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brittcarter91

Gastric Bypass Patients
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Everything posted by brittcarter91

  1. brittcarter91

    Forbidden Foods

    What did your medical team put on your forbidden foods list? Have you stuck to it or tried anything you weren't supposed to? What was your body's reaction? Anything you've eaten that should have been okay but your body hates and you've added to your forbidden foods list? -------- For me, the only food I've found that I absolutely cannot eat is bread. Like traditional, regular bread. Crackers, tortillas, chips, pizza base (under the toppings), even croissant... All fine. But any sort of regular bread gets stuck within two bites and is painful and makes me need to vomit. I haven't tried grapes or sausage skins or whole oranges/grapefruits which are all on the list, but other things like popcorn, beef, pork, and pasta were on the "no go" list and I've had no problem with those in small doses. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  2. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    I'm down about 60 pounds since surgery on 2/25! Happy with my progress. I'm down from a size 3X and a 28 pants to a 2X or even XXL and a 22 pants! I was so excited to buy XXL clothes at Old Navy last week! I'm definitely losing hair. You can't really notice it on my head yet, but I definitely notice it in the shower. I've tried to start doing weights and not just cardio and I've found I'm so weak now! I didn't realize how bad it had gotten.... Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  3. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    I was told absolutely no caffeine and no decaf coffee either ... Interesting that my program was so strict and others not at all! Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  4. brittcarter91

    Restriction

    I am just like you!! I had no hunger for the longest time and even now I only have the tiniest bit. I forced myself to eat after a while because I was getting shaky but stuck to about 4 tablespoons. Even now if I have a little more than that I don't get a tight feeling. Once or twice I accidentally ate too much when I didn't measure something and I felt nauseated, but still no tightness. So you're not alone. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  5. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    My update! Surgery was 2/25 so I'm like 5 weeks out. Down approximately 34 pounds. I'm down 3 inches each on my hips and waist which is exciting! Still technically on a "blended foods" diet but have cheated a little with some over cooked roasted potatoes and some noodles - mostly because I just got back from a week and a half in China! Travelling was tough, but mostly because I felt like I was missing out on the culture by not being able to have the food. I packed protein shakes and ate mostly eggs, a little tofu, a tiny bit of potato or noodles, and soup. I finally have a tiny bit of an appetite but still am mostly just eating because I'm supposed to. I would say my energy is at about 80% of pre-surgery levels. Overall feeling great! Looking forward to seeing my doctor on the 10th and hopefully getting approval to have more variety in my foods! Good thing I love eggs, cottage cheese, and yogurt lol Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  6. I just wanted to share my surgery experience as it seems very, very different than most I have seen and I don't want others to feel alone! My hospital experience was scary, but since then it has been great! So there is hope! The Scary Part On 2/25 I had my gastric bypass/RNY surgery. The plan was that I would stay one night and be discharged in the morning. I had the surgery, woke up feeling okay, and fairly quickly I got out of bed and took a short walk. I went back to rest and about four hours later told my mom I was feeling "weird." Within a few minutes, my eyes rolled back and I passed out in my hospital bed. I don't remember a lot after that, but here's what I've been told... The nurses came and got me stabilized. I woke back up and wanted to go to the restroom. They started to raise the head of the bed so I could get up.... and I passed out again immediately. Cue mad rush of people, changing rooms, going to ICU, blood tests, and eventually figuring out I had an internal bleed. My surgeon was called in around 2am for an emergency surgery to figure out what was going on. Turns out the bleed was not near my stomach or anything, but somehow they nicked a fat/muscle tissue area on the way in. I lost a lot of blood and they first gave me a bag during surgery. They continued to monitor me. Two days later my blood count was still very low. I received a blood transfusion of 2 more bags. It took another day, but finally my blood count was high enough that the doc said I could go home. I was home for about 2 hours.... and started to bleed profusely. On the way to the ER I soaked through five layers of kitchen towel and was seriously freaking out. I get there and not only am I bleeding, but I have a fever, so now they are concerned about an infection. After 5 hours in the ER, consulting with the surgeon on call, more IV fluids, and some Tylenol, my fever was down and I was told the bleeding was normal due to my internal bleed and to expect it for the next few days. The Good Part After returning home, I had very minor pain that I controlled with Tylenol for two days and then didn't require meds. I had very low energy, but I started walking immediately, 10 minutes at a time. 3 times a day for the first couple days, then 8 times a day. I drank lots of water, broth, and had about 70 grams of protein per day through shakes made with Canadian Protein (who I highly, highly recommend). I saw my doctor about 6 days later. My blood count was still on the low side, but acceptable, and everything else looked great! He approved me for pureed foods and soft scrambled eggs. I was told I didn't have a minimum number of calories, but to not go over around 700 ish. I could have 5-7 small meals, starting around 2-4 tablespoons. And to keep up the walking and he would see me in a month. I wasn't hungry, but I was excited so I almost right away had some refried beans. I ate about 3 tablespoons over the course of half an hour. About an hour later, I had a terrible side stitch that made me want to hunch over, but other than that I was okay. I ate a little bit of plain yogurt that evening and had the same side stitch. But the next morning I had a little yogurt... and was fine! Since then, I've had almost no hunger at all. I get my 2 protein shakes totally about 70 grams of protein, and I've been having 2 or 3 very small meals of yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, or a Laughing Cow cheese wedge. Honestly, I only eat that much because I know I should, not because I'm hungry. I have had ZERO vomiting, ZERO dumping syndrome, almost no nausea, no "foamies," and really no side effects. I'm a little tired still and shakey, like I'll get a little lightheaded if I stand up too quickly, but other than that I feel GREAT. I am 2 days shy of being 3 weeks out and I have lost 28 pounds already! I was prepared for lots of pain and vomiting and everything else, but have not had it at all. I've followed the rules very strictly, but I know a bit part of it is luck. So for anyone scared, be positive and know that not every experience is a horror story! There is hope!
  7. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    Anyone having trouble not wanting to eat anything? Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  8. Hello there! I am at almost three weeks post surgery and these past couple days have been feeling shakey all day and a little lightheaded when I stand up sometimes. I've checked blood sugar regularly and am in the 90s. I'm getting at least 70 grams of protein and at least 75 ounces or more of water. I have not had much of an appetite at all so I usually eat like 2 or 3 little things besides my protein shakes. Full disclosure - My surgery did not quite go smoothly... They nicked some muscle or something on the way in and didn't know it. I had to have an emergency surgery like 12 hours after my RNY because I had significant internal bleeding. I was kept in the hospital for four days and also had two blood transfusions before being released because my blood count was still low. But since then I feel pretty great! Very little pain, no nausea or vomiting, I have most of my energy back, almost zero appetite so easily maintaining a pureed diet only... I just don't know what this shaking is. Anyone else experience this? Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  9. I have had this too! I used to use quite a bit of salt and like salty things like pickles. Now I have an egg and put like, three grains of salt and I'm happy lol
  10. brittcarter91

    Once daily multivitamin

    My supplement plan, approved by my doc, is this: Morning: bariatric multivitamin, iron, vitamin D (I'm very deficient), and a probiotic Throughout the day: 3 calcium supplements (500 each) and one more probiotic
  11. brittcarter91

    Preparing for surgery, very scared. Tips??

    I think everyone is different. Reading all these stories, I certainly have been having a radically different experience from others! I ended up in the hospital for four days because I had an internal bleed and lost a lot of blood. But I didn't take any narcotics on the last day in the hospital or at all when I got home. And only needed Tylenol for like two days. I have not had any nausea or vomiting, very minimal pain, no dumping syndrome, nothing. I also have no appetite so the diet has been fine. I had super low energy for about a week and a half, but as soon as I got home from the hospital my mom made me start walking. First three days home I walked 3 times 10 minutes, but then she made me do 8 times 10 minutes every day after. Only one or twice was I not able to make it. I'm feeling a bit shakey and still not 100% on my energy levels and I'm almost 3 weeks post now. But other than that I am super grateful as to how good my recovery has been. All my complications happened in the hospital and it's been smooth sailing since. So know that it's possible!! Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  12. Ahh I had protein shakes, sugar free popsicles, and pho broth. I like blending my protein shakes with ice and they feel like a frappucino! Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  13. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    Oh yes! I have had some of those cheese wedges as well! But I'm with you - I focus on the protein shakes and everything else is bonus. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  14. brittcarter91

    stomach pain

    I just started getting occasional pain right near my belly button, like a sharp pinchy feeling. It's tolerable but hurts some. I'm almost 3 weeks as well. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  15. brittcarter91

    Anybody else?

    One week post surgery my doc said I could have half a soft scrambled egg. It will probably just depend on your body but you should be fine. The first time I put anything in besides protein shakes I had a terrible pain in my left side, like a side stitch, but that only lasted the first day. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  16. brittcarter91

    Preparing Your House

    I second this! Put a pad or thick towel on the mattress then some clean but old sheets you don't mind throwing out. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  17. Are you talking the pure liquid immediately after surgery or pureed a few days/week after? I have had so little appetite, it has been easy for me to stick to yogurt, cottage cheese, and a little mashed potato. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  18. brittcarter91

    Feeling Shakey 2 1/2 Weeks Post

    I'm thinking I'll call the after hours general nurse line today and depending what they say I'll call the bariatric nurse for my surgeon on Monday morning and get advice. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  19. brittcarter91

    Feeling Shakey 2 1/2 Weeks Post

    I definitely have time Monday morning to see someone, but it wouldn't be my surgeon, probably an urgent care person. I'm leaving for China, flight at 5pm, but I'm leaving from Seattle and am already here with my family and my surgeon is in Los Angeles. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  20. brittcarter91

    Feeling Shakey 2 1/2 Weeks Post

    Thank you for the feedback. I have been taking all my vitamins, including 30 iron daily. And I do not take any blood pressure meds, the only thing I'm taking is an antidepressant. I'm a little concerned because I leave Monday night for an international trip that my doctor approved. Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  21. brittcarter91

    February 2019 weight loss buds

    I feel like such a weirdo! I am just about 3 weeks out from surgery and have basically zero appetite. I've hardly been eating and just sticking to protein shakes. I'm down 28 pounds though! Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app
  22. I've heard such great things about keto but I'm worried about trying it again since I have type 2 diabetes. I'm pre-pre-op in that I have decided I'm interested in surgery but haven't actually started the process with my doc yet. Last time I tried keto I got about 3 weeks in and started having hypoglycemic incidents with low blood sugar, dizziness, and even confusion. I'm not sure how to manage keto and my diabetes medication together.
  23. Health wise I can't wait to reduce my prescriptions, reverse my diabetes, and be able to go see a doctor without having them automatically blame my ailment on my weight. (Hives from an allergic reaction - you're fat, lose weight. Toothache - you're fat, lose weight. Etc...) Other goals include flying without a belt extender, being able to go on all the rollercoasters at Knott's Berry Farm, crossing my legs like a lady, and being able to buy a women's watch and have it fit. As I'm preparing for surgery I'm trying to make as big of a list as possible of these types of goals to focus on rather than a number on the scale. I'm also trying to come up with a list of rewards that don't involve food, like getting a mani pedi or buying a new dress or going to see a show.
  24. Weight Loss Goals:

    • Fly on an airplane without a seatbelt extender
    • Ride the Harry Potter attractions at Universal Studios
    • Cross my legs like a lady
    • Climb multiple flights of stairs without getting winded
    • Perform in a musical and sing while dancing
    • Enjoy a movie/play/baseball game without hugging myself to avoid encroaching on my neighbors
    • Shop in a "regular" sized store
    • Go horseback riding / ziplining / etc without worrying or lying about my weight

    More to come...

    1. abefroman329

      abefroman329

      Sitting in a chair without having to fold your arms across your torso is the best. I also can’t rest my folded hands on my belly any more!

      Also, much to the chagrin if my credit card company, I can shop in regular stores now, and not in the big and tall section, either!

    2. brittcarter91

      brittcarter91

      Congrats! I know exactly what you mean about resting your hands on your belly lol.

      I love going to musicals and actually have season tickets, but its always so uncomfortable and I ache the next day because I've spent two+ hours contorted to avoid inconveniencing anyone. Same with flying...

  25. brittcarter91

    Sleeve recovery time

    So I'm a single woman who lives with roommates and my family is all in another state. My mom will fly in to come stay with me after the surgery, but how long will I need her with me? Anyone have opinions?

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