Weight Loss Surgery - Daily Conversation 2013
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Carly- I waited over 10 years after surgery to try therapy and that was a BIG mistake. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I always thought there was nothing mental about my weight I just got the genetic short end of the stick, well I did, but I also found out I have buried a lot of stuff in fat- feelings of inadequacy, fear of rejection, and an overall dislike of myself and my body to name a few. I went threw 2 rounds of group therapy and I would like to do more. It is amazing how much it has improved my self concept. For the first time since surgery I can almost look in the mirror and see the woman in the after picture not the woman in the before picture. It is a difficult but necessary part of weight loss in my opinion. I wish I had done it many many years ago.0
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Can anyone suggest some websites to find good recipes for protein shakes? I just bought strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter flavors. I am determined to get my protein in daily. I have no excuses now! Thanks!!
Stephanie E
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-favorite-protein-shake-recipes.html
ABOVE IS A LINK TO THE BLOGSPOT OF A WLS PATIENT WHO HAS A LOAD OF WLS FRIENDLY RECIPES INCLUDING SHAKES. YOU WILL ALSO FIND MEALS, SNACKS, DESERTS ETC DESIGNED TO BE KING TO THE RNY POUCH BUTH HEALTHY FOR US ALL. HER RECIPES GENERALLY FOLLOW THE PROTEIN FIRST RULE. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERY STAGE PRE OP AND POST OP.0 -
I am officially one month post-op today and I am pleased as heck with my progress so far.
A few people have voiced there fear of complications in having this surgery done and fear of dumping and other changes as well. I too had those fears, but greater than those fears were the fear of not having it done and continuing on my old path leading to an early death, missing my daughter grow up and being a health burden to my family.
I took four years to make my decision and looking back I am confident that for me, the surgery was the correct choice. It is not easy, but I am committed to make the changes in lifestyle and my relationship with food in exchange for the reward of living.
I feel good about myself, have more energy and already am leading a more active lifestyle.
CONGRATS ON MONTH ONE.
PEOPLE JUST DON'T REALIZE HOW LOW THE MORTALITY AND COMPLICATION RATE IS TODAY VS BACK IN THE 90'S WHEN I FIRST LOOKED INTO WLS. I ALSO TOOK YEARS TO DECIDE. EIGHT YEARS PLUS WASTED. MY ONLY REGRET IS NOT DOING IT SOONER.
STICK WITH YOUR PROGRAM AND IT GETS BETTER AND BETTER!0 -
Hi Amy:
I think therapy is great! I've been in before, but not for long and at some point, I ran the show . . . meaning I chose the topic and the therapists never asked the hard questions or took me any deeper than I would let them. This time, I've met my match and then some! My counselor won't let me get away with any BS! This February will be four years! I'm happy to have her during this time in my life. When I lost weight before, I didn't have counseling and I fooled myself that my life would be "perfect." I had so many issues buried and not healed that I didn't know how to handle the weight loss. I got in all kinds of trouble and when things got really bad, I consoled myself with food and hid behind my fat because I gained every one of those 112 pounds back!
This time, even though I'm scared on several levels, I feel I'll have the support of counseling and I've grown and changed some things in my life. Congratulations to you on your therapy and beginning to see the real you and not the person hiding behind weight. I hope you continue to grow and learn about yourself and become who you want to be. It's not easy making changes; at least not for me. Sometimes I go kicking and screaming before I get there!
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
I'M PUTTING THIS OUT HERE BECAUSE IT DEMONSTRATES HOW ONE CAN EASILY MOVE FROM SUCCESS TO RUIN. OVER TIME I'VE MANAGED TO STAY WITHIN A FEW POUNDS UNDER OR OVER A NORMAL BMI EXCEPT FOR MEDICAL ISSUES OUTSIDE OF MY CONTROL. EVEN THEN, I CORRECTED THE SITUATION ASAP. NOT TOO BAD ONE MAY THINK. BUT, FOUR DAYS OUT OF THE FIRST EIGHT OF 2013 I HAVE BINGED OR SIMPLY EATEN TOO MANY CALORIES.
THESE DAYS IHAVE NOT EATEN ACCORDING TO MY DIET FOR LIFE. EVEN IF I WERE TO DO THIS ONCE A MONTH WITHOUT COMPENSATING FOR IT THE RESULT WOULD BE WEIGHT GAIN. THATS NEWS TO NO ONE; YET, I AM SAYING IT OUT LOUD. I BROADCAST THIS BECAUSE IT IS VERY EASY TO LIE TO ONESELF. LIES ABOUT HOW WELL YOU ARE LIVING THIS WLS LIFE PUT YOU ON THAT PATH TO RUIN. I'M NOT GOING THERE.
MY AVERAGE CALORIES ARE WAY OVER MY TARGETED MAINTENANCE RANGE. ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS RANGE WAS REDUCED BY 550 CALORIES A FEW MONTHS AGO. STILL, I'M EVEN ABOVE MY OLD RANGE. I KNOW BETTER THAN THIS. NO ADVICE NEEDED. THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. PULL MYSELF TOGETHER AND CUT THE BULL****.
NO MERCY AND NO EXCUSES IS WHAT A WLS VETERAN ONCE SAID TO ME ABOUT WORKING MY PLAN. THAT WAS OVER THREE AND YEARS AGO AND IT STILL HOLDS TRUE. THIS IS A LIFE TIME COMMITMENT. I HAVE THE REMAINDER OF THE MONTH TO COMPENSATE. AS LONG AS I GET BACK TO LIVING THIS WLS LIFE THE WAY I SHOULD I WILL CLOSE THIS MONTH WITH MY DAILY CALORIE AVERAGE RIGHT ON POINT.
MSW
I'M NOT SCREAMING AT YOU I'M JUST HARD OF SEEING ;-)0 -
@ MSW-WELL SAID! SOMETIMES I THINK WE LIE TO OURSELVES OUT OF THE GUISE OF HELP WHEN WE ARE REALLY JUST DOING MORE HARM. HERE IS TO STAYING ON TRACK THIS MONTH FOR BOTH OF US!:drinker:0
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AT LAST I'M EATING LIKE A RNY PERSON AGAIN. IT MEANS KEEPING MYSELF "UNDER ARREST" SO THERE IS NO CONTACT WITH ANY "WRONG FOODS" THAT MAY FIND THEIR WAY INTO MY HOME. ABOUT TO FIX A LATE WELL PLANNED DINNER AND A SNACK FOR LATER. I'M HOLDING IT TOGETHER. BACK ON MY DIET FOR LIFE.0
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Hi, I want to be part of this group because I would like to have the sleeve bariatric surgery. My highest weight was 439lbs. I'm now at 345lbs. I'm 5'4.75", gotta add that.75"! I would like to weigh about 120lbs-130lbs. I'm not really sure what I should weigh, it's been many years since my weight was near that. Thanks for being here!:flowerforyou:0
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Hello Everyone:
I have to lose 12 pounds before my surgeon can resubmit my package to Kaiser. They denied the request for surgery after I've done every single thing I was supposed to do . . . maybe they wanted me to lose weight pre-op as well. I am hoping to get the sleeve, but I must admit after reading the posts, I'm afraid. It seems like you're damned if you get it and damned if you don't! I'm reading about those who have regained, those who are dumping, those who have lost, but are still having a hard time with food. This is VERY scary!
I know the surgery is not a magic pill or anything, but I sure hoped that it would help me get on the right track and be able to limit my portions. The surgeon told me that with the sleeve they would cut out part of the stomach that made the hormone, gherlin (spelling) which will help decrease appetite! But I'm reading about struggles with food. I just want to lose the weight and keep it off. I know I have to eat right and exercise no matter if I have the surgery or not. But I've lost weight before and gained it ALL BACK! So I hoped the surgery would at least help to limit my intake and help me stay on track! I don't know what to do!
Peace,
Carlygirl412
Please keep in mind the surgery has a much better success rate than traditional diets. I kept trying to lose weight and like you had done so myself twice but as you get older the harder it is to lose weight too. But you are wiser too so it is all about you now and most likely you have learned your lessons from your regains in the past. KIT and I wish you the best whatever you decide.:flowerforyou:0 -
I was denied three times by my insurance company in the last year and had finally decided to "do it on my own." Weight loss was happening, but was a bit slow, and I still tended to give in to the fast food urge when my sons wanted it for lunch or dinner. This was mostly to please them. Out of the blue, one day in July 2012, my surgeon's office called and said--"resubmit the appeal and send in the fair hearing papers." I did and was surprised that I was approved in a matter of days.
Yes, many people have struggles with food issues and have problems after surgery. But most of us do not. I am three months out and have no real issues. I follow my meal plan, keep my appointments, and I put my food issues behind me a long time ago. I don't go hungry and I make sure I do my best each day to get in all my supplements, protein, and water. Some days I am under, but I remember that tomorrow is a new day. If I eat something I shouldn't, my body tells me so, and I don't do it again.
In the three months since I had gastric bypass I have gone from morbidly obese to overweight on the BMI calculator. I can walk for miles, breathe better, have no heartburn or digestive issues that I had before. I can tie my own shoes, polish my toenails, bend over to pick things up off the floor. I can vacuum, move furniture around, and feel like a million bucks. And it's only been three months!
I have not vomited once since my surgery--a couple times food swallowed wouldn't go down early on, but no vomiting. I have never had dumping syndrome, unless you count the couple of times my heart beat rapidly during the first month after. All in all, this has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Will I ever gain weight back? I hope not, but if I do, it's my fault--and I don't think that it will ever be to the extent that it was before.
Yes, your portions for life will be smaller for the rest of your life. You will be healthy because you have to focus on healthy, clean eating. Stay away from junk, processed foods, etc. Eat your meat, veggies, and fruits. Don't drink high calorie beverages. If you can do this, you will succeed.
Good luck with everything!0 -
Compudad- I agree, even with the minor things like occasional dumping and vitamin deficiency and any other minor issues I have had to deal with I would have surgery again in a heartbeat and I am not even to goal yet after 11 yrs. I could not even imagine what my life would be like if I still carried that 220 extra pounds around or most likely more by now and with 11 more years of age. I am grateful I was able to have the surgery and I never regret it!0
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Hello Awyatt:
Thank you VERY MUCH for such an encouraging post! I needed to read that today. My therapist told me it may be a good thing that I was denied right now, because when she said I'll have to change how I enjoy myself with my friends (not have every outing involve food), it was hard to hear. She didn't say I could never eat out or have fun with friends with food involved, but she said early on, I'll have to find other ways to enjoy myself and kind of cut back on having food be the main part of the get-together!
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
Carly- I waited over 10 years after surgery to try therapy and that was a BIG mistake. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I always thought there was nothing mental about my weight I just got the genetic short end of the stick, well I did, but I also found out I have buried a lot of stuff in fat- feelings of inadequacy, fear of rejection, and an overall dislike of myself and my body to name a few. I went threw 2 rounds of group therapy and I would like to do more. It is amazing how much it has improved my self concept. For the first time since surgery I can almost look in the mirror and see the woman in the after picture not the woman in the before picture. It is a difficult but necessary part of weight loss in my opinion. I wish I had done it many many years ago.
I also highly recommend support groups too!! If you do not have one in your area, please look into the phone support groups available. I find them very helpful to me. I sit in on at least on a month. One is at 7:00 cst the 1st Monday of every month and the other one is at 1:00 cst the 3rd Thursday of every month. Message me if you want the information for this meeting. They send out reminder emails too. You mute your phone if at work and cant participate. Sometimes on Thursday's I just listen because I am busy at work. If nothing else they help me to keep my head in the game.0 -
Hi Amy:
I think therapy is great! I've been in before, but not for long and at some point, I ran the show . . . meaning I chose the topic and the therapists never asked the hard questions or took me any deeper than I would let them. This time, I've met my match and then some! My counselor won't let me get away with any BS! This February will be four years! I'm happy to have her during this time in my life. When I lost weight before, I didn't have counseling and I fooled myself that my life would be "perfect." I had so many issues buried and not healed that I didn't know how to handle the weight loss. I got in all kinds of trouble and when things got really bad, I consoled myself with food and hid behind my fat because I gained every one of those 112 pounds back!
This time, even though I'm scared on several levels, I feel I'll have the support of counseling and I've grown and changed some things in my life. Congratulations to you on your therapy and beginning to see the real you and not the person hiding behind weight. I hope you continue to grow and learn about yourself and become who you want to be. It's not easy making changes; at least not for me. Sometimes I go kicking and screaming before I get there!
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
AT LAST I'M EATING LIKE A RNY PERSON AGAIN. IT MEANS KEEPING MYSELF "UNDER ARREST" SO THERE IS NO CONTACT WITH ANY "WRONG FOODS" THAT MAY FIND THEIR WAY INTO MY HOME. ABOUT TO FIX A LATE WELL PLANNED DINNER AND A SNACK FOR LATER. I'M HOLDING IT TOGETHER. BACK ON MY DIET FOR LIFE.0
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I also highly recommend support groups too!! If you do not have one in your area, please look into the phone support groups available. I find them very helpful to me. I sit in on at least on a month. One is at 7:00 cst the 1st Monday of every month and the other one is at 1:00 cst the 3rd Thursday of every month. Message me if you want the information for this meeting. They send out reminder emails too. You mute your phone if at work and cant participate. Sometimes on Thursday's I just listen because I am busy at work. If nothing else they help me to keep my head in the game.
MY PSYCH EVAL WAS TOTAL BS LIKE FOR SO MANY OTHERS. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT NEED THERAPY TO GET THE GRAVITY OF SUCCESS VS DISAPPOINTING RESULTS. PRE OP THERAPY IS A GREAT IDEA BUT FOR SEVERAL REASONS I DO NOT THINK IT SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT.
FIRST, EVERYONE DOES NOT NEED IT. THERE ARE ENOUGH FORMS OF MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION TO DETERMINE WHO SHOULD HAVE EXTENSIVE THERAPY FIRST. I'VE TAKEN MANY OF THESE EVALUATIONS AND THEY ARE MUCH MOR INVOLVED THAN THE PRE OP PSYCH ASSESMENT I HAD.
SECOND, IT IS COST PROHIBITIVE FOR MANY. HEALTH INSURANCE MENTAL HEALTH RIDERS OFTEN HAVE LIMITS TO COVERAGE WHICH WOULD LEAVE SOME IN MOST NEEDWITHOUT OPTIONS.
MOST IMPORTANT, SOME HEALTH RISKS NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND THE PATIENT NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PHYSICAL ISSUES SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. THE RISKS ARE TOO GREAT.
SUPPORT GROUPS HOWEVER COULD BE STARTED PRE OP. YET, SO MANY WLS PRACTICES WAIT UNTIL POST OP TO GET YOU STARTED. PATIENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE REALITY OF LIVING THIS LIFE. SO MANY HAVE A SIX MONTH PRE OP PERIOD FOR INSURANCE. THEY SHOULD BE IN SUPPORT GROUPS AS THEY PREPARE. LISTENING FIRST HAND THEY CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEW REALITY THEY FACE.0 -
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Your therpist is soooo right!! I am not as close to a few of my friends because we no longer have going out for food in common and that is all they wanted to continue to do. Since I could not give them to go to plays, movies, walk, gym, etc I let them go. We are still friends but not close friends anymore. I am more important than the friendships if they can not understand my needs. You have to start putting Carly 1st.
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Hi Mollie:
You are right! Tonight I went to a line dancing class and had fun and a good workout. Then at the end, it was the instructor's birthday and they had birthday cake. They offered me to stay and have a piece. I said, no thank you, that would defeat what I'm trying to do. One of the ladies said oh, you can work it off next week. I laughed, but I also left and didn't have the cake. That was pretty easy, but it will be difficult with my friends. But I do understand what you're saying; if they can't support me or at least understand why I may have to cut back on the "food gatherings" then I may not be able to see them as often.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
SUPPORT GROUPS HOWEVER COULD BE STARTED PRE OP. YET, SO MANY WLS PRACTICES WAIT UNTIL POST OP TO GET YOU STARTED. PATIENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE REALITY OF LIVING THIS LIFE. SO MANY HAVE A SIX MONTH PRE OP PERIOD FOR INSURANCE. THEY SHOULD BE IN SUPPORT GROUPS AS THEY PREPARE. LISTENING FIRST HAND THEY CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEW REALITY THEY FACE.
Even newbies who call in on the telephone support group are surprised at how many are on the line who are trying to get back on track and re-focus.0 -
Hi!
Has anyone noticed a difference in flu symptoms since having WLS (gastric-bypass in my case)? I just had the flu last week, and I noticed that although I was really nauseous, I never vomited. Sorry for the gross topic, but now I'm curious. :blushing:
Still flu related, I lost about 7 pounds after feeling yucky for a week, and gained back 2 right away. This week, it seems that 5 pounds are staying off, but I'm wondering now if I should really try to eat less. Does the metabolism get super-slow after being sick, and is weight gain super easy? I'd be so bummed if the scale suddenly takes a jump if I start eating 'normal' again.0 -
Very good day today. Got my call for Consultation with DR. Yadagar. Im excited and scared. A Million thoughts going threw my mind. Ive been on this long journey and am hoping nothing else comes up that stops me from getting my surgery done...0
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Very good day today. Got my call for Consultation with DR. Yadagar. Im excited and scared. A Million thoughts going threw my mind. Ive been on this long journey and am hoping nothing else comes up that stops me from getting my surgery done...
Hi Lovingvampire:
I know how you feel. I go back and forth from being absolutely positively sure that I want the surgery to wondering what in the world am I getting myself into. I keep thinking about the picture after I begin to lose weight, how much better I hope to feel and look and how healtheir I hope to be and getting off medications. Those thoughts bring me back to the place of wanting the surgery. I hope nothing comes up to keep you from getting surgery. I hope once I lose what Kaiser wants me to lose, they will approve the surgery. All the best to you!
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
Hello to everyone! I am one month post-op RNY. It's been a great month! I lost 25 pounds, several inches, and have had very few issues so far. I have not had a dumping episode yet, and hopefully never will, but I have had a reflux issues. It was strange since it was something I ate one day and was fine with, but the next time I tried, it went down, and came right back up. I knew almost immediately that my stomach was not going to handle it, and was able to get to a restroom, so at least that part was good.
As for food overall, I have followed my plan very closely, gone to all of my appontments, and give myself some room to breathe. I hit my protein goals on most days, but don't stress if I am a few grams under. I avoid sugars that are not already a part of my plan (such as sugars in my protein powders) and severly limit my carbs. I decided before I had surgery that most carbs (breads, pasta) were out for me. They are "fillers" in my book and I just don't have as much to fill anymore! Luckily, I have always been a protein girl, so that worked in my favor.
Finally, I have already seen my diabetes go away. and some of my PCOS symptoms disappear. I couldn't be more excited! Sure, I eat less, but my life has seen so many improvements in one short month that I am so hopeful for the future!0 -
HI all: Trying to get back into logging, tracking etc.. looking for others on MFP to link up with.. I'm 5 years post bypass. Overall best decision I ever made for myself. I've moved twice since then and the workouts and fitness have gone up and down with the relos. I think I'll be in the same place for awhile. Add me if anyone is looking for others for motivation, conversation, and or encouragement..0
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Hello all... I'm new to MFP and this group but I am glad I found it! I am 6 weeks post Vertical Sleeve surgery and I have lost a total of 49 lbs since I started this whole process...0
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Welcome and congratulations on your surgery. I am hoping that everything went well for you. You will love MFP. It is a great place to chart your calories and exercise, but the the best part is the support from everyone who is also working on losing weight and getting fit. Friend me if you want and maybe we can support each other.0
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Hello all... I'm new to MFP and this group but I am glad I found it! I am 6 weeks post Vertical Sleeve surgery and I have lost a total of 49 lbs since I started this whole process...
Hi DeeBrownBaker:
Congrats on your sleeve surgery. That is the operation I'm headed for. I finished the six-month program with Kaiser and then they wanted me to lose 12 pounds on my own; so that's what I'm working on now. If you would like to friend me, you can. I'd be very interested in your process and what you went through since you had your surgery. You know, how you got in all your protein and how much or little pain you felt post-op. I know everyone is different and your experience may not be my experience, but I'd like to read about it . . . if you're willing to share it. Thanks.
Peace,
Carlygirl4120 -
Hey all i am a newbie. I saw my surgeon today and i am having RNY done via the robot on March 5th, 2013 pre-op is Feb 20th. So very excited!!0
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Hey all i am a newbie. I saw my surgeon today and i am having RNY done via the robot on March 5th, 2013 pre-op is Feb 20th. So very excited!!0
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Hello all, I'm also new to this board. I had my preop visit today and am scheduled for RNY on february 6th. I am thankful for all the wonderful things shared and look forward to sharing with others.0
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Welcome and good luck. I had my RNY on December 5th and could not be more pleased with my progress.0
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