Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Howdy and Imaginary Hat Tip



Recommended Posts

Hi y'all from the big ol' state of Texas. I'm a long-time reader, first time poster seeking long walks down the meat isle and gentle laughter in the produce department. I'm new to the whole WLS gig and am trying to wrap my head around new possibilities for living a successful, healthy, cancer-free life. I'm a 6 year breast cancer survivor who battles with stage II lymphedema in my left arm, a lovely parting gift of cancer treatment/surgery/reconstruction, so I no longer do much on my old blog. I was a very active writer | blogger specializing in low carb Keto living. Now I'm just a noob, grateful for the information, knowledge, and wisdom of fellow WLS losers (veteran and newbie alike). I look forward to participating here and getting to know each of you. TIA by the way!

(BTW, I'm not really seeking a date with ya :lol:--so don't be "skeered" I might be a letch or anything. I'm in a very happy 17 year relationship with my SO, Mr. Fluffy ;-).)

Edited by FluffyChix

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome! Do you have a surgery date, or know which procedure you're looking at?

Where abouts in Texas are you? I have family in Austin, and friends in Houston. My hubby spent a summer in San Antonio, and loved it. (I'm in Maryland, so no worries about me tracking you down.. lol!)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Berry78! I'm in the Houston area. I only have a tentative time-frame (still doing all the pre-reqs for qualification). I don't want to have it right between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I'm thinking mid-January 2018 I will start the whole "new year-new you" thing with a bang! We don't know yet which way I will go. I do have a history of GERD, and with the cancer/pre-diabetes/PCOS, I personally lean towards the RNY, but I've got to speak with my oncologist to make sure there won't be any issues with absorption and with maintaining a steady serum level of my anti-cancer/hormone therapy pill--so I might not know for sure whether it would be an RNY or VSG. I lived in Austin and loved it and spent a lot of time in and around San Antonio--very cool town and area. The Texas Hill Country (which kinda starts in San Antonio) is God's country! I've always wanted to visit Maryland and eat ALL the crab cakes!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Awesome! Sounds like you are on the right track with everything!

Maryland is a nice state.. it has ocean, bay, rivers, and man-made lakes (no natural lakes!).. mountains, plains,.. D.C right next door, and Baltimore (historic port city). All that stuff in one fairly tiny package.

I never was fond of blue crab (from which crab cakes spring).. but with my tastebud changes, maybe I'll like it more :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome. Since you have GERD, RNY gastric bypass is probably a good choice, since sleeve will only make the condition worse. Many times the timing from deciding to have surgery and actually having the surgery can be long. For me it was around 9 months. Therefore it is common for the process to encompass two calendar years and thereby two deductible year for your insurance. Therefore if you can schedule the whole process and fit it within a one year timeframe, it will minimize your health insurance costs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for these tips! It's such an interesting study on the human psyche, but I deferred making a decision and moving forward with surgery plans for a couple of years. My oncologist has been gently encouraging me (moving me) toward this surgical intervention for years because my recurrence risk has been crazy high. I resisted (I'm 6 years out from an aggressive, late-stage breast cancer.) And now that I've made up my mind to do WLS, I am impatient to get "the party started." LOL. :rolleyes: Like I want it yesterday.

I hear ya about the GERD. I also feel like with breast cancer, pre-diabetes, PCOS/metabolic syndrome, HBP and a few other delightful co-morbidities I'm a walking time-bomb and need to really have more malabsorption in the equation. The only huge thing that complicates it is if I would still be able to absorb my Femara (aromatase inhibitor) after RNY or DS. And the secondary question would be what happens to my chance of long-term survival in the event of recurrence? Would the surgery complicate treatment/survival?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had GERD, diabetes and high blood pressure prior to surgery. I was taking 4 types of prescription medicine for these conditions. All those health conditions went into remission within 2 weeks after surgery and I have not been taking any medicine for these condition ever since. I am over 4 years post-op.

I have not information on absorption of Femara after surgery. Probably best to work with your surgeons office on this one. Also I have not come across studies on reoccurrence of breast cancer after WLS. Although I have seen studies that imply consuming less sugar helps in minimizing cancer. Generally after surgery, I was able to control my sweet tooth.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome!! YAY KUDO'S on fighting that damn CANCER!!! Sorry I lost my MOM 13 years ago to Lung Cancer. I hate that stuff, muchh like everyone else. I had the RNY on July 2, 2013. I have maintained my weight loss for 3 and 1/2 years. I lost my weight in 6 months. I was so insulin resistant that my PCP was ready to throw up his hands. Since my surgery I haven't had to use anything. They call it remission. LOL I guess once you have Diabetes you have it. I found out 3 months ago when I had my blood work done, my BS was 210. My new DR wanted to treat it right away. I told her give me a month. I got back into my exercise and set down hard on my carbs. The first morning it was 165 then the rest were well within the guidelines so I dodged a bullet there. I decided to have the RNY because I knew I one chance and I said GO BIG OR GO HOME!!! I have never been srry about my choice not ever. Good Luck on whichever surgery you decide on. Never be afraid to ask ?. I'm sure you will get anwsers on any thing you may want to know. I look forward to following your journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

James-I so agree with you! Sugar is just death--especially if you have or have had cancer! Congrats on your success and on being able to arrest your disease progression! Woot! I know you had to be thrilled to be able to stop your meds so soon after the surgery?! I read your story your sometimes link to (that has the recipes) and you have been one of my inspirations to begin this journey. And I hope to be able to pick your brain a bit more about your use of chili and "stewps" as an easy means of meal planning!

Here is an abstract that talks about bariatric surgery and breast cancer reduction. I can't get hold of the complete thesis, nor am I succeeding finding the 2 studies it references in PubMed. But it appears encouraging. In my first 5 years, I had a greater than 50% probability of recurrence and did not have good odds for 5 year survival. Now, I'm down to 25%, which is awesome to cut the risk in about half, but it's still pretty high risk from my POV--so if WLS can further cut that risk...WOW! Sadly Femara will be a drug that won't get to be discontinued after surgery--although I have hope my other meds will go bye-bye! :)

Sherrie, so sorry to hear about your mama! ((Sherrie)) I also lost my mom to complications of lung cancer. Cancer sucks! Congrats on your weight loss and control of the insulin resistance!! But boo on the new blood sugar! :( Glad you're back on course! Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I really pray that the surgery will help me get a handle on the IR. Even with fasting, reducing cals, and 35lbs weight loss my insulin is still on the high end of normal. :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A few years ago I began experimenting with essential oils. FluffyChix you may find the following article interesting. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Experiments_with_Essential_Oils.pdf

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks James. Will take a look at it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×