BlondePatriotInCDA

Congratulations!

On 5/11/2024 at 11:06 AM, sweetsmith78 said:

I’m so tired of friends family strangers asking why are you so skinny?
How would you respond?

Ask to see their medical degree, after all your medical doctor says you are right where you should be and since he/she's medically trained their diagnosis has more weight - perhaps if they disagree they should debate them about (my - you) your healthy weight...and ask them if they'd like the doctors number!?

10 hours ago, kristieshannon said:

(Nurse here) If your kidneys and liver have normal function your body does just fine detoxing itself. Fruits & veggies only is likely to cause uncomfortable gas and/or diarrhea. And not have much Protein, which our bodies need.

Agreed. "Detox diets" are pretty pointless since the body has its own mechanisms for detoxing itself. I personally would go back to when you first started full solids after your surgery if you're concerned about weight gain and fell into not eating as healthy. After bariatric surgery you should never give up Protein.

Just my two cents! Good luck!

Lilla_90 "- I have this weird type of digging pain under the right side of my rib cage, feels like something used to be there and now it's hollow and it's uncomfortable, it's weird I can't even explain it."

-I have a sharp pain right under my rib cage (think its a gallstones in my biliary tract - tho doctors say not possible since I no longer have a gallbladder although the pain feels the same as when I had it)!

-The weakness opening things is annoying, simple things that were easy - suck now. My poor husband has become my opener of all things!

-Yes, the cold weather is just stupid - cold cold all the time!

- I'm also forgetful. I'm also forgetful. Oops already said that! 😉

-What I don't get is I have bones I didn't have before, I feel them now when I didn't before for my example my xiphoid process sticks out now and back when I was thin (108lbs) it didn't!

-Lastly, I'm moody now, I attribute it to being weaker and clumsy now - I get sick of dropping things over and over, bumping into things and again not being able to open things - I'm looking it at you powdered Tylenol!

On 5/2/2024 at 7:33 PM, NickelChip said:

At 9 months out, 800 calories per day seems extremely restrictive. Has your dietician explained why you are supposed to be at such a low amount? Most sources I've seen that provide calorie ranges suggest 1000-1200 calories per day by that point (1000 calories by 6 months, gradually increasing to 1200 by 1 year post-op). If your body thinks you are starving, it will lower your metabolism and cling to every ounce of fat, and weight loss will slow or stop. Is it possible your body requires more nourishment than what you are giving it?

Sounds reasonable, I'll be asking my dietician exactly this believe me!

11 hours ago, Arabesque said:

That’s such silly advice. Make high Protein choices. We make those choices every day. Okay up your protein but also up your calories. Your calories or volume of food you eat should be slowly but steadily increasing as you progress until you get to the point you’re maintaining. Until that time, you will keep losing but the rate slows & slows. Like many of the others above I kept losing for almost another year after I reached goal so about 18 months in total. (Wasn’t intending to lose more but it took time to increase my portions & calories to a point it the loss stopped plus it was obviously where my body wanted to be as I’m still there.) And the loss in those last months was grams a week (or none) not kilograms.

It’s not over until it’s over.

Thank you, this at least puts my mind at ease! It maybe slow but hopefully it continues!

7 hours ago, NickelChip said:

Yeah, I wondered because my dietician gave me this same goal at my 4 week post-op appointment. She recommended 80g Protein and that for now, protein should be about 40% of my calories, which means a goal of 800 calories per day. But she definitely said the goal would be shifting over time. I have an appointment with her next Wednesday and I'm curious what she'll say about my targets now that I'll be almost at the 3-month mark. For what it's worth, I've only lost 22lbs since surgery, so mine has been really slow going. If I hear anything interesting from my dietician next week, I'll let you know.

Please do! I'd be interested in hearing what they tell you!

7 hours ago, Teriesa said:

Hi everyone, I have a question. Has anyone been totally fatigued with absolutely no energy daily. I was hospitalized for lack of fluids, an 2nd time for depleted potassium. I do IV infusions twice a week, still barely helps. I do the Protein daily as well as Water. Any ideas ?? Dr. says follow program, as I do..so far regretting surgery.

Unfortunately, yes I at almost 9 months out still feel fatigued - no burst of energy like a lot of people comment on after recovering and losing some weight..sorry to not being more helpful. I was told the same thing when I asked my doctor "follow the program" like I wasn't and its my fault for being exhausted! They did run my labs - I'm dehydrated.. "Drink more" that's it. If all your labs are good now that you're doing IV's job st hope it starts to help.

I hope you feel better soon, do as I do and take one day at a time, one step at a time and hope the next day will be better, after all its all you can do if you're "following the program" just keep an eye on your macros/water, Vitamins etc oh yeah and "drink more water"! 😋

11 hours ago, NickelChip said:

At 9 months out, 800 calories per day seems extremely restrictive. Has your dietician explained why you are supposed to be at such a low amount? Most sources I've seen that provide calorie ranges suggest 1000-1200 calories per day by that point (1000 calories by 6 months, gradually increasing to 1200 by 1 year post-op). If your body thinks you are starving, it will lower your metabolism and cling to every ounce of fat, and weight loss will slow or stop. Is it possible your body requires more nourishment than what you are giving it?

No it was never explained its just the amount given since I went to solids. I even confirmed it at my 6 month when they increase my Protein to 80 grams. I questioned how I was to increase protein yet stay on the same calories...I was told "make high protein choices."

Thank you everyone for responding, I knew to keep keeping on..since as Ms.sss stated weight loss is weight loss. Its just frustrating, to be right back where I was before surgery; hungry all the time and only losing a pound a week despite eating healthy, cutting back and being hungry 24/7! Yes, I've lost 90+lbs since..I was just hoping the struggle would have been a bit easier ..at least have gotten the "honeymoon" period of not being hungry and losing a lot the first few months.

Thanks again everyone!

5 minutes ago, Jonathan Carlson said:

Hi, yes I take a prescription for mental health. The doctor said it shouldn't matter that I had a gastric bypass, but I noticed a change in my mood after the surgery. Thankfully I wasn't on the max dose so I talked to my psychiatric nurse and she upped the dosage and things got better.

From what I've heard, the only medications that matter are extended release ones. Otherwise, it should be absorbed normally. But that wasn't the case for me.

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using Tapatalk

Exactly, the only meds that won't absorb well are extended release meds. After surgery you're losing weight and hormones are stored in your fat which starts to release with fat loss making emotions fluctuate horribly. It's completely normal to be emotional especially when you add to the mix less calories than you're used to and surgery recovery! More emotional, tired, run down depressed etc.!

I was looking at my weight scale app and so far for this year, 2024 I've lost 23.2 lbs total or 5.8 lbs a month from January 1st to May 1st; 5 months - 23 pounds! That's my total weight loss for months 4 - 9 post op. I understand everyone loses at different rates, but isn't this too slow for only being 4-9 months post op? I'm almost at only a pound a week! I was under the impression that about 2 lbs a week is normal at 9 months - 12 months. Then after 12 months po1 pound a week is normal...

I could also understand if I were eating more calories, I'm sticking to 800 max a day - what I've been told to stick to by my dietician, 80grams Protein, under 50 net carbs, under 20 sugar grams... Anyone have any ideas, comments etc!?

I don't mean to complain, but heck I was hoping to lose more than a pound a week following surgery at this point in time, Most can accomplish that without surgery! Again, anyone have the same problem at this point in their timeline? But if so, did they continue to lose or am I getting to that point my body says I'm done?

Anybody?

On 10/2/2021 at 6:21 AM, lizonaplane said:

Yeah, I am 3 weeks out and I'm hungry all the time. I wish people would stop saying "you will not feel much hunger". I'm following my plan to a T and it's not head hunger - my stomach is growling and I am not craving anything in particular, I am just HUNGRY. Even when I've just eaten, I want to eat more, but I'm afraid.

I agree! I never went through the not hungry phase and I hate hearing the its just " head hunger" statement as well. I know the difference between cravings and stomach growling hunger! I've been hungry from before surgery, weeks after and now 9 months ...I've just decided feeling hungry is better than being fat!

I also don't understand dieticians and people here saying eat deli meats, most have nitrates, salt and Water added to them - not exactly healthy! I guess in a pinch they're better than nothing...

On 5/26/2023 at 2:15 PM, mcipanda said:

I met my hubby on World of Warcraft back in 2005. We have three kids together now and still game. All of our kids are gamers too. We stopped playing WoW shortly after Battle for Azeroth. I switched to Heroes of the Storm (MOBA) and played competitively until 2020.

I personally enjoy MOBAs, MMORPGs, turn-based strategy games like CIV 5, world builders and tower defense. Currently playing Arknights and beta testing a newer PC game called Palia. Glad to see there are other game lovers here too:)

I met my husband on Asherons Call 25 years ago and we still are major gamers! He was originally from NC and moved to Seattle once we met! We've played soooo many games I've lost count. Although, I prefer MMO's and survivals,/builders, husband pretty much plays anything and everything ACCEPT sports games - sorry Veritas!

I'm currently alpha testing Pax Dai but waiting on Dune! You name the game system we have it.

I want to address those who might be struggling with the big decision on if they should go through with bariatric surgery, let me say this;

1. I have lost 33% of my weight so far. Even like you, I struggled with it having tried every diet known to human kind - I'd lose and gain..you know the routine.

2. I have officially been taken off all my meds; pre-diabetes and hypertension meds, this alone should convince you that having the surgery is a healthy choice and will help extend your life and reduce the drag on your wallets having to purchase meds for the rest of your life with the possibility of more being added.

3. You've probably tried everything else, what do you have to lose other than your weight? Its one of the most successful safe surgeries out there.

4. You'll have so much to look forward too in your life, I'm sure you have a mental image of how you'd like to see yourself if you were healthy and thinner. Having the surgery IF recommended by your bariatric surgeon will bring about that change. Let you be the thinner person you know is in there deep..waiting for you to bring the healthier you out!

5. Lastly, you will find the welcoming, understanding and empathy on these forums to help you when and if you reach out. There are years of experience here by people who at one time have been standing in your shoes and can help you, who want to help.

I bring all this up because I know the doubts you're facing, but you'll never know the great outcomes available to you, unless you take the leap of faith that this life altering surgery will give you. I had a friend who self doubted and unfortunately she is no longer with us because she listened to those doubts and "taking the easy way out" nay sayers. Please take the leap and live the life you want to live before its to late.

- End preach 🤗

Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off! You're a beautiful woman with a healthy long life to live - enjoy! I'm not sure what the "two months off" are about, but you've made it this far, you've got this!

I want to address those who might be struggling with the big decision on if they should go through with bariatric surgery, let me say this;

1. I have lost 33% of my weight so far. Even like you, I struggled with it having tried every diet known to human kind - I'd lose and gain..you know the routine.

2. I have officially been taken off all my meds; pre-diabetes and hypertension meds, this alone should convince you that having the surgery is a healthy choice and will help extend your life and reduce the drag on your wallets having to purchase meds for the rest of your life with the possibility of more being added.

3. You've probably tried everything else, what do you have to lose other than your weight? Its one of the most successful safe surgeries out there.

4. You'll have so much to look forward too in your life, I'm sure you have a mental image of how you'd like to see yourself if you were healthy and thinner. Having the surgery IF recommended by your bariatric surgeon will bring about that change. Let you be the thinner person you know is in there deep..waiting for you to bring the healthier you out!

5. Lastly, you will find the welcoming, understanding and empathy on these forums to help you when and if you reach out. There are years of experience here by people who at one time have been standing in your shoes and can help you, who want to help.

I bring all this up because I know the doubts you're facing, but you'll never know the great outcomes available to you, unless you take the leap of faith that this life altering surgery will give you. I had a friend who self doubted and unfortunately she is no longer with us because she listened to those doubts and "taking the easy way out" nay sayers. Please take the leap and live the life you want to live before its to late.

- End preach 🤗

1 hour ago, KarenLR75 said:

I had gastric bypass in July of 2019. Highest weight was 400 before losing a bit on my own. Current weight varies from 167 to 173. I still feel some restriction to this day. My meals are usually small although I know we can all 'eat around' the restriction by eating smaller, but continuous meals and this was a slippery slope I fought back against.

About 2 yrs ago, I started experiencing right sided pain. It felt like the pain I used to feel when I ovulated so I assumed it was ovarian (post menopausal). Saw OB & had 2 ultrasounds and they couldn't even see my right ovary (like, where did it go?) and the left was fine. Since they couldn't 'see' the right one, they said that was good since there was no obvious signs of..I don't know tumors, growths?

The pain continued to worsen & I finally had gall bladder taken out about 1.5 yrs ago. I adjusted diet again to deal with gal bladder being gone and things seemed to go ok. A ew months after that the right sided pain returned. About 4 mos ago, the pain got so bad at times I'd be in a ball on my bed considering going to the ER (which I HATE doing).

Went back to primary and he sent me for CT scan. CT came up with no findings. Then he referred me to GI doctor for colonoscopy and upper GI. I thought finally 'this was it, we've ruled out most other things'. I also had seen blood in my stools and it was old blood, like coffee grounds so I thought ok, not hemorrhoids?

Just got back home from colonoscopy & upper GI. I thought doing the prep was bad 10 yrs ago, but it is much harder having had bypass surgery. Good news is they found no polyps or other concerning things. Bad news is I was stunned their main finding was regarding my bypass "Patient's surgical anastomosis was noted to be widely dilated, raising the possibility of Dumping Syndrome as a cause for her complaints".

OK, most know what dumping is. I thought it was post surgery when we ate food (i.e. sugar, high fat) that processed too fast or was too much for us to handle. They recommended I see a gastric bypass revision specialist. My question is, has anyone else had a revision NOT due to their 1st bariatric surgery not being successful but for a "medical reason" like this (other than GERD, heartburn). I'm not even sure insurance will pay, but I have 2 yrs worth of history on this pain. Even it if does pay, I dread what this means for me - even more Hair loss? If I do this, will I need another revision in 5 yrs again at which point I'll be getting up there in age.

I've also wondered with the CT scan, etc. is there any chance of some straggler/stone from my gallbladder surgery 1.5 yrs ago that should be considered? Should I post this in the revision group instead? I read through some and was unsure. Are we allowed to cross-post? Any input would be appreciated. This is causing issues on my job as the pain hits out of nowhere (not X amount of time before OR after a meal, that I have been able to discern.

Thank you!

I feel your pain - literally. I get sharp pains below my rib cage and slightly above that under my rib cage on the right side as well. I've already had both my gallbladder and appendix removed several years back so it's not either. I also have had a full hysterectomy..so not an ovary. Although, like you I thought perhaps they missed a gallstone in my biliary duct...because it feels just like when I had gallbladder pain. I was told "its not possible" yet I have the pain. I should say I have had this pain before my bariatric surgery. I still have no idea what causes it!

I hope it goes away with your revision, most likely because of the bariatric surgeons/GI doctor and your documented ongoing pain it will be covered by insurance.. So that's something.

Let me know if that takes care of the pain for you...good luck!

1 hour ago, Alyssabvh said:

I am currently doing my pre op requirements and am on month 3 out of 6. Any tips on staying motivated I am down 28lbs so far with a requirement of only 17lbs before surgery

I'd read the posts on "non-scale victories" lots of motivation there! I also taped one of the very few pictures of myself to the mirror. Seeing the difference and why I was doing it helped.

2 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

It’s Dunkin Hines Keto friendly. Made with almond and coconut flour. I don’t have the package for the muffins but I have the brownies here to try. They are two grams of net carbs, 0 added sugars and 3 grams Protein. It’s kinda high in fat like most Keto at 10 grams but has suggestions for ingredient swaps which would reduce that some (I made it the normal way).

Thank you! I asked because Most I've tried I didn't care for..I'll give them a try - thanks again.

On 4/4/2023 at 11:52 AM, vsg2410 said:

I freeze fairlife Protein Drinks mixed with 2 tbsp of sugar free pudding. Then mix in lily’s chocolate chips. Turns out delicious!

I make the exact same thing..occasionally I add mint extract to change it up!

On 4/16/2024 at 3:26 PM, ShoppGirl said:

I found some Keto muffin mix at the store and they are super good so I’m scared to leave them lying around. lol. Has anyone ever put muffins in the freezer. If so, do you just thaw them on counter or in microwave?

What Keto muffin mix did you end that's "super good"?

7 hours ago, summerseeker said:

I am not sure if its the same around the world but our milk comes in 1,4 or 6 pint plastic containers. The inner seal, under the cap has me every time. I used to be so strong, my hubby would pass jars to me to open. Now they put seals on toothpaste tubes that I have to pull off with my teeth. My dentist would go berserk if he knew

I hate those tooth paste safety covers! Shhhh I won't tell your dentist if you don't tell mine!

Well, I haven't tried it since I've had bad last to with "plant based" noodles..the texture is...to me is bleh! Next, the nutrition is not the best (to me at least):

Sodium: 1330mg (58% of the daily allowance)

14 grams fat

29 carbs ( I'm limited to 50 per day) that's a huge chunk in me sitting for me with only 2grams Fiber so 27 net carbs!

Lastly at 320 calories (A lot per meal for me personally since at 9 months out I'm only allowed 800) I'd have to for go these noodles...even as much as I miss noodles...especially pad Thai!! The only thing I liked about this is the Protein is decent...I'm not sure how much you're supposed to be getting, but, based on my requirements I need 80 grams and with the calories ...I'd have to find a low calorie option to get my full protein in..

If you decide to give it a try (I've read noodles sit on your stomach like concrete after surgery) let me know how they taste! Good luck.

2 hours ago, Ms. Neidler said:

Yes the dietician gave me the calories when they gave me the book. I also told i needed 79-98 grams of Protein and i have not cheated on diet. I track everything in the app she had me download

I'd make an appointment with your bariatric team then. I'm a slow weight loser..but 4 lbs in two months seems off.

25 minutes ago, Ms. Neidler said:

I started the diet the end of february started at 312 and my last visit i was down to 308 but not seeing anything on scale since march

Did the bariatric team give you the variable calories? The "800 - 1200" A day? Normally, its a set amount... I'd contact your bariatric team/dietician..IF you're not cheating you should be losing more than 4 lbs in two months.