TakingABreak

For me, at about 5 months post op it started to become a struggle. Sometimes I wonder if it has less to do with the time and more to do with how much weight you've lost thus far.

I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling. We all hope that we are able to find better coping mechanisms and kick our bad habits to the side before anything major happens in our lives after surgery. All, I can say for words of wisdom, is experiment with what makes you feel good. Healthy alternatives to eating. Maybe its going for a walk, mowing the grass, reading a book, scrubbing the bath tub, talking with a friend, or playing candy crush. Anything that can mask your feelings for a moment or two. If all else fails, I'm a firm believer in talking to a professional. I have an established therapist that I can call if times get tough. All my love and sympathy pouring your way! Hang in there.

I didn't start feeling real restriction until soft foods, foods with residue. I would just keep to the recommended measured amounts and know that the time will come for that "full" feeling. For me, its sometimes annoying because it all depends on what I eat to how it will affect me. Side note: Sometimes, I can eat a whole cup of something and others a few bites makes me miserable. Ultimately, you have to rethink food in general, even to this day, I get overwhelmed when I sit down to eat something really YUMMY and I can only get a bite or two in. I get disappointed, because I *want* to eat more, but I physically can't. I guess this is why the surgery works.

I know I'm getting in here late, and probably too far along in this discussion, BUT.... I agree and disagree with the cost of plus size clothing for men and women. First off, it does cost the manufacturers more for the fabric and labor. Secondly, I think it highly depends on where you shop to see a discrepancy between the cost of regular sizes and plus sizes. For example, Lane Bryant and Torrid are very pricy stores. This could be equivalent to a Ann Taylor Loft or White House Black Market for smaller women. The problem comes in to play that plus size men and women don't have the less expensive clothing store options, for example, like an Old Navy (with the exception of shopping online). And that brings me to another point, why is it that plus sized people are inherently forced to shop online if they want selection? Matt Z is right, the men's section is slim to none as well. Why is it that the plus size section at Target is TINY and mixed into maternity, that is even TINER? Don't these retail stores know that the average US woman is a size 16. And don't get me started about undergarments for large women. When you can't find your bra size anywhere but Lane Bryant and have to pay $50+ for one, GIVE ME A BREAK...I mean unless you want to order bras online, *rolling my eyes again* Needless to say, no longer being a plus size woman is the BIGGEST NSV there is. I'm glad I don't have to struggle with which stores will have my size, or pay extra for those clothing options.

I'd say it is a problem due to the carb and sugar content. I always cut fruit out when I stall and it works like a charm.

Watermelon, and cantaloupe are the biggest sliders. I'd say the only fruit that gives restriction is bananas.

Anyone experience an elevation in body temperature, or even just the feeling of elevated temperature after eating? Before someone says it, it is not associated with dumping. I get this almost every time I eat, anything. It doesn't come with discomfort or any other symptom, besides temporarily feeling warm, or warmer.

Fruit is a big slider food for me.

You are lucky, my scars are very noticeable. and I had 7 of them... I think this might because I got stapled vs glue.

I think this is an important rule of thumb, because as things slow down, its easy to go over a week without movement.

I had this problem and it lasted a couple of weeks. I'd say perhaps, weeks 4-6, if I remember right? I literally couldn't find anything at the store that sounded appetizing, and I felt nauseated just going to the store or the thought of eating food. I almost reverted to a liquid diet, as I knew that protein shakes were the best bang for the buck. It eventually went away, I woke up hungry one day, and I knew exactly what I wanted.

I'm wondering if it has more to do with dehydration and heat exposure than the rides themselves. I don't tolerate long periods of heat as well as I used to either. I was in the shade over the weekend (approx. 85 degrees) and I got extremely nauseated quickly. I know we think we are drinking a lot, but perhaps we just are not getting enough in. We get away from the "sip, sip, sip" approach after a few months post op, but when we expose ourselves to high temperatures for prolonged times, we should continuously hydrate throughout.

I hit mine at 2 weeks as well. I contribute this to the fact that I lost 27lbs during my pre op diet. But I lost an additional 10lbs in the first week and stalled until almost 4 weeks post op. I remember my surgeon being disappointed at my 1 month follow-up I hadn't lost more post surgery, but from then on, it took off.

Following. I also feel this way, sometimes for long lengths of time. I've been on a PPI of 40 daily since surgery.

I wouldn't be too concerned about hurting your stomach with liquids. That being said, I always measured with my "meals", whether it be with SF jello, broth, protein shakes, ect. I didn't want to be over consuming too many calories in the early stages. This could hinder your weight loss in the beginning. Liquids are slider foods and you will not feel restriction like you do with pureed and soft foods. Honestly, I tried to mix it up with regards to liquids. I sipped on a lot of veggie bone broth (not for protein necessarily, but for liquid), SF popsicles (when they weren't too sweet), protein water, watered down 100% juice, caffeine free tea, crystal light, Vitamin Water Zero, children's Pedialyte, and PowerAde Zero. I tried to alternate between cold and warm liquids. I never ever quite made the 64 oz goal, and still struggle with it to this very day. That is why I drank a lot of children's Pedialyte because, it helped with electrolytes. I used my urine color as an indication of my hydration levels. I have never been hospitalized for dehydration, so I'm lucky, due to the fact that I never make my goals. Things do get easier!

My doctor recommended sleeve at first. I actually had my mind set on DS, but he said he could only do it in a two step process, and that wasn't something I was willing to do. I chose RNY because I had a lot to lose. The percentages of excess weight loss were in my favor with RNY. This is not to say that sleeve patients haven't been successful with large amounts to lose, but why risk it? Sure, RNY is more invasive, but I don't think anything has been more "invasive" with RNY verses if I would have had the sleeve. I'm more restricted due to the possibility of dumping, but that is a benefit in my opinion.

Yes, I use it for headaches and back pain. It works wonderfully for me. Def worth a shot.

I’m guessing because gassy foods can cause discomfort or perhaps strain on the staple line. I don’t think gas alone would cause a leak but I think it’s safe to assume, better be safe than sorry during the initial healing process.

I was told to avoid fibrous veggies until the last phase. No particular reason why, but I imagine that it has to do with gas and digest ability.

Bread bothers me unless it’s been toasted. I tolerate whole grain better than any other kinds. I do eat flatbread more often. But I do try and not make it a staple in my diet because it is very filling and I know I’m not leaving room for what I should be eating.

You are so welcome! Anytime :)

Yes, on the app I can. I have an Apple phone. You tap on the emojis and it shows you.

You are not alone. I've had these feelings also. Accompanied by the regret of not having this surgery sooner. For me to lose enough weight even with surgery, statistically, its very unlikely I'll ever be within a "normal healthy" BMI. If only I had done it 50-60lbs sooner... All kinds of regrets and feelings, but I put them aside, because we did make this decision. We are putting in the work now. We can't dwell on the past. We have to strive for the future. Congrats about your 51lbs! That is great!

I love to snack on raw veggies with Greek Yogurt made ranch veggie dip. My new favorite veggie is raw sugar snap peas. Gives me a solid crunch. And its low in calories, high in Vitamin C. But veggies usually hits the spot!

I feel the exact same way! Why did I wait so long?! But we are doing it/done it now! Congrats you look 10 years younger too!