GinaFigz

Hi, so I have a long history with them. It’s also a cultural thing and I have a whole collection. It’s a problem lol.
After my surgery my doctor recommended a binder so I used one of my post pregnancy bands (Ive had 3 c sections) that was firm and it helped because I have a weak core and it also smoothed me out. It also makes me more aware of my posture. I have a few of the rubber ones with hooks, (my hubby calls them my bullet proof vests) And some are looser than others so I would start with those and as you get used to it build up to those that offer more compression. Also, if you suffer from heartburn it can make it worse. But you don’t eat as much, I find I feel full quicker so I can eat light meals and not feel as hungry if that makes sense. I think it’s all personal preference. I do love how they make me look and like I said I have all types for different outfits/weather.

Hi, so I have a long history with them. It’s also a cultural thing and I have a whole collection. It’s a problem lol.
After my surgery my doctor recommended a binder so I used one of my post pregnancy bands (Ive had 3 c sections) that was firm and it helped because I have a weak core and it also smoothed me out. It also makes me more aware of my posture. I have a few of the rubber ones with hooks, (my hubby calls them my bullet proof vests) And some are looser than others so I would start with those and as you get used to it build up to those that offer more compression. Also, if you suffer from heartburn it can make it worse. But you don’t eat as much, I find I feel full quicker so I can eat light meals and not feel as hungry if that makes sense. I think it’s all personal preference. I do love how they make me look and like I said I have all types for different outfits/weather.

I think some can help But like anything you need to eat clean (as possible no one is perfect) and exercise. I find when I do even simple cardio with a waist shaper, over time my stomach tones but you have to keep it up.. Some have boning to shape, others will make you sweat plus you will be aware of your posture and might suck in your stomach which makes me aware of my stomach muscles. Mine are lax so when I wear my shaper consistently I do note a difference. I also fascia blast and use a foam roller and I feel the combination of it all helps.

Thank you for this, I decided to take the stool softener instead and then once I feel regular again, I’ll add some fiber. It’s been such a journey because of the new balancing act with nutrients, Water, electrolytes, fiber.....it’s definitely a learning curve to figure out what works and doesn’t.

the bloating could be related. If there's enough backed up in there, then air can't get past it, causing bloating.
chronic Constipation is a very common problem for both RNY and VSG patients. A lot of people take a capful of Miralax every morning to keep things moving. Others take stool softeners, Smooth Move tea, magnesium tablets, or eat a few prunes every day. Whatever works for you!
I've been putting a capful of Miralax in my morning Protein Shake for years. That's usually enough to keep me regular, but I still get backed up a couple of times a month. When I do, a night or two of Milk of Magnesia will usually do the trick.

I had the same problem and started using Metamucil sugar free everyday and that fixed me right up. It's never caused bloating and has always kept things flowing normally for me.

I get CVS brand Fiber and stir in a tsp every day to my first glass of Water. Sometimes I feel I need a little more, so I'll do it twice in a day.
And yes forcing the water intake helps.

I like the metamucil capsules, I think those work miracles as well

I seem to remember reading somewhere that it's not unusual for cholesterol to go up shortly after surgery. It should go back down (liver values often increase as well after WLS - but then settle down once you get to a stable weight).
were you B1 deficient before surgery? I didn't think that was an issue with sleeve, so just wondering if you already were even before surgery. Should be easy enough to bring up with supplements.

Had the same issue with my cholesterol levels rising more at every blood test. Doctors all very concerned but my dietician said relax it’s just the weight loss & it will settle when you get to your goal weight. She was right. My last blood test showed my cholesterol was back to my usual levels with no change to my diet. She explained that as you lose weight all the hormones etc. stored in your fat are released into your blood stream.

Usually they don't start statins until cholesterol at 200. Most people with high cholesterol have it because their own body is making it as opposed to your diet. What was your LDL and HDL? The 190 is the sum of the two and could be less serious if your HDL is higher. HDL is "good cholesterol" and the higher the better. The ratio of LDL/HDL is more important than total cholesterol number. Statins can have serious side effects. Important to WLS patients, statins can make you gain weight. I wouldn't just take Lipitor because chosen by my doctor. Some doctors choose the same statin for all patients. There are statins with fewer side effects like simvastatin which I took for 25 years. I had VSG last week and was thrilled my doctor told me to quit my statin. If I were you, I would study the various statins and determine which best fits you. Then discuss with doctor. Lipitor is the most common statin prescribed but also has more serious side effects than others.

Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

I wanted to share a "time lapse" of pictures of my transformation over the past 3 years 7/2017 - 5/2020. I have lost weight, exercised and I have my life back and I am living it again. All of us are here to fight this demon and I wanted to show my pictures as encouragement to show it can happen. Will I be a size 2? Probably not, but I am happier than ever with my life and myself. I am currently pursuing removing my stomach skin with my original surgeon due to recurrent abdominal and navel infections. We shall see what the insurance says about it all.
💗

Check out Halle Barrie’s instagram page, she posted about gym waist trainers in her effort for a 6 pack.

I think some can help But like anything you need to eat clean (as possible no one is perfect) and exercise. I find when I do even simple cardio with a waist shaper, over time my stomach tones but you have to keep it up.. Some have boning to shape, others will make you sweat plus you will be aware of your posture and might suck in your stomach which makes me aware of my stomach muscles. Mine are lax so when I wear my shaper consistently I do note a difference. I also fascia blast and use a foam roller and I feel the combination of it all helps.

Hi, so I have a long history with them. It’s also a cultural thing and I have a whole collection. It’s a problem lol.
After my surgery my doctor recommended a binder so I used one of my post pregnancy bands (Ive had 3 c sections) that was firm and it helped because I have a weak core and it also smoothed me out. It also makes me more aware of my posture. I have a few of the rubber ones with hooks, (my hubby calls them my bullet proof vests) And some are looser than others so I would start with those and as you get used to it build up to those that offer more compression. Also, if you suffer from heartburn it can make it worse. But you don’t eat as much, I find I feel full quicker so I can eat light meals and not feel as hungry if that makes sense. I think it’s all personal preference. I do love how they make me look and like I said I have all types for different outfits/weather.

My thighs have a lot of loose skin, but when I look at before/after thigh lift pics, I'm not blown away by the difference. I decided to do my tummy and boobs, and I figure if the tummy and boob are banging, then people won't notice my thighs so much! LOL!!

I use the fasciablaster on my flabby parts as I am still losing. Also old school leg lifts (like Jane Fonda did back in the day), squats and the fire hydrant pose can help build up the muscle to make it tighter and then the blasting could help smooth the skin. I don’t go hard, I oil and just blast to feel it but not hurt it.
I didn’t know about not feeling anything in the area after a Tummy Tuck. That’s where I held the most weight so I’m very curious to see how I end up. My dr said not to worry because some people lose so much weight that there is nothing left to pinch. I’ve had three kids and I’ve been cut in all directions but I guess I’ll know in a few months how the losing will affect me.

So I have a question, how is the social isolation going and is your diet affected? My kids school is closed for two weeks. I have to work Monday but the kids are off for the week where I work. I am sick of broth so I'm enjoying eggs and meatballs (in moderation). I still drink my Protein and I can drink my Decaf without running to the bathroom. I do plan to revert to my Jello and broth if we have to stay in for some time. How is everyone doing?

Congrats on breaking your stall! Yes the Constipation has been tough too, I do feel that is getting better. I am trying to drink as much Water as I can but there are so many time rules 30 minutes before and after plus I'm on antacids so then its two hours after so it's just been tough because sometimes I get busy and lose track of time. I am waiting a few days before the next weigh in.

I have at week 4, i was losing everyday and now at am a standstill. Not sure I need to add exercise but I’m kind of tired.

I have felt hunger since having the surgery. I also have gastric reflux which I think makes it feel more pronounced but I am losing so I am happy with my progress.
It is all so odd because it is not like anything I have ever experienced. I read what is posted but know that our experiences may be different. I am trying to find the right balance because I do want bread, rice and Pasta and I have tasted it so I know I can eat it but I dońt want to undo my progress so I found thejoeduff on YouTube and he has a lot of great Keto recipes. I learned to make toast and some pancakes.The funny thing is that now my kids eat MY leftovers and it used to be the other way around! So usually my first meal of the day goes down rough and Ím burping and its all so noisy. I also find I get hungry later in the day. I was doing IF before the surgery so I dońt know if I became used to eating more later in the day in that window of time. Anyway, my point is for me this has been a lot of trial and error. Someone posted earlier to practice mindfulness and to listen to your body which I think is the best way to approach it. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to the cues and monitor what you can. If you get off track, forgive yourself and get back on. Wishing everyone health during the difficult time!

I have felt hunger since having the surgery. I also have gastric reflux which I think makes it feel more pronounced but I am losing so I am happy with my progress.
It is all so odd because it is not like anything I have ever experienced. I read what is posted but know that our experiences may be different. I am trying to find the right balance because I do want bread, rice and Pasta and I have tasted it so I know I can eat it but I dońt want to undo my progress so I found thejoeduff on YouTube and he has a lot of great Keto recipes. I learned to make toast and some pancakes.The funny thing is that now my kids eat MY leftovers and it used to be the other way around! So usually my first meal of the day goes down rough and Ím burping and its all so noisy. I also find I get hungry later in the day. I was doing IF before the surgery so I dońt know if I became used to eating more later in the day in that window of time. Anyway, my point is for me this has been a lot of trial and error. Someone posted earlier to practice mindfulness and to listen to your body which I think is the best way to approach it. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to the cues and monitor what you can. If you get off track, forgive yourself and get back on. Wishing everyone health during the difficult time!

Birds Eye has Veggie Made Pasta. You can find it in the frozen food section of your grocery store. They have tons of different ones, but the pasta itself is primarily made of zucchini and lentils. I bought two bags at Save Mart on Saturday when I went grocery shopping. I have yet to try them, but I've heard they're really good.

Great question, my response...
1. Remember why you had the surgery every day.
2. Stick to the plan
3. If you don't see the weight falling off, don’t sweat it because it will...soon
4. Be discipline and avoid an abundance of sugar and carbs.
5. Read labels if the card and sugar count is high push away from it. Again remember why you had the surgery it will help.
6. Remember, you can lose all the weight and get healthy and go right back to where you started. There are many people who have gained the weight back.
7. Remember, the surgery is just a tool, not a quick fix. You have to put in the work daily.
8. Drink your water!!!
I hope this helps and if you need to call me you are welcome yo do so.
2/20/2020

2/20/2019

It was tough for me at that point as well and it’s gotten better now that I have progressed to soft foods. Have you tried Decaf coffee with sugar free Creamer? That seemed to help.