JoanneLaRusch

Mine has a 30-30-30 rule. Stop drinking 30 minutes before eating. Meals should take 30 minutes. Can drink 30 minutes after eating. Every surgeon has different rules though but I do think waiting 90 minutes is too long. I’d be so thirsty.

Doing okay. I had one mishap with not chewing peaches well enough. It was awful, hours of throwing up and pain. They aren’t kidding when they say chew well. I am on purée and soft foods but being pretty careful. I hope I never see Jello again. 🤢

I started my pre op liquid diet almost 2 weeks ago. I did pretty good, I cheated twice, having a subway sandwich one day for lunch. And another night I had a oriental chicken salad for dinner. Other than that. I tried my best to stick with it, and on surgery day I was down a total of 16 lbs in a week. I had my surgery Oct 29th 202p. I'm currently on day 4 of post op. The 2nd and 3rd day of was feeling very overwhelmed. Emotional. Was wondering if I made the worst decision of my life. The pain I felt was mainly from the air and gas, omg that was horrible. But here on day 4, I don't really have too much pain, except where my drain currently is, and only sometimes. I get it taken out on a couple days. But I'm starting to not feel as emotional, glad I have my mom here to help me out as I am a single mother of 3 kids. Without her, lord I couldn't of done it this far. I'm starting to feel alone better about the decision I made. I'm on my liquid diet right now, and I haven't really thought about food, the only thing I want to do more than anything is GUZZLE a glass of Water !!! Lol. Taking small sips throughout the whole day helps I suppose. LOL I just feel so thirsty. I am glad I found this support forum, I love reading everyone's journey, and I'm glad to be here !
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I started my pre op liquid diet almost 2 weeks ago. I did pretty good, I cheated twice, having a subway sandwich one day for lunch. And another night I had a oriental chicken salad for dinner. Other than that. I tried my best to stick with it, and on surgery day I was down a total of 16 lbs in a week. I had my surgery Oct 29th 202p. I'm currently on day 4 of post op. The 2nd and 3rd day of was feeling very overwhelmed. Emotional. Was wondering if I made the worst decision of my life. The pain I felt was mainly from the air and gas, omg that was horrible. But here on day 4, I don't really have too much pain, except where my drain currently is, and only sometimes. I get it taken out on a couple days. But I'm starting to not feel as emotional, glad I have my mom here to help me out as I am a single mother of 3 kids. Without her, lord I couldn't of done it this far. I'm starting to feel alone better about the decision I made. I'm on my liquid diet right now, and I haven't really thought about food, the only thing I want to do more than anything is GUZZLE a glass of Water !!! Lol. Taking small sips throughout the whole day helps I suppose. LOL I just feel so thirsty. I am glad I found this support forum, I love reading everyone's journey, and I'm glad to be here !
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Thank you. I def realize this is going to be a big adjustment. I ate some Soup for dinner, and felt just fine. I think going back to work, I'm use to snacking, and going out to eat with my coworker so I was just in my head most likely. Ty for your response

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Well first. Congrats in your date! My number one advice is definitely walk after surgery! The gas pain you feel, in your upper chest, arms, etc, is super uncomfortable. And the best way to get rid of it is walking little by little.

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Well first. Congrats in your date! My number one advice is definitely walk after surgery! The gas pain you feel, in your upper chest, arms, etc, is super uncomfortable. And the best way to get rid of it is walking little by little.

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I made pork carnitas last night. This is leftovers with 1/4 avocado, 1 T ff plain greek yogurt, 4 grape tomatoes, 1 T cotija cheese and Cholula hot sauce. I had this for lunch today.  

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At 3 months my hair started falling out like crazy...my bathroom floor was like a carpet of hair, I couldn’t vacuum it up often enough.
I cut it short around that time to minimize the amount of hair i left in trails around the house.
At around 6-7 months (around the time I stopped weight loss phase), it slowed down considerably, now 2 years post op, i think I shed the normal amount.
I have since noticed alot of re-growth and today i am proud to say I can no longer see my scalp through my hair.
Below is a pic at 6-7 months vs today. In the before pic, i had zero hairline baby hairs (i had tonnes pre-wls) and though its hard to tell in the pic, one could see the white of my scalp. In the after pic my hair is way more full and one can see all the re-growth of chicken hairs sticking up (once they get longer they should lay flatter)
Hair loss is pretty much a given during rapid weight loss (as well as after surgery, pregnancies, anything that is a shock to the system)...see the posts above referring to telogen effluvium....but it also grows back eventually.
Hang in there, it’s only temporary!

Using my starting weight and MY goal weight of 150, I have lost about 73% of my excess body weight at about 4.5 months post-op. If I use a BMI of 25 (164 pounds) I have lost around 83% of excess body weight. 😊

Well first. Congrats in your date! My number one advice is definitely walk after surgery! The gas pain you feel, in your upper chest, arms, etc, is super uncomfortable. And the best way to get rid of it is walking little by little.

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I am sorry you’re going through all that. I remember when I was working with just one child but her father had died. It is very challenging to hold down a stressful job, come home to even more responsibilities and then try to care for yourself. I understand how you feel. Sometimes-oftentimes-it’s just too much. Just remember this little phrase, “this too, shall pass.” I’ll be thinking of u!

Well first. Congrats in your date! My number one advice is definitely walk after surgery! The gas pain you feel, in your upper chest, arms, etc, is super uncomfortable. And the best way to get rid of it is walking little by little.

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Sooooo I was called today and I was given my surgery date of 12/11/20. What are some tips? Things to expect, what to do and not to do?!?!?! I’m super excited.

October 29th sleeve to bypass conversion. Finishing week 2 stage 2 liquid. Can't wait until Thursday to have a scrabbled egg with cheese!!!! 185 lbs day of surgery, 176 lbs today.

Great comments all and I had my first official check in post surgery yesterday. Here is the read-out from my Dr. and as you can imagine, I had lots of questions. I am starting my 4th week post surgery.
Lightheadedness - this could be different things ranging from low calories, low blood sugar, to too much BP meds. Pre-op I was on losartan 25mg, but they recommended I break the tabs in half and I may be soon to eliminate it altogether. Also advised to introduce some Gatorade (20 oz) to help with the blood sugar, but cautioned not to overdue it.
Calories - I started phase 2 of soft foods this week and with my Dr.'s diet that was the introduction of scrambled eggs, canned tuna/salmon, toast or crackers. I also have to drop the Protein Shake as they want my daily Protein to come from food. I screwed up previously and mentioned Beans, but that is not until next week (wk5). I did have about a ⅛ cup of refried beans when we out for Mexican last night (yes, I love to torture myself) and it was okay. One word of caution, spicy food wrecks me in the GI track. Dr. did say spicy food may impact stomach lining so best to wait, but I never thought the beans were that spicy before. I seem to be hyper-sensitive to spice now both on taste buds and tummy, where before I could eat jalapeños, Korean chili, hot Indian curry without issue. Dr. did not seem concerned about the amount of calories and just encouraged following the diet. They were adamant about sticking to three meals a day with one snack. I am shooting for 40-60 grams of protein which is quite a bit and we'll see how it goes.
Recovery - minus the lightheadedness, every seems to be going well. Was a little worried about dark stools, but unless they are black and they continue to be black, all should be okay. Incision sites healed nicely although I have these little dents in my belly which I am sure will go away with weight loss. I have been able to walk okay and will be advancing to a resistance band workout next week to help start the road to recovering muscle mass. I did some work in the years this weekend and while I did feel weak, I managed. I do need to figure out a better hydration process when doing physical activity as I just can't sip enough and get anything done outside. I don't really get hungry, but I can tell when it's time to eat; kind of difficult to describe. I'm currently down 39 pounds from my initial weight with 61 to go for my goal.
Diet - I'm glad to start introducing more normal food and while I like all the foods on the other phases like plain greek yogurt, plain oatmeal, grits, cottage cheese, it just didn't feel like eating. My diet this week will consist of one scrambled egg in the morning (recommended ½, but was okay with a whole), canned tuna/salmon with a teaspoon of mayo for lunch, and likely repeat for dinner. I find the flavored tuna packets are about perfect and just have to stay away from the spicy flavors for now (see above). A shocker to a friend who also had a sleeve a couple of years ago, is that I am allowed to drink coffee and the Dr. didn't have an issue with caffeine. Some stay away due to the acidity, but mine didn't have an issue. I am on the prescription heart-burn medicine for the first 90 days, so I guess it will depend later once off the meds to see if coffee upsets my tummy. I'm currently having about 20oz a day, but it takes me a couple hours to drink it (thank goodness for my Yeti mug that keeps it warm). I do introduce small taste here and there when the Mrs. is cooking, but nothing extreme. I dip the spoon in the sauce and taste the residual left on the back versus eating a spoon full from the front. Lots of gurgling but no pain. I've only had an issue of dumping once (or at least I think that was what it was) and that was after eating spicy tuna with mayo and I won't be doing that again for a while. Starting Calcium with D supplements this week also.
Sorry for the long post, but want to give an update for any of the curious folks out there.

Lost 18 lbs in 2 weeks after surgery then a total of 25 at month 1 and you guessed it- the BIG STALL. There are moments when I privately use my spicy words then I don’t get on the scale so I don’t worry as much. I’m now 7 weeks out and have lost 5 more lbs for a total of 28 lbs. Hang in there everyone. Let’s embrace the stall. Okay forget that advice. I’m putting my middle finger up at the stalls!

trust me on this and us Vets around here will back me on this
This F$#$ckin surgery has major head game issues once you get them in line you will love the journey. It takes time and really focus on something else besides this journey. We all get caught up in the reward but for example i made taco Tuesday for 20 plus college kids today did it look down and say woof down 19 of them like the old days? No i had a few over 4 hours, I am a chef but still after getting over the addition to food can still cook.
I also got a dog since surgery to focus on something else, Once i lost 80 pounds my kids got me a lab puppy he has allowed me a new challenge to my new lifestyle; Gets me away from the head games.. If you are old like me DO not get a dang puppy lot of freakin work
Not going to be easy and we all understand but once you get you head off your old lifestyle stuff changes. Reach out anytime to any of us who has been there,
In closing
The surgery was a tool and it is up to you to get the workshop in order to use the tool the best of its benifits. Get healthy, Happy and enjoy the new life!

you're in the three-week stall. Happens to almost everyone. Just stick to your program and stay off the scale if you have to. It usually lasts 1-3 weeks.
as for the 2 lb bump up, if you've been following your plan, that's not a true weight gain. Could be Water retention or Constipation. Or maybe a hormone-related gain. Just give it a couple of days.

About 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup depending on how wet & loose your purée is & how slowly you eat.
The reality of the quantity is really weird to begin. I used to make scrambled eggs from two eggs & eat them over three days so like you @GivinItMyALL. A serve of rolled oats took three or four days. My fridge was full of dishes covered with cling film. Lol

I have to admit this subject has been a big deal for me. Despite the financial challenges of it.
I had my gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 and I reached goal earlier than I thought I would. To be honest I reached a goal I never thought I could.
My excess skin is more problematic and unsightly probably due to my inability to exercise. Especially my thighs and butt. My core can use the strengthening it would help with along with the skin removal. Some areas I feel like a Shar Pei ... I get bloody rashes on my thighs especially trying to shave but it’s catch 22 I have to shave otherwise I get rashes from irritating hair ... due to pcos. Anyway. I’d hoped that insurance might offer some help. I asked my surgeon they were like yes Florida does pay for certain reasons. They said make an appointment with the plastic surgeon. But when we called they said they didn’t accept insurance. I figured if Cleveland Clinic didn’t no one else would. Honestly I watch that show my 600lb life and how people get free skin removal ... it’s not fair.
sorry I rambled. Just when I didn’t know what to do, I found that BariatricPal actually has their own Hospital and researched them and they are awesome. It’s located in Mexico and is a short ride from San Diego airport. It’s called Hospital BC.
I’ve been emailing them for some time now and they have been patiently helping me with deciding on choosing their Hospital and then planning this. I am scheduled for surgery June 15th. I’m trying to prepare myself for it! I leave June 14th from Palm beach airport. I return on June 21st and technically get home June 22nd.
I will be having belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, tightening of the stomach muscles. And to be honest I will be asking them to not relocate my bellybutton. I will also be having thigh lift. And breast augmentation.
I had to have CBC bloodwork at my doctors appointment prior. But otherwise they do everything there. It’s all inclusive. They provide transportation to and from the airport. I stay in hospital one night and in their special hotel the rest but with 24 hour nurse/doctor and concierge. Meals and other things are included that I can’t think of at the moment. They give Faja and even lymphatic massage if it’s needed.

im hoping my numerous previous surgeries will have me prepared for how to manage the post op incision care. I’ve never traveled so far and will likely go home with drains in place. My primary care physician wasn’t too pleased with the idea ... but at this point she was smart and didn’t try and argue with me 🤣 Honestly you can be in the states and get really terrible surgeons ... and I found this place looks excellent.
this is the website:
https://hospitalbc.com

Are you thinking about staying local or traveling for PS? I always just assumed I would stay local, but none of the docs here seem to specialize in tummy tucks or MMO. I want an artist!!!

I'm still 36lbs away from my goal weight of 130, and once I get there, I might want to drop the goal to 120. I've just started researching plastic surgeons, joined some FB groups, and it's easy to become obsessed!! I'm obviously going to weight until I hit goal to start setting up any consults, but man I can't wait!!
I have 4 Miami surgeons that I'm interested in so far, but then I'll see someone else's photos and want to add their surgeon to my list!

I was in the same boat and it only took a good buddy dying in his sleep at 48 just a few hours after i left his house. Then a Trip thru NCH Naples Community Hospital Cardio ward to realize F@#ck I have played way to hard and at 377 going to be dead and leave to kids and a wife and a company in shambles.
I did not even hesitate made the initial and one week later was done. Best money I have ever spent. So my advice to you is read you quote above! You have 5 kids that need you and the course you are on will end you up in a Urn much quicker. FYI Once i lost all the weight I no longer need any blood pressure meds at all.
This is a tool and once given the tool you have to run the workshop. I found it to be challenging at times but once you get the hang of it No problem. Its just food! No way is it worth more then you family.
Reach out anytime - Trust me there is some great people here who are paying it forward

Last January I started this journey. I started to get the tests done and then part way through as we all know Covid stopped almost everything. Then in August I started getting the remainder of my tests complete. And today I scheduled my surgery! Still have a few appointments for pre op and to meet with the surgeon to discuss which procedure I will have. But as long as a resurgence of Covid doesn’t happen till next year I will be having my surgery on December 14th. Hopefully enough time to recover and feel better before Christmas and my one son’s birthday on the 30th.
Still not sure how to feel. It all happened so fast after nothing happening for so long. I know the surgery will be best now as I am Pre-diabetic. Blood pressure is easily controlled by meds and I’m still relatively young at 43. For being 320 that’s really the limit of my health problems so I know it’s a good time. Plus I have 5 kids and a wife to provide for and be around for.
Sorry for rambling. Just trying to process it all right now.