mil_unloaded

Hi Mil I feel for you my daughter has eds so I know what you going through she has had the sleeve done and loosing her weight very slowly I had the bypass 2yrs ago and have regained about 8lbs it's hard to stop the gain but I guess we need to move back to the basic things we did in the beginning hope you get lots of advice and encouragement Jan e t

Hi Mil, there was a time when my youngest was a preschooler that EDS was on the table as one of the things that could be causing his other more apparent medical issues. Eventually it was ruled out, but I did do a lot of reading about the disorder. I can't imagine how scary it is to live with and all the injuries you have sustained can't make that any easier. I hope that there are more treatments available now than there used to be (practically none).

About the regain, I haven't been there yet since I'm a freshly hatched chick and still on the down slope (up slope?). However, I feel like you have the tools and know what to do, so you will be able to lose it! I wouldn't fret too much about trying to do any kind of moderate exercise. It doesn't really contribute that much to weight loss, and keeping your joints together is more important! Can you just do the exercises that PT has given you in the past and make a workout plan around those? I'm not sure what they have you do, of course, so not sure how feasible that is. Maybe Water exercise would be safest for you?

Anyway, I have faith in your ability to get back to where you were. I know it is important for your health. 🤗

Hey friends! I haven’t been around in a while…well, I’m going to be back now…as I feel like this community has been extremely helpful and supportive in the past, and I need to be here. I NEED it.
So I had my surgery on December 30, 2020. I lost about 110 pounds from my highest (308 to 198, surgery day I was 289). I am currently 227.9, but I regained to 235.2.
I know what to do, kinda. Log my food, eat my Protein first, then veggies, then carby-carbs (what I call things like bread, potatoes, Pasta, etc), move my body… However on Tuesday my hip subluxed (partial dislocation) while I was making a delivery for my job (I’m a home baker)… I kicked the curb with my foot and my momentum kept moving forward, I ended up on the ground with my knees scraped, and my left leg a total mess because of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (my right hip is also nagging now because I’m having to alter how I walk).
So I feel like every time I get the groove going again, I hurt myself, and end up in more PT.
I don’t know what I’m doing here exactly on this post… as I’m not really looking for advice—I know what to do… but more words of encouragement. Especially if you’ve regained and were able to reverse it. What started that regain to begin with was I dislocated my left hip entirely while running… and it popped back in on its own. It was excruciating. It made me super scared and nervous to get movement… This happened last summer (about a year ago!). I since got an official diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS, but I don’t like using that acronym here because when I searched for that I got lots of results for eating disorders, and that’s not the same thing).
So… TLDR: If you regained and reversed it, can you offer your words of encouragement? Even if you haven’t exactly done this, I can take all of the kind words I can get right now.
Best,
Mil

Lol I grew up in a very small town, so I’m interested to see what people have to say as I drop the weight.

Holy crap, @Jaelzion you just made me feel seen. I just realized reading your reply that I too, have replaced food with (online) shopping.
So I’ve mostly replaced this feeling by loom knitting. I learned how to do it in January (about a week after surgery), and it’s fun. You can watch a video about how to do it on YouTube and you get to the point you could almost do it with your eyes closed. It’s repetitive, but it’s super soothing and relaxing. I’ll grab a skein of yarn and my knitting loom, and get to work.
Now I know that loom knitting isn’t the best option for everyone, but it’s what I found. Maybe find a similar hobby you can enjoy? Even if it’s something like photography. Grab your camera, go on a walk, and take some photos of what you see.
The first time I realized that I couldn’t eat my emotions I cried so hard. I had a complete meltdown. I’ve learned to swap the food for my new hobby. It will be ok. We just need to learn new ways to cope.
I definitely recommend talking to someone. I’ve been in therapy for 8 years because I have OCD and ADHD. It’s a great help. I think someone mentioned cost-free options can be in your city. Maybe hit google and take a look around. Ask people you know. You don’t have to tell them its for you—say you have a friend that needs help. Anyway, best of luck.

Holy crap, @Jaelzion you just made me feel seen. I just realized reading your reply that I too, have replaced food with (online) shopping.
So I’ve mostly replaced this feeling by loom knitting. I learned how to do it in January (about a week after surgery), and it’s fun. You can watch a video about how to do it on YouTube and you get to the point you could almost do it with your eyes closed. It’s repetitive, but it’s super soothing and relaxing. I’ll grab a skein of yarn and my knitting loom, and get to work.
Now I know that loom knitting isn’t the best option for everyone, but it’s what I found. Maybe find a similar hobby you can enjoy? Even if it’s something like photography. Grab your camera, go on a walk, and take some photos of what you see.
The first time I realized that I couldn’t eat my emotions I cried so hard. I had a complete meltdown. I’ve learned to swap the food for my new hobby. It will be ok. We just need to learn new ways to cope.
I definitely recommend talking to someone. I’ve been in therapy for 8 years because I have OCD and ADHD. It’s a great help. I think someone mentioned cost-free options can be in your city. Maybe hit google and take a look around. Ask people you know. You don’t have to tell them its for you—say you have a friend that needs help. Anyway, best of luck.

I may have been in the lucky minority here, in that I never had any problems swallowing pills post-op—except for the huge Calcium pills I tried to take. Those are put away for a day in the future, I’m sticking the chewable on those for now. Anyway, I have OCD with intrusive thoughts so I have medications I could NOT be without for more than 24 hours, or else very bad times indeed. So I can relate to that, however I’m only on two meds daily to keep it under control.
Anyway, like others said, you can get a pill crusher for pretty cheap, and you can try mixing the crushed pill with something like a small bite of applesauce or even into your beverage of choice, if it has to be. Our son has ADHD and we give him his adderall in his chocolate milk every morning (he’s also autistic, so has issues with medication/swallowing pills).
Best of luck!

This may be very different for some Sleeve vs By Pass. I can drink water very close to what I did before. food is a different story. I can eat 3/4 a cup and that is more than it sounds like, without a problem. If I ate a cup I would probably feel sick. I start sneezing and that is time to stop eating for me.

You will likely need much less than you think especially if you are having surgery close to home. If you are traveling over an hour for surgery you may need more that one change of clothes, pillows for the ride/flight.
My all time favorite suggestion: body wipes. You will have a lot of people touching you over the course of your time at the hospital but you will not be able to bathe.

you'll probably only be there for one night, and you'll be sleeping most of that time. I really only used my phone when I was awake, so that and a phone charger for sure. Some people also take along something like Biotene spray, because dry mouth is a common complaint after surgeries (and dry lips, too - so some people take something like Chapstick along)
Take baggy, easy to get on & off clothes for the trip home (I just wore the same thing that I wore TO the hospital). I took toiletries (deodorant, tooth brush, toothpaste), but it turned out I really didn't have to because they gave me all that at the hospital.
other than that, you're not going to need much. You won't be there very long, and as mentioned before, you'll likely be sleeping most of the time.

most people can only sip the first few days or weeks, but I never had a problem taking bigger drinks (I didn't chug, though - but I drank normal-sized gulps). Your stomach will tell you if you're overdoing it.

I could drink liquid normally after surgery. I understand many have to sip but I did not. Quantity changed that I could drink at a time and yes you will know if you are drinking too much at once. I feel sick for few minutes until it passes. You will learn fast.

That’s great! My Hair loss started at about 2.5 months out. I was pulling out so much hair just brushing my fingers through. I was scared to put it in a pony tail for days after that, but I’m back to the pony. I don’t like my hair in my face when I’m working or doing anything of importance.
Enjoy Autumn!

It does get easier. Protein from meat can be a funny thing. Some days are amazing getting it in and others I stick to things like tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and protein Soups when shakes seem too sweet. Just do the best you can for now.
Does your surgeon have you on an acid reducer? If not that might be an option in helping you feel better. However if you’re on one, see about lowering the dose to see if that helps relieve symptoms as gastric bypass can cause acid reflux due to low stomach acid.

Holy crap, @Jaelzion you just made me feel seen. I just realized reading your reply that I too, have replaced food with (online) shopping.
So I’ve mostly replaced this feeling by loom knitting. I learned how to do it in January (about a week after surgery), and it’s fun. You can watch a video about how to do it on YouTube and you get to the point you could almost do it with your eyes closed. It’s repetitive, but it’s super soothing and relaxing. I’ll grab a skein of yarn and my knitting loom, and get to work.
Now I know that loom knitting isn’t the best option for everyone, but it’s what I found. Maybe find a similar hobby you can enjoy? Even if it’s something like photography. Grab your camera, go on a walk, and take some photos of what you see.
The first time I realized that I couldn’t eat my emotions I cried so hard. I had a complete meltdown. I’ve learned to swap the food for my new hobby. It will be ok. We just need to learn new ways to cope.
I definitely recommend talking to someone. I’ve been in therapy for 8 years because I have OCD and ADHD. It’s a great help. I think someone mentioned cost-free options can be in your city. Maybe hit google and take a look around. Ask people you know. You don’t have to tell them its for you—say you have a friend that needs help. Anyway, best of luck.

Holy crap, @Jaelzion you just made me feel seen. I just realized reading your reply that I too, have replaced food with (online) shopping.
So I’ve mostly replaced this feeling by loom knitting. I learned how to do it in January (about a week after surgery), and it’s fun. You can watch a video about how to do it on YouTube and you get to the point you could almost do it with your eyes closed. It’s repetitive, but it’s super soothing and relaxing. I’ll grab a skein of yarn and my knitting loom, and get to work.
Now I know that loom knitting isn’t the best option for everyone, but it’s what I found. Maybe find a similar hobby you can enjoy? Even if it’s something like photography. Grab your camera, go on a walk, and take some photos of what you see.
The first time I realized that I couldn’t eat my emotions I cried so hard. I had a complete meltdown. I’ve learned to swap the food for my new hobby. It will be ok. We just need to learn new ways to cope.
I definitely recommend talking to someone. I’ve been in therapy for 8 years because I have OCD and ADHD. It’s a great help. I think someone mentioned cost-free options can be in your city. Maybe hit google and take a look around. Ask people you know. You don’t have to tell them its for you—say you have a friend that needs help. Anyway, best of luck.

I definitely have experienced this. At first I found myself substituting shopping for eating (easy to do, having lost so much weight). Then I realized I was doing that and took a step back. Now when I feel that craving (whether for food or to buy something) I stop and ask myself why? What's going on that I am trying to assuage or pacify? Not long ago, I really wanted a cookie and when I stopped to ask myself why, I realized that I had just come out of a meeting that did not go as well as I had hoped. I felt disappointed, embarrassed, upset. And I wanted a cookie. Once I realized what was at the root of my craving, I was able to redirect those feelings. I got a cup of coffee instead. It was warm and sweet and about 200 fewer calories than the cookie. And I took it and went and sat around the backside of the building where it was quiet and peaceful (being an introvert, that was comforting to me). I thought through what had happened and what to do next as I drank my coffee. And 30 minutes later I was good to go. Every situation is different, but I'm getting better at asking myself "What's going on? Why do you want that?"

Hi Everyone! New to the forum. Decided after years of being overweight and uncomfortable in my own body, to finally take care of me. Have had all my pre-op testing. Passed everything with no issues. Hoping to hear from pre-op coordinator on my surgery consult date next week. Would love to get surgery scheduled by the end of April!
Ready for a better, healthier version of me! 😊

Hey all! I’ve been crazy busy, thus my absence!
Non-surgically related: My youngest kid started preschool on Tuesday, and I’m also back to work. My oldest is in pre-K... So it’s filling my schedule. My husband and I also procured our first COVID vaccine (our kids are special needs so we qualified!).
Surgically related: Feeling good physically, my brain is in a weird spot where I don’t want to eat. I’ve gotten food stuck a couple of times and vomited it up. I don’t know if it’s that, or no desire to cook because I can eat so little. I’m not sure. But I’ve got a call into my nutritionist and hopefully I can also talk to the program psychologist and see if we can’t work this out. I vary. Some days I have 600 calories, but most I have 250-350 calories—and a lot of it is the oat milk I’m putting in my coffee (soy was consitpating me BAD).
Down to 254.2 this morning! Down to a size 1X shirts (and even they’re getting baggy!), but still a 20/22 in jeans.
I jogged for 8 minutes straight!
I can do my basic daily workouts, with only minimal burnout during core. Upper and lower body I’m smashing.
Hope you are all doing well!

Doing phenomenal over here! Hope everyone is doing well! I’m down about 41lbs from my highest. I walked almost a mile two days ago and again yesterday afternoon. (This morning I was busy so I haven’t yet today!) I’m on my week 4 diet now—which adds poultry, fish, deli meat, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. I spoke to my dietitian last night and she told me I didn’t need to drink Protein Drinks, that eventually I’ll eat my Protein. That was a relief because I can’t stand most of the protein drinks.

I can finally fit my wedding ring back on! I haven’t worn it in 5+ years!!
Still doing well. I thought I really tweaked a muscle because I was having rough consistent pain in my abdomen. I just laid on my side and let out a huge fart (TMI, sorry!) and now I feel so much better! So I went ahead and took a Gas-X and I’m sipping some Decaf peppermint tea now.

I had my first "learning experience" yesterday. I frequently make a big pan of roasted vegetables (mini potatoes, sweet peppers, onion, mushrooms) for a side dish. I had successfully eaten small amounts prior. However, yesterday's veggies were not as well-cooked. I thought I was taking small bites and chewing well. The joke was on me! I should have stopped at the first twinge of discomfort but I thought it would pass and continued to have more. All of the sudden, I felt excruciating pain between my shoulder blades and it felt like I couldn't get a full breath. Nothing I did made me feel better and I was really getting concerned. After a few minutes, I vomited. That relieved most of the pain. Within an hour, the pain was completely gone. Vomiting showed me (literally) that I had not chewed my food as well as I thought and definitely had eaten too fast. Lesson learned and I realize I had gotten too big for my britches 🤪

7DPO! Still can’t believe this is my body! Took a new pic! Flanks are still pretty swollen, but the rest of the swelling has gone down a lot!

@RTL1234 I am doing fine! I am on my period today (it didn't change my cycle or anything) and am super tired. I already am battling fatigue after surgery but on top of the period, I am super tired. How are you doing? Do any of you have instagrams that I could follow? I've begun mine but still too nervous to leave it open to the world but let me know if you want to follow too. I am ANewJourneyAwaiting. I've not done my weekly weigh-in because of my TOM. I will next week. I did have two nonscale victories. I jacket that used to kind of fit but be way way too tight on my upper arms is now loose! Like a normal oversized jean jacket and a ring that didnt fit my ring finger anymore is now too loose for my ring finger and fits the pointer finger. Super happy. And I got my engraved medical ID Bracelet.
@K Be Good! To echo what RTL said, I hiccup and burp all the time. After Water, after food, just whenever. Ha, ha. I hope you feel better soon and don't have COVID! Stay safe out there!

@mil_unloaded I did a 2 mile walk the other day as you saw, and my mom told me to cool my jets too, as I am only 3 weeks out of a major surgery. Glad you are getting your exercise in and not feeling sick! I've only had one bad pouch day. You are doing amazing!

How is everyone doing other wise?

Yay for breaking through the stall! I’m 3.5 weeks out and I am so ready to be off purées. I’m over them entirely. It’s been frustrating. I know it could be worse, so I’m grateful I only have another week and I can start soft foods.
Sorry you are sick! That’s no good!! I hope it’s not covid! I go back the end of January. Part of me is ready and excited, and part of me has enjoyed the extra time with the kiddos!