clsumrall

I love chicken pad Thai so much, but I haven't had it in months. I used to eat a full order in a sitting at least once a week. Last night i asked if they could replace the rice noodles with bean sprouts and ate 1/4th of an order (about 1 cup). My husband's full order is included for comparison. It was amazing!

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I truly understand what you’re going through. It’s a terrible feeling to have enjoyed your years of weight loss after surgery and have to look in your closet at the smaller clothes that keeps moving farther and farther to the back of the closet. It’s been 8 years since my gastric sleeve surgery and I’ve gained 50lbs back. For the pass few years I’ve tried resetting my pouch as they say, that didn’t work. Going back to eating the way I was eating at the beginning of the program that didn’t last two weeks. I tried, I’ve been angry at myself, I’ve been depressed as heck.....I don’t dress up anymore. I use to dress up, do double takes in the mirror at how nice I looked before walking out the door just to go to the grocery store. How could I have done this to myself again. I don’t know if this will be a solution for you but thank God the intermittent fasting, that I have tried several time before is truly working well for me this time. I prepare meals to keep in the freezer, I keep plenty of bottle Water near me. If hungry hits or tv commercials show food after food I grab a bottle of water drink drink drink. Losing regained weight seems worse than the first time. But hang in there one day you will surprise yourself.

Great post, Danny Paul! Ultimately, that time when it's easy is when we have the chance to build our healthy habits and for anyone who kept their weight off for a while, you know you had a bunch of healthy habits built up! After almost 13 years of maintaining my weight, i have more years living as a healthy-eating, healthy-weighted adult than i did living in a cycle of on-again off-again yo-yo dieting before I had WLS. Sometimes i get off track, and that's when i have to remind myself what healthy eating looks like, and work to rebuild my consistency with my habits.
I really do believe that regains are a part of this journey and they're something we will all face throughout our post-op lives. Our tool is still there for us though, and with some mindset changes, and some structure, we can get ourselves back on course. It's never easy though, and it's not something your average person can understand which is why it can be helpful to seek support from other WLS vets.
Here are a couple of things that have worked for me and a couple that haven't. Keep fighting the good fight guys!!
My Good Habits:
Eat Meals (don't graze) - don't skip breakfast, even if it's small Eat Real food, not processed slider foods like chips and sweets STOP eating after 7PM - get away from the kitchen after dinner. Evenings have always been my toughest time and so i make myself a cup of Decaf coffee, take it upstairs with me, and don't go back to the kitchen under any circumstances. Focus on Food - 80% of weight loss comes down to food Cook Your Own Food, but keep it simple - make sure you have meal options available in the fridge or ready to make at a moment’s notice. Move for Mental Health - aiming for 10K steps works for me and calms my urge to stress eat Talk to someone about mental health - overeating for me is a sure sign that's i'm heading on a downward spiral and the weigh gain and guilt and shame associated just makes it worse...see a doctor, find a medication that works for you, find your way back to a good mental health state Things i that have NOT worked for me:
Liquids / Protein Shakes - it's not sustainable (and really hard for even a few days...how did we do it pre- and post-op?), it makes me unbearably grouchy, and the minute i stop the weight comes back on. Counting Calories - that is a trigger for me after a LIFETIME of dieting and i don't want to go there! Starving - if I’m starving, I won’t be able to do it for long and the rebound will be bad! Excessive exercise - it's too hard to outrun a bad diet with exercise and getting hurt would be a sure way to halt my progress.

Thank you so much everyone for replying to my post! You've all been so helpful. Just thought I'd provide an update. I took a good hard look at things, started writing down everything I was eating, and figured out I had gotten into a really bad habit of grazing all day long. I am a crisis responder who works nights 12PM-12AM and wasn't planning for meals. I would just grab a bunch of Snacks (fairly healthy but still not the best) and head out. I decided to make a change by giving myself actual meal times and planning for them, with 2 snacks a day. For my weird schedule I'm having Breakfast (an egg and bacon or sausage) at noon, lunch at 3PM (a salad with protein), and dinner at 7PM (Some sort of Protein and veggies). I've been having nuts around 5PM for snack #1 (thank you for the suggestion!), and then around 9PM eating for the final time with snack #2 of fruit or popcorn. It's working.. I'm down 10 pounds and feeling better! I really appreciate all of the suggestions, encouragement, and help here at Bariatric Pal and am prioritizing a daily visit to the site again like I used to. Take care everyone! XOXO

Hello, I had my sleeve done 4 years ago and I have regained over 50 pounds. I can’t believe this has happen

I feel your pain! I had the sleeve done three years ago, lost over 100 pounds in about 10 months, then gained about 60 back through bad food choices and/or just plain overeating (even healthy foods). I'd go on reset diets which would work for a while, but then I would plateau for a long time and start to gain weight again. Part of the problem was trying to deal with my food addictions that came back once I fell off the bariatric diet wagon. After a while it was just too hard to get back on again. Eventually I decided to have a revision to bypass, which I had done 2.5 weeks ago. Hopefully that's not something you'll have to do - if you have support groups around you and people that you can work with, it should be possible to lose the weight you regained.

No particular words of wisdom that hasn't already been said. Just commenting to acknowledge your feelings and sincerely wish you all the best in getting back on track. You've got this!!

To me, that was my tipping point so to speak. Crying on the toilet bc I could not wipe my ass was the final nail in the coffin of the old me. Peace out old Camille! Hello new Camille! Every day is getting better.

@Debbieduck4 PM me if you want to attend my online support meeting tonight at 6pm CST. We're a great group of committed folks who really motivate each other and help us with accountability and focus. It's hard to go back to basics, but IMHO that's what it takes. Plan, weigh/measure, log EVERYTHING that goes in your mouth for a baseline. Everything. Then look at ways to cut the trash out and emphasize the healthy stuff. Prioritize Protein, Water, healthy veg, healthy fats. You can do it. Seen too many people succeed in getting back to goal to believe it won't.
Hang in there. These are tough days.

Pictures or it didn't happen....😁
Seriously, you deserve it and are worth it. You'll do great!

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Whaaaaaaaat? Me too? That's right 😅
I decided to go ahead and (silently) have plastics done. This mommy had a makeover yesterday and is very happy with the results so far. Still very early in my recovery but I wanted to document as much as I could before I forgot.
Procedures: Mommy Makeover (breast lift w/o implants and extended Tummy Tuck with Lipo of sides)
Where: Miami baby! Southbeach body here I come 😜
Why: the usual reasons... I've been thinking about it forever and finally took the plunge
When: Jan 03, 2020
Still early out and I'm pretty laid up so ill update when I can!
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And interestingly, my incisions are completely uncovered, and have been since the 2nd day post op

Get comfortable, this is a long one...
So here is the additional backstory info to my PS journey:
So I ended up getting a last-minute Tummy Tuck two days ago (Dec 18), along with my arm and breast lift. Back in June 2019, when I initially scheduled my procedures, I was going to get an arm lift, a breast lift (to address side boob skin), and a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck was actually partially covered by provincial insurance. Basically the panniculectomy part was covered and I we only need to pay out of pocket for muscle tightening or any required Lipo.
But sometime around August or September, I decided to forego the tummy tuck because I thought that I could live with the state my stomach was in, and I didn't want to have more surgery if I didn't really need to. So I called my surgeons office and let them know.
Fast forward four months later and I'm at the registration desk at the hospital on surgery day. I'm signing all the papers, and one of them is a confirmation surgery procedure form and lo and behold the tummy tuck is still on there. Apparently, the fact that the tummy tuck was removed was not properly communicated to the hospital. (As an aside, this is a perfect example of why confirmation of surgeries is necessary at registration!!)
I had a discussion with my surgeon: he said the OR is already booked and set up for all three procedures including the tummy tuck. So if I wanted to, we could go ahead as originally planned back in June, or not. Whatever I decided was fine with him. If I didn't want the tummy tuck, there would be some paperwork to do beforehand, but it was doable since the OR was booked for all 3 procedures, and there was time to do the paperwork/system corrections and still complete the arm and breast lifts in that time. So now I had a discussion with Mr.: It wouldn't really cost much more, and they were all set up for it already anyway, so why not? It's funny because the decision making process felt like when you're in a grocery store line and decide to buy that pack of gum at the checkout.
It's been almost 48 hours since the completion of my surgeries...here's what's happened so far:
Day 0:
Got to hospital at 7am and all the above happened. I got on the operating table at 9:30am, and don't know what time I woke up at recovery. The surgery was supposed to be 4 hours. All I remember was that it was 4pm when I got rolled into my room. That first night after the surgeries was relatively pain-free as I was drugged up and in bed the entire time. I slept a lot but not for very long periods of time. They put these leg type massagers on my legs that work kind of like a blood pressure cuff. Each one inflates a chamber with air starting from ankle to thigh, to squeeze my leg nicely and then deflates. Then the other one on the other leg does the same thing. Its to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. I've had them on the entire time (except when going to bathroom or taking a short walk) and I LOVE THEM. I want to buy one of these contraptions for home! The nurse said that I am the first patient she's met that likes these things. Which I find hard to believe because these things are awesome.
Didn't eat anything all day, other than Water, a cup of tea and 1/2 an unsweetened apple juice box.
Day 1:
Now the next day I felt the pain for the first time when my drugs wore off and I had to get out of bed to go to the washroom (they took my catheter out). Oh. My. God. When I twisted my body and put my foot on the ground, I felt like I was being stabbed in my hip with a large knife. It was so painful that when I walked I couldn't put my heel down. I had to do I sort of walk–tiptoe shuffle to the toilet. So first lesson: do not twist your body.
Because of the tummy tuck, I have to walk hunched over and this quickly puts a strain on your back. So second lesson: walk with the help of your IV pole/cane/walker/buddy.
I have 2 drains in my tummy, which are mildly annoying. I forgot about them once when I got out of bed and pulled on one a bit which caused some bleeding. Boo.
I was surprised that I could move my arms relatively freely and pain free. I could even put weight on my arms to lift myself out of bed, type on my laptop, feed myself, and go to the washroom by myself. I may not have been very efficient, but I could do it. Also, I could brush my teeth but not my hair. Nor could i adjust my head pillows. Basically anything where I have to raise my arms above shoulder height is a no-go.
My boobs didn't/don't hurt at all. As if nothing was even done there.
I got to see all the work done when the nurse changed my dressings. My arms are tiny. My boobs are nice and perky with matching nipples (my previous breast reduction had one of the nipples wrinkle/fold over at the outer edge and my guy fixed it). My tummy is wrinkle free and my new belly button looks better than the old one. My inner thighs from the front has been smoothed out! This was an unexpected bonus My va-jay-jay, however, is quite "perky". When I look down sitting in bed it stares right up at me. My nurse said she noticed it was swollen. She said it is a combination of being yanked up and the use of the stomach binder. Didn't show it to surgeon this first day, but will remember to bring i up when I see him before I leave.
Today I had a cup of coffee, 1/2 a chicken breast and some beef Jerky.
Day 2:
Now today I feel exponentially better. I got an a good seven hours of continuous sleep. When I woke up I could feel that my pain meds had worn off but I was able to get out of bed and walk to the washroom just fine. I can tell I'm walking much faster now and am much less hunched over. I could probably skip the pain meds from now on but I think based on @sillykitty's comments, i'll take them for another day or so. Mr. has already filled my prescriptions, so I may as well take them. I'll play it by ear.
I find that the only real pain I get is from twisting my torso. I can easily do a sit up or leg lift motion pain free, but if I twist in any way, I get a sharp pain. Everything else is bearable. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say my pain level is about 1.5. Compare this to the pain of WLS recovery, which I would have given an 8 at its worst.
They took the IV out this morning because my swollen hands were basically embedding that entry thing into my flesh and it was starting to hurt. They tried to put a new one in twice but couldn't find a vein because I'm too swollen. They asked if I was OK with them trying a third time, and I was all, No Thanks. IV insertion hurts, man! So they are off finding an alternate antibiotic to administer without an IV.
I'm supposed to be discharged sometime today but honestly I'd rather stay because I love these leg massager things. Plus I like the adjustable hospital bed!
Anyway just hanging around now waiting for my surgeon and next instructions.
P.S. I ate 1/2 an omelette & a peach yogurt cup so far today.

i got the same instructions as fluffy...no showering until after drains out (this Monday) and compression stuff stays on unless showering for 4-6 weeks, longer if i can stand it.

im here for 2 nights...heading home tomorrow afternoon. am glad to be here as i've got round clock care and help. i asked my surgeon if i could stay till xmas. he laughed. i wasnt joking.
im pretty drugged up so minimal to no pain. so i was going to write a post about this to explain, but i cant seem to stay awake long enough to finish, so i'll just give a heads up now...i ended up adding a Tummy Tuck last minute yesterday...so that means i had a tt, an arm lift & a breast reduction revision aka breast lift yesterday. so when the drugs wear off, im in a good bit of pain from the TT, very minor pain on my left elbow from the arm lift, and no pain at all from breast lift.
i'll tell the story of the surprise tummy tuck in anothr post.
yeah i looked when nurse changed my dressing...not gory at all, and looked like a nice thin straigt-ish line, i think. and ya no drains in my arms, but i have 2 in my tummy incision...and they are annoying.
k tired of typing again. time for a break

You guys are funny. Those are curtains of skin draping from my arm in those before pics! Everything below the arm bulge is skin. You don't want that.
But am glad to say all the skin is gone now! My arms are tiny. Like almost freakishly tiny. My forearms (and hands) are swollen, so right now my upper arms are smaller than my forearms. I look like I have Popeye arms!
Am typing up a blog entry about my experience so far, but its taking me forever cuz I get sleepy very quickly and I get tired from typing.
Im sleepy this very moment..post over. chat later.

All done and drugged up.
Cant stay awake for longer than 15 minutes mins.
Cant stay asleep for longer than 10 mins.
Weird.
Surprisingly feeling well-rested despite the weird sleep cycle thing. ZERO pain (thanks drugs).
So much to say, but too tired to post it.
Maybe later ❤️

My stats:
5 ft 6.5 in. Sleeved Aug 2018. In maintenance about 4 months, at ~145 lbs.
Had an extended arm lift (brachioplasty) yesterday 12/16. Incision is from elbow through the arm pit area and down to about the bottom of my bra line which should also help with the side boob excess skin. Cost is $9600. Includes everything - surgeon, anaesthesiologist, facility, etc etc
I'm wearing a compression garment that's sorta like a really tight crop top with long sleeves. I also have two drains which I have to empty 1-2 times a day and log the amount. The doctor will remove the drains at my one week post op appointment. Between the tight garment, the drains, and general incision pain, I'm pretty uncomfortable. I'm taking the pain meds as often as prescribed which is helping though.
The Dr said he removed a lot of skin (nurse said almost 1 lb!) and that I'm going to be very happy with the outcome. I really like him. You can tell he really likes his job. He gets excited talking about it. And he's confident in what he knows because he's been doing it a long time.
Ok, I'm going to lie back down now. Will check in again later today and post some pics.

Oh my gosh, I miss ONE day and look what happens? Our kitty is having her big day and I totes missed it!
Have a great surgery with zerah pain!!!! ((hugs)) So glad you are very well planned and organized! It should make everything go smoothly!!! Is Boo with Mama? Or did you end up leaving him home to protect him?
Can NOT wait to hear. Love and kisses and major prayers girlie!!!

Congrats all my already perfect beauties getting even more perfect !!! Plastics is exciting !!!

Checking in .... headed east right now. Surgery is tomorrow! 😳
I think I'm all prepared. I had a bunch of stuff shipped to the hotel. Going to go grocery shopping when we arrive. Tried to get caught up on work as much as possible, as I'm not sure how functional I will be the first few days.
In other news. I mentioned that my mom and I are both squeamish about blood, guts and gore. She found a skilled nursing service we can use if needed. The drain clearing and even more so the blood thinner injections are intimidating for us. So it will be nice to have a fall back option. But I want it to be a last resort because it's not cheap!
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm nervous. I'm not nervous at all. I'm anxious and afraid of the pain. I am worried about how long it will take me to recover and work and travel again. I have a small amount of anxiety about my results (just from reading tons and seeing some bad results!). But that's about it. My mom and bf are FAR more nervous than I am!

Small update:
I'm within my 30 day to surgery window. I started all of the pre op testing required by both my surgeon and my pcp. Waiting for the blood work results for my pcp to sign off on my surgical release. Then later this week I have a mammogram. Assuming all turns out as expected, that should be it until surgery day!
As a side note ... I don't really have a PCP. I have one I chose for my insurance, but I have never seen her. I just don't have any health issues, and never have had a need to go. My chosen PCP was off the day of my appt, so I saw another physician in the office. He was pretty damn condescending about plastic surgery. He lectured me about having my health was the most important thing, and my skin "isn't very bad at all" Uhhh, thanks, but I'm the one having to live with it. He also disapproved of my using an out of state surgeon. So guess who's going to be selecting a new PCP? 🤣

I have B12 injection every three month and my only other Vitamins are chewable Flintstones complete. My blood work comes back all in normal range. Had RNY1 year 3 months ago. Hope you get it figured out