

Arabesque
Gastric Sleeve Patients-
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Everything posted by Arabesque
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Congratulations on reaching your goal (& yes being 0.2lbs off is still goal in my book). My goal weight was the lowest weight I always get to before slowly but surely bouncing back from over the years (well until the last few years when I could barely lose 5kgs let alone the weight I needed to lose to get to that goal). It was the weight I enjoyed being at and felt good at being. I just couldn’t maintain it. When I exceeded my goal weight I was actually trying to work out my maintenance but just kept losing though very slowly for another 11 months. I decided, I’ll just see where I stop while still trying to work out maintenance. Of course I know now I got to a weight that was my new set point (thank you surgery). It was the weight my body wanted to be at & had nothing to do with a weight I wanted to be at. It’s also a weight that doesn’t require me to restrict my calorie intake or exercise more than I want to or enjoy doing to maintain so yay! Instead of setting a new goal weight why not just see where your body settles. You could lose those two stone or you could lose more or less. Regardless it will be the best weight for you. You’ll naturally be slowly increasing your calorie intake and discovering the activity levels you’re comfortable with anyway & wait till you see where you end up. People can continue to lose for 18 months or more so you have time. Remember, if you force yourself to lose more than your body wants, you’ll continue to battle to maintain that lower weight.
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Gastric bypass February 2025
Arabesque replied to S-jay82's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sip, sip, sip is the mantra we all followed. Leave a couple of minutes (set a timer for your phone to help if needed) between each sip and you’ll be okay. Also put a cup by your bed and sip whenever you wake during the night. (I still drink throughout the night.) Just be aware you may have trouble swallowing the first few days because of internal swelling. I found warm/hot drinks more soothing than cool/cold but some are the opposite. You should be sent home with pain meds or a script (opioids) but some find an over the counter non NSAID pain meds are enough. (We all have different levels of pain tolerance.) but generally you’ll find that over the counter, or nothing, are enough for the surgical pain by day 3 or 4. Now surgical gas is another matter. That takes about a week to leave your body. You breath it out (not by burping or passing wind) so do some slow deep breathing. March on the spot. Pump your arms up & down and walk, walk, walk. Little and often are fine. Heat packs can ease the shoulder pain that occurs because the gas rises behind your lungs before being absorbed into your lungs. All the best with your surgery & recovery. -
It’s not always easy to meet your exact goals every day in the first months. You’re recovering, your tummy is teeny and often won’t tolerate certain foods (flavours, textures or smells), you’re trying to work everything out, all the emotions and mental stuff, etc. It’s a lot to deal with. As long as you’re close most days and over time you are getting closer you’ll be fine. You can only do what you’re physically and mentally able to cope with on any day. Give yourself some grace.
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Protein and multivitamins
Arabesque replied to Jaxxamillion's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
First stall. It’s not uncommon to experience a number of stalls as you continue to lose weight. Try taking body measurements. Sometimes when the number on the scale doesn’t move (or fluctuates around the same number) the numbers on the tape measure will change. -
Protein and multivitamins
Arabesque replied to Jaxxamillion's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Both are very important to your general health. Vitamins because you’re not able to consume enough of a variety of foods to get all the nutrients your body needs to function effectively. Protein should be your focus not only now but forever. It can be a challenge to reach your protein goal every day especially in the first couple of months after surgery when your portions are so small. But work at being at least close to your goal and that your general trend is you’re consuming more and getting closer to the goal. We usually say eat your protein first then any vegetables you are able to and lastly any allowed complex carbs but only if you are able to eat more. This often means a meal is solely protein and nothing else. Protein is very important to your wellbeing and if you’re not consuming enough your body will take it from any it can i.e. your muscles. Not taking your vitamins or meeting your protein (or any other goals you are given) will have a negative impact on your health. The regular blood tests your surgeon & team will request are to ensure you’re not deficient in any nutrient. (5.75yrs out I still have regular blood tests - was 3 monthly until year 4 & every 6 months now.) You are likely experiencing a stall. Stalls are very common with the first one (yes, first one) almost all of us experience occurring around the three week mark though it can be earlier or later than that. @catwoman7 would tell you, there are literally 10s of 1000s of posts here about the infamous three week stall. A stall usually lasts 1-3weeks though some experience longer stalls. Frustrating yrs but they happen for a reason. A stall occurs when your body shuts down to reassess your current needs in response to your weight loss, smaller calorie intake and this first one the stress of your surgery & recovery. You will start to lose weight again when your body is ready to move forward again. Stick to your plan & meet your nutritional goals as closely as you can so you’re not & stressing your body more than it already is experiencing. -
A Change is Coming...
Arabesque replied to KimBaxleyWilson's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Excited for your new life. Make sure you keep us updated on your progress. Yay! -
Second what @SpartanMaker has said. It takes a good 6 or so weeks to be healed from the surgery. This includes nerves that were cut during the surgery so messages about feeling hungry or full etc. may be distorted or don’t get through so be careful. so you will start to notice a difference/improvement as you get to around that time frame. I struggled with things being super sweet or super salty and some textures initially. I actually decided to embrace the sweet aversion and decided to not reintroduce sweet things back into my regular eating. Of course there is always a little in certain foods but I keep my added sugar low less than 6g a day. I do have some sweet things on occasions but not every day or every week but that was my choice. And yes, foods or drinks you can’t tolerate now will likely be fine again in a couple of months. And yes, you may find you develop a taste for foods you didn’t enjoy before. There may be odd foods you never can tolerate again. e.g. many struggle with eggs in the long term. Beware though, your tummy can be very fussy in the first months. I described my tummy as a petulant temper throwing 2 year old during this phase. You may eat something without issue on day and the next it’s no way. Don’t give up on any food though. Sometimes in a few days or a week or two your tummy will enjoy it again. As for the nausea, do you have any anti nausea meds? If not ask your team to prescribe some. The nausea can also be from your multi vitamins. Ensure you have some food on your tummy first so take them after you’ve eaten or almost finished. Also if you have to take a couple tablets spread them out across the day not all at once. Things do get easier and better. You’ll learn how to manage your altered digestive system and changes to behaviours regarding eating and drinking. It takes time but you’ll get there. All the best.
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Are You Happy That You Had Surgery?
Arabesque replied to Beks18's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had a BMI of 35 but I had a sleeve. I also didn’t have any co morbidities - I knew they were likely ahead of me though. So I’m going to respond more generally using am I glad I had weight loss surgery not a specific surgery. Simply yes, I am. The bulk of must weight came on with menopause and nothing I did shifted it. Or if it did it would be back in a very short period of time. I reached a point where I couldn’t stand it any longer and made an appointment with my doctor for a referral. I was in surgery less than 6 weeks later (benefits of living in Australia with private health). Do I have any issues post surgery? Yes but they’re minor really and I had a quirky tummy before so no real change. I struggle a bit with the foamies but no dumping. I had reflux before but it was managed with dietary choices. Still have it though I take a PPI every day now vs a handful of times a year before & the symptoms are different now. (Best is I don’t get the hideous hiccups I used to get just the regular ones now.) One of the benefits of having surgery is you simply cannot eat the same volume of food. Of course if you are determined you can eat around some of your changed digestive system. But take the time in the initial months after surgery where its benefits are strongest, to learn about things like portion size, nutritional values, etc. and start adopting new behaviours. Reflect on your relationship with food and why you ate and start making changes there too. Seek the help & support of your dietician and a therapist as needed. Many seem to be concerned they won’t lose all the weight they’d like to starting at a lower BMI. I lost all of mine and more. It is important to remember that not everyone loses all the weight they’d like. The surgery (regardless of which you have), changes your body set point that is the weight your body is happy at which often is not the weight you think you’ll be happy at. With bypass it is always best to have a conversation with the doctor who prescribes your meds as bypass does interfere with the absorption of these. It may mean you need to swap some of your meds as @SleeveToBypass2023 mentioned. All the best. -
Sleeve to Bypass Revision Aftercare Fears
Arabesque replied to SKOrtiz78's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Great advice from @SpartanMakeras usual. 😁 I say the surgery gave me time. Time to reflect on my eating habits and food choices & change my relationship with food. Time to make changes to those things. Time to discover what my real hunger and full signals were versus which were head hunger signals. Time to discover & establish an activity routine I actually enjoy and do. Time to work out the strategies and behaviours that help me manage head hunger, and poor eating behaviours, maintain my weight, etc. that work for me. And of course the progress you make losing is a great motivator. In time your hunger comes back, you’re able to eat more, life throws crap at you, and so on which is why taking advantage of the time to do those things I mentioned above is important …well it was to me. Never be afraid to ask for help and guidance from your new team (surgeon, their support staff, dietician) or from people here. We’ve all fought battles of some sort, made mistakes or slipped and can understand where you’ve been and what you may face after this next surgery. And yes, therapy can be very helpful too. All the best. -
The head hunger is something I don’t believe we can ever completely get rid off unfortunately. We can take away a lot of its power though. Almost 5.75yrs out and there are times when bad habits raise their heads and it can be a battle to overpower them. I’ve had some real doozy of arguments with myself. Or I discover I’ve been distracted & grazing & therefore eaten way more than I should. I’m looking at you cheese and crackers when having a drink with friends. We all develop strategies to manage our head hunger. Some that work for me include: look for a distraction - find something to do around the house, go for a walk, call a friend or family member, read, craft, check social media, etc. ask myself do I need this or just want it - if I want it I put my fork down, put the left overs in the fridge, close the pantry or fridge/freezer door, etc. ask myself why I think i’m hungry to see what situations may be a stimulus - boredom, anger, sadness, anxiety, a habit like eat when watching tv or at the movies, etc. have a drink of water, cup of tea, etc. don’t keep foods or drinks that are a weakness in the house eat to a routine to avoid additional and unnecessary snacking i.e. stick to schedule as to what time you eat a meal and any snacks you’re allowed Many find therapy helpful in identifying those things which are behind your head hunger and developing the strategies that work for us to better manage them. It will take time to work these things out and get better control over your head hunger. In the meantime don’t beat yourself up if it wins sometimes. All we can do is learn from the situation & try something different next time. No one is perfect. All the best.
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2 Weeks Post Insertion Need Advice Please
Arabesque replied to Kez6670's topic in Gastric Balloon Forum
The menopausal weight gain & then inability to lose is awful. I put on my weight then. Used to bounce between 60 & 75kgs most of my life but then suddenly I wasn’t overweight at my high weight my new high weight meant I was obese. And I swear it happened overnight & I couldn’t shift it. Now I’m the size I was when I was 12 so at the start of puberty. Hormones have a lot to answer for! 😁 Hope the balloon is successful and helps you to start losing again and get back to a weight you feel happy at. -
2 Weeks Post Insertion Need Advice Please
Arabesque replied to Kez6670's topic in Gastric Balloon Forum
Balloon, much like lap band, is not very common these days so you may not get many responses to your query from people with a balloon. Unlike weight loss surgeries, the balloon won’t stop your hunger. It just makes you feel full more quickly as it takes up space in your tummy. But even with weight loss surgery, your hunger does come back so we all have to examine our motivations for eating, discover the difference between head and real hunger, change our relationship with food, etc. For example, could your hunger be head hunger? That is, is your hunger coming from you (consciously or subconsciously) looking to sooth/comfort yourself because of the emotional roller coaster and stress you’re likely feeling from having the balloon inserted and the changes you are having to make. This is very common occurrence. But yes, contact your doctor to ensure everything is working as it should. May be enquire about seeking some counselling to support you through the head work aspect of weight loss. Many find it very helpful. PS - Out of curiosity why did you go down the path of having a balloon inserted versus a sleeve or bypass or one of the other weight loss surgeries? Was it because the balloon can be removed whist the other surgeries are pretty much irreversible? -
Hurting/burning by belly button
Arabesque replied to PlantMom's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Could be pulled muscles from the surgery, healing discomfort, internal stitches pulling, …As @SpartanMaker suggested it may be something others haven’t experienced so better to be sure and check in with your usual doctor if you can’t contact your surgical team. -
Crying during yoga? 🤔
Arabesque replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It’s the release you felt. It might be from lifting of the stresses in your life or from allowing yourself to respond to any emotional issues you’ve been consciously or subconsciously carrying. It was a part of yoga I really enjoyed. A time to just let go and be in myself. I’d feel grounded and peaceful.. I never cried but I would sometimes get that hitch in my breath. Had a friend who could never embrace this time. She said she’d lie there and think about all the things she had to do at home & at the end was more stressed. She could never switch off. Felt sad for her. Embrace any tears and enjoying letting go for that time. -
Eyes sting in the evening
Arabesque replied to Vaughan's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Have you spoken to your GP? Or maybe see an optometrist who’ll do some checks on the health of your eye. You may have an infection or allergy. Just throwing out suggestions. -
When to stop drinking protein shakes?
Arabesque replied to AnV1986's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree if you’re meeting your protein goals you don’t need to continue with them. You can keep some on hand for emergencies if you want. Personally, I stopped them as soon as week 3 & purées began. They were disgusting! I added a high protein yoghurt to my diet which was more palatable to me. I wasn’t hitting my protein goal yet but I was close and my surgeon & dietician were okay with it. I had never intended to rely on protein shakes or powders. My plan was to get all I needed nutritionally from real food. PS: You can also make a smoothie with the yoghurt by blending a tub with milk and you can add a powdered flavour or even protein powder for additional protein if you want. -
possible to stall after 9 day?
Arabesque replied to DaisyChainOz's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Unfortunately weight loss isn’t consistent. You won’t get a lovely perfectly straight line on a graph. It zig & zags. More one week, less the next. None one week and a gain the next. We also have natural fluctuations in our weight which are all normal and when we are weighing ourselves every day they suddenly are very obvious. There are many reasons why we have these fluctuations and I swear sometimes it’s just your body messing with you. As long as your weight loss trend (over weeks and months) is in a downward direction you’re doing well. Add some soluble fibre to your soup or shake each day to help with the constipation. I got into a routine too. No poop for three days I took a stool softener. Remember too at first you’re not consuming much so you don’t have much for your body to excrete from so don’t expect to go every day. Despite some hiccups (like the power outage and loss of food) things seem to be going pretty smoothly for you. Yay! -
I get the routine thing. I very much stick as closely to my routine as I can but sometimes I just can’t. All I can do is Just make the best choices I can. I can do no more than that. Don’t beat myself up about it but know I will be back in my routine when I get home. That’s all you can do too. You don’t want to negatively colour your wonderful holiday overly worrying about dietary choices. There are things you can do. Keep your activity up. Check on what the cruise offers in terms of gyms, walking routes around the ship, classes, etc. and make a plan to incorporate something every day. Plus you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking at your various stops which will help balance any additional calories you consume. But you may be surprised at what may be available food wise. Don’t hesitate to ask for changes to dishes either. And if you put on a couple of pounds, you’ll find they drop off once you’re back on your path only needing a small change temporarily to lose them. Have a n amazing time on the cruise.
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21 years out of surgery and having issues
Arabesque replied to Dsmart's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
So sorry to read you are having these experiences @Dsmart. Wait times for specialists are terrible everywhere regardless of what country you live these days. (My mum was told 18 months to see a gerontologist in Australia. She told them not to bother as she could be dead by then!) I have experienced a sudden & unexpected intolerance to a specific food but nothing like yours & it was only one food: eggs. Never had an issue with them after surgery but around the four year mark I suddenly started to vomit if I ate them (didn’t matter how they were cooked.) took about 18 months I was able to eat them again but I generally avoid them - too risky if I’m out. I wonder if it could be a parasite or a bacterial infection if not the cause but contributing to your symptoms. When you do see the gastroenterologist ensure you get a colonoscopy, an endoscopy and stool samples are taken. Ask about trying a FOD map diet which eliminates a lot of ingredients that can cause digestional issues. (Actually you could try it now.) Just throwing some ideas out there. No expert. I did have the parasite giardia for years which hates lactose and causes cramping and strong diarrhoea and a general feeling of being unwell which made me suggest a parasite or bacteria. A cousin is on a FOD map diet after experiencing an array of digestional issues following a series of viruses including covid twice. I hope you can get some answers and a solution soon. -
Congratulations @AmberFL. What a difference a year makes: healthy, happy, strong, positive & looking damn fabulous.
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The first week of the pre surgical diet is hard @Skewiff especially when it’s as restricted as yours. Much of what you’re experiencing is withdrawals from carbs, sugar, caffeine (though you said you’re drinking coffee which is unusual). Not being able to eat solid food adds to the challenge as your cravings (for textures like crunch, flavours like salty or sweet and for specific foods) are still there. The second week is always easier. And after the surgery when you’re still on the liquid diet, you won’t be all that interested in eating or food. All the best with your surgery.
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Do I have a hernia?
Arabesque replied to ShoppGirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wondered if it was scar tissue too. But yes check with your medical team. PS : After my three surgeries (sleeve then gall then hysterectomy) all using my poor belly button it’s almost sealed shut. i can barely get a cotton bud in it to clean it. 😁 -
Small Weight Gain
Arabesque replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Could be hormones. They’re behind most of my fluctuations (can track it with when I can get my preferred form of HRT and when I have to use an alternative). Could just be a regular fluctuation especially if nothing has changed in what you’re eating, drinking or in your activity. Sometimes your body just likes to mess with you. Wouldn’t worry unless it persists. -
Ha. I had that puff bit sticking out when I had regrowth from a site where I had a cyst removed. I flat ironed that little section every dang day until it got enough length to grow down like the rest of my hair. And today I was out shopping and saw all this fluffy regrowth (from applying minoxidil) sticking up and being all bendy. It will be straight as the rest of my hair in time. Try some smoothing products and your that iron in the mean time @FifiLux Yes, try an anti itch &/or dandruff shampoo & hair and scalp oils @Dchonlee and if it continues see a derm. Out of curiosity, have you changed any hair products lately? Could also be from your hairdryer, flat iron, etc. and general heating in your house in winter adding to your scalp dryness.
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Food Before and After Photos
Arabesque replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Being in the midst of summer have started making salads again for dinner. Basically coleslaw and chicken though chicken schnitzel from butcher (so real chicken breast not processed, mass produced). Coleslaw was 2 different types of cabbage, carrot, celery, capsicum, small tin of corn, small tin of 4 bean mix, 2 tablespoons Italian dressing & 2 teaspoons low fat mayo. Made enough salad for three nights.