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Hi all, my name is Jessica from Knoxville TN. I had my RNY on 1/9/12, so I am nine weeks out. I started my journey in June of 2011 and weighed 205 with horrible diabetes, acid reflex, and high cholesterol. I had lost weight on my preop diet and went into surgery weighing 190. I mainly made the decision for wls to help with the diabetes, all my doctors were telling me I would be dead in 5 years if I didn't do something. Well still have the diabetes, even though it's better controlled, it sucks. I thought being fairly young 28 at time of surgery and not too heavy, I would breeze through recovery. Of course not the case. I was perfectly fine at three weeks out, but then went down hill from there. I started getting horrible headaches, my blood pressure dropped dangerously low, my muscles hurt and ached all over, my body wasn't absorbing my antidepressant (cymbalta, so withdrawal symptoms), I couldn't get out of bed I was so weak and depressed. I spent another week in the hospital week 7, to help all my symptoms. I originally took 8 weeks off of work ( I'm a restaurant manager, on my feet all day). But I had to take an additional week due to being so weak from laying in hospital for a week. I have thrown up every meal since being in the hospital, i know i need to slow down and take smaller bites, but i get so hungry. Anyone else hungry this soon out? I am now down to 161 so a 43 pound loss from my heaviest. Not so bad i guess. Wow I hope I haven't bored anyone, just want to give you a glimpse of my journey, and to let you all know I'm here for you and if I can help in any way let me know. Hopefully when I have questions u all can help. Take care and thanks for reading.

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Congratulations on your weight loss. Are you doing better now. It seems the more stories I read they kinda sound the same. People are not doing to well in the beginning. I spent a total of 1 week in the hospital. What kind of foods are you eating. How long were you on your liquid diet after surgery. How much do you work out. How do you feel now.

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Thank u. I was on a liquid diet for longer than I really needed to be. I found it easier to just grab a Protein Shake and call it a meal than having to cook. I'm the culinary manager at the restaurant I work for, but go figure I never took to cooking at home. I have to mention I also went to PA for three weeks to spend time with my mom while I was off work, and its hard to cook when it's someone else's kitchen/ groceries. I probably did a liquid diet for a total of six weeks. I am now eating low sugar oatmeal for Breakfast, lunch meat, cheese, miracle whip rolled up for lunch and then whatever for dinner that my husband makes, but I've not kept dinner down for 4 days now. I defently can't do chicken, and shrimp is a bit rough. Fatty foods don't bother me and high carbs don't either, trying to keep sugar low though. I was able to eat honey BBQ baby back ribs last night. They were good and hopefully the leftovers will be too. I am now feeling better. We are in the process of changing by antidepressant from cymbalta to Effexor, (time release medicine doesn't work with our surgery. You think someone would of changed it before the surgery.) so I'm experiencing a bit of headache from the withdrawals of the cymbalta. I haven't been able to exercise at all since week three because of all my complications. I'm hoping to go back to the gym on Monday. Any suggestions on a workout plan? Need motivation to go!

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Thank u. I was on a liquid diet for longer than I really needed to be. I found it easier to just grab a Protein shake and call it a meal than having to cook. I'm the culinary manager at the restaurant I work for' date=' but go figure I never took to cooking at home. I have to mention I also went to PA for three weeks to spend time with my mom while I was off work, and its hard to cook when it's someone else's kitchen/ groceries. I probably did a liquid diet for a total of six weeks. I am now eating low sugar oatmeal for breakfast, lunch meat, cheese, miracle whip rolled up for lunch and then whatever for dinner that my husband makes, but I've not kept dinner down for 4 days now. I defently can't do chicken, and shrimp is a bit rough. Fatty foods don't bother me and high carbs don't either, trying to keep sugar low though. I was able to eat honey BBQ baby back ribs last night. They were good and hopefully the leftovers will be too. I am now feeling better. We are in the process of changing by antidepressant from cymbalta to Effexor, (time release medicine doesn't work with our surgery. You think someone would of changed it before the surgery.) so I'm experiencing a bit of headache from the withdrawals of the cymbalta. I haven't been able to exercise at all since week three because of all my complications. I'm hoping to go back to the gym on Monday. Any suggestions on a workout plan? Need motivation to go![/quote']

Do you like fish. I wonder if fish would go down better. I was on welbutrin but I took myself off day after surgery bc I have a fear of swallowing pills now bc with the lapband they always got stuck. I would have thought they would have changed it. Lol sometimes Dr. Don't pay attention. I hope you feel better soon. My husband bought me a elliptical n we just put it together so I'm gonna do that 15 minutes. And he bought me weights so I cam tone. They have apps for different exercises.

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Wish I had your husband! LOL.. I go back to work today, so my husband let me buy a few new shirts, but they were buy one get one free at old navy, I got 10 shirts for like $40. Not bad. I love shellfish and I'm so so on fish. I like salmon, but scared to try it. I was thinking of trying it at work tonight, that way if I get sick on it, at least I didn't pay for it. LOL. Well I hope you enjoy your eliptical and weights. Defiantly start as soon as u can. I haven't really gotten to exercise and I have saggy skin everywhere it's gross. You are young so you should just tone right up. Didn't make it to the gym today because of my headache, but defiantly tomarrow. Have a good day.

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Thanks hun. I love love love seafood, shrimp,lobster tails, fish, but I love steak and ribs to so hopefully I won't have a problem come the fourth of July. Keeping my fingers cross. Can you take Tylenol for your headache. I got really saggy skin when I had the lap band but I wasn't working out then bc I lost my weight by always being sick. And my boobs looked so disgusting it was embarrassing. Also my girl part got very loose. As soon as I gained my weight back it snapped back lol. While I was in the hospital and I would fart or use the bathroom it stunk so bad I would actually throw up lol. Now its not to bad just really painful. I wish there were people like you in my area I could hang out with.

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Hello Diddle...welcome to the boards :) I'm just starting my new process...lapband was removed in 2/2010. I went back to my surgeon for the RNY in October but, have decided to go with a new bariatric center. Attended my first meeting today and ready to start the testing and appointments :)

How are you feeling?

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Do you like this surgeon/ group better than your last? How long of a process do u think it will be? Best of luck! Oh yes u asked how I was feeling, well I'm doing ok except for my horrible headache, think I can blame it on withdrawal symptoms from coming off of my cymbalta. Hopefully it won't last too long. Besides that I'm doing ok. Thanks for asking!!!

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So my first two days back to work were a success. Maybe not up to my boss's standards but success is me making it through with no major medical issues. I found its a bit harder to get my fluids and Protein in. Well I guess when you sit home on your ass for 9 weeks and all you have to accomplish each day is to hit a goal of fluids and protein it really isn't that hard. Lol. I will need to make a better plan for this. I am drinking Decaf coffee, do u know if that counts towards fluids? I'll have to research that. I am off already today so that's nice. I work Thursday and then off again on Friday. So it's kinda broken up for me this week which is nice. Went to doctors appointment today, lost another three pounds. I only have 23 pounds left till goal. I pray I Hit it. Defiantly going to gym with husband today and then will take our little girl swimming in pool when we are done with our workout. I just have to make it a daily thing. So when they said preop to practice taking small bites and eating slow, I now wish I listened. For some reason I'm having a hard time getting this concept down. Hope all is well.

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If you get 2, 15 min breaks n a lunch maybe you can get your Protein down during your breaks. Decaf coffee does count. I drink it all the time. I went to the Dr. Yesterday ive lost 19lbs since 2/22. Today is my birthday so yesterday we went to eat. I chewed the food then spit it out. It was so hard but it did taste good. Your almost to your Goal YAY!!!!! I'm a long ways away from my goal. I think I'm going to pick up so Water aerobics class n zumba. How old is your daughter. You guys can swim already. I'm so jealous. I get to move on pureed food 4/10. I'm scared about going to work and having stomach issues after trying foods. How long did you do the pureed phase. So are you still able to eat ribs. Did you try the salmon yet. I'm so ready to eat solids now.

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

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      · 2 replies
      1. Phil Penn

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      2. Selina333

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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