kristieshannon

I chose the sleeve rather than RNY in part so I could continue to use NSAIDS as needed. I take ibuprofen a couple times a month with no issues. I guess it varies from person to person!

This. And to those who think otherwise, kindly just move along.

Not weird, but an NSV for sure. I have always loved kayaking. However, pre op I could hardly squeeze my fat *as in to one anymore. Now I can, comfortably and paddle all day long ❤️ This was today on the Charles River in Boston.

As an RN working in public health I have to comment-the VAST majority of people receiving the vaccine have few to no side effects. And right now about 99% of hospitalized COVID patients are those who have chosen not to get vaccinated. While early on it was older, sicker people dying with the Delta variant our hospitalized population is much younger, and we are seeing younger people dying or having long COVID syndrome. Please get vaccinated.

My kind of meal! A new place opened up in Boston called Kured-a build your own charcuterie box place! This made several meals for me.

It was about 20lbs per size until I dropped from 286 to about 220. Then it was 10-15 lbs per size until I hit about 175. Now it’s about 5lbs per size at about 140.

My surgeon and I decided the sleeve was best for me. I was concerned about the potential for long term nutrition deficiencies with RNY. I also get headaches that respond well to ibuprofen but not Tylenol, and with RNY they say you can’t take NSAIDS. I also didn’t have problems with GERD so no concerns there. I’m glad I went with VSG, it’s worked well for me. I’d definitely work with your doc through, and consider which will be best for your particular medical history!

For sure! I remember a few potlucks at work early on-it was a challenge for sure. I always brought something as my contribution that I would be able to have, and always packed my snacks & drinks for the day so I had “safe” foods on hand. Once you get back to being able to eat normal foods it’s much easier. Just a few weeks to push through and you’ll be there!

Time goes by quickly, I can hardly believe I’m hitting two years. Stay on plan-you’ll see the benefits rolling in soon, which is super motivational. Some of my really early benefits-before people even noticed I’d lost weight-were getting off BP meds and getting rid of my CPAP. It really does get easier over time.

Congrats on your surgery! It truly gets better. Hang in there! At two years out I’ve hit goal. From 286 down to 143. I can eat nearly anything at this point, but am satisfied with small amounts. You’ll get there too, and will win back your health along the way. Nothing is sweeter to me these days than going to those parties in a cute outfit showing off my slim body ❤️

Give it time. Early on, when I was heavier, it took 20-30 lbs for me or anyone else to notice a loss. The last 20lbs or so to my goal it seemed even a 5 lb loss would change my look, clothes size, and got lots of comments.

Sometimes it’s trial & error to find foods that work. I still can’t eat much of an egg, and pork is too dense for me at nearly 2 years post op. Go back to soft foods like refried beans, yogurt, soft fish, and cottage cheese. Eat the things you can, supplement with protein shakes, and keep up with taking your vitamins. Every couple weeks try something new, and go back occasionally to foods you couldn’t previously tolerate. Something I had to learn the hard way was to SLOW DOWN! I was always a really fast eater. I get sick and vomit when I eat too fast now. It’s a process, hang in there!

It is weird! People clearly were “careful” around me with their discussions. I guess I’m general I didn’t realize how fat phobic people are (I mean, on some level I realized it, but didn’t know if was done so openly). In some ways I feel like pulling out an old picture of me to show them, in other ways the anonymity of my current fit appearing status is nice.

I’m going through a divorce. As part of dealing with it all I took a short term contract as a travel nurse for the summer in Boston (Seattle is home). I felt like getting away from the situation and having time & space to clear my head would be the best thing for me. As such, no one here knows I used to weigh nearly 300lbs. A couple nurses and I were at the desk one night shift and one was talking about her patient, whose stats are just about where I was before starting this process. The nurse said something along the lines of “I wonder why she doesn’t look in to one of those surgeries”. The other nurse loudly scoffed and said “Then we’ll just see her in here for problems due to alcohol or drug addiction instead of food addiction”. It was said loudly, unkindly, and with clear bias. I was stunned and walked away. Of course she has no idea of my past. On my way home I thought of so many things I should have/could have said to that nurse to advocate and stand up for that patient, but was caught up in my own feelings of shame about my past weight problem. Ugh. Just when I think I’m doing really well and moving past that, I’m reminded of all the struggles and stigma there is about being overweight.

As @arabesque mentioned, have you called your surgeon? The ED docs and general med docs for sure should be consulting with your surgical team-not all ED teams and inpatient medical teams are familiar with bariatric surgery patients.

Pinup calendar material!

Have you reached out to the nutritionist at your surgeon’s office? I’d make an appointment with them. In the meantime, make sure your meals & snacks are containing high fat and healthy carbs. Nuts, avocado, full fat dairy are good options.

I know tracking is a pain, but if your knee it was time limited, just to figure out your food volume needed to maintain could you do it? I bet a month would be enough-first week just track what you have been eating, next week increase by 100 cals/day, and then adjust the next couple weeks until you’re staying steady.

No! You’ve gone through too much pre op, all the clearances, recovery itself to break plan. Follow your teams plan. You’ll get there at some point but not yet!

I had to go to a Title Nine women’s athletic wear store and get fitted for a super industrial strength sports bra. I can’t stand the feeling of the bounce! This thing keeps them TIGHT! The brand is Shock Absorber. It’s the only way I can run since surgery. I’ve been ok since about 8 weeks out doing sit ups.

I’m a nurse in a busy clinic. I took 3 weeks off. Fortunately we don’t have the drinking at work rules! I was able to keep my water jug at my desk. I agree you should be able to get a medical accommodation.

Damn, I bet you stopped a train or two with that look!!’ ???

Got a little too much sun today! Another little solo vacation to Cocoa Beach, Fl. I wore a bikini to the beach today and loved it :)

If you do want to make a dessert though, I just happened on this recipe on the Skinny Taste website. Several comments mention substituting stevia or swerve for the sugar and it turning out great. https://www.skinnytaste.com/5-ingredient-almond-cake-with-fresh/?fbclid=IwAR07otMXa9Sm-sZNcjW9zvbY-QChfy2ry2AzKFyk_MZpvdusVrRRj5Hf0RQ

I agree with this! I had for so long seen food as a reward. As part of my learning process I’ve come to use other things as rewards, celebrations, etc. A crafty thing is a great idea, or take her out for an experience such as pedicures, a massage, or if she’s to the point of incorporating physical activity a hike, kayaking trip, or bike ride.