Johnny2Thumbs

You may have issues getting insurance to pay for things like a Tummy Tuck or skin removal on your arms and legs unless it's causing serious medical issues but you'd probably have more success having them pay for a panniculectomy. That's what I've discovered as I'm going through the process now.

Anyone else discover a massive, insatiable sweet tooth after surgery? I'm almost 2 years out and unfortunately I'm not one of those who dump. I never had this bad of a sugar craving before surgery and now it's become one of my biggest struggles.

I once had a piece of beef Jerky stuck and it sucked so I know how you feel. If you ever get meat stuck, you can try some papaya enzymes. They will help break down the Protein quickly. Whatever you do, don't drink Water thinking you'll flush it down, that just makes it worse.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Just a little over 6 months since my surgery and I'm down 125lbs and there have been several weeks that I've stalled and weight loss didn't resume for 2-3 weeks. In fact, throughout the second month after surgery I actually gained 10lbs when I started eating solids. While I certainly haven't reverted back to my old eating habits, I admit I don't follow the strict Protein to carb to fat ratio. I just simply don't eat as much.
Dumping isn't a problem as I don't get that despite indulging in limited sugar now and then. But I've read that only around 30% of bariatric patients actually experience it anyways. I can eat pretty much anything but I haven't even tried bread or Pasta and don't intend to. I've had limited rice with no problems. As long as I chew thoroughly, I've had no problems with food getting stuck. However, I find I have to be very careful with beef Jerky. It was the tough kind and I didn't chew it enough and it did get stuck and made me quite nauseous. It lasted several hours but I actually felt it pass through the pouch and the gurgling noises started and I immediately felt better. Papaya enzyme tablets help with the breakdown of any Proteins, like meat, that may get stuck.
Energy levels have risen greatly and I'm off my Type II diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol meds. I've had to adjust my CPAP settings down and I've actually slept without the CPAP without any resulting grogginess or depleted energy. I can probably go off it at anytime but I'd like to have another sleep study before I stop.
Lunchables are a perfect meal size for me and I'll eat those quite frequently as well as the Ore Ida egg cups that have some pouches and you just add the eggs and microwave them. Oddly, I only have a BM every 3-4 days.
I could go on but just wanted to post this as encouragement for others out there. When I first had my surgery I was filled with regret as I was going through all the junk food withdrawals. I don't regret it for a second now....and you won't either.

Welcome to the joy of post RNY life. I know the feeling. When I do have a BM, it's so hard I'm left feeling like Richard Simmons in a prison shower. I hope you find some relief.

I stalled after week 4 for the entire month. In fact, I even gained 10 lbs. Eventually, the weight loss started back up again and I'm losing a pretty steady pace of around 5lbs a week. Losing weight really comes down to calories in, calories out. People try to make it more complicated than it has to be.
The amount of weight you loose at first also has a lot to do with how overweight you were to begin with. I was 375lbs, so I had quite a bit to loose and my initial weight loss would be much more than someone who only had to loose 50-100lbs.
Don't get discouraged. You're very likely eating more than you should, even if you don't recognize that. Your body may still be going through an adjustment period. If you're eating fewer calories than your BMR, you will lose. Also, be happy with a slower, progressive weight loss vs. a rapid weight loss. You may find that your skin has more time to recover and won't be so loose.

I stalled after week 4 for the entire month. In fact, I even gained 10 lbs. Eventually, the weight loss started back up again and I'm losing a pretty steady pace of around 5lbs a week. Losing weight really comes down to calories in, calories out. People try to make it more complicated than it has to be.
The amount of weight you loose at first also has a lot to do with how overweight you were to begin with. I was 375lbs, so I had quite a bit to loose and my initial weight loss would be much more than someone who only had to loose 50-100lbs.
Don't get discouraged. You're very likely eating more than you should, even if you don't recognize that. Your body may still be going through an adjustment period. If you're eating fewer calories than your BMR, you will lose. Also, be happy with a slower, progressive weight loss vs. a rapid weight loss. You may find that your skin has more time to recover and won't be so loose.

I'm about 3.5 months out from surgery and experienced my first case of the "foamies" last night. It wasn't pleasant to say the least. I'm sure it was either eating too much or a piece of meat that got stuck.
Last night's episode lasted about 3 hours. I've only had a similar feeling twice before when I've eaten too much and walking around for a few minutes would usually be enough to jiggle the contents of my pouch out into the intestines. Walking did nothing to help last night and laying down was worse. I sat in front of the toilet waiting for it to come up but then I started to hear the digestive juices in my stomach and all the sudden I felt better. I got lucky.
Word to the wise....chew carefully and be aware of the amount of food intake. Lesson learned!

Thanks Frust8 but that photo isn't of me. It's of another poster.
I'm doing quite well now actually. I'm 3 months post op and have had zero complications. I'm down 80+ pounds and 10 inches off my waist! That first month was tough, to say the least. The cravings for all the junk food I used to eat were really weighing me down. Today I have no desire to resume my old eating habits.
I've discovered I don't experience dumping syndrome nor have I had any issues with food getting stuck. I can eat just about anything I want although I stay away from breads, rice or Pasta. Some foods sit rather heavy and I feel full a long time (like meatballs) and other foods I can eat much more than the 4-7oz my pouch supposedly holds.
My biggest challenge now is to find foods that I look forward to eating. My diet is still kind of bland and boring. I've never been one to cook so I'm learning different recipes.
I've read so many posts where people would say they don't regret the surgery at all and they're right. Sometime it's hard to see the forest through the trees I guess.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. I'll try to look at the positive side. I have to admit, I do like the weight loss. I'm down almost 50 lbs since my heaviest. It's a great feeling. I know the cravings have a lot to do with my negativity but those are starting to go away a bit. A year from now I know I'll have a totally different outlook.

The more horror stories I read here, the more I'm beginning to regret getting RNY a couple of weeks ago. All I seem to read is how people throw up constantly, start dumping and have a myriad of health complications. I'm just hoping that that vast majority of people who live happy and healthy lives after RNY just aren't posting as much.
I've been very fortunate to not have had any complications so far. I'm still on the liquid stage but I really have not had problems downing liquids all day (as long as I remember to bring them with me). I'm praying that when I can start eating food, they go down without a fight. Does vomiting feel the same with gastric bypass as it did prior? I hate throwing up!

I certainly can't speak for everyone, but I followed the pre-op diet pretty loosely. If I had the willpower to stick to liquids for two weeks prior to this surgery, I wouldn't have needed the surgery to begin with. I cut out soda and a lot of sugars and still managed to lose around 20 lbs. Just don't make a habit of eating big meals out and you should be just fine.

I certainly can't speak for everyone, but I followed the pre-op diet pretty loosely. If I had the willpower to stick to liquids for two weeks prior to this surgery, I wouldn't have needed the surgery to begin with. I cut out soda and a lot of sugars and still managed to lose around 20 lbs. Just don't make a habit of eating big meals out and you should be just fine.

I'm only a couple months out but I know how you feel. When I first got the surgery I told everyone I was getting my gallbladder removed and needed to be on a special diet. I'm at the point now I could care less what people think. I tell them I had gastric bypass and it rid me of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. I've actually received a lot of encouragement.
As for hiding it when you're out eating. I think everyone is different. I experience no dumping at all, even when I eat sweets (which I don't really do anymore). The taste of sugar just doesn't appeal to me much now. Neither does fast food. They'll likely notice when you only eat a couple of bites and are full. I also get a to-go box when I place my order. And whatever you do, don't overeat. I made that mistake twice when I was out at a restaurant and was so incredibly close to vomiting at my table. Walking around helped almost immediately.
Embrace the new you and don't worry about what others think. You're getting this surgery for you and not them. If your friends can't support you, they probably aren't friends worth having.
Good luck!

I'm almost 6 weeks out and just recently was released to pureed & soft foods. My doctor had me on liquids for 4 straight weeks. That was brutal. I completely understand your feelings because my biggest fear throughout all this is vomiting and getting food stuck. I didn't want to eat at first and was overly cautious. I'm discovering now that as long as I take very small bites and chew thoroughly I'm fine and actually enjoy eating. I ate a little too much refried Beans one day and that made be a little nauseous but that's about it. I know eating certain amounts of Proteins vs carbs vs fats is important, but I don't get hung up on the numbers. I know I'm not eating like I used to and the weight is coming off quickly and I feel good.

The more horror stories I read here, the more I'm beginning to regret getting RNY a couple of weeks ago. All I seem to read is how people throw up constantly, start dumping and have a myriad of health complications. I'm just hoping that that vast majority of people who live happy and healthy lives after RNY just aren't posting as much.
I've been very fortunate to not have had any complications so far. I'm still on the liquid stage but I really have not had problems downing liquids all day (as long as I remember to bring them with me). I'm praying that when I can start eating food, they go down without a fight. Does vomiting feel the same with gastric bypass as it did prior? I hate throwing up!

I certainly can't speak for everyone, but I followed the pre-op diet pretty loosely. If I had the willpower to stick to liquids for two weeks prior to this surgery, I wouldn't have needed the surgery to begin with. I cut out soda and a lot of sugars and still managed to lose around 20 lbs. Just don't make a habit of eating big meals out and you should be just fine.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. I'll try to look at the positive side. I have to admit, I do like the weight loss. I'm down almost 50 lbs since my heaviest. It's a great feeling. I know the cravings have a lot to do with my negativity but those are starting to go away a bit. A year from now I know I'll have a totally different outlook.