JenniferVSG2011

I tried to send you a personal message. Try to message me when you get a chance! [emoji4] Jen Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, My name is Jennifer. I had VGS surgery October 17, 2011. My highest weight (that I am aware of was 308 lbs). I had always been heavy, but never had tipped the scales at over 300 lbs. I decided to research WLS and went to see my surgeon, Dr Audencio Alanis in August prior to my surgery. Dr. Alanis was knowledgable, kind, and understanding. His office staff (in particular his lovely wife), were more than helpful with choosing which surgery would best work for me, and with assisting me in getting financing for my procedure. I was able to be scheduled fairly quickly, and was excited to begin my new life! The surgery went as expected. I was up and walking around soon thereafter, and released the next day. Recovery for the first 1-2 weeks was painful, but I followed all of my post surgical orders, and the weight began to fall off. Follow up care was crucial during the first several months. By the summer of 2012 I was down to 242 lbs, but had hit a massive plateau. It didn't seem to matter what I did, the weight had simply stalled out. So, I searched for a trainer who could help me push past this mountainous plateau, and found one. I worked out rigorously (and I do mean rigorously - think Cross Fit) for months and was finally able to get down to 213 lbs. I had also developed a good little amount of muscle as a bonus. In the Spring of 2013 I began to experience severe pain in my lower back that spread down throughout my legs. I thought perhaps I had overdone it. That was not the case. To make a long story short, I began to get weaker physically, and the pain began to spread all over my body. After much testing I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, arthritis of an undetermined origin, and to this day continue to be tested for various autoimmune diseases. I am still waiting to be diagnosed on that front. Also during this time, I developed cataracts in both of my eyes. They quickly advanced and I was legally blind in at least one eye over the past 2 years. None of this was a result of my WLS. I have now had my cataracts removed, and am being treated for my pain levels. This leads me to my biggest problem to date. I had gotten down to 213 lbs. I could see 199 around the corner, and then it all went haywire. For 2 plus years I was able to keep my weight in the 215-217 range. I thought perhaps this wasn't bad because I have only been cleared to walk and swim as exercise now. Honestly, most times I don't feel like I have the energy for either. Then about a year ago I began to gain weight. At first I could get it to drop back down, but eventually it has continued to creep back up, and up and up. Two weeks ago I reached 247 lbs and was horrified. I started going back to Protein shakes, and salads, and have been trying desperately to not let myself slip back into bad habits. ​I am simply looking for anyone out there like myself, with a physical affliction who has gone through this and come out of it with better results than before. I worked so hard, and I can't stand the thought of not being able to lose not only the recent weight I have gained, but to never be able to reach my goal weight. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am not a sad person with a sad story. I am someone who laughs a lot, and has faith. Just looking for any answers any of you might have. Jen

Hi All! My name is Jennifer. I am 44 years old. I am a wife and mother of 2 boys (24 and 16). I live outside of Houston, Texas and help run our family owned trucking company where I am a bookkeeper, sales manager, and A/R supervisor (we are that small LOL!). ​I had my VGS in October of 2011. I went from my highest weight of 308 (as far as I know - I don't know many who want to check the scale regularly at that weight ) to my lowest post surgery weight of 213 in 2012. I had hit a plateau in between and began training with a former college running back. I was doing well. Around 2013 I ran into a series of health setbacks. I was able to maintain my wait or close to it (didn't go over 217) for well over a year, perhaps 2. Within the past year I began gaining weight. I am currently struggling with this, and this is why I have come here. I am looking for advice, accountability, and to be a good WLS buddy to anyone who needs one. I am interested in what you guys are doing to meet your goals, what successes and what slip ups you may have dealt with, and how you are getting back on track now. Today is my first day here, and I can't wait to hear the journeys you have been on! I welcome any advice, shared experiences, or whatever you may have to offer! Thanks for having me! Jen

DM is direct message. Protein on average should be around 70 if I recall correctly. I have used fitness pal but recently joined Weight Watchers. Tracking is imperative I have found. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I meant to respond directly to you! It's late here, but I will be back on tomorrow and hope to of some help! Thank you for reaching out. And don't worry, I post novels. I think it helps everyone understanding where you are at in your journey! [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Taylor! I'm back! I had no idea this thread had gotten this long until I got an email about your response! I've been trying to catch up, but my pain is at a 6 right now. I will definitely hop back on here tomorrow. I have updates about what I've been experiencing and hope I can help! [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi rin52, I am just now getting back on track. I would be more than willing to share any information that might help. I need support as well. Feel free to dm me[emoji4] Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I am sorry that it has taken so long for me to update everyone. One month ago I was finally diagnosed with SLE (lupus), and also have the fibromyalgia cross over. I have continued to gain weight. I am now up to a 25 lb weight gain, not matter how much I cut carbs, and raise my Protein intake. I am extremely depressed not just because of the weight gain, but also because of the diagnosis. It is really imperative that I lose weight. I have begun trying to be more active, but no change on the scale. I am now considering revision surgery from the gastric sleeve to RNY. I don't know what else to do at this point. I know that it can cause many complications. I am not sure if there is any other procedure that might help, but am trying to contact my original surgeon, as well as some of the best surgeons in my area. Looking for any advice that you ladies might have. I really would appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much, Jennifer

I am also considering revision surgery from the sleeve to the RNY. I originally weighed 308(sleeve performed in October of 2011) and was able to get down to 213. I was working out with a very tough trainer 3 to 4 times per week. Then about 3 years ago I began experiencing sciatic pain, that progressed into muscle, nerve, and severe joint pain. One month ago (after much testing/and a family history), I was diagnosed with SLE (systemic lupus). It doesn't seem to matter how low my carbs or calories are, or how high my Protein is, I have gained almost 30 lbs. For health and honestly vanity reasons, I really need to be under 200 lbs. I would welcome any advice that any of you can give. I am currently trying to get in touch with my original surgeon as well as the top rated physicians in my area. Not sure if insurance will cover this. My particular plan is listed as covering the cost, but who knows. Thanks so much for any suggestions you may have. Jennifer

Good Morning Ladies, ​Just an update. I installed the my fitness pal app on my phone. I have really upped my Protein intake, and am lowering my carbs. Can anyone give me the standard for both? I have it set at 90 grams of protein, and 120 grams of carbs, and finally 40 grams of fat. Does that sound about right? I have a 1200 calorie allotment per day. I also purchased a Samsung watch with S Health to track my steps and activity. And I ordered a 32oz Water bottle with a fruit infuser. ​If I am missing something, please feel free to let me know!! Oh and the unjury Protein powder and some mega Vitamins are on their way, along with some B12 Patches that I ordered from the online store here. Thanks to everyone of you for being so kind, and helpful. I hope I can return the favor! Jen

@@theantichick, I still can't access the discussion online. I can see posts when I click on the link on my phone, but I am still trying to navigate the app. I will play around with the app and see if I can respond to anything. I am looking forward to being a part of the group discussion. Hugs, Jen

@@theantichick I tried both links, and can see the spoons but nothing else. Let me try again. I will let you know if it doesn't work and what I am seeing. I will try from my phone as well.

@@Inner Surfer Girl I need to make an appointment with a registered dietician as soon as I can. I just ordered a fitness tracker, a new Water bottle with a fruit infuser, yesterday I ordered my Vitamins (I have needed those for so long), and I am trying to decide which food tracker app to download. Everyone has given such great advice. You are so right. I just need to go back to the beginning. I am looking forward to getting back on track. Thank you so much!!

@@Babbs Thank you so much! I am starting to feel like I can get back on track now!

@@theantichick Hi, I clicked on your group link, but am not able to see anything. Not sure if I need to be approved to join. Just thought I would let you know. I would love to share with others who suffer from chronic pain and have been through WLS, or are about to embark on the journey. Thanks!!!! Jen

@@JamieLogical You are so right. I think it's time for me to get back to my fitbit, and track my daily activity, and food. If for the next couple of weeks I eat convenience food, do you have any idea what the best way to go is? Would it be frozen? Or if I have to hit a drive through is there anything in particular you find works for you without the fat, carbs, and calories? Thank you for the advice. It is all invaluable to me. I just need a push for sure! Jen

@@clasnic1 Like you, I am more of a coffee/tea drinker, than the Water intake that I should be getting. I don't care for water, but have found that a fruit infused water bottle helps. I have not been keeping up with that, but will start today. I need to do start somewhere. I am copying a link from Amazon for the bottle I have, but there are many brands at different price points. http://www.amazon.com/AVOIN-colorlife-Tritan-Infuser-Bottle/dp/B00L36V3FG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462374150&sr=8-5&keywords=water+bottle+with+fruit+infuser I think starting with one right decision, and adding to that daily one good decision after another, will get me back on track. I am sure that we can both get through this. If you ever need a push, I am obviously not perfect, but I will be here! Feel free to PM me. Jen

@@Christinamo7 Honestly, I have just been winging it with my food. I am in the process of moving and downsizing considerably. Going to the grocery store and preparing food is getting harder by the day as my cookware is now packed. I have gone back to just picking something up, and counting on my sleeve to tell me when I am full (even though we all know that "slider" foods can be extremely deceiving). I am not getting in enough Water, and right now I have not been exercising much at all. I feel like I have extremely low energy. Yesterday I ordered unjury Protein powder, and a WLS Multivitamin. I am hoping once this move is complete (hopefully in the next 3 weeks) that I will be able to utilize the pool, and the gym which has a recumbent bike. I have to really watch my joints and muscles due to the fibromyalgia and my arthritis. I know I have not been on the right track, and am desperate to make the changes necessary to get where I want and need to be. I appreciate all of the feedback. Sometimes we just get lost, and I have been for several months. I guess realizing that is the first step. I am so glad to have found this forum. Jen

Thank you Jamie! That is what I am counting on. It's hard to go it alone when you don't know anyone personally who is or has been going through it.

@@theantichick Thanks for the links! That sounds like something right up my alley right now for sure!

Hi All! My name is Jennifer. I am 44 years old. I am a wife and mother of 2 boys (24 and 16). I live outside of Houston, Texas and help run our family owned trucking company where I am a bookkeeper, sales manager, and A/R supervisor (we are that small LOL!). ​I had my VGS in October of 2011. I went from my highest weight of 308 (as far as I know - I don't know many who want to check the scale regularly at that weight ) to my lowest post surgery weight of 213 in 2012. I had hit a plateau in between and began training with a former college running back. I was doing well. Around 2013 I ran into a series of health setbacks. I was able to maintain my wait or close to it (didn't for over 217) for well over a year, perhaps 2. Within the past year I began gaining weight. I am currently struggling with this, and this is why I have come here. I am looking for advice, accountability, and to be a good WLS buddy to anyone who needs one! I am really looking forward to getting to meet new people, and hear your stories! I love a good success story!! I plan to be one myself soon! Thanks for listening...I have a feeling this would not be a great personal ad...but hopefully it wasn't too boring! Jen

@@gowalking Liz, Thank you for sharing your story. I will send you a PM. It's the appropriate time for me to be able to swim. Maybe I can get some hints from you. I see that despite all that you are going through or have been through, you have reached your goal weight! That is so awesome! There is still hope for me! I will shoot you a PM. I really appreciate your response! I just joined today! Thanks, Jen