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This last Friday, March 17,2017, marked two years since my Gastric Bypass Surgery. I'm posting this mostly for myself but also for those that are researching and wondering what it might be like further out than the first few weeks or months.

My whole, long winded experience: The first 10 weeks after my surgery I followed the post-op diet to a T. My surgeon had given me the green flag for a regular diet at my one month follow-up appointment and I stayed on course. Until 5 weeks later when my niece came to visit. I thought choosing to indulge a little was an okay and well-thought out decision. I wanted to be "normal", or rather, like a skinny person, meaning occasionally choosing a few bites of less than healthy foods or Desserts When post-op members say it's a slippery slope they are not B.S-ing you. I was so impressed with my new found restraint, just one fry or 2-3 small bites of dessert and I. Was. Satisfied! Now I know, I was just ignorant. My pouch was probably still swollen. What started out as a few bites a few days in a row turned into a handful of bites once a week and only if I went specifically, and out of my way, to get it. I quickly learned how many grams of sugar I could have before I'd dump and I became an expert at playing "Sugar Limbo", eating just under the amount that would make the stick (my blood sugar) come crashing down. Then I started bringing Atkins candies into my house, it just kept sliding from there. But of course I continued to be rewarded with steady loss because well duh, that's what the honeymoon period is all about. The first 11 months I weighed in once or twice monthly and saw a steady loss through the first 8 months. From mid November to February I bounced between 211.6 and 216.9 and I was consuming 50 - 125 grams of processed sugar a day.

Just one month shy of my one year anniversary I moved from a state that I loved, Colorado, back to Wisconsin to be near my daughter and her growing family. I dislike Wisconsin but I love my daughter, it was not an easy decision. I was more content and regularly active while I lived in Colorado but my I missed my daughter and she missed me. I went from working with my personal trainer twice a week, walking my dog 0.5-3 miles/day (depending on weather) and hiking 4-12 miles in the mountains most weeks to sitting on my bum looking at grey, dismal skies and snow for weeks while I waited for my new grand baby to arrive. The depression hit me like a brick wall. I turned to poor food choices more frequently and it was made easier by living with someone having pregnancy cravings, who am I not to indulge or maybe even encourage those? And a son-in-law that was more than happy to participate and contribute to my coping method. For months nothing went any of the millions of ways I had prepared myself for. I anticipated returning to work for the same hospital system that I had been employed by for 15 years before I traveled but there was not a position I was interested in. I wanted to take my nursing career in a different path so I applied for 15-20 office and public health positions and did not receive any calls. I could write a short story alone just about how that made me feel. I anticipated being back to work within 6 weeks of my move and it was 8 before I even got my first interview. It went well and the feedback was so positive that I was certain I had it on lockdown. I was told I'd know in a week, two at the most. Several weeks and calls later and even more applications sent I was told I didn't get it but they wanted me to shadow for another position I had applied for. Two weeks later I was offered a position I didn't apply for and wasn't even sure I was interested in. My savings was depleted and so was my resolve so I accepted.

Meanwhile my 12 year-old dog, and best friend and traveling buddy for the previous four years, became ill. I thought it was the stress of going from just the two of us in a 1200 sq. foot apartment to us with two more adults, a newborn and two cats. I continued to turn to my old friend, food, for comfort. My processed sugar consumption was up to a minimum off 100 grams a day, my workouts were scarce and I wasn't journaling any longer. I had gained 15 pounds in 8 weeks. Even with starting to work out twice a week again I only managed to maintain at that new weight. I also aggravated a shoulder/neck injury that I had gotten the previous September when I was rear ended by a 16 year-old when she was reaching for her cell phone that fell on the passenger side floor. Just short walks or holding my grand baby left me in pain for hours.

When I started my new job I experienced more stress in the first two months than I did in the 2 years of travel nursing combined. It's proven to be a tough job in a tough environment.

I had taken my dog to to the vet and changed his diet several times and spent a small fortune on medications but he continued to lose weight. In August I finally got my own place and had myself convinced that was going to be the cure for what was ailing my pup. But on August 26th I returned from work to find him unable to walk, he tried to greet me at the door like normal but just kept tipping over. When I brought him in to the vet I found out he had lost another two pounds in 3 weeks and in total had lost 40% of his normal weight since becoming ill. I made the tough decision to let him rest in peace.

I can not even begin to explain how that has affected me. I miss him so, so much.

I continued to have severe shoulder/neck pain from the simplest activities so I pursued a diagnosis. When I went to the doctor appointment and saw the scale I woke up, a bit. I had gained 21.5 pounds in 7 months. I found a safe, affordable trainer to work with but our schedules weren't going to mesh for the rest of the calendar year! I took what I could get. But I continued to fight the premise that diet makes the biggest difference. For reasons too in depth to ever post here I'll just say, I strongly dislike being told what/how to eat by anybody. Apparently including myself. Apparently even though I worked on that issue for 5 years prior to surgery, well my entire adult life really but with true intent for the last 5 years. Btw, it turns out I sustained two tears in my shoulder and that is why more than a year later it still hurts like the dickens.

I have bounced between 229 and 233 since September. Admitting that I need to make more consistent and long lasting changes to my diet is the first step in getting back on track. I was told by my team that I could expect to lose 65% by now, I've lost 50% by their calculations but 55% by my more conservative ideal weight of 165. ;-)

In the past I might have apologized for writing what may appear as excuses to some but not anymore. I write it as a reflection so I can see what's going on. My weight is not where I wanted it to be at this point post-op but even worse than that my life has taken a giant throat punch in the last year and in general I'm not where I expected or even strived to be. But I don't quit anymore and I sure as shooting don't let myself only see the negatives. I have a list as long as my arm of NSV's. The most recent of which is that when I spilled the juice from my fruit cup it didn't land on me but instead went right through the gap of the legs I am now able to cross due to my 79 pound loss. Unfortunately it landed on the chair I was sitting on, creating a triangular wet spot for everyone in the meeting to see when I stood up.

Not being where I think I should be does not make me less proud of where I am...body.thumb.jpg.bffb08279d5bd85745da11e4413889d5.jpg face.thumb.jpg.fc0cc3b3975ca1d961408116828c47d0.jpg

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Thank you for telling your story.

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I enjoyed reading your post and totally empathize with the stresses that you have experienced since your surgery. I am coming up on my 2 yr anniversary (May 11th) and am also not where I'd like to be. Reflecting on things I realize that I've also had some major life changes (a new, more stressful job, the sudden death of my father) and with the stress comes the old habit of emotional eating. I'm really trying to get back on track...but it's so hard! I hope things get better for you (and me). Good luck. [emoji846]


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On 4/7/2017 at 11:24 PM, lsheshequin said:

I enjoyed reading your post and totally empathize with the stresses that you have experienced since your surgery. I am coming up on my 2 yr anniversary (May 11th) and am also not where I'd like to be. Reflecting on things I realize that I've also had some major life changes (a new, more stressful job, the sudden death of my father) and with the stress comes the old habit of emotional eating. I'm really trying to get back on track...but it's so hard! I hope things get better for you (and me). Good luck. emoji846.png

Thank you. As much as thought I had prepared myself for dealing with stress so that I wouldn't turn to food for comfort it still happened. I'm thankful that I can't eat the amounts I used to and that I continued to follow the rules my dietician gave me of no fluids with food and waiting an hour after eating to start drinking again otherwise I'm certain I would have gained it all back. After I wrote this anniversary reflection I spoke with a dietician/"health coach" offered through my work. She made a comment that struck me. "Because of the RNY there are severe consequences to not providing highly nutritious food to your body. If you want to live a disease free, healthy life you need to eat nutrient dense food." Of course I have heard that before but for whatever reason it really stuck in my head this time. Since April 1st I have been focusing on logging my intake and getting at least 64 ounces of Water every day. I refuse to weigh myself for at least another week but my pants are looser and according to my daughter my "turkey-waddle", all of that loose wrinkly skin under my chin, isn't as waddly.

I hope our lives see less stress soon and that we gain healthier coping mechanisms too. Good luck to us!!!

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Good advice! The main thing that is helping me keep my weight off is exercise. Most days 35 mins on trampoline, light weights and walking. I still have 10 I want to lose but it's cosmetic. I feel very healthy and energetic now at 51 can run up 3 flights of stairs no heaving breathing or leg pain like 2 years ago. The emotional and just bad habit boredom eating doesn't go away. I ate a box of girl guide Cookies yesterday!! Snacking during the course of the day...ugh! But It's not a daily occurrence and I'm gonna hike today so it balances out. But the struggle is real!! The surgery gets off the dangerous obesity weight but we have to work to keep it off and bad habits come back.


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This last Friday, March 17,2017, marked two years since my Gastric Bypass Surgery. I'm posting this mostly for myself but also for those that are researching and wondering what it might be like further out than the first few weeks or months.
My whole, long winded experience: The first 10 weeks after my surgery I followed the post-op diet to a T. My surgeon had given me the green flag for a regular diet at my one month follow-up appointment and I stayed on course. Until 5 weeks later when my niece came to visit. I thought choosing to indulge a little was an okay and well-thought out decision. I wanted to be "normal", or rather, like a skinny person, meaning occasionally choosing a few bites of less than healthy foods or Desserts When post-op members say it's a slippery slope they are not B.S-ing you. I was so impressed with my new found restraint, just one fry or 2-3 small bites of dessert and I. Was. Satisfied! Now I know, I was just ignorant. My pouch was probably still swollen. What started out as a few bites a few days in a row turned into a handful of bites once a week and only if I went specifically, and out of my way, to get it. I quickly learned how many grams of sugar I could have before I'd dump and I became an expert at playing "Sugar Limbo", eating just under the amount that would make the stick (my blood sugar) come crashing down. Then I started bringing Atkins candies into my house, it just kept sliding from there. But of course I continued to be rewarded with steady loss because well duh, that's what the honeymoon period is all about. The first 11 months I weighed in once or twice monthly and saw a steady loss through the first 8 months. From mid November to February I bounced between 211.6 and 216.9 and I was consuming 50 - 125 grams of processed sugar a day.
Just one month shy of my one year anniversary I moved from a state that I loved, Colorado, back to Wisconsin to be near my daughter and her growing family. I dislike Wisconsin but I love my daughter, it was not an easy decision. I was more content and regularly active while I lived in Colorado but my I missed my daughter and she missed me. I went from working with my personal trainer twice a week, walking my dog 0.5-3 miles/day (depending on weather) and hiking 4-12 miles in the mountains most weeks to sitting on my bum looking at grey, dismal skies and snow for weeks while I waited for my new grand baby to arrive. The depression hit me like a brick wall. I turned to poor food choices more frequently and it was made easier by living with someone having pregnancy cravings, who am I not to indulge or maybe even encourage those? And a son-in-law that was more than happy to participate and contribute to my coping method. For months nothing went any of the millions of ways I had prepared myself for. I anticipated returning to work for the same hospital system that I had been employed by for 15 years before I traveled but there was not a position I was interested in. I wanted to take my nursing career in a different path so I applied for 15-20 office and public health positions and did not receive any calls. I could write a short story alone just about how that made me feel. I anticipated being back to work within 6 weeks of my move and it was 8 before I even got my first interview. It went well and the feedback was so positive that I was certain I had it on lockdown. I was told I'd know in a week, two at the most. Several weeks and calls later and even more applications sent I was told I didn't get it but they wanted me to shadow for another position I had applied for. Two weeks later I was offered a position I didn't apply for and wasn't even sure I was interested in. My savings was depleted and so was my resolve so I accepted.
Meanwhile my 12 year-old dog, and best friend and traveling buddy for the previous four years, became ill. I thought it was the stress of going from just the two of us in a 1200 sq. foot apartment to us with two more adults, a newborn and two cats. I continued to turn to my old friend, food, for comfort. My processed sugar consumption was up to a minimum off 100 grams a day, my workouts were scarce and I wasn't journaling any longer. I had gained 15 pounds in 8 weeks. Even with starting to work out twice a week again I only managed to maintain at that new weight. I also aggravated a shoulder/neck injury that I had gotten the previous September when I was rear ended by a 16 year-old when she was reaching for her cell phone that fell on the passenger side floor. Just short walks or holding my grand baby left me in pain for hours.
When I started my new job I experienced more stress in the first two months than I did in the 2 years of travel nursing combined. It's proven to be a tough job in a tough environment.
I had taken my dog to to the vet and changed his diet several times and spent a small fortune on medications but he continued to lose weight. In August I finally got my own place and had myself convinced that was going to be the cure for what was ailing my pup. But on August 26th I returned from work to find him unable to walk, he tried to greet me at the door like normal but just kept tipping over. When I brought him in to the vet I found out he had lost another two pounds in 3 weeks and in total had lost 40% of his normal weight since becoming ill. I made the tough decision to let him rest in peace.
I can not even begin to explain how that has affected me. I miss him so, so much.
I continued to have severe shoulder/neck pain from the simplest activities so I pursued a diagnosis. When I went to the doctor appointment and saw the scale I woke up, a bit. I had gained 21.5 pounds in 7 months. I found a safe, affordable trainer to work with but our schedules weren't going to mesh for the rest of the calendar year! I took what I could get. But I continued to fight the premise that diet makes the biggest difference. For reasons too in depth to ever post here I'll just say, I strongly dislike being told what/how to eat by anybody. Apparently including myself. Apparently even though I worked on that issue for 5 years prior to surgery, well my entire adult life really but with true intent for the last 5 years. Btw, it turns out I sustained two tears in my shoulder and that is why more than a year later it still hurts like the dickens.
I have bounced between 229 and 233 since September. Admitting that I need to make more consistent and long lasting changes to my diet is the first step in getting back on track. I was told by my team that I could expect to lose 65% by now, I've lost 50% by their calculations but 55% by my more conservative ideal weight of 165. ;-)
In the past I might have apologized for writing what may appear as excuses to some but not anymore. I write it as a reflection so I can see what's going on. My weight is not where I wanted it to be at this point post-op but even worse than that my life has taken a giant throat punch in the last year and in general I'm not where I expected or even strived to be. But I don't quit anymore and I sure as shooting don't let myself only see the negatives. I have a list as long as my arm of NSV's. The most recent of which is that when I spilled the juice from my fruit cup it didn't land on me but instead went right through the gap of the legs I am now able to cross due to my 79 pound loss. Unfortunately it landed on the chair I was sitting on, creating a triangular wet spot for everyone in the meeting to see when I stood up.
Not being where I think I should be does not make me less proud of where I am...body.thumb.jpg.bffb08279d5bd85745da11e4413889d5.jpg face.thumb.jpg.fc0cc3b3975ca1d961408116828c47d0.jpg

You look stunning [emoji177]



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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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