Johnny B

Started this journey at 308 lbs..

Pics are of 308 lbs, 265 lbs and today...232 lbs.

still a little more to go.

I had the surgery 4 weeks ago today, and am down 69 total (44 lbs pre surgery, and 25 lbs post surgery), and I don't see myself different, although many others do and comment.

Many of us are in the same boat. We're usually more critical of ourselves than others are of us. Keep up the good work and feel good about yourself.

8 hours ago, Abbey M. said:

Yeah my team actually says the opposite which makes sense if you think about it. Low sodium messes with your potassium and actually causes dehydration. You need 3-4grams of sodium a day. Worked wel for their patients.

Perhaps you need a new team.

High sodium REDUCES potassium and can cause dehydration.

9 hours ago, NewKimm said:

9 hours ago, Abbey M. said:

You need more salt. I felt that way the first day and called my doc. Thought I was getting dehydrated. Told me I wasn’t getting enough salt. Recommended a coffee mug with hot Water with 3 bullion cubes in it dissolved. Said we need 3-4 grams of sodium each day otherwise body doesn’t hold on to Water, messes with potassium etc. the next day first thing I did was drink a coffee mug full of 3 bullion cubes with a spoon and honesty have felt great everyday since. Lots of energy and no problems anymore 🙂

Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Boullion cubes are rough but I’ll certainly give it a try. How long before you think we’ll start seeing the weight come off?

Keep your sodium low, and increase your Protein.

Congrats Johnny. EZ does it. can u tell me or anyone, when do you start taking all the Vitamins ect? If the first week you on clear liquids.. do skip that first week?

9 hours ago, anonbaribabe said:

I have to walk 5x/day for 5-10 minutes at a time. And yeah, drinking is so hard right now. I've been sleeping so much that it honestly hasn't been a priority—I've just been focused on Water because I don't want to get dehydrated. Hopefully the anesthesia will have worn off more tomorrow and I won't be sleeping as much so that I can in more Water and Protein.

The anesthesia should have wore off by the time of your post. You sluggishness might be due to the narcotics they have you on. I switched over to Tylenol after the first day, and while a little more uncomfortable, I was steadier on my feet and less tired.

3 hours ago, Abbey M. said:

I have my surgery on yesterday afternoon. Surgery went really well. I woke up and it was a little nauseous for a while but they’ve been really good about controlling and so I didn’t throw up at all. I’m literally having no pain except for one area which is that my diaphragm. There is an incision really close to it so I can’t tell if it’s the incision that is making an egg or if it is trapped gas from the surgery. Either way it’s going very smoothly and I’m feeling pretty good now that the anesthetic has worn off. I’ve been walking a lot which is good and it appears they’re going to discharge me in about 10 hours from now. So I’m pretty stoked. Just want this diaphragm pain to subside. The only reason I’m starting to think it’s from the incision right there is because it when I take Tylenol it feels slightly better.

Congratulations!!!

I biggest discomfort I experience is from the large incision where the pull everything out. Try to stay ahead in meds rather than trying to catch up when the pain become greater.

Did they tell you to keep a small pillow handy? You should hold it against you belly if you have to sneeze or cough.

3 hours ago, paisita411 said:

Im having a sleeve to MGB revision on January 10th. A little nervous. Mostly ashamed about regaining most of my weight despite eating so much less than before. Hoping this surgery is the right tool for permanent WL. Accept any post op advice, especially about maintaining long term.

Don’t be ashamed. You are not the only one. Kudos for doing something about it.

8 hours ago, HoopDawg77 said:

This Friday, Jan 11. Start my total liquid diet tomorrow. A little nervous and still not 100% sure about going through with it.

Do it. You won’t regret it.

15 minutes ago, newbegjo1219 said:

Day 1 of liquid diet, its a bit tough hopefully i can make it for the next 13 days, but im determined to get through it the days almost over

You can do it. A small sacrifice for what you’ll get in return.

We’re alway nervous and fearful of the unknown, and this is very foreign to most. Don’t be nervous. Nothing bad will happen to you. Your are embarking on a new chapter in your life. The new and healthier you.

Thanks johnny and I agree it is very sweet I cut it Water also I'm just not sure what it does for the grams of Protein meaning does it cut the gram count down or do it stay the same

Good luck to everyone having surgery this week.

2 minutes ago, Fatcutie81 said:

I had my surgery Jan 4 at 8:45 am was home by 3:30pm Jan 5 .. Everything went well only problem I had was acid reflux and threw up twice but it was all spit that was from the tube they put down your throat while u sleep. then after swallowing the contrast for the GI swallow test I dry heaved for 2 mins was not fun at all I was sweating so bad and my throat was sore after another 30 mins they got the results back and brought my clear liquid I tolerated those pretty well except the apple juice ..I'm noticing anything with a thicker consistency than Water I can't tolerate ..I've already had to switch Protein Drink to premier clear seem to work alot better and I'm also taking zantac

Sorry to hear that you had go through that. It will get better. The Premier Clear is awfully sweet, so I cut it with plain Water.

4 minutes ago, Tiff-a-lea said:

On 1/1/2019 at 1:51 PM, Johnny B said:

Tomorrow is my surgery date.

Where you having yours done tomorrow? Mine will be at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA

Hi Tiff,

Mine was on last Wednesday, January 2nd. It was performed by Dr Collin Brathwaite at NYU Winthrop, in Mineola, NY.

He told my wife that I followed prep and the surgery went perfectly. Only took 45 minutes to perform.

Johnny B.

3 minutes ago, KayC12019 said:

I am experiencing the same thing. And I have been sleeping with a heating pad the last couple of nights. My surgery is in 9 days and I am already down 8lbs. From my last weigh in at my doctor's office. I hope you feel better soon.

Keep up the good work.

21 minutes ago, trasib said:

Day three of liquids. 10 days til surgery. Surprisingly, liquid diet going way better than I anticipated (thanks for the new vitamix blender, hubby!!) and I’m 10 lbs down from my last doctor appt. Those are the positives. The negative is that I have developed severe sciatica issue. My half mile walk today has left me flat on my back with a heating pad. :(. Can’t imagine being in this much pain AND having abdominal surgery!!

You’re doing great.

2 minutes ago, bherod01 said:

Anyone already have surgery? And have the worst gas pain

You have to walk. The only way to get rid of the gas.

1 minute ago, beautiful12no said:

Johnny B. Sometimes you need to be reminded. I had started gaining and hope my revision surgery will get me back on track.

Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

No one is perfect. I gained and dropped weight many times. I may wind up gaining some back after I hit goal, but will never give up trying and admire those who don’t give up as well.

I’m 7yrs away from retiring, and want to be around and healthy to enjoy it. Luckily my family is supportive, which means a lot to me. Positive thoughts only.

We can do this. I’m always here if you need an ear to listen.

On 1/3/2019 at 5:50 PM, beautiful12no said:

Anxious about the pre op diet. Feel like I'm saying goodbye to carbs

Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Always remember where you’ve been, and how much hard work you put in to drop 61 lbs already (congrat!), and make the promise not to be that old person.

You won’t totally say goodbye to carbs, but the NEW YOU will prioritize, with Protein first, and limited fats and carbs. You’ll still be able to have splurge days a little bit down the line, but in moderation. You may even find that you no longer have a taste or desire to eat the foods you used to eat.

You are strong. Stay strong. We are all going through the same journey and are here for you.

3 minutes ago, melimel35089 said:

My surgery date is 1/21 and I have been on my pre diet then the liquid diet 6days before my surgery! Excited and nervous can’t wait for the day to come and everything be ok.

You'll be fine. I started liquid diet again at the hospital. dinner includes:

broth, sugar free Jello, tea and Water with a crystal lite packet.

Not liking broth and not a hot tea drinker.

I get full on a jello and some crystal light.

When I go home tomorrow, I can include clear Premier Protein

If I may offer some advice....Keep your Protein levels high or you'll start to cannibalize muscle.

I had my surgery yesterday. Dr. said everything went great. Surgery took 40 minutes.

A little soreness, but that is as expected. Going home from the hospital tomorrow am.

Just now, bherod01 said:

January 3!!!

Best of luck.

1 minute ago, trasib said:

Congrats on your surgery Johnny B. And happy January to everyone - our month has finally arrived. 😀

Thank you