AmiLou

GeTNbackup, I wish I knew what was going on with my legs. It existed prior to the surgery so I was treated for restless legs with increasing doses of medication that never helped. Pain was primary at night. My thoughts were that perhaps it was the excess weight so the doctor approved the weight loss surgery which I paid for out of pocket. The surgery didn't help the pain either. I quit taking the restless medications. Later they did ultrasounds and found an old blood clot in my leg and some plaque. I am on Xalrelto and they have seem some improvement in the size of the clot. However, there is NO improvement in the pain and I now suffer during the day. I don't think the clot is the source of the pain. I am seeing a cardiologist and next step is a vascular doctor. I really don't trust doctors. They sent me to that hematologist and I noticed that he billed an enormous amount of money and also had indicated "COVID" related on the bill. I had COVID in December and this was July!!! I retired in June so most of this is out of pocket now. Without sounding too political, I call BS! My husband thinks I complain too much and I probably do. I am in pain in more ways than one.

So, I have gained 40 lbs back since my surgery five years ago. I find myself eating for comfort again and have basically forgotten (and broken) ALL the rules of the bariatric diet! I welcome any encouragement, tips, and advice. I remember the keys to early success were: protein shakes, water, extremely small portions, balanced healthy diet, walking, and taking supplements. I quit taking the bariatric supplements after a couple years and uh... well the small portions have gotten bigger (I no longer vomit). I crave sweets and I allow myself to eat them! Ugh... I still take regular multiple vitamin but nothing else other than prescriptions for depression, thyroid and a blood thinner for clots. My legs absolutely hurt ALL the stinking time so there is that. I am seeing doctors to try and figure that out. I've seen my primary doctor, a hematologist, and a cardiologist. It does interfere with my desire to walk or exercise. It is just too painful. I think I am at the point I am ready to start again though to work through that pain.

I would think that you are probably consuming less calories than you should? Did your doctor or dietician recommend less than 800 calories? I would literally be a grizzly bear! Hangry! Especially if I am exercising as well! That just isn't enough fuel for the body. 1200 seems much more doable.

Hi there, Mommy! I know I'm only a year late to this. I hope you succeeded in losing that additional weight. Having two little ones to chase after "may" have just done the trick. I'm long past that stage of life but remember how busy I was with my two boys back in the day. Just wanted to offer a word of encouragement to you. I am five years post gastric sleeve surgery and really disgusted with myself right now. I'm looking to this website for some support too! I have gained back 40 lbs and really only lost 80 when I should have knocked off 100! I guess I just became content with "better" than I was... If you found something or someone to help you in your journey?

Thank you for the encouragement. I need it!!!

Funky_Monkey 800, Thanks for the encouragement. You did great reaching your goal! In 2 1/2 years, I still have not met my goal. I came close and got discouraged when nothing happened! I had a plateau that lasted for months with lots of back and forth gains and losses. Complacency is the easy route...and it happened. Like you said...old habits crept in. Man, did I enjoy the holidays! I'm going to try to reduce the carbs again, make sure my protein portions are reasonable, green stuff should take up the largest portion of my "small" plate, walk more, and go to the gym! I can do this. As you age, it really is a "do it or die" situation.

Just curious if there is anyone out there who is two years or more post surgery. I'm gaining and quite sure that I have stretched my tiny stomach. I need strategies to turn this around and refocus on my original goals! If you're out there...What is working for you???

May you continue to experience those changing clothes sizes! I have started to enjoy shopping again. I'm thankful to have moved on from the plus size racks. You're getting there. It's so much fun! I even wear makeup and accessorize.

Definitely buy gas medication!!! I did chewable and mylicon drops. TMI

I am at 3 months as well. I have lost 45 lbs BUT, but... that is two clothing sizes for me! I don't care what the scale says as much as what my clothing says. I have been pulling clothes out of the closet everyday. Love, love, love it! I am wearing a size 14 for the first time in decade. I can't wait to see size 10.

Gas pains are normal is what they told me. I found that walking helped me a lot,,,that and medication of course. It was actually a problem for a month and I just took medication faithfully. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Take care.

@@Armygalbonnie Good luck with the procedure and surgery. I saw that you were from Lawton, OK and it brought some really good memories for me. Lawton was our first residence as a married couple some 37 years ago! I lived in an old house on Ferris Ave. right across from the museum. I loved watching the prairie dogs! Great year of my life... AND my husband wasn't in the army like most folks there but worked at the Goodyear plant.

Hang in there! I couldn't go through insurance myself BUT if I could have, I would have been very persistent with my doctor and insurance. I like cbonet's advice. Where is the like button on this?

I love that you are adventurous...trying a new vegetable without knowing how to cook it! I love zucchini, summer, and spaghetti squash. I'm sure it will be delicious. My George Foreman grill is my favorite method. I spray it with a little butter favor Pam and season with Tony Chacherie seasoning (a Cajun spice). It's an fast and easy fix.

Well...It could have been "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen a few months ago. I embraced the fact that I had one and they made the rocking world go round? BUT, I no longer fit that description at this stage and after WLS. Let me think on this a while.

@@Bonnie in La This is awesome! Be sure to message me if I can answer any questions for you. I am a few days shy of 12 weeks post surgery. I spent less than 24 hours in the hospital - I had it done at Women's in Baton Rouge. I had excellent care. If you are nice to the nurses they will bring you your favorite popcicles. I was all pumped just like you are and was very calm regarding the surgery because it was a much needed to get me on a new track! I was back at work after two weeks. Keep the positive attitude and it will go very well for you.

I think my BMI was 37 but I was a self pay.

I had wonderful results with my post surgery blood work - my glucose was much lower as were all the cholesterol readings! I have to wait nearly a week to see my doctor again. I'm a little anxious that the BUN Bld and ALT results are high. Is this normal for bariatric patients? Just curious. I started googling to see what this meant and these readings have something to do with your kidneys and liver. I'm not even sure if I have been tested for this before.

Congrats on your good news! Is your La for Louisiana or Los Angeles? I'm in the best LA...South Louisiana, where people are friendly, it stays warm year round, and food is always good. lol

So sorry that you are starting this with the complication of endometrial cancer. I wish you well with both surgeries. The initial weight loss comes pretty rapid for some. Hopefully, you will be able to get the hysterectomy soon. May God bless you!

@@nicugal36, I wondered about caffeine's diuretic impact. Thanks for sharing. I do get dehydrated as I do not enjoy water that much. I try to limit myself to no more than two cups of coffee per day. I love the Chike coffee protein shake as well. I was a huge caffeine addict...going from coffee straight to diet soft drinks all day long. I still crave the ice cold and carbonation but have not had a diet soft drink in almost 4 months.

My sister and niece both had the gastric bypass surgery several years ago. Honestly, I was a tad jealous but never pursued it. I tried many years of dieting and failed. I actually knew multiple people who had the gastric sleeve. One in particular was so enthusiastic that I decided to go to a seminar at the local hospital. I also attended support group a couple of times before making the decision. I was a self pay. Going to the support group was awesome. I've never met a single person who regretted their surgery.

@@reeniemay, I'm guessing not all dieticians think the same! Mine insists that we not weigh ourselves daily (that is hard...and I DO cheat), don't count calories, just count protein grams and avoid the starches/carbs that I listed. I sure wish I could eat something crunchy! lol