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fourmonthspreop

Gastric Bypass Patients
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Everything posted by fourmonthspreop

  1. fourmonthspreop

    Latuda

    Hello! Fellow latuda taker here. I was actually told to switch my medication to something else until I could eat larger amounts again. My surgeon told me the 400 cal requirement just wouldn't be possible in the post operative diet phases. And he wasn't wrong. I could only eat about 200 cals at a time. My psychiatrist put me on abilify but then we changed it last minute back to Latuda. I discovered that eating fattier foods helped me absorb it better so instead I would eat a purred high fat food like full fat yogurt and a piece of soft cheese then take my pill. It did the trick and I stayed very stable throughout the diet phases. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  2. fourmonthspreop

    BED and psych clearance

    I'm not sure there's an official definition all surgeons use. I think it's up to the individual assessment and the say of your mental health providers. If they don't give the green light, the doc definitely won't either. I was diagnosed with an eating disorder and bipolar a couple months before my surgery. The surgeon told me that excludes me from being a candidate but I begged and swore I was doing the work and would continue to for the rest of my life. We came up with a plan where I'd be on a supervised eating plan for a minimum of 3 months (actually we went to about 6 months and I believe I was officially approved after 5 months). Along with the plan came nutritional visits twice a month and while he didn't give me a weight loss goal, I had to be losing weight steadily, their recommendation was .5-1 lb a week. And then with that he said I needed to be in therapy (which I already was) so i gave him my psychologists info and continued working on my eating patterns with her and provide evidence of that. Then finally I had to pass their psychological evaluation. I also had to provide proof I was adhering to my antipsychotic meds. I ended up losing 30 lbs in 6 months which was a good sign, found the cause of my binging, and developed my coping mechanisms by using them daily. I'm 6 months post op now and have lost 100+ lbs. I did not binge after my surgery, in fact the physiological changes coupled with the intensive therapy, it's not something my body or brain craves anymore. Sometimes my brain wants to eat things because it remembers how good they tasted but it's never in excess and I feel like I can really taste things now. I did binge once during the pre op diet but it was a mini binge brought on by fear and hunger and I got right back on that horse. It's possible to have the surgery with BED. It's a big mountain to climb but work on finding your ideal treatment team specifically for surgery support and show the doc and your program that you're ready by sticking to a routine, being open about your victories and failures with your team, and giving it your all! I am personally a strong believer that weight loss surgery also might really help treat BED but I understand it has to be controlled especially in the early stages of post op life as it can put you in harms way. Best of luck! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  3. fourmonthspreop

    Food Before and After Photos

    Ugly plate but pretty good. I made a bunch of vegetarian southern food. Vegetarian collard greens and tomatoes, low sugar Cornbread, barbecue beans, a vegan chicken nugget and a boiled egg. Hits the spot and is filling. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  4. If you hate protein shakes like me, I suggest the fairlife protein shakes. They just taste like milk and nothing else. You'd need to get core power elite protein (42 grams), fairlife nutritional plan (30 grams) or the fairlife core regular (26 grams) they are all low sugar. The best bariatric macro friendly fairlife in my opinion is the fairlife nutritional plan shakes. They are lowest calorie for the most protein. I also love the Gatorade zero water enhancers. It's the glacier flavor. I add it to about 20 oz of water and add a lot of ice. Tastes like refreshing blue lemonade. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  5. fourmonthspreop

    Bariatric friendly alcoholic drinks?

    Agree. Vodka or Tequila soda. Go slow. It hits you fast. Avoid drinking liquor by itself. I've made cocktails with less mixers and more soda water so I can still have a cocktail but less Alcohol and sugar. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  6. Hey all! Any ladies take birth control after bypass? I took lo lesterin for a couple years and got off the pill last year because I promised myself I wasn't going to date again until after I got surgery and a new job lol I am thinking about getting back on it but I hear it's less effective after surgery because of absorption. Anyone know about this? Have you tried alternatives like implants or IUDs? Thanks! P.s. I tolerated lo lesterin really well. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  7. fourmonthspreop

    February 2022 Surgery Buddies

    Here's another progress picture. Thought I'd drop it in our Feb surgery buddy thread. As I lose more weight, my body looks more ridiculous. I think it's funny but anyone else dealing with stubborn fat and loose skin left on the mid section? I look normal with my shirt down but then i lift it up and it's a deflated beach ball hanging off my mid section. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  8. Haven't updated this thing in a while. It's just to keep me accountable and I know others can read this so feel free to chime in. I'm officially almost entering my 7th month of post op life from my gastric bypass. I feel so much better and I've lost over 100 lbs but there are days I still feel like it won't all really matter at all until I am stick skinny (which wouldn't be possible without plastics and even then I don't think so). I hate that I think that way - it makes it hard to be happy for myself and then that feeds into not meeting my goals. 

    I was in a weight loss rut for a while there - like the whole month of August basically was me just gaining and losing the same 4 lbs. I figured it was just a weight loss stall part of the process because I hear there's a big stall 6 months out. I also was macro and calorie counting but I was drinking more alcohol than I ever have since surgery. I think that contributed to it immensely. Just to be clear I wasn't drinking out of transfer addiction - just going to more social events and dinners because my life has gotten so incredibly busy. It's amazing because I have the confidence to go out and be social now but it makes it harder to navigate the strict calorie limits and hydration goals when you're always hanging out with people. 

    Anyway, I really put a lot of thought into calories the past two weeks and stopped drinking too. I finally broke my stall. I went from 240 to 236 and it seems to be sticking. I'm at this weird part in the surgery journey where the honeymoon is over. I no longer get food stuck in my esophagus on the regular but I have noticed I am starting to feel nauseous after eating (probably because I don't have the limitation of the food getting stuck) so I don't realize how much my body is actually okay with. 

    So now I'm at this point where I'm figuring out how much of different types of foods I can really eat without making myself nauseous. It's a work in progress but I'm determined. I'm usually good around 1/2 a cup of carbs and 1-1.5 cups of vegetables. Protein is always different. Sometimes I can eat it no problem, others it's one of the only foods that still get "stuck". I try not to go crazy counting calories because I have a history of eating disorders. I mainly try to stay under 1300 calories. My BMR is around 1900 right now. Instead of counting every single morsel, I make sure I eat more in the beginning of the day so I don't snack at night and I weigh my food if it's a fat or carb. 

    I'd really like to add more exercise back into the equation but I've been on my *ss for the past 2 weeks because I sprained my tailbone. It's finally better so I'm going to try doing a mile run and a 2 mile walk at least 3 times a week to start out. Weathers also clearing up for outdoor runs and I'd like to get my sweat on anyway. 

    But anyway, I feel like I'm at this point of my surgery journey that doesn't get talking about a lot. The pre op and right after surgery phases are talked about most but the most important part seems to be what happens after all the cool perks start dying down? Hunger comes back, or you're able to increase portions, introduce foods back, etc. I'd love to talk to others about this point just for support. I know it just comes down to tracking and movement but sometimes it does feel like you're doing it all and those numbers won't budge (they don't go up, but they don't go down). For me it's best not to obsess over the number. I can get really depressed checking my weight everyday. I'm down to checking about 3 times a month now. 

    Not sure what else I'm trying to say here. Just want to keep going. My first goal weight was 220 that I set for myself. I'm about 15 lbs away from it. I think once I hit 220 and maintain it for 2 months I'll set a new goal weight for 200 lbs. I think at that point I'll be ready for plastics. I'd love to have my arms tightened, my stomach skin removed and my boobs lifted. Everything else I can take or leave haha 

  9. It's nice to feel the loose material around my ankles too. I used to take off my shoes after a long day and there'd be an imprint in my skin from the shoe around my ankle because it was so tight and my ankles would swell. I feel how loose my shoes are now and it's so much more comfortable.
  10. Depends your body type, genetics and where you carry your weight. I feel like for really big people (including myself and especially pre op and right after my surgery) the weight didn't come off in any specific area the most.just everything got a little smaller but still retained the same shape. I only noticed an extreme difference in face size towards the 4 month post op mark personally. Now that I'm over 100 lbs down, I'd say most of what's left is my lower abdominal region (hanging apron belly) and my thighs. I think that's the most stubborn. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  11. Weird nsv as of late. I used to be a size 11 in women's shoes at target. I recently bought a new pair of sneakers from target and had to get a 10. Now that I'm wearing them they're actually too loose and I could've went down to a 9 or 9.5. I didn't realize your feet get smaller when losing lbs. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  12. Hey there! I am about 6 months post op now and have been struggling lately with a sensation of not being able to take a full breath and feeling like I need to dry heave - mostly after I eat no matter what it is and sometimes at random with no food. For example, I just had about four bites of salad and feel shortness of breath and like my throat/esophagus feels "tingly" and makes me feel like I want to gag but not throw up. There's no nausea either - it's simply the sensation that makes me want to gag, almost like needing to sneeze. The need to gag is particularly strong in the morning before I've had any liquids or food too. At first I thought it was allergies because I have chronic allergy and sinus problems but I got on decongestants and steroid nasal spray and still have the issue. Vapor rub helps me feel like I'm breathing better but still seems odd. I've never had issues with breathing so I am concerned. I've done some research and see that it could be anything from allergies to a post op hiatal hernia. Has anyone experienced this and if so, what was it for you and how do you fix it? It's not dumping or caused by eating the wrong foods I think. It simply happens at random but tends to be worse after I eat some food or in the morning before I have anything. Thanks!
  13. fourmonthspreop

    February 2022 Surgery Buddies

    Thank you! I am definitely working on it. I agree - it's important to honor my body with all I've put it through. I still have days where I feel the same but I also have days where I feel wonderful. I have to acknowledge it will never be perfect and that is okay. Thank you for your kind words and hope you're doing well on your own journey.
  14. Hey! I was a tried and true user of ibuprofen before I got my surgery but now that I'm bypassed, it's a no go. I take tylenol as recommended by my doctor for my period cramps and injuries now. I went camping this weekend and hurt my tailbone hiking (took a slip and fell on my booty). Now I have a pretty sore tailbone, it hurts to transition from sitting to standing and hurts to bend down and back up. I have broken my tail bone before so I know it's not broken, just a bad sprain or bruise but man it HURTS! Tylenol is not doing anything for me and I really don't want to take oxy leftover from my surgery because it's a terrible drug, it makes me constipated and makes me fall asleep. Are there any drugs you take with your bypass that actually relieve pain and don't make you tired/high? Thanks!
  15. fourmonthspreop

    Bariatric friendly pain relievers

    It's such a shame because nsaids were the only thing that worked for me! My doc said if I am in terrible pain I can take them very sparingly but I get the sense it's something I shouldn't really be doing. But man this is no good. I will try some icy hot maybe although I don't think it's a muscle thing. I seemed to have fell right on the bone and it's sore. Heat helps me a lot but I am looking for something I can swallow or put on so I can continue with my day. It's definitely tough but I appreciate the insight. I'll check those other options out. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  16. fourmonthspreop

    Bariatric friendly pain relievers

    Ooo is cbd topical or you take it orally? Does it make you high or show up in a drug test? Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  17. Hey! I was wondering for those who have started taking vitamin capsules instead of chewable vitamins, how do you take your calcium? I know you can't take iron and calcium together so if I get some capsules when should I take the calcium chewable? I will ask my doctor but I want to know what you guys are doing/what's worked with you and your blood tests. Thanks!
  18. fourmonthspreop

    Binder? Or shapewear

    I got sent home with a velcro binder that really helped with the soreness after my surgery. I wore it for about 2 weeks. I bought a post partum binder recently since I've lost 100 lbs and my stomach is full of lumpy saggy skin. It might be a little too small because it squishes my loose skin upwards giving me back rolls so I'm not sure it's the best one. It's also super short and I have a very long torso so I need to keep looking. This is what it looks like. If anyone has found any good shape wear for stomach loose skin, I'd love to know too! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  19. fourmonthspreop

    Food intolerance after wls

    I cant do bananas either! They make me nauseous Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  20. fourmonthspreop

    What do you do instead of eating?!

    It's the most hard in the beginning but things go back to normal (as normal as they can feel after wls). You'll eventually be able to eat certain foods out and enjoy yourself but you'll know your limits and no, food will not be the main reason you're there and that's okay. In fact it's wonderful. It's a part of surgery (beyond weight loss) that doesn't get talked about enough. If you put the work in , food will be there but it will no longer keep you prisoner in your own life because moderation and eating what makes your body feel best will become your main priority. I have a lot of hobbies but I find that instead of eating or focusing on food I have a new found confidence to focus on people....talk to people, not feel self conscious about how I look or what I'm eating, connecting with others when I can. Beyond losing weight, this surgery really freed me from my food prison and I feel like I can open up to other people now that I'm m not hiding and I'm not scared. This is a great thing and I find I am no longer planning around meals but planning around activities, seeing other people and making time to connect. On a less whimsical note, if I feel like eating and know it wouldn't be a good idea I drink tea, diet soda, or chug a lot of water. If I'm still like I want to eat I honor that by eating a high protein snack like a cheese stick or half a protein shake and move on with my day. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  21. Another weird NSV but shopping less and having a fuller pantry. Because of how little I can eat, I don't need to buy groceries like I used to. I use to spend so much money on groceries and go through them within a week because I ate so much. But now I'm spending less money and my pantry is fuller longer. It almost feels like a bariatric super power as I see my roommate buy hundreds of dollars worth of groceries and go through it within a week! I can make one 100 dollar trip last 20 days! Of course I spend a fortune ordering my fairlife shakes online hahaha Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  22. I feel this! I went out last week on Friday to the bars and walked 4 miles and went dancing. My friend who is a bit heavier was complaining of being sore the next day and I didn't feel any soreness when in the past, my legs and knees would've been in pain. Def an NSV for me. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  23. This is really true. It depends the food, what surgery you had, how it was done, how tight your esophagus is etc. I find that I can eat one serving of most foods at a time too. Usually like 1 egg and I feel full. I can however resume eating within 1-2 hours pretty easily but you have to be careful not to eat too much throughout the whole day if you need to take a break in the middle of your meal. Sometimes I need a break after two bites because it feels so tight in my throat. But yeah then there are foods I can eat more of like salad, cheese, and bread. I can also eat more than the recommended serving size of chips or crackers but that tends to make me very nauseous so I avoid it. Pureed foods like refried beans, light soups, and yogurt I can eat in large amounts but again I don't because it makes me nauseous. For example today, I had a protein shake for breakfast and felt fine for 4 hours. Then made lunch as i started feeling low energy. made a sandwich for lunch with some protein chips. I use low calorie low carb small slices of bread (45 calorie slice) 45 calorie slice of cheese and 40 calories worth of plant based lunch meat. I got through a bit over half of the sandwich and three chips from a 160 calorie serving bag. Won't finish it, feel satisfied and know if I went back for more I'd start feeling nauseous. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  24. Tell me about it! I never wore high boots before because I didn't want to spend the time finding thr wide calf boots. Even booties were tight around my ankles and now there's room and I don't need a wide size. It's nice! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app
  25. fourmonthspreop

    Tell me something you wish you knew...

    Omg SAME. I had compacted stool within 3 weeks post op and almost went to the ER. Dealt with it myself saved myself a fortune in ER bills and my pride. It's still bad but not as bad as it was 1-2 months post op. I still have stomach pains, bowel pain, feel sluggish and nauseous from how backed up I get. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

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