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- GLP-1 medication Zepbound, Wegovy, access, side effects, progress, and support.
- Before surgery Compare procedures, plan ahead, and get honest pre-op answers.
- Post-op Recovery, food stages, symptoms, and support.
- Long-term Regain, labs, habits, and life after the honeymoon.
- Revision Explore revision options, complications, and next steps.
Everything posted by MargoCL
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Sleeve vs bypass
There is a ton of information if you google it. I don't have any handy.
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Being wasteful.......
Yes, I think you will find through a variety of posts that many of us over bought in preparation because we tested and liked something pre surgery only to find out post our new tummys were not as keen on the product. I sucked up the chewable vitamins for 2 months (1/2 pre op) and finishing the 2nd bottle now and have moved onto the the same brand (BP Multi once a day) in capsule form. As for the premade protein shakes, I divide them into three uses, and add 1/3 of the bottle to my decaf coffee, it seems to work. But I have 2 1/2 full canisters of whey protein powder that I'm struggling with as well. including a lot of other products I purchased thinking, "oh this will be great" - I am slowly depleting the items but I will have some for months to come without the need to purchase. As for cooking, I cook for 3 people, which is somewhat helpful so leftovers are minimal. For work, I've started buying the pre-sized / packed foods for lunches (Tuna Creations, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken salad, hummus, guacamole, etc). They are the perfect size and I no longer feel like I"m wasting if I throw out a bite or two. I may spend a few cents more in the beginning, but for me it's all about convenience and the ability to not through away foods. I won't even prep and cook extra anymore, it's just not worth it. Your profile says you live in Michigan, I'm not sure if you have an Aldi there... but aside from the cottage cheese and tuna creations, I buy the remainder of my prepacked foods there). They have a great BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken for $3.99 - it's package so you the sauce doesn't smother the entire meat so I can remove the sauce and just have the meat. For a couple dollars more, their pork carnitas are the bomb and super moist. They sell out quickly. I've learned to buy things that are more economical and tummy friendly. Fresh sliced deli meat (turkey especially) is a great soft food resource and if the grocery sales are in your favor, really economical. I too expected big changes with my belly and I should've listened to a lot of people that said don't over pack for the hospital and don't over buy for the post WLS because there will be a lot of waste... Hopefully someone reading our posts will listen and not go through what we did...
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BP Website Excrutiatingly Slow After Update Yesterday
The app isn't much better. I've logged out and back in with a different browser and it was worse 2nd time. Bright side, getting all sorts of notifications on my phone, still don't show in app, but it too is painfully slow. I sure hope they fix this
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BP Website Excrutiatingly Slow After Update Yesterday
And here I thought is was my work computer.... (which wouldn't surprise me if it's that slow on a normal day). Thanks for the update
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Dating
Think of Online dating as WLS - There is going to be a lot of trial and error and even more stalls and plateaus. It's terrible what happened, but think about it, it could've happened with a person you met in person too. The main benefit of online dating is as I've mentioned, it puts you back out there to build confidence. That confidence built is what makes us more approachable in the real world. I don't blame you for deleting your profile, but take your time, as the old saying goes, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your Prince. Keep an open mind and an open heart, your Prince is out there...
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How to Start Meal Prepping After Bariatric Surgery
For me personally, meal prepping doesn't work since WLS. I buy items that are pretty much perfectly packaged and sized out (chicken salad, tuna creations, hummus, guacamole, yogurt) so I'm not "wasting" so much food. Additionally I don't have extra space to meal prep and freeze. It may be slightly higher in cost, but the convenience and hassle of trying to find storage in already a small area makes it worth it. Unless it's leftovers from the day before, I find that it's much easier to cook daily for my family and not spend the weekends prepping for the week.
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Hair loss
I use Biotin daily. Some say it doesn't work, but for me, I've been on it for 10 months now and my hair has never been more healthy, strong and thick. It's also great for your nails. Old school remedy is Gelatin capsules - I have family that swears by it.
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Stalled at 6 weeks
If you have searched many of the past posts you will note that stalls are common. Weight loss is not linear and stalls, plateaus will happen even at this early stage. I've stalled 3 times and I'm just 2 weeks behind you in surgery. You have to ensure you are meeting your protein and water goals first, eating three tiny meals is probably not enough and your body could've gone into starvation mode. Are you tracking your intake, can you give us an example of what your day looks like? There is no way to "jump start" the weight loss again, just keep following your program and it will take off on it's own.
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Headaches after workout
It sounds like deyhradtion, but I'm no Dr. I think I would consult with your PCP or Surgeon. It also could be low electrolytes.
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Food Before and After Photos
That's what I want too! It's the bomb of air fryers! :
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TEETH anyone having issues?
Most likely those that have dental issues post WLS are due to not enough vitamins, calcium, minerals and the fact our pH changes in our saliva. The most important thing to do is continue with your good dental hygiene regimen and never stop taking your vitamins and calcium.
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Non-food rewards
If I can lose 4 more pounds before the 10th - One big reward for reaching Onederland - a spa day while on vacation - I can hear the masseuse calling my name. My first official goal would be reached in 7 lbs - not realistic to think that can / will happen in a week... that would 40lbs lost since day before pre-op - reward - Extended weekend away with the BF.
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Food Before and After Photos
My first before / after food pic... and apologies not the most exciting meal ever... Tuna Creations Tapatio w/ Lime - Not my favorite of the tuna creations - 1st time (ate 1/3) Kays protein chips (1/2 of bag) Friendly Farms Lowfat cottage cheese (3 oz) 139 of 100 KCAL 20G Protein 12g Carbs 2g Fiber 2g Fat 4g Sugar
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Food Before and After Photos
Ours is a Power XL - The infomercial on TV... LOL.. but I bought on eBay for the normal 1/2 price. I'd definitely recommend investing in the largest basket, it just makes things so much easier. https://www.amazon.com/Power-XL-QT-Black-Deluxe/dp/B01LY4V7B8/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538493352&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=power+xl+air+fryer&psc=1 And for the office... I purchased this one... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX9T6HF/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 it was an amazon daily deal for under $70 - couldn't beat it. Our office mates love it.
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Food Before and After Photos
I love our air fryer.... I really now want the air fryer oven.... it's the high tech air fryer and so much more... I could get rid of 3 appliances in place of it... but I've been told no more appliances until at least 2 die. LOL
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Insurance hoops.....
I found everything necessary for the pre-op portion, I took nutrition classes, psych eval, and the pre-op class. I can't tell you how many times I've referred to the paperwork given to my in my pre-op class because most of the time, the questions I had were right in front of me. No one can fully prepare you for the life change you are about to embark on, but having as much information as possible a head of time is priceless. I had all my paperwork saved in a 3-ring binder with notes, stickies and what not reminding me of things that could come up. My post-op appointments have been great as well, I walk in with a list of questions and if they don't address something on my list I go right through them with me. The more well versed you are the better prepared you are, but until the surgery happens, you still have no idea what you're in for. I am so thankful for the prep I received prior to surgery and the research I did on my own. I think my mindset and knowledge helped me stay focused and not go through some of the emotional roller coasters that others faced post surgery.
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Constantly Tired @ 2 Weeks
I was like that my first week for sure and into my second week as well. I would come home from work and take a 30-minute nap to get re-energized. As Matt noted, it does get better with time.
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From 24 to....
Congratulations!
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Intermittent Fasting Daily Menu/Results/Accountability
Congratulations on the weight loss so far. Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting the pics. Seeing the month over month progression is really helpful to me mentally.
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Rash
I am a huge fan of this stuff.... My mom works in the healthcare industry and her patients use this for bed sores, chaffing, etc. In the summer I've been known to get heat rashes and this clears it up before the day is out... I swear by the Coloplast cream products. It's like the movie "my big fat greek wedding" and the father says that he uses "windex" on everything... that's how I am with this cream. If a rash breaks out... I go to it. it's been my savior for years. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coloplast-Baza-Protect-Skin-Protectant-Moisture-Barrier-Cream-5-Oz/48319341 I will forewarn you, if your skin is broken - it may sting at first, but it quickly goes away.
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My experience so far with sleeve (6 weeks in)
I think what a lot of us forget is hunger pains and hunger are not the same. One is fueled directly by hunger the other is likely thirst. When I feel hunger pains, I start to drink water and within 5 - 10 minutes my hunger has disappeared. If I can drink 20 oz of water within 3 hours of getting up - I am less hungry throughout the day. Add 40 oz and I'm barely hungry. I also keep a canister of mixed nuts near my office desk, if I feel like the water hasn't satisfied my hunger I take 4 - 6 nuts and eat them slowly. My hunger immediately goes away until I'm ready for my next actual meal. At home I substitute a spoonful of peanut butter or cottage cheese (whichever is in stock).
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Unsupportive partners make me so angry!
I think that's where I was lucky, the household wanted to eat better as well. Now we eat a very low carb lifestyle and all of us are happier because of it.
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Craving pizza
Plug it into MFP and it will give you the breakdown.
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Sucking it in
Old Navy High waist Skinny jeans are great! (or just buy "tall) -
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New to the app.
I think you should definitely reach out to your surgical team. If you cannot keep foods down there may be something else going on. You shouldn't wait until it's too late.