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- Before surgery Compare procedures, plan ahead, and get honest pre-op answers.
- Post-op Recovery, food stages, symptoms, and support.
- Long-term Regain, labs, habits, and life after the honeymoon.
- Revision Explore revision options, complications, and next steps.
Everything posted by ShoppGirl
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14 weeks post op no weight loss
I think the alcohol may be one of your culprits. if you’re counting that in your 1200 that may seem OK but a lot of added sugars and stuff or mixed drinks if that’s what you’re having. When I had my sleeves, I only went by calories, and it didn’t go so well for me. I was able to lose a pretty big chunk of weight, but I ended up gaining it back because I didn’t understand the quality of food I was eating and when my hunger came back, my portion got bigger and started coming back on. Also be sure that you actually measure with measuring cups. I know it’s a pain but until you get used to it eyeballing things can be a bit tricky. And do not go by restaurants estimates because they are never accurate. I have gotten a few meals to go and take them home and measured everything and it was way off. I would ask to talk to your team again and then get back with your nutritionist and find out more about the individual macros that they expect for you. Start doing the log of your food and if you have a Fitness watch or something log your activity and then let them review that and make suggestions.
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14 weeks post op no weight loss
OK, we need recipes for those as well. ?
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Is brown rice supposed to be chewy.
I found this freezer burrito recipe that if I budget will fit Into my plan but I am having a really hard time with the brown rice. I have never cooked it before but I got the box of minute rice and wen5 through the entire box trying to make it and it was chewy. I went to the store just now and got the boil in the bag stuff and that’s chewy too. I mean I promise you guys I can read and I am following the directions but this is not working for me. ?♀️ is it just supposed to be a little chewy.
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Going back a step?
Some other advice I was given was to only try new foods at home and try them one at a time so that if you do have an issue, you know exactly what caused it. Sometimes it’s not about texture at all. Some people just have issues with certain foods that can last a while. I think eggs is a pretty common one. And for future reference (when you back to normal food) lettuce is another one that tends to give people issues. The chopped lettuce is a little better. It actually is the food that gives some people issues who didn’t have surgery. The chopped lettuce is way easier on our digestive systems. I saved steak and lettuce for last.
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Going back a step?
I was definitely allowed tuna and egg salad on the purée stage BUT, I did not have those until near the end of the stage. Think about it as a continuum and think of all the stages between liquid and purée that they did not name. You have however, long you’re on purée phase to slowly work your way up to the thicker purées. So if the blended tuna does not go well, then try some thinner. 2 ounces doesn’t go well then try one ounce. I did at the opposite way and tried the 1 ounce really thin to start and then worked my way up instead of trying and going back. Honestly, honestly, after experiencing what you had, I would probably try one bite and wait a while but it’s up to you as long as you’re within your recommendations. Also, there were foods to avoid until way down the road such as fibrous veggies or fruits with seeds or stringy things like oranges. can’t remember all the others maybe other people will chime in if your boo didn’t give you the guidance I mean, they are puréed. They are not advised.
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Going back a step?
yea I think mine was like 1-2 oz. I didnt have my stomach operated on because it was a revision this time so I was able to do the top of the range right away which was 2 oz. I would call your team and ask to be sure but maybe start with just one tiny bite and wait and see how it goes and then SLOWLY go up. You should hear back from them before you get to 1 oumce. I think that was the lower end but you always want to hear it from your team anyways. Or check to see if it’s written in any or the papers they gave you.
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Going back a step?
Yea 4 oz is a bit much to start. I believe my guidance was 2oz to being puree stage. My team allowed me to eat more often but some programs frown upon that. Maybe ask about that at your follow up and just do even smaller portions to start.
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Someone tell me this is going to be possible
I didn’t have band either, but I had the sleeve and gained it all back. My surgeon explained that obesity is very complex and for many people the sleeve is great and it’s less risk so they go with it when they think it is appropriate but it does not offer the same metabolic changes as the bypass or the SADI (which is what I revised to) that some people need in order to be successful. I believe the Lap band offers even less metabolic changes than the sleeve, if any. Basically with these surgeries mostly everyone will lose weight, it’s the keeping it off part that’s difficult. And that’s when you need a surgery with enough of a metabolic change to help you long term. I am 2.5 months out from my revision and I was so worried about the same thing, losing it only to regain again but I can already tell that there is more or a metabolic change. I mean I am exercising!! Me….everyday!! That never would’ve happened without this surgery. Healthy foods taste better and my mood has improved. I have tons of energy and motivation. I never got that with the sleeve. The bypass has been around for a very long time for good reason. For me the sleeve and SADI difference has been night and day. I think you will find a similar experience with your Bypass.
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Going back a step?
Going back a stage for a little while is never a bad thing. We are all different and heal at different rates. In a few days, maybe try a smaller portion, thinned out a bit like @Bypass2Freedom suggested. You can always supplement with protein shakes and just try new things when your home and don’t have a lot going on.
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Psych evaluation?
You may be able to do it with an old school alarm nowadays. I just don’t have one to know for sure. You for sure can just turn it off and turn it back on but I don’t know about the recurring alarms. Anything that works for you though. Did you get started? Walking is great too, but I would do the bands if that’s what the physical therapist suggested. The ordering Dr would probably feel better about sending you back if they feel that you are doing what they recommended for you.
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August Surgery buddies
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Just make a few easy tweaks. Your doing great!!
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Disagreement about surgery date
I would avoid the week before and after Christmas because a lot of doctors take vacation and close some days for the holidays. Plus the staff is pretty much checked out anyways. If you do have a complication or concern you don’t want to have to be waiting for an answer or have to go to the ER and get stuck with whoever picked the short stick and is overwhelmed by a huge patient load. (Not saying those things always happen but they are more likely with the holiday).
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Guys look
Well I think you rocked both of them dresses but I can definitely see your progress. Congratulations.
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Psych evaluation?
If you have a phone or some sort of Alexa device try setting a recurring reminder to remind you daily. Or maybe regular alarm clocks have that option now. Don’t overdo it but just get into the habit of doing something. Start with what your physical therapist recommended. They are very knowledgeable and know where you are currently fitness wise. Also, if the physical therapist is too far. See if the bariatric physical therapy specialist could set up your program and do your evaluations but you can go to someone local just to do the exercises. They usually have someone evaluate and change your exercises ever so often and the other people there just help you do those exercises in between. So in other words, The specialist will decide what exercises you need to do and send those records to someone closer for you to do them more often. Not certain if that’s something that they like to do but it couldn’t hurt to ask. You Can break your exercise up too. My watch actually tells me to stand up every hour and I will walk around the house a bit. Before I got it I would do a little extra walking when I went to the restroom or got up to get a drink. It’s just something you do a few times a day so a little extra adds up. You could do your bands then. Or when you eat your meals you could do them. Just divide up how much they want you to do for the day so your not doing too much. It doesn’t matter when or how you do it or where you are starting from any little bit is progress. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend walking too far by yourself if it’s been a while since you have done it though. When I started I would go alone but I did wait until my husband was home from work and I took a phone with me so if I needed to, I could call him to come get me. Even still I just go around the same block over and over so I’m not far from home if my knees start hurting me. Sounds like your team is taking good care of you. I think you will do just fine.
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First Bariatric Christmas
You sound just like my friend. She has a black tree with purple lights and decorates it with crystals and Halloween stuff.
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August Surgery buddies
It is so good to hear an update from you. I am so frustrated for you that you had to go through a stall because of conflicting information but at least you’re on track now. I am on a pretty similar plan my breakfast every morning is a proffee which is a caramel shake with iced coffee on top. Then I eat every three hours so luncheon dinner with two high protein snacks. this actually works well for me to remember all of my vitamins too because I have to take vitamins at five different times a day. that’s so exciting to hear about the clothes fitting and you were so lucky but you have someone to borrow. I think for me my most exciting moment was clearing out some of the things that are way too big for me now. I was actually thinking of asking my team if we could do a clothing exchange at the support group meeting. for the wheats, if you don’t have any look on marketplace consider discount stores as well. I checked several thrift stores for mine, and apparently they sell them separately because I found them in several stores but only one. I ended up finding some at a discount store for 599 for the set. Alternatively, check your library, city, and county websites for classes that use weights. Mine has all the weights there for you to use. And the group classes are really fun, Inexpensive and there’s no commitment. At mine it’s a really cool environment too. It’s nothing like a gym. The women are just average women that are there to get healthy. Nothing competitive whatsoever everyone choose each other on to beat their own personal best or just totally mines their own business. They even gave me my first class free to see if I liked it. I’m sure I mentioned that I started with yoga. I never in 1 million years would’ve considered myself someone who would survive one yoga class never mind love it. Of course I’m horrible and can’t do half of but it’s still a workout and I am getting more flexible and my balance is getting a bit better because of it anyways, congratulations on your loss and finding your groove. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep us posted.
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First Bariatric Christmas
After my sleeve I did go to this day but I was about five months further out. I brought deli meat and cheese, fresh fruit and veggie trays so I would have something to eat. I had a cookie and brought home a couple but I don’t know if I should be tempting myself this easily out. You’ve got more willpower than me. You could always do them jats where you put all the dry ingredients in and it has the recipe instead if you think you will be tempted.
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Freaking out!!!!!
Did you get any answers? I hope everything is okay.
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First Bariatric Christmas
No thanks would be ideal hut if your family and friends are like mine and just won’t let up sometimes a little white lie Iis in order. What i did with my sleeve at Thanksgiving and Christmas was just to take the food, eat my tiny portion say it was delicious and tell them I will be hungry in another hour and I plan to finish it at home. (I tossed whatever my hubby wouldn’t eat but it spared them feeling as if I didn’t enjoy it). There was WAY too much food so it would’ve ended up getting tossed anyways. Even after leftover week. If you haven’t told anyone about your surgery you can just say that it’s delicious but your stomach just feels a bit off and again take a plate with you to eat later and give it to someone who can have it. If it will tempt you though, just say no thanks and be persistent. I was actually thinking about a holiday dilemna too. I am always invited to an annual cookie day. Everyone brings their supplies for a recipe and makes like 2 dozen cookies and the host makes tons of sugar cookies the night before for the kids to decorate while the cookies are baking. It’s a while day of eating junk, drinking and smelling cookies. I don’t think I can do it this year, I’m too early out. I think I’m just gonna be honest since they do know about my surgery. Tell her I will pop by and say hello but I am not gonna stay.
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August Surgery buddies
Good idea. I think it’s pretty standard to require all the labs at three months but my surgeon did require me to go to my PCP a couple weeks after my surgery also. I think it was more of a cookie cutter thing for people that were on medication’s and things that may need them adjusted, but it was in the paperwork so I just did it. it couldn’t hurt. I bet they could answer most questions. Perhaps email your teams office and ask them exactly what labs they suggest.
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Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win???
Today’s win for me is finally starting to feel like I have found a bit of a balance with my life. For the past two months everything has been on hold and life has been 100% about my recovery, nutrition and fitness but I finally able to juggle my crocheting and make time for my hubby to hang out and do things. I was really not making time for crochet very often so I joined a second group so at least I am working on it twice a week but I have been working on it more than that this week. I did decide no handmade Christmas gifts this year though. I make chemo caps for the local cancer center and they are more important than my family getting new towel toppers if I have to pick one.
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August Surgery buddies
That actually pretty impressive that they seem to include more in their package than most places in the states. The two dietitians were pretty worthless I tried too but in all fairness I did get a new surgery. I just schedule more often with the NP and run my food log and fitness app by her just to verify that I’m still on track. She can also check my incisions and talk about any vitamin issues so that is working for me.
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Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win???
Also, if it’s raining, you can find a place to walk inside. Like a shopping mall, I actually walked back-and-forth in my house With my headphones on. Most times I listen to music, but if I’m on a phone call like with my cell phone provider that I intend to be on for hours with tech-support I just walk while I’m on the phone with them lol. I’ve basically cleared the path from one end of my house to the other and I literally just go back-and-forth. My husband says I’m insane, but it works. I started this after my surgery because I was embarrassed to walk around the neighborhood but I overcame that and walked around outside until I got a huge booster and didn’t want to put my sneakers on and I started walking inside again and I have to admit the air conditioning is nice. I’m not sure what traffic is like in the area that you walk, but if it is in concern, my husband got me these bone conduction headphones that go around your ear and somehow vibrate on the Bones to allow you to hear it while you can still hear noise around you such as traffic.
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Re-sleeve or SADI
Ask him about the statistics of long-term success with the sleeve. The sleeve is great for many people don’t get me wrong, but I believe it was 26% of sleeves that need to be revised. If I’m not mistaken, this included because of Gerd as well, but also inadequate weight loss to begin with or weight regain, which was more common with sleeve than with the other surgeries. When I talk to my surgeon about revision, I wanted assurances that I wasn’t just wasting my time going to lose all of my weight. Only to turn around and gain it back and he said the sleeve does not have the same metabolic changes that the SADI or Bypass offer. While the. Sleeve is enough of a change for many people it’s just not enough for some. In my case when I lost my weight, I was basically on a diet with the sleeve which was a little bit easier because I wasn’t hungry, but once the hunger came back, so did the weight for me so this may be different for you because you did keep it off for a while, but I would ask what the statistics are in terms of people who gain it back down the road with sleeve is that more common than with the other surgeries? I guess one kind of pro for doing the sleeve would be that if you did regain the option for a revision would probably be a lot easier. Not trying to say that you want to think of that before you even start but it is a possibility for all of us I guess. It’s a lot of questions and a lot of information when you start weighing more than two options especially but just be thorough and ask all your questions you will know which option is best for you once you feel educated about them all. Best of Luck.
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Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win???
Plus it will give you options. Sometimes it’s good to switch it up just because of boredom but it also uses different muscles and all of that. Not to mention little things like a blister or a strained muscle or whatever may slow you down if you only have one option, but sometimes another option will do. That’s what I have found anyways. Congratulations on your loss and feeling the energy to get back to your activity.