ZGal

I had to do six months of supervised nutrition prior to being approved for my surgery. It had to also be with a nutritionist, it could not be my surgeon. And they had to document all of my visits and what we talked about and my weight, and submit it to insurance. If I had more than 30 days in between nutrition visits, my insurance would have started my nutrition journey all over. Prior to even starting my Weight loss journey, I looked up ANTHEM BCBS’s requirements, and I also called them to doublecheck and make sure that something like this would not happen. I’m sorry that you had to go through that, HOWEVER, The upside to it is you can start your nutrition journey now and then you will have met all the requirements.

Check with your insurance, I was told that it had to be 30 days, and if it went over 30 days, I would have to restart my nutrition journey. But everybody has a different plan and insurance company

I was told to avoid drinking 30 before & after meals. My nutritionist did say it was ok to SIP during a meal if you’re dying for a drink. However, I was also told that if you’re getting thirsty, you should check with yourself To see if you’re full. Listen to your body & good luck!

Anyone have any luck with reducing pain (I’ve used Tylenol) that’s not an NSAID? I’ve been experiencing hip pain; this is most apparent when using my rowing machine and when I was heavier, but now it bothers me while simply walking. I’m going to my dr next week, but I would love to hear if anyone has any success with anything else until I go to the dr.

thank you in advance!

Youre doing a great job and putting a lot of effort into prepping for surgery. If you are doing well with the diet, you may be able to get to a weight you’re healthy with and maintain without surgery. I lost a lot in my liquid diet phase pre-op but I couldn’t do that forever, it was just a starting point for me. Good luck with everything!

Definitely talk to your doctor. Even if folks have done it, you are unique and no one on here will be able to give you the answer your doctor needs to give you. Good luck!

I had always heard that flinstone Vitamins are not the best for bariatric folks. I take an intranasel B12 once a week, 2 Multivitamins a day, 2 Calcium a day, 2 Biotin (for hair loss) a day, and 1 Iron (2 hours away from the calcium). If you get your bloodwork done and everything looks good, keep doing what you’re doing. Always listen to your doctor and don’t skip your vitamins!

On 4/26/2019 at 7:34 PM, AmyBra88 said:

Thank you for this post. I am provisionally booked in for the 25th June and starting to have doubts. I was kind of relying on getting the dumping syndrome to help me lose my desire for food that I currently carry, I’m now worried I might not get it and I’ll still want to shovel everything in my face 🙈. You have put my mind at ease with the actual surgery though as everyone has been negative around me telling me how extreme it is blah blah blah, which isn’t helpful!! It’s nice to read people have done it and love it! Thank you.

Can I tell you- I originally wanted the sleeve and my dr said that was fine, but felt I’d be MORE successful with the bypass, so he encouraged me to research. The stuff I was scared of (losing my teeth due to Calcium deficiency and the slew of negative stories I had read) I was able to find out WHY they happen so I can avoid them (like taking vitamins!! Don’t stop taking them!). When I made the choice to do the bypass I said to my dr: “is it f*cked up that I WANT the dumping syndrome? I WANT shitty food to make me sick so I don’t eat it!” And he said no. Some folks on forums will (and have) shamed me for that, but it’s what I NEEDED, so I had to stop caring. I was never full, I could always eat, and made terrible choices. The best thing is that ice cream makes me dump; I needed that! I know to avoid it, unless I want to MAKE MYSELF feel like I have the flu. I have sort of determined that trying stuff earlier and having the negative experience is better for me, because if I wait a year, and then don’t have dumping syndrome, I know myself and I will go back to my old habits. If I could control my eating and my cravings and my desire to continue to shovel food in my mouth, I wouldn’t have been in a position where I needed surgery to get my life back on track.Some people who have negative stories have experience with other people who did it for the wrong reasons, and were not successful. I told my mother-in-law and father-in-law about my surgery, because I didn’t want them to be offended if we went out to eat and I really didn’t touch food, and they knew someone who had a really bad experience with it so they were concerned. And after talking to them they kind of realize that the person they knew did it as a fix all, didn’t follow the guidelines, and wound up in the hospital a few times because they made really bad choices. I am determined to not do that. I am determined to get town to 150 pounds, feel good about myself, and be healthy. I am down to 240 pounds, which is still heavy for me, but I feel good, and I can’t say that I have felt that way in a long time. I Always have a Protein ready to eat in my fridge if I feel like snacking, I’m going to eat a protein. And I make sure I take my Vitamins and get my Water in. I also am very slowly exercising, and I have to remind myself that doing a little bit is much better than doing nothing. Please feel free to message me if you ever need someone to talk to always have a protein ready to eat in my fridge if I feel like snacking, I’m going to eat a protein. And I make sure I take my vitamins and get my water in. I also am very slowly exercising, and I have to remind myself that doing a little bit is much better than doing nothing. Please feel free to message me if you ever need someone to talk to, and BEST OF LUCK ❤️❤️❤️❤️

On 4/15/2019 at 11:58 AM, Bonines said:

Thank you for this post! I really needed this today. I was having a hard time the past few days thinking I shouldn't have done this but I have to shut that **** down and push out those negative thoughts. I need to give myself so much more credit.

I did surgery 23 days ago and lost 22 lbs! That's such an achievement and I should be so proud of myself. I had no pain ( just a little after surgery which is normal), no vomiting, no dumping. I haven't cheated on my diet and stuck to my plan as hard as it was. I probably could be better at getting in my Water but that's something I'm working on. I'm exercising 3 times a week and working up to 5. This could have been so much worse and I sometimes tell myself I'm not doing a good job but this is a life changing surgery and every day won't be rainbows and unicorns for me. The payoff at the end is totally worth it and I hope we can all stay strong through this journey and when we see the results at the end, we'll know we did the right thing!

I have a dressform that I customized prior to my surgery. When I don’t feel like I’m doing a great job, I look at my dressform and think “holy crap!”. Since I customized it, it has all my lumps and bumps that are becoming less and less. If we know not every day is going to be a good day, it helps get us through. Some folks think it’s a cure, nope! We still have to keep working hard as ever!

On 4/14/2019 at 10:23 AM, Frustr8 said:

Thank You, all three of you, I need the hopeful encouraging examples, you see, I'm one of those " oops, this wasn't what We Planned" RnYers but I too don't regret the surgery, get peeved at my body,for not reading the pamphlets closely enough, but still believe things will,smooth out and I still will be a success. It's gonna. still happen, just a matter of time!⏰

You got this! Do what your dr says and take it one day at a time ❤️

I’m 38 days post op and I wanted to share my experience so far. When I was prepping for this massive change, I relied on other folks’ experiences for guidance. I found some positive and some that made me go into surgery preparing for the worse, just because I knew it was possible. I also saw people’s negative experiences, and while it didn’t deter me, I wanted to post my very positive journey so far! Disclaimer: this is not me gloating! I know some folks have had a very difficult journey, some with far too many complications. I just want to share a story that I was looking for when going through my preop journey. I hope everyone’s path to healthiness is an affirmative one!

My cardiology appointment, 2 weeks before my surgery, I weighed 282lbs with clothing on. After my liquid diet (which was tough for me, because I like to eat!) I was down to 267lbs on the day of my surgery. As an outsider looking in, I would think, “see, you can lose weight without surgery!” But those 2weeks were tough and it took my all to not snap at everyone and everything! It was certainly a nice kick off though!

My surgery experience was great! I woke up and needed to wait another 3 hours for a room, but I slept for most of it. I was nauseous at first, but it subsided with some anti nausea meds. I walked around a lot, sipped Water, caught up on my Netflix and SLEPT! I was able to burp, which oddly was something I was worried I would lose (I had read folks that don’t really burp anymore). I was able to keep liquids down, walk around, and even have some broth and Jello. When my dr checked in on me after my evening, he was surprised I didn’t have complaints. I expected the pain I was in, it wasn’t a shock to me. I was sore, my incision marks were glued, and I had bruises, but I was prepared for the pain, so I had no complaints. I wanted to go home so badly, and the cute lil nurse kept telling me to not rush, but I really just wanted to be home in my bed. My surgery was 8am on a Thursday, and I was back at home by 4pm Friday.

I took 1 week off from work (my job doesn’t involve a lot of moving or lifting, so my dr said as long as I wasn’t taking narcotics and could drive comfortably, I could go back to work). For the first 3 days, I pretty much slept. I took pain meds to help me sleep without waking constantly for being uncomfortable for those days, then stopped. I didn’t pass gas until Saturday (3 days after my surgery) and didn’t have a bowel movement until 1 week post op. I also got my period which was heavy and lasted longer than usual (but it stopped and my dr wasn’t concerned by it). I drank my Protein Shakes and water, chicken broths, took my meds without any issues (kept them down and didn’t experience pain), ate SO MANY sugar-free popsicles. Almost every article I read said that each food type phase is about 2 weeks. My dr had a schedule for me where each was one week, with caution that if I start something new and it upsets my stomach, go back to the step before. I was very thankful to move to puréed foods and then soft foods before my first month. I’m someone who doesn’t mind eating the same things over and over, especially if I like it, so I was ok with being limited.

I wasn’t hungry, but I wanted to eat. It was so weird, but it was clear that my brain was used to the habit, so I would just make sure I kept drinking my water. As I introduced new foods, it became very clear that simple carb gave me almost immediate stomach pains and refined sugars would make me feel nauseous then give me diarrhea. I have been very good about my Vitamins and water, but I need to keep better focus on my Protein intake. I have only vomited a couple of times from taking that extra couple of bites, which helped encourage me to stop as soon as I feel full. Random hiccups happen, and sometimes they’re rough, but they eventually go away. From my weight at surgery, I’m down 20lbs; 20lbs In 38 days!

I haven’t had to adjust my social life; I don’t drink, but that’s ok, and with going out for food, no one says anything if i take food home or don’t finish a meal. I’ve been moderately exercising, because I need to increase my stamina. I bought a nice beach bike which is a fun ride and not so intense that I would want to skip it (because we know how easy it is to make excuses!). Walking has been great too! I honestly forget about my surgery most of the time. The few people who know about it will ask if I’m ok with them eating in front of me or ask how I’m doing, and my immediate reaction is confusion. The I realize why they said it and I have to remind myself.

So, super long post! Sorry! However, as you can tell, I have zero regrets and I’m very happy with my results so far. I keep a journal to reflect and track for when things get tough (or to remind me how sick I felt the last time I tried a piece on chocolate!). I keep track of my weight and my inches lost. I weigh myself on Sundays and I do my measurements once a month.all my vitamins are organized for the week and my energy is almost back to normal.

7 hours ago, NikNaks said:

Hey lady!

So definitely talk to your doctor on Monday about what they want you to take. Getting your period can be expected, your body just went through some crazy changes and one thing as a lady that happens is that we might have spotting or our period when these happen. Regarding the depression, I am about to get my surgery and I talked to my doctor about them, they told me I could keep taking my medication. The main concern that medication may be too big and may become stuck in your newer, smaller stomach. So I would check with them first, and see if they can be taken and maybe they need to be cut or crushed.

Also with the depression, if you aren't taking your medication, try to stay on top of it and use some other outlets to try and manage or cope with it. Talk to friends, reach out to us on here, we got your back and you can make it through!

Thanks! I am on top of the depression, that’s why I want it fixed ASAP hehe. I, thankfully, haven’t had any issues with taking my medications, so that’s why I’m wondering if my body isn’t processing it correctly. That makes sense about my period too. Fingers crossed I have some answers when I see my dr 😊

I’m 16 days post op. I was not told to stop by birth control (or any of my medications for that matter) at any point, but I got my period the other day, which is not typical. I also have been feeling very depressed and I’m wondering if I’m not absorbing/processing my antidepressants correctly.

I’m seeing my doctor Monday. Just wondering if anyone else has run into this and how it panned out. Thank you in advance

I had gastric bypass on 3/7. I didn’t complain about the gas pain because I knew I was going to be there. For me, it was just uncomfortable. I would burp, but I didn’t pass gas until 2 days after my surgery. I’ve heard it can take about a week for all the gases to leave your body. Walk around as much as you can, that helps. I didn’t use gas x or anything like that because the gas pain was from the surgery, not my body.

ask your doctor too, they will be honest with you, even if they didn’t initially mention it. Good luck!

Call your insurance and ask for the wording specific to your plan. Everyone’s plan is different. Just call and get it straight from the horse’s mouth. I’ve heard some say they can gain more than 6lbs, while others say nothing about weight gain during nutrition. Best of luck!

Yes! And I have learned that every doctor has a different plan for different people. I was only allowed 3 Protein Shakes, one Protein Bar, and zero calorie liquids for my preop. A girl I know told me her dr wasn’t too strict about the preop and she went out to dinner the night before her surgery. I was SO jealous, but I had to realize that I felt that way because I have a food addiction, and I can’t compare what I need and what my doctor suggests to anyone else.

Keep a journal, note what is happening when you want to eat (helps you figure out if you have triggers) and countdown to surgery best of luck! You can do it!

4 hours ago, DwarfStarlin said:

I’m doing okay. I still have pain in my right side though. How are you doing?

I’m getting there. I’m not as tired and I thank God for popsicles! I have been good about fluids and my Vitamins and walking around. I’m so glad I did this,! I can’t wait to be able to move around more comfortably my wounds are healing really well (even my fiancé was surprised with how much better they look). I also have very little appetite, and while I know that doesn’t last forever, I am so happy to finally feel like that!

On 3/2/2019 at 1:21 AM, DwarfStarlin said:

Mine is March 7th

I had mine March 7th too! How are you feeling?

On 3/3/2019 at 3:41 PM, Feelinghopefulnow said:

Hi everyone , I'm not telling anyone about my surgery (sleeve being done 20th March) they wouldn't understand to be honest

Work will be told its a hernia or scar tissue adhesions from a bad fall I had two years ago .... that did actually happen so they know I'm hurting from that still . I was wondering if anyone went back to work relatively quickly after the op. if so how did you manage . I dont have anyone close to share this with other than my daughter who doesn't live close so I'll be going through it on my own. So any advise or support would be gratefulgratefully received.

I took a week of vacation and told my colleagues it’s a “staycation” so I would just be working on stuff around the house. That all they needed to know. A friend of mine is a nurse in a dr’s office; she had surgery on a Thursday, and was in work Monday. It depends on how you feel and your job. I used to be a music teacher and if I had my surgery with that job, I would have taken at least 2 weeks off. My job now is mostly driving and sitting so I only took a week. But the key is to listen to your body! I am not going to push my body until it breaks, and if I don’t heal well, it’s all for nothing.

4 minutes ago, AnnieD78 said:

That is so nice, thank you very much. Half of this is not having anyone to talk through it with. My family isn’t exactly supportive.... they’re not NOT supportive, though. If that makes sense.

My family doesn’t know. My mom knows I went on a liquid diet per my dr recommendation (which was the truth). Two girls I work with know, my fiancé (but my stepson), and two friends. I don’t want to deal with people being unsupportive, so I only told people that I knew would be supportive. The reality is some people won’t be supportive and that’s ok, but they don’t need to be a part of your journey. Feel free to reach out if you need someone! You’re going to do Great!

1 minute ago, SusieQ2019 said:

Hi Annie,

I haven't had my surgery yet, and like ZGal said, I also dont have a long term success to share. At my first appointment with the surgeon I was sure that I wanted the sleeve, but the more research I did, I came to the conclusion that the best for me is the RNY and I already told my surgeon's office of the change. There's an old saying that say the best consumer is an educated consumer. I think the waiting period no matter how long it may seem at times give us the opportunity to research and to figure out what the best option is. I don't think dumping syndrome will be an issue for me as I have already stopped eating or drinking any sugary food for more than a month now.

You should ask your surgeon the percentage of his patients who gain the weight back from the sleeve or RNY, and percentage of revision from sleeve to RNY he does.

Wishing you the best.

ZGal gives an update on how you are doing. I would like to know and wishing you much success.

Will do! And I will second what you said about the educated consumer! My doctor and nurses were surprised that I was as educated as I was, because they’ve seen so many people go into this without all of the facts. That’s the stuff, I think, that makes for regrets later on.

I’m 2 days post op gastric bypass (sorry, not a long term success to share). I wanted to say , though, that that was my thought process too and my PA said “ listen, I’m not going to tell you what to do, I’m going to give you the facts. The bottom line is is that you have to be happy, because you’re going to keep coming back and checking in with me and I don’t want to see you with regret having chosen the sleeve and not bypass. “

Because of my history of weight gain and loss and eating disorders, bypass was the better option for me. I’m home, I spent 1 night in the hospital and have no regrets at this point in time. I knew myself well enough to know that if I got the sleeve, at some point, the chances of me regaining weight were higher than if I did the bypass. Everyone has a different experience; for me, I don’t look at dumping syndrome as a bad thing. To me it’s a tool to listen to my body and an assistant for making good choices. I went into this with a lot of information. People have complained about Calcium deficiencies, but I learned that this could be because they weren’t the taking their Vitamins. I work with a girl who doesn’t take her vitamins on the weekends, doesn’t like to exercise, drinks with a straw (no no!), makes not so great food choices, no drinks alcohol. She’s the kind of person who may, down the road, say how it didn’t work for her. I plan on being a success story.

This was my first surgery, I was petrified! I went into the operating room and fell asleep and woke up in recovery. I was nauseous for a couple of hours, but that was it. The pain was nothing worse than I would have expected. Read all of the good and bad stories, learn why some people had bad experiences, was it something they could have prevented, was it because of a previous medical condition, etc,.

The best of luck to you! You’ll make the right choice for yourself. Be honest with yourself, keep a journal, make goals to stick to, and feel free to reach out to folks because you’re not alone!

It’s a challenge, no doubt about it! Many times I wanted to grab something quick and unhealthy, think8ng “oh this won’t screw anything up”, but I always convinced myself to do the right thing. My cheats were healthy cheats, like salad, or no bean chili, controlled portions. I was honest with my doctor about my cheats and thankfully it didn’t screw up my surgery, but it could have if I didn’t do right by the preop plan. Remind yourself that this is the beginning of a new life and relationship with food. I know I have a food addiction, and that’s a struggle in my journey, but if I don’t get control, all this was for nothing, and I’m not going to let that happen.

Talk to your doctor or nutritionist too; my nutritionist recommended a couple of things to help with my hunger levels, and it did help. Remember this is a tool, but a tool is only useful if you know how to use it.

best of luck!

It totally depends on your doctor and your weight. I had to do a 2 week liquid diet, but I hadn’t gotten my surgery confirmation, so I wound up doing 9 days liquid only. I was honest with my doctor Because, 1. He would know if I lied or cheated, and 2. I wanted to make sure he understood that I knew I didn’t do what he asked. Thankfully it wasn’t an issue with my surgery, but if I were heavier and had other issues, it could have prevented me from having the surgery, or having it done in a more invasive way.

try your best to do what the doctor says. I lost a good hunk of weight and it forced me to be aware of when I was hungry or “full” which I think will help now that I’m post op bypass.

I just got home yesterday from my March 7 surgery. Everything went well, no issues. Took me until today to finally fart, which had me worried. I’m incredibly thankful I didn’t run into any problems. I did not tell my family about my surgery, so having it go smoothly was a godsend for many reasons! I’ve pretty much just been sleeping, which I don’t think is unusual... I don’t have an appetite for food, but I am thankful for popsicles (I like being able to chew a bit!).

i hope everyone else has had a safe surgery so far! ❤️