Lily66

Praying for you Bajankat, may all be well...

Welcome PurpleMomma! I remember feeling SO happy to find this site and community, too😊! Our surgical teams are wonderful, but there’s nothing like the experience of others to help us. This site has such a great blend from veterans all the way to newbies and everything in between. Someone here will likely have experienced whatever issue you encounter and be more than happy to support you. The archives are great, too. It sounds like you have your ducks in a row and a stable support system at home. I was about 35 or 36 BMI with 2 comorbidities at initial surgeon appt. They told me I could gain in the pre-op coming months But couldn’t lose or I wouldn’t qualify. No one had EVER told me I had freedom to gain weight but not lose. That weekend, hubby and I enjoyed a dinner out with friends, including dessert. The next day I got ahold of myself and said “Self, you are in real trouble if you take this as some license to eat for 3 months. It tells me you’re not serious about losing weight and GETTING HEALTHY. Who are you kidding, self? Even if they say you can gain for 3 months, you’ll still have to work to lose it, and your half heart tells me this food relationship is far from ready to clean up!” After that tough self talk, I maintained my 217 weight number all 3 months of pre-op weigh in. To prove to myself that I was committed, I diligently did not allow that number to go up, nor down. It was the beginning of true change for me. The very thought of creating more fat inside of myself nauseated me! All this🙄to say, Be True to Yourself and keep that smart head of yours so determined to embrace a New You that nothing can derail you! It is still a daily work in progress for me, as my skinny hubby has so many treats around and not my place to deny him his choices. After 30 years together, we offer encouragement but allow each other to decide things for ourselves. I want to feel and look my best MORE than I want a measly 15 minutes of pleasure in my mouth! Welcome! We look forward to your exciting journey😍!

SO glad to hear all is well! WOW! Had no idea it would do this, but thanks to your sharing we now know. For pure comfort, I slept in a recliner for first few weeks —it just felt easier. Take good care of yourself, you’ve been through a lot and deserve “Blue Skies From Now On”... Love and Hugs!!

Sorry to hear of your back issues and totally understand as I’m going they same—terrible right now. I think I’ll resume maybe 12 PT sessions, then try to find a Pilates class. PT helps so much and truly is a Heavy Workout! Good luck!!

Hugs, Hugs Hugs to You! Better to be safe than not. So glad you went and sending prayers that all is well.💝

My main concern with RNY was the increased limitations, should we need a serious drug up the road that is not adaptable to our new system. I do believe with the huge (pun intended) increase in bariatric surgery, more and more pharmaceutical companies are taking our dilemma to heart (and to the bank also)! Though surgeon said no more aspirin again, ever! You betcha one will be headed down my throat fast if a heart attack is suspected— Judgment in emergency situations. I believe NSAID’s are out for Sleevers just as they are for RNY-ers.? Not sure tho.. Nutrient absorption was also a RNY concern..but if you are a disciplined person who will take your supplements FAITHFULLY, for life, and ensure you eat balanced NUTRIENT RICH foods, I believe all will be well. Certainly will be healthier than the SICK route I faced with obesity.🤧

Initially I was head set on the Sleeve. When my surgeon asked if I ever have GERD and I replied “yes, once in awhile”, he drew a picture of what happens when GERD takes place with Sleeve (increased pressure in a much smaller pouch, that raises serious discomfort, and risk of potentially serious esophageal damage.) He went on to say if your tests indicate serious reflux issues I WON’T perform Sleeve on you. If they show minor issues, I’ll do Sleeve if you still choose to, but caution you it may result in a revision up the road if GERD persists. I would much rather you go through WLS surgery once and not have to do it twice. He encouraged me to leave him, start the battery of testing and do more research. When I learned that RNY is still considered the Gold Standard of WLS, with the longest history of success, risks very low, slight potential for greater weight loss due to malabsorptive feature, my mind was well on its way to RNY. Three months out and No regrets, not at all. Challenges with both, but to be expected. Many Sleevers are very happy and have done amazing, too! It’s your personal makeup that, along with recommendations from your Dr. that will guide you. Mine is only one story. Good luck! I loved the excitement😃 and anticipation at the stage you’re in—-Enjoy the Journey!💖

If you google tips for resetting pouch after WLS you’ll find some good information. You’re so not alone in having days like you describe during this pandemic. I’m trying to keep healthy foods prepped for “those moments”, things that I enjoy, are nutritious and are filling. Lately, 3 bean salad has fit the bill and a very small amount is satisfying. Mostly tho, first I’m trying to sip tea or something like that and work on my head. You’ve done this very successfully before, you’ll do it again, you’re aware! Good luck!

Agree with Sweet Puddin’. It is so individual. But/And I remember wondering the same thing. I pulled out the material from my surgeon saying approx. how much I should be consuming at each stage to be sure I stayed within range. From there, it was a matter of learning what it feels like, and that changed as the internal swelling eased down, etc. A few times I took in too much🤯and boy did that teach me to stop short of doing that again. I didn’t “dump” but did vomit once, perspire and a few other times I felt full up to my throat, which is also no good. For me, the burps mean I took in too much and don’t like the full feeling. For others, the burps are okay. Someone on here or maybe several, reminded we are better off to “no longer go for that full feeling” as we did in the old days pre-op, where we lived with stretched out tummies. That turned a light bulb💡on for me and I feel Sooooo much better choosing to live that way. As long as I get my macros in for that meal, I stop, realizing the nutrients will kick in and give me a satisfied feeling without going for the “full”. Hang in! Keep listening to your new baby tumrum. Congratulations!!!

Florastor is reportedly one of the strongest probiotics protecting against Cdiff. I took it for years working in an Assisted Living community. May be worth going back on it again for gut/constipation issues. Not inexpensive, but worth it. Costco carries it both in store and online. No refrigeration required. Back in the day it cost me roughly $50/month for Florastor, not sure if it has come down in price.

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR SIR! CONGRATULATIONS on YOUR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT! SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF. And Love that classy dapper birthday look!! YOU have inspired us! Thank You!💝

Thanks for timeline estimate. I’ve only told a few others about WLS like hairdresser I’ve had for 18 years. She saw me 2 weeks ago, expecting to view seriously new me. Despite my 30+ lb loss I could tell she was searching for something to say other than...”I see no change.”🙉 She asked “Did you have the surgery??” My reply, “Yes, 3 months ago, down 30lbs but I guess it takes time”. She (rather embarrassed, yet wanting to support) said “Oh yea, it takes time”. I came home so deflated like all this effort and there will be no change??? The kind of feeling that at one time would have turned into self soothing with carbs. Ahhh, patience.

If it were me? I’d seek the best medical team I could find and not be patient about it. As someone pointed out, you’re not that far from being in a reasonable weight range, but the next 20lbs in the wrong direction could be very detrimental. Should you (heaven forbid) come down with a serious illness, you won’t have that cushion to get you through it. Good luck and Godspeed! Also puzzled why you were “booted off another bariatric board over this a year ago”?

Oh yes, most definitely. I had a “lift” years ago and not going to make things worse than WLS already is. Find a comfy one. Mine are front hook very soft but enough support for me.

I absolutely share this problem. My hubs reminds and points it out to me constantly🙄. He is a slow, gracious savorer of his food, and he has also never had a weight problem. Hmmmmm. Have tried to take thoughtful, slow and thorough bites/chewing, then setting the food/fork aside for a few minutes, enjoying my food instead of inhaling it, then repeat. No watching TV, computer screen, etc., for we lose focus and there we are...again. These long time (bad) habits are not going away easily, nor overnight just because we want that. I believe with practice and focus, it will become the new norm our bodies will crave and feel better for, but it’s definitely going to take time and determination. AWARENESS is the first step and WE ARE THERE! WE CAN DO IT!✨

Winston, No bashing here...you have (literally) worked your tail off, and with the aid/supervision of a nutritionist so who are we to bash. I salute your hard work, determination, honesty in getting healthy. I believe each of us can learn something from one another in life if we’re open to honesty within ourselves. For me, and maybe many others who feel frustrated we’re not losing weight at warp speed like a few others, the lesson is there is almost Zero way we can lose SO much, SO fast without losing important and valuable muscle. Your experience illustrates well. Not many of us would have the sheer strength and determination to do what you’ve done first of all in losing SO much SO fast, and now, dedicated to the years of rebuilding it will take, as you describe so well. Maybe slow and steady wins this race, particularly for those of us without the strength and bodily constitution to try to warp speed it and then need to rebuild—-if we’re lucky enough to rebuild in not getting very sick in some way. Thanks for sharing, it helped my head and I wish you continued healing every single day of LIFE!

WOW!!! What an AMAZING TRANSFORMATION!🏆💐 I absolutely love seeing these!!😁 YOU deserve every single Smile that expresses your Joy, and those of us fairly new out of surgery get a shot in the arm of “What Can Be” when someone is generous enough to share their journey as you have here. Thanks and Keep Up The Great Life!!💝

Yes, they’re not an every day item by any means, meaning a case will last you a year. I have never had high blood sugar issues, for me it’s the reverse—frequent low blood sugar. With the protein and fiber in these it helps offset a blood sugar spike. For something to offset low blood sugar, these really are purse handy when away from home. And not such that you’d ever want more than one.😊

These are tasty when you just need that Sweet Chocolate Peanut Butter fix😋. Cheapest by the case on Amazon...decent shelf life. Handy when stuck away from home and need some Protein.

Congratulations on your journey of keen self awareness and honesty. I can totally relate. Though I stopped drinking years ago short of it becoming problematic, the gene is definitely in the family. Thus, I, too, struggle with sugar, processed foods, simple carbs to the point of addiction. A little bit and the barn door seems wide open calling me for more. I am now striving for a clean, unprocessed fresh food life. Told hubby this morning...he is free to continue his junk food but it must be separate from the world I choose to live in. I neither feel well nor look well on that pathway. Delighted we have our kindred spirits here for strength, clarity, sharing ideas and celebrating a finer way of enjoying life. Salute!

Woo-Hoo on getting things lined up today!👌I remember how excited and deeply committed the day I did that. So proud of you for recalling your inner voice coming through to the therapist that this was clearly something you had to do on your own. It shows the conviction you do indeed feel, not just hearing our words. It’s kind of deliciously selfish to be self absorbed in this journey! This Baripal community has been the BEST support, sounding board, information, that I could have hoped for. SO glad you’re here!😊 When moments get tough, log in, judgment free zone and YOU will be here for other’s, too. I am Smiling for YOU right now!😍

My heart hurts that you’re hurting...I can envision it completely. My issue was the opposite🤪, and that’s not good either! For instance, handsome hubs wanted me to watch the procedure on youtube! He found it very interesting and many questions and concerns that shouldn’t have been, took on a life. He was the only spouse in the room asking surgeon questions until I had to ask him to pleeez, not ask questions on the mechanics of RNY.🙄. SO, I always go back to this WLS experience presented many, many opportunities for growth that i did not expect. With his science obsession on it, my growth lesson was to DETACH from his concerns and viewpoints and realize this was MY JOURNEY. I was not expecting him to make it worthy, valuable, etc., nor did I need his approval. You’re growing stronger! As long as he supports you in assisting in the after care you will need, go deep inside and be your own best friend and all that you need to do this— for no one but you can do the work ahead. Let the pain drift up and away, and Smile as it floats up, out of your orbit!🌎🎈💝

😋Mmmm, canned oysters you say? Oh what memories I have of delicious, delicate smoked canned oysters. I may have to indulge. Thanks for bringing it up!👌

Thanks for posting this over65! I’ve heard and read about this for years and totally believe it, particularly those of us who have battled metabolic syndrome. I’m not saying I’ll never partake again, but it will be VERY sparingly and certainly not daily, for me anyway. Continue Success and all good wishes to you!

Happy for you!! 😊 You’re on it! The hard part is behind you👌!