kcuster83

I have always had super dry skin, especially in the winter. I will get dry spots. I always drink plenty of water and use PRESCRIPTION lotions too. But, since surgery I have had a quarter sized dry spot right in the middle of my back that I can't get to go away. I don't know how it would be from surgery but it is weird that it happened all at the same time. I showed my doctor last time I was there, he confirmed it is just dry skin and to keep applying the lotion to it. Usually they go away but this one has been there for 5 months now..?‍♀️

Maybe they are too big? Are you able to cut them in half? Worth a shot.

Insurance companies are a joke. It is so irritating! I hope you get is resolved without having to stop meds just to prove it. I had severe GERD before my bypass (virgin bypass, not a revision) and I couldn't imagine stopping meds for even a day! Flip side: Bypass has completely cured my GERD!

The only thing I bought was a immersion blender with a food processor attachment. I wanted the immersion blender for be able to blend thicker or chunky soups for the pureed phase. I bought one with the food processor because I ran into a few times when I needed one before surgery and it was a good deal. Turns out, I didn't use the immersion blender at all and blended my food in the processor. I used the processor 2 times and haven't used any of it since. Long story short, probably didn't need it. Probably didn't/don't need anything extra than normal kitchen accessories.

Whew, feel better soon!

I was offered the first available date. I took that first option. Otherwise, you really should have complete control. You have to get things in order, time off work etc. Basically you and your surgeon should be able to find a date that works for both of you.

I think this is so independent to each person. Different things work for different people, some for mental reasons and some for physical reasons. For me, I don't prefer all the artificial stuff. I do have it sometimes, like in diet lemonade or other drinks. I don't cook with sugar so nothing top substitute there. I don't eat (never did) a lot of sweets. My main indulge was ice cream. So for me, I eat the sugar. Very limited, very controlled and definitely in moderation and portion control. I am 5 months post op and it works fine for me.

I notice when I am sitting and bend over, kind of like to scratch my ankle or even tie my shoes I just bend. I don't spread my legs to make room for my stomach fat. I can bend completely in half with my upper body flat to my lap. Before, I didn't even have a lap. haha

THIS!!! ALL OF THIS!!! YES!! ???

Very vague. Could you provide more detail?

Oh ok, well that makes sense. Maybe, ask your surgical team if they can get reports and submit to the insurance as if they were a local Dietitian? For example, my team referred us to the "pre op" Dietician who sent the surgeon the reports and then when I completed all the requirements the surgeon center submitted to insurance for approval. Post-op my team includes a Nutritionist which is included in my post-op visits.

On the flip side, I look like a stretched out half empty water balloon. ???

Sounds very acid reflux/ GERD related, except the abdomen and stomach pain. That could be 1000 things. Gallbladder issues are common after WLS, my surgeon put me on preventative medication for 6 months. Appendix, depending where the pain is? Dark tar like stools are a sign of blood in your stool, could be something very serious. Definitely call your surgeon ASAP this morning and get it looked into. I hope you feel better soon!

Yesterday marked 5 months post op for me! Down 93 lbs in those 5 months and 130 since I started my WLS process. My favorite NSV is buying shirts anywhere; concerts, festivals, souvenir shops. ETC. Shirts, more my personality rather than the plain ones I bought because they fit. I don't measure myself too much. I did the night before surgery and have 1 other time I think 2 months ago. I carry most of my weight in my stomach so the only number that really changed was my waist measurement. I will again, but it is not a big deal to me because I can see a drastic change (most days) some days I do still the extra chunky me but most days I easily see the new and improved me. I am so grateful that this has been so smooth, really haven't had any issues at all. I hope everyone is doing well, KEEP CHUGGIN! ❤️

It is very likely water weight, happens to everyone on different level. I retain water like CRAZY! I can easily gain 5 or more lbs from morning to evening. Then, by the next morning it is gone. 1 cup of luke warm water with 1/8 of a lemon squeezed into it. Drink it, it is a natural diuretic. You will pee that water out before you know it. It works wonders and everyone I have ever suggested it to agrees. Also, better than taking another pill.

Just like any other doctors, less emergencies, they have to be in my insurance network. I can't imagine one from Pakistan would be in network. I know all insurances are different but they might not cover the appointment fees. How did you end up with one out of the country?

I tried the quest peanut butter cups. They weren't too bad, but not too great either. I guess nothing compares to a Reece. haha

OH NO! I am so sorry, I know that sucks and you are probably so let down. i wish I knew what to say to help you feel better. Just focus on recovery and then before you know it your surgery will be here again. Why couldn't your surgeon do both surgeries? I had hernia repair, esophagus damage repair and bypass all at the same time.

Makes sense. I guess everything shrinks. My collar bones are playing peak-a-boo too. They want to make an appearance but just pop out once in a while for now. hahaha

You should discuss this with your surgeon. I know people hate that answer, but it is a medical question that really only he/she can answer.

Cool cool. I work in a CNC aerospace machine shop. Never heard CNC programmers mention this so I was curious. haha

What kind of programmers?

Ya, it took me a minute to figure it out in the beginning. I asked, but no one answered me. haha

I tried WW a while ago, before WLS. I couldn't get into it. I just couldn't wrap my head around the "zero points" foods. The foods still have calories so how are they zero points. If I eat 3000 calories of grilled chicken I am still gonna gain weight. Anyway, my personal experience. I just couldn't do it. Do you track your foods and drinks? If not, try starting there. You don't need to eat 800 calories to loose weight, you just need to eat less than you currently are and less than your body burns. A lot of times what people think they eat vs. what they are actually eating is a big difference. So tracking helps with really knowing where you stand. Good luck.

I was given one in the hospital but it was more annoying than helpful so I never used it.