Kris77

For those vets have yall been able to keep most of the weight off?

Hi, folks. I have not been on this board for a long time. Today, I had a visit to my bariatric surgeon's physician assistant (PA). I am 16 months out from roux en y surgery and have lost a total of 101 pounds. I went there today because I have been experiencing severe abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence at night, every night x 2-3 weeks. I should add that I am an RN and am one semester away from completing my Family Nurse Practitioner Master's degree. The PA gave me some advice, ordered some meds and labs and I checked out--it was about 4:10pm.
She had told me to do the labs today, due to the severity of the symptoms I was having. Their office was closing. I went to my PCP's office--which has a lab tech--and they were closing and the lab tech had left. I went downstairs to the outpatient lab and it was closed. The only lab open was the STAT lab on the 2nd floor. Since I was still in the building, I thought I'd just double check that the PA did not want these labs to be drawn STAT. I went back to the office.
It was locked. I knocked on the door. I had already heard the cackling and loud voices from 10 ft away. As I got closer, I heard the PA saying "I know, and every time she moved her arms! I couldn't believe it! And she had her teenage son with her!" Needless to say both me and my teenaged son (almost 17) heard this. He drove me today because I wasn't feeling well and he also needs to rack up his driving hours to complete his driver's permit and get his regular license. Just then, the PA, the receptionist and someone from the billing dept emerged from the door. They turned white as ghosts. Their jaws almost hit the floor. Being the classy person that I am, I didn't reference that I overheard them talking about something on my body just then. Their reaction confirmed what I thought I overheard. I asked the PA if she wanted the labs STAT, she said no, and my son and I walked to the elevator. The women huddled back by the door, somehow frozen. The only way to either the stairs or the elevator was toward the direction my son and I walked. Clearly, the women felt ashamed (?)/shook by being overheard body-shaming a patient, violating HIPAA, and being overall terrible people.
As we drove home, I was pretty hurt. Most patients at a bariatric surgeon's office are going to have body image issues. Whether they are pre-op or post-op, they have likely experienced some type of negativity about their bodies (either from within or without, or both.) Also, I should add, I am a breast cancer survivor. December 2018 is my five-year anniversary of having stage 2 invasive breast cancer and having a b/l radical mastectomy and subsequent reconstruction, followed by a hysterectomy. One year after my b/l mastectomy, the reality hit me that my GG breasts were now AAs, mutilated and scarred. I felt unattractive, repulsive and beyond depressed. I was thrilled to be alive and that it was caught in time to prevent spreading to my lymph nodes and that by doing a b/l mastectomy, I didn't have to do chemo or radiation. I failed to be able to tolerate Tamoxifen, and had to be put on a cocktail of other meds that resulted in me gaining about 50 pounds to my already Rubenesque 225 lb body. It was a low time.
Then, I got my reconstruction. My breast did not, do not, and will not look like "porn star" boobs, or "stripper boobs," although many people have suggested that was the "up side" of breast cancer. See, when you get a radical mastectomy, they hollow you out like a cantaloupe. Then, either at the same time, or at a later surgery, they insert implants (or, in some cases, spacers). Because I was 220 pounds when I got my reconstruction, they put the biggest implants the FDA allows--800 cc. The reconstruction surgeon repaired a lot of the scarring caused by a severe post-op infection from the initial surgery, during which both of my breast turned black and I had to debride the dead tissue myself at home. I was and am thrilled that I had a good reconstruction surgeon and, after recovering, felt a little bit more whole.
While I had no breast tissue before, but now, any extra cushion vanished as I lost over 100 pounds. My breasts are skin and implant. It's definitely not a "hot" look. Well, all this cancer talk comes into play because what the women were talking about was my breasts. You see, when you get a breast reconstruction, your breasts don't look like regular breasts. Again, they are hard, stiff, and look like "robot boobs," as I call them. Today, at the office, I was wearing a bamboo material sundress, that was mostly dark teal, but also had other colors tie-dyed into the design. In the front is a "peekaboo" hole. The rest of the dress is just an A-line dress with a full skirt. It is not particularly "sexy." (Including my flabby/flappy wing-like arms!) But because my breasts don't move, there is a tiny bit of "side boob" seen protruding into my armpits. Not regular side boob--because remember, nothing is "soft" anymore. No, it's part of the round, button shape (just imagine an implant covered with skin, literally.)
As I reconstructed what the women were saying, I recalled more and more of the beginning. I guess in the moment, in shock, my brain kind of protected me and I somewhat blanked out. Look, we are all human, I get it. We all make mistakes. But for God's sakes, you would think that the staff--including a provider--would be a little more sensitive about yucking it up about patient's bodies while anywhere near the doors/exit.
I am posting here in general for support because it just feels yucky. I know I've never done anything like that as an RN, but one never knows how one's words may affect another person. Also, the HIPAA violation bothers me. I work very hard to whisper, even when I am behind closed office doors, because I know how much sound carries in offices. I often tell my patients "I'm sorry I'm kind of talking softly, but these room walls are paper-thin and I want to protect your privacy." I know I won't have the b*lls to tell the office. I feel like somehow they would turn it around on me, even though 3 of them were there and me *AND* my son heard that. And as a mother of a 16 year old son, a 19 year old son, and a 21 year old daughter--it's creepy.
The implication that my son--who has seen me go through hell and high Water with cancer and this gastric bypass--would even think about looking at my breasts is disgusting. This can only come from a woman with no children. The PA is probably like 35 (I am 44), no wedding ring. Normally, I wouldn't even mention any of that because I fully believe in living my own life and others live theirs but for f*cks sake, please don't foist your sick thoughts on me.
I would like some thoughts on how I might handle this. I feel like I won't have the courage to say anything, for fear of being "gaslighted." But, I also feel like there is a lesson for their staff to learn. It occurred to me to write an anonymous letter to the surgeon/head of practice and give a little vague summary of what happened and advise that his staff might want to not be so catty, mean, and to stop violating HIPAA. I don't know. I just know it hurt. I'm hurt. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

It was good!! But definitely more than I could handle. Was my first restaurant outing since my surgery. Asked for no cheese or croutons.

Travel food Before and After
Issa Salad!

I'm going to make this soon... I have all the ingredients besides Vital Gluten

My heart breaks for you and your family. May God bless you and hold you and your family during this terrible time.

I am 5 days post-op sleeve. I was originally approved 1 year ago and cancelled surgery about 3xs for various reasons (fear, wanting lose weight on my own, timing at work, etc). Hwevr, I attended many free support group meetings facilitated by the program RD offered by my hospital so that I could get first hand knowledge and learn tips and strategies. This helped sooo much!

The 1st couple of days in the hospital post-op was a little rough, but nothing unbearable. I also had a haitial hernia that I was unaware of that my surgeon repaired during the surgery, which Ive learned is very common for wls patients.

Since coming home, I have had a lot of diarrhea, but Ive learned that many sugar-free things, including a couple of the bariatric Vitamins have sugar alcohols (sorbital, sucralose, etc) that does not agree with my system. Im in the full-liquid stage til next week and today was the first day w/out diarrhea bec my RD said to start full-liquids and include hot cereals and yogurt (cream of wheat, grits, etc), which stopped it completely.

I know im a post-op newbie but I have no regrets at all so far. Physically, my knees no longer hurt and I already have a diff kind of energy than before surgery that is a great feeling. I have no desire for sweets or fried foods or anything unhealthy. It may be bec im still sore and jst trying to get all of my basic Proteins and fluids in, but I feel much better knowing that im finally on the other side of my wl journey [emoji4]

You're doing great!!!!

You're doing great!!!!

My heart breaks for you and your family. May God bless you and hold you and your family during this terrible time.

Had the sleeve. No regrets what so ever. I had it'll the surgery 7/23. Went to dr office at 238. Pre op weight was 221. Current weight 164.8
It's not a magic pill. You have to change your mentality. That has been challenging but seeing all these results encourages me to keep making lifestyle changes so I can keep this weight off permanently.
Good luck with what ever type you choose. It was life changing for me!!

Checking in. I was sleeved 8/16. I've been doing great. Had a slow loss in Dec (my own fault). I've already lost more in January than in December and only half way through the month! I'm down 69.2 from HW and 50.5 from SW. I've lost 44 inches too. Gone from a size 24 pants to a 16 or 18, a size 3X or 22/24 top to XL or 14/16, and a 44C bra to a 38/40 C/D. I've also been doing Zumba, which I love. I want to try kickboxing too. I'm super happy with my progress. I attached my most recent progress pic.

chicken fried cauliflower rice w/ peppered Tomato and cucumbers side salad
Before and after

"I see a red door and I want it painted black" Said the Rolling Stones. One of my many Theme songs lol. I'll continue with the Black clothes. Spikes included! Love the side eye looks I get even now. I can never tell if they look because I'm fat, or because I'm an experience!

Me three!!

I ❤ this thread!

Abbey. How are you doing?

A continuation of our Summer 2018 Check-In thread...
Welcome all Summer 2018 Surgery Post-Op Patients! As we make our way into the Post-Op zone, let’s carry on the conversation and support.
Everyone is welcome, if you had surgery in the summer of 2018 jump right in!
The Ponies applaud your Post-Op Arrival!

I hope it's okay to jump in this thread! It is technically winter for me here in Australia but my surgery is 5th July which I know is summer for those across the pond

Sent from my SM-N950F using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello all! I was sleeved July 23rd. Weight loss for me has slowed down here lately too. I still see it go down just not as fast as it was. Starting weight was 238. Pre op weight 221 and currently I am 165. My goal is 135. I'm only 5'4 1/2.
I'm not a Breakfast person so I drink a Premier Protein chocolate shake over ice in the morning. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.
My weakness is sugar in the evenings...particularly skittles🙄
Working on cutting back on that. I know the honeymoon phase is almost over so I need to get that in check and start working out regularly.
My bum has become flat (which I'm happy about seeing as I've always had a big bum) but bc I don't have muscle back there from not working out and losing weight it hurts to sit bc of my now boney tailbone. Anyone else have that??
Need to get to the gym and work on that.

Hello all! It has been a long time since I have posted. I am a little over 4 months out. I was sleeved on July 23rd. I have quite a bit to say, however will keep this post short and post on my blog later regarding my progress. I started back drinking regular coffee after my 1st month out. However, I did encounter some issues with cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. I had to go through a period of elimination to figure out if it was the coffee or something else causing the symptoms. Needless to say after several trials I found out with great sadness that I am now lactose intolerant due to the surgery. It has taken quite a bit to finally find a dairy free Creamer that both myself and my pouch will tolerate. I do not drink much coffee unless I am going hard with studying. I drink plenty of Water using a variety of Crystal Light flavors. I cannot wait to share my weight loss journey with you guys later! Stay tuned! Hope everyone had a great holiday season.

Hey how did you do today!?!

I was sleeved April 16, 2018.
I was a member of Bariatastic until Facebook lost my trust in their security and privacy.
Today I decided to try BariatricPal app on my iPhone. I was shocked to be fat shamed by a support app.
High Weight: 600 lbs
Surgery Weight: 390
Current Weight: 238
Goal Weight: 225
—————————-
I’ve been excited all day. I haven’t seen these numbers since I was 15 yrs old. That was 30 years ago.
This is news you want to share with anyone who will listen.
This is where the Fat Shaming in app started.
The app has you create an account. Then starts asking your weights. They asked for starting weight, and since I assumed they didn’t mean 8 pounds 6 ounces, I put in 600 pounds. Here comes the twist.
This bariatric app, doesn’t accept 600 pound users. Discrimination. If they don’t believe bariatric patients should weigh 600 pounds at any point. Disenfranchisement. I have to lie about my weight to use the app. Fat Shaming.
I hope the BariatricPal gets it together and accepts that Bariatric Patients lean toward obese and you should discriminate when someone needs social support.
Well this was my rant. It’s not about my diet or progress. I am 40 pounds below my team’s projected weight loss before my first year out and I was sure it was take a year and a half to two years. It sucks to go through this without peers.

That looks really good. What is Matcha? A brand of yogurt or something you added to it?

Good luck to you too! Had mine in July and have NO REGRETS!
Normal to be nervous...it is surgery. Just think when you wake up you won't be hungry anymore!!
That was big for me bc when I would diet I would get myself so hungry that I'd binge on whatever it was then feel bad. Now I never get hungry.
Good luck Monday!! Welcome to the club!!