Sunnyway

Hello everyone!! I am one week post Tummy Tuck with muscle repair and they fixed a hernia while they were in there. I’m SHOOK !!
I got to take the bandages off yesterday (completely) for the first time and I don’t remember the last time I looked down and seen the, my know what without the big apron of skin.

anyway to those that are veterans how long did you stay swollen? My team said it varies so much with activity and wearing the binder ect….
Did anyone do the belly button training or will my cute little scabby mess turn out good with out it?
i feel super self conscious showing this picture but I think we can all appreciate our “before and after” photos at some point

I cycle (a lot) now but did get into gym for a while and got into strongman type stuff.
Cycling has been amazing as it’s non weight bearing and I’m an amputee. Have cycled 5000 miles this year with the longest ride being 155 miles.
I could still do with getting more weight off as every pound matters on a hill 😬

I think this phenomenon is common. I certainly have experienced it. At my heaviest, I didn't think I was "that big" and conducted myself with confidence and style. Then I lost weight and I could not see the weight loss! I lost 70 lbs before I could see the difference in the mirror although everyone else was saying they could see a marvelous change.
Now I've lost another 30 lbs and I'm going through another dysmorphic experience. I've gotten so many complements and positive comments that now I picture myself as smaller than I really am. It's shocking to look in a full length mirror and realize that I am still morbidly obese.

I think this phenomenon is common. I certainly have experienced it. At my heaviest, I didn't think I was "that big" and conducted myself with confidence and style. Then I lost weight and I could not see the weight loss! I lost 70 lbs before I could see the difference in the mirror although everyone else was saying they could see a marvelous change.
Now I've lost another 30 lbs and I'm going through another dysmorphic experience. I've gotten so many complements and positive comments that now I picture myself as smaller than I really am. It's shocking to look in a full length mirror and realize that I am still morbidly obese.

Are you talking about a metallic taste?
I don't have this problem, but I understand it can happen to some people. I'm not saying this is the cause, but it might be an indication that you actually are suffering from hypercalcemia, which means you have an excess of Calcium in your blood. It might be worth talking to your medical team and having some test run to rule out medical issues?
If it's not a metallic taste, then all bets are off, but I still think it would be worth a discussion with your doctor and maybe some blood test, just to rule out anything.

Could be. You might have to wear steel toed boots for a while😹

I have those two conflicting images of myself and I do not even go to surgery until next month. I think most men have that internal self-image of themselves of an earlier age and face reality only when shaving. However, even though that "older" image is hard to swallow, the "old & fat" image is far worse (also for me when clothes shopping).
I am looking forward to just the conflicting body images of that young fella and that "old skinny" guy shaving in the mirror.
Reminds me of always wondering why my old high school mates look so old. 😁

So I'm curious if others have this same thing going on...
I was talking to my wife about body image the other day and she mentioned that she seems to have 2 different internal body images of herself. I realized I have the same.
I basically have one image of myself when I was much younger and very fit. I think most of the time, this is my "default" image. I am sometimes shocked when I see myself in a mirror or in photos, because I'm a lot older and fatter. But here's the kicker: There's also a body image I have of myself that's actually of me at my heaviest. I notice this one mostly in picking out clothing and being surprised it will fit.
This seems so odd to be that I have both of these conflicting images internalized and sometimes I think of myself as one and sometimes the other depending on the circumstances. Anyone else experience this?

Consider the possibility that you are a sugar/food addict and need to cut out things like sugar, flour, white potatoes, rice, and processed foods. I've been pretty successful at losing (despite frequent stalls) by following this. Due to complications my RNY>RNY revision was not successful so I have no volume restriction. I HAVE to record everything I eat. My clinic wants me to restrict myself to 800 kcal a day, but I struggle with cravings even though my body is getting sufficient sustenance. Cutting out the trigger foods (above), helps with the craving but I'm usually consuming around 1000-1200 kcal a day--and still slowly losing.

Here are some books I recommend.

The primary goal of the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver so that the surgeon has a nice open operating field. If you are militantly compliant for the rest of your diet you should be fine. But you do risk having additional incisions if a liver retractor is required because the liver is still too large, or, if severe enough, the surgeon may have to reschedule if he determines he can't operate safely once he gets in there.
A better question would be are you sure you're mentally & emotionally ready for surgery if you're not able to be compliant on the pre-op diet? It may be helpful to have additional time to work on some better coping strategies and do some internal work to make sure you're fully prepared. Compliance is important not just for success but also for safety.

I have an arthritic back and a bum knee so walking long distances is difficult for me without a rollator or cane. This is how I get my exercise when I'm not at the YMCA pool. "Alinker" walking tricycles are powered by our feet, not pedals or motor. I try to do at least a mile or more daily--on pavement, not gravel! My cat often runs with me around my neighborhood and my friend's little dog sometimes runs with her or rides in her basket.
I’ve had mine for almost two years. I got mine before I started my weight loss journey even though I was well over the recommended weight limit. At first I could only go about 50 feet and my heart would be pounding and I’d be short of breath. There is a steep learning curve. In the beginning they are NOT EASY to ride. but people with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, amputations & paralysis can use them successfully. I decided so can I! Now I can go 2 1/2 miles at one time but usually go about a mile. I tend to run rather than walk on the level but it's hard work to go up hills! I can go up moderate rises, but if the hill is steep I stand up and walk it or get off and push it. It gets easier with practice. I rode two miles today including a couple of hills. It’s a lot of fun, especially when my cat runs with me. My friend and I are planning to run a 5k next spring with the trikes. I haven't traveled with mine yet but my friend has. She rides hers right up to the jetway at airports and gate-checks it. Alinkers are mobility devices and are permitted anywhere wheelchairs can go. Unfortunately, they are expensive, about $2600 in the US, but they do have a rent-to-own and crowdfunding programs. Sometimes used ones can be found on eBay and elsewhere. A good 2-wheel bicycle is expensive, too, and electric ones are even more pricey. For more information visit the website at alinker.com and Alinker on YouTube. They have a member-only Facebook page also.

Use google shopping search if you know the name of the product. Bariatric Pal has a lot of products, but there are many other bariatric sites selling products. Amazon carries a lot of bariatric products, too.

Hi, Laura. I had really severe nausea and couldn't eat or drink. I was full of buyers remorse, I paid to suffer like this. I was miserable. I had problems over the Christmas period getting through to any doctor, due to Covid. The helpline 111 was swamped and it was a full 6 weeks before I got help. I was very wobbly, dizzy and weak I finally got help via my own doctor and got prescribed Lansoprazole capsules twice a day to begin with. I would have one in bed about 6am. It coats my stomach and really works. The second one I took about 5pm so it had time to work before my evening meal. I only take the morning one now. When I got to about 9 weeks, things really improved for me and I am getting on great now. I have occasional nausea but it passes.
I have always loved Heinz chicken Soup, so I strained it and tolerated it really well early on. I had Bovril, milk, fruit ice lollies and milky coffee when ever I could tolerate anything. TBH I have only recently reached my liquid and Protein goals. I am walking every day and getting better at it. I am 62 so a late starter at this. My husband was really worried about me early on but I think it was so worth it. No matter that I was so ill, I would do this again in a heartbeat. Ask me anything. I am here for you

I agree with @lizonaplane...I was dehydrated just after surgery and was nauseous and lightheaded. I forced myself to drink my 64 oz per day or else they were going to send me for an IV. As soon as I started to get in my fluids, I felt MUCH better.

I lost 70 lbs pre-surgery by cutting out all sugar, flour, white potatoes, rice, and processed food. If dieting has been difficult for you, I encourage you to read about "food addiction". Here are some of the books that helped me.

I have an arthritic back and a bum knee so walking long distances is difficult for me without a rollator or cane. This is how I get my exercise when I'm not at the YMCA pool. "Alinker" walking tricycles are powered by our feet, not pedals or motor. I try to do at least a mile or more daily--on pavement, not gravel! My cat often runs with me around my neighborhood and my friend's little dog sometimes runs with her or rides in her basket.
I’ve had mine for almost two years. I got mine before I started my weight loss journey even though I was well over the recommended weight limit. At first I could only go about 50 feet and my heart would be pounding and I’d be short of breath. There is a steep learning curve. In the beginning they are NOT EASY to ride. but people with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, amputations & paralysis can use them successfully. I decided so can I! Now I can go 2 1/2 miles at one time but usually go about a mile. I tend to run rather than walk on the level but it's hard work to go up hills! I can go up moderate rises, but if the hill is steep I stand up and walk it or get off and push it. It gets easier with practice. I rode two miles today including a couple of hills. It’s a lot of fun, especially when my cat runs with me. My friend and I are planning to run a 5k next spring with the trikes. I haven't traveled with mine yet but my friend has. She rides hers right up to the jetway at airports and gate-checks it. Alinkers are mobility devices and are permitted anywhere wheelchairs can go. Unfortunately, they are expensive, about $2600 in the US, but they do have a rent-to-own and crowdfunding programs. Sometimes used ones can be found on eBay and elsewhere. A good 2-wheel bicycle is expensive, too, and electric ones are even more pricey. For more information visit the website at alinker.com and Alinker on YouTube. They have a member-only Facebook page also.

I was wrong! Smucker's sugar-free jam is just 10 kcal per Tbsp!

The best advice I can give is to return to your pre-surgery food plan. My clinic uses a "liver reduction" plan which is high Protein, low carb, high vegetables/fiber, and occasional 30g Protein Drinks I am post RNY>RNY revision on 12/21/21 and losing very slowly after losing a lot (70 lbs) pre-surgery). It's frustrating. Because of complications post surgery I have no more consumption restriction than I had pre-surgery, so I have to strictly track my food intake, calories, and protein on the Baritastic app. I'm getting about 1000-1200 kcal per day now. The clinic wants me to eat 800 kcal.
I can stick to the diet for meals, but struggle with craving between meals. I'm like a zombie staggering to the refrigerator at 3pm, 8pm, and bedtime. The cravings are irresistible. I want ANYTHING! While I have been choosing "good" food, like fat-free Greek yogurt or fat-free cottage cheese and fruit, I'm exceeding the calorie count they want me to maintain.
I don't eat sugar, flour, white potatoes, rice, and processed foods because I am a sugar/food addict and these are "trigger foods" for me. I've recently found a few snack foods that are satisfying the craving for these things. For "bread" I've discovered low-cal, low-wheat Ak-Mak Sesame Crackers, WASA Crisp'n Light Crispbread, & WASA Light Rye Crispbread at 20 kcal per cracker. For sweets I like Smucker's sugar-free Jam at 25 kcal per Tbsp. A single cracker with a tablespoon of the sugar-free jam often satisfy the urge to stuff my mouth. If not, two surely will. I'm still not meeting the 800 kcal goal, but getting closer.
Good luck getting back on track with eating healthy. Get exercise, too!

I had RNY in 1990 and regained all I lost. I always blamed myself but now know that the surgery failed due to a fistula between pouch and stomach. I didn't know that revision was even possible until 2020, just before the pandemic struck. I started the bariatric program in early 2021. I discovered that I am a food addict with trigger foods: sugar, wheat flour, rice, white potatoes, and processed food. I cut out those foods and the result was fantastic! I lost 70 lbs prior to surgery. Despite this success, I went ahead with laparoscopic revision surgery on 12/21/21 at age 73. I weighed 247 at the time of surgery, down from 317.
Unfortunately, I fell in that very tiny group of bariatric surgical patients that develop serious complications. Ten days after my revision surgery, I was airlifted back to the hospital with peritonitis and sepsis, caused by a rupture of the jejunum below the anastomosis. I was hospitalized for 7 weeks and underwent three endoscopic procedures and two open surgeries before they finally found and corrected a residual abscess. I left the hospital with a 15-cm long open surgical wound, which took 8 more weeks to fully close.
I am now fully recovered and am back to exercising daily. The endoscopic procedures stretched the new anastomosis so I have no more restriction than I had pre-surgery, so I still have to be very careful about what I consume. I typically go through month-long stalls and then drop a few pounds. I do lose inches during the stalls. I've dropped from size 32/4X to size 20/XL and now weigh 214 lbs., just past the 100 lb loss mark.
After being on a restricted diet for over 16 months I struggle with near-irresistible cravings in the afternoon and evenings. The clinic wants me to limit intake to 800 calories. 😱 It is daunting because I know I will never be able to go on a "maintenance" diet and must continue to avoid my trigger foods forever. Even when I choose Protein Snacks in response to cravings, each snack adds 100 or more calories to the daily total so my daily calorie count is between 900-1200 calories. (I will gain weight at 1500 calories.) I've done a trial of weight loss drug CONTRAVE but had to discontinue due to side effects.
This is a horror story, but don't let it dissuade you from your revision. Complications are extremely rare.

I had RNY in 1990 and regained all I lost. I always blamed myself but now know that the surgery failed due to a fistula between pouch and stomach. I didn't know that revision was even possible until 2020, just before the pandemic struck. I started the bariatric program in early 2021. I discovered that I am a food addict with trigger foods: sugar, wheat flour, rice, white potatoes, and processed food. I cut out those foods and the result was fantastic! I lost 70 lbs prior to surgery. Despite this success, I went ahead with laparoscopic revision surgery on 12/21/21 at age 73. I weighed 247 at the time of surgery, down from 317.
Unfortunately, I fell in that very tiny group of bariatric surgical patients that develop serious complications. Ten days after my revision surgery, I was airlifted back to the hospital with peritonitis and sepsis, caused by a rupture of the jejunum below the anastomosis. I was hospitalized for 7 weeks and underwent three endoscopic procedures and two open surgeries before they finally found and corrected a residual abscess. I left the hospital with a 15-cm long open surgical wound, which took 8 more weeks to fully close.
I am now fully recovered and am back to exercising daily. The endoscopic procedures stretched the new anastomosis so I have no more restriction than I had pre-surgery, so I still have to be very careful about what I consume. I typically go through month-long stalls and then drop a few pounds. I do lose inches during the stalls. I've dropped from size 32/4X to size 20/XL and now weigh 214 lbs., just past the 100 lb loss mark.
After being on a restricted diet for over 16 months I struggle with near-irresistible cravings in the afternoon and evenings. The clinic wants me to limit intake to 800 calories. 😱 It is daunting because I know I will never be able to go on a "maintenance" diet and must continue to avoid my trigger foods forever. Even when I choose Protein Snacks in response to cravings, each snack adds 100 or more calories to the daily total so my daily calorie count is between 900-1200 calories. (I will gain weight at 1500 calories.) I've done a trial of weight loss drug CONTRAVE but had to discontinue due to side effects.
This is a horror story, but don't let it dissuade you from your revision. Complications are extremely rare.

I've mentioned in other posts that I had complications post-revision surgery. I became profoundly depressed while in hospital for weeks without knowing when I would be able to leave. My Wellbutrin was bumped from 150mg XR to 225mg daily and it helped tremendously. Once I was out of rehab and back home the extra dose was discontinued. You might talk to your doctor about adding a bit more during this slide you are in.

Yes, depression is not uncommon post bariatric surgery. Medication may be the way to go, at least temporarily.
I have had clinical depression for at least four decades and have been taking bupropion (Wellbutrin), an NDRI, for 20 years. I have no side effects. SSRIs an SNRIs did not work for me or only worked briefly.
It's important for you to work with a psychiatrist for medication. They know far more about psychotropic meds than primary care physicians. Please bear in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all psychotropic medication. To find the antidepressant that works for you is a trial and error process. It may take numerous trials. Hang in there, it does get better.

I was wrong! Smucker's sugar-free jam is just 10 kcal per Tbsp!

I have an arthritic back and a bum knee so walking long distances is difficult for me without a rollator or cane. This is how I get my exercise when I'm not at the YMCA pool. "Alinker" walking tricycles are powered by our feet, not pedals or motor. I try to do at least a mile or more daily--on pavement, not gravel! My cat often runs with me around my neighborhood and my friend's little dog sometimes runs with her or rides in her basket.
I’ve had mine for almost two years. I got mine before I started my weight loss journey even though I was well over the recommended weight limit. At first I could only go about 50 feet and my heart would be pounding and I’d be short of breath. There is a steep learning curve. In the beginning they are NOT EASY to ride. but people with Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, amputations & paralysis can use them successfully. I decided so can I! Now I can go 2 1/2 miles at one time but usually go about a mile. I tend to run rather than walk on the level but it's hard work to go up hills! I can go up moderate rises, but if the hill is steep I stand up and walk it or get off and push it. It gets easier with practice. I rode two miles today including a couple of hills. It’s a lot of fun, especially when my cat runs with me. My friend and I are planning to run a 5k next spring with the trikes. I haven't traveled with mine yet but my friend has. She rides hers right up to the jetway at airports and gate-checks it. Alinkers are mobility devices and are permitted anywhere wheelchairs can go. Unfortunately, they are expensive, about $2600 in the US, but they do have a rent-to-own and crowdfunding programs. Sometimes used ones can be found on eBay and elsewhere. A good 2-wheel bicycle is expensive, too, and electric ones are even more pricey. For more information visit the website at alinker.com and Alinker on YouTube. They have a member-only Facebook page also.

That's good, so it was basically this?