learn2cook

I’ve noticed that before too. I think that people who know us well, like family or close friends or coworkers, notice right away. They are the people who pay attention. To the rest we may be like furniture and they notice because the “furniture got smaller.” It has to be significant for them to notice. My son who experiences the world through touch said right away, “Mom, you’re easier to hug and you are smoother.” That was 10lbs lost. My current coworkers needed 80lbs to notice. I’m hoping it will help me get promoted…

Hi @timmytommy, I’m 53 , post-menopause, and lost 72 lbs pre-op which was 11 months. Weirdly no weight loss at all during the liquid phase before surgery, no idea why. As soon as I had surgery (RNY) the weight has peeled off. Just 13lbs the first month but I’m elated! I can move so much easier. I compare it to WW when .5 a week was a victory. I know I loose slowly, but I feel like all the tracking, measuring, and exercise NOW makes a difference.

I was miserable the first two days. Then I used Spanx to keep the loose stuff inside still so I wouldn’t feel pulling. I’m four weeks out and still sleep with spanx. I avoided the couch because it was too low and couldn’t get up without pain. I also bought a raised toilet seat to be independent. It was $20 on Carewell.com . Do whatever you need to do to get through it, no shame. You will get through! Talk with your bariatric professionals. They know what’s normal.

On 09/05/2021 at 17:50, LG202108 said:

I had RNY in 2007, went from 325 to 170 and kept if off for 11 years, which felt awesome. When I had my baby (225 lbs) I just never took the baby weight off, got lax and gained a 50 lbs of weight on top of that. I had a revision to the bypass to reduce my stomach size and really want to get below 200lbs again. So far am down to 255 from 275 day of surgery but am struggling with weakness. Eating soft foods now and hovering below 600 calories a day with 30 minutes of walking. Should I be eating less? Exercising more? I forget everything I did in 2007 to be successful and am still in shock that I’m back here again. Thank you.

Congratulations on your revision! I’m 4 weeks out from RNY. I was getting dizzy and tired during my long days at work. I found eating more often helped a lot. My sweet spot seems to be 70-90 grams Protein and 700-900 calories. My job is so active that I just exercise 15 minutes right now, and that’s only because I feel ready. You may find a different sweet spot for yourself. Be patient and keep trying to find what works for you.

Now, if I could get “regular “ again…

On 09/09/2021 at 15:06, Creekimp13 said:

"I love your smile!" This dude says this to me on my way into the grocery store today. And I'm thinking to myself....ok, that was odd.

Then, I get a couple more big smiles and winks and weirdness.

I asked my 80 year old mom who was with me today...."What the hell is going on? Do I look odd? Am I missing something? I'm getting strange looks."

And without hesitation, she goes.... "It's your boobs."

"What?"

"You have a little waist and big boobs. You usually don't wear fitted shirts."

And she's right...I'm wearing a sort of snug fitted shirt. My bestie made me try it on and she said it looked awesome on me. It's not hoochie or overly tight or anything....just not something I'd usually wear.

Ok...this coming from my 80 year old mom was wild enough....but literally minutes later...some dude runs over to help me lift one of those 40 pound pails of cat litter into my cart.

"Wait, let me help you!" Mr. Helpful says, dashing over grinning like a madman.

And I thanked him. Twice.

But I'm thinking to myself.....where the hell were you when I weighed 270 pounds and my back was killing me?

Sometimes I kind of enjoy it....but most of the time it's incredibly uncomfortable to not be as invisable anymore.

I mean, the sweet compliments and help are incredibly nice and all....but sometimes I feel gross about it. I am still a fat girl on the inside. I'm still angry and hurt that people are shallow assholes.

Any of y'all know what I mean?

Ha ha ha, feel your power!

Yeah, it’s disheartening because you are the same person. When I was younger and maintained a healthy weight I would try to channel my inner diva and let her deal with the unwanted attention. My best friend at the time used to stand in front of doors and blink until some man would fall over himself opening it for her. I literally pretended to be her to get through a grocery run. Don’t worry, you’ll become almost invisible again when you’re fully menopausal.

They were asking me in the hospital to take the Vitamins, good thing I packed them ;)

I lost hair like that after childbirth, so I expect it in a couple of months from this surgery too. I shortened my hair and wore it in a messy topknot until the hair regrew. I’ve been watching some “topper” and wig videos on YouTube for more options. It’s just a few months, shorter than how fat I was.

On 09/07/2021 at 17:53, Jacks133 said:

Lizonaplane,

My daughter may be atypical, but she is bipolar and had a RNY bypass over 10 years ago. She was on three meds; antidepressant, psychotic and anxiety. They tried crushing the tablets which made her throw up, so they changed her to Epilim as it was a liquid. Part of her weight gain had been the bipolar drugs. After her surgery she started to lose a lot of weight. Unknown to me, she weaned herself off the drugs, going cold turkey with the anti anxiety meds, because she started running. She found the endorphins from running made her feel good and moderated her condition. At her peak running she was doing 2 marathons per weekend many weeks. She is highly unusual as a Bypass patient in being able to do this! She injured her hip, and couldn’t run, so now she lifts weights. She was determined to take control of her life in every way. She has been drug free for years and is fit, healthy and active. I wanted to share because her psychiatrist at the time said the Bypass would not help her with her weight, and refused to sanction the op. We paid a psychiatrist to assess her and they concluded she was sane enough to make her mind up. As a person who had previously attempted suicide on more than one occasion, she is an example of the positive outcome possible from gastric surgery. It saved her life, literally, and has given me my daughter back.

I wish you all the best.

Thank you for sharing such a personal heartfelt story. My brother is bipolar and schizophrenic and he gets great relief exercising outside all year, particularly winter. He has been able to reduce his meds and loose weight as a result.

Yes, I’m almost at 4 weeks and I’m tired too. Just less energy which I’m trying to make it look like I’m cool and low key at work. I have increased my Protein intake, but I put on pajamas when I get home. I think it’s normal because we’re still healing. I feel like I’m 80% there and getting better. I’m enjoying the weight loss and no hunger!

Sounds like a stricture. I know you’re thinking “oh I’m loosing weight!” Sorry to inform you that you are also loosing muscle, including heart muscle. Call your clinic. I’ve been told these things are easy to clear up with an endoscopy procedure. If the clinic doesn’t answer go to the emergency room. Sending my best-Meg

I lost so much weight in my butt that I now drive the car like a little old lady peering over the top of the wheel. It’s set at the lowest setting!

Congratulations! You worked hard for wonderful things and clothes to happen for you.

I’m a teacher too. I didn’t feel really able to concentrate until the two weeks mark. I noticed it was when I could get a full night sleep. Spanx at night helped with that. I could read and take online classes but I was scoring 60-70% when I’m usually 90-100%, but everyone is different.

I eat a 5oz yogurt every day with Probiotics in it, Fage. They make lactose free versions too, 12g Protein. Aerobic exercise helps too. In the old days it was called “the daily constitutional” meaning it keeps you regular.

I would check with your doctor. Can you keep plain liquids like Water and Gatorade down? It could be lactose intolerance but check with the pros before you get any more dehydrated.

On 09/01/2021 at 14:19, Dinah55 said:

After my bypass, for about three months, I would get sick and throw up if I ate something that didn't agree with me (like meats, hot or spicy foods, fried foods). I would get an awful feeling of pressure in my stomach and then get the foamies and throw up mostly saliva. One time the foamies and throwing up lasted an entire miserable night. But now I can eat anything I like with no problem. So I wouldn't worry about your stomach turning and the foaming. It happens to a lot of us!

What @Dinah said, just happened last W/E. Lots of saliva and very little food. I didn’t chew my eggs as thoroughly as I should have. It reminded me of baby spit up, only my entire abdomen felt horrible.

I’m talking the Flintstones with Iron until my blood work says otherwise. I loved the sunshine brand from the Vitamin Shoppe while I was prego and nursing or just heavy flow. It wouldn’t work for my bypass now.

You did great work getting there!

Wow thanks! This reminds me of the old WW Soup recipe that changed depending upon the season and veggies available. I can alter the veggies to suit my stomach and family. Yum

I wanted a bypass and my surgeon felt the sleeve overall was a better option. I asked to talk with another surgeon in the practice and after all the pre-op tests were done, both thought the bypass was the best for me due to severe GERD and severe asthma. The hiatal hernia helped in the deciding too lol! Sometimes just asking for a second set of eyes in the same practice helps. A larger practice with multiple doctors helps because they do (or should) work together like a team and they respect each other’s ideas. That only helps your health outcomes in the end.

Hi @gabydoc
I’ve been facing the same thing with new family gatherings since we all got vaccinated. I agree with @TonyB and @lizonaplane. I got more supports from a distant aunt and from a therapist. I also brought it up to a support group for WLS, OA would fill that same niche.

The goal is to enjoy (or endure) the party staying true to your goals of health. I had to pick a likely person for support, great aunt. I spent most of my time outside away from food. I ate BEFORE the party. I drank my Water during the party. I convinced the teenagers to go for a walk. The focus became the beach, the dogs, and the people.

I read you are day 2? I’m not sure I was fit for society on day 2. Maybe this party can be a pass until you are ready to come out of your butterfly chrysalis. Best wishes!

Congratulations Lane 1988! I was a faithful Weight Watchers member when I got pregnant while 260lbs. My doctor suggested I keep going to WW and maintain weight. I was successful with a lot of group support and effort on my part. Your doc may say something else. It was important for me to avoid pregnancy related diabetes. My son was born a healthy 7lbs as a result (adult diabetes makes large babies). As a teacher and former nanny, I also saw many pregnant moms eat for their comfort instead of a bright colorful array of foods. Those little brains need bright colorful foods to grow properly. Ok I’m off my soapbox. You will learn so many positive changes and have a wonderful healthy child. My best to you!

I started by getting the virus at the beginning of lockdown. It was mild and turned into long Covid. That made me mad instead of scared and it was the straw that broke the camels back for taking control of my health. I started loosing weight on my own Aug 2020. I switched insurance plans and doctors through the market place until I found good ones who listened, really listened to me. Yeah, it took that much maneuvering because many doctors hate fat people. That’s just the way it is, move on, even move across the country but get yourself some good doctors.

The main thing is to DO. Like Nike said, “just do it.” If you are working your plan and getting your shots and wearing your mask, you still need to contribute back to society. Start caring for people other than you. (Yes getting the vaccine is also about caring for other people.). You will be so tired and you will be alive and fully engaged with the world. You will have meaning. Go on, do it.

Now if you are at the stage of being paralyzed by fear. Get mad and get a therapist for that. Feelings need doctors too. I see my therapist online for a check in. It’s like tuning up my car but it’s my head.

Third and lastly, my relatives lived through worse than this and lived to tell the tale; Holocaust, Irish Potato Famine (no wonder I’m fat), The Great Depression, Soviet take overs, Vietnam War, Spanish Flu 1918. If they can do it, so can I. We can all do something to help.

You are inspiring me!

On 08/18/2021 at 19:05, 2ndChance@Life said:

My surgery was scheduled for 8/16, then rescheduled for 8/23…today it got cancelled due to increase in Covid cases with no rescheduled date in sight. I’m so bummed, but wondering if this happened for a reason 🙈

Hi @2ndChance,
Higher Covid rates in your area did not happen just to screw you up. It’s not personal, it’s just the ongoing pandemic we are all living in. That said, I’m deeply sorry that you have done all the preparation and plans to have to wait some more. That’s so disappointing!

Now, how do you deal with disappointment? If you’re like most of us here, maybe food and drink need to exchange places with therapy and exercise?

Seriously last week, two days before surgery, my insurance declined the procedure. My first thought was ice cream and wine. I decided I am a grown up woman and I called the WL office to ask about the therapist. We also talked about what the office was doing about my insurance appeal and what I could do to push it forward fast. Guess what? It all ended up working out ok and I “met” the therapist. Keep Calm and Adult on!