Recidivist

My doctor told me that there was no limit on drinking before eating--only during and after. Has anyone else been told that?

I did not have one.

I'm a big fan of Isopure Plus zero carb protein drink. It's not thick like many protein waters. I drank a couple every morning for the first several months after surgery. (10g protein per small bottle.). My favorite is grape. https://www.amazon.com.au/Isopure-Plus-Carb-Protein-Drink/dp/B002RWYOP6

I was also on full liquids for two weeks before surgery. My "last meal" was the evening before I started the liquid diet two weeks out (and it was fabulous!).

I'm on maintenance and eat low-carb, low-fat snacks to satisfy my sweet tooth. They are harder to find, since Keto is all the rage now, but I get most of mine from the Bariatric Pal store. I still have to watch how much of them I eat. There's a temptation to overdo it because they are "safe" foods.

You should be able to walk as soon as you feel up to it!

I think you should ask your surgeon. I had RNY and was told I should avoid coffee and caffeine in general for at least six months (which I did). I'm now drinking coffee with no issues. My surgeon also advised that I should not have carbonated beverages ever.

Although there is no such thing as "normal" that applies to everyone equally, stalls are definitely a part of the process. You can expect this to happen from time to time throughout your weight loss journey. As long as you are following the program set by your surgeon and nutritionist, you will succeed. Focus on that on not on the scale.

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I lost 20 pounds during the 6-month weight loss program, which was at a different hospital--it was not connected with my surgeon's office. I first met with my surgeon about three months later, and during that time I had gained back those 20 pounds. However, I did not gain weight between the time I first saw the surgeon and my surgery date. Nonetheless, I don't think your weight gain would be enough to delay your surgery. However, you should discuss it with your surgeon. Just tell the truth and don't try to "cheat" by starving yourself before your next appointment.

I've sent you a private message.

Actually, I'm a permanent resident from the U.S. living in Canberra--but you will find quite a few Aussies here.

Hi, Sassafras--and greetings from ACT! I have a memory from around the same age as well, when I was shopping for school clothes with my mother. We could never seem to find pants that fit me right. A sales clerk said the problem was pants that fit me in the waist were way too tight around my huge butt. I was self-conscious of my butt for decades after that, which was always disproportionately large for the rest of my body. Stay safe!

I always wanted a jawline!

Whether or not you reach your goal weight, you will almost certainly be better off than you are now in terms of your overall health. Not everyone will achieve an optimal BMI, but if you stick to the plan you will almost certainly lower your blood pressure, resolve your pre-diabetes, improve your joint pain, have more energy and a better quality of life. Don't worry if you can't be perfect--just do you best you can!

My surgeon communicated directly with my insurance company to advocate on my behalf after they initially refused. I would trust that your surgeon knows how to present information to your insurance company to make sure that you will get approved.

I don't miss everyone looking at me when I board a plane and thinking, "I hope the fat guy doesn't sit next to me."

I'm guessing there would be ways to do the 6-month weight loss program online under the current circumstances, but I can't say for sure. My recommendation would be to contact a surgeon to see whether he/she might be able to recommend such a program. My surgeon was extremely helpful in advocating on my behalf with the insurance company, so perhaps your surgeon could help in your case.

I will confess that I did almost no exercise for the first six months, aside from walking to and from my office and the train--and I lost weight quite easily. The key to weight loss is really the diet, not exercise. Even now, I do nothing more than walking, although at this point I shoot for two miles a day.

I agree with what everyone has said above. I had no appetite at all for about six months and had to force myself to get enough protein every day. And as everyone says, your appetite does come back sometime in the first year. I was grateful for my lack of appetite, because it made losing weight quite easy in the beginning.

I had the same issue at first. I started with capsules and chewables, both of which made me nauseous. I found that Bariatric Pal "soft chews" work for me and I've used them for more than a year without any issues. I use the strawberry/watermelon and actually like the taste. https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/soft-chew-bariatric-vitamins/products/bariatric-advantage-multivitamin-chewy-bites-flavors

Agree with Catwoman. I took three weeks off from a desk job just to ensure that I would be totally ready. However, I was able to have all of the protein shakes and other foods I needed at my desk and could eat and drink water on a very regular schedule. It would have been much more difficult in a job like yours. By the way, Catwoman always has very sound advice!

I suggest that you get in touch with your surgeon and a dietician to discuss the concerns you have outlined above. I'm not very familiar with your specific surgery, but you shouldn't be having so many intolerance issues a year later.

I felt the same way, and my only advice is (unfortunately) just give it some time. With the water restrictions before and after eating, I felt thirsty all the time. It does get better with time and you are able to drink more!

I had surgery at Sibley, but not through United Health Care. I had CIGNA, and the Dr. Lamond advocated with them on my behalf to get them to cover my surgery, which they initially denied. By the way, Dr. Lamond is amazing and I enthusiastically recommend her (and her entire staff) !!

I can't say what is happening, but if your doctor husband says you should get it checked--you should probably pay attention! 🙂. At the very least you should call your surgeon to see what he/she thinks. Don't worry about "overkill"--constant pain that leaves you slumped over when you walk should not be ignored