Darktowerdream

@mousecat88 thank you for letting me know. I am in quite the same boat it’s just mostly empty skin now and although it’s a hard decision to make I can’t see going through with the rest without it. You can only deceive yourself so much. I also find trying to wear anything that resembles a normal bra painful and hope that augmentation will help to just feel normal. The hard part is and will be finding bras in my correct band size which is 28. The bra band is where most of the bra support comes from. And should be your underbust measurement exactly. Although I measure 26” which is nuts. Even at the heaviest my ribs measured fairly small. all the best to you on the next step of your journey

I will be there seven days total arrive the 14th surgery the 15th depart the 21st it would be great if they thought I was ready to have the drains removed before I left. I will have to wait and see. I had some issue with the drain post gastric bypass but they did remove it before I left hospital. weird I know but what I mean by not relocating my belly button is just not having one. Because honestly when they relocate it, it’s basically creating a faux belly button. At least that’s my understanding of it but it’s another wait until I see the surgeon and go from there sort of thing. But for me personally I couldn’t care less about belly buttons and one less thing to worry about keeping clean 🤣

It’s been almost 13 months I guess since my surgery do I have patience for waiting for skin surgery not really. I think my weight is stable enough now. I think having the sagging wrinkled skin is uglier than any scar could be. And I too have had quite a few abdominal surgeries. Hysterectomy in 2010 and then Two pelvic laparoscopies that we’re sandwiched around my gastric bypass surgery. I’ve had other surgeries in the past. I lost count on the foot and tendon surgeries. I have a long incision at the back of each calf. And breast reduction which feels like a million years ago. It’s not the stretch marks as much the shar pei hanging wrinkled skin and the flab as you put it that doesn’t go away but hangs. I took the dreaded look in the mirror at my rear and I’m hoping that I can have a body I haven’t had as long as I can remember I’m fine with some scars ... I don’t need it for attention but for how I feel physically and mentally. But it’s hard to put to words. my one concern is making sure the incision site doesn’t get Stretched. Has anyone found silicone tape helps with keeping tugging on incisions? Actually my biggest concern is my allergies to adhesive, iodine, and surgical glue.

@ChubRub I will try. I think I had a post I made. Not sure I’ll update or post new. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m doing my usual not thinking when maybe I should be. I have a last minute double balloon enteroscopy scheduled June 10th. But didn’t think it wise to wait any longer on it. That was postponed months. I’m waiting to hear on scheduling another medical test before as well and that’s more nerve wracking to me than anything.

From your side banner your weight seems in healthy range on the BMI scale. But if you are feeling unwell then that’s something else. Have you had your gallbladder checked out? You might need a HIDA scan with CCK and also check the bile ducts you could have bile reflux from the gallbladder. Rapid weight loss leads to gallbladder surgery for a large percentage of people. I had mine out during my surgery due to chronic inflammation. I haven’t considered my weight too low yet, I’m still within BMI range for my height of 5’ though I did go past my goal. I probably shouldn’t go further. Some parts of me are just bony and we’re before losing weight. I’m not worried about it at the moment unless it effects my chronic illness. I feel like I eat as much as I can. I Do still have issues and know how it’s a pain dealing with doctors. I had been told some months back now, that I had stricture, Schatzki’s ring, sliding hiatal hernia. My surgeon did one balloon dilation but it was so narrowed it likely needed several. But I made the mistake of having my gastroenterologist do my second endoscopy since I was told I needed a colonoscopy which I regretted afterwards. I won’t get into why. i kept telling the dr I’ve been having such intense pain and spasms under my ribs on the left side where the remnant stomach is. I had history of ulcers there. I’m having a double balloon enteroscopy June 10th. It was postponed we’ll actually canceled since I discussed it with my surgeon in February, didn’t see the special gastroenterologist until March and couldn’t schedule the test until April and then it got canceled ... that wasn’t even the only medical test to be canceled indefinitely. had to try to edit myself I write too much and I realize, I’m sorry I’m no help. It can be hard to pinpoint what the problem might be. The surgeon needs to know in case they need to run any tests. Try increasing your protein intake. Mixing plain Fage Greek yogurt (Or TwoGood yogurt) with PEScience select protein powder tastes really good. protein I use: http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e

@mousecat88 I’m curious of any updates on your decision of augmentation. You mentioned surgery in 2020 have you had it or scheduled it? I’ve had my hesitation but ended up including plans for augmentation. Which it is weird after having breast reduction so many years ago to then have augmentation. But I never expected to be able to lose weight let alone reach this weight loss goal. There are probably details to decide when I meet the surgeon beyond the fact that it will be silicone implants. How do people decide these things. For me it’s not about looks but the fact that bras just don’t fit and they are just empty at the top and uncomfortable. I guess it feels like reconstruction of a normal person. not that I will ever be a normal person.

I have to admit this subject has been a big deal for me. Despite the financial challenges of it. I had my gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 and I reached goal earlier than I thought I would. To be honest I reached a goal I never thought I could. My excess skin is more problematic and unsightly probably due to my inability to exercise. Especially my thighs and butt. My core can use the strengthening it would help with along with the skin removal. Some areas I feel like a Shar Pei ... I get bloody rashes on my thighs especially trying to shave but it’s catch 22 I have to shave otherwise I get rashes from irritating hair ... due to pcos. Anyway. I’d hoped that insurance might offer some help. I asked my surgeon they were like yes Florida does pay for certain reasons. They said make an appointment with the plastic surgeon. But when we called they said they didn’t accept insurance. I figured if Cleveland Clinic didn’t no one else would. Honestly I watch that show my 600lb life and how people get free skin removal ... it’s not fair. sorry I rambled. Just when I didn’t know what to do, I found that BariatricPal actually has their own Hospital and researched them and they are awesome. It’s located in Mexico and is a short ride from San Diego airport. It’s called Hospital BC. I’ve been emailing them for some time now and they have been patiently helping me with deciding on choosing their Hospital and then planning this. I am scheduled for surgery June 15th. I’m trying to prepare myself for it! I leave June 14th from Palm beach airport. I return on June 21st and technically get home June 22nd. I will be having belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, tightening of the stomach muscles. And to be honest I will be asking them to not relocate my bellybutton. I will also be having thigh lift. And breast augmentation. I had to have CBC bloodwork at my doctors appointment prior. But otherwise they do everything there. It’s all inclusive. They provide transportation to and from the airport. I stay in hospital one night and in their special hotel the rest but with 24 hour nurse/doctor and concierge. Meals and other things are included that I can’t think of at the moment. They give Faja and even lymphatic massage if it’s needed. im hoping my numerous previous surgeries will have me prepared for how to manage the post op incision care. I’ve never traveled so far and will likely go home with drains in place. My primary care physician wasn’t too pleased with the idea ... but at this point she was smart and didn’t try and argue with me 🤣 Honestly you can be in the states and get really terrible surgeons ... and I found this place looks excellent. this is the website: https://hospitalbc.com

I started with a low carb lifestyle and plan to stick to it as a lifestyle vs a diet. It’s what helps make the tool work for me. I also have to do lower calories probably than most. I do strict regime.mi didn’t quite start out this way but learned along the way that keeping daily record of my weight, protein and calorie goals and my planned meals for the day, helps. I calculate minimum daily protein based on weight, 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight. i started out April 2019 at 208lbs BMI 40.6 Height 5’ by month six I was down to 136lbs and I’d lost 72lbs each person is different in their approach and how much they lose. I am unable to exercise due to medical conditions and disability. I have to compensate in other ways. (Honestly exercise isn’t for weight loss, exercise is to build muscle because muscle burns more calories than fat but for me exertion of any kind weakens my muscles, actually ages them) Since reaching goal now that I’m a little over a year after surgery- I have added a little bit of fruit for fiber and vitamins. Like a manzano banana with my yogurt. And either a pear or an apple at night. That is when I can get them. And occasionally a couple blackberries. Otherwise I’m strict low carb. I followed low carb low calorie for years but it wasn’t sustainable until I had the added tool of gastric bypass surgery and reached a weight loss goal I have never reached at any point in my life. Of course not including being under ten years old 🤣

I’m sorry I didn’t see you had sleeve surgery, but I do believe that stricture can happen with sleeve patients as well. I know it’s discouraging but somehow they will figure it out. For your sake I hope that do. Just keep pushing for answers. Also ask your doctor for a prescription for nausea. I think it’s called Meclizine and comes in a chewable tablet. i did find this bit of information if it’s helpful : ”Sleeve patients can have a stricture anywhere along the length of the stapled stomach. A stricture will almost always occur within the first three months after surgery. Generally, a patient will complain of not being able to advance their diet beyond liquids.”

I had gastric bypass surgery due to lifelong chronic illness, disability, metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. one being PCOS. Although now I no longer have ovaries but that’s a long story. I was doing a low carb lifestyle (I always will be) and low calorie years before surgery but it wasn’t enough. I needed extra help. I also had gallbladder surgery at the same time due to chronic inflammation. I am a little over a year out from surgery now. I keep daily log of weight, meals, calories and protein. I usually like to try to plan a few days of meals. I also take notes of any medical issues, symptoms and doctors appointments. It might be OCD of me and I do keep strict calories and had very low calories from the start. Since I have reached goal I did increase them somewhat to where I’m comfortable. I don’t eat a lot of meat with exception of occasional low carb foods from “Real good foods” they make chicken enchiladas I like. And breakfast sandwich with cauliflower buns. I didn’t eat these until close to a year post surgery. initially I stuck to PEScience protein powder mixed with 6 ounces unsweetened ripple milk, also BariatricPal protein soups, BariatricPal protein shots, juice flavor protein drinks. And later I’d started mixing the protein powder into Greek yogurt. Purée stage was tough for me. I stuck to very simple things a long time to avoid purée that made me feel sick. I eventually started soft boiled egg. And gradually added veggie burger. Just took it all slow. example Of my meals now: breakfast a protein bar with tea, lunch varies depending what’s in my freezer but not by much I like a veggie burger with an egg on top for extra nutrition and variety of texture and flavor or different variations of that with different vegetarian foods that are low carb and calorie. My dinners are actually Greek yogurt with 1/2 scoop protein powder, a baby banana, a drizzle of sugar free syrup (choczero chocolate is awesome stuff) and some sugar free land o lakes whipped cream. I’ve taken to mixing the yogurt with the protein powder (usually plain fage or TwoGood) then putting it in the freezer 30 minutes then mixing before eating ... I put a bit of pink salt when I mix it. It does something to the flavor. I keep to my portions and calories. But it’s enough for me. I’d say my calories ranged 300-480 averaging 380. I am now starting to average 480-550. Maybe seems crazy low. (I’m still baffled how before surgery I was gaining weight on 800 calories) I’m working on maintenance and finding balance. I also don’t count calories from the little bit of creamer I use (I use quest salted caramel protein shake as creamer) or the little bit of olive oil for cooking, or the calories of the banana ... but it’s been working out fine. all the best to you on your journey this is the protein I use in case you are interested http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e

Have no regrets, try to remember why you had the surgery and began the journey. It’s not an easy road but do the best you can, take it slow. Maybe you need to find a protein shake that you can tolerate better. I had a hard time until I found PEScience select protein powder and mixed my own with plain unsweetened ripple milk. I’d mix a scoop of protein and 6 ounces of ripple milk then put it in the fridge maybe 30 minutes and it would thicken. Then mix again. I had the least nausea with it. And honestly the first days are the hardest and you just sip sip sip and get In what you can and try not to worry. link to PEScience http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e

Try not to worry, the only thing right now will be to have the endoscopy to find out if you have stricture or ulcers causing nausea and vomiting. I’m a little over a year out now. I’ve been where you are, I had stricture and ulcers at the stoma which is the connection between the pouch and intestine that is too small. They do a balloon dilation to make it easier for food to pass. I had it twice. It’s Ok to take things slow and give your body time to adjust to the changes. i Can’t say it’s fully resolved but I’m getting more foods now. Though I will always keep to a low carb lifestyle. And be careful of food allergies. I need to have a enteroscopy myself. I deal with nausea a lot. But then I also have chronic illness. I hope your appointment with the surgeon goes well and that you get the answers that you need.

I know this is an old posting but it’s the most recent on the subject. I haven’t seen much activity on the forums lately. I’ve actually scheduled plastics for June that includes belt Lipectomy / butterfly lift, thigh lift and ... why I’m on this topic, augmentation. im torn in some ways and it’s hard to ask without a long story. Short version. Or not so short ... I’ve battled my weight forever. I’ve never been the weight I’m at today as long as I can remember, heck I could have been 9 years old for all I know. My chest size was problematic. I’d swear they grew overnight at a young age and were massive dense breast tissue that sagged terribly and were painful. (I was also bullied) When I was finally old enough to seek out reduction surgery my weight had skyrocketed due to metabolic disorders. I went from what the school called mildly obese 135lbs to 180lbs practically overnight. It was a very stressful time. I’m grateful for the clinic I went to and the surgeon that fought for me who knew losing weight wouldn’t fix the problem. I guess When I first lost weight I only managed to maintain 134lbs I would say my bra size was 30H/30FF UK ? I never reached goal for my height until now. Until I finally had the tool of gastric bypass surgery. I’d say I’m 28D at best. (I haven’t bought new bras I’m just wearing cheap sports bras) But my right side has a kind of um ... dent In it. Although I don’t need a lift the skin is deflated. I was never full on top so now it’s rather bony. (It was even at my heaviest now it’s more noticeable) it’s hard to talk about. I’m not the most feminine person. I’ve always been rather neither here nor there. I only recently bought a few old navy Jersey swing dresses. Mostly for comfort during recovery. Part of me can do without boobs and bras and all that. The other is like wow I could Finally fill out a nice bra without having a ski slope or having to wear a moulded cup bra ... Talk about split personality. ive planned on it, it’s silicon implant up to 575cc. I just haven’t thought about it. I have no idea what size I’d go. ive got my flight booked and I’m trying to prepare yet at the same time I haven’t had the head space to think about it. The other two procedures are priority this is the I’m there why not part. I don’t know, the women here are beautiful and have reason to want to have the surgery to feel good. And have great results. But I’m not and im also alone. I question am I even worth it. I am doing this because I fought like hell to lose 105lbs and want the ugly wrinkled excess skin gone. But I guess I’m dealing with issues I can’t verbalize or process. Or talk through. I hesitate to post. I’m juggling some things that have been delayed due to Covid. While planning this. I did write a post about it. I didn’t go into detail about this aspect. One part of these forums that bothers me is if I am uncomfortable about my post I can’t remove it. Hopefully I haven’t just said a lot of nonsense ...

I too took a very strict approach, especially going up against metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. I note daily my weight, food intake, protein and calories. As a general rule I get minimum 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight. I started very low calorie and low carb never more than 5 grams of sugar as per my nutritionist. I was very slow to enter purée phase. I had protein shakes. it took me a while to find one I could tolerate. For me I used PEScience Select protein powder and 6 ounces of Ripple milk (pea protein milk plain unsweetened which added protein for practically no carbs) which was 160 calories, 30 grams protein and no more than 3-4 carbs. They did a lot of work to get the healthiest protein blend and best taste. I now mix it with Greek yogurt either plain nonfat Fage or TwoGood yogurt and half a scoop (I measure everything on a scale though) and it mixes to a frosting like texture. link for PEScience http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e I couldn’t do bariatric vitamins. I needed ones without added iodine. But I personally recommend Whole Foods based vitamins. It’s tough to budget in but I preferred Garden of life Whole Foods multivitamins (prenatal) my nutritionist approved of them and any sugar (below 5 grams) came from natural foods ingredients. I take a separate calcium with vit d, hair skin and nails formula, omegas, and some people take b12 and vitamin k. Your doctor should do bloodwork to check vitamin levels to recommend any extra supplements. I know the hardest part is getting your head in the right place and working on food addiction. I had fought this years before having gastric bypass surgery. My lifelong chronic illness fought me in other ways. The biggest battle I think is the sugar addiction. Once you realize there are healthy versions of sweet things and that small portions of protein can satisfy you and that we eat to live rather than live to eat, it’s one step ahead on the journey. Like Superman84 said. It’s time to get strict with yourself. Cut out sugar, carbs and soda. It’s a hard addiction to kick. But if I did it, anyone can. You can too. Remove temptations from your reach as well. And ... just keep taking it one step at a time.

I went into gastric bypass surgery with chronic illness and many medical issues, I also had my gallbladder removed at the same time. It’s been a rough road and it took me a lot of trial and error to find things I could tolerate and I took it slow. Right of the bat I was sick and had a lot of problems with getting into purée foods. I found a protein powder that worked. It’s quite possible that you were consuming things that you were allergic or had sensitivity to. Not all protein shakes are equal either. For me I did best with PEScience protein powder. I stuck to very simple things , very low carb as well. And always protein first. I got protein soup mixes from BariatricPal. Protein shots for when I could barely tolerate anything. Instead of purée meat I started mixing protein powder with Greek yogurt. Even eggs at that point were a no go. Eventually I slowly added a soft boiled egg here and there. Until it’s become fairly regular. A Low calorie low carb protein bar for breakfast with tea. My lunches are simple even now I’m a year in. I started with some BariatricPal protein pasta, then slowly changed it over to adding veggie burger with an egg on top. Dinner well that’s almost always Greek yogurt with protein powder. And some sugar free topping. And a baby banana. It took things extremely slow. I still struggle and have issues. I always will that’s just me personally. But I think you shouldn’t be afraid. Things are probably different now, the surgery has improved, you can have a better nutrition guide. Maybe the dietary guidelines included something causing you to dump too often. Or you were not mindful of portions and eating slow. A lot of times surgeons don’t give proper nutrition guidance and that leads to problems. My nutritionist was very helpful. Although for me I’d already been following low carb for years I needed the added tool of bypass to help me. Learn to be mindful of your body and what your pouch doesn’t like. And take it slow and easy. As long as you get protein there’s no race to eating solid food or even purée. I find it helps to take daily note of weight, food intake, protein and calories. Protein should be based on weight starting at 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight. And also no more than 5 grams of sugar in a meal. Especially starting out. I guess to some it might seem obsessive but it’s helped me and yes I’m ocd and on the Autism spectrum. I use the notes section on my iPad and the same format each day and note if I see a doctor and any health issues that come up. For me it was fight to get the tool of gastric bypass surgery to help against weight gain from metabolic disorders and inability to exercise, a fight that’s exhausted me most of my life ... or just give up. it sounds Like this is very important to your wellbeing. There really is no choice here but to take that step forward. I wish you all the best in your journey.

I’m sorry I can’t answer, but I am curious about response to this myself. I had my surgery last year. I’m venturing into getting skin removal surgery in June that entails a long flight from Florida to San Diego then crossing into Mexico. My flight is June 14th very early morning, my return on June 21 technically the 22. I’ll actually be going home with surgical drains. It’s a trusted hospital affiliated with BariatricPal. I haven’t thought about the flight itself until reading your post. id suggest that on flight you get permission to be able to get up and walk about as needed so as not to have any discomfort or develop blood clots in your legs. Have a comfortable cushion with you. Particularly a small one to put over your stomach between your belly and the seatbelts. I’ve trouble flying as is with my own chronic medical conditions. I’d say you’d just make sure you have taken your pain medication, and something to relax you wouldn’t hurt either ie. Diazepam. So as your muscles won’t tense up too much during the flight. I think you should be ok. I would think if they needed to keep you longer in hospital for any reason that they would. Meaning they would not send you out unless you could handle the flight (I’d hope) it sucks using plane toilets but don’t get dehydrated! best of luck to you on your journey

I’m allergic to mirilax which is propylene glycol (I am allergic to glycols) I have chronic gut issues before surgery. I’m taking Linzess now which was helping albeit not always consistent but mind you I have neurological issues as well. this is how linzess is described to work: ”It works by increasing fluid in your intestines and helping speed up movement of food through the gut. Linaclotide may improve stool texture and lessen symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain/discomfort, straining, and feelings of incomplete bowel movements.” I’m In a bit of a pickle myself because I was suggested I needed some iron. I normally avoid multivitamin with iron though because it’s constipating. I bought a multi because it was a three month supply of chewables and didn’t contain added iodine but I didn’t notice the iron. Ugh. i personally can’t do senna because it irritates the bladder and I have interstitial cystitis. Otherwise prune and senna is a good combination. . if you do try magnesium as the above person suggested (my body despised the stuff even lowest dose) my mom relies on it. I highly recommend what I buy for my mom Natural Vitally Natural Calm and it’s magnesium in a powder form you mix in a drink (comes in flavors) https://www.vitacost.com/natural-vitality-natural-calm-the-anti-stress-diertary-supplement-powder-orange Also get a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. What works varies so much person to person check this out for fiber: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SG12LP7/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A11CMR8X0KDKT4&psc=1 I normally can’t take things like milk of magnesia, talk about pain ... but there’s a new Dulcolax liquid that I take a little bit of when the linzess isn’t helping as much as I need. it says it’s stimulant free and works naturally with your body. It’s probably also magnesium based. So I only take very small amount but since it’s likely easier to find you might give that a try. It is ridiculous how difficult it is to get doctors to talk about or advise about constipation. Even a gastroenterologist. Though they love to push that horrid orange psyllium drink, that stuff is garbage. Fine milled golden Flaxseed is So much healthier than that. Or making chia pudding. Or hempseed. I used to take Zelnorm and they took it off the market, this was years ago. And the gastroenterologist had the nerve to say, tell me if you find something that works! I had to ask my current dr. For Linzess since they didn’t even consider recommending it ... why aren’t doctors doctoring anymore? ah well ... best of luck to you!

I used the calculator in the link out of curiosity. I never expected to reach goal let alone surpass it, despite metabolic disorders and inability to exercise amongst other things. Albeit I’m probably fairly obsessive since I have taken a daily log of weight, meals, protein and calories. And stuck with low carb. With exception of adding banana to my yogurt now. And since I don’t snack usually an apple. I’ve increased calories gradually. And still adapting. And struggle with that fear of regain. According to the chart: GASTRIC BYPASS 80% of patients reach at least 145 lbs 18 months after surgery. 50% of patients reach at least 132 lbs 18 months after surgery. 20% of patients reach 119 lbs 18 months after surgery. Of course the chart is based on my starting height and weight I entered. I’m 5’ started at 208lbs. I hit one year April 29th. And my current weight is 102lbs. I don’t think I actually processed that I lost 106lbs and I’ve not been this weight as long as I can remember. Calculate How Much You’ll Weigh 2 Years After Surgery https://www.obesitycoverage.com/how-much-will-you-weigh-after-surgery/

I’m having so many mixed thoughts swirling around my head. I hesitate to post this today. I am grateful for having gastric bypass to have the tool to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to disability (post exertional malaise) and I was at the point it was all or nothing. All my fight was getting me nowhere fast. I know I’ve come a long way, I’ve also paid a hefty price physically and am still dealing with many health challenges. But I also know my body could not carry the burden of all that weight. And I will do everything in my power to maintain the weight loss. i reached goal Sometime last month. I overshot it a little. Although based on my height of 5’ I’m within my goal range. I haven’t been actively trying to lose for a few weeks. I raised my calories somewhat but not drastically. I started out at 208lbs with a BMI of 40.6 and today am 102.4 and a BMI of 20. its Funny though, I write my weight on a calendar daily, and write Daily log of my weight, meals, calories and protein to Track and plan what I will eat the best I can based on what’s available in the fridge, freezer, pantry. I haven’t given solid thought to my progress, I’ve just taken it one moment at a time. My weight fluctuates slightly and that’s ok. Other things weigh on my mind though. I hesitate to call it a celebration when even my birthday this month went unmentioned and Covid-19 will be around for the foreseeable future. It’s not impacted my odd daily routines of living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I’m homebound much of the time as is. It’s risky going to get groceries but a necessity. But It’s had more of an impact on healthcare. i Had an early one year follow up with my surgeon February 11 and discussed continuing severe pain and spasms in left side under ribs along with other symptoms along with my history of ulcers in the remnant stomach and small intestine, they said I needed a double balloon enteroscopy. But I had to see a different doctor for the test. I couldn’t get an appointment until March 12 to see that doctor, I asked if they could schedule the test since it takes a while but no I had to wait to see the doctor first, who of course ordered the test. Which was then scheduled for April 27. And what happened, of course no one called until the last minute and it was then canceled indefinitely. And I’m left in pain, I sent them a message and they tell me I could go to the ER to be evaluated. First of all how is that a good idea? And evaluated for what? That’s why I saw the doctor and he ordered the test (actually both doctors did) I’m at a loss as to what to do and meanwhile I’m just trying to move ahead. i don’t even want to discuss this. I’ve other health issues that I’ve been waiting months to deal with. My doctor gives me attitude. Even things are obviously a problem. I saw my general doctor February after waiting a few weeks. I had sudden severe pain just lightly touching the front of my throat. I had a thyroid ultrasound. I also saw an endocrinologist. I was supposed to go to the hospital for further tests. But this was cancelled indefinitely. I’ve also been having nosebleeds and I don’t know why ... but it’s all been put on hold and none of the doctors care to follow up. I have been making plans about having skin removal surgery. Since it’s the only thing I can manage to do right now. The excess sagging skin is very problematic especially my thighs. A thigh lift, and Having a Belt lipectomy/Butterfly lift to remove excess skin might also help benefit strengthening my core which I can’t do with exercise. I’ve been working on this with Hospital BC that is part of BariatricPal and they are so helpful in the process. I’m trying to think of it as a vacation in Mexico with benefits. I’ll need financing of course. I’m far away from rich. It’s a goal to have a body I haven’t as long as I can remember. I haven’t been this weight as long as I can remember either. I could never reach this goal on my own before even as hard as I tried with strict low carb and calorie counting. I only managed 124lbs and it didn’t stay there long. So taking that last step of getting rid of ugly sagging, rashy problematic skin feels like part of the journey to finish. A crazy thing in times like these. I’ll be pinching pennies as hard as I can. But part of me is determined. And also ... trying to ignore the rest. I had wanted to deal with the other health issues first but looks like that won’t happen so I’m going to try to roll with it and see what happens. maybe it’s dumb for me to write this. I don’t know anymore. I’m exhausted. But I think that I want others to know that if I can do this with my chronic illness and disability And despite how hard it has been for me ... that others can succeed and reach their weight loss goal.

I will admit my one addiction is having a baby banana 🍌 with yogurt for dinner. Manzanos I think they are called. Not always easy to find though. That and sugar free land o lakes whipped cream. peanut butter powder is probably the healthier option but will give the same flavor to the mix.

I’ve had a hard time finding foods I tolerate and rarely eat meat and stick to low carb foods as well. My issue is keeping things as simple as possible due to severely limited energy. For the most part it’s the same basic foods ie. a veggie burger and an egg. At least for my one main meal which is lunch. I found Real Good Foods products, I started with their chicken enchiladas that are in my calorie range, and low carb, plus my pouch didn’t totally reject them. To be honest nausea right now is a constant companion as is pain but that’s another subject. The enchiladas taste really good. Just the right portion size for where I’m at around 4.69 ounces, 190 calories, 20 grams protein and 4 Total carbs (2 net carbs) the beef enchiladas are the same. They also have breakfast sandwiches with cauliflower buns .... I’m trying the second two things for the first time because I placed an order online since they have a sale and you get three free choczero syrup with the order. And no worrying about finding it in the store or having to deal with the grocery. plus there’s $10 off and free shipping with I think $59. I spent $50 and change for 16 meals and three free syrups. Delivered free. I hope it’s ok I share this. I thought it was great. I can’t do this often. But needed it right now .... and it’s comes out $3.18 per meal without counting the syrups that are regular price $7.99 each. It’s convenient frozen meals but like fresh homemade meals in quality. http://realgoodfoods.refr.cc/christinek

What about Enlightened ice cream? They make a dairy free version. It does have a little bit of sugar but no more than my dietician recommends. It’s low calories and decent ingredients. Some erythritol but that doesn’t cause digestive issues like maltitol. I haven’t had a chance to try it myself yet. They make ice cream bars as well. https://eatenlightened.com/collections/dairy-free Halo Top also makes dairy free. making ice cream from banana would be a lot of sugar! But if your body can handle banana it’s an interesting recipe. I would think peanut butter powder would work better? i can’t tempt myself with peanut butter ...

I’ve bought the enchiladas locally at Publix grocery, but recently placed an order online since they had a special offer to get free choczero syrups. Also if anyone uses the link I posted they get $10 off. It’s free shipping with $50. It seems like a lot but I shopped the flash sale and the special deal. I got chicken enchiladas, beef enchiladas and breakfast sandwiches. Plus You do earn rewards buying online. I’m trying to avoid the grocery too often. Check out their Facebook page they have a ongoing contest to win a gift card. I haven’t tried their ice cream yet. But it’s got great ingredients that I know wouldn’t bother my pouch. I just wish it were less calories. It would be more of a meal for me. Then again my dinners are plain Fage Greek yogurt with protein powder, a baby banana and some sf whipped cream.

I’m extremely picky too and honestly didn’t realize it had a chicken wrap when I first tried it. I was hesitant every time I saw it in the store to even try it. But then finally said ok just try it. The first time I made it I put it in the oven and didn’t see it said keep it in the pan it comes in I put it on foil but it tasted much better that way. I thought I would be grossed out but was surprised the chicken wrap is very thin and not overpowering. I think if it was microwaved I wouldn’t like it though. I haven’t tried the cauliflower pizza yet. Too high calorie for me and not sure how it would reheat. I rarely eat meat anymore but did find this good, I probably would prefer a veggie based wrap but I’ll take what I can get since it fits my calorie range, is very low carb and filling. Plus it’s 20 grams protein. Which is awesome.

It’s probably the altered metabolism of the thyroid medication that you take and likely need a dosage change. It’s hard how this is altering basic health care. I had gastric bypass surgery because of metabolic disorders (Adrenal and pcos) and inability to exercise. One thing about the thyroid is that it’s slowing your metabolism. Depending on your daily calories and types of foods you eat. I would recommend lowering calories and carbs to kickstart loss. Which is something that I had to work through many times myself. Like when I took a beta blocker for orthostatic intolerance no one told me it slowed my already slow metabolism so I had to reduce my calories 30% to compensate! That was pre-surgery. I stopped the medication when my insurance wouldn’t pay for anything but generic. At some point my weight just skyrocketed out of control again despite all my efforts. I knew I needed the tool of surgery to reach the calories that would help me stop gaining and lose weight. hopefully you can get the labs done to see if you need a new dosage of medication. In the meantime food adjustments might help short term.