LaLaDee

I'm currently on a medication that I take with a subcutaneous injection which I self administer. It's a biologic for autoimmune conditions (not sure if anyone is familiar with Humira). I know some diabetes medications are similarly taken. Basically you stick a needle into that fatty tissue under your skin. I usually take it around my midsection (hips, lower stomach). However, lately I am struggling because I've got more loose skin and the fat isn't packed in tightly anymore. It's been super painful lately. Tonight I really messed up my injection though. I've basically injected it under my skin, I can see a little bubble under the skin. Not sure how it will absorb or what will happen (will see doctor tomorrow). I'm just wondering if anyone has a better solution. My stomach is messed up from weight loss. I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions for future injections. Is there some fat grabbing technique I'm not aware of? Should I find another area to stick the needle (I have a flat bum and similar loose skin issues on my thighs). It's not common to have this much loose skin and I'm honestly not sure what to do.

Yeah - expect things to get really weird. Hormones change a lot and it seems to cause a lot of period issues. I can only speak to my own experience, I'm three plus years out, in my thirties. Pre surgery, my periods were moderate and regular - 28 days. Not much cramping, a headache on day 1. Right after, the timing was all over the place. 3 weeks apart for a little while. I was also experiencing painful cramps, massive headaches, bloating etc. I suddenly understood what my sisters had been complaining about for years. My symptoms aren't as bad as the first year. The timing pretty much got back to normal, but my periods are still heavier since surgery. Good luck. Hope things get better for you.

I had a ton of flare ups after my surgery for some of my autoimmune issues. I blamed it on the added stress to my body. Ended up on steroids. Definitely some rocky times after surgery, but it ended up OK. As others have said, it all depends on which autoimmune disease. Make sure your doctors talk to each other if needed. My rheumatologist told me he didn't know much about bariatric surgery (and he's head of his department in a major hospital).

It won't be forever! You can do it. We all get through it. It's worth it in the end. I'm glad you enjoy your popsicles!

I got put on prednisone after my WLS and unfortunately, the prednisone does make you hungrier. Fortunately the sleeve stops you binging too much. But yeah, I did gain some weight. The first year of steroids, I was OK, I was strong mentally, but then I went through some tough times and really struggled with slider food like chocolate and ice cream. At all times, I maintained a loss of over 110lbs so it's not like I returned back to square one.

Yep, it's likely related to your VSG. Your hormones go crazy afterwards. You can also expect weird periods (timing, duration, flow etc). I think the hormones do calm down. I'm three years out and my skin is back to normal. I find that taking my bariatric vitamins helps my skin, as well as drinking a lot of water. Right after my WLS, it was like being a teenager again. I promise it won't last forever!

It looks like I can get these in Australia via Amazon. I'm definitely giving these a try!

It's definitely lifetime if you want the best results for your wright. When you drink while you eat, my understanding is that you can wash the food down so you don't feel the restriction and feel "full". I think it can also affect your digestion. Something about diluting the enzymes. My (uneducated) guess is also that it would expand/stretch your pouch eventually. I'm three years out and I can drink while I eat. I do occasionally sip wine during a meal on very special occasions, but only very small amount. I also have water with some meals to take my medication with food (it helps with nausea triggered by medications), but again only a small amount to gulp down the pills. I do better maintaining my weight when I avoid drinking with meals. If you can, I would definitely aim to stick with this rule for life!

I didn't have a drain for my WLS, but I did for my plastics. It wasn't that bad. You can definitely deal with it!

I'm three years post op, and I aim for about 80grams of protein a day. WLS patients need to prioritise protein, so it's just a way of life for me at this point. You just have to focus on each meal being very high in protein. I find it helpful to learn what foods are high in protein (e.g. lean chicken breast, eggs, almonds, beans, chick peas) and always have them available in your kitchen. Even now, I still supplement with protein powder/protein creamers. I will make a smoothie or stir it into my coffee. I do prioritise protein over anything else. I never, never eat a meal or snack with just empty carbs (other than some dark chocolate for a treat). There always has to be protein in each meal. It helps that I'm a bit of a carnivore though. I like the taste of carbs, but I'll have meat with only a spoon of gluten free pasta or rice. The priority is always protein. Sometimes I think of myself like a player in a video game where the objective is to score extra points by having as much protein as possible. I eat so much chicken, it's ridiculous. High protein milk is good too. You get used to reading the labels on everything to check macros and protein. My other tip would be track your food with MyFitnessPal. Even the free version will keep track of your protein. Right after my surgery, I also had a special bowl and plate which marked out the ratio of how much protein should be on the plate. If I'm low on protein, I'll usually make myself drink a smoothie, that's 20grams of protein right there. If you haven't had your surgery yet, it should be relatively easy to hit the protein goals because you're not dealing with restriction yet.

I think you are on the right track, as long as you are monitoring your symptoms and have a plan, you should be OK. I know what you're going through, there was a period of many months where I couldn't get out of bed for lack of energy and I was sleeping about 14-16 hours a day. I call this my "Koala mode" (as an Aussie). Other times, I will get patches of insomnia. I actually think WLS helped me because it gave me a sense of purpose and hope. For me, mental health and weight are both issues that I will deal with for life. I think you have to accept that and put together a "tool kit" for dealing with both. I try and set daily goals and go easy on myself when I need to, and push myself when I need to. A daily walk, medication and therapy are important components of my treatment plan. For others, it might be quiet time, attending church, self care, a hobby etc. Things can get better, I promise. My symptoms are very light at the moment, but I do work very hard to "look after myself". Losing weight has been great for energy levels. My sleeping is much better. I don't know if it's the sleep apnea getting better or something else. I do have some chronic illnesses, so I will just go and take a nap if I need it, and I try not to be hard on myself. But I've definitely seen improvements in the three years since I had surgery. I really hope that you do too!

In order to have the best chance of success, I tried to ensure that my symptoms of depression and anxiety were well managed before surgery. I also continued to work with my psychologists and psychiatrists. I think it's helpful to remember that WLS or losing weight won't magically solve all your problems. It's quite common to go through relationship issues (divorce rates are statistically higher according to most bariatric studies) and even transference to other addition issues (you can go from food to alcohol or even opiates). I think it's also quite easy to slip into orthorexia (an eating disorder that involves an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating). On the other hand, losing weight can be great for your mental health. You can find self esteem and confidence that you have been missing your whole life. I definitely put myself "out there" more. I think everyone's journey is different. Best of luck!

At only five weeks post op, you can't eat that much due to the restriction. That's why you only have a protein target. You are likely on a very low calorie diet, but it will depend on what you can squeeze in before you feel full. I don't think I would have been able to eat 600 calories in the first few months. I wouldn't worry about calories too much, just your protein targets.

Agreed. I think it's very inappropriate for your colleagues to discuss your personal choices and medical history with your director. It potentially crosses the line, into bullying/harassment in that it could reasonably embarrass or exclude you. Particularly in such a small work place. The surgery is also your sensitive personal medical information. No one has a right to express an opinion (and if your director disclosed the details of your surgery, they may have breached ethical guidelines, or the law). I live in Australia, so the laws might be different, but we don't have any obligation to disclose the precise nature or details of medical leave at law, only provide reasonable evidence of illness. For my WLS and plastics, I simply submitted medical certificates saying that I was having a medical procedure. I even got one from a General Practitioner, rather than my surgeon so that no one could google them and see they were from a clinic bariatric surgeons. However, you must not let these people distract you. I'm sorry this happened. But they are clearly not worth your time. Don't let them steal your joy! You're onto better and more exciting things. I hope your weight loss gives you the confidence and self esteem to expect better from people around you. You can work with these people, but they are clearly not your friends. They have shown their true colours. It sounds like you have a wonderful support network around you. Focus on the good people in your life! There's so much to be excited about!

About a year ago, I got into the habit of snacking at night (OK, chomping on chocolate at night). I've had to work really hard to change my evening ritual, so I don't start mindlessly eating. I now try and have a cup of tea instead, go to sleep earlier or just do something else to prevent me from falling back into that habit. I know how hard it is though. Good on you for sticking to it!