mrsjo

I too have PCOS. Not had my surgery yet, but my very wise OBGYN told me hormones are slow to come around. What you’re seeing today is the result of what you were doing related to hormones 9 months ago. The initial stuff is related to that excess estrogen, further out is just probably more hormonal as I’m not back to a normal hormone yet. Hopefully time will tell and be better 3-6 months from now. I’m no doctor, just a nurse, but what he said made sense to me.

Hands down my favorite is CrossFit. I used to do lap swimming and deep Water aerobics but it is too far from my house and classes don’t take place at a good time of day for my schedule. I still love yoga, I have DDP yoga and in general in just really helps with strength and flexibility. Since starting my 6mo preop phase I picked up CrossFit and have finally found an exercise I love doing and even don’t mind to get up early to do. I’m a quiet person somewhat introverted and still love it. I like it because you compete against yourself first and foremost and everyone works so hard there isn’t time to compare each other. The fittest to the slowest (me) all encourage and support. It’s a good environment and you gain strength and endurance for everyday life. It is also modifiable for every level. I didn’t believe that until I went but it’s true.

On 11/02/2021 at 16:32, vikingbeast said:

Weight belts? They help brace your core (remember, tight core = stability) by giving you something to press against when you breathe. I would never do heavy lifts without one—in fact I wear one bench pressing even, because it helps the core stability. In fact, I just donated my old weight belt because it's too big for me, and am halfway through the holes on my new weight belt.

If you are braced properly and using proper form you shouldn't have to worry about hernias. If you're not braced properly or have bad form, you're gonna get hurt one way or another.

Thanks! I guess I may need to get one then. Our coach is all about proper form, etc. and no one has said you need to get one, but plenty of people do use them. Thanks again!

On 11/02/2021 at 14:54, Lem32 said:

They moved my surgery up to November 17th

Yay! Congrats! So excited for you!

So what about the belts some people use? I never have, just wondered if that helps prevent hernias etc? I do worry about those things post op.

On 11/01/2021 at 14:03, vikingbeast said:

I am The Most Unlikely CrossFitter (started at my heaviest weight) and also mourned the enforced detention from the barbell.

I was told absolutely no weight at all for two weeks, walk only. After my two-week visit, I was cleared to for running, jumping rope, and biking (but not rowing, just because of the mechanics of it) and given a 10-lb. restriction which I will freely admit I stretched to 15 lbs so I could use a training bar. I went back to the gym and modified things heavily.

I was cleared to return to the gym fully at 6 weeks which was last week. I strongly, strongly suggest you plan to go slow as you return. If you used to go five days a week, go 2-3. If you went 3 days a week, go 1-2.

Scale. Absolutely. Everything. Your body will hurt just like it did when you started, and after the gyms reopened post-quarantine. We are finishing a strength cycle that I wasn't here for, so I'll just be kind of doing moderate weight and seeing how my mechanics have changed (cleans feel TOTALLY different), and will start the next strength cycle.

I will say that my running got better IMMEDIATELY. I went from a 14-minute mile where I had to stop and use an inhaler, to an 11-minute mile in just four weeks, and my inhaler is in a drawer. I ran an 800 m in under 5 minutes and didn't die. I actually can't wait to see how much closer I can get to a pull-up or a toes-to-bar with the increased mobility and less of a leaden weight in my @$$.

Oh, and for what it's worth, I was able to pull 60% of my heavy deadlift for 5 reps absolutely cold the week I returned. Will there be strength loss? Probably. But it's not as bad as I feared.

I too and the most “unlikely crossfitter”, but since I started it is the only exercise I truly enjoy. Or at least continue to want to do haha! I feel better knowing it won’t be months and months of doing nothing. Our coaches are great too, they will let me bike or whatever while everyone else does the other stuff I’m sure. Thanks for the replies!!!!

Hi all! I’m schedule for bypass Dec.13 and already wondering about post op exercise. I started CrossFit when I started my pre-op weight loss in June. I absolutely love it and it has helped me in so many ways already. I’m kind of feeling bummed that I know I won’t get to go for a while. I have read at least 6 weeks post op for more intense exercise other than walking. What kind of time frame or restrictions did you all experience? I know it is based on my surgeons recommendations but I’m just trying to prepare myself. I don’t want to lose all my strength progress but don’t want to hurt myself either. Thanks!

10/29/2021 09:38 AM, Lem32 said:

What are some of the books you are reading?

Sunnyway mentioned some in a post I read. The ones I’ve read so far and bought are:food junkies, a pound of cure and how weight loss surgery actually works by same author. Also weight loss surgery does not treat food addiction. I haven’t ordered any of the others but probably will. Very insightful books

I’m so glad to “know” some people here finally having bypass in December. It is good to have more in number so we can encourage each other. I’ve been trying to read and prepare myself with some of the great books one of the members posted about. I am new here but excited to learn more and be a support for each other!

On 10/28/2021 at 19:41, Lem32 said:

December 8th!!!! So excited, but kinda nervous now that I have an actual surgery date. Kinda worried if I can actual do this. Anyone else?

I’m starting to feel the same way worried if I can do this and just worried in general

I will say coming from someone who has had PCOS for 20+ years it is it’s own can of worms as far as trying to get it under control. I have a great doctor who realizes the struggle with it. Since starting on my pre-op weight loss I have realized how much it affects our weight. I can literally get 10-20 g more of carbohydrates per day and cause a weight gain. And I don’t necessarily mean “bad carbs” I mean even starchy vegetables, etc. There are some great PCOS resources out there for eating specifically for that disorder. Hoping you can find a plan or doctor who understands and can better help and treat you. I know the frustration it causes.

Wow my Baritastic app says 47 days to go until surgery! I like the countdown, but otherwise not sure if that app is my favorite! Hope you all are doing well!

I’m scheduled for 12/13, but having bypass . Excited to see others preparing for December as well!

Hi all! I’m about 6 weeks until surgery and I’m trying to pre-plan Protein sources, maybe even meal prep to freeze. I have tried using GENEPRO. Bought some injury today to try. Just wondering what you all would recommend to get to have for my post op period? Also wondering about if anyone did meal prep to freeze for afterwards? Just can’t think of what might be good to buy or prep and freeze ahead of time. Thanks!

On 10/15/2021 at 14:59, PhxSolRising said:

Curious, when did you get your surgery date? My Dr has been telling Dec 2021 but I haven’t received an “official” date yet. Hopefully soon 🤞🏽

Mine is Dec. 13th. Very odd though she said they won’t know till December if insurance is good with my date. Apparently it is 6 months exactly and that puts me just about 5-6 days past 6 months so they wouldn’t know until they requested. Sounds so crazy to me, but who knows🤷‍♀️

You all are so helpful. It has been hard to not have anyone close to talk to or bounce questions off of that knows about bypass. Not like local support groups can meet anymore so I appreciate the info.

Thank you for your responses! My doctors info says it is reserved for patients with BMI 50 or greater, I’m in the low 40s. I also have reflux so I guess that part would make me not so suited for the switch??? I am interested though because just like you all have said, it gives you better weight gain resistance for the long haul. It also, I’m sure, does come with more risk/complications maybe.

So I am scheduled for bypass in December. Recently I’ve read several things about the switch. Wondering why one opts for that or what makes you more suited for that vs the bypass. It comes down to the end of the line before final decision from my surgeon and I, but looks like my office isn’t a big pusher of the switch due to more risks and complications. Would just like to hear from real people here who have had it.

@Wickerbuni I am still in the pre-surgery stage but my husband has been almost like yours. He says “you can just keep doing what you’re doing exercising and watching your diet and do it without the surgery”. I am like HELLO been trying for years unsuccessfully! I do think as time passes they may change their minds. Maybe it is more fear that we might have complications or something and it seems like people act like it’s a cosmetic surgery not a true health need surgery. Hoping he comes alongside you as does mine.

Well I have a date for December set. Hopefully everything goes through with insurance since my nutrition class for December is a little earlier in the month, but otherwise things seem to be on track. Just wondered who else might be a December RNY out there???

I’m hoping only 1-2 days. I’m afraid I can’t take 2 weeks because it is right at Christmas when other people want off too. I’m hopeful I can get surgery changed from a Monday to a Thursday or Friday so I can go back to work the next Monday. I’m hoping that will be enough time for me to do my desk job at home…..

I know this is a very broad question, but just trying to plan days off. I got a date, a Monday in December. I will be having RNY and wondering how many days I should ask off work? I work from home BUT I know that it will at least be a couple, right? Just wondering what the average of was from anyone here?

Sounds interesting, what is it about and the workbooks?

Just wanted to see if anyone had or will be having surgery with Dr. Johnson in Pikeville, KY?

Thank you all so much for replying!!!! I feel so much better about my decision to switch. This is so hard to talk to anyone about because I don’t know many people or doctors and my family just wants me to do what is best. So thankful to have a place to ask and talk about these types of things. I’m not on Facebook where I think there are probably more support groups so this is very helpful! Thank you all again!