Happy pre-Thanksgiving weekend everyone! I am new and signed up because I saw everyone was so helpful here when I came across a post through a Google search that has proven unsuccessful....other than finding this place!

I had a Roux en y in 2008 and initially lost 150 lbs. Over the years I've had regain but find myself having crossed the 200 lb line again and I'm getting desperate. I know that doesn't sound like a lot to many of you, but I'm only 4'10". I'm fully disabled now with Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and right back to where I was pre-surgery - NOTHING I do helps with the weight. I exercise as much as I'm able but I'm continuously exhausted and find eating right especially hard because I'm reliant solely on disability income which barely covers the bills. Unfortunately, unhealthy food is much cheaper. I'm not on a pity party because I know how blessed I am....I'm not in debt other than my mortgage and I have a support system. I'm just providing a bit of information for your assessment and assistance if you don't mind.

I have some minor reflux issues but when I got an upper GI earlier this year the doctor said my pouch is still small which I attribute to eating and drinking together because otherwise everything gets stuck. There aren't any bariatric surgeons anywhere near me as I had it performed when I lived elsewhere. I have osteoporosis and due to inadvertently taking calcium carbonate the past year I have had a good bit of bone loss. Realizing what I'd done I've now corrected to 1200 mg of calcium citrate daily and I have been on the yearly reclast infusion. Hoping that is being corrected, and with Medicare accepting GLP-1s starting next year my PCP has suggested them as a remedy to get the regain off but I am greatly concerned about the osteoporosis angle. Being that he's not a bariatric doctor and the lack of that resource in my area I'm looking for your insight. I used to know all of the ins and outs fluently but unfortunately the Lyme has robbed me of much of what I used to know.

I am sorry to hear of your struggles. I rely heavily on my food app to keep track of calories and water intake. With fibromyalgia it is hard to do much exercise. I do manage some treadmill walking (or the outside or even a mall inside are free to walk) and about once or occasionally twice a week I use a therapy pool to exercise in. If you can find a well heated pool it is much easier on the body than any other exercise I have tried... just watch that it is warm enough because the cooler the water there is more chance of cramping up the muscles. I hope you find something to help!

One more thing real quick. Although you are no longer in the area, does the surgeon or clinic you had your surgery done through offer any kind of support group? My clinic hosts 3 zoom meetings a month and also have a Facebook group that is somewhat active. That may be another source for information too. There is also forums specifically for the GLP-1s on this site that you should take a look at and see what has been said there. Best of luck!

7 hours ago, LeighaTR said:

I am sorry to hear of your struggles. I rely heavily on my food app to keep track of calories and water intake. With fibromyalgia it is hard to do much exercise. I do manage some treadmill walking (or the outside or even a mall inside are free to walk) and about once or occasionally twice a week I use a therapy pool to exercise in. If you can find a well heated pool it is much easier on the body than any other exercise I have tried... just watch that it is warm enough because the cooler the water there is more chance of cramping up the muscles. I hope you find something to help!

One more thing real quick. Although you are no longer in the area, does the surgeon or clinic you had your surgery done through offer any kind of support group? My clinic hosts 3 zoom meetings a month and also have a Facebook group that is somewhat active. That may be another source for information too. There is also forums specifically for the GLP-1s on this site that you should take a look at and see what has been said there. Best of luck!

7 hours ago, LeighaTR said:

I am sorry to hear of your struggles. I rely heavily on my food app to keep track of calories and water intake. With fibromyalgia it is hard to do much exercise. I do manage some treadmill walking (or the outside or even a mall inside are free to walk) and about once or occasionally twice a week I use a therapy pool to exercise in. If you can find a well heated pool it is much easier on the body than any other exercise I have tried... just watch that it is warm enough because the cooler the water there is more chance of cramping up the muscles. I hope you find something to help!

One more thing real quick. Although you are no longer in the area, does the surgeon or clinic you had your surgery done through offer any kind of support group? My clinic hosts 3 zoom meetings a month and also have a Facebook group that is somewhat active. That may be another source for information too. There is also forums specifically for the GLP-1s on this site that you should take a look at and see what has been said there. Best of luck!

Hi Leigha! Thank you for your response. It's been so long I figured this had gotten lost in the shuffle. I just downloaded a food app and started using it yesterday. Also trying to do more smaller meals throughout the day just to kinda move into behaviors that will support me in this new effort. My PCP sent a RX for Wegovy to my pharmacy which (as expected) was denied. I'm currently waiting to hear back from them to ask them to submit a request for an exception as I've discovered they will cover it for cardiovascular risk and my waist circumference does qualify me on that premise. At least the hard "no" does have another path.

I'm so glad you have those exercise options but I live in a rural area and can't afford a gym membership. I DO have a vibration plate and a treadmill at least!

My surgeon left the practice years and years ago. I did locate him and he is a professor now for medical students, but I'm unsure if he still practices. I attempted to reach out a couple of times but there wasn't any response. I should try to contact the hospital and see if they still have the bariatric program and meetings, or possibly find another that would welcome me as when I did have the surgery it was part of my recovery.

In addition to the steps I took above, I'm also scheduling a colonoscopy due to current gastric issues and I want to be sure my system won't be overextended by any gastric problems from the shot.

Any other thoughts from anyone I haven't thought of I welcome. Also, thanks for the advice and thoughtful response, it was definitely helpful!

@Taminator88 I did think of one other thing that you could maybe do for exercise. I have seen a bunch of videos on YouTube for mild or no impact chair (I know... chronic pain people hear this word far too often) yoga. I have tried a couple of different videos but have not found a "fun" one that clicks with me yet. Keep trying, your health is worth it! And best of luck with the colonoscopy and (more importantly) the awful prep you have to do before it!