Gastric Bypass journey (long)

[Karen]

Pam, you got that right. But one thing that has confussed me is that this surgery is a tool to help break the food addiction. But our entire day is consummed with grams of protein, ounces of fluids, cutting tiny pieces, and chew, chew, chew.. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you it's almost a full time job! I'm more consumed by food now then in my lifetime put together. But then again, it's 'good' food and doing it right.

[Karen]

I had someone PM me to ask me to post what I eat in a typical day. The goals is for a minimum of 60 grams of protein and 48 oz. of water; I haven't been able to make that goal most days. I just can't eat that much yet. Here's what I can or do eat now as I'm still pretty limited to what I can have until I hit 6 weeks post-op:

Breakfast
Almost every day is 1 scoop of protein shake mix made with 1 c. milk/soy milk/almond milk to get the protein up to between 30-38 grams of protein.
(or)
1 sm. to med. egg or 1/4 cup egg beaters scrambled

Lunch
1 Tablespoon of tuna with 1 Tablespoon of cottage cheese
(or)
1 sm. fat free-sugar free yogurt
(or)
1/2 cup of tomato soup made with milk or chicken noodle soup, minus the noodles. If you ever want to confuse a resturant worker, go to Panera's and order their chicken noodle soup with no noodles! It's hysterical!! LOL!

Dinner
2 Tablespoons roasted or broiled chicken or fish
1 Tablespoon soft non-starchy veggie like carrots, broccoli or green beans

I am allowed up to 3 snacks a day from the following list: sm. cup of fat-free sugar-free yogurt, 1 oz. of low-fat cheese, 1 oz. of 98% fat-free turkey lunchmeat, or a hard boiled egg.

I can also have unlimited amounts of: sugar free jello, sugar free pudding (only the boxed is totally sugar free; the dairy or self-types of sugar free pudding actually have sugar Algol's in them), chicken, beef or vegetable bullion, 100% fruit juices diluted to 1/2 juice to 1/2 water. I'm also allowed how ever much protein shakes I need to get up my protein goal.

I rarely a snack or additional shake because I'm just not hungry. I also am getting to HATE those protein shakes. Tried all kinds of brands and none taste good to me any more. Loved them before the surgery, just makes me sick from being so sweet. I can't stand anything sweet any more especially the jello and puddings. Maybe this means I will now hate chocolate and love asparagus???

[Common Tator]

Originally Posted by Terri

The thing about diabetes is this: if you lose weight it often gets better or goes away entirely. The only thing the surgery would do for diabetes is to make you lose weight.

To oversimplify things, *IF* your body can produce enough insulin for a 250 pound person and you weigh 300, then you are a diabetic. If you drop your weight to below 250, then your body begins to function like it should and the tests will show no diabetes at all!

Actually, I believe this is incorrect. Read here to better understand the roll of gastric bypass on parients with diabetes. Role of Gastric Bypass in the Treatment of Diabetes from MedicineNet.com

Karen, I'm so glad that you are sharing this journey with us! Thank you. It took courage to do this knowing that others would judge harshly, and make assumptions about your options.

I also had gastric bypass in November of last year. While I haven't been wheelchair bound, I have had severe back and neck problems for years. I've had 2 diskectomies in my low spine and a spinal fusion in my neck. I wasn't able to do very much by way of exercise. Diet alone wasn't doing it for me.

While some may think that gastric bypass is a weakling's easy way out, it was quite different for me and for many others. I've tried dieting for years, and never met with much success. So if I were to cave into the naysayers and not have the surgery, I would still be carrying all that extra weight around, and herniating more disks and in tremendous pain, and I would still be diabetic now.

Life is short, and it's even shorter if you're obese and diabetic.

It takes discipline to keep the weight off, even with this surgery. When I went to the orientation meeting, I was a bit surprised to see that I was the smallest person in the room. The nurse, and dietitian and doctor described the gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, and the lap band. I went there thinking I wanted the lap band, but after hearing about the different surgeries, I realized that the gastric bypass was better suited for my needs. The statistics for getting rid of excess weight, getting rid of diabetes, and getting rid of GERD are MUCH better with the bypass than for the lap band. Plus, the lap band requires a lot of medical attention. If they break or fail, you have to have another surgery to replace them. They require adjustments. They add or remove water through a port under the skin in your abdomen, and that means multiple painful injections. I didn't ask anyone to see theirs, but I wonder if there is a visible lump under the skin where the injection port is, and I didn't want that.

At the end of the meeting, the VERY LARGE woman beside me said she had the gastric bypass 10 years ago, and was back for a lap band. She hadn't exercised portion control over the years and had stretched out her stomach! She had gained back all the weight she lost, plus more! She is not alone. If you don't exercise discipline in what you eat and how much you eat, you can gain it all back, ++++++!

Anyway, there are a lot of meetings that are prerequisites to having the surgery. I attended them all as quickly as I could, and it still took months to get through them. I learned a lot and made friends who were going through the same thing as me.

They said that generally, you need a BMI of 40 before you are eligible for the surgery through most insurance plans. I was below that, but I was also Type II diabetic, and because of that I got approval for my surgery.

My surgery was just after Thanksgiving, and I have lost 65 lbs so far! I lost my diabetes, and I lost my GERD, which I suffered from terribly, and daily!

At my doctor's office they have a display case in the waiting room. In it, they have a plate. A small one, about the size of a salad plate, and it is printed with lines showing how much protein, veggies, etc should be on the plate. It is confusing for me, because although it is a small plate, I couldn't eat enough food to fill it in one sitting without getting dumping syndrome. I have some small glass ramekins at home. I can better visualize how much food I can safely eat by eating my meals from a ramekin. I can still get into trouble doing this if the food is dense. Like Steak or pork, as opposed to something light and fluffy like white fish. Eating too much causes hours of tremendous discomfort, followed by vomiting.

I have had to break lifelong habits, like cleaning my plate. If I go to a restaurant, I eat a few bites, slowly, chewing, chewing, chewing, and then I ask for a doggy bag. I push my plate away as soon as I've eaten enough. I do this to remind my self not to keep eating. It does take discipline, so please don't be judgmental about folks who have taken what some might think of as the easy way out. In my case it was really my only option.

As I explained to all the nay sayers, including my own Mom, I was doing this so I could live longer, and healthier and in less pain and happier. I have degenerative joint disease. I still have back pain and sciatica, but not as bad as it was when I was carrying all that excess weight. This was the right decision for me, and I believe it was for Karen too.

And as an added bonus, I'm wearing all those "skinny clothes" in my closet, that had been there 15-20 years, in hopes that some day I could fit into them again! Are they out of style? Oh, yeah, and I wear them like a badge of honor!

[lorichristie]

Originally Posted by Karen

I had someone PM me to ask me to post what I eat in a typical day. The goals is for a minimum of 60 grams of protein and 48 oz. of water; I haven't been able to make that goal most days. I just can't eat that much yet. Here's what I can or do eat now as I'm still pretty limited to what I can have until I hit 6 weeks post-op:

Breakfast
Almost every day is 1 scoop of protein shake mix made with 1 c. milk/soy milk/almond milk to get the protein up to between 30-38 grams of protein.
(or)
1 sm. to med. egg or 1/4 cup egg beaters scrambled

That is rough!

Lunch
1 Tablespoon of tuna with 1 Tablespoon of cottage cheese
(or)
1 sm. fat free-sugar free yogurt
(or)
1/2 cup of tomato soup made with milk or chicken noodle soup, minus the noodles. If you ever want to confuse a resturant worker, go to Panera's and order their chicken noodle soup with no noodles! It's hysterical!! LOL!

Just bring your own strainer and order an extra bowl...

Dinner
2 Tablespoons roasted or broiled chicken or fish
1 Tablespoon soft non-starchy veggie like carrots, broccoli or green beans

I am allowed up to 3 snacks a day from the following list: sm. cup of fat-free sugar-free yogurt, 1 oz. of low-fat cheese, 1 oz. of 98% fat-free turkey lunchmeat, or a hard boiled egg.

I can also have unlimited amounts of: sugar free jello, sugar free pudding (only the boxed is totally sugar free; the dairy or self-types of sugar free pudding actually have sugar Algol's in them), chicken, beef or vegetable bullion, 100% fruit juices diluted to 1/2 juice to 1/2 water. I'm also allowed how ever much protein shakes I need to get up my protein goal.

I rarely a snack or additional shake because I'm just not hungry. I also am getting to HATE those protein shakes. Tried all kinds of brands and none taste good to me any more. Loved them before the surgery, just makes me sick from being so sweet. I can't stand anything sweet any more especially the jello and puddings. Maybe this means I will now hate chocolate and love asparagus???

What blows me away is those who are physically able to walk, but seem to not be able to change their diets, sometimes opt for this surgery. Man, that sounds wayyyyyyy worse than just changing a diet and becoming more active (directed at only those who can, not those past the ability).

[lorichristie]

Originally Posted by Common Tator

Actually, I believe this is incorrect. Read here to better understand the roll of gastric bypass on parients with diabetes. Role of Gastric Bypass in the Treatment of Diabetes from MedicineNet.com

I read the article and it is a good one. What isn't often considered is that slender folks get Diabetes, also. It isn't always the excessive weight that caused it, so when weight is lost, it isn't automatic that Diabetes goes away. It is very worth it to lose the weight, if you can possibly get rid of Diabetes!

[Common Tator]

Lori, One of the prerequisites to having this surgery was a visit with a psychologist. He had also had gastric bypass several years back, He had lost something in the neighborhood of 200 lbs and had kept the weight off. He said that in South America, they were doing gastric bypass on diabetics who weren't overweight, and they were losing their diabetes while maintaining a healthy weight.

I just looked to see if I could find an article discussing this and couldn't, but he was quite impressed with the statistics.

[Tinker]

Great job Karen! Hope your appointment goes well next week.

Goodwill is your friend!!!! When I 1st started loosing, I was buying at Penneys & Sears, and it got really expensive. I decided to shop Goodwill, till I got to my goal, as I was changing sizes every few months. Once I got to goal, I went out and spend some real money on new stuff (well, I deserved it! lol) but Goodwill worked great in the mean time. And everything I bought they, I donated back when it got too big.

Let us know how you appointment goes.

[lorichristie]

Originally Posted by Common Tator

Lori, One of the prerequisites to having this surgery was a visit with a psychologist. He had also had gastric bypass several years back, He had lost something in the neighborhood of 200 lbs and had kept the weight off. He said that in South America, they were doing gastric bypass on diabetics who weren't overweight, and they were losing their diabetes while maintaining a healthy weight.

I just looked to see if I could find an article discussing this and couldn't, but he was quite impressed with the statistics.

That is rather amazing, but the question is, how healthy were those folks after gastric bypass surgery? Diabetes is one thing, but for folks to have that type of surgery not needing to lose weight, wonder how that worked out in the end. I'd be skin and bones if I didn't eat 6 times/day, as I am very physically active... Also, I know gals who have had that surgery and they take all kinds of vitamins, are on special diets, and eat like mice.

When I read what Karen can eat daily, wow, that is HARD AND I MEAN VERY HARD!

Also, what was the % of thin folks cured of Diabetes? If that was a cure for thin people, why not 100% of overweight people?

As for naysayers, I didn't really see any, but haven't read every single post.

I will, from my own honest opinion, having Gastric Bypass Surgery is way harder than upping physical activity and changing the way you eat (only directed at those who can still do physical activity). I do NOT believe in dieting, as it is a complete yo-yo waste of time. Extremely sad for those caught in its net. I advocate eating a Paleo Style way for many reasons, health mostly. Being healthy is the most important thing, not weighing a set amount based on someone else's predetermined set scale. Once you get Gastric Bypass surgery, your diet is set. It is far harder and sounds a lot less tasty than a Paleo Style of eating. I do not consider this a diet at all, just a style of eating, which I thoroughly enjoy! It was great seeing the results of it for every single person we know who switched to it.

A friend of mine felt Gastric Bypass was a "magic bullet" and she went for it. She was absolutely HORRIFIED! Afterward, she regretted having it done, as she was capable of exercising and changing the way she ate. For her, that was the answer. She didn't have Diabetes, just barely qualified due to her weight, too. Afterward, she struggled with the diet and hasn't been happy since. Sure she lost weight, but no longer can enjoy eating.

For some folks, Gastric Bypass is a lifesaver. My older DS should have had it done years ago. Folks in this category, reading this thread, can go into it with their eyes open. Also, it is important they know what Gastric Bypass can and cannot do for them. It is not 100% effective in curing Diabetes, but the high % chance it will, could well be worth it for the folks who need Gastric Bypass.

I have a good friend, who is Diabetic, suffers from Gout, is over 100#s overweight, and she is absolutely is addicted to food. I don't know if Gastric Bypass would help her, as she would constantly be sick from eating too much and eating the wrong things. This is a serious issue for many people and isn't at all funny.

[Common Tator]

Originally Posted by lorichristie

That is rather amazing, but the question is, how healthy were those folks after gastric bypass surgery? Diabetes is one thing, but for folks to have that type of surgery not needing to lose weight, wonder how that worked out in the end. I'd be skin and bones if I didn't eat 6 times/day, as I am very physically active... Also, I know gals who have had that surgery and they take all kinds of vitamins, are on special diets, and eat like mice.

I honestly don't know how healthy they are after surgery. The way he described it, if they were already thin, they didn't lose weight. I am guessing that if they are already thin, they don't make a tiny tummy pouch but rather resect the bowel so that the intestines are in RNY pattern, because the magic happens as a result of the rearranging of the intestine. That is just a guess until I can read up on it.

I also take vitamins, and pay close attention to getting enough protein and calcium. I am required to drink large amounts of water.

And part of the instructions that I received were that I am to eat 5-6 small meals per day. They are very insistent about this, so I never get too hungry. I carry snacks in my purse so that I can eat a little something if hubby isn't hungry and we are on the road or not near food. I carry bottled water too, and because it helps me to drink enough water, I carry packets of sugarless drink mix, like Wylers or Crystal Lite.

Originally Posted by lorichristie

When I read what Karen can eat daily, wow, that is HARD AND I MEAN VERY HARD!

Yeah, I was surprised at that too. I guess different doctors and/or dietitians have different recommendations on what their patients can eat. Once I no longer was on a liquid or pureed diet, I was able to eat the same foods that I cook for Hubby. And this is with the blessings of my doctor and dietitian. As I said, I eat from a small ramekin because it gives me a visual perspective on portion control. For me, I need to see it contained in one place like that so I don't overeat inadvertently. When Hubby is not home, sometimes I heat up a jar of baby food and eat that. One of the pasta ones usually. I hate cooking for just me. It is so hard to cook such teensy amounts

Karen, I hope you don't mind me talking about you rather than to you, but here goes. Karen is still recovering from her surgery. She is still learning hat she can and can't eat. As she learns, she may well add other healthy foods to her diet. And healthy food can be mighty tasty and satisfying!

Originally Posted by lorichristie

Also, what was the % of thin folks cured of Diabetes? If that was a cure for thin people, why not 100% of overweight people?

I honestly don't know. I think it was upward of 90%.

Originally Posted by lorichristie

As for naysayers, I didn't really see any, but haven't read every single post.

I will, from my own honest opinion, having Gastric Bypass Surgery is way harder than upping physical activity and changing the way you eat (only directed at those who can still do physical activity). I do NOT believe in dieting, as it is a complete yo-yo waste of time. Extremely sad for those caught in its net. I advocate eating a Paleo Style way for many reasons, health mostly. Being healthy is the most important thing, not weighing a set amount based on someone else's predetermined set scale. Once you get Gastric Bypass surgery, your diet is set. It is far harder and sounds a lot less tasty than a Paleo Style of eating. I do not consider this a diet at all, just a style of eating, which I thoroughly enjoy! It was great seeing the results of it for every single person we know who switched to it.

As I said, Karen is on a very restricted diet. Either her dietitian has a different viewpoint on food than mine does, or she has other health issues that dictate the extra restrictions. I can still eat small amounts of sugar, although I try to avoid it. Unless I indulge in an occasional bit of chocolate. that is a weakness of mine, and I haven't gotten sick from it. Sometimes eating excess sugar can cause dumping syndrome, and sometimes not. Too much fat or grease can also cause dumping syndrome. I can drink alcohol, although we were cautioned that it is easier to become an alcoholic after the surgery. All things in moderation.

Over the years, in my efforts to lose weight, I cut most fats and sugar out of my diet anyway. I modified old recipes and came up with my own new ones. The food is delicious, and I'm a darn good cook if I do say so myself. I still enjoy eating. I have discovered that I appreciate the taste more now than I used to, because I take my sweet time and chew it thoroughly. I used to bolt it down without taking much time to enjoy it before surgery. If I were to allow myself to wallow in self pity and whine about deprivation, I would be doing myself a great disservice. I'm not deprived of good food. I just enjoy it differently. This was an attitude change that I made willingly and intentionally.

Originally Posted by lorichristie

A friend of mine felt Gastric Bypass was a "magic bullet" and she went for it. She was absolutely HORRIFIED! Afterward, she regretted having it done, as she was capable of exercising and changing the way she ate. For her, that was the answer. She didn't have Diabetes, just barely qualified due to her weight, too. Afterward, she struggled with the diet and hasn't been happy since. Sure she lost weight, but no longer can enjoy eating.

Your friend sounds like she wasn't a good candidate for the surgery. The reason they have you go to a psychologist is to determine if you understand that this is a tool, and not a magic bullet. It is a lifelong commitment to making the changes in your life and eating habits that will have you eating better and eating less FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. I knew that going in.

Originally Posted by lorichristie

For some folks, Gastric Bypass is a lifesaver. My older DS should have had it done years ago. Folks in this category, reading this thread, can go into it with their eyes open. Also, it is important they know what Gastric Bypass can and cannot do for them. It is not 100% effective in curing Diabetes, but the high % chance it will, could well be worth it for the folks who need Gastric Bypass.

I agree 100%!

Originally Posted by lorichristie

I have a good friend, who is Diabetic, suffers from Gout, is over 100#s overweight, and she is absolutely is addicted to food. I don't know if Gastric Bypass would help her, as she would constantly be sick from eating too much and eating the wrong things. This is a serious issue for many people and isn't at all funny.

She needs to deal with the food addiction before she can even consider this kind of surgery. Until she does that, she isn't a good candidate.

[Karen]

Just about all surgeons have different diets. My surgeon is VERY strict and very restrictive for the first 6 weeks. At week 7, we have no more restrictions other than still sugar is a no-no for life (most people will dump on over 10 grams) and no pasta, breads, etc. until about 6 months in. No red meat until week 8 and then only if tolerated. Just protein, veggies and limited fruits (as fruits contain a lot of sugar).

Lori, diet and exercise doesn't work for everyone. There are a bunch of genetic things going on along with a lot of chemical stuff too for very obese people that causes the brain to never trigger feeling full. That's where gastric bypass helps. The digestive system is rerouted in such a way that new triggers occur in the brain and we learn what 'full' feels like again. Plus, not all the calories of what we eat are absorbed any longer, due to the rerouting and 'bypassing' much of the original digestive track. It's kind of a 2 for the price of one! We feel full and don't absorb many of the calories we do consume. It's why I can eat just 1 tablespoon of something and I'm full. Plus right now my stomach is still healing and is very sensitive.

However, it isn't always going to be like that. Here's why and also why people gain weight back. The pouch does stretch over time. Statistically, GBP works like this:

• post-op - 6 months = weight loss is due to 90% the surgery/pouch and 10% 'you'.
• 6 months - one year = 50% surgery/pouch and 50% 'you'.
• After 1 yr. - 10% surgery/pouch and 90% 'you'

Also, around the 6 month mark, an old enemy shows up. Hunger! You start to get hungry again. That's why it's important to stay the straight and narrow during those first 6 months so that new and lasting habits are formed, we watch and maintain our pouch, so it still works and we are able to move forward with what we've learned and practiced over and over again.

Everybody seems to know someone who's gained back their weight but in gastric bypass approx. 90% of all patients don't go back to their old ways and do keep the weight off. It's much lower than that for lapband and all other types of WLS patients because you can 'cheat' from day one on the lapband. There's no cheating with GBP; it's what it is and you'll get VERY sick if you do. It's why I chose the full GBP. If I'm going through this, I'm NOT going back!! Plus with GBP, if you follow the rules, you will lose at least 75-85% of your excess body weight almost guaranteed.

It may help also for me to explain how I can eat so little and be okay. First is all the vitamins and water, second is because of the protein. The body is not in starvation mode as many think it must be. I am in malnutrition mode to a certain extent but my body is feeding off the stored fat, but that fat is being replaced with muscle from the protein. In fact, when plateaus occur and no weight loss is seen for several weeks, we almost always will continue to lose inches.

CT, congratulations on your weight loss and continuing on your journey! It's always an inspiration to hear from people who have been there and continue to do well.

BTW, I've been pretty fortunate to have not had too many naysayers. Mostly because I've put everyone on alert that the first person who says this is the 'easy way out' is going to going to see one raging maniac coming at 'em to set them straight!!!

[lorichristie]

Common Tater, my friend can no longer eat almost anything she used to like before her surgery. I agree she was a poor candidate as she thought this was an easier option. She had the mistaken notion somehow her inability to control her eating would just vanish. I can't, however, imagine enjoying food the way I do and then hardly liking any of it after a surgery (that is what happened to her). Her entire taste changed, but I am sure that isn't the case for most. I think it is FAR harder than being able to exercise and change an eating style. I have great respect and admire those of you that took this road and stick to it! This is a real life saving procedure my DS desperately needs, but lacks the self-discipline to make it work and has no intention in getting this done. It will be excruciatingly sad to get the call she has died, but I doubt she will last another year (that is how bad her health has gotten).

As for my friend? If she could deal with her food addiction, she could just up her activity level and changed to a Paleo style way of eating; she wouldn't need surgery. She walks two flights of stairs (her home) at least 10 times/day. I know this as she runs a business, has pets, and her kitchen is on floor one, while her vehicle is out the basement door.

[lorichristie]

Lori, diet and exercise doesn't work for everyone. There are a bunch of genetic things going on along with a lot of chemical stuff too for very obese people that causes the brain to never trigger feeling full. That's where gastric bypass helps. The digestive system is rerouted in such a way that new triggers occur in the brain and we learn what 'full' feels like again. Plus, not all the calories of what we eat are absorbed any longer, due to the rerouting and 'bypassing' much of the original digestive track. It's kind of a 2 for the price of one! We feel full and don't absorb many of the calories we do consume. It's why I can eat just 1 tablespoon of something and I'm full. Plus right now my stomach is still healing and is very sensitive.

Karen, if you read my posts, you will see I never say "everyone," nor do I ever say it is "easy" to exercise and change eating habits. Instead, I state if the person is capable of exercising and changing eating habits. You gave a good example of why some folks, who probably can't exercise (due to being very obese to begin with), would need this procedure (not getting the trigger they are full). Due to many reasons, you were a candidate. My DS is a candidate (worsening health and she is a walking heart attack waiting to happen). She eats a large quantity of food at every sitting, too, so likely isn't getting that trigger she is full.

That all said, I have posted info for those who CAN work out, those who CAN change their eating styles, and for those who are NOT candidates for this procedure (YET).

Karen, you are walking a much harder road, although I do understand it will get a bit easier in time. You have made a very serious decision for the right reasons. Also, while I will be brokenhearted to lose my DS, who refuses to get help? Your friends and family who love you, will be able to keep you in their lives, because you got this surgery!

I hope this thread accomplishes encouraging those to get the procedure, if they need it, and all the rest to up their exercise and change their style of eating (permanently). The worst thing any one can do is go on a worthless yo-yo diet.

[Karen]

Lori, I hear ya! No methods will work if it's just a passing phase. Whether it be losing weight through diet and exercise or taking more drastic measures such as surgery, everyone has to get to the point where they get determined and the light bulb comes on. Both have to be a lifetime commitment to doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes.

I think most people fail because we get too focused on the weight loss. To get healthy should be the only goal. The weight loss is just the added bonus.

[Common Tator]

This is quite personal, but I suspect that many of you have or have had the same issues, so I'm going to share this. Mods, if it crosses the line, please feel free to delete it.

I wanted to mention another wonderful thing that has happened since my surgery.

When I was diabetic, I had to get up to tinkle 4-5 times per night. Excessive urination is a problem with diabetes. I often couldn't get back to sleep before I had to get up again.

Now, I can sleep through the night most nights, or only have to get up once!

I still have a learning curve on how to live with my new bod, and the different requirements. I'm supposed to drink 8 cups of water per day. I try to get that out of the way earlier in the day, so It isn't causing me to have to get up at night to go. I still drink in the evening, but sips. Last thing before I go to bed is a trip to the potty, and I'm usually set for the night!

[Rick]

Congrats to all who are shedding weight with this, and other methods, and gaining strength and ability.

Before reading this thread I would not have wanted anyone to do this surgery in a million years. I also never walked a mile in "your" shoes. When I read how desperate you sounded in your opening post Karen, I knew you were at the end of the rope.

Obviously there are much better way to be slimmer, and healthy. I lost 75 pounds (265 to 190) when I moved away from the city job, working 70 hour, stress-filled weeks. I used to leave nice home prepared meals in the office fridge in favor of "better tasting", not quite as good for me fast food. Then I'd eat the "good" food, so it would not be wasted. MORE CALORIES!

Hard work, off grid, chain sawing, constantly walking up or down hills, lifting pushing and pulling was my easy way out; We live too far from the "junk" food for it to be worth the trip, and too much to do.


I still need to lose 10 or 15 pounds.

Make sure the knee surgery is the right thing Karen. It seems there are nearly as many unhappy afterwards as happy. Maybe they are expecting to be 25 again - maybe one needs realistic expectations! I suspect for you it may be pretty much necessary, but I thought I'd throw it out for thought.

My Mom waited until after Dad passed away, and had BOTH knees done together. She did everything the Doctor said, and got kicked out of rehab early so she did very well.

[mammabooh]

Any updates for us, Karen?

[Karen]

Yes, as a matter of fact there are!

I hit a plateau (not eating enough but just couldn't without throwing up) but the scale is moving again. My weigh-in this week was a total lost of 60 lbs. Doing the happy dance! I've had to buy new clothes to out in public, as the others were literally falling off me.

The best thing is that today I went to my husband's cardiologist appt. with him for his echocardiogram. I fit in the chairs with arms in the waiting room without being so scrunched I hurt!!! Okay, I know this is not climbing Mount Everest, but this is a joy that only a really big person can relate to. It felt like a huge burden had been lifted. All I do when I go any where is stress over chairs. Will they have arms? Will I fit? Will they be sturdy enough? I'm in the home stretch of not having chair stress anymore!! This is a major weight loss victory!!

I'm still having a difficult time eating solids without getting nauseated or vomiting. I have a surgeon's appt. in 2 weeks and am going to discuss it with him. I'm now 9 weeks post-op and it should be so much better, but it isn't. Getting a little concerned there may be a stritcher; but if so, it's an easy fix with a 10 min. outpatient procedure.

We did stop at Paneras for lunch and instead of just chicken broth, had a cup (only could eat half of it) of french onion soup. Only nibbled a bit of the croutons and cheese and know it's a bit higher in fat than the chicken soup, but just needed something totally different. It was sooooo good and it sat well.

I'll tell you worst part since I've had the surgery is this constipation. All this protein gets like concrete. Tried Fiber something-or-another (like Metimucel) but it really makes me cramp and upsets my stomach. Same with stool softners. Not too happy having to take Milk of Magnesia so often as I know it can be habit forming. To those who've had the surgery, any other suggestions and does it get better?

I also need more motivation to exercise. I'm in a slump. I got out of my usual daily routine due to some life events and just need to get back into that routine. Promised myself to make it happen by the end of the week.

Oh, and since there are so many changes taking place, I decided to get rid of my gray hair. Thought it might make me look ridiculous since I'm old and 'should' have gray hair. But it turned out fantastic and have so many people telling me how great it looks and how much younger I look. Don't know why I didn't do that years ago! Honestly, I guess I didn't feel like I deserved to be so vain or something. Haven't realized until lately how little I thought of myself. Almost like it was a punishment for weighing so much. Isn't it crazy how we react to our own selves and how severe our own criticism can be?

So here I am today. It hasn't been easy physically and even bigger challenges mentally (which I knew about with others, but didn't expect for me). All-in-all I still have no regrets and just take it a day at a time. Not pushing too hard nor getting discouraged over any of the challenges. Just sticking to what I'm suppose to be doing and moving forward into new territory. Whatever that day brings it brings.

[lorichristie]

Karen, have you tried any of the natural fiber products? They seem to work in a more gentle fashion, but when I had issues in the past, they worked for me.

Congratulations on your weight loss! You deserve to feel good about yourself, too! It must indeed be a joy to be experiencing life more easily, with less concerns, and better esteem. I think most of us are hard on ourselves, for one reason or another.

I hope you can avoid the surgery, but please let us know if you have to go in, so we can pray for that too.

[Terri]

Karen, I found that 1 tablespoon of dried fruit a day helps me immeasurably.

Which is not to helpfull if you cannot eat many solids!!!!!!!!!!!

[katydidagain]

Color me confused but my mother had a drastic stomach reduction, unplanned, when she wasn't intubated properly for her 1st colon cancer surgery. She was never given a specific diet but told that dumping would be an issue. And it was. Especially if she ate pancakes at Denny's--my poor father, who at his advanced age regularly drove like a snail, became Mario Andretti for the 12 miles home. Prior to surgery she'd been constipated all of her life. Is dumping not part of your recovery?

[Tinker]

Excellent job Karen! You are doing so well, and deserve now clothes, and a new "do".

I hate exercise too, but you might try 1 of the Leslie Sansone walk videos, they are very easy & fun. I also like the dance videos, especially if they have the 60's & 70's music. If I feel very energetic (which I don't do to often) I will do my Zumba ones. They are so much fum, but give a super workout.

[Travis in Louisiana]

Thanks for the update Karen. With all the information you have, you could write a book about your exprience.

[Melissa]

Can you take plain magnesium to help with the constipation?

[Karen]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Excellent job Karen! You are doing so well, and deserve now clothes, and a new "do".

I hate exercise too, but you might try 1 of the Leslie Sansone walk videos, they are very easy & fun. I also like the dance videos, especially if they have the 60's & 70's music. If I feel very energetic (which I don't do to often) I will do my Zumba ones. They are so much fum, but give a super workout.

Boy I wish I could. I'm disabled (in a wheelchair much of the time) and can only walk a few steps at a time. But I must say that those steps are getting a tad easier and definitely quicker and I can stand for a little longer as well. Making it through an entire shower now. Another small but major victory!!

[Karen]

Originally Posted by Melissa

Can you take plain magnesium to help with the constipation?

Humm, never thought of that. I'll ask about that at my appointment. I probably could if I could find a pill small enough or it could be crushed. The tube to the stomach is only about the size of your little finger now and that's why we gastro folks have to use chewable, crushed, liquid or tiny pills.

Plus some can't be absorbed no matter what the size due to the 'bypass' part. Vitamin B12 is one and can only be in the form of subligual, shot, or nose spray. I get the shots. One a month and I'm good to go for another month.

[Karen]

Originally Posted by Terri

Karen, I found that 1 tablespoon of dried fruit a day helps me immeasurably.

Which is not to helpfull if you cannot eat many solids!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE dried fruit, but it's a no-no now. The sugar content is too high and causes dumping syndrome. Here's why....

Originally Posted by katydidagain

Color me confused but my mother had a drastic stomach reduction, unplanned, when she wasn't intubated properly for her 1st colon cancer surgery. She was never given a specific diet but told that dumping would be an issue. And it was. Especially if she ate pancakes at Denny's--my poor father, who at his advanced age regularly drove like a snail, became Mario Andretti for the 12 miles home. Prior to surgery she'd been constipated all of her life. Is dumping not part of your recovery?

Yes it is a part of it. The reason is that certain foods (sugars, fats, and even some carbohydrates) pass too quickly into the small intestine after surgery where modifications to the stomach and the stomach's 'tubing' have been modified. In other words, our stomachs don't look, act, or work like the originals. In gastric bypass, they actually 'bypass' areas of the digestive system where food use to go. That's why we have to eat slower, in much smaller bites (eraser size pieces), and chew until our food is a liquid.

In all the downsides of gastric bypass, for me this is the worst. Some days I wish I could just eat 'normal'. All these tiny pieces, snail pace eating, and chew-chew-chew is not enjoyable. Everyone says you get use to it to the point it becomes normal for you; but not so far for me! I'm soooooooo looking forward to that day.

I feel so bad for your mother. To choose this lifestyle is one thing; but to have no choice in her case is another. Bless her heart.

[Melissa]

I had to take a lot of iron to get my hemoglobin back to normal- which can cause constipation so I just took a magnesium every time I took an iron! Worked for me. You can take up to 800 mg of magnesium daily.

[Karen]

I was just online reading about it and wondering why we all haven't been told this more natural and cheaper alternative. With all the constipation products on the market, how simple and straight forward it this! Thank you for the info and I'm going to definitely talk to my surgeon during my appointment later this month.

[frogmammy]

Originally Posted by Karen

Boy I wish I could. I'm disabled (in a wheelchair much of the time) and can only walk a few steps at a time.

Here's one I really enjoy. Not only is it an exercise, it is extremely calming.

Dr. Chen's Tai Chi Qigong workout in Wheelchair DVD | eBay

Also, there's this one from Richard Simmons (Sit Tight, a DVD) that will knock your socks off!

http://www.richardsimmons.com/j15/in...mart&Itemid=81

Mon

[thequeensblessing]

Karen, just wanted to tell you how very proud of you I am!