BlondePatriotInCDA

On 4/14/2024 at 6:35 PM, summerseeker said:

Isn't that strange how Doctors can differ. He told me straight that it wouldn't do a thing for it. Over here trying to find one who knows what it is, can be a full time job. A few have just looked at me in disgust and as much as said there is no such condition. It took me 11 years to get the diagnosis, I thought I was going mad.

My biggest problem is sleeping. What ever part of me that I lie on hurts and I wake and need to turn, again and again. As soon as I could I crushed the tablets up and got them down me that way. Geez they are vile crushed. Good luck going forward, let me know how you get on

If its any consultation, I don't have fibromyalgia and it hurt sleeping too - not as much fat padding! Having fibromyalgia must make it horrendously painful for you. I'm sorry to those who suffer with this disease.

On 7/4/2023 at 12:54 PM, Bigpopsmoke said:

My doc did not test me at all. If your doctor insist on testing you over 'nicotine' or 'thc' it is NONE of their business and if need to get this surgery but can not quit you do not give up your surgery. You can easily buy a bottle of fake urine on the internet just google it. IT IS NOT ILLEGAL unless you are trying to use it to pass law enforcement it is NOT against the law to buy a bottle warm it up and just dump it in the cup instead on your own urine for the test. they can not watch you in the bathroom so that is all you do and you get this weight of and get this surgery NO MATTER WHAT. much love

Actually it is their business since being a smoker can cause surgical complications and its their jobs to assure their patients have as few surgical contraindications as possible for the best surgical outcomes. When you sign the consent to treat, its a contract between you and the surgeon that you've notified them of all your health stats.

• Longer stays and emergencies: According to a 2019 reviewTrusted Source, smoking is associated with higher rates of intensive care unit admissions, emergency readmissions, and longer inpatient stays after the procedure.
• Infections and complications: Smoking impacts your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to heal after surgery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, smoking raises your risk of infections and other complications.
• Perioperative morbidity and mortality: The previously mentioned 2019 reviewTrusted Source found that smoking boosts the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality or death that may occur within 30 days after surgery. The more someone smokes, the greater their health risks.

• Respiratory system and lungs: Smoking impairs the function of the heart and lungs. During and after surgery, this impairment can cause breathing problems. It can also increase the risk of pneumonia, lung collapse, or the need for a ventilator after the procedure.
• Cardiovascular system: Nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins found in cigarette smoke may raise the riskTrusted Source of heart complications during or after surgery, including heart attack and stroke.
• Joints, muscles, and bones: Smoking can negatively impact your bones’ ability to heal. If you’re getting orthopedic surgery or another procedure for a musculoskeletal injury, your recovery may take longer.
• Skin’s healing mechanism: The nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxins in cigarettes negatively impact wound healing, which can delay recovery and increase the risk of scarring.
• Responsiveness to anesthesia: Though anesthesia always has some risk of complications, smoking increases this risk. In particular, smoking before receiving an anesthetic can contribute to respiratory issues, slower recovery time, and the need to use more anesthetics.

I would especially be concerned about the last one since its a very delicate balance administering the correct anesthesia to someone who isn't a smoker and even more so on someone who has. Its your life they have in their hands, why chance it?

If you truly want the surgery, you truly need it - start out by committing yourself to the best possible outcome and quit smoking... After all you're wanting to become healthier right? Why start out by lying to someone who wants you to succeed by giving them a fake urine sample? If you had hemophilia you wouldn't lie about it just to get surgery would you?

4 minutes ago, Aunt Fin said:

The pain I felt was my tailbone hurting so bad when I was sitting down. My surgeon's practical nurse said that everyone gets this after surgery, but my primary care physician ordered a CT and found Multilevel spondylosis, which is a degenerative disease that impacts your spine. I'm more than one year out now and the pain has subsided, which may be because of the weight loss.

It's my tailbone and thoracic area..my GP had me get two MRI's and yeah multilevel "spondylosis" was determined, but for the most part its very common in anyone (especially females) to have it at 40+ years old. I'm hoping you're right and the pain will subside after a year out..I've seen others mention the year mark a few times when their pain diminished!

Thanks for confirming the 1 year PO timeframe, I have 3 more months give or take..here's hoping!

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?

I spoke to my dietician today and 800 calories is normal for 9 months PO until I hit goal for my bariatric clinic. I was told this; if I'm hungry all the time I can go up to 1000 per day but no more than that until I hit my goal and go into maintenance. I agree 800 is restrictive, but apparently its normal for everyone at my clinic. I figured I'd let everyone know with an update. 🤷🏼‍

Glad you're doing better! My hysterectomy was by far way worse than my bypass (was in the hospital for two weeks) so I understand the issues one can have from removing lady plumbing! You're on the backside now and things are looking up for you! Take care of yourself, looking good!

I eat Yasso bars.. I highly recommend them. They're Greek yogurt, decent Protein and have 100 calories and taste just like ice cream - mint chip and fudge brownie are delicious. I also have a iCreami and make "ice cream" Protein Shakes. But if all else fails - fudgcicles at 40 calories low sugar.

24 minutes ago, TRAVELRN said:

You have hormonal shifts and should be temporary but I’d speak to my OB/GYN or your surgeon to have labs done.

I completely agree, most likely it is the WLS hormonal shifts but its always recommended to check with your doctors when there are changes just to be sure! Also, this can assure your SO that you know its a concern and since you still feel the same about them it surely must be a medical change!

On 5/14/2024 at 11:48 AM, Anomalia said:

Hi there folks. I was sleeved back in September of 2023, so it's been 8 months.

In 3 months, I have lost 3 pounds. This has had me in tears. I haven't been absolutely perfect, but I'm exercising 5 times a week and maintaining a significant calorie deficit (average 1400 cal at 330 pounds).

For the last 6 weeks, my hands and feet have started getting cold, and I have been sweating excessively. I went to see my GP and we considered thyroid, which was a relief as it might explain the stalls AND the circulation. BUT the TSH test just came back within normal range. She's stressing that extreme weight loss can cause you to feel cold more often due to the loss of insulation, but my hands and feet are objectively cold (other people can feel it) so it doesn't seem this simple.

Any ideas? If I'm back to steering my own healthcare on this, it is not a new thing for me, I'm just not sure where to start.

I completely understand your frustration, in the last 8 weeks I've lost and regained the same two pounds. I'm 9 months in..so very close to your timeframe. I read in my bariatric clinic handbook to contact the clinic if weight loss stops longer than 4-5 weeks. I have an appointment next week at which time I will be asking for answers. Like you, I am always at a calorie deficit, I watch every single calorie, fat, sugar and carb gram sticking to my 800 calories a day, 80 Protein grams, 50 net carbs a day. My labs are "perfect"... So yeah I do understand, I'm sorry you're going through this, especially for longer than I have. What did your doctor recommend/say?

As far as being cold, there are numerous posts here on the forum with other WLS patients discussing being cold all the time - do a search to find them. In fact, as I type this I have a heating pad on my back and an electric blanket on in front - its 56°F here too cold!!! Before surgery I would have been fine, I kept my heat on during the winter at 55° and was comfortable where as everyone else was chilly. So, its completely normal. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt in 76° sunshine the other day and was still chilly. So rest assured your being cold is completely normal!

Let us know what your doctor said and keep us updated!

3 hours ago, ms.sss said:

side tip: document your rashes and skin issues (pictures, videos, with dates)...if u are ever in the position that u want to get a Tummy Tuck or panniculectomy, you can use the collected evidence for insurance to cover the cost (if this is available for you..)

Thank you! My doctor said when I told her about the rash "lets start the paper trail to get you the tummy tuck!" She's a bypass patient and understands having been there! Thank you again.

Its funny, or not but I didn't have any fold/skin rashes before surgery..but boy am I getting them now! No matter how much I shower, powder and keep dry all the extra skin on/under my pancake butt and thigh creases - ouch!! Its making walking painful. 😔

On a side note..I fit in the MRI easily now, before WLS I touched the edges.

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!