BirdLady21

I just wanted to share since this is a safe place.

On 12/23/2021 at 08:34, Fl_Dad said:

Congratulations!

Thank you!!!! 💛💛💛💛

On 12/23/2021 at 08:24, lizonaplane said:

Congratulations on your fabulous weight loss! Yes, it's important to get enough calories, even though we feel like when we eat we're "ruining our surgery" sometimes.

I hope you have continued success and that the changes you are making with eating more and the B12 injections will improve your energy.

Thank you!!!! 💛💛💛💛I actually never thought that eating would ruin my weight loss. I would love to eat more. I’m honestly not hungry at all. I haven’t begin to feel hunger yet. I have to set alarms to eat. My surgery team told me that I don’t have to eat more, just make a few tweaks to what I am eating. For instance, adding Peanut Butter to my apple sauce or yogurt to get the calories up. Or adding low fat mayo to my tuna instead of just eating it with a little pepper. I do eat 5-6 times a day. I think when I’m completely healed, I might start to feel hunger and be able to get more in.

Hello everyone!!!! It has officially been 1 month since I I went gastric bypass. I am currently down 32lbs. On my surgery date 11/23/2021 I was 276lbs. Today I am 244.6 lbs. This month is been CRAZY. Especially the last week or so. I’ve been extremely week, but speaking with my RN and dietician we determined I’m not getting enough calories and I am in ketosis. I will be speaking with my surgeon today as well just to see if there is anything else that he would add. Besides the lack of energy, I feel pretty good. I had an issue with acid reflux, but a little Prilosec and zofran cleared that right up. I also have been put on monthly B12 injections. Just giving a one month update. 💛💛💛💛

12/20/2021 02:21 AM, imgoincrazy said:

Thank you all for the thought out replies, I truly appreciate it.

I understand that I shouldn't have taken the cheap route, but I didn't have 25k laying around to get the surgery done in the U.S.

With that said, I talked to a few friends who used the same surgeon within the last year or so and they all said great things about him and they averaged close to 1 pounds lost per day for the first 60 days. That definitely was what lured me in since I've been trying to lose weight for almost a decade now and I always rebound.

For the record, I don't have heartburn. He just prescribed it to me "in case" I get heartburn in the morning or at night. It's just a preventative.

My second phase is week 3 and 4, and it involves a "Full fluid" diet; basically a clear liquid diet but I do get to have some other things like sugar substitutes, fat free yoghurt, fat free custard, and fat free creamy Soups (no chunks).

I also got a visit from him and the nutritionist post-op where they explained what kind of lifestyle changes I have to make now that it's done (chewing a lot, exercice more regularly, Portion Control, etc.) so it's not like they're completely irresponsible; it's just that they don't see it as a major op and told me that as long as I don't cheat and follow through with all phases, I would be good. It's easy for us Americans to judge their actions, but at the end of the day I did it in a country where the medical field is more advanced than what we have and I truly believe that we make it difficult because insurance companies wanna bill you the most for everything and obesity + overconsumption is seen as benefitial to the economy.

Pureed food is for week 5 and 6. This is where I get to have some Protein, 45-50grams a day split up between 6 small meals(1 boiled egg, 1 cup of fat free milk, 30grams of soft cheese or low fat cheese, 1 can of tuna in Water drained).

Weeks 7 and 8 is soft foods and then after 2 months its solid foods but maximum of 8 spoonfuls per meal.

I guess I should just go ahead and say that I did it in Israel, so if you have any doubts on the quality of healthcare over there; know that it's in the top 10 whereas the US is in the bottom 48.

I hope this works out well, will keep you updated!

Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I understand you have to do what you have to do. I didn’t have 25k laying around either. Believe it or not. Lol!!!!

I only had to be on the clear liquid diet for 2 days. The day before the surgery. No food or drink the day of the surgery. Clear liquid the day after surgery. I started my full liquid diet when I got home.
Week 1 - full liquid
Week 2-3 - pureed (protein shake for at least one meal or snack)
Week 4 - soft foods (1 Protein Shake per day)
This is for RYN.

Every surgery is different though. Each center has their own post-op instructions. I can share mine with you if you would like. It gives tips on what to and not to eat. Even warns against raw fruit and veggies for a specific time.

Not at all bashing your decision. I’m sorry if it came off that way. I just know my surgery center is AMAZING. I didn’t want people to get the impression that their aren’t good centers in the US. You got to do what you got to do. Just pointing out the difference in patient preparation and post op care.
I guess it’s unfair for me to just say abroad. There are people in the US who still don’t get the type of prep and post op care that I received. My surgery was done through the #1 hospital in my state.
I went through my insurance. I barely made the cut, but I made it. I’m 5’6” and was 276 pounds. I had Aetna and I found one of their “Centers of Excellence.” Thus why my surgery was through the #1 hospital in my state. I have spoken to other people who have had the surgery in the US and they didn’t receive the type of preparation and care that I receive. So I guess it all depends on where you go. US or abroad. There are some amazing hospitals in the US just takes some researching.

I’m glad you had a good outcome overall. Now that I think about it obesity isn’t as big as a problem in other countries as it is in America. There’s no doubt that their surgical skills are superior, but the challenge really begins post op. It’s good there are forums, support groups, and good old google, so you can get more information.

Sending love and blessings your way.
And yes, please keep us updated.
💛💛💛💛
💛💛💛💛

On 12/19/2021 at 14:22, Jerald180 said:

Had my mini gastric bypass on Nov 19th. As of today I am down 29 lbs. Is that average? Almost seems excessive. A pound a day…

I had mine of the 23rd of November and I am down 29lbs. I was shocked like you, but it seems to be normal. 💛💛💛💛

Congratulations on your sleeve. First I’m going to address the issue of Protein. In the beginning Protein is super important. It helps heal, Hair loss, muscle building, skin elasticity, etc. My full liquid diet consisted of 3 Protein Shakes a day with a list of other fluids in between my shakes. My surgery center let me know it was imperative that I got in at least 3 Protein Shakes a day. I went home with a 30 day supply of Bariatric Fusion protein power and Vitamins. Along with prescription for nausea and pain. So not having any protein for two week properly isn’t a good thing. They also gave me a list of approved bariatric protein shakes and powders so I can order more once I ran out of what they sent me home with.

Now to address the negative, I don’t recommend anyone go abroad or go for a cheaper version. I actually feel sad for you because we went to a place that didn’t give you the correct information to be successful in the long run. This surgery is about so much more than have someone reputable to cut into you. It’s good to have a surgery team to be there for you before and after the surgery and to let you up for success.

Everyone’s situation is different. Your starting weight was like mine in the 200s, so I didn’t have to undergo some of the things that others have. I must mention the I had RNY and not sleeve.

There are a couple of things that I see that I know my surgery center in the US would have caught. Assuming you had heart burn before your surgery, RNY would have been the way to go instead.
Also I started my surgery journey in August and I had my surgery in November in the US. During the months leading up to surgery, I was taught a new way of eating not only food choices, but also how to chew, eat slower, and take smaller bites. Most of all how to get used to not drinking for 30-45 minutes after eating. This was the hardest habit to break. Lol!!!! This made it easier for after surgery. I was also accustomed to ending this new way.
I had several tests done just to ensure I was healthy enough handle the anesthesia. During the coarse of these tests it was discovered that I had sleep apnea and an irregular heart beat. Had I gone aboard and settled for a cheaper option, I could have died one the table because the anesthesiologist not know of these issues and we hadn’t worked to correct them as much as possible before hand.
I had to work with a psychiatrist to work through my emotional eating. Now I turn to prayer or journaling instead of a bowl of ice cream and potato chips.

So I said all that to say, YES you need protein.
And to discourage anyone from taking a short cut or cheaper option. As you can see you can easily be given misinformation or left without the necessary info and tools to be successful after the surgery.

Best wishes 💛💛💛💛

Congratulations on your sleeve. First I’m going to address the issue of Protein. In the beginning Protein is super important. It helps heal, Hair loss, muscle building, skin elasticity, etc. My full liquid diet consisted of 3 Protein Shakes a day with a list of other fluids in between my shakes. My surgery center let me know it was imperative that I got in at least 3 protein shakes a day. I went home with a 30 day supply of Bariatric Fusion protein power and Vitamins. Along with prescription for nausea and pain. So not having any protein for two week properly isn’t a good thing. They also gave me a list of approved bariatric protein shakes and powders so I can order more once I ran out of what they sent me home with.

Now to address the negative, I don’t recommend anyone go abroad or go for a cheaper version. I actually feel sad for you because we went to a place that didn’t give you the correct information to be successful in the long run. This surgery is about so much more than have someone reputable to cut into you. It’s good to have a surgery team to be there for you before and after the surgery and to let you up for success.

Everyone’s situation is different. Your starting weight was like mine in the 200s, so I didn’t have to undergo some of the things that others have. I must mention the I had RNY and not sleeve.

There are a couple of things that I see that I know my surgery center in the US would have caught. Assuming you had heart burn before your surgery, RNY would have been the way to go instead.
Also I started my surgery journey in August and I had my surgery in November in the US. During the months leading up to surgery, I was taught a new way of eating not only food choices, but also how to chew, eat slower, and take smaller bites. This made it easier for after surgery. I was also accustomed to ending this new way.
I had several tests done just to ensure I was healthy enough handle the anesthesia. During the coarse of these tests it was discovered that I had sleep apnea and an irregular heart beat. Had I gone aboard and settled for a cheaper option, I could have died one the table because the anesthesiologist not know of these issues and we hadn’t worked to correct them as much as possible before hand.
I had to work with a psychiatrist to work through my emotional eating. Now I turn to prayer or journaling instead of a bowl of ice cream and potato chips.

So I said all that to say, YES you need protein.
And to discourage anyone from taking a short cut or cheaper option. As you can see you can easily be given misinformation or left without the necessary info and tools to be successful after the surgery.

Best wishes 💛💛💛💛

On 12/17/2021 at 17:34, FutureSylph said:

Just in case you didn't know this -- the Premier Protein cafe latte flavor pre-made shake contains caffeine, but the powder doesn't. It might be worth trying the powder to see if you tolerate that better.

Yeah, I found that out the hard way. It made me so sick. I didn’t even think about it containing caffeine. Lesson learned. Thanks for the tip on the power. 💛💛💛💛

On 12/02/2021 at 08:59, GreenTealael said:

Hopefully everyone is doing well! ❤️



I finally started exploring collagen supplements. I using an unflavored powder in drinks and so far no tolerance issues.

Anyone else taking a separate collagen supplement? Recommendations?

I use the Bariatric Fusion unflavored collagen. It also has Protein. I also have Further food collagen peptides vanilla flavor from Amazon. If you are more of a Vitamin person, I also have the vital Vitamins multi collagen complex. Also found on Amazon. I just open the capsules and blend them in with my shakes.

On 12/15/2021 at 10:24, Flab-U-Less Forever said:

I think the reason for Hair loss is similar hair loss after pregnancy. After giving birth, your estrogen levels drop significantly and more hair goes into the resting stage (the hair stage prior to shedding). Since lots of hair goes into this stage, lots of hair is shed at the same time. Normally (aka non-pregnant), I think only about 10% of your hair is in the rest/shed stage. Our bodies store estrogen in the fat cells so when you lose weight fast due to WLS, your body is flooded with estrogen. As your weight loss slows, the amount of estrogen in your body drops similar to post pregnancy.

I hope you don't have a problem with Hair loss and I hope I don't either! I'm just trying to make myself believe that it is only hair and it will grow back. I'll take the long term weight loss with some short term funky hair than long term obesity and long term good (ish) hair 🙂

Thank you for that information. It all make sense. I have never been pregnant so I didn’t know hair loss was an issue in pregnancy. I tell myself the same thing about weight loss over hair loss, but realistically super attached to my hair. Lol!!!! I almost opted out of the surgery because of the possible hair loss. Yep. It was that serious. Lol!!!! My dietician told me what yo do minimize it and talked me back into the surgery. If it happens, it happens. I’ll adjust and it will grow back. Just trying to stay positive and do what I can on my end. Thanks, Love💛💛💛💛

12/14/2021 06:54 PM, GreenTealael said:

I have locs (22 yrs now) and I did A LOT of low manipulation and semi free forming when I originally had surgery in the end of 2017.

I was so worried about Hair loss I did a ton of research in med journals on treatments for Telogen Effluvium (the type of hair loss most WLS patients experience) you can find a compilation of the journals I found most promising here:

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/421061-worried-about-hair-loss/?tab=comments&comment=4718574&embedComment=4718574&embedDo=findComment#comment-4718574

I had mild thinning along my temples and didn’t lose any locs. Pics included❤️

      

Thank you soooo much!!!! Your locs are beautiful 💛💛💛💛. I’m only 4 years in, but I was praying I wouldn’t have to cut them. I interlock every 4-6 months. My locs are really small. I have well over 300 of them. They’re not sisterlocks through. This is super helpful, Love 💛💛💛💛

On 12/14/2021 at 15:14, ms.sss said:

Yep, me too. Not a Breakfast eater and never was…even pre-op. My first meal of the day is generally after noon.

But I do have my coffee (black) soon after I wake up in the morning.

Oh, but in the early months after surgery, I used to eat a tablespoon of yogurt to help my Calcium pills go down easier…if i didn't, i’d get all sorts of stomach cramping cuz my stomach was empty.

Am 3 years out now and the no-breakfast eating seems to have had/have no effect to my weight loss nor maintenance.

Good luck! ❤️

Okay. Good to know. I’ve always been a major breakfast eater. I’m just going to have to adjust. My tummy can’t handle caffeine yet. I tried the coffee Protein Shake and it was the worst day I’ve had yet. I tried it at week 2. 💛💛💛💛

On 12/14/2021 at 14:46, ClareLynn said:

I always avoided Breakfast and after surgery it’s even worse. I sip flavored water for about 2 hours before I feel up to anything else in my tummy. It needs time to wake up. 😂

I guess my tummy has to wake up as well. I’ve always enjoyed breakfast. Truly believed it was the most important meal of the day. Lol!!!!

On 12/14/2021 at 14:38, Sleeve_Me_Alone said:

I have never liked Breakfast, and have never eaten it. It often upsets my stomach and leaves me sort of "off" the rest of the day. That hasn't really changed for me post-op. I definitely feel more restriction early in the day, which makes breakfast even more undesirable. I usually have my cup of coffee and then a Protein Shake, or if I'm busy, I'll hold off and have an early lunch. I usually spread my Vitamins out between coffee and my first meal and that seems to work for me.

I’m the exact opposite. I’ve always loved breakfast. Sometimes I would eat breakfast and and little to nothing else throughout the day. Lol!!!! That’s why this is so weird.

On 12/14/2021 at 21:15, Tomo said:

I can't really eat anything until after I have coffee in the morning. If I try anything solid, I usually will get the foamies. It is very tight during the first few hours and I am going into my fifth month after RNY. My surgeon said to have warm tea or coffee in the morning to help. I put almond milk, collagen and sometimes Protein Powder. I don't miss Breakfast since i was never a breakfast person either.

Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you so much. This was very helpful. I’ll try some tea and see if that helps. I can’t do coffee. I was one of those who had a little coffee with my sugar. I have the coffee flavored Protein Shakes, but they made me sick. I guess my tummy wasn’t ready for the caffeine yet. It was at week 2. I’ve always been a breakfast person. That’s why this feels so weird. Thank you for the advice on trying something warm. 💛💛💛💛

On 12/14/2021 at 17:50, catwoman7 said:

people are kind of across the board when it comes to Hair loss. Some don't lose any at all - some lose a lot - but most of us are somewhere in the middle. It's not really common for it to fall out in noticeable clumps - most people just kind of "shed" for a few months. I didn't lose very much hair. I know I was losing it because I saw a more strands than normal in my combs, but just looking at my hair in the mirror, I couldn't tell. So I'm sure no one else could.

about all you can is keep on top of your supplements and Protein so it won't get any worse than it will anyway, which you're already doing. And keep your fingers crossed! I don't know if not manipulating it would make a difference, but someone else might have experience with that.

Thank you for your insight. I will be sure to get my Protein and supplements in and say lots and lots of prayers. ☺️☺️☺️☺️💛💛💛💛

On 12/14/2021 at 17:56, Jaminthia said:

Good afternoon,

My SIL had a VSG, she didn't lose any hair at all. Her locs were baby locs less than 2 years old.

My locs were about 3 inches past my bra strap.

My locs started to thin a little at the root, so I changed from twisting them to interlocking.

That made a little bit of a difference, I chose to cut my locs, now they are shoulder length.

My thinning was hereditary and not caused my weight loss.

That said, I keep up with my Water and my Protein to keep the Hair loss to a minimum.

Final answer, no you probably won't have to cut your locs unless you want to.

Thank you so much for this. I have been interlocking from the beginning. I have really small locs. Over 300. Plus I used to hike and garden so I had to wash my hair a lot and twisting was pointless. Lol!!!! I now interlock every 4-6 months. I had my hair interlocked a week before surgery so would not have to do any major manipulating and pulling for several months after surgery. I have heard a lot if VSG patients say they didn’t lose any hair because they don’t deal with the malabsorption like we RYN patients do. I don’t know if that is the reason or not. I try not to touch it at all unless I’m moisturizing my scalp or washing it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RESPONDING. 💛💛💛💛

Oh my goodness I was looking at those the other day. Today is week 3 for me. I get the outshine no sugar added fruit pops. I only eat one every 2-3 days. They are satisfying. If you like the fudge taste. You can make some Sugar Free Chocolate Jello pudding. I use Protein reduced fat lactaid instead of regular fat free milk. I add some unflavored Bariatric Fusion Protein power to it. I do this with the sugar free cheesecake pudding. You can do it with chocolate instead. Hope this helps. 💛💛💛💛

Is there anyone who has had gastric bypass and has dreadlocks???? I am doing a lot of my end to try and combat Hair loss as best as I can. Making sure I’m getting my Protein in, other supplements, and collagen, etc. I know hair loss is a part of the surgery but I’m doing what I can to minimize it when I get to that point. I am only 3 weeks ends right now. My dreadlocks fall between the middle of my back and my “bottom.” I was wondering since our hair doesn’t require a lot of manipulation if the hair loss is the same of us. I just wash my hair and keep it up in a bun yo lessen the manipulation. I saw one YouTube say she didn’t lose her locs but she lost her edges. I know everyone’s experience is different, but wondering if I would have to cut off my locs.
Thank you in advance for your responses. 💛💛💛💛

Does anyone else have problems with eating Breakfast? ??? I still have a Protein Shake or smoothie for breakfast. I can mix my Vitamins and supplements in with my shakes first thing in the morning. It is my hardest meal to get down. I even struggle to drink Water first thing in the morning. Today is officially 3 weeks for my since gastric bypass. It literally feels like my pouch is closed early in the morning. I have never thrown up or anything. It can about 1.5 - 2 hours to get down a 8-10oz shake. Has anyone else experienced this???? I don’t have this problem any other time of day. Only breakfast.
Thanks in advance 💛💛💛💛

I started taking birth control pills the week before my surgery. I had gastric bypass 2.5 weeks ago. I am thinking of switching to the arm implant because of the malabsorption for gastric bypass. I don’t know if I can trust my husband to exit the premises at the right time. Lol!!!!

I am interested in joining a zoom support group

Oh my goodness. My incisions have been so itchy yesterday and today. Today was the first day that I could take an actual shower and I thought that would help. No dice. Has anyone else experienced this???? I’m thinking of getting some children’s Benadryl to help. It’s about to drive me crazy.

I am 4 days post op and I literally sip Water ALL DAY LONG. I recommend getting different flavors of shakes. The only shakes I drink are Bariatric Fusion brand and Premier Protein. Having a variety of flavors helps me not to get bored. My hardest shake to drink is my dinner. Today and yesterday I used the chicken noodle Soup Protein power. I add 6oz of Water and 2 oz chicken brother with a teaspoon of stained cream of chicken Soup. When I make make shakes I add 8oz of lactaid and 2 oz of water. Takes a little longer to drink, but I end of getting more fluids. It helps to have something warm and savory. Plus it will add yo your fluids. Just sip sip sip all day long. I also drink 0 sugar Protein Gatorade. It helps you get in your fluids and protein without drinking a shake. I also mix the unflavored protein in my Jello and pudding. Just keep sipping.