LookingForward22

Two new NSV’s: most of my necklaces I have always needed an extender for, but this week I was able to wear one of my favorites without an extender. When I went for a drs appt, my doctor proudly stated… I’m soon going to need the regular blood-pressure cuff for you! Progress has been slow… slower than I’d like, but things seem to be moving in the right direction still.

I have a coat that was my moms (she passed in 2017) that I could wear but never button closed… I can button it!! Not only can I button it, it’s loose! That was a moment that literally made me dance. Lol

I feel your pain! I seems to hit long plateaus and they are frustrating. I saw that although the scale wasn’t moving in those weeks - my body was changing, clothes were still getting smaller, skin was firming or readjusting - so that was nice to see! I noticed my calories and protein were on the low side because I’m struggling with amounts I can eat but when I can bump those calories and protein up some, I would notice a loss. Keep up the good work! We can do this!! :)

Congrats!!!

My team recommends Miralax and Colace (if needed). I have IBS and sometimes… copacetic is needed. But I always start with Miralx first. So far between the two it’s been manageable.

My program doesn’t set goal weights (however they do ask if you have one to asses if your goals are realistic). My goals were focused on my health (all met and surpassed) so far, but I have personally set mini goals for myself. First one was get below 300 pounds. (Check) Second mini goal was loose 100 pounds total (as of today check… 57 pounds before surgery, 43 pounds since surgery). I haven’t set my next mini goal yet - I need to think about it a little. I am hoping to loose a good bit more… working towards a healthy BMI, but along the way if I feel like “this is where I feel and look my best” I’ll stay there. I’d love to hit ONEderland, just because it’s been forever since I’ve been there… but we will see where this journey takes me.

Congratulations! I had recently crossed over myself and I still sometimes forget to start with 2 when log my weight.

Congratulations!!! How exciting.

Update & NSV: Friday was my 4 month follow up. I weighed in at 47 pounds down from surgery and 97 pounds lost total. My clothes are getting pretty big on me but I’m trying to modify my clothes rather than buy new for as long as possible. I was helping at a school event and one of the other volunteers came up to me (who hasn’t seen me since last April) - gushing over how good I looked … saying “I almost didn’t recognize you”. I have had several people tell me that lately (many saying it’s was due to my shorter hair, I think they were embarrassed or unsure how to mention my weight-loss). Funny thing is because my loss has been gradual my family and I don’t really “see” it as much - so when people react to it, usually it’s sweet. I’m struggling getting enough calories and protein because I have some sinus drainage that make eating difficult but otherwise my dr and nutritionist think I’m on a really good track and are encouraging me to keep up the good work. I would have like to have lost more by now, but one advantage to slower loss is my skin is looking pretty good in general. I still have a lot to loose. I don’t have an ideal number set in my mind. I’ve already met all of my health related goals. In my perfect world getting down to the 100’s would be great, but as long as I’m healthy and avoid regaining… I’m happy. Having lots of plateaus which can be frustrating but with my calories being low that’s kinda expected.

@ShoppGirl - I understand your frustration, but hang in there. No one wants diabetes, but some answers would be nice. My Thyroid showed fine for several tests and across multiple years, but it wasn’t working properly. Also my body wasn’t processing insulin efficiently - but it wasn’t consistent. Sometimes it worked ok (my numbers/labs were fine) sometimes it didn’t. I don’t have a diabetes diagnosis, but I do have an insulin resistance / Metabolic Syndrome dx. I’m glad you are going to follow up with an Endo just for clarification. Hopefully they can help you look at what might be going on and either find some answers or help treat some of symptoms you have, lessening the overall impact. I’ve been where you are and it isn’t fun. I hope that you are able to get some answers and make some progress soon. It’s very frustrating when our body’s are fighting against us, despite our best efforts. Hang in there, you’ve got this. If you need to chat or anything DM me. Keep up the good work, you can do this!

I’ve had two c-sections, and I had a very easy time with both… probably abnormally easy. My first one 24 yrs ago) - no staples, they glued me. No issues at all. My 2nd (21 yrs ago) I had staples, but still very easy recovery. My VSG, had I wore my binder the whole time - I would say would have been easier. The most discomfort I had was my incision where they removed my stomach. The muscles were pretty sore there, but manageable. I never took anything stronger than Tylenol. Ice and heat were my friend - but my binder helped the most. Over all I’d say that the binder helped keep the muscles from pulling as much. As soon as that pulling stoped, I had no discomfort.

I understand your concern - took me years to get my endocrine issues diagnosed because I wasn’t cookie cutter either. My endocrinologist is amazing working with my weight, thyroid and other issues. Find a good one and I would bet they can be supportive and helpful - even if it’s not 100% fixed. Take one breath at a time and I can’t imagine you’ve blown your chance - at worst let’s hope this is just a side step and you will soon be back on track. Let us know how things are going. My progress has been slow and tedious, but between the looooong stalls - I am still making baby steps forward I’m getting there. You will too!!!

I don’t have a diabetes diagnosis at this point (hoping to avoid that) but I was diagnosed with metabolic resistance and was on my way towards a diabetes diagnosis prior to weight loss surgery. Metabolic resistance can cause your body to react in different ways and really make loosing weight difficult - even when you are doing everything right. It’s a combination of several medical conditions that affect how your body breaks down and processes insulin. I struggled having to eat less than a 900 calories (prior to WLS) to see any results along with exercise (it was not maintainable long term). Eventually I agreed to try some medication - which made all the difference, I was finally able to eat reasonably and loose weight (slowly) but I was loosing. My body still fights me - but it’s better. I’m hoping the damage that metabolic syndrome can cause is reversible for me - depends on several factors (like how much damage was done while it was active, if my weight was the cause or genetics). The tests I’ve had are the fasting glucose & A1C, I’ve had non fasting test (but not asked to eat anything specific) and I’ve had to drink the sugary drink (which is awful). A family Dr is a good place to start, but I’d suggest talking with an endocrinologist if you don’t have one you see. Mine has been a blessing helping me dial in things and he doesn’t solely rely on labs to do it. He looks at my labs and my symptoms to make adjustments… in addition to metabolic syndrome - I have Hashimoto’s also. While ranges are great to guide you if you are looking for something wrong. My Endo is the first to say “that may not be what’s normal for you, so let’s see if we can do better”. Since my WLS I’ve had improved numbers across the board, except my cholesterol, but that might stay high till my weight stabilizes. I still have to take a medication to help my body process the insulin and when I take it, the weight comes off slowly but more easily than when I don’t. (Even if I am eating all the same things and doing the same activity). As far as what to eat, I would think the dr wants to see how your body is processing carbs in your normal diet, if they didn’t give you specific guidelines on what to eat. My guess on the “big meal” is they don’t want you to eat minimally and the test results wouldn’t be as accurate. Depending on the results - it might dictate the next test(s). So I would eat whatever the normal diet is I was eating (and struggling with) to give an accurate reflection of how my body is handling the breakdown, not cutting out carbs or anything else (dessert or snacks) that I would normally have. Good luck!

I agree with therapy as an option if talking to him doesn’t get you anywhere. If it’s not his nature to be insecure or jealous, it’s possible he’s hearing things from male coworkers that you aren’t, not necessarily about you but how others talk about women in general and when you share things (rightfully so… to get honest with him) he gets upset - knowing how the coworkers can be. It could be as simple as wanting to protect you or it could be he’s becoming insecure as you become healthier. Either way - the best way to get to the bottom of it is to talk to him. And if the two of you can’t work through it one on one, a counselor might be the next step. Best of luck!

Congratulations on the improvement of your A1C and weight loss, but I am sorry about the struggles you are having. I hope that the medication helps keep you moving in the right direction and your health continues to improve.

In my 30’s -early 40’s (I’m 48 now) … I had attention (both positive and unwanted) from men even at 300-330 pounds. I won’t lie - any positive attention threw me off, but that was more likely because I had just gone through a divorce and was not very trusting. I’m remarried now and in a healthy relationship. I’ve had drs dismiss my concerns telling me I needed to loose weight and I recall one time a kid commenting out loud about my weight, but otherwise either I wasn’t aware or didn’t pay attention. I once had a conversation with a coworker / friend, she commented I didn’t carry myself like someone who was overweight … and I honestly had no idea what that meant, so I asked her. She was a little embarrassed to even have the conversation with me, but she said I carried myself with such a confidence that she never really saw my weight. I actually had a similar conversations with a few other people over the years and it struck me a little odd, but eventually I understood what they were saying. After I was in a car accident and had some mobility issues, I carried myself differently. I didn’t want those issues to be noticed or focused on so I would often be more timid in how I carried myself or move to draw less attention. It was then that I noticed I had more eyes on me… judgements about my size. With my current weight loss (down 91 lbs so far), I honestly don’t see a big change in my body yet… my clothes are getting to big, but I can still wear most of them. I carry a lot of weight in my thighs and abdomen, so I think I’ll feel more of a change once that changes. I have had a few people mention my weight loss, kindly… but most don’t say anything. I notice I’m walking different - bigger strides and less guarded (because of having less pain). I do think how we carry ourself makes a difference how people look at us. I think in general I am oblivious to it … and that’s probably not a bad thing (to be unaware of other peoples negative judgements).

I had a higher starting weight (My highest was 382 - down to 330 by the time I saw my surgeon) … I initially wanted sleeve because of many of the reasons you stated, but was prepared for my dr to recommend bypass because of my starting weight and reflux. After meeting with my surgeon I asked her opinion- based on my medical history and her experience of outcomes. I have IBS and for about 8 months prior to surgery was dealing with reflux. I also took a daily (2x a day) NSAID pre surgery that she advised that I stop until my post-op follow up, but that I could resume if needed after she saw me. I was really surprised when she told me she didn’t recommend bypass for me and why. She was a surgeon who had extensive experience with all of the surgery options, so I was confident she wasn’t steering me towards what she was comfortable with routinely doing. She actually recommended sleeve (with a hernia repair) and told me if I wanted a revision later - she’d recommend going with a duodenal switch. She mentioned to me that because of the extended length of the DS surgery time, she prefers to do that surgery in two stages. I was honest and told her the second phase of that surgery scared me a little. She was very understanding about that and told me that the sleeve and bypass had very similar outcomes in the 2 yr mark, reviewed the benefits and drawbacks of each and discussed with me that she has had quite a few patients have the sleeve (at my starting weight and higher) as the 1st phase who lost enough they decided not to go on to the DS, but knew it was an option if they wanted it. She was impressed with my weightloss up to that point and was confident with my history and medical conditions, I would be happy with the progress I would make with my surgery. I was 324 on the day of my surgery and at 10.5 weeks post op I’m down to 291. It’s definitely a slow progress, but I’ve had a few unrelated challenges in that time (being sick and dealing with issues from a car accident that occurred several years ago), but I’m headed in the right direction. At my followup she was very pleased with my progress and told me that she felt very good about the track I was on. I’m still very early in the process, but I’m glad I asked her what she recommended and why, based on her experience and my medical history. My husband and I were both comfortable with her explanations and very confident in our decisions because I felt like we had sound information to make a decision on. I’m hoping that I don’t decide to go in for a revision, that I can get down to a weight I’m comfortable with (I’m not sure what that number is yet, I’m hoping I know it when I feel it, lol), but if not - I know what my options are. Right now I’m still having some issues with being able to eat enough. I’m only able to eat very small amounts at a time, but other than that everything is going well. With the weight loss I’ve had - I have been able to stop my NSAID at this point. I had also stopped my PPI meds (but recently restarted it temporarily because a sinus infection stirred things up again… hoping to stop it as soon as that clears up). My IBS is still something I’m working with but so far it has been manageable. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I understand your frustration and I’m a big believer in listening to your gut. If something feels “off”, I’d explore more. I would hope they would have told you if they were unable to do what they had planned. Did the surgery fall within the estimated time frame they suggested it would? Being a revision - with a smaller removal, after a significant weightloss (than your first surgery) it’s plausible the time was much less to complete. The suggestion of the surgical notes is a good idea as well. I do think the others are right about healing and extra acid being the culprit… but asking your team about your concerns (still feeling hungry and not having restrictions) can’t hurt. Maybe your PPI needs adjusted (even if it temporarily) or they can recommend something like smaller portions more frequently to help. I have Hashimoto’s also and it can really fight you every step of the way on this. My Endo has been working with with me in the WLS journey and has been a big help. I was taking something to help with my metabolic syndrome prior to my surgery. I stopped it about the time of the surgery (because it could make me constipated and didn’t want to have that compound the dietary changes which could cause the same) but ended up starting it back up again after I got through that. Also we check my labs and looks at my symptoms to adjust my Synthroid. Sometimes my labs look good but I feel off and we do minor adjustments to keep my fickle body happy. I hope you find some answers!

Oddly enough I didn’t really notice “restriction” as much in the first two months of my surgery as I do now, especially with liquids. I was downing liquids with ease wondering - is this normal. Now I actually feel like - I can’t take another sip right now. (I’m about 10.5 weeks out from surgery). I even notice more restriction with soups and other things now - that I didn’t have before. Do you see an endocrinologist or a regular PCP for your POCS? I ask because my Endo had a much different approach to my metabolic and endocrine issues that general practice doctors. Things have been nicely dialed in and when things fluctuate (as they do) he is really good about adjusting meds to quickly address side effects from those fluctuations.

Little update: it’s been a long couple of months, but I am seeing some progress. Most of my challenges have nothing to do with the surgery… I have non-weight related health issues that have been flaring up. About 10.5 weeks out I’m about 34 pounds down since surgery and about 91 pounds down from the beginning of my journey. It feels awesome being in the 200’s after 20+ yrs!! But I still have a long way to go. I’’m looking forward to seeing 100 pounds gone! Which is my second “mini” goal (my first was being under 300). I’m 9 pounds away so I’m hoping soon. I’ve been sick for the last several weeks (sinus issues turned into a full blown sinus infection) - so that’s added a few challenges, I’m sure slowing my progress. I’m having trouble staying hydrated, between being sick and trying to time my eating and drinking (I’m still only able to eat small amounts so I need to eat frequently) The weight on the scales is coming off slowly, but clothes are getting bigger and NSV are definitely apparent. It’s helpful to have the NSV as reminders of what’s going right. My knees are feeling better since weight loss, I’m hoping more weight loss will equal more improvement. My energy has not rebounded like I’ve hoped, but I’ve also been sick for the last couple of weeks - so I’m hoping as I recover from that, I will see some improvement in my energy as well. I had hoped I’d be further along than I am, but I’m trying to be content with my progress so far. The one advantage I’ve seen to the slow progress is the skin on my abdomen seems to be responding nicely with the weight loss… my arms are very flabby but I don’t really mind, I will work on building some muscle when I’m feeling better. My lower legs look pretty good, but from my knees up to my hips… well that area is just refusing to keep up with proportioned loss! That area still looks very heavy and I think is why I’m not noticing as big of a body change (personally). If my thighs, butt and hips ever decide to join in on this progress, then I’ll probably notice more! Now obviously I am loosing in those areas, because I can fit into chairs I previously couldn’t or struggled to sit on, I’m just loosing from there last and that’s where I hold most of my weight. I know we can’t target where we loose with from, but when I’m back on my feet, I’m hoping to be able to do some exercises to tone and strengthen those “problem” areas. In my ideal world I’d like to get into the 150-170 pound range. I’m not sure how “realistic” that is … given my starting weight, surgery & other health issues … but take the process one day at a time knowing that any loss is progress.

There’s no carb restriction on my plan, they want us to eat balanced and carbs are a part of that.

My PCP has had the same style wooden captains chairs since the 80’s in his exam rooms. I used to have to sit on an angle or to the front edge … it was uncomfortable, but I managed. For the first time in about 24 yrs I could fit the whole way back and sit properly in them! That was probably the biggest smile on my face moment so far. Clothes are getting bigger, I can tell I’m loosing, but that was a big light bulb “omg” moment. I’m almost excited to go back and sit in the chair again to compare the changes. Lol.

No regrets. Eating and drinking (needing to wait) has posed a few challenges, but so far not to the level of regret. I would do it again in a heart beat.

So my first week big loss… next three weeks stall… they suggested I up my calories and protein… now I gained! 🤦🏽‍♀️ This is really frustrating! Im tracking everything - weigh and measure every bite. I’m hoping there’s going to come a point where my body just gets it together and everything clicks… I’m just wondering when that will be. Right now I’m feeling very bloated and constipated (things moving, but slowly).

Almost through my 4th week post op…. 3 weeks with no real weight movement. I know I’m a bit dehydrated - I’m assuming that’s why I have crushing fatigue. But not enough so that fluids are warranted apparently I’ve worked on increasing my calories and protein. It’s hit or miss but I am getting a decent amount, but my weight isn’t moving at all. When I say the fatigue is crushing - I mean any exertion of effort wipes me out. I see my pcp tomorrow - but I’m not sure he will have any suggestions the surgeon and nutritionist haven’t already offered. I am measuring and weighing every bite and I am only eating what I’m suppose to. I don’t feel well enough to exercise so I don’t imagine I will have much progress until that happens. I feel stuck/trapped right now. I know it will pass… I’m sure things will get better. It’s just really hard when I can’t even stand at the sink to wash dishes. My family is being very supportive and helping (kids and husband) but that almost makes me feel worse. They are doing things I should be. I just want to feel better. I’m trying to focus on the positives, I’ve lost weight, my body’s changing, my clothes are getting bigger…. I’m wearing things I couldn’t before. My Kees still hurt, but less. My liver is improving. My health is going in the right direction. Tuesday is 5 weeks. I don’t regret the surgery at all, I’m just disappointed in me and my lack of progress to this point. Sorry I just needed to vent my frustration. Thanks so much for listening.