Creekimp13

it wasn't until the first day of my pre-surg diet that I realized....I'm not going to eat anything of substance for a freaking month. And in the middle of that month, i'm having major surgery. How am I going to do this??? A month is a very long time on starvation level calories. It ain't easy. But you do it. You get through the first two weeks a day at a time. Surgery is easier than you think it will be (was for me, anyway, I'm sure experiences differ...but many people comment that they're surprised at the ease of the surgery)....and then, after a week or so of fluids, you get to start purees...and it gets better from there. A little at a time. One new item at a time. One teeny tiny stomach full at a time. Within a few months, things loosen up, foods go down easier, and it's all downhill from there. NOT! LOL....then you get to really work on the permanence of the situation, stalls, your forever diet...coping with changes. It's a wild ride, folks. Buckle up:) Has been a crazy trip so far with a lot of unexpected twists. But if I had to describe it in two words, there's really no other option: "Worth It!"

I hear you, Jess. Meh...I'd have quit responding to this thread ages ago...but i'm soooo close to having enough Store Reward Points for my muffins! LOL:)

No nice way to say it. The pre-surg diet sucks. Was the most horrible part of the process in my opinion. Right after surgery is rough, too...but at least you're coming down the other side of the mountain.

Don't be surprised when your most favorite bone broth tastes like sweaty chicken armpit after several servings.

Grandmas... *sigh*....they do this shite when their brains start to go. Love them....but damn.

A spoon full of sugar free cool whip helps the medicine go down:)

RNY is no guarantee. Plenty of people will gain weight back after RNY. 20-35% of people who get RNY fail and regain. This number is much higher for the super obese. No surgery is guaranteed to fix your weight long term. Changing your forever diet and forever eating habits...can. http://bariatrictimes.com/revision-procedures-for-failed-gastric-bypass/

I have an obnoxious gossipy aunt who loves to milk people for this kinda crap so she can spin it and spread it....so I don't mind having some fun with her. I just tell her outrageously creative lies. She isn't interested in anything factual. She doesn't really care or want to empathize. She wants tabloid entertainment for neighborhood publication.....so I let her have some. How did I lose so much weight? My new crack addiction. Witchcraft Eating only watermelon for thirty days. Dedicating my life to the service of David Miscavige Mail order tapeworms from Brazil. Pancreatic cancer. A new deadly gluten allergy. Playing Dance Dance Revolution Fat cryotherapy She gives me a hateful look, I get a chuckle, and next time maybe she picks a different target for her shenanigans.

Truer words have not been spoken...but this still cracked me up.

LOL....been there! Hang in there...it all evens out. I gain a couple pounds before my period every month and it wigs me out, too. It's just water. It comes, it goes. All is well:)

Patience, and eating more calories.

Time will help. It gets easier. You've gone through some stunning changes at break neck speed. Give your heart and mind time to catch up. It's ok to feel conflicted and unsure. The positive feelings will come if you're patient:)

My doc wanted my D level up before surgery. I started taking 5000 iu a day and raised it enough in a month for him to be comfortable.

Surgery can cause some hormonal shifts for sure. If you're post-menopausal, it's a good idea to mention it to your surgeon or gynecologist and see what they advise. If you're younger and just have secondary amenorrhea, losing weight might be causing a return of more normal cycles.

1) “Intercessory prayer has no effect on recovery from surgery without complications.” 2) “Patients who knew they were receiving intercessory prayer fared worse.” http://www.nbcnews.com/id/12082681/ns/health-heart_health/t/power-prayer-flunks-unusual-test/#.WyxqDvlKiM8

What part of "when someone else is suffering, it's not all about you" is so hard to grasp?

No idea. It comes up emoji288 for me...no pic. LOL:)

I started a walking habit with a pedometer (Fitbit) six months before my surgery. It was the smartest thing I ever did. Walking has been a huge part of my weight loss and improved fitness.

I'm too in love with their veggie burger to close BK Steakhouse (what my nephew calls it..lol)

Woot! loving when things are looking up for folks:) Congrats on the new job and the new lady in your life, Matty!

Be careful with yourself. You just had major surgery. it's ok to give them a call and let them know what's up. I understand your reluctance (I hate going back to the doctor)...but be careful about waiting until the weekend, too. If you're not a lot better by tomorrow morning, give them a call first thing. Hope you feel better soon. Congrats on your procedure!

Damantei56....could you have constipation? Sometimes that can be uncomfortable and it's common the week after surgery. Limaime26....I think you should call your surgeon's office and tell them about your symptoms. They might want to see you or keep track of you. James....awesome information, as always. Thanks!

My strategy with these things is to try to get it in writing from my insurance company up front. Ask specifically about all the out of pocket costs I can expect, and see if they can give me an estimate. It's a pain to wait to talk to someone....but they're used to this, and if you're polite and patient, they'll help you figure it out and give you much better answers than we can.

Try drinking your fluids a little warm, this can sooth a cranky esophagus. Avoid anything cold or iced...as this will sometimes cause spasms.

Count your grams. If you're getting 60+ grams per day....you're doing great.