learn2cook

I love Summerseeker’s recipe, I have added a deep umami flavor with the addition of one small tin of tomato paste. It’s very thick and sticky like margarine, I’m not sure if other countries call it something else. Sometimes I put cooked buffalo meat in it for a good start towards chilli, (and beans of course.) Then it’s often served over cooked spaghetti squash (fork released) or shocked zucchini ribbons made with the carrot peeler.

This explains the reaction from the WLS center from my recent bloodwork. I had fasted like they had asked and my blood glucose levels were at 70. That’s the cutoff within normal range. I’d never had a problem fasting before surgery, and was never diabetic. This must be a more common post WLS issue. I also asked why one apple slice can make me dump? The answer was that I’ve fine tuned my body for only low glycemic levels so little bites can send it spiraling. The doc and dietician said to eat protein to counteract it, and to pair (whatever) with protein. It was the same response Catwoman got.

This may not be related to your bypass. I suggest talking with your regular doctor for a sick visit. Your doctor can run more tests to puzzle out what’s going on. Just keep your fluids up by small sips (like a child’s medicine cup then wait 5 minutes before another sip) and push some Gatorade Zero to keep your electrolytes stable while figuring this out. There’s some nasty viruses going around. Let’s hope it’s something simple like that, but get checked out.

Like most things, needing iron or not should be driven by data, not noise from social media. Your blood levels taken at the doctor’s office/lab will tell you what you need to do. Your data is specific to you and no one else, and it’s just a snapshot of your health at that time. Next year might look different and that’s ok too.

I’m a little surprised that your doc suggested the sleeve if you’re already having esophagus problems. I’m not a doctor, but my esophagus hernia excluded sleeve surgery automatically. Yes repairing can happen the same day. Be prepared for recovery taking a little longer with a sore and swollen throat. Everyone looses weight and recovers at different speeds. Just keep thinking about how much you are improving your health and quality of life.

Yeah, the new sizes and THE OPTIONS are a real head spinning thing for a while. Well done!

It’s so nice to see your rewards for hard work. Well done!

Super! You rock!

B e a u t I f u l !

I’m in the same boat. The best I could do so far is the skort every day knit selection from Woman Within. I can hike, bike, jog, and walk without pulling the legs down. Because I’m so pear shaped I size up to get over my hips then cinch the waist with the tie otherwise they fall down. In the 90’s I found longer spandex bike shorts from Walmart that went to my knees. The problem I have is the band around the bottom of the legging type is too tight and the waist is too big. I started wearing long men’s swim trunks that have a tie waist but go to my knees. Columbia and LL Bean have been my favorites for long men’s swim shorts. I picked swim shorts because there’s a tie waist. The fabric of the shorts are stiff and thick so they stay where they belong. I size up to get them over the hips and butt. I did yoga in them with a longer T-shirt, and there were no unexpected surprise crotch shots lol.

I dump on one bite of popcorn, or an apple slice, or a bite of cucumber. (I am bringing it up to the doctor. I honestly thought all people who dump flake out that easily, but after a while on here, I think I’m an anomaly.) You are fresh out of the gate with this surgery so…I don’t know. Just having a flushed face alone may be a slight blood sugar change. Did you follow up by not eating more of anything and seeing what happens? Experiment and see what the doctor says. If nothing happens after an hour or two, it might just be a little glucose wave. Normal.

Yeah, the warm face flush is another sign I’m dumping. I can get it from one bite of something. I had 5 almonds for a snack yesterday and it set me off. I’m going to ask my WLS doctor more about it. It’s just more reason to eat protein first and stick to proper meals.

I have moderate to severe asthma and in the past all allergists and pulmonologists said, “it’s because you’re fat.” So, now I’m mildly obese but still have terrible breathing and finally got the medical care I need. My peak flow meter is regularly registering at 500, the same as in my 20’s. I’m in my 50’s and sometimes my meter will go to 600 now! On the one hand I’m psyched that I’m exercising and breathing as well as I did in my 20’s. (On the other hand I’m furious that this took years of advocacy on my part.) Yeay me! I made good happen! Feel free to switch doctors if you’re not listened to after you’ve tracked your data, and done your research.

How are you now? Was anything found or done? I’m concerned about the pain and the blood. I did have intermittent pain on one side like that and it was a small intestine hernia. Lying on my back felt more comfortable and I fasted from solid food while in pain. I only got an operation when it reached full blockage and was vomiting “coffee grounds.” I never had the “coffee grounds“ knowingly come out the backside. I’m still very concerned for you. I would ask for a blood test to rule out cancer.

I found two WLS centers, then asked them what insurance they knew would cover them. I went with the center I could get the insurance for. I tried the other way around and there was so much stuff, procedures that I didn’t understand and hoops to jump through. The center I picked did 99% of the nasty insurance stuff for me! Three years later I still have follow up care and weight loss support groups through the center.

I used to have 7-9 day periods with very heavy flow and monster migraines. I should’ve seen a doctor or nurse practitioner. I was chronically iron deficient and would crave large quantities of chocolate with almond in it. When I finally got tested because I got pregnant, I needed iron, b vitamins and magnesium. So, I’m hoping you don’t think “everyone is like me.”Please get checked out, and follow up on your intuition. Your cravings could be your body’s way of telling you it needs a vitamin or mineral. (Dark chocolate with almonds is chock full of magnesium.) The follow up was that I did miscarry but it was a wake up call to take care of myself. If you have a heavy/long flow and malabsorption issues you might need more vitamins and minerals than normally recommended. It will ease your monthly symptoms and cravings significantly. (Also follow your plan of protein first to minimize glucose spikes. The spikes and drops greatly increase cravings even in non diabetics.-Glucose Goddess)

I meant to say that there’s multiple threads on poop and constipation. Lol

I’m three years out from RNY and from my experience, you’re normal. There’s multiple threads on here, some very old, but the info is the same. I like having a restriction, but at this point, I think I have a cup full of food all smashed (like salad can be very smooshed). My sassy response if someone questions my smaller portions (most don’t) , “I’m watching my figure.” At this point I don’t know who cares so I will tell some people, mostly older than 35 year olds, because they have battled the bulge and know the struggle. Unfortunately you live in a highly visual youth due do constant cameras and video. It’s also normal for 18-29 year olds to expound upon all the great minds and debate things to infinity. (No shade, I did it too.) You could be caught in the crosshairs of some well meaning people who think you’ve suddenly gone “anna.” I practiced some short quick phrases that shut down nosy people. “I’m working with a doctor.” “My dietitian suggested this.” “I’m doing this on purpose with a medical team for my health.” And the biggest help was getting a therapist. I was terrified of eating in public before WLS. Investing in my health and wellness (all of me) was and is very important. You are very important!

I’m super impressed by this. Where do you get these routine labs done?

As an asthmatic I so feel for you. I have a difficult time after any incident with anesthesia. It sounds like you’ve turned a corner for the better and I’ll keep cheering you on. Congratulations on your new success!

I like Diet Coke, I was addicted to it for years. I think it was the relaxing part of phenylalanine. But I gave it up because of G.E.R.D. and possibly future osteoporosis problems because I already take a rather large amount of steroids (inhaled) to control asthma. Every once in a while I’ll have some D Coke at a party. I gotta say, my teeth are whiter now without it.

Hi Possum220! I feel like you are very honest and courageous to ask for help because it’s the true first step. Yes, I have been seriously depressed before and yes I am mortified by regain. My last serious depression was way before WLS but I know that the longer it goes without help, the longer it stays. I’m going to suggest you start your healing journey there because it’s life threatening. Please continue to advocate for yourself and your health in that regard! As regards regain, I have had some success with “Glucose Goddess.” Look her up, she’s on all social media platforms. She is a scientist and mathematician who got into a serious accident and needed to heal herself. She cites all the medical papers that she has researched, peer reviewed, and published. You can by her book, but I’m just watching YouTube to get the basics right now. Eating veg, then protein, then carb has seriously slowed my hunger AND stopped the near daily dumping I was experiencing. I was never diabetic but I think the severe dumping syndrome of WLS was making me the equivalent. I swear getting my blood sugar under control has been a game changer. Many studies report lessening depression and less anxiety. It has helped me with asthma because it reduces inflammation. I have lost four pounds this week, and all I did was change the order of foods I eat. So, depression is like asthma, you need to treat it first. But the Glucose Goddess has practical applications that help with those problems and helps with weight loss too. (By the way, it has helped even though I’m on a new medication that has even more steroids too.) I’m wishing you the best! Keep up with therapy and finding a med that works:) You are not alone. Let us know how you’re doing and what you found that helps.

I’m sensitive to carbs (dumping) and totally lactose intolerant. I can eat potatoes if there’s protein with it, but it can still backfire on me. I agree with Ms. Sss. I feel better with one once of walnut, almonds, or avocado, basically a healthy fat mixed with blueberries or whatever else you want. (I need to measure one ounce fruit but you know yourself better). I tried healthy fats to add some calories and now they help me maintain. I have to measure it because the 3 year rebound is upon me. You do you. Other later night fat snack ideas are one teaspoon peanut butter, or one teaspoon of liquid omega3 orange syrup from Vitamin Shop, or one ounce of real Vermont cheddar cheese. Hard aged cheeses are basically lactose free.

Hooray!

Ignore the stomach size stuff because you’re saying your stomach will remain the same. Interesting, I admit I know nothing.