readyforanewme3

I completely understand!! Know that there's ton of support out there to help you and you will get through it! Some things won't be what we expect and vice versa. The best thing you can do is educate yourself and it sounds like you're doing just that!! You're gonna do amazing!!

I was about to take them in pill form. I take two different ones, the one is super tiny and the other is a bit larger. Sometimes I would take it in a small spoon of greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce or with a sip of Protein Shake (this helps to "coat" it so to speak to get it down better). As time goes on, things get easier and easier too.

I have had depression and anxiety all of my life and was diagnosed about 5 years ago. My psychiatrist was great in prepping me before surgery and I got switched to a Non-Extended Release on my meds. It was a very easy switch. The medicine isn't coated and was hard for me to swallow (and still is some days) - so I learned to take with a swig of Protein Shake or no sugar applesauce or the like.

My mental health did have some changes post surgery - as in 3 months after. Mind you that the hormonal shift was pretty emotional - and no matter how much I knew that, I didn't understand fully until after it happened. I go to therapy (and upped how often I see my therapist) when I needed to and if I had an issue - and did when I started having more anxiety - I called my psychiatrist.

For me, I've rarely experienced Dumping Syndrome. I had my gastric bypass 9 months ago. I had more issues with the "Foamies" but haven't had that issue in at least 4 months or longer ("Foamies" is when you regurgitate what you've just eaten and you over-produce saliva and start vomitting - for me this was a very slow process and not pleasant - it happened if my pouch couldn't break down what I was eating - i.e. I had a hard time processing chicken breast even if it was so small, etc - this was during the stage of real food, not purees or soft ....anything stringy like kale, spinach, celery, etc. And...if I ate too fast).

As far as Sugar & Fat, I never had that issue and I never went Fat Free/Sugar Free either. However, that being said....I don't want to eat fat - especially animal fat, as it made me pretty sick even before my bypass....but I don't necessarily eat Fat Free Yogurt. I tend to look at Nutritional Labels focusing on Protein, Fiber, Carbs. For example, it really depends on the product and it also is a lesson for everyone going through Weight Loss Surgery in Trial & Error. So, you have to see how your body does and if you have any doubt, don't do it. But at the grocery store, I might look at the labels and see what looks like a better fit for me and see how my body does - the Siggis Icelandic Yogurt has less sugar higher protein and my body does great on it. Say for a cheese stick/snack, a regular piece of cheddar is easier for me to digest than fat free.

With fresh fruit, I think it's so important to incorporate, along with fresh vegetables. As far as worrying about the sugar content of fruit, I don't think that's an issue at all. I think it's smart to incorporate fruits into your diet - whole fruits whether fresh or frozen, because it's a good, healthy habit that's so good for your body. I've never had ill effects from eating bananas, berries (some of the best fruit for us!), citrus, you name it. Mind you, I'm a former Type 2 Diabetic.

One thing that I have had issues with is sugar free products. I think that could be with anyone - I find that Monk Fruit and stevia are so much better on my body. Most definitely too much sugar free products (ethythritol, xylitol, etc.) can have major negative effects on your system. I have learned to proceed with caution - before and after surgery - with sugar substitutes. Also, your taste buds definitely change after surgery as well.

I love using olive oil for cooking. I try to stay mindful and definitely tracking (Baritastic App is my favorite) helps create good habits. Avocados are wonderful, good fats and I try to eat these. I will tell you that my body has "learned" what makes it feel good. For me, the things that make me feel good are oats - just regular, plain oats (not packet) and steel cut are my go-to. Fruit does make me feel good too, I love adding in smoothies with Protein Drinks and ice and helps me feel great. Greek yogurt does the same. Nut butters without added sugar helps me feel great also. Veggies sautéed in olive oil help me feel good, a light salad and most fish (easy for me to digest and good source of protein). It's all a matter of trial and error but honestly, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself!!

I hope sharing my experiences helps you and best of luck to you!!

Yeah!! Collar bones rule!! And crossing legs....amazing especially since I've never experienced this until this past year post op...amazing! Sitting in a booth at a restaurant, and the weird but amazing feeling to shop for clothes that are not plus size!

glad to see this posted, same thing with me, I'm 7 months post op.

4 hours ago, STLoser said:

Also, what you are doing now to prepare sounds like a good plan.

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Thank you so very much for your reply! That is amazing and gives me so much hope and inspiration! Congratulations on your weight loss and your liver enzyme numbers - that is fantastic!!

Thank you all for your good advice. Getting help for my mental health is so important for me. I plan on talking to my bariatric surgeon and center for a referral for a mental health professional to help me. Thank you again for sharing your stories and suggestions.

Hi there, Im awaiting my surgeon appointment in a couple of weeks. In the months since I have decided to go forward with the weight loss surgery, I have decided to make changes already to improve my health before I even get a surgery date. One of my health issues is that I was diagnosed with NAFLD about five years ago. Also had a liver biopsy then (as well as my Gallbladder removed at the same time). I take organic milk thistle for my liver and try to avoid Tylenol and alcohol like the plague. I have not had any alcohol in the past three months, getting my body ready for surgery. I do know that I have an in large liver and the latest bloodwork I had, some results revolving bloodwork were good and then some more elevated. I keep reading about trying to reduce the size of your liver prior to surgery for those with a NAFLD. Any advice out there, I would appreciate. I’m trying to do the best that I can, of course I’m sure the surgeon will guide me upon his expertise as well, but I am trying to do everything that I can in my power prior to prepare myself. I have been on a rather low carb diet for a couple of months since finding out that I have type two diabetes, I go see my PCP this week. I am on Metformin , I have been on that for over 16 years for PCOS. I also started Ozempic recently. I am trying to up my Protein and vegetable intake as well as Water intake, I noticed when I get enough rest and distress and exercise more, my glucose levels are so much better. Anyway, I’m sure everything is relative, meaning the NAFLD and the diabetes…. I just want to get as healthy as possible so they can do the surgery. Luckily, I am within the A1C limits for surgery.
Just not sure about my liver. Thank you for any thoughts and advice.

thanks for the great tips and advice!

2 minutes ago, vikingbeast said:

It really depends how much you like what your current therapist is doing outside of the weight topic. If you feel like you want her to be in your life, then just don't talk to her about weight loss and use bariatric support groups for that.

If she's turning into one of these preachy, teetering-on-the-edge-of-anti-science types, maybe now's a good time to thank her for what she's done for you and find someone who aligns better with your goals. It is YOUR life and not open to anyone's—not even your therapist's—judgment.

Thank you. Amen. Yes....it is exactly that. Being the wife of a scientist, it is hard for me to listen to her preach about the things she's suggesting. Makes me cringe, truly. Thanks for your advice and support.

2 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

My therapist didn’t agree with the surgery either. He thought it was the easy way out. I just told him we would have to agree to disagree cause I was doing it and I don’t really talk much about my weight loss with him. He did call to check on me after my surgery and he asks how I’m doing but when I was looking to talk to someone about boredom eating I went elsewhere.

Thank you for sharing. I'm glad you went elsewhere. I think I should do the same.

I'm in the beginning process of my bariatric journey, had my information session a few weeks ago and my big appointment with the surgeon, nurse, nutritionist, etc. is coming up in 3 weeks. So excited! I've been thinking about this health and wellness renewal with bariatric surgery for several years now. I've also been on a journey with my mental health (anxiety & depression) for about 4 years and have made some wonderful progress. I have a good support system of doctors but lately my therapist is making me scratch my head. For those of you on your journey - or that have experience - tell me about your journey with your mental health along with the bariatric surgery process.

What I mean by my therapist is making me scratch my head.....so, for the past several years, my therapist has helped me get to a place where I can work on myself and my relationship with my parents (suffered mental/emotional as well as some physical abuse from parents). I made so much progress in 2 years with this...true healing, feeling so much more confident and content with myself. This progress finally led me to go forward with realizing that I was ready to commit to wanting to help myself and begin my bariatric weight loss journey. So, when I brought this up to my therapist, her reaction was not exactly what I expected. (I've read about people's different reactions so I'm of course trying not to let this bother me and feel like I probably need to either move on or realize that's her opinion, not mine).

Anyway, when I try to discuss my wants/needs regarding my request for help when it comes to emotional eating/overeating/breaking that psychological connection, she's not really wanting to go there with me. She gives me very little help and keeps saying, "maybe you just won't have this surgery"...and suggests calling local weight loss places that focus on holistic methods of weight loss, etc. that cost $$$. She keeps telling me I need to read all of these books on "miracle weight loss", "medicine is bad", etc. ...ok, so....I know if someone is offering you some "magic unrealistic" guarantee if you "buy their program" they will promise you guaranteed weight loss for life....Ok, that's not for me. I've been there, done that, time and time again. You know the story...the diets we've all tried, the books we've all read, the shakes, you name it. I'm pushing 50 years old...been around the block with weight loss, like all of us here and I'm just not buying it. But, I did try to hear her out. What I'm disappointed in is that I feel that this relationship with this therapist is not helpful. I think I probably need to find another avenue of therapy. I know my hospital offers some group therapy, which I plan on doing. I'm grateful for this website and forum for help and support. If anyone has any advice - therapy suggestions, books/podcasts, etc. to work on my mental health with the emotional eating connection - I would be so grateful. I am working hard already at trying to change these things for myself now so I can be successful. Thank you again for your help!!

15 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

re: open vs laproscopic RNY - almost all RNY's are done laproscopically these days. Although I suppose there's a rare situation where one has to be done laproscopically, the only people I know who had open ones had them done many years ago.

I went with RNY primarily because I had GERD. Also, when I had my surgery a few years ago, the sleeve was just becoming popular - it was rapidly replacing the lapband as the RNY alternative. I had a fear of it turning into "Lapband 2" a few years down the road, so I wanted the tried & true. RNY had been around for awhile and it had a lot of solid research behind it. However, VSG has been around long enough at this point that I wouldn't have that particular concern if I was making the decision today, but I would still go with the RNY because of my GERD issue.

I'm still very happy with my decision. There are more potential complications with the RNY, but honestly, both surgeries are very safe, and major complications are rare.

Thank you for sharing, I'm so happy to hear about your great experience. Glad to hear that either surgery will be great.

Thanks so much for the responses. I do not have GERD, fortunately. These things are good to know. The surgeon did mention that Sleeve was the most popular among the bariatric surgeries he performs. My OBGYN said the same thing about COVID - hope it doesn't push back bariatric surgeries.

Hi there,

I just started my bariatric journey and am awaiting my one-on-one appointment with my surgeon.

My basic healthy history is High Blood Pressure, NAFLD, PCOS, sleep Apnea, Anxiety/Depression. I had my gallbladder removed 5 years ago, just had my colonoscopy and was just diagnosed with Type II Diabetes (A1C was 7.8).

The 2 options for surgery are either gastric sleeve or RNY. According to all the charts, etc., looks like RNY may be best but of course it's more invasive. My surgeon only does RNYs laparoscopically, not open.

Not sure what the final outcome will be but...would like anyone's 2 cents about which surgery they chose if they have a similar medical profile.

I just changed my diet - and rather drastically - because of the diabetes. As low carb as possible, lots of Water, veggies, etc.

I'm hoping to bring my weight down as much as I can before surgery and then of course, there's the liquid diet yet to come....

My largest concerns are my liver - I've been taking Organic Milk Thistle for quite a while, not sure it helped much according to recent bloodwork - guessing my diet is what's going to help? I've also had a liver biopsy when I had the gallbladder removal. Second concern is getting that A1C down. Diabetes came as a surprise as my A1C had been in the 5 range for the longest time. Of course, I gained weight over COVID...and have been stressed, you name it. Going through perimenopause, etc.

Any advice, I'm all ears! Thanks!