learn2cook

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!

On 07/27/2024 at 21:33, Mygirl0226 said:

I took a nutrition online class at my community college 2 years after gastric bypass and I wished I had learned more sooner. food blogs, peer support is great, but college courses hit differently. Knowledge from that class sparked a health and mental health change in me. It’s not about Protein or what supplements are trendy, it’s about what your specific body is lacking and needing. I get routine labs done 2-3 times yearly, which is more than recommended. I quit seeing my bariatric surgeon and my medical doctor prescribes only what Vitamins show up that are low or needing more. That changed the bariatric fatigue I’d get and I’ve never felt stronger/healthier. Getting another doctor on my care, continuing health education and following my blood work are all things I wished I done sooner.

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

On 08/14/2024 at 18:48, ShoppGirl said:

Today’s win for me was getting a little higher on my spirometer. I am exactly a week post op and still not to where my doctor would like me to be but I am doing a little better today. Still working at it.

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.

On 08/04/2024 at 05:55, Possum220 said:

I had my bypass in May 22. Happily and I needed to,\ I have lost a decent amount of weight after the bypass. My diet has been much improved. I go for walks most days and attend a gym once a week. On the down side depression has been kicking my butt and I have recently been hospitalized because of it. I spent a month inside and tried a new medication but it didnt seem to do anything for me so My P'doc said to stop taking it.

Ever since then appetite has skyrocketed and it is causing me so much distress which I try to fix by eating. Yes, the cycle continues. So far my weight has not altered much but that wont stay the same forever. My psychiatrist has suggest that I ask my GP to prescribe Ozempic. Yes, I am a diabetic but since the bypass have managed my bsls with exercise and diet.

Has anybody added Ozempic to help with their wls journey? Were there any draw backs. WHat else have you tried to get help with food addiction.

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.

I had bypass, but from illustrations posted on here it looks like the stomach gets smaller in the switch operations too. There is a healing phase which takes a while. It seems to take a 2-3 week longer process if you’re a person with reflux issues. Some of that process is testing what your body can tolerate at different stages. I had a hard time getting eggs or chicken down. I still have trouble with turkey 3 years out but it may be a sensitivity at this point. Mostly all foods are fine now. The funniest/cute thing is the regurgitation is like a baby burp. The new stomach is so small! Seriously, a baby burp that’s quick and fast and tiny.

The yuckiest for me was a communion wafer. It’s made of wheat. It’s hard and dry, and Covid was still on so no sharing the wine. I still hold it in my mouth until it’s thoroughly wet, then swallow. It got stuck and I had the “foamies” which is basically like dry heaving for a long length of time and it was painful.

The whole problem of foamies can be avoided by taking small bites, chew thoroughly and try to use some sauce type thing to help food slide down. Stick to the stages and extend them a week or two if you’re worried, but talk to your team about it first.

There was this video of Julia Child making an amazing meal for herself. This was after her husband had died. Including shopping and chopping it took several hours. Then she made an elegant table for one outside in the shade near a brook. There was wine, linen napkin, several courses, polished forks, multiple plates of fine china. I remember thinking “this woman is nuts to make such a mess to clean up all for herself.”

Then her words (very approximate!), “Cooking for me is a creative making and sensual process. I’m also worth celebrating and nurturing. So why not make a fuss over myself once a day?”

She put me in my place! So, it’s the nurturing and creative outlet that’s important.

Our new life goals are to figure out what creative outlets we like (because we’ve been doing too much ‘nurturing’ with the food). Maybe it’s something from our childhood. Make a bucket list of all the things you’ve ever wanted to do but were afraid, and try them one at a time. Keep using them to nurture yourself.

I made a list of things that help me get out of or lessen a mood. I’m currently working on anger today so;
Journaling
Singing/playing music with instruments
Thrifting
Any self care-lately dry brushing skin
Exercise
Go to church
Outside time
Talk with a friend
Plan a vacation
Go on vacation
There’s more but you eat the idea. Just DO something. When I find myself procrastinating I hand wash the dishes to get me started on momentum. It’s small and easy and I feel accomplished when I look at the clean stuff. When I’m sad or burnt out, self care is essential. My motto is “self care is health care.” You are not alone, “this too will pass.”

You might have (temporarily) gotten lactose intolerance. Most medications have lactose as a binder and if you’re sensitive, look out!

You’ve sure been through a lot! It’s only been a week so I guess you’re on liquids. I used OWYN shakes because there’s no lactose in them. Others on here turned me onto Fairlife milk and shakes, there’s no lactose there either and both are high in Protein but less than 5gms carbs.

Who’s at home with you now?

Woop Woop!

I agree with the others! You just had major surgery and your calorie intake is still super low. I was so tired the first 2 months, I remember sleeping like before motherhood. You probably still have little ones waking you at night so you’re not getting any recovery time! Listen to your inner voice and trust yourself. At one week I was pleased to get out of bed, do some simple house chores, move around hourly, and take a shower. I went back to work after week 2 and went to bed as soon as I came home. My kid thought it was great playing outside longer living free like a Gen X kid! Lol, seriously sit in the shade with a fan on while the little ones play outside with Water. Send the older ones off to friend’s houses with bikes. Enjoy your pause in life :)

I dump and my first sensation is feeling loopy, then I see bright spots that don’t go away, they get worse. Then the sweats and shaking starts, and if I haven’t fixed myself with some Protein then it turns into vomit/diarrhea town. Others could feel different, but the clue to me is you saying your “skin was crawling.” If it’s food allergy related, it’s very serious. I wish you the best!