LookingForward22

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).

I had started mine the day before surgery. I was also on blood thinners. That cycle lasted 7 days. I had about a 10 day break and then it came back with a vengeance for two weeks… so roughly 3 out of 4 weeks I had a heavy period. Cramps were horrible with heavy clotting. I was told to watch my cycles and if it continued to check in with my gyn, but also told that it’s not out of the ordinary to have cycle disturbance early in. Also got the “very fertile” time warning but I have my tubes tied and my hubby has a vasectomy - so we are clear there.

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.

Only my kids, husband and two friends know I’ve had bariatric surgery. Everyone else knows that I have had hernia surgery and if anyone asks about my food or weightloss I tell them I’m working with a nutritionist. Most people don’t ask beyond that - but of course sometimes closer family does (my siblings). I explained to them I was having issues with my liver being enlarged so to try to address that I’m making some changes and working with a nutrition. All of those details are true, I just haven’t shared the surgery with anyone that doesn’t have a need to know. So far there has been no issue or questions. I can address most things through either the hernia surgery or nutritionist. I imagine as I loose more and it becomes more noticeable I will hear “what’s your secrete” but again - I’ll tell the truth …. But maybe not the whole truth (depends on who’s asking and what their motives are).

I have no experience with revision, but a lot of people on here do. All I can say is be kind to yourself and let yourself heal! You aren’t even a month out yet. Look for NSV’s, stick to your plan and what has worked for you so far. I’m sure others with more experience will be able to offer you some practical advice. Hang in there… you can do this.

Congrats on your progress! Keep up the awesome work!!!

I’m with you. I just had my appointment today and was so stressed that I was going to get lectured or my team would think the same things. I have about 150 more pounds to loose (at least) - so I was expecting to have lost at least 30 this month. It was just a goal I set for myself, but I really thought I could do it. After loosing about 23 pounds the first 7-10 days, I thought I’m so going to crush this…. Then a stall hit. My period came back (had it three out of the last 4 weeks) and I’ve been beyond drained. Turns out my BP was low and I’m mildly dehydrated. I kept saying “if I could do more I’d loose more”. The dr and dietitian both told me to ease up on myself. They said I’m doing great and they are pleased with my progress (turns out my weight fluxed up with my period so I’m down exactly 20 pounds from surgery day). Even so - they are happy with how I’m healing and told me to get hydrated, up my protein & calories (they gave me a range) and then told me to follow up with my pcp (see him Monday). But to stay on plan and they both think I’m off to a good start and that I will do well. The first month is all about healing, recovery and getting used to our new routines as we progress through the phases. They asked me what NSV I noticed when I was frustrated with the scales and encouraged me to keep watching my body change because that is sometimes a better indicator of progress (and I do see a lot of changes). I know it is hard, especially when we set goals for ourself and we don’t meet our own expectations. But slow and STEADY wins the race… we can do this!! I was so stressed going into my appointments but I was so happy when I came out hearing their encouragement to keep doing what I’m doing.

One Month Follow-up I was sure I would get scolded for not doing better - but both the dietician and the surgeon are pleased with my progress. My BP was super low - could be mild dehydration, could need to transition off my BP meds - my extended period (or a combination of all three). I see my PCP Monday so hopefully we can work on that. I’m the meantime, my focus is hydration, work on bumping my protein and calories and increase my activity as I am able. I wanted to have lost more by now but both the surgeon and dietitian reinforced: I’m healing, I’ve had some added challenges and I’m doing well - stay on plan and track and things will keep progressing. The surgeon, who I expected to be the hardest on me, was very encouraging.

Full feels different for me now… and does not always the same way (it depends on what I eat). One but too many and I feel miserable (sometimes sick and sometimes it’s pain). If I measure carefully and just eat that I’m ok. But I notice soups or soft foods I can eat more of than solid or dense foods.

I think you’ll find there is no standard. Here’s my experience. When I woke up in recovery - very groggy… they asked how I was feeling. I told them I was having a lot of pain but I thought it was gas pressure. They asked me where I said chest and left shoulder so they did a cardiac work up… I assured them I was pretty sure it was gas but they said “better safe”. I can recall the conversation barely - but I’ll be honest, I have no physical memory of the pain. Once I was in my room, my right side, where they removed my stomach from was the only sore spot (I also had a hernia repair). I woke up with a binder on and that (I found after I took it off) helped a lot. I came home with Gabbipenten & nausea meds and Tylenol. I’m 4 weeks now with NO abdominal or incision pain, but the first few weeks I was sore, tender and moving slowly. I used a lot of ice and heat and my binder… to help while healing and to be comfortable. I had some inflammation and irritation with my main incision that made some mild discomfort, but once that was managed really it was much less than I thought it would be and even at the worst of it, it was manageable and less than I feared.

Hi Kelsey. Congrats on the weight loss! The regain is worrisome and I’m glad you’re working to address it before it continues to creep up. I’m sorry you had a frustrating experience with your surgeon. It’s my understanding many programs try to get patients back on track with basics before doing revisions to make sure that we are using the tools we will need to be successful after the rescission. I hope that is what he was doing but wish he would have communicated that in a way that was more … helpful. You did well on the shakes, which is encouraging. I’m wondering if you were weighing, measuring and tracking when you went back to food? Following up with a PCP about your malabsorption and other health issues is a good idea. I’m glad you had an appt, but sorry it’s so far out. Have you ever seen an endocrinologist for the metabolic issues? If not I highly recommend it if possible. While I love my pcp - my endocrinologist has a very different approach to those things and it’s been a big help at dialing in the right treatment. This forum is a great place for support and I think you’ll find a lot of it! I’d also suggest looking into to finding a therapist if you are able. Please check back in and let us know how you are doing.

Right?!? Lol My clothes are fitting better but no scale moment is stressful. Hopefully we will both get through the healing stage and move on to progress soon.

Between the cramps and fatigue I have been a hot mess. Showing signs of slowing down so I’m hopeful that I’ll soon start to feel better and maybe then see some movement on the scale again when this wraps up. Trying hard to remember this is a sign my body is getting healthier but in the last 4 weeks I’ve only had 7-10 days WITHOUT my period so I’m a little worried what the next few months will be like. Hope you start getting some relief and feeling better soon.

So far I have tolerated the 1/2 of English muffin. I toast it well, add a little butter (as allowed) and eat with the egg. I take small nibble bites and chew it up well.

I’ve have my period through 1/2 of my recovery now (I’m one month post op this Tuesday) and I’m not gonna lie, it hasn’t been fun between the cravings, cramps and insane hormones… I’m exhausted. It came the day before my surgery… lasted a week, came back again last week and I’ve still got it. I’m trying to remind myself that this is a sign my body is getting better… the fat breakdown and hormone flood. I’m just hoping that my cycles start spreading out some. Once a month is enough.

Hang in there, I’m having a similar issue. Every day my taste buds seem to change their mind. I’m assured it will get better. Yesterday I had 1/2 a toasted whole wheat English muffin and an egg over easy… it was heavenly. When you find things your taste buds enjoy - savor them!

I’m going to be 4 weeks on Tuesday, and yes, some days I still have this. Every day my tummy seams to have a little different tolerance (heck even meal to meal). Some days a few bits are all I can eat at a time - some days I can have almost a cup of food for a meal. A few things that helped me were smaller bites, chew more thoroughly and slowing down my eating if I was feeling what you described. Sometimes I would measure out my meal, take a bite, walk away - then come back … eating a bite at a time but spacing it out. (That was tedious, not always possible but if I was home, it helped). I have to be mindful of my bite sizes because as small as I’m trying to take, if I got that stuck feeling, next time I tried to take 1/2 the bite size. It’s almost a nibble for me - followed by lots of chewing. Purée was the hardest for me because not chewing, I’d eat to fast. A baby spoon was very helpful for purées for me. Hang in there it’s trial and error and getting to know your body’s new signals.

Thank you! The fatigue is unreal and the hormones are definitely not doing me any favors! Thank you for your kindness and making me smile (oh my gosh I go from tears to giggles in the blink of an eye. It’s emotional whiplash over here). I really appreciate you all taking the time to help me out, I was feeling a bit defeated between physically feeling so bad and the emotional upheaval. My stress levels were through the roof, my family was getting on my nerves (more my hormones than their fault), our house is getting some work done on it and it’s going much slower than planned because I’m only able to do so much at a time - so I was stressing about it. I was just overwhelmed from every angle feeling like I was falling short everywhere. I think I’m going to write on sticky notes all of the good advice given and put them around the house so the next time I am feeling like I’m falling short I can have a reminder it’s all going to be ok, I just need to listen to my body and breath. ❤️

Thank you… obviously my hormones have been a much bigger mess than I even realized because I’m sitting here crying like a baby for no reason. Lol. I just saw my endocrinologist and he was super happy with my progress and I need to remember I have had more progress in the last year (and especially the last 3.5 weeks post op) than I’ve had in my entire adult life. Thank you (and everyone) for helping me to take a moment - breath and give myself a little grace while my body does what it needs to heal.

Thank you so much! For some reason it’s so much easier to say those things to others than myself. I think my hormones have just gotten the best of me lately.