loridee11

As ShoppGirl said, keep tracking your foods and you'll likely find the culprits. I never had dumping syndrome like others have described, but I do have foods I just cannot tolerate without side effects. Sweets like cake/etc I can have a bite or two. If I eat more, I have extreme gas. Bloating to the point of pain and even my dog leaves the room. Sugar substitutes result in major heartburn that medication barely helped. I was on back to back courses of prilosec for months and tried everything my Dr suggested. Someone mentioned sugar substitutes so I cut out crytstal light and other drinks I drank a lot of and it was gone, I almost never have issues now. Good luck! Lori

Dec 31 will be 6 years since my bypass. Would I do it again, absolutely. However, I wanted to share about a recent diagnosis in case others are having similar experiences. My Stats: 47, female (now). 5'10. Started at 335 lbs. Lowest weight around 155 but that was after a major stomach bug. Realistically I was happy and maintained at around 165 for a long time. Now at 185. I'd like to get back to 165 but I still feel good with my weight and have been stable here for over a year. In the last few months I realized some symptoms I had for a long time were related to my blood glucose. Specifically, after a lot of my meals I would have fatigue, in some cases extreme fatigue to the point I almost felt drugged and like I had to sleep. I also had stomach aches and gas pains. A friend mentioned it could be related to my blood sugar, so I tried an OTC glucose monitor and noticed after meals with high carbs I had a spike and then a crash (going above the top range and then below the bottom range on my monitor). I talked to my Dr. about it and we did a finger stick glucose monitor that confirmed the results. We consulted with an endocrinologist who ran some tests and confirmed I have hyperglycemia with reactive hypoglycemia. The good news is I don't have any underlying health conditions. I'm not diabetic or prediabetic or anything else. The endocrinologist said this is a common side effect of gastric bypass even though I had not seen it mentioned. Processed carbs and sugars are definitely the worst and that's when I see major spikes and crashes and corresponding symptoms. However even healthy carbs like quinoa eaten with protein result in spikes over a healthy range for me (although I don't have major crashes with them). Even using pre-shredded cheese which is coated in starch will cause a spike for me. Unfortunately, even if you don't have symptoms chronic hyperglycemia has an impact on your heart, kidneys, brain and nervous system so it is something I am taking seriously. I am trying to relearn how to eat and cook. Its not just avoiding candy and bread. A lot of the common guidance for hyperglycemia doesn't work for me (and apparently others who have this post bypass). I can't just eat protein first, or pair my carbs with protein. I can't just transfer to healthier grains. In my case, most carbs result in a spike. A lot of convenience items have added starches and sugars (like the pre-shredded cheese I mention, but also chicken broth, condiments, etc...) so I have to read every label and in some cases exclude them entirely when cooking. I have met with a nutritionist and am exploring how time of day, exercise, and stress impact my blood sugar as well. That's slow going since its all trial and error on what works for me. And of course there are the cravings. I am probably only about 50/50 right now on actually staying within a healthy blood glucose range when I eat. While some of that is figuring out what I can and can't eat , a lot of it is also giving in to cravings for things I know will cause issues. My goal is to get to 95% within goal range across all meals. Anyway, I know I will figure this out and I can already tell the difference when I have a good couple of days v a bad couple of days. The drugging fatigue is gone. My overall energy is higher on good days. I also noticed I have much less joint pain which I take as a sign that chronic inflammation is coming down when I am able to balance my blood glucose. If you are having similar symptoms, it may be worth looking into. Happy holidays and new year all! Lori

Hi Colin, I don't hike 20 miles per day back to back, but I imagine you will be able to at some point. For the first year or so I'm not sure I was eating/absorbing enough calories to sustain that type of heavy exercise. However, once I was able to eat a little more I never had issues doing whatever exercise I wanted. Of course, as with everything talk to your doctor For me, I started training for Kili about a year after my surgery, with hikes 5-8 miles just on weekends. At the 2 year mark I was hiking 3-4 times per week, up to about 12 miles. And Kili was about 2 1/2 years after surgery and I had no issues at all. I was not active or fit pre-surgery, so my baseline was very low. ~Lori

Its been almost 4 weeks so I thought I'd share a pic. Healing really well and mostly happy. A couple spots we may need to do a little fixing on (but in office v. under) just to get everything to lay smooth but so glad to see how much skin is now gone. I'm not sure if I have any swelling left or not (no muscle tightening).

Good luck tomorrow! The first few days just plan on resting (even if you think you feel up to more). If you can, either have someone who can cook for you or have some pre-made meals in the fridge. Drink lots of water. Recliner and pillows will be your best friends. You'll want to keep yourself in a U shape for your abdomen but also want to keep your arms elevated.

Local Dr in San Jose who sadly is retiring this month

Tummy tuck done on Wed. I'm actually feeling really well - no pain meds as of today but of course still taking it very easy. I had skin only fleur tummy tuck as most of my extra skin was vertical. I have an incision from just below my breasts down to my mons, and a small horizontal incision, maybe 5 inches. Overall things look really good, especially for 3 days out. I'm swollen of course, but my belly button area is already 1.5 inches smaller than before (every place else is up due to swelling still) I tried the garment today and I'm still too swollen (I bought a stage 2) so I'll try again after the drain comes out on Tuesday. My only concern is how it will fit on my thights --- while the measurement was right I have a lot of loose skin there but we shall see. I'll try to take some after pics once the drain comes out.

I'm 9 months out and am super happy with my arm results so I wanted to share some before/after pics. As you can see, the scar is still pretty visible although it is fading. My surgeon thinks it will likely fade for up to 2 years.

Hi all, I'm having a skin only tummy tuck end of May (my muscles are not separated). I want to get an extra compression garment and I'm wondering about sizing. According to the size charts my under bust, hips and thigh would be Medium and my waist is just barely into the Large range. Given the skin removal from the stomach, do you think a Med would work? Also, would you recommend the garment with legs or one that stops at the hips? Thanks for your thoughts! Lori

Thanks all! I found a variety pack of Built Bars and am going to try those. I appreciate the advice!

Even pre-RNY I had really low Iron levels and have taken a supplement. It takes time for us to build back up. I'm sure your Dr. mentioned, but there are other vitamins you can't take Iron with (if I recall correctly Calcium is one) and it absorbs better with Vitamin C taken at the same time. I take Iron +C daily now (end of day, 2 hours after my last calcium & multi) and that has helped bring mine up. Of course everyone is unique and I'm sure your dr. can help figure out what you need. Good luck!

Does anyone have recommendations on a good protein bar? I generally have a premier shake for breakfast but I am traveling and am looking for something I can bring with. I'd love something with similar nutrition (30g protein, <200 calories, low carb) and of course, tastes good

That's amazing! I'm not a runner so 33 miles may as well be 1,000. Way to go!

Maybe I'm in the minority, but at 3 years out I still struggle sometimes with my image of self - I often "feel" like the biggest person in a room even though I know I'm not. It seems to be exacerbated when I don't do the self-care things like regular exercise or eating well. When I'm in routine with exercise and healthy meals my mind set seems to settle and I just think less about my weight than I ever have. Having said that, I just started a new job and it is a mind trip that they will never know the obese me I was for most of my life. Lori

Agree you should check with your team. However, personally I struggled with high fat foods early on. So even though Queso may be a "soft food" (depending on what you eat it with) it would have made me sick until I was well into solid foods. Side note: High fat and high sugar foods are still hard for me. I get very bloated and gassy if I eat to much.

It's been just over 3 years since I had my RNY (12/31/19). I am so glad I made the decision to do this. It's not easy and there are challenges, but I feel so much better in my own skin. Stats: 5'10; 44 years old Starting Weight: 336 Surgery weight: 292 Lowest weight: 155 Current weight: 172 Wins in 2022: Last year I really wanted to focus on strength and stamina. I set a bucket list goal of climbing Kilimanjaro (I did it in June!) and spent the first half of the year getting in shape for that. That included regular hikes, but also yoga and strength training classes to build muscle and flexibility. I also did a lot of time on the treadmill at incline (I hate the treadmill - but it served it's purpose). In the second half of the year I wanted to keep growing strength, stamina and flexibility but in a way I enjoy so I started HIIT classes. They are a great workout, give me cardio and strength in one which is a huge win. I also still do yoga once a week and try to hike when I can. At the end of the year I am the strongest and healthiest I can ever recall being. I also did a TON of traveling in 2022 which was great for my mental health. I got to see Equador, the Galapagos, Costa Rice, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Alaska, Victoria CA, Little Cayman, and other places in the US West. It's been amazing. Goals for 2023: In addition to continuing to grow on my physical fitness gains from 2022, this year I need to work on my relationship with food. In general I eat much healthier than I did pre-surgery (I was a total carb addict and rarely ate protein or vegetables), however I still struggle with emotional eating and moderation for trigger foods. I am very consciously NOT dieting. There will be times I eat pasta or sweets but I don't want to eat because I'm bored or <insert any emotion here>. I also want to be aware of the scale, I really want to stay between my low weight and where I am now, but not ruled by it. I'm not sure exactly what this will look like, but will figure it it. I also start a new job in a couple of weeks. I'm super excited about the role and the challenge it will present. It will mean a lot less time to travel, but I'm ready to take on something new. My goal (aside from doing well at the job) is to find a way to balance work and life in a more sustainable way that I have in the past. I hope all of you have an amazing 2023 and good luck in your journey's! Lori

When I was at my heaviest, I think I felt littler than I was. Now at 3 years out, I know that I am at a normal weight, but I still always feel like one of the biggest people in the room (logically I know that's not true but it's how I feel). And of course, some days I'm more bloated than others and that doesn't help.

I've been considering filler - since weight loss I have what I feel are pretty deep folds around my mouth. Not sure if you chose filler for the same reason - if yes, does it help?

Thanks all for sharing! I tend to meal prep since it's just me and it's easier to cook once or twice a week than every day. That's really the only reason my days tend to be fairly similar. As many of you hinted at, I am really trying for that healthy relationship with food where I enjoy in moderation. Glad to see that seems to be working for so many!

Hi Laneeb23, Unfortunately I didn't experience this so I can't give you advice beyond go back to your team (this does not sound normal). I just wanted to say I'm so sorry and I trust it will get better for you! Lori

Hi All! Summary: I'm bored of my go to meals. What healthy options do you love? Detail: I am almost 3 years out and have put on a few pounds from my low - 155 to 170 at 5'10. I think I'm still in the normal "bounce back" gain range but I want to make sure I stop any further gain. I work out pretty heavy: 3 days of HiiT, 1 day hiking, 1 day yoga plus daily dog walks. I had stopped tracking all my food but started back up and I am around 2000 calories a day which with exercise seems to be right (when I am tracking and staying there my weight stopped moving). My challenge is I tend to eat 3 meals plus an afternoon snack and I am looking for lower calories, lean protein options. I tend to like one pot or casserole type meals v. a piece of meat and side dish but I am open to any thoughts! For those of you curious, a regular day for me may be: Breakfast: Coffee w/ half and half and Green smoothie (with protein, frozen fruit & frozen spinach) Lunch: Chicken salad Snack: Greek yogurt with keto granola Dinner: Ground chicken tacos with carb conscious tortilla's or Breakfast: Coffee w/ half and half and 2 eggs on an english muffin Lunch: Chef salad Snack: Premier protein shake Dinner: Au gratin vegetables casserole with chicken dinner sausage I may also have dessert which is usually sugar free jello/sugar free jello pudding made with Fairlife skim milk Thanks for sharing! Lori

Costco carries premier protein shakes. Reasonable and good - at least the chocolate and latte flavored. I personally think caramel and vanilla are WAY to sweet but that could just be me.

I had some issues with low blood pressure and dehydration that caused dizzy spells for me. Make sure you are drinking lots of fluid and including electrolytes.

My Dr. had me taking solid vitamins from day 1 - I use Kirkland brand for the most part (Multi Vitamin, calcium, etc...). I can't take them on an empty stomach or I get nauseous, but as long as I eat a little something first I'm good.

Ditto what others have said - I had really bad hair loss and unfortunately, it just took time. Like others, I cut it short and that helped the appearance a TON.