BlondePatriotInCDA

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 🤗

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!

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.

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

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

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

Good afternoon all! I just was thinking of all the surprises I've experienced since WLS...and I wanted to ask others what's surprised them about their weight loss/surgery journey that they weren't told by their bariatric team?! I'll go first: 1. All the aches and pains in my hips and butt. My butt hurts now when I sit since I'm missing my butt padding! Also, since losing weight my posture and gait have changed so now I'm in PT for hip abductor pain. 2. The ever increasing and changing locations of skin irritation. The skin now droops in places I wasn't told to expect and I get red irritation under my butt creases from over lap - sorry for the unpleasant visual! 3. I've shrunk..so driving I now need extra padding to be at my former "sitting height" I feel like a kid driving my parents car now. 4. I've had to buy new glasses, mine were stretched out from digging into my fat head 😋 and now they keep falling off when I look down. 5. I've had to buy new shoes, all my old shoes no longer fit. They just flop around. I was expecting new clothing..not shoes. 6. I feel more clumsy and weak despite working out. My manual dexterity is horrible now. 7. I still feel hunger 😔 These are just a few of the changes I've experienced that my bariatric team never mentioned. Do you have any to add that can take the surprise out of it for people just starting their WLS journey?! I eagerly await your responses!

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.

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

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.

Mushrooms offer some fiber and are relatively low calorie, so I wouldn't worry about a few of those and are approved by my bariatrc team. The cheese is too much, in fact it looks like the largest quantity on your plate. You should get at most something like one full skim string cheese stick a day. Add next non starch veggies at most 1/4 cup per meal and 3oz cup of lean protein and one tablespoon of starchy veggies - that's it! I'd also eliminate the imitation crab/fish sticks, too much protein. So it should consist of: 3 oz lean protein / protein shake is calorie. 1/4 cup non starchy veggie 1 tablespoon starchy veggies and in between meals 64oz of water. Snacks can be the string cheese (skim) ..this type of thing... What you had on your plate isn't bad, but it is closer to a maintenance diet after you've lost the weight plate of food!

I agree with CatWoman...we need to know when you started on your pre surgery diet?! Also, what type thing f exercise are you doing, remember muscle weighs seven times more than fat...but it also burns calories quicker.. So it could be that you're putting on muscle .... It all depends on when you started.

Thank you! Now do you have one that works well on those resealable food packages..or heat sealed bags? 😋

Good afternoon all! I just was thinking of all the surprises I've experienced since WLS...and I wanted to ask others what's surprised them about their weight loss/surgery journey that they weren't told by their bariatric team?! I'll go first: 1. All the aches and pains in my hips and butt. My butt hurts now when I sit since I'm missing my butt padding! Also, since losing weight my posture and gait have changed so now I'm in PT for hip abductor pain. 2. The ever increasing and changing locations of skin irritation. The skin now droops in places I wasn't told to expect and I get red irritation under my butt creases from over lap - sorry for the unpleasant visual! 3. I've shrunk..so driving I now need extra padding to be at my former "sitting height" I feel like a kid driving my parents car now. 4. I've had to buy new glasses, mine were stretched out from digging into my fat head 😋 and now they keep falling off when I look down. 5. I've had to buy new shoes, all my old shoes no longer fit. They just flop around. I was expecting new clothing..not shoes. 6. I feel more clumsy and weak despite working out. My manual dexterity is horrible now. 7. I still feel hunger 😔 These are just a few of the changes I've experienced that my bariatric team never mentioned. Do you have any to add that can take the surprise out of it for people just starting their WLS journey?! I eagerly await your responses!

I'd share but its a download of numerous pages..I don't think I could share it as a embedded attachment..too big. If you send me a PM with your email I can send it to you!

Also keep in mind your nerves that register full were cut to reduce your stomach. It will take several months for them to reattach and possibly start working again! Its why the dieticians want you to measure/weigh everything - they know your eating capacity! As others have said; pay attention to your body's indicators, there are several and not everyone experiences the same or all of them: 1. Sniffing/runny nose 2. Hic ups (I personally get this one) 3. Racing heart or more pronounced feeling of beats (I also have this) 4. Pain 5. Shortness of breath 6. Coughing 7. headache 8. ? Yours maybe different and unique - just pay attention to what your body is telling you!

"I was never told that" and I bet they disagree and say you were? I think that's why my bariatric team now hands out their own booklets, it answers a lot of questions. They also email a PDF version jic! There are still tons of things they don't tell you like the things I posted, but I assume its covered somewhere in the support group meetings (I went to have one - one was all that was required - I'm NOT a support group type person!) Do you still crush your pills? I thought after six months you no longer needed too, should I be doing that!? Now I wonder if I'm getting the full dosage I should be.. 🤔

That's where I feel a lot in of my weakness - my hands and I turn 60 Thursday! Its my arms and hands (duh! They're dependent on each other 😆). That's what I was referring to in my OP... I have a hard time opening things I never had issues with before surgery. I shouldn't think its age related when I had no issues 9 months ago BS (before surgery), I opened things my husband had issues with sometimes - though if you were to ask him..he "loosened it for me!"

Lol it means the same thing here in the U.S...its why I was wondering if there was a different meaning I was unaware of! My husband says I'm a cheap date now since all I order to eat is off the children's menu or an appetizer! As far as a cheap drinker..I've always been a light weight drinker aka "cheap" date..I start getting numb faced at two drinks! I also thought that's what ppl were doing here...did I miss something? I think we all fall into the text is hard to interpret emotions or angles...where ppl are coming from or what they're asking/responding to. I, unfortunately, am very analytical fact driven and dry with a side of as my husband says "Ice Queen" sprinkled in with a side of smart arse..so ppl take it wrong because its text and quite possibly in person too 😋. Understanding that I'm taken as being "angry, uptight or questioning of ppl or I lack emotions" I tend to think most are generally just asking questions with no ill intent knowing I'm taken wrong a lot (even on these forums)..so I try and give ppl the benefit of the doubt. Its also why I use emoji jic I come off wrong or confrontational. Unfortunately, some read into peoples statements/post; emotions and textual intent that just aren't there (or maybe they are and I just chose to ignore it or not see it). Either way, I personally haven't seen ANY hostility on this particular topic just as you said people discussing a difficult topic and asking questions -nothing more..so I agree!

Congratulations, you are well on your way! Keep up the good work.

I feel the same way about the "brown" liquor, its too harsh to me....but I do enjoy vodka, darker beers and wines. My ex drank gin and I couldn't stomach the smell...(not why he's my ex tho 😏), it made me gag when I'd smell his breath. Plus the dark liquors give me headaches IF and when I could get past the taste! As far as "lightening up the mood" you can try, but its pretty difficult when people are discussing addictions...but I appreciate your attempting too! What?? No "love fest" for me? 😭🙍🏼‍♀️

Just as some people like the taste of coffee, juice, milk etc., others don't while some like and enjoy the taste alcohol. We don't all enjoy the same tastes! Before surgery, I'd enjoy an occasional glass of wine. To be honest I'm afraid of my bodies reaction to it now, so I haven't enjoyed a glass yet....yet. The smell and taste of a nicely grown and blended wine is devine, each having nose notes - sweet, flowers, rain, fruits, oak...that come through in taste can be amazing if you take the time to enjoy it. Yet, I detest gin, finding it reminiscent of rubbing alcohol... some love gin..some ppl love the flavor of cucumber bleh..it makes me shudder! Although, I never worry about becoming addicted to alcohol, even with a family history. I believe either you have the predisposition for additions or you don't. I'm to much of a control freak and to me alcohol takes that away. I suppose you could say my "addiction" is maintaining control as best I can! We are all different, thankfully.