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MzNatalia

Duodenal Switch Patients
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  1. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from Glamgirl in DS and vitamins and biotin?   
    Hi
    Hi Glamgirl, it’s B1 once a week.
  2. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from Glamgirl in DS and vitamins and biotin?   
    I take 1800 mg calcium citrate, 3 Multivitamin ADEK, 30 mg Iron+C, and 5000 mg Biotin daily. My doctor recently suggested Vitamin B1 once weekly.
  3. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from Abrial in Liquid diet worries   
    Hi, I'm actually on week 2 of a 6-week liquid diet. Day 3 was the hardest (I feel sorry for my family), but it has gotten better. I find that the Protein Drinks do fill me up.
    To keep busy I play video games, look up post-op recipes, and try to prep everything that I'll need for after the surgery so that I have no concerns except for healing. When I feel myself focusing on food too much, I go and watch the videos of others that had wls and were successful. Next thing I know, 30-60 minutes have passed and the cravings are gone.
    The first few days will be tough but you can do this!
  4. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from Abrial in Liquid diet worries   
    Hi, I'm actually on week 2 of a 6-week liquid diet. Day 3 was the hardest (I feel sorry for my family), but it has gotten better. I find that the Protein Drinks do fill me up.
    To keep busy I play video games, look up post-op recipes, and try to prep everything that I'll need for after the surgery so that I have no concerns except for healing. When I feel myself focusing on food too much, I go and watch the videos of others that had wls and were successful. Next thing I know, 30-60 minutes have passed and the cravings are gone.
    The first few days will be tough but you can do this!
  5. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Sosewsue61 in Functioning Alcoholic   
    Hang in there Kate. You are brave for taking the steps to help yourself. Brava!
    Now forgive yourself, you need to love yourself and realize you are worthy of happiness and good health. I hope you find help at the group and with continued medical monitoring. I wish the best.
  6. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to DaleCruse in Functioning Alcoholic   
    This sounds very much like my experience, though wine was my drink of choice.
    A lie we tell ourselves is that "no one noticed". If you drank as much as we did, believe me, someone noticed at some point.
    I got to the point that drinking became more painful than not drinking. When you reach that inflection point, it becomes much easier to quit than when you're in the depth of it.
    It's now been more than six months since I've had a drink. I've talked about this on this board previously. At night I have one small marijuana edible to take the edge off. Ninety minutes later I'm ready to go to sleep. I sleep so much better now & I'm saving a ton of money.
    @_Kate_ if you ever want to message me privately for support, please don't hesitate to do so! Good luck. You are not alone.
  7. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Creekimp13 in Weight Loss in the First Month   
    So often we get the question here..
    Am I losing enough weight? I don't think I'm losing fast enough. I'm six hours/days/weeks from surgery and I've lost only 2/12/40 pounds. What's WRONG with me? Am I FAILING?

    Never fear people.
    I just read this in an article in a health magazine:
    Weight Loss by Month
    Since weight loss is reported as a percentage, the number of pounds you shed per month depends on where you started. It also depends on the time since surgery. Findings in the October-December 2013 issue of the "Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons" suggested that people having sleeve gastrectomy lost more of their excess weight in the first few months after surgery. In this study of 100 patients, on average, subjects lost about 18 percent of their excess weight in the first month. Average weight loss by the end of 6 months was 50 percent of the excess body weight, and by the end of the first year, they had lost about 63 percent of their excess weight.

    Now, really pay attention to what this says...
    18 percent in the first month.
    If you have 100 pounds of excess weight....you will lose on average...about 18 pounds that first month.
    Those of ya'll who have only 60 or so pounds to lose....can expect to lose around 11 pounds that big first month.
    And it all narrows from there. Typically, a little less loss each month.

    So please don't panic if you've got 85 pounds to lose....and you're not dropping 46 pounds a month like a Dr. Nowzaradan patient!
    If you've got 85 to lose....and you drop 15 pounds that first month? You're average. You're doing great!
    If you've got 50 pounds to lose (cause ya did well with your pre-op diet and you're kinda short)....and you only lose 9 pounds the first month? You're average! Good job!
    If you lose a little more or a little less than average? That's still OK!!!! Everyone's a little different and people's bodies love to stall and make them crazy:)

    Just wanted to provide a little perspective to those feeling discouraged because they haven't lost the massive amounts of weight you see on the TV shows and Youtube channels:)
    Stick to the program.
    Trust.
    Be Patient.
    You got this:)
  8. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from finding.me_rny in February Surgery Buddies!   
    Hi everyone. Got my DS Monday morning. Yesterday wasn’t very good. Had nausea and vomiting and lots of pain. Today is somewhat better. Going to try to sip and walk today. Despite the pain I’m happy to be on the losers bench!
  9. Like
    MzNatalia got a reaction from finding.me_rny in February Surgery Buddies!   
    Hi everyone. Got my DS Monday morning. Yesterday wasn’t very good. Had nausea and vomiting and lots of pain. Today is somewhat better. Going to try to sip and walk today. Despite the pain I’m happy to be on the losers bench!
  10. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to dreamangel1974 in My husband is dead set against me having wls. Any advice on how to overcome that?   
    Wow! This seems to be a real hot button issue for many people. I am happy to report that my husband is coming around and seems willing to at least support me and my decision, even if he really wishes I wouldn’t have surgery.

    I appreciate all of the helpful comments and concern about this issue and the state of my marriage. Someone mentioned underlying or unresolved issues, and you are absolutely right! We have worked together on multiple issues, but personal growth takes time. The reason I am committed to make the marriage work is that I see a desire and willingness in my husband for continued growth. He has many redeeming qualities that offset his occasional fall back into controlling behavior. Old habits die hard, but we are both working on our individual issues to make our marriage successful. [emoji173]️



  11. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to kakatlady612 in Judgy People Suck! But you have to laugh......   
    I chew tobacco, drink moonshine 3 times a day and have a young lover1/2 my age. Make it good, girlfriend, make it good.

    Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app


  12. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Creekimp13 in Dr. Nowzaradan is my hero   
    I've watched every single episode of My 600 pound life at least a half a dozen times.
    I put them on in the background when I'm on my elliptical, or walking laps around the house, or just generally trying to be active. They keep me moving.
    I love that Dr. Now is extremely compassionate, but also really honest. I love that he gives people multiple chances, but also doesn't accept manipulation and excuses.
    Have seen some fascinating people try...and it's pretty hard to play him. He's a smart cookie. I get extreme satisfaction from him telling it like it is, and letting people know he sees through their crazy behaviors. I like that he keeps people accountable. He seems to genuinely care.
    He's like my adorable little imaginary weight-loss fairy god father. I think of him saying..."Creekimp, how is your eating habit?" when I'm struggling. Or..."You did well, I'm proud of you!" when the scale moves and I hit my next mini-goal.
    I know this post sounds totally goofy...and it is. This is a ridiculous post. A REALLY ridiculous post.
    But it's true...I just love Dr. Now. He inspires me.
    Think about dedicating your life's work...to helping folks who are so heavy other clinics won't work with them. It takes an amazing person to dedicate their lives to helping a population that other doctors are afraid to work with.
    I dunno. I just wanted to sing his praises a minute and admit my goofy secret.... One of my support people...whose no-nonsense approach helps motivate me every single day....is this reality TV doc who doesn't know I exist. LOL.
    Thank you Dr. Now. You're wonderful:)
  13. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Done33 in My husband is dead set against me having wls. Any advice on how to overcome that?   
    This extreme? I have. My own husband. I too was in the same boat with my husband shutting down what I thought was any chance of an open discussion about the topic.
    Whilst, he has the right to make his choice on the matter, all I wanted was that he make an informed decision. His apprehension to this, was as I suspected due to the fact that he thought it was the easy way out and that I was doing purely out vanity, but I asked him some tough questions, like was he willing to push me around in the a wheel chair should my weight debilitate me, could he stand to see me in constant pain,??? Because I was unwilling to let him carry that burden so I continue to approach about it. Eventually he gave me a hearing, and like a well prepared defence attorney, I had everything ready, before n after photos, YouTube videos, facts about the operation and everything in between.
    Today I’m 5 weeks away from surgery and he his my biggest support. He only has good things to look forward to and even though there is time for things to change, but I keep letting him know changes are going to come about and that we will overcome them together. Whilst pre-op diet is important for surgery, so is pre-op marriage discussions. Don’t wait until post op for things to rear it’s ugly head.. try and tackle the issues before the surgery, you’ll find your better for it.
    Be patient and work on it, he will eventually get past his scratch the surface knowledge of the surgery and will be able to see surgery is definitely not the easy way out.
    All the best.
  14. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to James Marusek in How to get enough protein.   
    During the first few weeks after surgery many people find it difficult to meet their daily Protein requirement. That is because your body is in a major heal mode. Just keep working towards that goal and you should be able to get there.
    Many experience problems drinking Protein Shakes. I hated them. But in the beginning I drank them, three 16-ounce protein shakes a day, in order to meet my protein requirements. You do not have to like protein shakes only tolerate them. There are many varieties of protein shakes available today. Experiment until you can find one you can tolerate.
    There are many different types of formulations on protein shakes. I used Muscle Milk Light (Vanilla Creme) powder blended with Water and a half a banana. That worked for me. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, you might try premixed Isopure.
    If you tried all the various varieties and still are unsuccessfully, then there is the fallback of fortified milk. 32 ounces of 1% milk fortified by adding 1 cup of dried milk provides 56 grams of protein. It also takes a dent out of meeting the Fluid requirements. Mix up a pitcher and drink a little throughout the day.
    Without sufficient protein, your body will scavenge protein from other areas of your body, such as your muscles. Protein is extremely important after surgery as its job in the body is to build and maintain tissues including your body's major organs and skeletal muscles. Protein deficiency, when continued over a long period of time can cause a disease known as protein caloric malnutrition. Common symptoms are poor healing, fatigue, Hair loss and muscle wasting. Immediate post op, protein promotes healing of the staple line and incisions.

  15. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to FluffyChix in February Surgery Buddies!   
    Hugs and prayers to all who've had surgery already. I pray you are feeling better each day and able to accomplish post-surg goals with ease!!
    To all who are still yet to come in February! Remember the liquid diet from hell is only temporary and we can endure anything for 2 weeks! I can attest that once you're on the other side, the Liquid Protein phase is a cinch to undertake. No hunger, easy satiety with the liquids, no feeling of deprivation or food angst! It's hard to imagine such a severe about face once post-surgery but it's true!!
    I'm doing great. It's now 4 days post and I'm up walking, drinking normally, yesterday got in 98oz of liquids including Proteins. This morning had thinned down yogurt for brekky and did great. Now having Protein iced tea and loving it. So all is well. Have already walked 2 times today and will do another stint here after lunch. Naps are my friend! Oh how I love mah naps!
    Cheers everyone!!
  16. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to VSG.02.05.18 in Being in the 200’s never felt so good!   
    I just had my one week post op appointment and I’m so happy and thankful for this journey. It’s freaking hard and anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know what they’re talking about, but it’s so so so worth it.
    I weighed in today at 299. When I was younger, I never thought I’d be so happy for a number that large, but I’ve been solidly in the 300’s for six or seven years now. 299 brings literal tears of gratitude to my eyes.
    When I weighed in at 355 in the not so distant past and had a moment where I realized I was closer to 400 than 300, I knew I had to change if I wanted to live a healthy and happy life. I started making changes and made the decision to get weight loss surgery to stop the yo-yo dieting madness.
    Fast forward to my pre-op surgical clearance appointment (now three weeks ago), I weighed in at 329. So within three weeks, I have lost THIRTY pounds. My clothes are looser, my step is lighter.
    I’m so thankful for this tool and my program. I’ve lost weight before, but always gained it back. For the first time in my adult life, I know I can not only do this, but I can do this for life. 299 feels so freaking good... and I can’t wait to see what 199 feels like!!!
  17. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Jean E. in Beginning my journey (finally)   
    Congrats on your decision. Get ready for the ride of your life, but it's a good one. You will discover things about yourself either you never knew or you just put deep in the back of your memories so you wouldn't have to miss what you no longer could do.
    Support is important, but you need to keep in mind you are doing this for you and nobody can take you down, or make you feel bad about yourself and your efforts without you giving them permission to do so. So don't use lack of support as an excuse to fail (as we all have) because failure is no longer an option. You will succeed because you are worth it and so are those babies. Hopefully, your husband will start to see the positive changes in you and jump on board. When I say positive changes, I don't just mean physical. You will have mental changes, emotional changes, and perhaps even spiritual changes. You are going to find inner strength and confidence you didn't know you had. Those are all positive, non-scale changes that you will see.
    Remember to always see the tiniest victories both on and off the scale, and not just focus on the big goals. If you just focus on the big numbers you will miss all of the little victories and blessings along this journey. And it is those little victories that will get you through the rough spots, not the big ones. Yes the big goals are important but sometimes we miss so much in life when we look past what is right in front of us.
    Also try and remember that your journey is just that YOUR journey. We all want to hear about everyone else's experiences and then we want to pick out the best of those and decide that is how our path will work. That is a great place to start and a great reference to have, but just keep in mind, you are the only you there is, and everyone's journey is special for them. You will have ups and downs and laughs and cries. You will get scared, frustrated, happy, and relieved again and again. It is all part of it. Part of getting to know the new you. Enjoy the ride.
    What surgery are you having? What are you goals? I am a very goal driven person in everything I do. But, I had to learn quickly that putting a timeline on your goals is not the best plan, at least for me. Simply because my goals are much too aggressive for most people and I tend to do whatever I need to do to make those goals even if it is detrimental to my health. Thus how I ended up with an eating disorder in high school and college. It didn't help in the long run obviously and just destroyed my metabolism. So I set small goals or milestones to focus on just for measurement purposes. Like, every 10 lbs. is a milestone for me, then of course every 25 lbs. is an even bigger milestone. And then I identified different weights I wanted to reach, like getting out of the 400's, then out of the 300's and my next is to get to 250 etc. different steps along the way I can Celebrate myself and my victories. Then there are the non-scale victories like being able to step up on a curb without excruciating pain, or walking around a grocery or department store just for the fun of it. And don't get me started on trying on different size clothes. LOL! That is a mental game I still don't have my mind wrapped around.
    Anyway, all of you can do this. I know it looks like an enormous mountain right now, but in one year you will be looking down that mountain. Believe it! That year is going to pass whether you made this choice or not, so now you are on your way to better health and a happier you. The time is going to fly by and your little 1/4 lb. losses and 1/2 lb. losses are going to add up without you even realizing it. Just remember that when you have those frustrating stalls. Remember to celebrate the small victories.
    Me, I had my DS 9 months ago today and have lost 227 lbs. to date. 60 of those lbs. I lost between my first doctor visit and my surgery which was 4 months and three days. So 167 lbs. in 9 months, or an average of 18.5 lbs. per month. See how fast it adds up. I still have maybe 60 lbs. or so to lose. My doctor will not set a numeral weight goal. He said as long as I am eating healthy and getting in 10,000 steps a day (which I am working on) my body will find it's own healthy weight. But for now, I am feeling pretty good about my accomplishment and I wish the same for y'all.
    God bless you now and always.
  18. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to FluffyChix in Out With the Old--In With the New!   
    Thanks to each of you for warming my heart and making me feel your love and support!!! ((hugs))
    Surgery went so smoothly. The hardest thing was the anesthesiologist trying to get a vein with the iv catheter. They stuck me like 13 times! NO kidding! But the nurse anesthetist was giving me laughing gas and anesthesia by then and we were talking and laughing and telling jokes while he was suffering trying to find a vein! Luckily the iv in my finger held until they took it out today!
    I am sipping/walking/having Clear Liquids today and tomorrow--then on to full liquids and Protein Drinks. I just weighed (at night) lol, and I'm up 5 lbs from anesthesia but that's fine. I will lose it. Also I appear to be full of sh*t! The surgeon said my colon had a ton of stool that I need to get cleaned out! Sorry for TMI! But apparently pooting and pooping are big things to them! I finally pooted tonight! HA!
    The real challenge is limiting myself to 4oz per hour! I'm able to drink very easily. I have very little pain and am controlling it now with tramadol and gabapentin. I'm doing so well! Walking, sipping, visiting, napping in my recliner and watching movies!
    Thank you to all for your prayers and support! I love each of you. I can't believe I finally had the surgery and it's over! I will tell you, that my desire/cravings for food right now are non-existent. And it really doesn't bother me to be on clear liquids. Also, the surgeon said it went so well. I had some adhesions that she removed and that my liver was pink and beautiful and that it was a very easy surgery! Yeeeehawwww! I'm on the losers' bench with ya now!!!

    ((hugs))
  19. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to DropWt4Life in WTF DID MY HUSBAND JUST SAY?   
    Man, that dude is sad. He really doesn't have your back. How can someone who loves you actually talk like that? Easy way out....You know what is the easy way out?
    Having a friggin metabolism that allows you to stay thin while eating burgers, fries, pizza, candy, etc.
    Never having to look at the scale and decide, I'm only going to have Water instead of the friggin beer that everyone else will be drinking at the party.
    As a matter of fact, the easy way out would be to say, "f** it! I don't care about my health. I don't care about my looks. I am just going to eat what I want, and drink what I want, and everyone can just Kiss My a**!"
    Tell him that the next time he wants to be intimate, you already took the easy way out, and took care of yourself. Then tell him to do the same.
    I'm a guy, and probably breaking man code, but damn!
  20. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Little Green in I'm still not sure. What got you past that unsure feeling? Help!   
    No, you're definitely not! As you have gained weight your body chemistry has changed and many factors are in play in your body that are designed to keep you overweight. It's crazy how different our bodies are, metabolically, compared to normal weight individuals. The surgery resets us metabolically. (Some studies have shown improved metabolic markers after surgery even for people who don't lose very much weight!) And the junk food we all eat (ate!) was literally engineered using top-secret additives and ingredients to increase pleasure, influence your neural pathways, and keep your hand moving to your mouth. Get angry at the food industry and use that anger to rebel against it by eating whole, nutritious foods instead. Surgery will make that much easier.
    I use the analogy of climbing a mountain. When we're obese it's like we are climbing it with a gigantic boulder on our backs, weighing us down and preventing us from going very far. Some tiny subset of people are so strong they are able to make it to the top, but most of us never will. Surgery takes the boulder off. We still have to do the climb ourselves - there's no chair lift to the top - but it gives us the opportunity to actually be successful.
    Here's a wonderful video from Dr. Matthew Weiner about deciding to have WLS:

  21. Like
  22. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to pb2max in February Surgery Buddies!   
    I get sleeved on 2/26! Can't wait to get it over with

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using BariatricPal mobile app


  23. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to Sunnyday25 in Happy Valintines Day   
    You know being heavy, fat, fluffy, chunky, overweight, obese, or whatever else you want to call it gave me a unique understanding that our world our enjoyments revolve around food. It has been amazing to see this enlightenment hit my friends and husband, and for them to find real empathy when dealing with the sensitive subject of eating and dieting. These past two weeks have been intense first my twin daughters turned 14 and had a slumber party the treats they chose to give to their friends could have given you a toothache just from looking at them. My husband rattled around asking if I was ok, how can I be doing ok he can barely keep from eating them, and then eventually he broke into the cake with savage enjoyment. I just sipped my tea and laughed as the girls at the party played party games and argued over boys, and teachers; this was what I had always wanted this moment to look like. Not me thinking about cake the whole night (aka what my husband did) or me sneaking bits of candy so that by the end of the night I have a twist in my stomach, it was great and yes my husband went to bed sick and then ate left over cake for Breakfast.
    The next moment came on a date night with me and that great guy it is his turn to plan and he looked at me and said well there is nothing to do that doesn't involve food. For a side note my husband is only about 10 pounds over weight he is active but not really the greatest at healthy eating. After having a conversation about still being able to go out maybe splitting a plate or maybe I get an appetizer and take some home etc., he then asked about getting a drink again we talked about how he could get a drink and how I could have tea or Water. That is I think the moment he got it his face changed and he just looked kind of sad and he said our entire lives revolve around eating, and then he said it no wonder this has always been so hard!!!!!!!!!! Now my husband is always supportive and not an ill word comes out of his mouth but he also has never really got it and then this moment was it empathy real honest to god empathy!!! It was amazing and so moving for me that he got it. We did go out to dinner I had the best beef carpaccio ever and he had lasagna and a beer and then we walked and talked.
    The third moment came from a friend I happened to be venting life on her as we all can sometimes do and in mid vent she stopped me and I am not kidding said OH MY GOD this is not going to work, I stopped my rant and said wait what and she said I cant do this now here I am thinking I have lost a friend because of my whining and I start to back track and she is like its not you its me and I am even more freaked out and then she is like you were talking and I was going through my wine to get a bottle to bring you and then I was thinking Ill stop and grab some of that cheese stuff you like and then we can have a real vent session. Now my panic is still there am I really going to have to go through the loss of this friend because I cant drink and binge on imported cheese. Her response was priceless, Well we cant drink wanna go for a walk!!! I broke out laughing and was washed in relief. She got it she got it.
    Now here we are on Valentines day it is so easy to go out and get chocolates and flowers and call it a day but now our partners have to be creative have to find things that fit have to give up the old rational that food heals everything. This is the fourth moment this is hard for me for us our changing bodies, our hair falling out, the pain, the exercise, facing our food demons and even more; but as hard as it is for me I recognize that it is hard for my family and friends because my change requires some form of change from them and you know what change is freaking hard!!!!


  24. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to JustinH in Finally here.   
    Speedy recovery!!! Best of luck my friend!



  25. Like
    MzNatalia reacted to kakatlady612 in Do you miss being overweight?   
    Hmm ***let me take a moment for introspection. My fat was a protective cocoon, an invisabity cloak (we all know fat people are invisible to the average person) a warm blanket that kept me safe and protected from those that would hurt me. I was insulated and isolated. But a new spring is coming, I can peel off the layer of restrictive flesh from my body. I'll dance in the sunlight of good health. It may be a struggle, it may take awhile, but the trade-off for me is more than worth it. And I suspect I won't miss it at all.
    Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

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