Darktowerdream

I calculate my daily Protein based on my weight yet most days I still get too much protein 😹 I am not a big meat eater. Nor do I eat big meals or a lot of calories. But example of my daily meals: Breakfast is tea and a Protein Bar. lunch is my main meal. I vary it depending what I find at the grocery or where I’ve shopped, I usually meal plan for a week. Even though my meals are basically the same I write down my weight, meals, calories and protein.

Side note: I use Quest salted caramel Protein Shake as Creamer in my tea ...
example lunch Aldi Earth Grown flame grilled veggie burger, I pan cook with a little olive oil a little sliced avocado, and then I flip it break it up a bit with spatula and crack a single egg in the middle. I do the same basic formula with different veggie burgers. I love Bubba burger Latin grill veggie burgers with little avocado, a manzano banana and a egg. Aldi has good veggie meatballs too. Sometimes I buy their cauliflower rice and I’m a little with the veggie burger and an egg. Anyway the Aldi flame grilled veggie burger and one Egglands best egg = 160 calories and 22 grams protein. But that’s just an example.
my dinner is the same yes I’m a creature of habit. Right now I’m rather obsessed with oikos triple zero lemon tart yogurt. I mix it with PEScience select Peanut Butter cookie Protein Powder and some low carb granola or Cereal and pop in the freezer up to an hour. I sprinkle some extra powder on top to keep it from over freezing. I love land o lakes sugar free whipped cream on top. It’s about 220 calories and 32 grams protein. (1/2 scoop protein, 1 yogurt cup, 15 grams of low carb granola either sola granola or Catalina crunch)

PEScience Select
http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e

@mrshenry you’ve gotten so many answers so I can’t add much. I’m over a year out of surgery now but had a hard time with Protein Shakes. For multiple reasons. Even though my sense of smell was off as was my taste (medical reasons prior to surgery) everything came across too strong and nauseating. Everything suggested either had iodine add3d so I couldn’t have it or had a horrid smell. Especially Isopure. The clear was heinous.
I ended up turning to three things the third I’d wished I had found earlier post op.
my first was PEScience Select Protein Powder that I would mix with plain unsweetened Ripple milk put in the fridge 30 minutes then mix again. I’d use one scoop powder 4 ounces milk (plant based I couldn’t tolerate dairy) and added Water as needed (needed it thicker due to dysphasia) for some reason it was one of the few I could tolerate. Plus it’s just more affordable to mix your own shakes.

http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e
There are premix but more expensive. Also getting more than 30 grams Protein per meal has no benefits.
it helps to calculate daily protein based on body weight. 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight is a starting point only add higher with exercise.
the second thing that helped was BariatricPal protein Soup mixes. They have a sampler pack of broth flavors so then you can get an idea what flavor you like best.

what i wish I’d found immediately post op was BariatricPal pink lemonade Protein Shots 15 grams protein in a little shot. I had a hard time getting fluids that would have helped a lot.

Some premix in the grocery, costs a bit more but shamrock shakes are pretty good. I wouldn’t have known they existed until I found them in the cold dairy section. strawberry is good. The fairlife makes core power shakes also. They are like drinking milk. I’d also buy in a pinch some Boost Max protein shakes.

oh I can’t forget the best flavor of premix but kind of high calorie for me was salted caramel in the brand of Labrada Lean Body but one 12 ounce I think is 40 grams protein. Quest nutrition also makes salted caramel shakes, I used them as Creamer in my tea I get them cheapest in Target.

That’s also a good way to boost protein. Use protein you like in Decaf tea. I personally like either vanilla rooibos (celestial seasonings) decaf earl grey (Bigelow) though I do love vanilla chai ... also bigelow.

@mrshenry you’ve gotten so many answers so I can’t add much. I’m over a year out of surgery now but had a hard time with Protein Shakes. For multiple reasons. Even though my sense of smell was off as was my taste (medical reasons prior to surgery) everything came across too strong and nauseating. Everything suggested either had iodine add3d so I couldn’t have it or had a horrid smell. Especially Isopure. The clear was heinous.
I ended up turning to three things the third I’d wished I had found earlier post op.
my first was PEScience Select Protein Powder that I would mix with plain unsweetened Ripple milk put in the fridge 30 minutes then mix again. I’d use one scoop powder 4 ounces milk (plant based I couldn’t tolerate dairy) and added Water as needed (needed it thicker due to dysphasia) for some reason it was one of the few I could tolerate. Plus it’s just more affordable to mix your own shakes.

http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e
There are premix but more expensive. Also getting more than 30 grams Protein per meal has no benefits.
it helps to calculate daily protein based on body weight. 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight is a starting point only add higher with exercise.
the second thing that helped was BariatricPal protein Soup mixes. They have a sampler pack of broth flavors so then you can get an idea what flavor you like best.

what i wish I’d found immediately post op was BariatricPal pink lemonade Protein Shots 15 grams protein in a little shot. I had a hard time getting fluids that would have helped a lot.

Some premix in the grocery, costs a bit more but shamrock shakes are pretty good. I wouldn’t have known they existed until I found them in the cold dairy section. strawberry is good. The fairlife makes core power shakes also. They are like drinking milk. I’d also buy in a pinch some Boost Max protein shakes.

oh I can’t forget the best flavor of premix but kind of high calorie for me was salted caramel in the brand of Labrada Lean Body but one 12 ounce I think is 40 grams protein. Quest nutrition also makes salted caramel shakes, I used them as Creamer in my tea I get them cheapest in Target.

That’s also a good way to boost protein. Use protein you like in Decaf tea. I personally like either vanilla rooibos (celestial seasonings) decaf earl grey (Bigelow) though I do love vanilla chai ... also bigelow.

I am sorry you didn’t mention it being a medical issue vs a taste issue, I hope my comment didn’t offend you I wouldn’t judge a persons eating if they are struggling with eating at all. You need Protein. And Vitamins. Period. If it won’t stay down for medical reasons than all the more reason to reach out to your surgeon or go to the ER, trust me I had to go to the ER shortly after my surgery and I didn’t want to I was stuck in hospital another three days due to critically low potassium, acute uti, pneumonia, and diagnosed with a neurological form of dysphasia. I was later diagnosed with a stricture as well. I couldn’t tolerate anything but pushed to get protein even though I couldn’t drink Water and still can’t properly drink water or thin liquids. I drink hot tea even though it hurts and had things that probably were out of norm I got protein Soups from BariatricPal, because the pastas were easier to get down since they were very soft. I struggled to find what I could tolerate. Yes you do you and what helps you but get protein or get medical advice you can’t starve yourself totally. We just want to help not criticize someone struggling.

I searched awhile for a replacement for my post surgery bra and finally found something comparable and in some ways better. Considering the price it’s actually better than the higher price bra although for me I wish it came in a smaller band size it seems to be just about the right size on the tightest hooks. Ive basically been wearing it 24/7 unless in the shower and can hardly tell it’s on. So thought I’d share it. I actually wrote a Amazon review on it A. It’s good B. The company is sending a free product. I did buy one black one nude color. Size small that says for 24.8-26.7” underbust. It fits on the tightest hook which means no room to tighten when the elasticity stretches. I like that it’s structured and has shape and a little back support. It has a little cotton lining in the cups, I got rid of the tiny cup inserts. (Not necessary) but if you need extra these are the best I found. And good for even every day bras. It helps for me that they are front close. I’ll attach some pictures. @ChubRub I thought this might help for after your surgery. Time will be here in a blink. Order based on the under bust measurement. I couldn’t think anywhere else to post.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B4GTKRZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For me personally I had my gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 I reached goal before my one year anniversary. I ended up going for plastics in June. My weight was at the lowest that it ever would be, the lowest I’d ever been able to reach actually. It’s still stable I knew going in to expect a range within a few lbs of fluctuations and try to keep it in check due to hormone issues. But I don’t regret jumping in when I did. I saw the opportunity and grabbed it. I’m still in the recovery process wearing Faja. I had a belt lipectomy/butterfly lift with stomach muscle tightening, thigh lift, and augmentation. It helped that my BMI was low.

I use the ratio of 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight as a baseline and if you exercise it’s more. (I think that translates to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight) I think for Keto it’s suggested a baseline of 0.5 grams protein per 1lb body weight, and between 1-2 grams per lb if you are training hard.
i usually get more than I need Without shakes. but I like adding Protein Powder to yogurt. I had trouble with shakes due to dysphasia and finding a good consistency.

@ChubRub I had mixed feelings about sharing. I think back to losing weight before and how it didn’t stick and hope this is it, you know? I’m not good with words or maybe not with how I feel. Things have been tough to say the least and this was one thing I could fight for. Even though I wasn’t sure even this could happen. I still feel like the fat girl.

I also think about someone I trusted, who was a friend I called her my sister, treated her like family ... I won’t get into details but traveled long distance to spend holiday with her and her SO to be supportive. I was struggling with my weight after I’d just had a hysterectomy. The first thing she said to me wasn’t how are you. I don’t remember exactly What she said she barely looked at me. All I remember is her saying “I’m going to fatten you up ...” I don’t know why she said it. But that trip turned bad. And what I thought was a friendship ended. Badly. I struggled with what I ate while I stayed with her. And got accused of not eating for attention. I didn’t want to stress out her SO, he was a good person so I ate whatever meals he prepared. Never mind that I was getting massive rashes on my abdomen and was sick but didn’t tell them that. (Later I found it was a combination of food allergy and my gallbladder, and it was high altitude as well so my breathing was difficult because I was also on a beta blocker for orthostatic intolerance)
even When I got home. Everything was just a mess and so was I. Nothing was the same. And over a short time the few people in my life just cut out. Including my actual sister. And another close friend who called herself sister to me ... I didn’t have support beyond my mom through my weight loss surgery and she helped me fight for it.

well in my rambling I just wanted to say it was hard to share these pictures because I never have pictures of myself literally never. I’m glad if it helps to see that the weight loss journey is worth it, as is plastics. It helps the steps to feeling complete. To feeling you’ve reached a goal you couldn’t get to before.
I still struggle with body dysmorphia. With my self image. I find it almost funny that people don’t comment when you are overweight. My doctor when I sought ought help when I needed it, when I fought my weight and was desperate for help she said oh your weight is fine. Oh no it wasn’t. But now people don’t hesitate to make snide remarks like watch out you lose anymore you’ll disappear. I’m sure they think it’s a compliment too. Not realizing they are saying t to someone who has been invisible all their life.

I hate it but this is the only picture I have before my gastric bypass surgery. It was my birthday at the zoo before surgery. The stupid zoo snapped this horrid picture without me knowing. I wish I’d been able to enjoy the day more than I did. I treated my mom and her friends to a free day at the zoo and a close encounter with flamingos that I’d won. (Yeah It was supposed to be my birthday) that was April 2019. I tried to hide behind my camera. I didn’t know if the surgery was even going to happen but it did get approved the end of April one week before surgery. That happened April 29th. I despise pictures of myself and am not good at taking them. I tried to take a after picture. With and without the Faja. Trying clothes I never thought I’d wear. Not sure anyone wants to see. I dislike my arms and hands and my knees are weird ... and I don’t like my ugly mug 🤣 sorry they are terrible pictures but I never thought I’d be this weight or size ... or that I’d have an actual waist.

@ChubRub I had mixed feelings about sharing. I think back to losing weight before and how it didn’t stick and hope this is it, you know? I’m not good with words or maybe not with how I feel. Things have been tough to say the least and this was one thing I could fight for. Even though I wasn’t sure even this could happen. I still feel like the fat girl.

I also think about someone I trusted, who was a friend I called her my sister, treated her like family ... I won’t get into details but traveled long distance to spend holiday with her and her SO to be supportive. I was struggling with my weight after I’d just had a hysterectomy. The first thing she said to me wasn’t how are you. I don’t remember exactly What she said she barely looked at me. All I remember is her saying “I’m going to fatten you up ...” I don’t know why she said it. But that trip turned bad. And what I thought was a friendship ended. Badly. I struggled with what I ate while I stayed with her. And got accused of not eating for attention. I didn’t want to stress out her SO, he was a good person so I ate whatever meals he prepared. Never mind that I was getting massive rashes on my abdomen and was sick but didn’t tell them that. (Later I found it was a combination of food allergy and my gallbladder, and it was high altitude as well so my breathing was difficult because I was also on a beta blocker for orthostatic intolerance)
even When I got home. Everything was just a mess and so was I. Nothing was the same. And over a short time the few people in my life just cut out. Including my actual sister. And another close friend who called herself sister to me ... I didn’t have support beyond my mom through my weight loss surgery and she helped me fight for it.

well in my rambling I just wanted to say it was hard to share these pictures because I never have pictures of myself literally never. I’m glad if it helps to see that the weight loss journey is worth it, as is plastics. It helps the steps to feeling complete. To feeling you’ve reached a goal you couldn’t get to before.
I still struggle with body dysmorphia. With my self image. I find it almost funny that people don’t comment when you are overweight. My doctor when I sought ought help when I needed it, when I fought my weight and was desperate for help she said oh your weight is fine. Oh no it wasn’t. But now people don’t hesitate to make snide remarks like watch out you lose anymore you’ll disappear. I’m sure they think it’s a compliment too. Not realizing they are saying t to someone who has been invisible all their life.

@ChubRub I had mixed feelings about sharing. I think back to losing weight before and how it didn’t stick and hope this is it, you know? I’m not good with words or maybe not with how I feel. Things have been tough to say the least and this was one thing I could fight for. Even though I wasn’t sure even this could happen. I still feel like the fat girl.

I also think about someone I trusted, who was a friend I called her my sister, treated her like family ... I won’t get into details but traveled long distance to spend holiday with her and her SO to be supportive. I was struggling with my weight after I’d just had a hysterectomy. The first thing she said to me wasn’t how are you. I don’t remember exactly What she said she barely looked at me. All I remember is her saying “I’m going to fatten you up ...” I don’t know why she said it. But that trip turned bad. And what I thought was a friendship ended. Badly. I struggled with what I ate while I stayed with her. And got accused of not eating for attention. I didn’t want to stress out her SO, he was a good person so I ate whatever meals he prepared. Never mind that I was getting massive rashes on my abdomen and was sick but didn’t tell them that. (Later I found it was a combination of food allergy and my gallbladder, and it was high altitude as well so my breathing was difficult because I was also on a beta blocker for orthostatic intolerance)
even When I got home. Everything was just a mess and so was I. Nothing was the same. And over a short time the few people in my life just cut out. Including my actual sister. And another close friend who called herself sister to me ... I didn’t have support beyond my mom through my weight loss surgery and she helped me fight for it.

well in my rambling I just wanted to say it was hard to share these pictures because I never have pictures of myself literally never. I’m glad if it helps to see that the weight loss journey is worth it, as is plastics. It helps the steps to feeling complete. To feeling you’ve reached a goal you couldn’t get to before.
I still struggle with body dysmorphia. With my self image. I find it almost funny that people don’t comment when you are overweight. My doctor when I sought ought help when I needed it, when I fought my weight and was desperate for help she said oh your weight is fine. Oh no it wasn’t. But now people don’t hesitate to make snide remarks like watch out you lose anymore you’ll disappear. I’m sure they think it’s a compliment too. Not realizing they are saying t to someone who has been invisible all their life.

I hate it but this is the only picture I have before my gastric bypass surgery. It was my birthday at the zoo before surgery. The stupid zoo snapped this horrid picture without me knowing. I wish I’d been able to enjoy the day more than I did. I treated my mom and her friends to a free day at the zoo and a close encounter with flamingos that I’d won. (Yeah It was supposed to be my birthday) that was April 2019. I tried to hide behind my camera. I didn’t know if the surgery was even going to happen but it did get approved the end of April one week before surgery. That happened April 29th. I despise pictures of myself and am not good at taking them. I tried to take a after picture. With and without the Faja. Trying clothes I never thought I’d wear. Not sure anyone wants to see. I dislike my arms and hands and my knees are weird ... and I don’t like my ugly mug 🤣 sorry they are terrible pictures but I never thought I’d be this weight or size ... or that I’d have an actual waist.

I hate it but this is the only picture I have before my gastric bypass surgery. It was my birthday at the zoo before surgery. The stupid zoo snapped this horrid picture without me knowing. I wish I’d been able to enjoy the day more than I did. I treated my mom and her friends to a free day at the zoo and a close encounter with flamingos that I’d won. (Yeah It was supposed to be my birthday) that was April 2019. I tried to hide behind my camera. I didn’t know if the surgery was even going to happen but it did get approved the end of April one week before surgery. That happened April 29th. I despise pictures of myself and am not good at taking them. I tried to take a after picture. With and without the Faja. Trying clothes I never thought I’d wear. Not sure anyone wants to see. I dislike my arms and hands and my knees are weird ... and I don’t like my ugly mug 🤣 sorry they are terrible pictures but I never thought I’d be this weight or size ... or that I’d have an actual waist.

I hate it but this is the only picture I have before my gastric bypass surgery. It was my birthday at the zoo before surgery. The stupid zoo snapped this horrid picture without me knowing. I wish I’d been able to enjoy the day more than I did. I treated my mom and her friends to a free day at the zoo and a close encounter with flamingos that I’d won. (Yeah It was supposed to be my birthday) that was April 2019. I tried to hide behind my camera. I didn’t know if the surgery was even going to happen but it did get approved the end of April one week before surgery. That happened April 29th. I despise pictures of myself and am not good at taking them. I tried to take a after picture. With and without the Faja. Trying clothes I never thought I’d wear. Not sure anyone wants to see. I dislike my arms and hands and my knees are weird ... and I don’t like my ugly mug 🤣 sorry they are terrible pictures but I never thought I’d be this weight or size ... or that I’d have an actual waist.

Hi 🧡 I didn’t read the other replies but I had gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019. I started out 5’ 208+ lbs and in under a year I lost 106lbs. I do not regret that decision at all. I stick to mainly a low carb way of eating And keep daily log of my meals, Protein and calories BUT I do have fruit now no dumping and I have had a little wine here and there no dumping I’ve also had a margarita (whatever option had the least sugar) and I have had Prosecco which usually carbonated is a no no but I do have energy drinks sometimes too, I let the bubbly go out a bit. I didn’t have these until I was close to goal, well I admit I did cheat with the margarita a little early but otherwise I kept to my strict way of eating and slowly added things at goal.

well I’m rambling. You Feel it out as you go through the steps when you have surgery. But You won’t regret gastric bypass surgery. I didn’t and would do it again even knowing how hard it was for me with my lifelong chronic illness and disability.

I wanted to add something about step 2 Faja, it’s not just about sizing down. Step 2 Faja no longer have the hook and eye closures ...
https://marena.com/collections/womens-post-surgical-girdles/products/sfbhs2-compression-girdle
I was looking on eBay for a more affordable price on a smaller size Faja (girdle) with the hook and eye closure. Money is crazy tight. Of course style depends on your surgeries. I’m in a weird spot my thighs are xxs but the rest is exactly in between sizes. I’m considering a Faja with calf length for daytime because my knees get swollen and the knee high compression stockings fall below the knees ...
im not sure when I’d use phase 2 it seems harder to get in and out of ...
hope everyone is doing well.

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.

@ChubRub thank you I trusted Dr. Ampudia and only asked that i have upper pole fullness. The pictures don’t quite show how bad the excess belly skin was and my butt was really horrid. Now one cheek can fit in my hand 🤣 my thigh lift is a separate picture but I don’t think it can show how bad it really was before. So much excess wrinkled sagging skin that maybe someone in their 90s would have. My skin is very abnormally thin. All things considered, I think he did awesome. If I get up the guts I’ll post my own after pictures. I never kept my own before pictures.
I'm still dealing with the open incision on the Left thigh lift T incision which is slowly healing, And a small one on the right side that’s been a bit problematic. But right now the incision at the coccyx area is being a literal pain in the butt. It seems to have gotten bigger. I’m trying to figure out how to better manage it. I’m using Bactigras and bandages but don’t know how to relieve pressure on it.
I’m trying to get some routine but with my chronic illness and Covid going wild around here I haven’t gotten out and about much. It takes a lot of energy to take care of the little things.
i meal plan to keep my calories within a certain range and get enough Protein. My weight is up slightly but still below my goal of 106lbs. Though I weigh myself dressed with Faja and stockings 104.2 today. When I went for surgery I was at my lowest weight for better healing, my scale. at home 102.2, their scale when I arrived 101.2. I think lower BMI helped since I was having so many procedures. Hitting the snag I did thankfully it worked out.
And I keep trying to hold in mind why I did it all as I work to get these problematic incisions healed. The rest are doing good. Just some Fluid retention after removing the drain that wanted to ooze out of some spots in my thigh incisions. And one small open spot at the front. I think just my thin skin in existing medical conditions. But given those I’ll get there eventually.
I wouldn’t Change my decision to have it, or change where I had it or my surgeon.

My legs and butt went well. Still have 2 drains in. First 2 days were painful. I get half the staples out next Monday. Here are my pre and post OP implant pics! Just done this morning. 450cc silicone. Owies. Also will see if I can post my pre and post OP arm and tummy.....

I am officially DONE.

I would prefer liquid, I will finish what I have and see what I can budget in next month. I got a coupon for vitacost so will see what I can do. I think I am going to ask my doctor about my hemoglobin and try not to let her piss me off ...
and if I can get my hemoglobin tested if it’s low then insist on infusions.
I think I eat healthy I already take Whole Foods based Multivitamins and eat iron rich foods. My iron itself is good. My hemoglobin before I left for surgery was ok, then before leaving I had the double balloon enteroscopy, my general doctor said to mention some levels on my bloodwork (Not the hemoglobin) to the gastroenterologist but I only saw him 1/second in the procedure room. And about the same after. My procedure was upsetting and provided no answers.
But somewhere between there and preop bloodwork my hemoglobin dropped drastically, before surgery! The last it wa# that low was after my gastric bypass surgery ... It was perplexing. To keep me safe they gave me blood transfusions. That’s how good my surgeon was. He knew my underlying chronic illness and kept me safe.

crashing now. Didn’t sleep last night. Doing my best not to stress. My main incision stress point is an awkward spot. It’s a T incision in the thigh area I guess inner thigh incision, it’s where the opening of a Faja hits. Maybe it’s combination medial and lateral thigh lift. I’m not sure. Right where the two incisions meet is where it opened on my left side which is my bad side to being with. I use a low dryer on cool to dry everything very well and also as my doctor calls it use fan therapy for the open incision. Next is the Bactigras. I won’t scare anyone with pictures. But since I’m on top of it, it could be worse.
I won’t yet ask my doctor about a wound care specialist until I try myself the Bactigras. But I know one mention she will blame me for where I had surgery but any complication is on HER not monitoring my bloodwork and my health.
I’m worry watching my left side, it’s a small open spot and hoping it heals before the stitches start loosening. But a lot of the other parts of the stitches are doing well and some parts completely closed! It’s hard not to stress an area that’s involved with toileting and such. Aka high stress point. Thankfully I guess my myalgic Encephalomyelitis comes in handy I’m too fatigued to do much. But do everything myself, except laundry. Showers take forever and exhaust me. Catch 22? This is depleting things I can’t get back but still I’d not change anything.
explain later after I rest. Need to ask my surgeon how much skin he removed too.

I would prefer liquid, I will finish what I have and see what I can budget in next month. I got a coupon for vitacost so will see what I can do. I think I am going to ask my doctor about my hemoglobin and try not to let her piss me off ...
and if I can get my hemoglobin tested if it’s low then insist on infusions.
I think I eat healthy I already take Whole Foods based Multivitamins and eat iron rich foods. My iron itself is good. My hemoglobin before I left for surgery was ok, then before leaving I had the double balloon enteroscopy, my general doctor said to mention some levels on my bloodwork (Not the hemoglobin) to the gastroenterologist but I only saw him 1/second in the procedure room. And about the same after. My procedure was upsetting and provided no answers.
But somewhere between there and preop bloodwork my hemoglobin dropped drastically, before surgery! The last it wa# that low was after my gastric bypass surgery ... It was perplexing. To keep me safe they gave me blood transfusions. That’s how good my surgeon was. He knew my underlying chronic illness and kept me safe.

crashing now. Didn’t sleep last night. Doing my best not to stress. My main incision stress point is an awkward spot. It’s a T incision in the thigh area I guess inner thigh incision, it’s where the opening of a Faja hits. Maybe it’s combination medial and lateral thigh lift. I’m not sure. Right where the two incisions meet is where it opened on my left side which is my bad side to being with. I use a low dryer on cool to dry everything very well and also as my doctor calls it use fan therapy for the open incision. Next is the Bactigras. I won’t scare anyone with pictures. But since I’m on top of it, it could be worse.
I won’t yet ask my doctor about a wound care specialist until I try myself the Bactigras. But I know one mention she will blame me for where I had surgery but any complication is on HER not monitoring my bloodwork and my health.
I’m worry watching my left side, it’s a small open spot and hoping it heals before the stitches start loosening. But a lot of the other parts of the stitches are doing well and some parts completely closed! It’s hard not to stress an area that’s involved with toileting and such. Aka high stress point. Thankfully I guess my myalgic Encephalomyelitis comes in handy I’m too fatigued to do much. But do everything myself, except laundry. Showers take forever and exhaust me. Catch 22? This is depleting things I can’t get back but still I’d not change anything.
explain later after I rest. Need to ask my surgeon how much skin he removed too.

I went with Hospital BC in Tijuana Mexico, they are affiliated with BariatricPal and the only U.S, owned Hospital there. I had belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, medial thigh lift and breast augmentation. Everything was included, transportation to and from the airport, 7 night hospital stay, meals 24, hour care, pre op testing, Faja (x2) compression stockings, etc. $14,350 this also included my companion. I paid $366.40 for two people to fly round trip via Delta airlines. I did have one unexpected expense around $700 but that was all. My surgery was very long. I’m in the process of recovery since I had it June 15th. My surgeon is awesome 👏 I highly recommend them. They have 24 hour valet, nurse and doctor. Even when a nurse could not speak much English I felt they communicated well, and when they needed it the valet translates. I felt safe and knew my Dr. did a good surgery and the staff took care of me despite it being a challenging time due to COVID-19.
https://hospitalbc.com

It’s a long story over the course of my life, living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I have myalgic Encephalomyelitis since age 9 at least which causes post exertional malaise. Exertion is exhausting And exacerbates symptoms, exercise is physically damaging. It led to developing many medical conditions including fibromyalgia. Metabolic disorders. I cannot exercise and my metabolism is slower than a sloth. I fought my weight since childhood too. I went to strict low carb and calorie counting fighting sugar addiction but over time it wasn’t enough, I could never get to a healthy weight, I’d always be stuck but I felt I had to accept that I’d be a higher weight 134lb highest 215lb. Lowest on my own briefly 124lb. But my weight got out of control again. I had feelings my gallbladder wa# making it worse but no doctor listened. My weight got to 208lb and I desperately fought for bariatric surgery. Finally I got to Cleveland Clinic where they listened to how for so long i ate low carb low calories and it stopped helping me. And I had gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 along with gallbladder surgery which turned out to be chronic inflammation.

it did take a toll on M.E. but I couldn’t carry the burden of the weight either. I literally lost a small person in weight ... not a cure but easier to carry yourself without the burden.

having the ability to keep moving helps fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Catch 22 with me since it hurts M.E. But I will never regret having the tool of gastric bypass surgery.
I hope you find success and relief on your journey.

It’s a long story over the course of my life, living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I have myalgic Encephalomyelitis since age 9 at least which causes post exertional malaise. Exertion is exhausting And exacerbates symptoms, exercise is physically damaging. It led to developing many medical conditions including fibromyalgia. Metabolic disorders. I cannot exercise and my metabolism is slower than a sloth. I fought my weight since childhood too. I went to strict low carb and calorie counting fighting sugar addiction but over time it wasn’t enough, I could never get to a healthy weight, I’d always be stuck but I felt I had to accept that I’d be a higher weight 134lb highest 215lb. Lowest on my own briefly 124lb. But my weight got out of control again. I had feelings my gallbladder wa# making it worse but no doctor listened. My weight got to 208lb and I desperately fought for bariatric surgery. Finally I got to Cleveland Clinic where they listened to how for so long i ate low carb low calories and it stopped helping me. And I had gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 along with gallbladder surgery which turned out to be chronic inflammation.

it did take a toll on M.E. but I couldn’t carry the burden of the weight either. I literally lost a small person in weight ... not a cure but easier to carry yourself without the burden.

having the ability to keep moving helps fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Catch 22 with me since it hurts M.E. But I will never regret having the tool of gastric bypass surgery.
I hope you find success and relief on your journey.

Thanks @ChubRub, still adapting the best I can. Things are going alright just a kink in things and I had to stop wearing Faja a few days to work through. Most of my incisions from my belt lipectomy look good though as with the augmentation are ok. Doc told me to take the medical tape off from the Belt lipectomy, ouch my hairy monkey backside 🤣 I cannot seem to get rid of the tape residue. The kink is with my medial thigh lift but I don’t think I can discuss it here. Though my surgeon is awesome and helping me even if from a distance. It’s just exhausting self care but story of my life. pm if anyone wants to know.
but I’m taking good Vitamins, extra collagen, turmeric for inflammation, antioxidants, and my usual vitamins also. Swelling in my legs went down a lot and I’m glad for that at least. I think I have got at least one health benefit from this so far. But will find out with time ...
dealing with this current issue has me a tad exhausted. Aren’t I always? But I know my surgeon is there to help. I’m actually angry with my primary care doctor and the doctor that did the double balloon enteroscopy before I left for Mexico. But I’m not comfortable discussing it publicly.
anyway. Because of my lifelong chronic illness and disability whenever I have surgery I need to get a feel for what my new normal is and adapt to that.
Edit: it’s crazy that the Covid hot spot started where I was born NY and actually hit Hard close to where I used to live. (Not in the city though) now Florida seeing a massive spike. I don’t care for a lot about Florida , the only thing I love is the birds and wildlife here.