Maisey

I had the pressure on mine lowered but I suspect I will never get rid of it.

I read somewhere (but of course, don't remember where) that the participants were required to film at least one bathroom scene. I also wish there were participants who did not have backgrounds with trauma. Can't we just have some run-of-the-mill people with weight issues.

I am down 65 lbs. since surgery in mid-December. I had lost 50 prior to that. Since surgery, I no longer have to get up in the night to pee. I assume (although I have no idea if I'm correct) is that losing weight has taken pressure off of my bladder. I also have much less stress leaking from coughing or sneezing (and I'm at the age where that was a real thing). I go less frequently in general. But when I go, boy is there a lot (I'm sure because I am not going as frequently). Prior to losing any weight, I was getting frequent UTIs. That stopped with losing the first pounds.

I use 99% powder. Equate (Wal Mart) is cheap and my favorite. I put the powder, some ice and Fairlife fat free milk in the blender and it whips up light and frothy. The blender makes the difference. It is not nearly as good in a shaker. The scoop inside the container will give you the amount and calories. I keep a limited number of Premier Protein premade shakes on hand in case I need to grab something quickly. Even if I buy a four-pack, I find I tire of any flavor quickly.

I also had to take those shots due to a family history of blood clots. They were bad but they eventually end.

When you are only taking in liquids or very, very soft food, you may not feel full. As you move to more solid foods, the feeling will likely kick in. Even then you may not feel exactly full. Keep to your plan for best results.

Every program is different. Mine required 5 classes prior to surgery. They were in-person (pre-covid) and I had to drive an hour for them. I wasn't very open-minded in the first 2 classes. I thought I knew everything they would discuss. I have to admit that I really did learn somethings. She was very open to questions and contact. I inquired about using an outside dietician and was told no. Somethings discussed in class I told myself that I would never incorporate into my new lifestyle. But guess what............I am doing them now and understand why they were discussed.

Please ask during your appointment today for a referral to a mental health professional.

I had RNY and had a good recovery. I had discomfort after the surgery but not actual pain. I had pain medication in the hospital and went home the next day and never needed any more. I didn't need dry mouth spray and was drinking water and walking the halls within a few hours after surgery. People are more likely to post about problems than successes. Honestly, I think the real work begins after your physical recovery. Best wishes.

I also have been off diabetes meds since the day of surgery. Every fasting BS I've taken has been in the 75-100 range. I will have my first labs done in 2 weeks. For the first time, I am looking forward to the results. I have felt shaky a few times. However, when I then test, I am safely in the normal range. I once heard that when someone who has had higher blood sugars over time begins to have more normal blood sugars due to treatment, that the normal sugars can feel like lows. I have no idea if that is actually true and I don't remember if I heard it from a reliable source.

I'm still working on figuring out an absolute sign. I've been noticing more of a gurgle feeling/noise as I'm getting full. Unfortunately, I end up with hiccups after I'm already too full and it makes the pain even worse.

I struggle with stuck food when I don't chew thoroughly enough or if I eat too fast. Still happens to me and I often don't realize it until it's too late. As to your chicken issue, I had good luck with canned chicken. I added seasoning based on what sounded good. Mexican, add taco seasoning and have some beans. Chicken and "gravy," add some extra bullion and a bit of potato. Italian, add Italian seasoning a little pizza sauce and some ricotta. Nothing works for me other than eventually vomiting what is stuck. Walking, stretching, etc. does nothing. Even the tiniest sips of liquid make it much worse. Somehow, I usually end up with hiccups as well.

I had RNY and went back after 4 weeks. I would have been fine after 3. I had an easy surgery and recovery but felt the time off was beneficial to rest and recover. For the first few weeks, eating really did feel like a full-time job. Don't underestimate the time and energy that it takes to get ready for work and your commute. If you have the ability to work from home, your experience may be different. I did not have that option.

I didn't use any dry mouth spray. I had oral tramadol in the hospital and was given some to take home. I never took a pain pill beyond 12 hours post surgery. I don't know what was in my IV prior to surgery. I remember being wheeled down the hall and then waking up in recovery. Nothing in between.

I drank Crystal Light iced tea from the day after surgery. It is my go to beverage. I'm not saying it's right for you, it did not cause any problems for me.

I thought of every possible reason to talk myself out of surgery and had so many self-doubting moments! I think it's a natural part of the process. You are leaving behind a lifestyle. I'm 2.5 months post RNY. No regrets so far and like many, wish I had done it sooner. Physically, my surgery and recovery were easy. I am still learning to slow down and chew, chew, chew. Every single day requires working on my mental relationship with food and breaking old habits and behaviors.

What is it that you think you are screwing up? Are you following the plan your program/surgeon gave you? On most days, are you taking in adequate liquid and protein? Are you feeling well? If so, you are doing fine. Not everyone will lose at the same rate.

I work in a congregate setting where transmission is rampant and social distancing nearly impossible. I specifically asked my surgeon in mid December if given my recent surgery, there was any reason not to get the vaccine as it was likely to be available to me soon. He said there was no reason not to. I had my first dose of the Moderna vaccine 3 1/2 weeks ago. I had a sore arm for one day. I also did develop what is now being called Covid arm (Google it) but it is nothing serious. I get my second dose next week.

You're probably hearing about this because people who have complications are more likely to post about them than are people who've never had any. ^^THIS^^

I've tired of pre-made shakes. My favorite, and reasonably priced, is the Equate chocolate from Walmart. I blend it with Fairlife skim milk and ice in the blender. To me, the blender makes all the difference. It is light and frothy.

I found 2 Lean Cuisines readily available at my grocery store that weren't terrible--Beef Tips & Broccoli was one. None of the "high protein meals" made my cut off as they all were high in carbs. Also, the portion size may be too big depending upon your size. I keep 2 Lean Cuisines in the freezer as a just in case to take for lunch. I haven't had to use them yet.

Shirataki noodles

Purée some chicken and then season it. I alternated with chicken bullion, taco, Cajun, curry and Italian.

I am 60 days post RNY. My surgery and recovery have been physically quite easy. Mentally, some days are better than others. I like to eat. I enjoyed food. I still do. I'd like to eat more, but now have the physical reminders that I can't. I'm working to replace behaviors that were linked to eating out of habit. That's hard. Every. Day. The part of your post that sets off alarm bells for me is where you say that you have to make a decision by next week. There is no reason you should feel pressured to make a decision. Take your time. Research, research, research. Your program should have competent professionals on staff to help guide you. Make an appointment on your own with your own PCP or a counselor. In the end, the decision has to be yours and you have to be ready to live differently. No one can answer for you if you are ready for that. I know that I was not ready for it for a long time. I made excuses that living the post WLS lifestyle was just as "abnormal" as was being morbidly obese. It took realizing the long-term consequences of my weight on my health that finally was the decision-maker.

I've been taking chewable vitamins and calcium since the day after my surgery in December. I've had no issues at all. It doesn't matter if I take them on an empty stomach or with food. They don't taste great, but they're not that bad.