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Cala B.

Gastric Bypass Patients
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  1. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from rs in Favorite non scale victory   
    I have two!
    1. My jawline has re-appeared, first photo is from three weeks post-op, second is from January this year.
    2. My chronic cough is GONE! I blamed my allergies but apparently it was from the hiatal hernia that they repaired. This is EPIC!

  2. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Jonsie27 in Before and After Pics   
    Sometimes I feel like its good to look at these because its so easy to get caught up in the "I'm still losing I gotta keep pushing" mindset.

  3. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Frustr8 in Immediate Weight Loss   
    And THAT had to be a Happy surprise for YOU! Lost inches are a lovely side effect!
  4. Haha
    Cala B. got a reaction from Frustr8 in Immediate Weight Loss   
    Be sure to take you measurements. I finally got to surgery day weight day 8 post-op, but I had lost two inches at the waist and hips.
  5. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from rs in Favorite non scale victory   
    I have two!
    1. My jawline has re-appeared, first photo is from three weeks post-op, second is from January this year.
    2. My chronic cough is GONE! I blamed my allergies but apparently it was from the hiatal hernia that they repaired. This is EPIC!

  6. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Sunnyday25 in Favorite non scale victory   
    I biked the golden gate bridge from fishermans wharf I think it was a grand total of 24 miles it was amazing!!!
  7. Like
    Cala B. reacted to SueSaBelle in Favorite non scale victory   
    My favorite NSV was when my husband and I went to the new Little Ceaser's Arena for Pink's concert. I had never been but many people told me how small the seats were which became a huge anxiety fixation. Everyone knows that feeling...well my husband sat down first and had to squeeze in because in the first row of mezzanine the drink holders were on the arms of the seats and made it even more of a tight squeeze. He told me, "I don't know, honey, if I had to squeeze in, it might be tougher for you."
    I SLIDE IN EASILY AND HAD SPARE ROOM IN MY SEAT!!!!! I could even cross my legs in my seat. Yes, it was an amazing feeling to let all of the anxiety and stress go and enjoy Pink's amazing performance. My husband even apologized - he knew I weighed less then him now but that really demonstrated it.
  8. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Frustr8 in any Oregonians out here??   
    Hi from one of the other "O"s, Ohio, glad to see Cala you're doing pretty good a little,more than a month out. Sure hope you do find a few more State Peers!
  9. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Fluffy Grandma in Favorite non scale victory   
    I love clothes shopping now. It’s been a long time since I fit in every piece of clothing I bring into the fitting room. It’s no longer about what I can get on, but simply what I like! At a size 10/12, (from a 22/24) I can shop at pretty much any clothing store I want.
  10. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Lamermaid in Favorite non scale victory   
    I know this gross, but being able to wipe myself when I go to the bathroom. I don't have to carry and use the toilet wand extension thingy.
  11. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Frustr8 in Favorite non scale victory   
    Me too, at a 20 teetering on the brink of 18, started out a 28-30W. No longer do I have to ask "Hmmmm where are your largest clothes hanging?" No longer do I look at me in bra and panties and break down crying unceasingly, increasing my I can rotate , only take 2 mirrors instead of 3 or more to visualize myself. Oh, I am still a project that hasn't finished but now I have been given a transplant of HOPE and DREAMS for my future. No longer do I have to ask in a quavering voice," Is THAT all there is?" for there is much still ahead and I will live to see it all! AND THAT IS THE GIFT📦 THAT IS THE COOLEST THING OF ALL! 😛🍀❤🌈
  12. Like
    Cala B. reacted to AZhiker in New discovery - ribs!   
    I discovered my ribs this week! If I lift up my saggy boobs there really is a visible rib cage under there! Woo Hoo!
  13. Like
    Cala B. reacted to AlteredReality in Weight flies just as fast as time!   
    It's been a minute since I updated anything, but here it is! I am now in a size 5...never thought I would be in that size without a 2 in front of it!!! Still trying to cope with the reflection in the mirror, because she's so foreign to me still. I have moments of just being down, because I no longer look the same. I miss some of the physical attributes I used to have. I feel like i'm in middle school again when I look at myself...flat chested once again (never thought that would happen). Contrary to the hype...SQUATS DON'T WORK (I lost that attribute as well)!!! On the good side...i'm much healthier and now have a normal BMI and have much more energy. So all in all, even though I have had some struggles and dealt with some stomach issues throughout this journey...i'm still happy with the decision I made to go through with it.
    I want to say thank you, to those of you that have been so supportive and have been following my progression with me️
    RNYGB
    SD: 6/25/2018
    HW: 300 LBS.
    CW: 151 LBS.
    1st GW: 165 LBS.
    2nd GW: 145 LBS.
  14. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Taira in No weight loss   
    Good evening,
    Just wanted to give an update..
    I’m a month and 2 weeks out of surgery. My scale reflects only a 4 pound weight loss but as frustr8 and gradycat mentioned I’m losing inches. In fact I’m fitting pants that are 2 sizes smaller.
    So please keep following the diet and stay encouraged.. the weight loss will come.
    Thank you all again for boosting my spirits.
  15. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Frustr8 in No weight loss   
    And even when you don't lose poundage you may lose inches. Your body is still saying " What just Happened to Me?" things will start to smooth out, you may drop overnight, it might take longer, but My Dear, it will happen , that is a certainity! And when it does we will cheer right along with you! Promise!
  16. Like
    Cala B. reacted to GradyCat in 9 Days Post-Op Pouch Cramping After Vomiting   
    I would try some Pepto and then be careful what you eat and drink going forward.
  17. Like
    Cala B. reacted to catwoman7 in 9 Days Post-Op Pouch Cramping After Vomiting   
    I'd probably just do Protein Shakes for a day or two until my stomach settled down. You're way too early out for Tomato Soup (acid) and crackers (simple carbs) - so that's probably why your pouch rebelled.
  18. Like
    Cala B. reacted to 2Bsmaller18 in 9 Days Post-Op Pouch Cramping After Vomiting   
    Go back to basics. Maybe just Water for a few hours. Then try milk and give it a few hours before advancing to Protein Shakes. Then just Protein shakes for the next day.
  19. Like
    Cala B. reacted to Ed_NW in 9 Days Post-Op Pouch Cramping After Vomiting   
    I used these a few times the first few months after surgery. They work pretty good for breaking down and passing something tough to digest.

  20. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from KhaosG00B in New here...surgery date scheduled for 4/11/19   
    I'm having the bypass on the same day My surgery date was originally set for June 6, but I got a call Thursday that my surgeon had a cancellation, I'm so excited! Not nervous at all, super ready!
  21. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from ItzBing in Surgery Date 6/06/19 - I think I'm ready!   
    Lol, I probably have enough!

    I just got a call today, my surgery is now moved up to April 11, ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!!!!
  22. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from KhaosG00B in New here...surgery date scheduled for 4/11/19   
    I'm having the bypass on the same day My surgery date was originally set for June 6, but I got a call Thursday that my surgeon had a cancellation, I'm so excited! Not nervous at all, super ready!
  23. Like
    Cala B. got a reaction from mindy23 in 10/30/18 First Appointments On My Bariatric Journey   
    Today was my first set of appointments to start the process; nurse practitioner, dietician/nutritionist, and physical therapist. In addition, I got my bloodwork and EKG done. I already have a mammogram and colonoscopy on record. I went in with a positive attitude and I think that helped, I was more excited than nervous. I mentioned that I had been reading the forums on this site to learn what I could and I think it helped me comprehend the massive amount of information I was given because I sort of studied ahead, plus, they gave me a notebook
    The dietician noted that I take a lot of supplements, and she stressed that I will be restricted to taking only a few after surgery, at 200% the regular dose; Multi-Vitamin that includes Iron and other minerals and B12 sublingual at night, calcium citrate 500mg liquid or chew three times a day, plus Vitamin D, liquid or small gelcaps. I forgot to ask about my Wellbutrin and allergy medicine. Oh well, there's time! A lot of people in these forums say NOT to try the drinks, food, or supplements pre surgery, but my dietician encouraged me to try different things to find what I like (even though my preferences may change post surgery). I have already purchased some Protein20 drinks, Premier Protein shakes, sugar free Gatorade, Propel electrolyte Water, Bone Broth, and some Millie's sipping broth samples.
    My choice is the gastric sleeve but they will probably try to convince me that the bypass is the best option (and "gold standard" as I keep reading everywhere). I was scoped in July and they found a hiatal hernia, some non-bloody ulcers, and Schatzki's ring. I was instructed to continue with the Omeprazole in order to continue to calm my esophagus and stomach. I hope they let me stick with the sleeve, I don't want to deal with malabsorption issues and I prefer being able to take NSAIDS. I have enough dumping from having my gallbladder removed and being sensitive to grease/oil. Today while at the hospital, I had a long break so I had brunch consisting of an egg-salad sandwich (which they said was freshly made that morning) and half a bag of chips. Let's just say I had to visit the restroom 4-5 times during the rest of my time there, ugh!
    The insurance company has told my hospital (OHSU Portland Oregon) that the procedure is covered, but have not yet responded regarding what they require from me. The hospital requires two nutrition classes and a few more tests. My EKG came back "borderline" so I am being referred to a cardiologist to make sure everything is ok. I made my two nutrition class reservations and psychological evaluation appointment, as well as my sleep study consult. I'm 58 and have had a hysterectomy (1 ovary left) so I'm not required to get a pap smear, review birth control, and they're not requiring that I be screened for drugs & alcohol (I quit smoking 31 years ago). I'm hoping to have it all done by February, but won't know what else I need to do until my insurance company forks over some information!
    This facility only requires 24 hours of Clear Liquids before surgery (yay). While I was given my diet information, I think I'm going to slowly incorporate better habits and definitely pay attention to my Protein and Fluid intake for now. Since my BMI is slightly over 41, I was cautioned not to lose more than 10 pounds because it would put me below the required 40 BMI. That is unless I end up being diagnosed with sleep apnea (I have high cholesterol); neither joint pain or depression qualify as co-morbidities.
    My lab results have already been provided and they found my ferritin to be low, so I need to begin taking carbonyl iron with Vitamin C right away.
    I've read a lot of different posts of people sharing their program information, so here is my post-surgical diet information from my booklet:
    STAGE ONE - first day following surgery - CLEAR liquids
    STAGE TWO - starting day two post surgery, for 14-21 days - FULL LIQUIDS
    STAGE THREE - starting 2-3 weeks post surgery, for approximately 6 weeks (depending on how the patient is doing) - SOFT FOOD
    STAGE FOUR - approximately two months post surgery - solid food (low sugar & low fat)
    Over the weekend I cleaned out my cupboards of a bunch of food and food-like substances; what wasn't expired I took to work. Fed the crows some expired Cereal and crackers. Haven't tackled the freezer yet. Since my surgery isn't scheduled yet I have plenty of time!
    I just wanted to thank everyone who posts their experiences and questions and advice, I think people are very supportive here for the most part!
  24. Haha
    Cala B. reacted to Jezzabelle360 in Surgery Date 6/06/19 - I think I'm ready!   
    Can I just come live with you?

    Sent from my LG-Q710AL using BariatricPal mobile app


  25. Like
    Cala B. reacted to GradyCat in Question on how you deal with the WLS haters...   
    I'm still pretending I haven't lost any weight when people say, "You look different, have you lost weight?" to avoid awkward conversations, but I've lost 50 now, so I won't be able to pretend much longer, but I'm going to keep blowing them off. Only my husband knows that I had WLS and it's going to stay that way.

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