DaisyAndSunshine

8 hours ago, Jay19 said:

I was also worried about gaining too much weight. I’m 4 years post vsg and 8 months pregnant. I’ve only gained 7 pounds the entire pregnancy. Nausea, acid reflux, and food aversions played a role in that. Plus, eating smaller portions due to the sleeve. We’ll see how it goes after I have the baby because I’d love to lose about 20 pounds.

7 pounds is quite low for an average pregnancy. Are doctors happy with your pregnancy weight and all? I am kinda worried if I'll be able to provide enough nutrition to the baby cuz of the small pouch. That's another concern of mine. Please keep us posted on your pregnancy and how it all wraps up. Wish you all the best for a healthy delivery.

On 11/14/2022 at 8:31 AM, Mandalynn7485 said:

I am currently pregnant after RNY 12 months post op. My on told me to stop taking my bariatric Vitamin due to the excessive amounts of Vitamin A and start taking a prenatal Vitamin and a Multivitamin and to make sure I am getting enough Protein, Calcium, Iron and Water. Bc of the bypass I am a high risk so they are going to be watching the baby close but they at this point have no concerns. She said the baby will get what it needs from you regardless but it’s super important to take care of yourself especially where Calcium is concerned because it’ll take its toll on your bones. Good luck!

Prenatal and a regular Multivitamin? ! Just trying to get all the info before I am down the route of planning a pregnancy.

I hope you have had a successful pregnancy without any complications!

So there have been talks about pregnancy and babies with my boyfriend. With history of PCOS, my cycles have become regular and I have been ovulating for the last year or so. We may try for pregnancy may be sometime next year.

My question is, anyone here who got pregnant after WLS? If yes, did you end up losing your post pregnancy weight? Or was it difficult to bring it back to pre-pregnancy baseline? Currently I am happy with where I am with my weight. But also, looking forward to starting a family if destiny permits. But, the weight gain cycle of pregnancy concerns me. Putting on the weight will naturally happen but I was wondering if the bypass tool will help me lose the weight post pregnancy. Any thoughts, experience shall be great!

4 hours ago, GreatHope said:

However, I’m scared of complications that could leave my young kids without their mom or my family without income.

That is definitely a valid point and cause of concern. I am not sure how I would have felt had I had kids dependent on me. I had my family but I was single, hence the worry for surgical side effects wasn't a lot there. It was a do or die situation without any hinges for me.

May be you can chat up with someone with family and kids. In the long run, you do want to be healthy for your kids and family too. It's a catch 22 of a situation. But I truly hope you find it within you to make the decision. Positive vibes and best wishes for you!

Boyfriend made me smile today - This wouldn't have happened pre-WLS since I was always wary and voluntary detached from anything to do with relationships or opposite gender in general!

Like the above poster mentioned, it is your decision end of the day since you'll have to embrace the lifestyle and whatever else that may come with the package of WLS!

If you ask me, for me it was more than 100000% worth it. There is no way I would have been able to continue living had it not been for WLS. I have said this a few times out here but it is true that WLS has blew in a new life within me. And whatever good or bad (hoping for allll good only) may come in the future, I'll gladly embrace it than having to embrace the extra 100+ lbs of weight I have lost!

Good luck with your decision!

First thing that caught my attention is your age. Damn, 19 and took the decision for the surgery. I wish I had the balls to do it in my younger days than being caught in the vicious cycle of 2 decades worth of dieting. Just look at this as a blessing that you'll enjoy all your 20s, 30s, peak of your youth without getting conscious of your body every other second. I wish I were in your shoes and my life would have quite different than getting my life back on track in my late thirties.

Not trying to undermine your struggle. I know for me the journey wasn't as difficult but I am aware it can be for many out there. So hang in there, even this phase will pass through and next year you'll have so much to look forward to. I am seriously jealous you're getting this done before even hitting your 20s!

Good luck and wish you all the best. If things get too out of hands, do consult a therapist or pour your heart away right here!

1 hour ago, ms.sss said:

i had swelling up until maybe 6-7 (maybe 8??) months post plastics. i don't think anybody noticed but me though

Yeh that's what they told me that for about a year or so, I may notice swelling without the binder. So they recommend I wear the binder throughout the year or abdomen may swell up.

The binders that I use have been provided by them - the fabric velcro types. They can look a bit bulky over certain clothings. Or may be I can look into a faja post 8 months or so. Any specific type that you purchased? Amazon has many selections especially those waist trainer ones. I may ask Dr. Chivers on my 6 week f/u if corsets or shapewears can be used instead of the current binder. Let's see. Right now binder seems comfortable especially since the area is super hypersensitive!

So far I think I am happy with the results. It was a painful recovery but I am glad lose skin especially the muffin top is taken care of and has flattened/tightened my tummy. I can't wait to wear shorts and jeans now. Some of the shorts and figure hugging dresses didn't look very good with my tummy area. Now they look lovely. I'll try more clothing as swelling goes down.

Arms also look tonned and defined 💪🏽😂 So overall I am satisfied. Just waiting for dressing to come off and see how scars progress, the biggest challenge of this surgery!

1. F, 37 (Surgery year), 4'11

2. 14 lbs (Weight lost on Pre-Op diet)

3. 210 lbs (Weight on the surgery day)

4. 192. 6 lbs (1 month Post-Op)

5. 175 lbs (3 months Post-Op)

6. 147.4 lbs (6 months Post-Op)

7. 120 lbs (12 months Post-Op)

RNY is a type of gastrojejunostomy. In RNY your duodenum is bypassed and stomach gets connected to jejunum. So medical terminology of what you stated is a bypass as far as I can tell!

In terms of how much is bypassed is determined by the surgeon and his or her expertise!

Current age or age at the time of surgery? 🤔

Also are we including pre-Op weight loss in the 6 months timeframe before surgery?!

On 6/22/2023 at 3:29 PM, ms.sss said:

yay! you got it done!!!

the first couple months were on the rough side for me...but i was a dumbass and started exercising way too early. take it easy and don't push yourself!

can't wait to see ur results...just in time for bikini season!!!

❤️

Ms.sss how long did it take for your abdominal swelling to go down and feel normal enough?! Also, did you also wear the abdominal binder for about a year?! Dr. Chivers recommended wearing it 24/7 for 8 weeks and thereafter during the day and so for about a year!

Any specific reason why DS over RNY or Sleeve?!

20 lbs is great for 6 weeks considering there may have been a stall of 3 weeks or so. So more or less you must have lost 20 lbs in about 3 to 4 weeks. And 20 lbs is a good chunk for the duration!

And yes comparison to anyone else isn't going to do you any good. In the end, you won't ever lose the same amount as any xyz. You'll have to be happy with your progress and the weight your body decides to stabilize at as long as you did all you could and stuck to your weight loss plan!

P.S - Just saw your BMI. Seems like your starting BMI wasn't that high to begin with. Higher the BMI, more the weight loss generally speaking!

I don't drink often. May be once every 3 to 4 months. I don't dump much. If I have a bit too much of sugar or carbs, may feel little dump-ish but nothing intolerable. So I can drink fine without worrying about dumping.

But after bypass, I do get buzzed easily with a glass of any kinda alcohol. And the effect for me persists a good time and doesn't fade away quickly. It's a good thing since a glass is all I need and I am good to go for the evening 😂

8 hours ago, ms.sss said:

yay! you got it done!!!

the first couple months were on the rough side for me...but i was a dumbass and started exercising way too early. take it easy and don't push yourself!

can't wait to see ur results...just in time for bikini season!!!

❤️

Yeh I am definitely taking it easy and made sure to take enough time off work. Wanted to make sure I didn't take any unnecessary stressors while recovering. And seeing how week 2 is trending, I am glad to have taken 4 weeks off work. This one is definitely but more hard core than the bypass considering the superficial injury and all.

I won't be indulging in any work out or exercising until I feel I am back to my normal self. I think surgeon's recommendation is 8 weeks. I'll do my usual walking and all but anything more I'll wait it out.

And I can't wait to come outta my drains and compression garment to see the final result in a month or so! 🥳

18+ months and I still opt for Protein Bars or Protein Shakes at times. Though majority of the time, I get enough Protein through the consumption of milk, cheese (string cheese, ricotta cheese) and yogurt (skyr). These are my go to maintain my protein requirements. And I get more than 60+ grams of protein which I think is enough when I am not indulging in heavy duty work out!

Week 2 of recovery - Gotta say, recovery for plastics is no joke. Bariatric recovery seemed like a breeze compared to this one.

Still hanging in there, pain is a bit tolerable but it'll take at least 8 weeks or so to go back to feeling normal per se. Anyone thinking of plastics, please bear in mind week 1 and even 2 will be a little difficult in terms of recovery!

But can't wait to see in a month or 2, how I feel and look in the mirror!

Go for it!

That's all I'll say!

Majority of us here have gone with the constant back and forth but rarely would you come across anyone say they regret the decision having gone past the year down the road post their surgery!.

Negative thoughts will be common as the time for surgery comes closer but you have to ouweight the risks over benefits. My life has taken a 180 since the surgery. New outlook in life and just general sense of bliss, it's unimaginable. If I were to do it all over again, I'll do it without a second thought. Good luck with whatever that you decide.

4 hours ago, Spinoza said:

Wow lucky you D&S!! We've been together on our weight loss journey for the last 19 months. I can't afford any tidying up procedures but I'm so happy that you can! I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Please may we have some before and after photos?? Lots of folks here will be able to give you proper advice.

I'll definitely try to do a before and after - Especially after things have stabilized. May be 3 months, 6 months and a year after progress so others can see the process as well! 😁

Thank you Spinoza - Hoping all goes well. Just dreading the recovery phase of 6 to 8 weeks before things normalize especially the very first or two weeks post-Op!

2 minutes ago, loridee11 said:

Good luck tomorrow! The first few days just plan on resting (even if you think you feel up to more). If you can, either have someone who can cook for you or have some pre-made meals in the fridge. Drink lots of Water.

Recliner and pillows will be your best friends. You'll want to keep yourself in a U shape for your abdomen but also want to keep your arms elevated.

Have you gone through it?! How many days or weeks do you stay in the u shape? sleeping and also have been advised to walk hunchback lol

Hey all,

Tomorrow's the d-day for Abdominoplasty and brachioplasty. Looking forward to Abdominoplasty for sure given my abdominal area didn't flatten out with the weight loss. So Lipo plus reconstructive surgery will do decent job not to mention tighten up some of the loose skin.

Not sure how I feel about brachioplasty for now. Scars definitely make me a bit uneasy. Plus it takes time to heal and scars to lighten and flatten out. But hopefully down the road, I'll be happy with the final result.

Anyhow, do advise me how to look after myself and post-op recovery. First week will be the hardest I feel. Any suggestions?

Hello everyone, long time no see.

I am stable at around 120lbs as well for the last few months now. Seems like this is it for me. I do wanna lose 10 more. Not sure if it'll be possible. Got may be another 5 months or so before 18 months mark. Let's see if I can lose some more. But I feel my body likes it just about here.

I am okay with it except not happy with the abdominal area so will be getting Tummy Tuck this year sometime and I am good to go I suppose.

Congrats and good luck everyone! 🥳🥳

On 9/19/2022 at 5:25 PM, Spinoza said:

Just checking in with my November buddies again. I'm 10 months post surgery. Weight lost 111lbs, BMI 24.4 so I've only lost 3lbs in the last month. One week did include a vacation when I didn't track my intake and had a bit more alcohol to drink than usual. Life's gonna be like that.

My goal (that I set 10 months ago and never believed I could ever reach) is now 5lbs away and it feels like I'll probably make it. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

How's everyone else getting along? Lots of us must be close to or at our goal weight now. Anyone not doing so well and needing some support?

How very glad to hear you're still doing great and almost there to your goal. I have kinda stalled for the last 2 months or so. But it's also cuz I have been travelling and wasn't following the plan to the T. I do want to lose another 10 or 15. Let's see if I make it. I am kinda happy with 120 but a bit wary of the 10-20 pounds bounce that can happen in year 2 or 3. Hence, I want to make myself steady around 105 or so, so even if I were to gain a little, I'll be alright.

Horrible quality of life - That's what got me to do it. Anxiety, Depression and eating disorder had taken over my life. I lost out on a youthful decade of mine and last 5 or 6 years were the worse of the worst. I legit stopped living, didn't feel like doing much of anything social. My life was more or less my family, that's all. I had isolated myself away from friends, work and anything to do with life per se. Life had legit stopped and seemed like a vicious groundhogs day, I couldn't come out of.

And yup, heard of WLS back in 2017, but didn't know if I wanted it for myself given the *easy way out* outlook of WLS. But finally gave in and I am so effing glad I did. I couldn't be more than grateful. I mentioned this before, WLS has legit blew a new life in me. I just feel super blissful to be where I am today and look a certain way I always dreamt of in the past. Dreams can become reality and WLS has proven that. So yes, for me it was the fact that I was giving up on life, which I didn't want to.