RedOrangeSunrise

This thread is hilarious! I used to do sweating to the oldies with my mom, but I'm super uncoordinated and couldn't keep up with most of Richard's moves! Sizzle, I could do. Haha I get most of my cardio on the treadmill these days. I suppose the silliest things I used to think were healthy choices include drinking loads of diet coke and taking a stroll ... to the ice cream parlor.

Hey, ladies! I had a gastric bypass on July 28th, haven't even been cleared for soft foods yet, but ... thinking ahead. Did anybody experience loss of hair? Is this something a cute, short cut would take care of or should I start looking into a hair piece or even a wig? I've heard this typically doesn't happen until a few months out, and doesn't happen to everyone, but ... my hair is on the thin/fine side to begin with, so the thought of losing more is causing me some distress. Any thoughts are appreciated!

It's hard to say where the weight came off, exactly - I noticed the thinning in my face first, but didn't really start feeling different until my pants sizes went down. A short time later, I surprised myself by *running* after my kids, (not that sad, painful, jog which was all I could manage before). There is some loose skin (I'm smaller, but squishier). The weirdest part is, I think my feet shrank judging by the fit of last year's boots. I suppose it went face, tummy and thighs, bra size, fingers & toes.

I was told no gum chewing for the same reason as no straws (gas). I don't miss it as much as I thought I would. I carry dental floss and tic tacs instead (used to habitually chew gum between snacks/meals).

Who else is having a bypass in July? My date is the 28th. I started the liquid diet today (it's getting real).

I love this thing! Anybody else use one? If so, what are your favorite exercises for it? I'm pre-op, so I'm trying to target the areas that will be the worst on loose skin. For me, that's my upper arms and tummy. I enjoyed doing this upper body routine:

I just checked, (and added a bunch to my wish list), you can get them on Amazon! Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

There is also something called a dress clip (a colleague showed me one years ago), with which you gather up some material in the back to make the dress a smaller fit. With a cardigan or jacket, it would be hidden. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

If you have some very nice things, you might consider finding someone to do alterations. I also have to dress professionally (more on the casual end, thankfully), so I will be scouting out thrift shops. I've only lost about 40 lbs off my highest weight so far and find that the leggings/ tunic dress combo is very forgiving (just like during pregnancy!). Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

You look awesome, and so happy! I, too, hope to enjoy bike riding again and maybe even horseback riding (I love horses, but haven't been in over 10 years as I'm afraid I'd hurt the horse at my weight). I love that your post highlights the life changes as well as the new look. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations! Looking good! This is inspirational to me, I'm only a week and a half out and haven't had solid food in so long, yet am still very overweight! So, it's so good to see what could be in a few months Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

I am only a week and a half out (from surgery), but I've been on a liquid diet for three and a half weeks. Before then, I cut out desserts, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and cut down on carbohydrates in general. I also stocked up on protein shakes and soups. My kids are 2 and 5, so I also got some chocolate syrup for them. Here's why: momma's protein shakes look like chocolate milk and they want it too! In the morning, I put my shake in a mug and they assume it's coffee (another thing I had to cut out). I make a lot of kid food that they love, but doesn't appeal too much to me. Burrito with only meat and cheese, spaghetti O's, chicken nuggets, the occasional lunchable. I do make real food, too. Recently, a lasagna. I get a lot of joy out of watching my kids eat, but the liquid diet does suck. Sometimes, my husband will supervise dinner so I don't have to be around it if I'm having a hard day. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

Anyone try cooking meat in a crock pot for the "soft foods" phase of the diet? I'll be on full liquids for another week, but thinking ahead to give myself as many options as possible. For my program, foods don't have to be pureed if you chew really well. I'm just really looking forward to chewing again and I've always been a slow eater, so I don't think this will be a problem!

Funny story, my husband originally thought I'd said motrin, resulting in a cell phone conversation in which I shouted "period medicine!" really loudly in front of my in-laws. My mother in law informed me that they used to give menstrual relief pills to the guys at work who complained of back ache and it actually worked really well for them, too!

There's an NSAID free menstrual relief medication at Rite Aid. My husband picked it up for me and even checked with the pharmacist to make sure it's OK. It's called "Maximum Strength menstrual pain relief" and contains acetaminophen, pamabrom, & pyrilamine maleate. It's a combination of pain relief, diuretic, and antihistamine (like midol). Now, I haven't tried it post-surgery, but I can say it was excellent during the worst days of my last period.

I'd love to hear from those who've been there. For my program, the "high protein soft diet" is followed from 2 weeks after surgery until the 6 week follow up appointment. The rationale for the diet is that the stomach is still irritable and healing, so we're taking it easy on the poor thing. What were your "go to" recipes during this time? What were the worst things you tried to eat - either due to taste, texture, or digestive upset? I love spicy food. Did y'all avoid it completely? Thanks!

Although, once the stomach is healed, getting some fiber is important! Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

My program advises no raw veggies while on the soft diet, and the veggies that are allowed are low fiber due to the fact that the stomach is still tender and swollen. I'd check with your doctor or nutritionist just to be sure. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

Maybe eat the protein and veg first? That is a really interesting question! I am looking forward to a nice Pho (without noodles) when cleared for solids. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

Sorry to hear you're feeling that way. I, personally, have so much shame and guilt about my weight to work through that I would've been really upset. I would hope that the doc had some constructive and useful feedback regarding some adjustments you might look into. Losing 23 lbs in 2 months is still pretty darn good! Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

PS Oops, this showed up on my timeline and I didn't notice the forum. Sorry for butting into the LGBT space. Still wishing you the best. Straight ally, out. Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

I don't have any advice, but your strength is remarkable! I am happy for you. Being free of an unhealthy relationship can only lead to good things! Sent from my Nexus 5X using BariatricPal mobile app

This homemade sauce might work: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/low-carb-bbq-sauce-sugar-free-gluten-free/ There also seem to be some lower carb choices out there. A quick internet search brought up a few different brands, none that I've heard of, but you might have luck if there's a bigger grocery store near you.

Great news! I was thinking of doing something similar - I do a crock pot curried chicken with vegetables that my family likes (I make it with coconut milk), I'll just skip the rice.