Softtacocrumbs

Bariatric surgery is a major step, so I don't blame you for being scared. I just wanted to reach out and validate your feelings. I was scared, too, which is why I chose a non-surgical option (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty). It is not yet covered by insurance so it is not as popular, but in my experience thus far and per the medical literature it is safe & effective. Maybe ESG is something to keep in mind for later, if you still need a "tool" in the form of a sleeve. But I would wait until your weight stabilizes after the meds, exercise, and new healthy eating habits are established.
FWIW, I do not think your PCP is fat phobic. Obesity is a serious health risk, the older and the bigger you get. No one sees this more than a diligent PCP. Mine is 100% in favor of my new tool because she is the one who has been prescribing all my meds for hypertension and pre-diabetes, referring me to specialists, etc. I am just glad you went to see an endocrinologist and found a medical reason for your obesity.
In case no one else has said it lately, great job!! Even with new meds, losing that much weight is an accomplishment. I agree with the other suggestions here re: strength training and all. Best wishes to you.

I thought he wasn't in the beginning... I'm still looking around for a new PCP, when I recently found someone I was seeking recommendations from who used to go to him too.

She kept having pain and he told her to lose weight and she ended.going to the ER for having a ruptured ovarian cyst.

At this point it feels quite validating. Plus, it took my nutritionist fighting for me with him to get a recommendation to see an endocrinologist. Normal PCPs can do a TSH blood test to see, but he didn't even do that, so I think I'll trust the other comments and my gut for now.

Plus, I'm feeling much better on the meds and the weight is just sliding off! And, also one of the reasons I was hesitant as well was because I have super brittle hair and nails and I was afraid of the Hair loss part of the recovery. I know it's a little shallow but I thought about trying to get vsg long and hard.

I'm just so happy now that my body temp isn't at 92F anymore. Like I don't always feel so cold anymore. It's so freeing.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

Do you know what all an endocrinologist tests for? It’s not just hypo and hyperthyroidism, right?? I am in maintenance and struggling big time. I feel like the only way to maintain my weight is to be on a diet (and hungry) for the rest of my life cause I add in a few calories and I gain. I feel like there is something going on with my hormones that my primary doc is missing. I see him today and plan to ask a lot of questions. Just wondering what conditions cause weight gain that I should be questioning him about.

So, when I was first talking to my nutritionist I had already been logging all my food into MyFitnessPal for around a year. And I've always had a problem with low body temp, brittle hair and nails, exhaustion, and high body weight set point.

She tested for the standard TSH, T3, T4, Vitamin D, retook the standard ha1c, LH, FSH, cortisol, and something else I don't remember. It was quite a few vials.

My intake was typically around 1200 kcal-1600 kcal. And I workout a lot. I typically spend 2 hours weight training on odd days and cardio on even days. And I had a symptom for when I eat I get super cold and my hands feel freezing.

Hope that helps you also know what to ask an endocrinologist. That's at least what was afflicting me.

For me I ended up having pretty high TSH (upper range teetering on over) and incredibly low T3 and T4.


Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

Sometimes doctors are so used to hearing the same old stories day in and day out that they just assume that they have heard them all and quit actually listening. The ONLY remotely logical reason I can think of them wanting you to have surgery while you are actively losing on your own would be if they expect you to lose some and then stop losing. If you lose and get below the BMI threshold you would no longer qualify unless you gained again. My question would be how close to a normal BMI you can get on your own. If it were me I would wait and see how much you can lose on your own. Only you know how you are really eating and if it’s all related to this illness that is now being treated it should reverse itself. You can always have the surgery down the road if you don’t lose like you think you will. Sounds like your gut is already telling you to wait. I say trust it.

Thank you so much. I was so scared I was crying. It's been a couple days and I'm down 8 more pounds, putting me at 190lbs. I'm dropping so fast it doesn't seem to feel real. My body temp is finally up from 92F to 96F which I think is contributing a lot to things, and I don't always feel cold now.

As everyone has said, I think you all are right. I'll change my PCP and find someone else. I really feel like he may be fat phobic and I'm not sure if the surgery will be good for me since my daily calorie intake is around 1200kcal normally. He said if I got the vsg I could get my calories down to 500kcal, and things just sounded off to me. I guess in my heart I felt like I had no hope and I couldn't get my PCP to take my concerns seriously because he would always say I needed to lose weight before I was allowed to discuss hormone problems with him, which turned out to be the case.

I really appreciate everyone who replied. I'll update the thread with my progress. However, at this rate I may not qualify for a vsg. At least when I reached out to my nutritionist, she said I probably wouldn't qualify by the time my hormones equilibrate.

Thank you so much everyone.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I don't know your stats, as far as height for the weight and medical issues but I would definitely hold off and see what happens with the meds and getting your hormones balanced.
It really hurts nothing to hold off for a few months and see how it works out.

Thank you so much for your answer!

I'm 5'4" and my BMI went from 39 to 34.5 in 3 weeks on my meds. Starting from 230lbs and now at 198lbs. My endocrinologist asked if I considered that my PCP is fat phobic... Which is what makes me concerned. I'm just not sure if that's why he didn't want to check my hormones before sending me to bariatrics. I knew he didn't listen to my concerns much, but I didn't realize how much of an impact that would have on this outcome. I kept thinking I would be getting a vsg and it's good for me, but I've almost been nutrient deficient my entire life. Now, am I being biased to think this way about my PCP or is this me being sensitive?
If this helps put things into perspective:

Nutritionist and endocrinologist= female
PCP and surgeon = male

I appreciate everyone's replies!

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm a bit scared to go through with my surgery. It's planned for late November. I talked to the nutritionist for pre-op and she realized something was wrong with my hormones, because I generally don't eat much and I work out a lot. She protested with my PCP to look at my hormones, and told him I needed to see an endocrinologist. Long story short I'm on meds for hypothyroidism, but my bariatric surgeon and PCP still say I need the surgery. My endocrinologist says don't do it. I've been on the hypothyroid meds for 3 weeks and I'm down 32lbs and officially under 200lbs. Am I being too sensitive and thinking my PCP and surgeon are fat phobic or should I trust them? My nutritionist is saying hold off on it because she doesn't think it's an eating problem, but a hormone problem, and I can't help but believe her since I've seen crazy results on my thyroid meds.

What should I do?

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

So, I will be starting my pre-op diet in a little less than a month, but I wanted to test a few of the things in the plan to make sure my body reacts well to it. Usually what I do when I'm testing things, I've done this all my life to see if I'm intolerant to certain foods, is to Water fast (fasting all food items other than pure water, no sweeteners or liquid calories) before I start just to wash my body clean.

I decided to get on the scale to just see how things looked. I know logically I can gain fat if I don't eat those calories, but how did I gain 2lbs on a water fast? I'm so scared. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I haven't even started the pre-op diet yet. Can I get some guidance?

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I ended up going to an endocrinologist multiple times and found out I have a hormone problem, so they're reconsidering trying to get me in for surgery. I'd recommend you checking it out. I had a similar problem when I was only in taking 1600 max a day with lots of working out.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I am so glad that you are starting to realize that what your family has been doing is wrong and you have broken ties. All you can do about your mom is continue to be there for her and offer her support but get yourself even stronger so that you are better equipped to help her if she does decide to leave. Is there any way to get her tapes or something so she can start learning English? Maybe her and her friend could learn the language and practice together?

I think she's too introverted. She lived here in the US for over 20 years and refused to go out so she wouldn't have to speak English. She says she's a Capricorn, which is why she can't do it, but I think she really has a problem... I can't really understand, but all I can do is support her. [emoji20] Her friend never finished elementary, so she still has problems ready and writing her maiden language. But I appreciate the thought and kind words.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of going to Tijuana for my vsg. Specifically I was thinking of going with the all inclusive Dr. Elias Otriz (https://eliasortiz.co/about/#). I was wondering if I should buy any insurance since I'm considering it. I know it's a safe procedure, but I can't help, but be a little scared. Friends who have gone through it, can I get your support and suggestions?

Thanks!

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I used Alabama Bariatrics in Huntsville, AL and it was $8995. I was nervous to go to Mexico and this pricing made it a good alternative for me. Might be worth looking into.

Quick question: was this all inclusive? Like with the anesthesia? I can provide like the paperwork from my GP of my blood work, so I do t think that needs to be redone. I don't want to be charged like 9k and then there's even more.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

Whats your ethnicity?
I am Lao, but was born here in the US. Both of my families were like that but not to the extent of telling me to die. Till this day they still call me "Fatty" Pig" in Lao and it hurts me....I remember when I was a teenager my aunt's son stood next to me while taking pictures and said "SCOOT OVER YOU'RE SO FAT YOU TAKE UP THE WHOLE PICTURE." My uncle also insults me..."you shouldn't be eating that much" It was literally a cup of homemade noodles with broth and little does he know I throw up from eating over a cup.
After that I packed on more weight from being emotional. I am the only plus size in my immediate family. Both of my siblings were on the thin side...

I'm Chinese. I'm sorry you had to go through it too. It isn't easy. I really hate how so many Asian ethnicities only treat you as your weight rather than getting to know you as a whole person. [emoji20]
@tek : thank you for your kind words. Although I can't do anything all I can do is to be an ear for her. I hope she can get away from all that one day.
@st77 : thank you, I don't know if she can break away, but I blocked my extended family from ever contacting me again. She can't really go anywhere and doesn't have any source of livelihood. But all I can do is focus on myself for now.
@smanky : I've tried that, but there are so few larger people in china that it's basically impossible. Some are even some delusion that's they're fit despite being larger. It's a bit wild over there. I'm filled with sadness when my mom tells me that she can't wait to die. [emoji20] She has no way of leaving and no way or getting a job because she was a sahm for so long, I'm terribly sad for her.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

Whats your ethnicity?
I am Lao, but was born here in the US. Both of my families were like that but not to the extent of telling me to die. Till this day they still call me "Fatty" Pig" in Lao and it hurts me....I remember when I was a teenager my aunt's son stood next to me while taking pictures and said "SCOOT OVER YOU'RE SO FAT YOU TAKE UP THE WHOLE PICTURE." My uncle also insults me..."you shouldn't be eating that much" It was literally a cup of homemade noodles with broth and little does he know I throw up from eating over a cup.
After that I packed on more weight from being emotional. I am the only plus size in my immediate family. Both of my siblings were on the thin side...

I'm Chinese. I'm sorry you had to go through it too. It isn't easy. I really hate how so many Asian ethnicities only treat you as your weight rather than getting to know you as a whole person. [emoji20]
@tek : thank you for your kind words. Although I can't do anything all I can do is to be an ear for her. I hope she can get away from all that one day.
@st77 : thank you, I don't know if she can break away, but I blocked my extended family from ever contacting me again. She can't really go anywhere and doesn't have any source of livelihood. But all I can do is focus on myself for now.
@smanky : I've tried that, but there are so few larger people in china that it's basically impossible. Some are even some delusion that's they're fit despite being larger. It's a bit wild over there. I'm filled with sadness when my mom tells me that she can't wait to die. [emoji20] She has no way of leaving and no way or getting a job because she was a sahm for so long, I'm terribly sad for her.

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm so, so sorry you and your mother are going through this hell. Your aunt is evil. No other way to put it. Likewise your father's family. Abuse is unacceptable and I agree with Liveaboard15 that you need to cut them from your life entirely. I get your fears for you mother though. Can she join you in the US, even for a few months to get a break? Does she have friends and other family on her side she can go to?

I'm so, so sorry you and your mother are going through this hell. Your aunt is evil. No other way to put it. Likewise your father's family. Abuse is unacceptable and I agree with Liveaboard15 that you need to cut them from your life entirely. I get your fears for you mother though. Can she join you in the US, even for a few months to get a break? Does she have friends and other family on her side she can go to?

First, I'd like to thank everybody for being so supportive. I felt like I was breaking down last night.

To answer@smanky my mom doesn't have anyone left on her side either. I mean, China is a pretty toxic place when it comes to weight discrimination. It's pretty common to be beat, and it happens on both sides of the family. I don't really go back anymore, because of it. She has 1 friend who she relies on, but that friend is also quite stuck because she successfully divorced her husband, but wasn't able to have a male child, so she was disowned from her family. It's super toxic all around.

She isn't willing to come to the US because she can't speak English, and she isn't willing to leave her friend. I'm glad she has someone, but I feel so bad for her. My father joins in on all the battery. I, naively enough, thought physical abuse for ones weight was normal as a child. It wasn't until I entered college that I realized it isn't as common as I thought it was, but it still happens here (bullying).

I'm still completely heartbroken by the situation, but I really appreciate everyone's support. [emoji3059]

Sent from my M2007J3SY using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm pre surgery right now, and I've been trying so hard to lose weight...

Well, my aunt told me to die today... She said I was so fat that I have no value as a human because of my weight. She shouted at me that fat people deserve to die.

So, I'm Asian, and I weigh 220lbs 5'2", where the average weight her family is is around 80lbs, and underweight. She's very proud of it.

She says she's cursing for me to die an early death. Because fat people are ugly and I'm not worth anything more than my weight, and I have no value had a human. I used to think that about myself because of how toxic she made my life, I started more self improvement and better thinking to accept myself. But I'm getting so tired of the "Why can't you just be anorexic? You should just stop eating entirely. I fasted my children for a month and look how well they turned out." ... One was hospitalized because she was 5'7" and reached 75 lbs...

I'm trying so hard to not let it get to me, because her daughter look terrible off, and I feel bad for them.

But the cherry on top is this:

I was very sad, because they slap my mom because she's overweight too... I know part of my problem is hormonal that I got from her. It's ok to insult me, because I can get past it. But my father's side of the family physically abuses my because of her weight. It was ok when it was only me being beat, slapped, kicked, and punched, but my mother is getting along in age. And she can't get away, because it's so hard to get a divorce in China. I'm at least here in the US.

I'm so heartbroken. Why are we only worth nothing more than our weight?

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

Has anyone had a solid successful surgery with anyone outside the US? Any recommendations? My insurance doesn't cover it, so I was hoping to do it out of pocket.

Thanks everyone!

3 hours ago, Tony B - NJ said:

I think i would start off aggressively monitoring your calories using one of the many apps available. you will have to weight your food and pay attention to portion size etc. If you are legitimately getting the calories you think you are and are exercising as you indicate and still cannot lose, then that is a different story. Too many of us think we are eating X amount of calories but when we weigh it out and record every single bite, we realize it is a lot more than we thought.

I'm actually quite proud of how much I work out, since I work out with all the other med students and we try to put compete each other. So, it must be the food. That's a good idea. I usually just eyeball it then log it into MyFitnessPal.

I did a have a good run a few years back when it all started back sliding. I lost around 60lbs, and it stalled and started going back up despite me eating the exact same meals I did before. I'm a yoyo dieter type of person. And my friends think I have a high set point. But I'll try to remeasure the food. Thank you for your advice!

18 minutes ago, KimA-GA said:

Have you seen an actual endocrinologist? Sounds like you have a problem which does not need bariatric surgery but an endocrinologist

I have been to a few now, and they just look at me and say that it's probably because I'm obese. I need to lose weight before they consider any hormonal problems. That's why I was recommended to get a gastric sleeve.

I think if I get rid of a large part of my fundus that this may hinder some ghrelin production and help with whatever hormone problems I may be encountering. At least, that's what my GP thinks.

Hi Everyone,

My name is Lamora, and I'm considering starting my journey. I'm a bit on the fence, but I've read up so much on it, but I'm not sure if I qualify. I know my insurance doesn't pay for it though, so I'm considering doing a sleeve in Turkey (medical tourism).

About me: I'm 5'2'' 230lbs. I asked my GP about my health status since I don't have any inclination towards anything, but he recommended I speak to bariatrics, but my insurance doesn't cover it, unfortunately, and I don't make enough for consult or nutrition consult. But I average a 1600kcal per day, and I work out 6 out of 7 days a week for around 60 min each day up to 2 hours a day. I actively run 5k's but I just can't seem to drop weight, which was why this has been suggested to me.

I did an international trip when I was in college where they lock you up with a nutritionist and they feed you in a hospital and you work out on a CO2 machine, but no matter how much I ran or lifted I couldn't make the CO2 marks I needed to get. And my T3 and T4 are extremely off despite my TSH being borderline. My body temperature is a bit on the lower end at 92-94 F (33-34C). I kept gaining weight on 1800kcal a day with the nutritionist so I dropped back down to my normal 1600kcal a day and I got back to my normal 230lbs weight.

The gastric sleeve was recommended for me since I've been having so many problems dropping weight, and when I run I'm starting to feel some knee and ankle pain as I inch closer to 30.

I don't think I'm an emotional eater, but I could be wrong... But I do also have a lot of issues with my weight and overall self confidence because my family basically gave up on me.

I'm just looking for support and opinions. I really appreciate it. And if anyone has any experience doing medical tourism/procedures and Turkey I would absolutely love your recommendations.

Thank you!