biginjapan
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Everything posted by biginjapan
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@needtorecover: Like you, I did a lot of research and came to the same conclusions as you. It really is obvious that for most people who are obese, that surgery really is the best answer in terms of helping them lose weight. It's the only way to reset the body against it's natural impulse to stay overweight. Even now, though I haven't told anyone I've had the surgery, I do tell them that I don't exercise (I mean, that I haven't done anything extra for exercise - I just continue to go for my long walks and that's it) - I tell them that exercise has a small impact on weight loss, that it is mostly about diet.
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Last week was my 3-month surgiversary and as a present, the hair loss began. To be fair, so far it looks like the kind of normal hair loss I experienced for years (natural shedding? age? malnutrition?) but ever since my surgery I have had experienced very very low levels of hair loss. I've been taking biotin for a few months since before surgery, and using biotin-based shampoos and conditioners. I don't know if any of that helped, but I sure hope that the hair loss I seem to be experiencing doesn't last too long - I don't have a thick head of hair to begin with!
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This has NOT been my experience. I've had terrible breasts my entire life - nipples pointing down, one breast a full cup size bigger than the other - and I've seen the disappointed looks when the bra comes off. For years I wanted breast surgery to lift and correct my breasts, but my weight always prevented me from doing it. Since I'm a definite pear shape, I was never "big" to begin with, only getting up to a D at my highest weight (maybe a little larger for the bigger breast). I'm already down to C (and also down a full band size) and I imagine I'll get back to my 'normal' B size once I get closer to goal. When it comes to getting plastics, I probably won't get any surgery on my thighs (I never wear shorts or anything like that), but my arms and breasts will definitely need some work. However, I'm only at the beginning of this journey, so I have a long ways to go yet. Who knows what I'll feel like a couple years from now?
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Dr Carmina Cardenas, Mexico
biginjapan replied to bellabloom's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
You look great! I've already considered Dra. Cardenas for plastics when I need them, but that might be a while yet. From the photos I've seen (including yours) she does some beautiful stitching - I've seen some pretty jagged scars from other surgeons! How long was your recovery? -
There isn't anything I haven't been able to tolerate - I'm 3 months out, but that's been true since I started soft foods. However, I avoid trigger foods like anything sweet (chocolate in particular), refined carbs like bread, pasta, rice, etc. and alcohol. I'm actually afraid to try any of them because if I don't have a problem with them, it'll make it that much harder to avoid them. The good thing is, I'm not even tempted.
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Threw out 3 garbage bags of clothes today - the old, stained, repaired, kept "just in case" clothing that is just taking up too much room in my closets. One of those bags was just pants with lots of dreaded "chubb rub" repairs. I'm left with 6 storage boxes of clothes (down from 14) that I would like to sell or give away, hopefully in the next month. I've kept one storage box (only about 1/2 full, surprisingly) of favourite too-big clothes, just for future reference/photos. Even as I was packing stuff up, I was like "how did I ever think this was kind of a normal size?"
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I have one box of clothes to "shrink into" - mostly size 14-16 (or mediums for tops), and a couple of loose-fitting 12s...The clothes that are slightly too tight to wear in public are already in my closet now and are marked out with hot pink hangers.
I have one entire box of clothes that still have tags on them, never worn. Hopefully I can get some decent money (30-50% of original cost) for those. Another box of barely worn clothes (5 times or less). I don't even want to think about how much money I've wasted on clothes never or barely worn (a couple thousand at least). As for shopping, of course, I want my rate of weight loss to continue as it has been, but at the same time I hope I don't have to do too much shopping online before I go home this summer, since trying things on in person is always so much better than guessing with online shopping (especially with international shipping).
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Actually, the cost is probably similar to most other first-world countries. You can get cheap stuff and really expensive stuff. There are a few foreign brands here, like the Gap, Eddie Bauer, H&M...and some Japanese brands that have become more popular worldwide like UNIQLO. However, most of the sizes are only for Japanese - so for example, the biggest size at Eddie Bauer is a 12, but it's a 12P (for petite). That doesn't mean for shorter women, it's smaller overall (more like a 6 or 8 back home). Interestingly, UNIQLO is selling larger sizes (up to 3X - Japanese 3X, not US sizes) to cater to the many tourists who shop there while visiting the country. As such, I was able to buy a cardigan and a pair of pants there that I really like. The pants are still too small - but if I lose 20 pounds I'm pretty sure I'll be able to wear them in public.
Generally speaking, many Japanese women have next to nothing for boobs, at least until they have children (99% of bras are padded), narrow shoulders and backs, no hips, no butts (flat, flat, flat - sometimes it's just a fold to indicate where the butt stops and the leg begins). That means, even for thin Western women who live here, there isn't much for them either, since the tops are too small (not broad enough in the back/shoulders, no room for boobs), and pants don't fit well either, since they don't leave any extra room for a real booty or hips. Of course, that's just a generalisation, but I have no idea where larger women who don't fit the mold shop for clothes. Luckily for me, even though I don't go home that often, I do travel in Asia quite a bit, and almost any other country has more options than Japan has, either because they have a legacy of colonialism and/or have a long history of Western tourists visiting. That means there are many other foreign brands that I can shop at, and they do carry real plus sizes.
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Has Anyone Kept Their Surgery A Secret?
biginjapan replied to Dtrain84's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm 3 months out from surgery and the only person I told was a friend I used to work with who lives in another country (I felt somebody should just in case something went wrong). She's been very encouraging, but then again, she's lives (and I used to live there too) in a country where being even slightly overweight is seen as a failure. My family doesn't know, and none of my friends or co-workers know. However, I have lost over 60 pounds, and it's very noticeable (to them at least - what I see in the mirror is a different story), so I get a lot of questions. But I have been consistent with my story throughout - no carbs (bread, pasta, rice, etc.), no added sugar, no alcohol, no dairy (except cheese). High protein, low carb, don't worry about fat - even though I'm not specifically doing keto, my daily macros are pretty close to what a keto diet should look like (except that I'm usually higher in protein than fat). I explain (if I need to) that when the body stops getting carbs from food sources, it forces it to go to it's own fat (glucose) stores for energy. And I have a huge pantry (belly, thighs, and butt) full of glucose!! I don't feel that this is a lie. It is what is happening to my body. I lost a pound a day while I was pre-op doing this kind of diet, while post-op it's been more like a pound every 2.5 days. Surgery is a tool, but you have to know what kind of tool it is and how it works. Basically I see the surgery as a body reset - it gives my body a real opportunity to lose weight, without all the handicaps that obese people face (low metabolism (and metabolic set-point, in which your body will fight against your weight loss efforts so that you end up gaining more weight that before you started), food addiction, insulin-/leptin-resistance, etc) that most regular-sized people have never experienced. But I still have to do the work (eat right, exercise), and I will for the rest of my life, or that reset will have been for nothing. Now, if someone I know is struggling with their own weight and they asked me about WLS, I would be honest with them, but of all the people I know, only one or two people fit that bill. For the rest, it really is none of their business (and, like many others here, I'm a private person so would not share intimate details of any surgery with just anyone). -
It's something I'd like to do, once I hit goal, and after I've had plastics. But I'm not sure what I want to get yet, as my decision will probably be based on what my skin (and scars) look like at that time.
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When does the weight loss begin?
biginjapan replied to Myaiku_Kuraitani's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
There are very few "shoulds" when it comes to weight loss after bariatric surgery. Everyone is different. Some people lose in the first week, many don't (because of the fluids), and some gain (also, because of fluids). Some people lose a lot in the first month (over 20 pounds), some people don't (less than 5 pounds). It also depends on the surgery you had, and how heavy you were to begin with. Now, I see you had gastric bypass, so the weight will probably come off faster than those who had sleeve, but when it starts to really start moving is a pretty individual thing. -
Where i go from here
biginjapan replied to Sandie984's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was like you - I had no complications, no pain, no gas, no nausea, nothing post-op (just a little tender and sore). I was full of energy and was walking from Day 1 (Day 3 I did over 10,000 steps). I had no problems with liquids going down, but I tried hard to stay within limits since I didn't want to damage my sleeve. Similarly, I felt like it would be no problem to move forward in the stages, as I could probably handle them, but I didn't. I followed the plan. I'm now almost 3 months post-op and I can tell you that once you start eating, you will feel the restriction more. That said, I've been able to eat at least 1/2c - 1c. of food at a sitting, something that many people can't do until at least 6 months or more out. However...even though you feel that you can eat and do more, doesn't mean you should. Your stomach is still swollen and healing, and your nerves there are probably not working well, which is good (no pain) and bad (no pain to warn you). I think it's possible to do more damage without realizing it since it will be a few more weeks before you really start feeling anything. Of course you should talk to your doctor/NUT, but I think following their instructions is the way to go. -
Down 60 pounds today! I was very happy to see the scale drop below the 100kg mark this morning - it's such a wonderful visual reminder that things are working (slowly but surely). Once I lose 10 more pounds I will be halfway to goal, which is almost unbelievable to me!
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Gym opening at 10am!? That is absurd and unheard of, especially in the states. Walking is great. Good conditioning for your heart too. I'll have to get used to "just walking". I do love my weights, but even now I'm out due to injury, so that's out. I find it amazing that it's gonna be three months already for you. It really does seem like you just had it. 😊 I'm just so happy to hear it seems to be going well for you. Keep at it hon!
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Gyms opening at 10 a.m. is pretty much unheard of everywhere. Welcome to Japan! Though I think some gyms are starting to have earlier hours, like 9 a.m.
Luckily, there's a local community center right down the street from me, and they have a gym which only costs about $3 per use, which is a great deal. The hours still aren't great, but at least I don't have to pay for an expensive membership.
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Earlier...9am. LOL That's quite funny!
That's a pretty good pay as you go membership. I froze my gym account for six months, it's cheap, but $20 going out the door for not using it during my injury adds up. There's a school track down the street, I'll get to walking on. Probably start tonight and take my kids with me.
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Mexico Bariatric Center- Mi Hospital- Dr. Valenzuela
biginjapan replied to Eric M's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
You won't. This surgery is no more risky than an appendectomy or gall bladder surgery. You'll be fine! -
Abdominal Pain that travels down my thigh
biginjapan replied to Lovebug78's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sciatica? I had that over a year ago and used to scream and cry every morning when I got out of bed. It was always there, but always worst after waking. Maybe it's totally unrelated, but when I hear of debilitating pain that runs down one leg, that's all I can think of (it took over 6 months for me to finally be rid of the pain). -
Travel Overseas - 4months post op
biginjapan replied to VooLivre2017's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I definitely do! I travel a lot, in fact, I went to Germany when I was a month post-op. Although I never thought of myself as a big foodie when I travelled (I've always had a sensitive stomach so have had to be careful), it's so much different now as I am now painfully aware of what I can't eat. There's a whole lot more can't than can. :-( Even though I never went totally off plan, I did have a couple of small breakfast sausages, a bit of bread here or there, and lots of cheese (the only source of protein that was available wherever I went). I ended losing about a pound a day on that trip, so maybe my body liked the change up in foods. It was also the first trip I've been on where I hadn't had any alcohol. I'm very much still in the "zone", that is, I don't crave food, I rarely feel any real hunger (and if I do it may just be gas/acid), and I have no problem passing over what I used to eat and drink all the time. But I do feel like you sometimes, I mourn food, I miss being able to eat what I want, to go with friends and not worry if there will be something on the menu that I can mostly eat, etc. But I never want to go back to where I was, so eventually I hope the mourning period will pass. -
HELP! Hating all protein shakes
biginjapan replied to mxpxchik11's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What powders are you using, and how are mixing them up? All my "thick" shakes go in the blender - I've never had a problem with clumping. Similarly, the nectar powders go into a blender bottle. I never drink the (nectar) shake immediately after mixing - there will always be a few lumps. But if you let it sit for 10-30 minutes and shake it a few times then the clumps disappear and the foaming is almost non-existent by then too. -
If you are not eating or drinking and are feeling light-headed, you should talk to your doctor. The last thing you want is to be hospitalised for dehydration or any other issues. Dehydration is serious. Is the problem that you don't WANT to eat/drink or that you CAN'T eat/drink? If it's the former, you really need to set a schedule and eat and drink - your body NEEDS it - you are setting yourself up for problems if you don't deal with this now. I often don't feel like eating or drinking either, but I do it because I have to. However, if the problem is that you CAN'T, that's another story and you really should go see your doctor/nut and talk to them about it. The only time I ever felt light-headed and about to pass out was when I was coming back from Germany to Japan. I hadn't eaten much on the flight because my low-carb meals ended up being nothing but carbs, but I thought I had had enough fluids. I guess not - I was ok at the airport, but on the train back home I started feeling really weak. When I got up to get off the train, I thought I was going to pass out right then and there (I was also incredibly shaky and disorientated). Luckily I was able to stumble to a nearby bench and I had a couple of bites of an energy bar I had packed for emergencies. That gave me enough energy to go get a drink (some veggie/fruit yogurt drink), and within 30 minutes I felt better. Researching it later I realised I had become hypoglycemic - I basically had every symptom on the list. I have to admit I didn't think that was possible - I had assumed that my fat stores could provide whatever extra energy I needed, but I was wrong. That really scared me, and now I make sure I am always prepared for my next meal or drink, wherever I am. Anyway, I hope you can figure things out and start getting the liquids and nutrients that your body needs.
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I rode a bike for first time in 20 years! 55 lbs down...
biginjapan replied to SleevedinSI's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congrats! I don't have any active NSVs yet, but I am happy to be able to fit almost all of my shoes now, clothes I haven't seen in over 5-10 years, and chairs that have arms on them. -
HELP! Hating all protein shakes
biginjapan replied to mxpxchik11's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Are you drinking ready made shakes, or are you making your own from powder? I've never liked the ready made ones, although I could tolerate them pre-op. Post-op, no way. However, I make my own shakes with protein powder, and they are so much better! FWIW, I'm using Syntrax powders, both vanilla bean/chocolate torte for regular shakes made with unsweetened almond milk and either unsweetened greek yogurt or half a block of tofu to thicken them up and add some extra protein. I also often add PB2 powder to the chocolate shakes because yum. I use a variety of their "juice" type nectar powders that mix really well with water. I'm 2.5 months post-op, but I've had no problem with my handmade shakes either pre- or post-op. -
Feb 2017 sleevers - how's everyone doing post-op?
biginjapan replied to biginjapan's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Good to know! It seems I'm losing at a rate of about 12-13 pounds a month if I don't include the pre-op weight loss. We started back at school this week and I just found out that there's a tweet going around about how "slim" I've become. Although the funny thing is, is that students in real life who want to congratulate me on my weight loss still stumble over calling me slim as it's clear that I'm not (I try to offer them the word "slimmer" but they just don't use it). I have to admit that their excitement over my weight loss feels pretty good - even though (or because) they're young (19-20 years old) they're much more vocal, excited and supportive than my colleagues around me. -
Miso soup would be a good choice - you can add whatever you want to the broth, like tofu or chicken if you want to up the protein levels.
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Do I need a wheelchair... what about protein for flights?
biginjapan replied to AK_Bookworm's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
Everyone is different - just because others had no energy, doesn't mean you will too (and vice versa). You have no idea how you feel until you are post-op. I had a ton of energy - I ended up walking over 15,000 steps after they dropped me off at my hotel on day 3 (I didn't fly home right away). The next day I did over 20,000. At the same time, the other solo woman in my group who got dropped off at the airport on the same day was in terrible shape - and she had been the entire time post-op. We all had to help her at the hospital, in the van, and even at the airport (where she finally got a wheelchair). Maybe it's something you (or a friend/family member) can arrange quickly if you don't feel you can get around by yourself. Also, take a look at airport maps and see if you can find out how long it is to the gate/transfers, etc. As I recall, Seattle is a pretty big airport, but maybe your connections will be close together. That said, walk, walk, walk. If you have the energy, don't sit down until you get on the plane (that's what I did). The aisle seat is good, it makes it easier to get up every 30 minutes or so to move around. Make sure you wear your compression stockings. I flew out of LAX instead of San Diego, as it was a much cheaper flight to Japan. I had 14 hours of travel time. In that time I had two protein drinks - I brought 3 single serving packets of protein powder and a blender bottle and just filled it up at the airport (or got the flight attendants to do it on the plane). The rest of the time I drank water (you need that too). It worked out well and I felt good (but jet-lagged) when I returned to Japan. Anyway, long story short, all of your plans seem spot-on to me. -
I agree - my nutritionist told me that the pre-op was to shrink the liver and get used to eating the right foods, and not to worry about weight loss. I did lose 23 pounds in 3 weeks though!
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Mini gastric bypass vs. Sleeve
biginjapan replied to kinipela24's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
@Kinipela24: What does your doctor say? My stats were similar to yours: I'm a little shorter than you (5'3") and my BMI was 49 right before I started the pre-op diet. I went with the sleeve because it seemed like the least complicated surgery, and because I did not suffer from GERD. I've lost over 30 pounds in 2 months since sleeve surgery and I'm very happy with it. I know it's easy to start second-guessing your choices, but if your doctor thinks the sleeve is best for you, then it probably is. -
How often so you weigh in?
biginjapan replied to maggieO's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm only 2 months out, but this is what I do too. I travel a bit for work and pleasure, even this early post-op, so sometimes it might be 2 weeks before I step on the scale. As long as the number is not going up, I'm satisfied (my weight loss is slow, sporadic, but always going down).
