Soonlee_W

Hi Everyone,
So....it's been 7 months for us. I've lost 20 pounds. I was very depressed for a while because I wholeheartedly expected to lose more and more quickly. As long as I keep losing, it will be ok. Maybe it's good that's its been so slow. IDK
So, get this, the new dr put me on Adipex. I told her that I had taken Adipex for my entire adult life (I'm 56). But she prescribed it anyway. She told me to eat every 3 to 4 hours. And she told me that I wasn't getting enough Protein. I know that's true. Most days I don't even get half of what I'm supposed to have. I know this, I've had enough Protein Shakes and eggs to last a lifetime. Why aren't there scientists out there figuring out a way to make a protein patch or a capsule. LOL
I did get some JRobb protein powder to add to Soups and yogurts. I haven't tried it yet.
I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in a long time --and that's nice. I still have 16 pounds to go to reach my goal. The surgeon made it sound like I would lose all I would lose in year one. In other words, he doesn't see patients losing in year two very often. This leaves me 5 months to try to lose the 16. I'd like to know if any of you guys heard the same thing. Can I really expect NOT to lose after a year? Or possibly even gain back?
On an unrelated note -- I've been reading about alcohol. I'm trying to cut back on that too, hoping maybe that will help with the weight loss.
I've lost some hair. The new dr is super nice and she explained why we lose hair --that's why I've got to figure out a way to get the Proteins in.
I'm very happy for all of you who have lost really big amounts of weight. That's got to be life-changing. Congratulations.
Baby sister had gastric bypass in Tijuana in October and has lost nearly 80 pounds.

Today makes a month since the surgery.
I've been struggling with acid reflux during the night, it wakes me up--otherwise, I'm feeling fine.
I cannot eat more than 4 bites of anything. I'm living on Protein Shakes, Soup, and scrambled eggs. When I get to school I make the Jimmy Dean egg bowl that also has small bits of sausage and it takes me nearly the whole day to eat it. I take small bites here and there. I don't think I've ever eaten a whole one. But it has 19 grams of Protein. I can do that forever if I need to. I'm not the type that needs variety. Yesterday hubby cooked for the kids (they are 31 and 32). I had one fried shrimp, I had to eat it in 3 small bites. Maybe two fries.
I've read that my weight loss might be slower since I started out at less than 200. In my mind, that shouldn't matter. If a person goes to eating about 1/8th of what they used to eat --there should be more than a 4 pound loss in a month. This really seals it for me that without the surgery I certainly would have never lost anything.
They are delivering my Nordic Track Treadmill Tuesday. I will see if walking helps
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS SINCE SURGERY 4 POUNDS. I am extremely discouraged.

Today is 9 days since my surgery. "Head Hunger" is a real thing because I am not hungry physically but I want to eat. I'm keeping up with the Protein. I feel fully recovered, just some tenderness where the incisions are.
I've only lost 4 pounds. Maybe this isn't going to work for me.

I got home from VSG surgery yesterday.
Here's my story:
July 22nd I arrived for my surgery. They told me that Dr. Selim was running about two hours behind -not his fault, it had something to do with the way the people scheduled things. They put the IV which pinched a bit and gave me a shot in my stomach to prevent blood clots. I'm pretty sure they also took some blood. Around 2:30 I had my surgery. The pain was at most at a 3. The pain was in my upper chest right in the center. They said it was the gas. Around 7:00 I was able to suck on ice with no problems. Later they brought me the best lemonade I ever had! LOL I was able to sip the lemonade with no problems. After reading all these posts here, I knew I'd have to take tiny sips. I never got nauseous. I never threw up. I walked around at about 8:00. I was able to urinate on my own. I didn't sleep well - I was uncomfortable but not in pain. Every time I had to urinate they had to unhook me from the oxygen thing and the IV. At some point in the night they gave me a GasX to chew and a few hours later something for Acid Reflux. Around 4:00 a.m. she asked if I wanted something for pain and although I wasn't in any pain, I had hoped it would put me to sleep. I slept in 30 minute increments. Each time I woke up --I was able to walk with no problems. Around 6 in the morning, they brought me half a cup of broth. I walked to the door 5 times, took a sip, walked to the door 5 times, took a sip...and so on till it was all gone. I was able to have the broth and still work on that yummy lemonade with no problems.
Hubby came to bring me home around noon. We live about 45 minutes from the hospital. It was a hot Louisiana day. I could feel the warmth on my face and it was nice. It had been so cold in the hospital room. We got home and he made some Soup. It was so good --I strained it so I didn't even get the little specks of spices he put in it. It was hot n spicy like I like it. I weighed myself, I had gained 3 pounds!!!!
But then.....I realized my face was hot. I was running a fever. 99.9 I got scared. The papers say to call the Dr's office if you have a fever over 101.5, so I took some Tylenol and fell asleep.
Today (2 days after surgery) I'm fine. No pain at all but still uncomfortable in certain positions. I normally sleep on my left side and I am unable to that right now. Still feeling a bit feverish off and on but never as high as 101.5.
I cannot begin to write all the crazy things that have gone through my head. Maybe I can write about that later.
I haven't worn the abdominal binder yet -- when do people normally start wearing it?
Also --would love to hear about those other two on here who had theirs the same day as me.

I feel so fortunate that I did not need anything for pain. I've been uncomfortable trying to sleep as I sleep on my side --the abdominal binder is amazing!!! Once I put that on, I could sleep in any position I wanted. I got the NyOrtho one from Amazon. It does not roll down -it stays in position.
Today is day 3. I made an egg since I figured I should have something other than the Protein water. I could barely eat it all. I didn't get sick, I took small bites, but I couldn't eat the whole thing. It's sad --before surgery, I could have eaten 3 eggs with no problems. I did eat about 1/4 of Split Pea Soup.
The Protein Water is Tropical Punch Flavor --it's really sweet. I added some lemon juice and that helped a lot.
My weight the day of Surgery was 184. I'm 180 now. When I see the 170's!!!!! I'm gonna be so excited.
Guess what -- something else has happened. Baby sister needs bariatric surgery but doesn't have insurance. She needs it way more than I did. I felt so bad the day of surgery going in knowing she was rooting for me but at the same time, feeling a little jealous. She always puts everyone before herself. After my surgery, her husband felt badly for her. He has decided she can have it and is being supportive! Hooray

I feel so fortunate that I did not need anything for pain. I've been uncomfortable trying to sleep as I sleep on my side --the abdominal binder is amazing!!! Once I put that on, I could sleep in any position I wanted. I got the NyOrtho one from Amazon. It does not roll down -it stays in position.
Today is day 3. I made an egg since I figured I should have something other than the Protein water. I could barely eat it all. I didn't get sick, I took small bites, but I couldn't eat the whole thing. It's sad --before surgery, I could have eaten 3 eggs with no problems. I did eat about 1/4 of Split Pea Soup.
The Protein Water is Tropical Punch Flavor --it's really sweet. I added some lemon juice and that helped a lot.
My weight the day of Surgery was 184. I'm 180 now. When I see the 170's!!!!! I'm gonna be so excited.
Guess what -- something else has happened. Baby sister needs bariatric surgery but doesn't have insurance. She needs it way more than I did. I felt so bad the day of surgery going in knowing she was rooting for me but at the same time, feeling a little jealous. She always puts everyone before herself. After my surgery, her husband felt badly for her. He has decided she can have it and is being supportive! Hooray

I feel so fortunate that I did not need anything for pain. I've been uncomfortable trying to sleep as I sleep on my side --the abdominal binder is amazing!!! Once I put that on, I could sleep in any position I wanted. I got the NyOrtho one from Amazon. It does not roll down -it stays in position.
Today is day 3. I made an egg since I figured I should have something other than the Protein water. I could barely eat it all. I didn't get sick, I took small bites, but I couldn't eat the whole thing. It's sad --before surgery, I could have eaten 3 eggs with no problems. I did eat about 1/4 of Split Pea Soup.
The Protein Water is Tropical Punch Flavor --it's really sweet. I added some lemon juice and that helped a lot.
My weight the day of Surgery was 184. I'm 180 now. When I see the 170's!!!!! I'm gonna be so excited.
Guess what -- something else has happened. Baby sister needs bariatric surgery but doesn't have insurance. She needs it way more than I did. I felt so bad the day of surgery going in knowing she was rooting for me but at the same time, feeling a little jealous. She always puts everyone before herself. After my surgery, her husband felt badly for her. He has decided she can have it and is being supportive! Hooray

I got home from VSG surgery yesterday.
Here's my story:
July 22nd I arrived for my surgery. They told me that Dr. Selim was running about two hours behind -not his fault, it had something to do with the way the people scheduled things. They put the IV which pinched a bit and gave me a shot in my stomach to prevent blood clots. I'm pretty sure they also took some blood. Around 2:30 I had my surgery. The pain was at most at a 3. The pain was in my upper chest right in the center. They said it was the gas. Around 7:00 I was able to suck on ice with no problems. Later they brought me the best lemonade I ever had! LOL I was able to sip the lemonade with no problems. After reading all these posts here, I knew I'd have to take tiny sips. I never got nauseous. I never threw up. I walked around at about 8:00. I was able to urinate on my own. I didn't sleep well - I was uncomfortable but not in pain. Every time I had to urinate they had to unhook me from the oxygen thing and the IV. At some point in the night they gave me a GasX to chew and a few hours later something for Acid Reflux. Around 4:00 a.m. she asked if I wanted something for pain and although I wasn't in any pain, I had hoped it would put me to sleep. I slept in 30 minute increments. Each time I woke up --I was able to walk with no problems. Around 6 in the morning, they brought me half a cup of broth. I walked to the door 5 times, took a sip, walked to the door 5 times, took a sip...and so on till it was all gone. I was able to have the broth and still work on that yummy lemonade with no problems.
Hubby came to bring me home around noon. We live about 45 minutes from the hospital. It was a hot Louisiana day. I could feel the warmth on my face and it was nice. It had been so cold in the hospital room. We got home and he made some Soup. It was so good --I strained it so I didn't even get the little specks of spices he put in it. It was hot n spicy like I like it. I weighed myself, I had gained 3 pounds!!!!
But then.....I realized my face was hot. I was running a fever. 99.9 I got scared. The papers say to call the Dr's office if you have a fever over 101.5, so I took some Tylenol and fell asleep.
Today (2 days after surgery) I'm fine. No pain at all but still uncomfortable in certain positions. I normally sleep on my left side and I am unable to that right now. Still feeling a bit feverish off and on but never as high as 101.5.
I cannot begin to write all the crazy things that have gone through my head. Maybe I can write about that later.
I haven't worn the abdominal binder yet -- when do people normally start wearing it?
Also --would love to hear about those other two on here who had theirs the same day as me.

Tomorrow is my day. I'm not nervous AT ALL.
I've always looked for "signs." Like if there were bumps in the road as I was trying to do something, I tend to think it was God warning me not to do it. There have been no bumps -- so, I'm thinking God's got this. LOL
Today was all the phone calls from the people wanting their money, anesthesia and hospital. My debit card was declined even though I've got the amount needed. At first I thought it might be a sign --but guess what, the girl on the phone had VGS back in 2013. She just so happened to be my same weight and height at the time of her surgery. We talked and talked. So --I took that as a good sign. It turns out my bank puts a cap on how much you can debit in one day as a safety measure. I had to call the bank and tell them what was going on. Then they had to get approval. So it has taken all day to pay the hospital --but I'm expected there at 10:30 tomorrow.
School starts on the 9th of August. I'm hoping I will have had enough down time to teach without complications.

Tomorrow is my day. I'm not nervous AT ALL.
I've always looked for "signs." Like if there were bumps in the road as I was trying to do something, I tend to think it was God warning me not to do it. There have been no bumps -- so, I'm thinking God's got this. LOL
Today was all the phone calls from the people wanting their money, anesthesia and hospital. My debit card was declined even though I've got the amount needed. At first I thought it might be a sign --but guess what, the girl on the phone had VGS back in 2013. She just so happened to be my same weight and height at the time of her surgery. We talked and talked. So --I took that as a good sign. It turns out my bank puts a cap on how much you can debit in one day as a safety measure. I had to call the bank and tell them what was going on. Then they had to get approval. So it has taken all day to pay the hospital --but I'm expected there at 10:30 tomorrow.
School starts on the 9th of August. I'm hoping I will have had enough down time to teach without complications.

Today is day 6 on the pre-op diet and I'm feeling lightheaded -no energy. I'm drinking the Protein Shakes and sipping just the liquids from Soup, also a sugar free pudding. Like brightly --I'm not really a sweets person. So it seems like a lot of sweet stuff is on the list of pre-op options. Starting Monday it will be Clear Liquids only, surgery is Thursday.

BRIGHTLY! You preach it! That post should be printed and sent to every dietician who works for a Bariatric Surgeon!!! Thank you for doing the research for us. I'm an English teacher and I tell you, that is one very well written essay!
Thank you for writing it and saying what many of us may not have had been able to say quite so eloquently.
My surgery on July 22. I think that's 3 of us on the same day.

BRIGHTLY! You preach it! That post should be printed and sent to every dietician who works for a Bariatric Surgeon!!! Thank you for doing the research for us. I'm an English teacher and I tell you, that is one very well written essay!
Thank you for writing it and saying what many of us may not have had been able to say quite so eloquently.
My surgery on July 22. I think that's 3 of us on the same day.

PREOP DIET: THE WHYS
I did some extensive reading last night, and discovered that the preop diet is mainly intended to help patients lose weight and de-glycogen their liver to make it more pliable in surgery. That's basically it. In order to do this, one needs to be on a low carb, low fat, high Protein diet. They call it a "Very Low Calorie Diet" or VLCD. Some of us have been on this kind of diet in the past. In fact, I lost 50lbs on a VLCD—twice! And of course I gained all the weight back and more, as soon as I allowed myself 1200 calories of healthy food—both times! It slowed my metabolism down to a crawl and didn't allow me energy to exercise. One time I did it sans drugs and had no energy to do anything in my life—it was impossible, but I stuck to these horrible shakes only, and I did this for months. The other time, I just reduced the calories in my daily diet and used Phentermine (so much easier!). Both times I was put on an 800 calorie a day diet. About the fact that it's a liquid diet: this seems not to matter until close to the surgery (last few days?) because they want no particles of poorly chewed food in your stomach's staple line. There could be other reasons for requiring it to be liquid that I have not yet read about, and I'm still looking. Anyone who knows--please jump in.

The other bit about it, unfortunately, is the usual infantilizing of overweight people thing: "to get you used to how you will have to eat post-surgery!". I don't know about anyone else, but I don't need to "get used to" drinking artificial shakes. The less I have to be on a shakes diet, the more committed I'll be to the necessary time I have to do it. After surgery, no one even wants to eat a bowl full of broccoli rabe or a fistfull of spikey toast and sharp pieces of metal, or so I've heard. It seems that drinking Water is a challenge at first, and that most are not interested in eating for a while. I'd prefer to go the math/science route and be told exactly what the breakdown of the diet is and why, so I can customize according to my own body's medical needs. But preop, it seems that patients should be armed with what will help them succeed at the objectives. If the dietician can't offer true individualized help, and can only communicate in condescending 3-word emails, then they need to print out the diet's actual parameters in the $350 packet of 6 sheets they hand you when you have the all-important "dietician consult". Mine was a joke. The dietician read the packet to me basically. I'm serious. Is this worth $350? I can read. I'm not sure why the parameters need to be so mysterious. Maybe to justify paying a dietician in the first place? An insurance thing like the psych consult? (also a hoop jump for insurance only)

The other thing that I hope changes: the condescension towards fat people from some in the medical profession. Overweight people are just people. They aren't somehow deficient, un-smart people, or inherently lacking in discipline or agency because they struggle with their weight/metabolism. This issue isn't about simple "willpower" and anyone who claims it is has not done research or has simply ignored any research that doesn't confirm their own bias against those who are overweight. I know we all—or hopefully many of us—know this and can name a never-ending list of accomplished thinkers, scientists, artists, directors, lawyers, athletes, comedians and yes---doctors! who struggle with their weight for a variety of reasons. In fact, just like in the general non-overweight population, there are intelligent people who are successful at other things in their life in the fat population. So it really bothers me when we are infantilized en masse. Perhaps some people on the preop diet like the authoritarian approach, and that's ok! Not all of us want to be treated like that, and we should be accommodated and armed with science and math on this diet to minimize our own suffering and maximize our chance of success on the diet. Some seem to think we deserve some more suffering for being overweight, and if we balk at this, it's a sign we should think more about our commitment to health before undergoing surgery. That ethos is part of some kind of seriously retrograde, patriarchal justified-by-labor nonsense that has nothing to do with this problem.

I'm still working on the research, guys. Meanwhile, I'm trying the lower-calcium Owyn shakes today (that got horrible reviews for taste- yum!) because my dietician was able to suggest those when pushed for a lower Calcium option.

Thank you, Thank you, Brightly! You are so right. This isn't normal -- it's starvation.
I feel like I'm starving ... I was hoping it would get better as the days go on, but so far, it's still very very hard. Let me know if you get clarification about your diet.

Today was a bit easier for the pre-op diet. I'm taking a course online and that has kept me busy and my mind off the fact that I can't eat anything.
There was a very brief moment when I thought about the fact that if I can stay on this diet, why get the surgery. Yes. That passed quickly because I know I wouldn't be able to maintain this forever. No diet has ever helped me keep any weight off.
My husband is being supportive. He's making Soup and eating his dinner (I'm sure it's Popeyes) before he gets home.
I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that I'll be able to tie my shoes and breathe at the same time. That at some point everything in my closet might fit me. That I might actually experience a time when I'm not embarrassed of my weight.
Today I got my "SouperCubes" in the mail.

Today was a bit easier for the pre-op diet. I'm taking a course online and that has kept me busy and my mind off the fact that I can't eat anything.
There was a very brief moment when I thought about the fact that if I can stay on this diet, why get the surgery. Yes. That passed quickly because I know I wouldn't be able to maintain this forever. No diet has ever helped me keep any weight off.
My husband is being supportive. He's making Soup and eating his dinner (I'm sure it's Popeyes) before he gets home.
I'm trying to stay focused on the fact that I'll be able to tie my shoes and breathe at the same time. That at some point everything in my closet might fit me. That I might actually experience a time when I'm not embarrassed of my weight.
Today I got my "SouperCubes" in the mail.

Are you a teacher?

Well, it took the response kind of hard. I barely slept last night thinking I shouldn't have the surgery because it is too hard to do this liquid thing.
I woke up this morning and had lost 4 pounds.
It's early, but today and days moving forward, I will stick exactly to the plan my surgeon laid out.

Well, it took the response kind of hard. I barely slept last night thinking I shouldn't have the surgery because it is too hard to do this liquid thing.
I woke up this morning and had lost 4 pounds.
It's early, but today and days moving forward, I will stick exactly to the plan my surgeon laid out.

Well, it took the response kind of hard. I barely slept last night thinking I shouldn't have the surgery because it is too hard to do this liquid thing.
I woke up this morning and had lost 4 pounds.
It's early, but today and days moving forward, I will stick exactly to the plan my surgeon laid out.

Well, it took the response kind of hard. I barely slept last night thinking I shouldn't have the surgery because it is too hard to do this liquid thing.
I woke up this morning and had lost 4 pounds.
It's early, but today and days moving forward, I will stick exactly to the plan my surgeon laid out.

Hi, I'm new here. My surgery is July 22.
Things have gone pretty quickly. I saw the Dr. in April, did the colonoscopy and EGD in June and my surgery is on July 22. I have seen the Dr. a total of 3 times. There was no "approval" process since my insurance will not cover the surgery.
I was supposed to start the Liver Reducing diet Friday - but failed. I tried again today -- failed. I'm afraid I'm going to ruin everything.
I went online to look for a place where I could talk to others in similar situations. The last time I was involved in a forum was 2008 after reading "The Shack." lol

So, today is a new day.
So far I had a cup of coffee (stevia and non dairy creamer), a boiled egg, and a Protein Shake. Is that ok?
The paper from the dr literally says, "Protein shakes, strained Soups, sugar free sherbet, and sugar free pudding." That's all.
Online, I've looked at some of the pre-op diets and they include boiled eggs, tuna, and more. Even as I'm typing this, I feel like I sound like a brat who refuses to do what is being asked of her to be able to have this life-changing surgery.
I looked back through my texts to my sister:
You think I can have one of those little cups of guacamole?
How many Protein Shakes you think I can have?
Isn't EVERYTHING basically liquified after you've chewed and swallowed?
Ok, what about wine?
This is hard
If I can't even do this, how is it going to be afterwards?
LOL -- I've got the best sister.

I started Habit tracking and Journaling, but I still need to get more consistent with both. I think they are both helpful activities. I also like watching videos on YouTube of people who have gone through this.
I need to get better at food Journaling, too.
I bought cups for the Protein Shakes, cups and a thermos for hot/warm liquids for the broth & Soups (one has a strainer), 4oz. containers, a motivational Water cup with time markers, Protein Shake powder & some ready to drink shakes, sf Jello, sf ice pops, broth, Protein fruit drink mixes, sf drink mixes (like crystal light), sf hard candy (I heard it may help right after surgery with dry mouth), Multivitamin, Calcium, prilosec, & collagen w/ hyaluronic acid.
After surgery I plan on ordering a food scale and mini travel food processor.
I am thinking about getting little 2 oz containers for jello, pudding, yogurt, & the very small portions in beginning.
I have an air fryer that I don't use much, but maybe will start using it more. I heard it is great for veggies.