polly...

Hello, I'm there right now. I had my RNY in '15. I lost faith and jumped off the wagon. Lost and gained, now excitedly losing. I NEVER thought I could do this all over but I am proof that Yes, You Can!!! I don't know exactly how much I've lost because my battery scale died during my "rebound." Ugh.

Anyway, it is entirely possible to be successful again! It takes head work first, then we get down to the food/Life. It helps to understand what carbs, sugar, LDL, HDL, Fiber, etc DO to and for your body. It was a big whoop in the arse to learn how we're putting our lives in danger. It eventually (I'm quite stubborn) made me change what I do and don't put in my body. Don't think I'm one of those people whose very, very strict, but I am way more mindful of my food now and that is what got me back on track. I read a specific Cardiologist 's book over and over and over till I finally let myself "get it and act on it." Then, a specific lifestyle ensued.

So basically, other than food advice (which does help) I won't give in this post, I say get your head in order first. Learn, and go from there. I'm really the last person I thought I'd ever say this....but it can be done, I'm living proof. I wasted 4 years! But I 'm back in the saddle again! YOU CAN DO IT!

1 hour ago, Healthy_life2 said:

Wow, 20 pounds and back on track! You are inspirational.

I hope you stay on this site because you are not alone. I wish there was one thread that could adress regain issues instead of sifting through all the other regain posts. Most here are new and in the honeymoon phase and cant relate.

You have not failed. We are all a work in progress. You are the proof this can be done.

Bless you Healthy_life2! I'm pretty excited and hopeful. I know what you mean about having a thread specifically for re-gainers and the like. For the longest time I'd dream of reading a post that was similar to my story. Many were close, but not close enough for my taste. We're everywhere on here, but you have to really look. There really should be a specific thread, I agree.

I like how you wrote "you are proof this can be done." I guess I am! Yes, I believe so! Thank you so very much for lifting my Spirits even further. You GO girl!

3 hours ago, Deedee12 said:

Well done Pollywolly!!!!!!!!! Hats off to you!! You should feel so darn proud whether it's 20lbs or 2lbs you have lost, it's the fact that your head is back in the game that counts!!!! Well done!!! I'm pre surgery and I am already inspired by your heart!!
Well done my friend and KEEP IT UP! You have us here rooting for you!

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank your dear, sweet heart Deedee12! I am pretty darned proud. Very, very, very surprised though. I haven't had the right mindset since I was a year out and I never, ever thought I'd get it back but I did! I learned A LOT from Dr. Agatstons book on the South Beach Diet, as well as a dozen other places. I'm back in the saddle again! Thanks for rooting for me! Hugs!!!

Update:

I'm actually back on the wagon now! My husband and I now have a little more money each week to purchase healthy foods, fruit and vegetables. We've turned our eating style completely around and have been working on it together, one day at a time. I actually taste foods differently, they're far more [flavorful] and exciting to eat. I actually look forward to designing, making and eating newer foods and flavors. It's a very odd feeling. I haven't even been able to discuss any of this with my therapist yet! Haven't seen her lately. But I plan on making my recovery a major topic as I still have a lot of mental health issues and food issues to work on. Slow and steady wins the race! So far, I've definitely lost 20 pounds. I *thought* I'd lost more, but my digital scale went on the fritz. I'll weigh myself at the doctor's office in a few months. It's hard not knowing, but I also dont want to live by the scale. I'm eating healthy and properly so I have faith. Also, I use MFP every day and it helps SO much! And my hubby, well, I couldn't ask for a better LIFE partner! Hes doing very well also. I never thought this could happen but it is. I'm very, very proud of myself and hubby.

So, it can and has been done! WOWZA!

I looked at the few analog scales on Amazon. They looked great, sounded accurate and went up high enough. But I'm one who reads reviews and Amazon has many! They were pretty discouraging. Poorly made, inaccurate and not too fixable. I guess now that I know they actually exist, I'm going to keep looking. Thank you Everyone for the words and advice!

Woolhatgirl, CONGRATULATIONS on all the hard work you've done and continue to do! 8.6 is close, but you know not optimal. Keep trying, don't give up. Waiting 3 months to get your A1C checked is standard protocol.

You'd be surprised what raises blood sugar. My husband is type 2 diabetic. We changed both of our diets for our own specific reasons. But we watch carbs closely, they turn into sugar. You know many forms of sugar will raise your blood sugar. Theres so much more to do in your diet I just can't think of them right now (I'm at work) and I'm NO professional, just my 2 cents.

But, Way to go! Keep up the good fight, for your life!

I have had several battery operated scales through the years. All have caused me problems. Does anybody know of a non battery scale that goes to 300 or 350?

I thought I lost a ton of weight, logically knowing that I couldn't have lost THAT much that quick. Turns out I only lost 18 pounds. I mean, that is great, but my battery scale tells me all sorts of numbers. I checked the batteries many times.

6 hours ago, POLLYWOLLY said:

Hello!

I jumped back on the bandwagon, so pleased that I want to:

1. Update my Ticker

2. Update my Weight

I can do it on my computer but not on my android, HELP?

I finally did it at home on my laptop. It's a different world between phones and computers.

Yes, I jumped back on the wagon, happily and ready. I just realized that I've lost 100 pounds, at time of Surgery Consultation. I was 373, surgery weight was 335. Jumping back on the wagon 4 years late, starting back at 308. I now weigh 263! I can't believe how I changed my thinking, education of RNY survival, nutrition effects on body, you name it. But, One Hundred pounds. Wow. I feel blessed, truly I do.

Really enjoying the flavor of salads and veggies with lots of herbs and spices. I hated veggies and salads before, but I actually enjoy them now! Me! I'm liking this structure and education I've provided myself. Lost 45 pounds!

Hello!

I jumped back on the bandwagon, so pleased that I want to:

1. Update my Ticker

2. Update my Weight

I can do it on my computer but not on my android, HELP?

On 7/4/2019 at 12:41 PM, Dorothy Sue Jastifer said:

I am wondering if anyone out there has put on any considerable amount of weight a few years after having the bypass surgery.

Yes, Dorothy Sue, I did. Actually, I lost only 53 or so pounds over a year out. My goal was about 150. Then in the last 4 years, I gained 26 or so pounds and plateaued at 300 for a few years. I had ditched the whole WLS rules and went rogue. Too many reasons to give a hoot. I failed. But something in my Soul recently urged me, excitedly, to start all over again. I use BP as a big motivator, teacher, best friend. It eventually worked because I am now full on into my bypass diet, with the support of my husband, who must follow a diabetic lifestyle. I'm excited, hoping it's not a "honeymoon phase", and doing very, very well. Though I must say that getting in "enough" food has been a challenge. But with all the support I have, I know I can do it!

Are you having issues with weight gain/regain?

Polly

Just tell yourself when people are eating junk food and with abandon that they are reeking havoc with their health. In SO many ways. Feel sorry for them because YOU are in Control, and you're body loves you for it! Think, " They're all weak, however, I, am strong...and healthy!" Turn the tables so-to-speak.

I know this is an old post, but I had to give my 2 cents. ❤️

Polly

I was just telling my husband that the diet isn't so bad, or the portions but NOT drinking during or immediately after a meal is HARD! But I found an odd solution for myself.

Biotene moisturizing mouth spray. My dentist gave me a bottle because I suffer from dry mouth. After some meals, I squirt a little in my mouth and it moisturizes it, doesn't taste bad either. SLIGHTLY minty. It helps me by moisturizing my mouth as well as giving my mouth a little freshness jolt. Then, there's always brushing your teeth, but not so easy when you're away from the home. Give it a try, can't hurt. Good luck.

18 hours ago, ms.sss said:

Looks like you are 5 days post op...at that stage, I was still on liquids/full fluids.

But when I did end up eating actual food at the minced stage 3 weeks post op (i skipped the pureed stage on my own volition cuz it grossed me out), I waited 10 to 15 minutes between 1-2 bites. Sometimes I forgot, but then the pain in my chest would remind me.

I'm just over 8 months post op, and I still take a long time to eat, but I do about 10 minutes between 3-5 bites now.

You'll learn what your pace should be like...your body will tell you.

I'm actually 4 yrs out. Starting all over. Just can't remember all the rules. I'll get there.

I'm chewing each bite for 20 seconds and putting my fork down.

How long between bites of food?

3 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I don't use MFP, but as far as macros go, it depends on your plan. Most people are told to focus solely on Protein and fluids at first, since you'll be eating so little the rest doesn't really matter quite yet. We were told to aim for at least 60 grams of Protein per day, and that seems to be pretty common.

TY, but I'm 4 years out, I'm all Protein, Veggies, fruit and Water! My pouch healed but stretched a long time ago. Still trying to go back to the basics.

5 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Hi! Everyone's plan is very diverse but some rules for WLS patients given to us by our various Teams are:

Protein: 60 g- 100g

Fiber: 20g

Carbs: under 50 g for Ketosis (but some like to go a low as possible)

Fat: under 40 g (but some like to go a low as possible to prevent gallbladder issues)

You can save foods/ recipes in MFP so they are available for you to use often as entries. Try to get the initial entry spot on so yoy won't have to fix it later.

It can be created under my foods, meals, recipes or simply use the most recent list

You can also enter under multu add instead of one at a time once you have a list going, this really saves time.

Check out all the settings of MFP especially the goals menu & Dont forget to log your Water intake too!

💜You've got this, congratulations for being aware enough to seek info and ask for help💜

TY soooo much! I was up till 0730 trying my hardest to figure that out! My brain was fried. I'm going to try your suggestions shortly. Wish me luck! Oh, TY for the other info as well. Very kind of you to help me out as much/well as you did! And I won't forget to log in Water either.

I hope I've finally got this!

5 hours ago, Bianca S. said:

Have you heard of the Baritastic app? It’s like MFP But meant for bariatric patients!!

Yes, I also have Baritastic . Trying to find out which one I like better. TY!

My new/old journey begins today and I'm quite anxious. One of the things I'm anxious about is MFP. Some things I dont get.

How much Protein, Fiber, good carbs, good fat, etc am I to try to shoot for?

Also, I'm noticing the daily menu. I want to:

Add foods, portions, barcode info to a general database to return to with just a click. How? Like Decaf, yogurt, cheese, etc are daily mainstays, I would like to just find it in my database and click each day instead of manually entering it each time!. Again, How?

I'm scared to jump back on the wagon, and I'm keeping a food journal daily yet I'm still very nervous. Knowing how to use MFP will help ease and organize my mind.

Can anyone help me?

"I'm baaaak in the saddle again, I'm baaaack!"

I am really interested in chia seeds, after reading about them. However I've only seen people use them in shakes (I don't do) or in yogurt ( not too fond of crunchy yogurt).

Does anyone have different uses, recipes, etc for consuming chia seeds?

It can't be communicated Enough to prepare yourself mentally and especially emotionally for WLS. Other preparations are necessary as well of course, but IMHO it's the mental/emotional prep that needs much more attention, by yourself, your current therapist if you have one, by the psychiatrist doing your evaluation, the other professionals involved in all aspects of your care, your family and your friends.

For an example, I'll use my journey. I had mental issues from childhood to now. Many but not all of us do. We're human. I was never fat until I was in my thirties, a direct result of using food to cope. Then, I became 373 pounds, thinking food was a soother, not the killer it became. I've been in therapy most of my life, many extreme successes and failures but I am a fighter and I never, almost ever, give up. With my decision to have RNY, I honestly thought I had covered Everything. All my ducks were in a row, I educated my arse off. "I am ready, let's get this started/over with!" I really was ready, save for a few hidden blank spots in my thought process. My psych eval was done by my current psychiatrist, he thought I was strong too. But in reality, the eval was just a skimming of only a few surfaces. He ok'd me with not enough digging. I was as open as possible, having been through this in therapy. But, sadly, many emotional issues were glazed over or not known at the time. I was 80% ready, the 20% that was left came back to kick my arse in the years since my operation. I struggled with that issue that many people underestimate, self esteem. Surely that paled in comparison to all the other issues I had and would encounter. I mean, self esteem, really? Psych 101. But after surgery, it ate me to pieces. I did not care about myself enough to stay moving forward after many months and slowly but surely I abandoned the whole after life of WLS. I convinced myself I wasn't worthy of the effort. I actually gave up, me, the so called fighter. I had demons that I couldn't deal with that I ultimately sabotaged myself. I was NOT ready or prepared after all.

The hospital stay after the RNY was profoundly traumatic. From the hospital refusing to give me my psych meds to nurse neglect ,horrible training and bedside manner, to the God awful, traumatizing pain I was in, in a psychiatric crisis at the same time! It was and still remains a horror. I just thought I'd stand up and say my hospital stay was very, very traumatic and I'm still trying to forget it.

People, there is no such thing as being fully prepared for life after WLS. Hidden issues, or blatantly obvious things can rise up and hamper your efforts, or like myself, kill them. Luckily I am in a much deeper understanding of myself now (years too late) and jumping full onto that bandwagon! NOW I know I can and WILL and have been successful at changing, me. I still know the in's and out's but know I have more to learn and experience. And I'm ok with that.

Don't be like me and fail the surgery and yourself. Dig as deep down inside as you are able, ask for help going even further and keep going. This is for life. Prepare yourself with every inch of your capability and yes, you can do it. Just be brutally honest and never give up.

21 hours ago, Sosewsue61 said:

Yes, it takes mental work and it comes in stages, some of it you cannot do ahead of time.

Reading about other people's issues helps to an extent for knowledge and awareness. Every individual has very personal experiences and different outcomes that you can't pre-prepare or even know about yourself.

But for me it was wonderful, my sugery recovery was great - I took pain meds at home once. I had to take it slow just like anyone, food stages seemed to take forever, Liquid Protein was sooo tiring and disgusting tasting but I got through it. I had slimes, some food came back up, I had a few food aversions, but most were not permanent. The journey has been good.

I still enjoy Thanksgiving, I still bake 7 pies, I make all the favorites and some new ones - roasted Brussels sprouts with gruyere cheese, yum! My warm fuzzies do not need to come from food. We started new traditions - we take a walk if the weather is nice and we play board games - can't wait to finish eating so we can do that. Make new warm fuzzies.

I love crossing my legs, I love noticing my collar bones, I love fitting into ANY booth, I love the energy ' I am 64 and need all I can get.

I love your well spoken words. So spot ON! Stages, can't do ahead of time, personal experiences, different outcomes.....all so true.

I adore that you have adapted, or diverted your life Around food. You still do the pies, because you enjoy it, and share that love. You're in such a good place, I'm so pleased. And I'd rather play board games than commiserate over food any day! I can tell you're good with where you are. Thank you for sharing, you help people like me.

18 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I've read about that on another site. Evidently, people have found limited success with those procedures. They'll lose some weight, but not a lot.

Yeah, it doesn't sound very experimented with enough.

Has anybody heard of or done the pouch tightening procedure using an endoscopic procedure with the surgeon applying sutures through the inside of the stomach? Don't know the name of it, sorry. Presently Googling it. TY in advance. 😁

Thank you, hmwilcox578. Yes, I AM alive! And Id like to stay that way.

So, you think it's doable to lose 150#'s this late? I mean, any lose is very good and putting the right foods in my body will certainly be good for me regardless. I'm actually very excited (and pessimistic at the same time this late in the game) to start over. Having my wonderful husband, bestest friend support me in this (it doesn't hurt that he recently got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and HAS to eat right) is a massive weight off my shoulders. He was a cook all his life, now retired, and he does all the cooking, VERY imaginative, talented and now educated. We're starting our journey on July 3. Me, a little more strict, but he's now willing to break things down (measurements) for me, in the dinner area. I'm again trying MFP to track myself as well as a food journal. But finding the updated MFP to be hard to understand but I'll get it. If I can survive and flourish with my mental illnesses, I would certainly hope I can do this! I'll be doing EMDR with this issue. My therapist is Awesome, loyal, relentless, educated and we really have a great relationship of 10 years. Lots more work ahead of us.

I'm just trying to get peoples' input on using bariatric portions after 4 years of (other peoples') normal to large portions I've been eating. I mean, I don't eat much, but, the wrong things. I'm looking for answers? to whether bariatric portions is advisable so late in the game. If it will work, I'm ALL for doing it. Just don't know because I've never seen on here a situation exactly like mine. I should see my surgeon but I am deeply terrified. Trying to talk myself into it, but as you may well know, the Mind plays tricks. More work in therapy I guess.

I'm SO proud of your major accomplishment and continued success! YOU must be very, very proud. It must suck having overhang. That would get on my nerves, but the alternative is that it's full of fat, which it's not. Yay! Be proud and shine like you did here, you deserve the attention and praise. Plus, you give hope to people like me. Keep on with the great success!