PuddinJasper

You can't work off more than you put in either. That's important to remember. If that makes any sense.

It's MY time!

Hey All!

I don’t comment much on here but you all have definitely been a big help to be on my journey!! I truly have loved hearing all of your stories, it has been a big motivational help to me. It’s nice to have a community that doesn’t have judgement and everyone can ask questions and share their stories with each other. I’m about 15lbs from goal and about 8 months out from my surgery.
My before picture was from 2018 and probably wasn’t even my heaviest and then right was from yesterday!
I think weight loss surgery is a great tool, but it 100% is all mental the rest of the journey. We have to daily make the right food choices and want to live a better life.

Thanks for all of your support!!

-Karlee

This is my second day on the Soft Diet and so far so good except I threw up yesterday because I did not listen to the signal my body was giving me regarding Breakfast, which is that I should have just stuck with just the 1 egg Scrambled egg and not try to eat some fruit (1/4 cup) afterward. I AM doing better today and everything is staying down.
Before the surgery I was on the liquid diet for 1 week drinking Carnation Breakfast Essentials Light Start (5 packets, 5 cups 2% milk and 1 Tablespoon whey Protein Powder) everyday getting 40 oz of that in and 24 oz from drinking either Water or Crystal Light. And doing that once I got home on June 19, 2020, when I was asked to get in 8 oz of liquid within 45 minutes of being home and continue the Liquid Diet until June 27, 2020, when I started the pureed Diet that that went okay for me as well as the Liquid Diet except kind of getting tired of everything being chocolate (because they only have chocolate Carnation Breakfast and Protein Powder at the store near where I live) and to think I am a chocolate lover getting tired of having something that is chocolate.
Exercise so far has been walking around the apartment, walking around the neighborhood some, walking to the store or pharmacy from where I live and climbing stairs to do Laundry since I have been home from surgery even though I make sure that I do not lift no more than what I am allowed to lift and not pushing myself when I am starting to tire out from walking.

Had it done Monday and for ME....it was terrible. The only way to go into it...is to expect the worse and look at it as the only thing standing between you and your ever after. I made the mistake of not doing that...and was terribly disappointed. BTW...got my negative test results today. So yayyy...there's that. So it was worth it.

It's MY time!

I’m 1 Day post op, can’t believe it, I did it! No problem either. My Dr. and his team are fantastic!! I’m sitting up drinking my 3rd set of fluids, and I’m not in too much pain nor am I hungry. Drinking and walking, should go home this afternoon. Yea Dr. Patel, you rock!!

I am almost 6 months post op and took my first vacation this week (Drove up to Tahoe). I went with some friends who did not know about the surgery but knew I was actively losing weight and trying to eat healthier and it wasn't awkward at all. I didn't snack, but I did eat some meals I shouldn't have. But between watching how much and exercise, I was down just over 2 lbs for the week. In the past, anytime I vacationed I would be up so I'm super excited.
I had some great NSVs while I was out.
- Hiked almost every day - around 5 miles, intermediate hikes, at elevation. Still hard, but I did it.
- Kayaked, and was able to get in and out easily.
- They had standard size bath towels in the bathroom, and it wrapped all the way around me without a gap!
- It was my birthday and I didn't have any cake, and really didn't miss it.
I tried alcohol for the first time since surgery. I had a glass a wine a couple of times and did fine. However, I had about 1/3 of a margarita and felt awful. I don't think I full on dumped, but I think if I had drunk any more I would have. It's the first time I've had any amount of sugar so lesson learned. I'm going back to not drinking for a while (it will continue to be an occasional event going forward).

Yes...avoiding all of those things. I'm thinking I am sleeping with my mouth closed. I noticed that when I first starting using the cpap. Thanks for your words of encouragement. It means the world to me.

It's MY time!

You may need to be scoped. Scans don't always tell the true story. I imagine you are on omeprazole or something similar? And you are avoiding coffee, alcohol, soda, and trying to sleep with your head/upper body elevated? I think if you can elevate the head of your bed, you will find the gas bubble problem to be better. Are you breathing through your mouth? Do you need a different mask? (BTW, after losing weight, I do not need to use my CPAP anymore! It is great!)
I developed an ulcer 6 months after my surgery - for no reason. The doctor said it might have been a stitch that didn't heal well, I was on omeprazole for 4-5 months. A follow up scope showed that everything is now healed and doing fine, but I did buy a bed with an adjustable frame so I can easily elevate the head. Best thing I ever did (besides surgery!) The weight loss and head elevation completely resolved my gastritis and GERD. Even the Barretts esophagus resolved, which is amazing. Hang in there. Only good things to come for you! A year from now this will all be behind you and you will be a new person with most of these health issues resolved.
PS: It could be that the pressure setting of your CPAP is too high. Have you talked to your sleep doctor? As I lost weight, my pressures were adjusted, until I didn't even need it anymore.

Had it done Monday and for ME....it was terrible. The only way to go into it...is to expect the worse and look at it as the only thing standing between you and your ever after. I made the mistake of not doing that...and was terribly disappointed. BTW...got my negative test results today. So yayyy...there's that. So it was worth it.

It's MY time!

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!💖

I've been eating only 4-5 bites, then waiting 15 minutes for it to get to my stomach, then eating 4-5 more bites.
My doc said to eat until I am full then stop. Other people say they can hear gurgling in their tummy and they stop.
All I know is that the few times I ate until my stomach was full -- I ate too much and was in pain after. I just wait until it has time to get to my tummy, then if I am still hungry I eat a bit more.
I guess just like everything with this journey - it will be different person to person. I am 15 days post-op in soft food stage, fyi.

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!!!

you'll most likely have loose skin. But I think I can speak for the majority of us when I say that looking back, we probably shouldn't have wasted a lot of brain cells worrying about the loose skin. Most of us would take the loose skin ANY DAY over being 100 - or 200 - or whatever pounds overweight. The loose skin is a pretty minor issue when you look at the big picture. Plus for most of us, it's pretty easy to hide in clothes. And if it REALLY bothers you, plastic surgery will take care of it. So I know it's hard to believe now, but the loose skin should NOT be your biggest fear. Being 100+ lbs overweight should be.
here I am, after my initial loss of 235 lbs (I've since gained 12 lbs), with tons of loose skin. See it? Doesn't it look awful?

I'm 3 weeks post op today...for me...I get an pain in my shoulder...sometimes a runny nose...burp..or hiccup. Each person is different. When I first started...I only allowed myself 3 ounces...to be full. Hope that helps.It's MY time!

Well guys I just wanted to report that yesterday's sleeve party was a success! I am back at home trying to sip; sip, sip, as much I can.
I was in by 7 and out by 6:15. I would like to thank all of you for support!
It's MY time!

Heyyyyy.......I was trying to figure out where to post it! I was in by 7am and out by 6:15 and home by 7pm. The gas was trapped all over my body..especially the shoulders but that has now subsided! I've been sipping when I haven't been sleeping. Slept in my recliner...the bed was not going to work for me!
Water seems to stay down nicely as has the Premier Clear. I'm getting ready try some broth that I pre-made.

It's MY time!

Before and after
Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I was upset earlier and just really disappointed in myself and looking for ways around it. But your replies coupled with my 2nd weigh in visit with my pcp (I lost 10lbs and she was super proud of me!) I have let rational Amanda take over and will pursue it.

I reached out to an online retailer that can also use insurance benefits and I will also look at local equipment stores(the 2 in my town have 2 stars or below from reviews so I am going to look at ones in the city I work).

Appreciate all the input once again guys, this forum is such an incredible community!!

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

The best thing that I never knew I needed...until i tested and was labeled severe...with ZERO snoring. Insurance paid for mine. Not uncomfortable now...like anything it takes getting adjusted to.

It's MY time!

I’m no longer obese!!!! I have been obese since I’m 5 years old. This is an amazing accomplishment for me. I never thought I’d get to this point. I can go shopping in whichever store I fancy. My last shopping trip EVERY item I took into the dressing room FIT! I had to get out of there fast. I came home and balled my eyes out... it’s crazy!!!! I am so thankful for this... I can’t explain the emotion going on inside me so I won’t try, all I’m going to say is, if anyone out there is considering surgery but is scared, PLEASE do this for yourself! I promise it will be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Everyone loses at a different pace and to be honest... last month I had a two week stall and then another one that lasted a week so I lost about the same last month (about 3 or 4 pounds). But overall since surgery I've lost 66 pounds in 4 months. My diet varies day to day but on average I get between 600-800 calories, which according to my nutritionist is normal for four months post op. Or even three months for that matter. You've lost 30 pounds in 3 months. That's a success in my book!
Oddly enough the strangest things have made me feel successful even when I was really down about the stalls. I went to the ER last week and could fit into a regular gown (I always had to request the plus sized ones because the regular ones wouldn't fit my arms and they wouldn't even cover HALF of me!) I almost cried lol. And for the first time since I was a TEENAGER (I'm 32) the blood pressure cuff was able to go on my upper arm! It always had to be on my forearm before! All I'm saying is not to stress yourself out! My primary said if you stress about your weight it actually comes off slower because stress causes hormones that slow your weight loss. So look at the little successes and Celebrate them, but try not to focus on the little things. Heck, maybe you're putting muscle on as you lose fat? Muscle weighs more than fat so... the scale wouldn't exactly be an accurate accessment.

My surgery involves a sleeved stomach and to be honest I have no idea how long food stays in our stomach. I get full pretty fast but as long as I don't eat fast I can eat what I put in front of me. Which admittedly is about half a cup. Sometime 2/3 of a cup. I'm 4 months out though...
As for me the first week was liquids and second was puree via my surgeons nutrition guidelines. I struggled most the first week because I had very little appetite and Jello HURT to eat. It felt like my chest got really tight and my stomach felt like it did flips. I avoided it like the plague after I realized it wasn't just the gas doing it because everything else didn't do that to me. I also didn't have increased acid issues, but then I've been on acid reducers for YEARS! I take famotidine for my EOS because it's the only acid reducer that doesn't interact with my TN meds (all the other ones are flagged for fatal reactions with my meds and even though I haven't had a flare in a year and haven't needed the pills I NEED to be able to take them just in case of a flare... for my sanity). If you're not taking an acid reducer you should ask your doctor for a prescription or call them and ask if you can buy some over the counter. And, some people do have a dairy sensitive stomach for a while. I, myself, lucked out and am pretty much fine with dairy. I'm actually better with it after surgery then I was before lol

I had one family member and one close friend who were extremely critical of getting weight loss surgery. Both are quite obese themselves. I think they felt either threatened or jealous of the fact that I was doing something to take control of my health and my life.

I think the difference is that thin people think that if fat people worked hard enough (or at all) they could lose the weight. No amount of work will make your boobs bigger.

I don't get what the issue ppl have with surgery why is it so normal to have lip fillers. Boob jobs and other cosmetic things but not actual weight loss surgery to save your life??