BlondePatriotInCDA

Smells for me as well! Yeah...cigarette, fish and urine (maple is totally urine smell now) 😵 I had Hyperosmia before surgery and now its just so much worse. My husband says I could make millions working as a "nose" for compounding fragrances or the government ...sniffing for drugs or bombs! I even sniffed out a gas leak at work no one was able to detect..including the gas company employee, they brought in a detector and the employee said "wow" your sense of smell detected gas at a level usually only the detectors can find right up next to it. So, this is NOT a welcome change! I haven't had any major taste problems, I still find eggs nasty - but that's more a texture issue. I was hoping eggs would change for me. I also taste chemicals in things lol yours is lemon pudding, mine is ANY sugar free pudding. Lemon taste like Pledge furniture polish smells, chocolate pudding tastes like nothing but chemicals. I still like the things I did before unfortunately... and have absolutely no stomach reactions to anything I used to eat (I tested hoping I would).

Wow - you're looking gorgeous! Look at you looking all thin and healthy. I also like the length, it's very flattering to your facial structure! Congratulations on being soooo close to your goal!

Easy answer: Fairlife Core! I compared ingredients, taste (tastes exactly like milk ..chocolate milk or your choice) and credibility (Premier has/had a lawsuit over exaggerating their protein content) which helped me make my choice easier. Lastly, Fairlife is milk, not chemicals. My only complaint is Fairlife has high phthalates. I take this into consideration along with their product life cycle sustainable local farming practices and for now I over look the phthalates as they're in so many things in plastic containers. Eventually I'm hoping this will be corrected or I'll try and find something else. Just remember if you continue to drink Fairlife, it contains either 26 or 42grams of calcium.. If you go with the 42 grams..its almost an entire days calcium serving so take that into consideration when you start taking your daily supplements! FL is harder to find and more expensive as others have said, I have mine on subscribe and save on Amazon or if you keep it in your cart or saved cart you will see when the price drops and buy it then. Its cheaper this way. I've seen price fluctuations as much as $15..so shop around! I was drinking the 42grams which makes it soooo much easier to get your protein in but its also more expensive which is why I went with the 26grams. If you're having difficulty reaching your goal in the early stages, do as I did and start with the 42 then drop down to the 26! **My doctor gave me a great indicator of hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) to be aware of; if you flick your face and it twitches = too much Ca. Also, if you start getting eye twitches (tetany) cut back on Ca. Also, drink half each meal as our bodies can't absorb that much at once of both protein and calcium.

True for most, but as I said I have two friends who didn't have bariatric surgery and have been able to maintain their GLP-1 weight loss. One for a year and a half and the other for 10 months both quit taking it. They said it can be tough but they maintain by eating right and getting their steps! So happy ending for them! There will always exceptions to the rules.

Gurgling stomach is completely normal before and after bariatric surgery! It doesn't mean hunger it means its digesting! I too never feel "full" and have never had the honeymoon phase of not being hungry. Just be aware you're this way and be vigilant in your eating and portions. We're all different, just stick to the plan you were given and have faith it will work!

"They changed their eating habits while on the medication, but once they stopped, that all kind of went out the window because all the things the meds stopped came roaring back." This is the problem. If people who decide to utilize this medication tool don't maintain healthy smaller portions and eating habits they will put weight back on. They've never learned or failed to follow a new healthy life "diet". They need to learn healthy eating while on the GLP-1, unfortunately most don't and go back to their old eating habits prior to starting the medication regimen. As long as you know this and stick to better, smaller portions and maintain a healthy lifestyle gaining weight back shouldn't happen. I know two people who've done this and have maintained their weight loss! GLP-1's are nothing more than a tool and should be used accordingly by learning to eat to maintain the loss and how to understand the hunger when it comes back. I'm assured that it won't happen to me since I have learned to eat healthy and exercise - we shall see!

Tired, sore and physically/mentally drained.. but happy you did it. It made me feel hopeful that finally I was going to be healthy. You can also expect to be over whelmed even if you've done your research..its a complete change in your routine; constant water sips, small healthy protein meal stages and preparing each meal for those stages...lots of adjustments to your new life. You've got this!

My bariatric team and GP both suggested it when I hit a three month stall and was becoming discouraged and angry. I was prescribed Ozempic and it broke my stall the first week! I've lost 10lbs in one month so my stall is over. I stuck to my "diet" plan the entire time so some might just say it was nothing more than my stall finally ending, who knows? I receive the compounded version with B12 and its $120.00 a month without using my insurance (I didn't want to go through the hassle of pre authorization). So, its a possible option for you. I've had no side effects as of yet, I'm starting on my second month with a higher dose so I can't speak on the head cadence beat of the drum to EAT yet, perhaps its diminished a bit and my hunger has quieted. Your best bet is talk to your doctor they'll know what's best for you and it can't hurt to ask. I hope this helps. Good luck!

I'd double and triple check and pose the question regarding the diet exactly how you did here...about food still being on board. I used to assist in surgeries and I've never heard of food past midnight (12 hours prior)! I wouldn't want to risk cancelling surgery due to crossed wires. Good luck on your surgery and welcome to the other side!

Looking good! Keep up the great work!

I love your kitty photo bombing!

Great job! Congratulations!

I think most just want to compliment you on your great accomplishment and we can be too sensitive. What I mean is no matter what someone says (yes some don't think it through AND do say hurtful things) it can be kinda hurtful if you think about it to much; " Oh you've let weight, you look great!" - So what are you saying, I didn't before when I was fat!? "You lost a lot of weight in your face, you're beautiful! - Again, I wasn't before? Its a very difficult mine field for ppl to transverse - I just take the compliment and move on. "better yet learn to see a person for who they actually are and not even notice a persons size amongst other physical things (only in a perfect world I know)." - After all the work I've gone though to lose the weight, its nice to have it acknowledged. I'm not sure I'd be happy if they just kept talking after not having seen me in awhile and not at least mention my weight loss...but, to each their own, we're all different. I try my hardest to not read into what or how ppl say things, I just take it as hopefully a compliment, but if it's not, then the hurtful thing is on them - not me.

10.5 months post op and I'm down 100 lbs! This after a three month stall which finally broke last week where I lost 8lbs. Whew! I needed to share this with people who understand the struggle! I dragged my husband up from his chair and had him do the happy dance with me! Bless the goofy man he asked if I was officially done now with losing. Now, 50 more to go!

Thank you! He's very supportive.. I'm a lucky woman. 😍

I was in the same spot you are up until last week. I stopped losing at 7 months, gained a few pounds and watched the same 2-3 pounds up and down for three months! Then, at 10.5 months lost 8 lbs in a week. I completely understand your frustration. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I continue to lose now. Its very frustrating! Have you gone to your dietician or surgeon and at least confirm all is well? I did and even talked to the clinic psychologist (I was becoming angry about it). Just know it will eventually break, I know hearing/reading this doesn't help like losing pounds does but... But you'll start losing again.

Sounds just like me! Although, my husband occasionally eats what I eat. I'm picky, have food texture issues and despise cooking, so I too eat the same thing over and over.

Thank you! 😁 officially I am no longer obese and classified as "overweight" now.

Less pre-op diet because in theory less food has been consumed due to having had a prior surgery reducing amount consumed AND less nutrients have been absorbed, doctors don't want their patients going through a major surgery in a weakened condition.

Thank you! It does feel amazing. Yeah, the three months were horrible! I was beyond discouraged and starting to get angry, you go through all this and follow the rules - giving up delicious foods, increase activity- you expect to lose #'s. I expect it to slow down to a trickle (just didn't expect it at 6 months PO) I was prepared for it at around the one year mark. Maybe I'll get an extension since I had to suffer through the three months 😉 and it won't slow for a few months into my year!!

I recommend Poo-pouri. Spray before you go and it forms a film on the water helping to keep the smell contained under it! I've used it for years (we also have septic if this is a concern). I have one in each bathroom and one in my purse/backpack! It works well. I'm not a fan of the lemongrass scent (they all have it as the underlying scent) but its certainly better than bariatric blow out smell! 🤦💩

I'm the same way, one little off step for me is a slippery mountain. Knowing this I am very regimented, I have a schedule/routine for taking my vitamins etc., it becomes muscle memory for me that way. One "just this time" and I start sliding full clip. Unfortunately, it IS a full time job, but as the saying goes the best for your future is to be your own boss - you never get rich working for others. Work towards your health and future. This is how I put myself on a routine: 1. Purchased a "Hidrate Spark" (water bottle that lights up to remind me to drink with an app to track and also remind me) annoying but it helps. 2. Purchased a 4 times a day 7 days a week vitamin container that I have set up with reminders on my phone I put right next to my coffeemaker. I used Velcro to attach it to my phone case. Its always with me. 3. A picture of myself on my frig/cabinets at my heaviest to remind me why. 4. Remove ALL temptations from the house. My husband wants junk food he goes out. Lastly, I hate hate working out so I purchased a weight vest and weight gloves which I wear all the time as I'm cleaning, walking etc. I also, IF I want a "treat" (Yasso Greek yogurt ice cream bar) or a no sugar fudgcicle I do some squats, leg lifts before I treat myself etc.. Just remember its baby steps, if I deny myself all at once I become resentful and angry. So, start with one improvement and do it consistently until you no longer have to remind yourself or you do it regularly then add the next health improvement to your routine. If I can do it, YOU can do it. I come from an entire family of smackers and grazers who are all thin - I recognize its a battle, unfortunately now its a lifetime battle and I finally decided being thin is soooooooo much better than being fat so I strap on my warrior armor and do what I have to do. Ask yourself what YOU want out of life and win the battle - period!

I agree with your statement and probably why I've been in a holding pattern at the same weight now for 2+ months and I'm not happy about it. As far as macros: Protein: 80 grams was 70 until 3 months post op Carbs: 50 or less - H2O: min of 45oz but prefer 80+- JennyBeez: "It sort of makes sense? A nutritionist I saw years back (not program related) told me that she often starts people on higher calorie counts and then as the weight loss slows down, that's when she restricts them further to keep the momentum going. These days, I take it all with a grain (or seven) of salt because everyone reacts differently to foods / calories / etc. Different strokes. " These are what they've had me at since I went to solids about 8 weeks post op. I've had no change oin calories since then..your idea makes sense tho!

This is pretty much what I was told except I'm 10 months out and still being told no more than 800 calories per day. When I mentioned being hungry still they were very hesitant to raise it to 1000..stating I could if I wanted to raise my intake, but to be very careful IF I did...again being hesitant with "allowing" more than 800.

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 🤗