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October 2024 Surgery Buddies
RuizAyres replied to NeonRaven8919's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@Kimberly740 My surgery isn’t for another week 10/21 on 2nd week of pre op diet. Not doing the perfect following of it though. Did you have problems with having a BM during the 2nd week of pre op diet? Swallowing is hard because of my hernia. Just started a couple of days ago with this difficulty. How are doing now other than wanting something more substantial? -
This is a new video Dr. Weiner (bariatric surgeon in Tucson) put out through his podcast this week. He is one of the best resources out there for reliable information on bariatric surgery and the science of weight loss. This 55-minute video is all the most up to date information to get you started with all the basic questions you might have (and if you want more in-depth information, he has hundreds of other videos that dive deeper). He talks about nutrition, exercise, surgery, and GLP-1 meds.
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He just had me work an elastic band and said to do that but I ended up not doing it. But I can walk probably for 2 minutes or so everyday and increase it to 3 minutes next week. Especially when I have to go to saranac next week for my last followup before my surgery. I kind of want to tell them I've been exercising. I don't have a smartphone my wife has one and brings it to work with her everyday but I have a computer that I can setup reminders on. I go on it every morning so it would work perfectly. If that doesn't work I do have a tablet that I can use for reminders but I'm not on my tablet very much. I mostly just go on my tablet to check my email once every few days. My team will be taking good care of me after my surgery yeah. Even if I choose not to have the surgery they want to keep me in the program because I'm overweight and eligible. But I want the surgery because it should be a good tool for losing weight. Next Wednesday is just around the corner and hopefully I'll get all of my questions and concerns answered. I think even if I'm hungry though as long as I fill up fast I don't think I will eat as much as I am now. My problem is I am NEVER full even if I eat 3k calories in one sitting. It's ridiculous. The surgery should definitely change that.
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High in protein Pureed food Ideas…
TiredAngel replied to Mama_Bee's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had problems meeting my protein goals and honestly fluid. I’d get close. I ended up doing water enemas to make up the difference so I didn’t end up needing it fluids the first week. (Yeah, gross I know). I had issues getting the non-premixed protein shakes down after surgery and then eventually any protein shakes. I went from loving sugar to despising it. Literally thought I was prepped and bought tons of crap that I just couldn’t stand after surgery Since you can walk at discharge I ended up going shopping daily for whatever my body said it wanted. Fairlife milk is a godsend. Yes, it’s just milk…. But with added whey protein so it pretty much tastes the same, or darn close. Runny eggs… soufle… custards without sugar, I ended up loving this wanna be 7 layer dip type meal with mashed beans, sour cream, avocado and hot sauce. Tomato basil soup with goat cheese (Campbell made with milk rather than water, basil (paste from a squeeze bottle) and a chunk of goat cheese swirled in after melting. Those ended up being my jam until I could add in tuna packets with various flavors (they make a ton now) and shredded chicken (then blended on pulse and mixed with avocado so it didn’t get dry stuck). Getting used to 1 can of soup being 4-6 meals was a bit of a shock. I had a ton of tiny meals in the fridge and would just sit down every 2 hours with some protein thing and slowly get it in. Then wait 30 min and set water timers. If I wasn’t “caught up” to where I should be by the end of 2 hours… I’d then sit and have to focus it down till I got it in. Don’t leave water till last minute, you can’t chug. -
I'm 5 weeks out from surgery and the gas is what they used to "blow up" your abdomen like a balloon so that they can see everything while rearranging things in there. That goes away with time and I found that walking did the best. I also tried to move a lot, not just walking but raising my arms and doing tow pointing while sitting and things like that to move the air out of my abdomen. Also, try and use an abdominal binder, did they give you one to use on discharge? Sometimes that helps. I splinted my tummy with a pillow when I coughed. I had a tough time doing the sipping but got better over time, and even eating real food was a blessing. But as others have said, dehydration is the worst complication so keep sipping. The continued desire for food is called "head hunger". The brain is telling you that you are hungry, but how can you be, there is very little room in your stomach now, it is mind over matter. Time to find a hobby to keep your hands busy and out of the fridge. If you continue to have "head hunger" I would recommend BariNation that you can become a member of and join the support groups and member meet-ups to ask questions or get some group therapy where your people are. I'm a member and am in groups all the time, I started with them before surgery so I knew what to expect, and thankful for the wonderful support from my new friends. It is forty bucks for a month, and to me it is worth it, I spend less now in food. Just a thought to help you through the rough patches that are surely to come, especially the time when you are eating and having rapid weight loss, and hormone changes that cause your emotions to fly about. I find the support groups and meet ups to be so helpful.
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Revision from sleeve to bypass due to GERD (Trigger Warning)
CrazyDog&CatLady posted a topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I was sleeved in March of 2015 (HW 405, SW 357, LW 238, sustained 260 for a few years), had some regain where I hit 315, so I went on a hybrid Optifast/Numetra diet through a program at Kaiser (my then insurance in California). It worked well, I dropped about 50 pounds and was happy with that, but then I had some mental health issues including some passive ideation, so I decided to move across country (technically back home) to Delaware and share a living space with my brother and his wife and pets. Since that move I've gained back the 50 pounds I lost, I have another hiatal hernia, and severe acid reflux/GERD so now I'm on the path to revision to bypass. Thing is, I never wanted bypass, that's why I had the sleeve in the first place, the reworking of my internal plumbing scares the heck out of me! I've known a ton of people who've had it with no issues, but I've also known a couple who passed away from complications (granted, that was 20 years ago, and I know things have improved medically since then). But the idea of having dumping syndrome, and malabsorption, and needing to take vitamins and supplements forever - UGH - I'm freaking out!! 😨😖 I have an anxiety disorder (SAD & GAD) and my anxiety has been through the ROOF the past few weeks! My surgery date is August 26 - 13 days from today! - and I started my pre-op diet the other day (Monday), but part of me wants to cancel everything! However, there is a part of me that can't wait for the relief from the GERD. I guess I'm not asking for anything here, mostly just venting my anxiety. 🤣 -
Hi @Lilia_90! thank you for checking in, and unfortunately not yet 😭 Friday I FINALLY got the okay to do more than leisurely walk, I can do cardio and lower body workouts. I went on the stair master lasted only 20min (pathetic! I used to do 35-40min with juice left in the tank) then did the treadmill for 25 but I am building back to where I was just going to take me a min. I was off 7 weeks, but I did do lower body today, just bands and omg my legs were burning and I was actually sweating LOL so Hopefully with the consistency I will be back to where I was SOON! I miss how lean I felt and looked hahah. The boobies are healing well, still in my post op bra. I really am jealous of others recovery process. Mine seems so cautious which I get but so far its been worth it. They look great and settling where they are supposed to.
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Liver Shrinking & Liquid Diet ideas
Spnswthrt posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am having my surgery in December and getting ready to start my liver shrinking diet for a week followed by my liquid diet. Wanted to get some inout and ideas on what some other people have eaten and drank during their pre-op liver shrinking diet or liquid diet. I have some unflavored protein powder coming in and some soups with nochunks or anything, just want to add some other things in my list for ideas. Thank you for all input and help everyone! -
Keranique for hair loss
NickelChip replied to Mskmartin's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I can speak to minoxidil for eyebrows because I had almost no eyebrows left after years of thyroid issues and I started using it a few months ago on my brows and I'm slowly getting my eyebrows back! I also have some chronic thinning hair issues on the top and a patch at the back of my head. With the surgery hair loss, it's gotten so much worse that I wear a hat all the time. I decided to go ahead and use minoxidil for that, too. I'm okay with having to use it every day forever since I know it was not great pre-surgery, anyway, so it's something I might as well address now. I'm at almost 10 months post-op and the hair loss has completely stopped and the new growth is visible. If I had been pleased with my hair thickness pre-surgery, I would have just waited it out without using anything. My guess is by summertime it will look a lot better. In the meantime, hats and big headbands are my go-to. For reference, I use a 5% foam on my brows (Rogaine brand) and a 5% liquid spray on my head (If you are in USA, the brand is Dabida and I buy it on Amazon in a 3-bottle pack for about $40). One container of foam will last at least 6 months or more since I use the tiniest bit on the brows. The spray is 60mL per bottle and I use 4 sprays daily, which is supposed to be equal to 1 mL, so a 3-pack should last about 6 months. You could use the liquid on brows but the foam is easier to manage. I put it on brows and head at night before bed. It does seem to dry my hair a bit, so I bought a really good hair masque to use weekly for deep conditioning. -
Food Before and After Photos
ms.sss replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
went on a sauce/condiment making rabbit hole yesterday... from left to right: 1) garlic chilli crisp oil 2) ginger green onion sauce 3) simple syrup 4) earl grey infused simple syrup (made this on whim and don't know how i survived all this time without it! #yum) added a generous drizzle over some silken tofu....😋 **last pic: a tbsp each of the chili crisp and the ginger sauce with 50g of Char Sui (aka Chinese bbq pork)...ate it all! (224 calories) -
January 2025 Surgery Buddies!
PoppyVelvet replied to Melissa💖💜💙's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Sorry I'm a bit sporadic here. I'm nearly two weeks post op (tomorrow is 2 weeks) and have no trouble at all drinking smoothies, Optifast shakes, tea, thin soup etc. In fact I'm a bit worried because I can easily have a cup (250ml) or more quite quickly - say within ten minutes. I go to Sydney on Wednesday to meet with the bariatric GP and dietician at my surgeons office so I'll ask them about this. If I have anything a bit thicker - pureed but thinnish chicken soup for instance - I can feel it sitting in my belly as a lump for a minute or two, so I'm hoping when I move onto puree on Wednesday it will slow me down a bit. Water I find difficult - it makes me burp painfully and feels really rough. I've had something called Vital Zing drops recommended, they add flavour, and apparently help to make water easier to drink. Problem is I don't like flavoured water and I particularly hate artificial sweetener. So I'm battling on with water. I'm hoping the tea I drink is helping to keep me hydrated! I used to drink sparkling water so perhaps I'm also not used to plain water. I haven't had sparkling since the op for obvious reasons! I've wanted something savoury and a bit solider so I've been having my husband's home made hummus for lunch, 100g. It feels a bit lumpy in my belly too but I get sick of all the sweet shakes and things. He thinned it out a bit with the aqua faba but it is still thicker than could be drunk through a straw. I've lost ~9kg so far since start of pre-op diet - 107 to 98. So it's good to break the 100kg barrier. The next one is 96kg, which I got down to in 2023 with a gastric balloon. -
So I have one more thing to pass before my surgery and that's being cleared by the nutritionist. My surgery was going to be scheduled for November but it's being postponed for a few weeks because the nutritionist failed me this morning because I haven't been practicing mindful eating and that apparently can completely reverse the effects of my surgery. I've been trying to practice mindful eating now for months but I honestly just don't get it and I've never gotten mindfulness in general. Being schizophrenic myself they've tried to teach me about mindfulness several times and I've never gotten it and it's never worked for me. So is this it and the end of my journey and I'll have to try to lose 150 pounds on my own (I weigh 440) or is it not as hopeless as I think? I've got two weeks to learn mindful eating before my next appointment with her so is there any tips from people who've struggled to learn mindful eating in the past?
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Do you mean 2025 for your op or a year ago? If only four weeks ago what you are feeling is totally normal and your body is recovering. Hopefully you will soon find a routine that works for you with regards to being able to take a bit more food and fluids but take your time with sipping and eating, baby steps for now and then it will get easier. Try to get your vitamins in, especially now as you are eating less. For me after the op I couldn't stand the smell of certain foods, even the smell of coffee turned my stomach but now all is back to 'normal' and I thankfully am able to drink coffee again. With regards to the weight loss, it is different for everyone, I put on a few kg in the hospital immediately after the op and then slowly started to lose but I didn't see it on the scale or physically for quite a while. It will happen when your body is ready. You have got this, it is early days.
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I went away for a long time, got diagnosed with ADHD (suddenly my life makes so much sense...), and over the last five months I began to lose my grip on my diet and regain. My lowest was 65kg, my "happy place" was 67kg, and I regained back into the 70s at 73kg. The culprit? I allowed sugar back into my life. Never let sugar back in! It has no manners, touches your stuff and doesn't want to leave. Problem is, thanks in great part to my ADHD, I get addicted easily and tend to eat the same thing every day. When that thing is chocolate, I have a problem. I also have impulse control problems and when the food noise is raging, that's bad news. Solution: GLP1s or Contrave. I have a great GP who understands me and didn't reject my request for help to get back to my "happy place" 67kg. We decided against GLP1s and went with Contave instead, which works on countering addiction. The food noise that was driving me crazy has stopped, I quit sugar week 1 and am back in control. I'm nearing the end of month 2 (of 4) and am just over 1kg away from being back to where I need to be. I've stopped being hard on myself for needing help, because even if I could control my impulses there's nothing wrong with medication that's designed to help. Oh and the other thing that's been a game-changer for me: my partner got me a Fitbit. I realise I'm so behind on this it's like screaming "cars have computers?!?!" at a dealership, but being able to track my calories and see the deficit has made a huge difference. So if you're neurodivergent and regaining, hopefully my experience with Contrave can help a little.
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Question for post op surgery and matcha
Lisa Gilkison replied to Elizabeth Miller's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
My surgeon said no to caffeine. Two reasons were Gerd and Barretts. It would increase the stomach acid. I love coffee and drank coffee until the day before surgery. Almost 2 weeks post-up and I have not had any coffee. It was a bit difficult, but I don't seem too bad. I had started incorporating more water for months before my surgery and changed my coffee habit by mostly only drinking at work. That seems to help. -
August Surgery buddies
Justarwaxx replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes I'm so glad! Exactly it is pretty funny and I need to remember that whenever someone comments..my sister does that too she thinks I should already be skinny by now! 3 weeks post op! Let's just hide till we reach our goal weight lol -
Unfortunately so many are struggling financially these days all over the world. Cost of living is skyrocketing everywhere & we have to do what we can to survive. I swear I go backwards every week. I am with @SpartanMaker in regards to meal prepping ahead. I love my freezer & my microwave. My freezer is filled with food I have cooked and frozen in single serve portions. I did this from early out from surgery. At most all I have to do is reheat the meal and zap some vegetables or make a quick salad. I can have a nutritiously cooked meal in 5 minutes or so. Easy peasy. As most workplaces have a microwave, grab a meal from the freezer & reheat it at work for lunch. For example pre cook some chicken tenders and freeze, then in the morning grab the chicken tender and pop it in a container with a few cherry tomatoes, some lettuce leaves, a few slices of cucumber, … done. I loved mince dishes because you can add lots of vegetables: meat balls, savoury mince, taco filling, etc. so you can eat as a complete meal or add to a taco shell or wrap if you want/can. And soup is great too for the same reason (protein & vegetables in one). And yes home cooked foods are often less expensive. For example I made pea & ham soup last weekend. I made around 18 portions (I wasn’t interning to make that much but 🤷🏻♀️) and it cost me $18.80 Aust (split peas, frozen peas, pearl barley, an onion and a ham hock) so about a $1 a serve.
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No more saggy arms for Sophie!
Sophie7713 replied to Sophie7713's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
I hear you, SSS! Mr. Smith thought I looked liked Mrs. Emma Peel/Diana Rigg from the Avengers after my first plastics in compression suit. Haha. I wore it for months - loving the cozy, comfy cocoon it provided. Seven weeks out now, and my first week wearing real clothes! Still some discomfort and swelling BUT making good progress. Yesterday surgeon said I can lift over ten pounds now. If the deep tissue pain and irritation continues after our return from Christmas holiday trip - He'll set up physical therapy for me. Elbows and abdominal still remain tender. Regardless, I am so happy with my new slimmer arms - especially in the winter sweaters. Do post here your favorite sweaters and/or winter outfits. I say, show off those beautiful arms ladies!!! I'll start a mini fashion show here with my chartreuse vest and pom-pom gloves. Getting ready for Pennsylvania winter trip... where I hear, Baby it's cold outside... -
No more saggy arms for Sophie!
Sophie7713 replied to Sophie7713's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and New Year 2025! I'm now on week 10 feeling so much better! The aches, stabs and discomfort have mostly subsided. A little swelling. This was a little Christmas sweater I purchased and loved three years ago - BUT the sleeves were far too tight to look nice wearing. Now WA-LA... mission accomplished!!! Sophie wore her little black velvet sweater with fur collar with room to drape in the arms at Christmas party past weekend. YAY! Happy Holidays my dear bari friends! -
January 2025 Surgery Buddies!
Melissa💖💜💙 replied to Melissa💖💜💙's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet. My surgery date is the 30th. Three protein shakes a day, and I can blend fruit (apple and/or berries) with some protein powder for a smoothie and also non-starch veggies for pureed soup. No sugar, no carbs, no dairy. Thank goodness for my Magic Bullet and immersion blender! It's going okay so far. My cravings are all head hunger because the liquid diet is keeping me full. I'm also having doubts every day. I know I need to do this because whatever I lose, I will just gain back and then some. I've lost 60 lbs. over and over again for the last 15 years. I can never keep it off. So, this surgery isn't necessarily to help me lose as I know I can do that on my own, but to help me maintain loss and keep it off for good. There are so many things I love that I am looking forward to doing, things my weight has been preventing for most of my adult life. Shopping "normal" sizes, traveling, socializing, horseback riding. I just need to focus on my long-term goals. -
August Surgery buddies
Justarwaxx replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Got my new app on 24th! Yay another week only -
Thank you @spartanmaker, @ms.sss & @DaisyChainOz. No I don’t work out as such. No gym and no running miles. Have never found any enjoyment in it at all which means I find it a struggle to do it & then I give it up. And I’ve done it all over the years. Plus I’ve been told by my retinal specialist not to do any strenuous activity which was when I gave up the 2x50 sit ups I used to do with my stretching & resistance band routines. Been doing these routines for more than two years now usually every day and even do a modified version if I’m away because I actually enjoy doing it. They include yoga moves and poses as that was the one thing I used to enjoy. Strength is pretty good. Had to buy all those new pants last year because my thighs had got larger thanks to the resistance bands & my shoulders are starting to look like I swim laps. Added a new stretch with my bands which is working on my forearms. I might end up looking like Popeye. LOL! Recently added some pulse squats to my routine as the other so called butt building things haven’t helped yet (it’s still flat and running down the back of my thighs 😁). So my metabolism should have increased at least a little over the last 2 plus years. Flexibility is good too as is bone density (had most recent scan last year). I started doing these routines because I was missing my old flexibility, to tone muscles and keep my bone density (was worried that my malabsorption may affect my calcium absorption too). Ugh, I don’t want to HAVE to add in another activity but …. Sigh! Actually bone density is becoming an issue for middle aged and older men too these days too @SpartanMaker. I know several men in their late 50s early 60s who have been diagnosed as having osteopena or osteoporosis. One was very surprised as he is an avid cyclist & thought himself very fit & healthy but cycling doesn’t help with bone density. He got tested after his wife, also a cyclist, was diagnosed & was worried. PS Buying shoes and clothing always makes me feel better @ms.sss. I bought a new dress last week & yes it made me happy (another Victoria Beckham) though I had to buy a larger size which then depressed me. It’s going to be my back up dress for my niece ‘s wedding. Waaah! PPS To add to my niece’s wedding & my 60th this year, I found out this week I have a school reunion too. Scheduling all my Botox, facial and hair appointments for the year now so I don’t look grey and wrinkled at any of them.
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I really don't think they've cut away enough of my stomach!
Arabesque replied to ErinPaige's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The emotional rollercoaster after surgery can really screw up your hunger signals. Your head hunger signals go into overdrive as your head tells you to eat to make you feel better. Not helped by surges in estrogen that is released from our fat as we lose weight messing with our emotions too. Also many nerves are cut during surgery plus the swelling & inflammation @SpartanMaker mentioned distorts messages like hunger and satiety even if they actually get through. And it’s a pretty major surgery and it knocks you about. It takes time before you don’t feel tired, weak, dizzy, doughy headed, etc. It takes a good 6+ weeks to fully heal after surgery, so these mixed signals & feeling unwell will continue for a while. Generally though, if you’re craving a specific food, flavour or texture, it’s head hunger. If you’re feeling sad, anxious, frustrated, angry, bored, etc. it’s likely head hunger. In time you’ll discover real hunger signals are different. For me I feel restless like something is wrong not that I ‘feel’ hungry. Having eaten enough can feel different too. Many sneeze, or get the hiccups. Don’t eat until you feel full or until you’ve eaten all you want. It takes 20 odd minutes for the full message to get through normally & a lot longer this soon after surgery so don’t eat until you feel full - you’ve eaten too much by then. Stop when you’ve had enough, when you don’t need any more. You’ll have lots of meals (appropriate portion sizes) you simply can’t finish because you’ve had enough and don’t need any more. I still do at 6 years out. The lightheadedness could be from being dehydrated too or from your blood pressure dropping (many experience this). Are you meeting or close to meeting your daily fluid goals? Often an electrolyte drink can help. It does get easier and you will feel better. Just give yourself time. -
3 months post op sleeve and since last two weeks digestion is off & on for the same food Somedays chicken slides smoothly others it sits heavy in the stomach - this off & on has come around in the last two weeks, earlier was smooth Concerned if this is normal - nurse says to just monitor
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First Bariatric Christmas
Chatterboxdea replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I have the same concerns going into the holiday season; all 3 holidays in a row always feel hard and gluttonous. I'm going to avoid candy on Halloween and for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'm going to ask for a salad plate instead of a big on and just take small scoops of what I really like; planning on starting with my protein first.
