Ostflicka

I had my 5-6 month check up recently. My levels are looking really good though my doctor wants me to stay on top of my hydrating. I also struggle sometimes with my multivitamin, so I got a "smaller" one and only take one a day with smaller more specific pills for things im really deficient in. I take a multi Vitamin, Iron, Calcium, B12, Biotin, and Vitamin D throughout the day. The multi vitamin and iron are the hardest on my stomach so I only take them after eating and space them out. So it might take me 4 hours to take the multi vitamin and iron, but then I can take the other 4 much closer together. I'm working on building a fitness routine now also. Try to harden up and increase my muscle mass.

I was on all liquid diet for 6 weeks.

I decided not to do before photos this time. I did them on the previous two weight loss attempts. I want nothing to remind me of where I was. My past belongs in the past and I don't ever want to look at pictures of myself at 366 pounds again. I like living in the present and love watching my clothes get steadily too big for me. This is more rewarding than a photo ever will be. I am going to keep one pair of jeans from my heaviest so that when I feel down about life I can out them on and realize that I am a success.

👀 You're looking GREAT! I am so glad you feel better too.

I feel it's time to tell me story as best I can and hopefully it will give the new comers some hope and take away their worries or anxiety about surgery.
Okay I have a very dysfunctional childhood and I think maybe subconsciously I turned to movies and food as a way to cope until alcohol came along but all those things combined made me gain weight massively in my teen years.
As a child I was tiny but after my father passed and my stepfather came in the picture; he was a tyrant; life changed dramatically.
Anyway fast forward to the end of high school I had reached over 250lbs and by 21 I was 320lbs and my weight fluctuated over the years between 300-320 until I finally found a way to get bariatric surgery..
I always believed surgery was for the rich people and I was never rich... But I found out randomly that health insurance would cover most of surgery and I'd never had health insurance before because here in Australia we have an amazing Medicare system that covers pretty much everything to do with doctors and hospitals except for elective surgery like bariatrics; unless you're like super morbidly obese and even then it can take 3 years and numerous hurdles....
So I researched and researched for months and months and spoke to multiple surgeons offices until I found the perfect surgeon; I needed to get health insurance first then do the waiting period which I used to save up the gap and that gap covered absolutely everything from first meeting until surgery and hospital was covered.
I met the surgeon and his doctor and got information and told them I wanted ROUX EN Y BYPASS; and we all agreed that was the best decision as I had bad type 2 diabetes and it would only get worse.
I weighed in at 322 there and then and I just wished and hoped the surgery would help me to get down to at least 200 maybe 190; I just wanted to be healthy and happy and of course to look better and feel better in myself.
Anyway from first consultation until the surgery day was about 4 months had a few meetings with surgeon and he does a very direct approach no need for all the tests and stuff just my medical history and some blood tests and a big discussion was about it and he was ready to go.
I was advised to do at least 2-3 weeks low carbs/protein shake diet before surgery and to try lose at least 10lbs; but I literally woke up one morning 2 months before surgery and decided there and then to kick start my journey and started on Protein Shakes and I actually found a brand and flavor that I actually loved. It tasted just like chocolate milkshake even though I only used Water to mix it up
i tried a few different brands but they were either too bland or no taste at all I like flavor and I like a little sweetness in my shakes... And I've been using the same shakes in bulk powder form for months without any issues at all...
So I started on shakes and they literally filled me up and I was determined to show the surgeon I meant business.
i was amazed how quickly the weight came off because I was ONLY on shakes Max 600cal preop; I dropped so much water weight it was amazing.
By surgery day I had already dropped from 322 to 257lbs and the surgeon was so proud.
i went into the hospital early without only water that morning so my sugar was actually low so they made me wait a few hours longer and I went in to surgery I think 3pm and next thing I know I was awake in ICU a few hours later and surgery was done but oh boy was it painful for me; I'm not sure why but I was in pain for like 2 days luckily I was given good drugs through the IV and slept most of the 2 days...
By the 3rd day I started drinking a small glass of Protein Shake and was sipping water each day; here in Australia the surgeon is very cautious so I actually spent 6 days in hospital was fine I had my own private room and bathroom and was really well looked after.... By the 3rd day they finally took the drain out and I had a shower for the first time and a BM which was like sticky black green like a baby; oh the shower felt amazing on my poor sore belly; I think I had 5 incisions sites and a very tight bloated belly.
Each day I would walk the halls of the hospital and say hello to the nurses and other times I would rest and watch TV but by like the 5th day I was feeling really good and was ready to go home but because I lived over 2hrs from the surgeon and hospital they made sure I was 110% fit and healthy; they checked my blood sugar and blood pressure multiple times a day and they said everything was fine, by the time I left the hospital they had taken me off multiple medications and it felt Great.
The ride home in my mates car was a little rough but it felt Great to be home and in my own bed my big bed not the single bed in hospital...
It's hard to remember everything I went through its been over 8 months since I left the hospital but I do know I was still a little sore when bending or carrying shopping bags for the first few weeks I had to be careful.... Showering was amazing my bandages on my incisions came off on their own after like 3 weeks.. I was given a guideline diet but Ive always been a strong independent personality so I just chose to do things my way; of course I was glad for the surgery and the surgeons advice but I felt is my body; my life I need to do it my way so maybe I was lucky but I didn't even think about food for months like literally I lived off shakes and yoghurt for months before I really started actual food and of course the weight kept coming off everyday it was amazing.
For the first 3 months I think I was on maybe 500cal a day with next to no carbs or sugars... I didn't feel hungry at all... Shakes kept me going...
Every couple of months I had to buy new clothes, I couldn't believe how much I changed one month to the next and people who hasn't seen me in a few months were shocked ever time they saw me....
i never kept it secret from anyone; I was proud of my decision to finally change my life and possibly extend my life, I was enjoying the complements and I was lucky I don't think I stalled for more than a week and I never had any complications at all except for diarrhoea BM for a while and sure I threw up a few times when trying different things or eating too quickly...
i started drinking regular coffee by 3 months and my surgeon said it was fine as long as I don't get dehydrated.. I was drinking tea as well and by 6 months I actually decided to treat myself here and there with some sugar free energy drinks and it has not impacted me or my weight loss one bit.
Now I'm over 8 months out I can eat most things just small portions; I've even had bread a few times just have to take it very slowly... I've had Pasta a few times and even had some chocolate over Easter without any issues at all and still continued to lose weight...
i will admit recently I've had some treats here and there but that was once I got in to maintenance mode...
I've pretty much been in maintenance now over 2 months and pretty much sit around 165lbs but just this week I've seen 163lbs on the scales...
i don't log my food much now but I do keep a mental tally of my calories and such and I do still check my weight regularly to make sure I'm doing well..
i had the RNY bypass and it was 120cm and it was amazing; I've had a blast and I've lost pretty much 50% of my original weight.
FROM highest of 322 to the lowest 162.8lbs just the other day....
i felt the need to share my story everything has been positive for me. It has totally changed my life and transformed my life and the way I see myself... I'll be 36 in 3 weeks but I feel better than I have in 20 years...
i want everyone to read my story and see it is possible to have the BYPASS without any issues and also my 3 months blood tests were perfect so no issues with Vitamins either just have to remember to take them everyday..
The one issue I will say was my hair did get thinner and would grow slower but never fell out.... I'm sure in time it will get better
I've gone from being the FAT friend to the SKINNY friend...
i look and feel amazing and my BMI has gone from 43 to 22.
I've dropped 159lbs or 72KGS in 10 months including my preop...
From 146KG to 74KG and below every goal I thought I wanted.
I don't mind because most people will bounce back 10-20lbs anyway plus when I do start to build muscle that will add a little weight because right now I'm kinda skin and bones LOL feels weird saying that about myself but its pretty good...
I'm really hoping I'll meet someone soon and start a family and live a long long life 😁😁😁
So if anybody is curious about RNY BYPASS don't be afraid...
Success is possible!!!!
A few pics before and after

OK guys. So I went for a 5 month check up and I am officially down 60 pounds!!!! I started at 252 and I am now at 191! The doctor is very pleased with my progress... My GP wants me to get to 160. I am good with 175.
I think we can all agree that at this point we are all happy with our decisions!!!! I am down from a size 22w to a size 16, with those getting bigger!!! I can no longer shop in the Plus size department!!!! I have not been this size since middle school!!!

Updated picture 😁

The 7 week stall is finally broken! Lost 11lbs in the last 2 weeks (worked my butt off for it too) and crossed the 100lbs lost threshold in the process. So excited!

One year today

I told my husband and two of my friends. No one else knows. Although my family has noticed that I have lost weight, I simply told them that I have switched to a low-carb lifestyle with exercise. It's really a very personal decision on who you want to tell or if you don't want to tell anyone.

Amen,you are so right about that! The OMG she used weightloss surgery, I just love the look on people's face when they see the loss, my sister and brother in-law asked me was I sick or was I trying to lose weight, I told them no I am not sick and yes, I am trying to get healthy and your brother is walking with me! That's all they need to know!

Hello, and yes! I told my husband and children I did not want anyone to know and if they asked, I was on a Soup diet and wellllllll that's kinda true!LOLOL My primary physician half of my church members attend and I have told them I do not want it disclosed to anyone! Which it shouldn't be anyway due to HIPPA. The ladies of our church keep inquiring the kids which are 13, 10 and 19, we did not let the 10 year old know about the surgery but the other two I told them to say, "I see her eating soup all the time, and you will have to ask her!" They shouldn't be asking them any way! One member did ask me and I told her I had lap-band and she cut me off mid sentence and said, I didn't know you had lap-band and just her reaction to that I kepted my mouth shut, because it was if she was judging me for having a lap-band. I was not going to reveal the RNY surgery but was going to tell her I had adjustments to my lap-band. So, no it's none of anyone's business! As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all i'm gonna say about that!" LOLOLOL

Only my husband knows and my kids are clueless as to what a weightloss surgury was. LOL But after months of the listening to families talking about my weight. OMG your wife has gotten big, or your wife should go to the gym with you, I even had my neighbor approach my husband has your wife always been that weight before. I was already in the process of the weightloss surgery already and noone knew still dont and I cannot wait till my remainder 70 lbs come off so they can kiss my ash lol! But nope I do not even think of telling them, Then the insults come in. OMG she used weightloss surgery, she couldnt lose it on her own, wow that's not even authentic. But here I am now and even though Ive faced my struggles, Im here and I just go day by day with this life change until I accomplish my goal weight. Best of luck to everyone else with their journey!!💪

I didn't want to tell people. I prefer to keep most health aspects of my life private, but after my initial consultation my wife decided to tell everyone. Fortunately i haven't gotten any negative comments from anyone. So far no one had said anything at all which I'm fine with four now. Maybe once I've had it I'll change my mind.

Sent from my KFMAWI using BariatricPal mobile app

I did because there is always that 1 person that will tell you, You're going to gain it back plus some" I finally said "self don't worry about people like that, you got this no matter what".

That's what I'm going to tell everyone except a choice few close people. I've lost on keto before, so will be believable.

Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a huge ventral hernia from an accident. This is the first step to getting this fixed. I've been to the hospital many times with blockages. My doctor thinks he can get me in much sooner than the 6 months because of this. I'm not telling very many anything other than I'm having the first of two surgeries to repair my hernia. Good luck to you.

Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app

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

a lot of plastic surgeons want you to be at a stable weight for 6-12 months before getting plastic surgery. Reason being is a lot of us experience a 10-20 lb bounce back after hitting our lowest weight. Gaining or losing more than 10 or 12 lbs after plastic surgery can affect your results. I actually waited two years until I was absolutely sure I was at a stable weight.
also, it's good to get someone who specializes in people who've had massive weight loss, or at minimum, someone who has done a truckload of these surgeries. It's supposed a pretty complicated subspecialty, so you want to make sure you have someone who's had a lot of experience with it. Keep in mind that the pictures they post on their Web site are probably going to reflect their best work, so look at sites like realself.com, too. Check belly buttons - those are supposedly hard to do. I've seen some crappy-looking post-surgical belly buttons.

@ChubRub I am totally with you on this obsession but I have a longer ways to go to get to goal than you do. I have several clinics that are about an hour away and they all recommend coming in and having consultations even before you reach goal. I haven’t gone in though because as @summerset mentioned, they will only do 1 surgery at a time. I’m needing a panniculectomy/tummy tuck(I will have to pay the difference), a breast lift, thigh lift and arm lift. There’s no way I’m doing 4 different surgeries and recoveries! I’m in the Midwest but am thinking of traveling somewhere else for these procedures.

Are you thinking about staying local or traveling for PS? I always just assumed I would stay local, but none of the docs here seem to specialize in tummy tucks or MMO. I want an artist!!!

I'm still 36lbs away from my goal weight of 130, and once I get there, I might want to drop the goal to 120. I've just started researching plastic surgeons, joined some FB groups, and it's easy to become obsessed!! I'm obviously going to weight until I hit goal to start setting up any consults, but man I can't wait!!
I have 4 Miami surgeons that I'm interested in so far, but then I'll see someone else's photos and want to add their surgeon to my list!

Omg just tell them if they ask low carb and calorie restriction and exercise all of which will be true. If you even have to say anything at all. It's no ones business but gosh that sounds awful.

I told everyone. I had two coworkers have surgery before me and my mom had surgery 4 months before I did. Because of my coworkers I knew our benefits plan would cover it and short term disability would fully cover my time off. Because of my mom I knew I needed to do it because the issues I was having due to my weight were not going away. I am lucky to work for a company that is supportive of employees having the surgery though.