation. Don't engage in the negativity and let it be known it's not up for debate/discussion. People may THINK they know then why or how of others, but they don't. You know why you made the decision. If they are making things uncomfortable address it or shut down any negative dialogue.

Simply radiant and ravishing. Strong work and congrats on the nuptials!

I'm finicky when it comes to artificial sweeteners in various things. With coffee I only like the taste of equal, not sweet-n-low. However, in drinks like tea I can't do equal but have to have sweet-n-low. When baking I've used Splenda with success but tried other brands (stevia, etc) and hated it. Yeah, I'm weird like that.

Personally I have no experience with this other than having an interesting discussion about the many benefits of WLS with my surgeon. He actually discussed (in his opinion) how beneficial WLS can be for women who would otherwise have pregnancy complicated by being obese. He mentioned to me that pregnancy after gastric bypass can be rather safe and healthy especially when managed with your various doctors. He also stated that the latest research shows improved health of mother and baby compared to women who conceive while overweight.

Your surgical team including your nutritionist can better explain their specifics as no two centers are exactly alike. My 3 month pre-op process was a 13wk fitness program requiring me to work out at least 30 mins 3x wkly. I also had to meet with my nutritionist 4x over that course. My plan didn't require a specific diet other than to learning to cut out bad carbs and processed sugars. I also wasn't required to lose a specific amount of weight pre-op.

This is the key especially the patience part. I'll admit patience was not a virtue bestowed upon me and I'm having to teach myself to slow down on a daily basis.

I was off of restriction after two weeks and back to work 3 days after that. So, back to full duty 2 1/2 wks.

I was wondering why this post seemed familiar. lol I responded to this post in the "Tell Your Story" section.

I was lucky in that my soreness was gone by POD2. Sure, I had to be careful about lifting and straining for the next couple of weeks. But, I was able to return to full work duty in 2 1/2 wks. Everyone is different. Everyone's body heals differently. For example if you have diabetes your wounds take longer to heal. Hang in there. Keep in contact with your surgical team and keep them updated with your pain.

The first week post-op I was advised to get at least 48 grams of Protein per day. Initially, I went with New Whey because it was liquid and a 3.4oz shot had 42 grams. However, the tast was, well, less than appealing. There are many choices on the market for protein from shakes to unflavored protein you can add to your various meals. Like stated above your primary goal is protein first then Water. One thing I like to do is add my chocolate protein to vanilla Greek yogurt for a nice pudding-like consistency. To answer your question, yes. You can essentially sip the protein infused milk all day. I'd recommend a way to keep it cold. But, as long as you're getting no less than 48grams in your first week (then no less than 60grams for the next 3 wks) you're good.

You have all the motivation in the world to use this tool for a healthier life. Addressing the primary issue at a young age is admirable. Thanks for sharing your story and best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

I have a FitBit flex and have no complaints. For me it not only serves as a personal accountability/activity tool, but a way for an insurance discount. With your insurance if you have a BMI > 30 you pay a higher premium unless you do the FitBit tracking for 10k steps 3x wkly.

Keep up that excitement and enthusiasm. You have cleared a major hurdle and are about to being a grand chapter in your life.

I have become more involved in my health as a whole. I maintain constant contact with my surgeon as well as my PCP. My food choices have also rolled over to my family in making smarter choices and limiting the processed carbs. So far I've noticed a drastic difference in energy and can't wait until I'm able to keep up with my 4 year old (well, mostly lol).