Many questions.....
Hello Everyone,
I am relatively new to this endevor of bariatric surgery for weightloss. I have so many questions that only you guys can answer cause you have been through it. Please excuse all my questions and dont feel you have to answer them all. Here goes....
1. I went to module 1 in mid Oct/09. Those of you who have as well, have you been called for an appointment yet?
2. How long will the wait be approx. before I get the appointment in the clinic?
3. I have been journalling since module 1 and wearing a pedometor. Is this required right now or could I have waited to start this till I had my first appointment in the clinic?
4. I hear about people having to do a protien shake diet to lose wieght prior to surgery and also using them after surgery. I have been trying to use these for breakfast and dinner and eat only at supper (about 500 cals) with the exception of snaking with nuts (about 1/2 cup in total) throughout the day. Is this safe and similar to the caloric count that one would consume post surgery?
5. I am curious as to any women that have experienced high estrogen symptoms both pre and post surgery. Have any of you experienced heavy continuous menstrual cycles with lots of cramping, breast tenderness, or fibroids (either uterine or breast), major PMS, anemia, ect.
6. Those that still experience any of those symptoms and are post surgery, has your surgical weight loss been difficult?
7. Has anyone suffered actual fainting spells from low blood sugar post surgery?
8. Who is the best VSG doc in Edmonton? Do we have a choice of surgeons?
9. Has anyone experienced such difficulty losing that pre-operative weight no matter what they tried? If so, do you find that the surgery was very effective in doing what calorie restriction and exercise alone could not do?
10. I keep hearing about Mexico and am somewhat intriqued about going there to avoid such a lengthy possible wait (2-4 years) but am concerned with the gang activity and crime. Anyone that has gone there, have you experienced any of that?
11. I ask this in case I were to go to Mexico for VSG. What is the process for post operative care after VSG? Is it so serious that requires medical attention or can it be compared to having ones tonsils removed? (you know what I mean *smiles*).
12. I dont see too much if any complications spelled out with regards to the VSG. I would like to hear anyones story that would reflect possible complications if you would be so gracious as to provide me with them.
13. I think I understand that there is a post operative diet that one has to follow. Is there a difference between the diet that is immediately following surgery to say about 2 months after?
14. This post operative diet is quite restrictive. Would it be feasible for a person to just do that diet and lose the weight? (searching desperately now. *smiles*)
15. What color are your post operative stools? I know this is a crazy question however I am trying to determine weather ones bile is flowing or not. Dark stools=effective digestion. Light color=biliary stasis=not good.
16. Here is a great question. How many bariatric patients out there do not have a gallbladder either pre surgery or post?
17. Who thinks that they are not losing post operative wieght fast enough and why do they think they are not?
I want to thank all of you who actually take the time to read this lengthy post and especially those of you who will answer. I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Straw Walker
I am relatively new to this endevor of bariatric surgery for weightloss. I have so many questions that only you guys can answer cause you have been through it. Please excuse all my questions and dont feel you have to answer them all. Here goes....
1. I went to module 1 in mid Oct/09. Those of you who have as well, have you been called for an appointment yet?
2. How long will the wait be approx. before I get the appointment in the clinic?
3. I have been journalling since module 1 and wearing a pedometor. Is this required right now or could I have waited to start this till I had my first appointment in the clinic?
4. I hear about people having to do a protien shake diet to lose wieght prior to surgery and also using them after surgery. I have been trying to use these for breakfast and dinner and eat only at supper (about 500 cals) with the exception of snaking with nuts (about 1/2 cup in total) throughout the day. Is this safe and similar to the caloric count that one would consume post surgery?
5. I am curious as to any women that have experienced high estrogen symptoms both pre and post surgery. Have any of you experienced heavy continuous menstrual cycles with lots of cramping, breast tenderness, or fibroids (either uterine or breast), major PMS, anemia, ect.
6. Those that still experience any of those symptoms and are post surgery, has your surgical weight loss been difficult?
7. Has anyone suffered actual fainting spells from low blood sugar post surgery?
8. Who is the best VSG doc in Edmonton? Do we have a choice of surgeons?
9. Has anyone experienced such difficulty losing that pre-operative weight no matter what they tried? If so, do you find that the surgery was very effective in doing what calorie restriction and exercise alone could not do?
10. I keep hearing about Mexico and am somewhat intriqued about going there to avoid such a lengthy possible wait (2-4 years) but am concerned with the gang activity and crime. Anyone that has gone there, have you experienced any of that?
11. I ask this in case I were to go to Mexico for VSG. What is the process for post operative care after VSG? Is it so serious that requires medical attention or can it be compared to having ones tonsils removed? (you know what I mean *smiles*).
12. I dont see too much if any complications spelled out with regards to the VSG. I would like to hear anyones story that would reflect possible complications if you would be so gracious as to provide me with them.
13. I think I understand that there is a post operative diet that one has to follow. Is there a difference between the diet that is immediately following surgery to say about 2 months after?
14. This post operative diet is quite restrictive. Would it be feasible for a person to just do that diet and lose the weight? (searching desperately now. *smiles*)
15. What color are your post operative stools? I know this is a crazy question however I am trying to determine weather ones bile is flowing or not. Dark stools=effective digestion. Light color=biliary stasis=not good.
16. Here is a great question. How many bariatric patients out there do not have a gallbladder either pre surgery or post?
17. Who thinks that they are not losing post operative wieght fast enough and why do they think they are not?
I want to thank all of you who actually take the time to read this lengthy post and especially those of you who will answer. I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Straw Walker
1. I went to module 1 in mid Oct/09. Those of you who have as well, have you been called for an appointment yet?
Not sure I am ahead so I am not sure how long the wait is right now...sorry.
2. How long will the wait be approx. before I get the appointment in the clinic?
When is your referral date? I am thinking that it is about 1 yr-1.25. Some where in that area. It is a patience game for sure...and we all feel for you...
3. I have been journalling since module 1 and wearing a pedometor. Is this required right now or could I have waited to start this till I had my first appointment in the clinic?
You could wait...however it is a great habit to get into. If you fall out of practice I would recommend at least 2-3 weeks before your 1st meeting.
4. I hear about people having to do a protien shake diet to lose wieght prior to surgery and also using them after surgery. I have been trying to use these for breakfast and dinner and eat only at supper (about 500 cals) with the exception of snaking with nuts (about 1/2 cup in total) throughout the day. Is this safe and similar to the caloric count that one would consume post surgery?
Well it is a very specific diet based on your nut and weight. The goal of the clinic is losing 5-10% of your excess weight. The want to see compliance and diet and exercise changes as this is a good predictor on how you will do after.
Just prior to surgery you will have you on a 2-4 week liquid diet (ensure protein) to shrink your liver.
5. I am curious as to any women that have experienced high estrogen symptoms both pre and post surgery. Have any of you experienced heavy continuous menstrual cycles with lots of cramping, breast tenderness, or fibroids (either uterine or breast), major PMS, anemia, ect.
Yes I had a 4 year menstrual cycle, PCOS (which makes weight loss very difficult)...I can tell you that weight loss has helped a lot.
6. Those that still experience any of those symptoms and are post surgery, has your surgical weight loss been difficult? ummm...tough question...your body finds it own weight loss pattern and I think you come to accept it. I feel better over all and find less symptoms...they haven't disappeared just less.
7. Has anyone suffered actual fainting spells from low blood sugar post surgery?
Well on the preop diet I didn't feel great...and had to modify exercise. I also called my nut 3rd week and made a minor adaptation. Since then...nothing. I exercise 4-6 days a week and fairly hard. I have had the sleeve and so I am able to eat anything in moderation so nutritionally...no problems
8. Who is the best VSG doc in Edmonton? Do we have a choice of surgeons?
I think all of the surgeons are great...which procedure are you thinking about?
9. Has anyone experienced such difficulty losing that pre-operative weight no matter what they tried? If so, do you find that the surgery was very effective in doing what calorie restriction and exercise alone could not do?
Yes it has been difficult to lose weight and slow. But if I am going in the right direction then I am happy.
At the start I was hoping for 1 pound a week...which didn't happen but it was a more manageable goal.
The biggest thing is that before I was never full...or had to eat a lot to be full. Now I avoid that feeling.
10. I keep hearing about Mexico and am somewhat intriqued about going there to avoid such a lengthy possible wait (2-4 years) but am concerned with the gang activity and crime. Anyone that has gone there, have you experienced any of that?
I haven't gone there but many on the VSG board have and had good experiences. You might want to check out the boards...I think there is a mexico one.
11. I ask this in case I were to go to Mexico for VSG. What is the process for post operative care after VSG? Is it so serious that requires medical attention or can it be compared to having ones tonsils removed? (you know what I mean *smiles*).
That is part of the problem and reason many people decide to wait. I have had my moments and wish that I had gone and done it. But the one thing that kept me going is the great long term support. You will have lots of questions after and might need support. I don't want to change your opinion...just encourage you to remember long term
That being said...most people don't have complications from VSG.
12. I dont see too much if any complications spelled out with regards to the VSG. I would like to hear anyones story that would reflect possible complications if you would be so gracious as to provide me with them.
There are a few stories in the main VSG forum...but rare and not overly complex. Follow your docs orders and you should be fine.
13. I think I understand that there is a post operative diet that one has to follow. Is there a difference between the diet that is immediately following surgery to say about 2 months after?
Yes first 2 weeks are liquids (soup no noodles, milky oatmeal, yogurt, etc)
2 months post op I can eat ANYTHING, just smaller portions. I try to eat protein first, veg, then if room a small carb. Overall I try to get 70-90 grams of protein per day.
14. This post operative diet is quite restrictive. Would it be feasible for a person to just do that diet and lose the weight? (searching desperately now. *smiles*)
Well, good question. I am reading between the lines a bit and I am guessing you are not sure? The nice thing is you don't have to decide right now. Focus on making small steps towards health and see if you are able to achieve your goals. If yes...then no need for surgery...if not you are in the que and can go for it. The problem is that diets have a 95% failure rate...but you might be the 5%. So try...and make cross the surgery bridge later. You will learn a lot from the nurse and nut...and other services that fit for you.
15. What color are your post operative stools? I know this is a crazy question however I am trying to determine weather ones bile is flowing or not. Dark stools=effective digestion. Light color=biliary stasis=not good.
Mine are perfect. Not as frequent as I eat less and burn more. But all in all great. I focus on good food and refuse to eat crap...given my limited space so I get great nutrition
16. Here is a great question. How many bariatric patients out there do not have a gallbladder either pre surgery or post?
Not sure...good question...anyone else? The WW clinic might have stats
17. Who thinks that they are not losing post operative wieght fast enough and why do they think they are not?
I am the wrong person to ask...because I have never been super happy with the pace. I want to be at goal...today! So sorry I cannot help you...I want 30 pound a month LOL
Hope this helps...if you need anything else please post and give me and others a bit of time to reply. It goes fairly quick once you are in...you are attending appointments every few months, exercise takes up more time, and preparing food for your new life. I have been on a ton of diets and I still have lerned a lot.
Keep on going...
Not sure I am ahead so I am not sure how long the wait is right now...sorry.
2. How long will the wait be approx. before I get the appointment in the clinic?
When is your referral date? I am thinking that it is about 1 yr-1.25. Some where in that area. It is a patience game for sure...and we all feel for you...
3. I have been journalling since module 1 and wearing a pedometor. Is this required right now or could I have waited to start this till I had my first appointment in the clinic?
You could wait...however it is a great habit to get into. If you fall out of practice I would recommend at least 2-3 weeks before your 1st meeting.
4. I hear about people having to do a protien shake diet to lose wieght prior to surgery and also using them after surgery. I have been trying to use these for breakfast and dinner and eat only at supper (about 500 cals) with the exception of snaking with nuts (about 1/2 cup in total) throughout the day. Is this safe and similar to the caloric count that one would consume post surgery?
Well it is a very specific diet based on your nut and weight. The goal of the clinic is losing 5-10% of your excess weight. The want to see compliance and diet and exercise changes as this is a good predictor on how you will do after.
Just prior to surgery you will have you on a 2-4 week liquid diet (ensure protein) to shrink your liver.
5. I am curious as to any women that have experienced high estrogen symptoms both pre and post surgery. Have any of you experienced heavy continuous menstrual cycles with lots of cramping, breast tenderness, or fibroids (either uterine or breast), major PMS, anemia, ect.
Yes I had a 4 year menstrual cycle, PCOS (which makes weight loss very difficult)...I can tell you that weight loss has helped a lot.
6. Those that still experience any of those symptoms and are post surgery, has your surgical weight loss been difficult? ummm...tough question...your body finds it own weight loss pattern and I think you come to accept it. I feel better over all and find less symptoms...they haven't disappeared just less.
7. Has anyone suffered actual fainting spells from low blood sugar post surgery?
Well on the preop diet I didn't feel great...and had to modify exercise. I also called my nut 3rd week and made a minor adaptation. Since then...nothing. I exercise 4-6 days a week and fairly hard. I have had the sleeve and so I am able to eat anything in moderation so nutritionally...no problems
8. Who is the best VSG doc in Edmonton? Do we have a choice of surgeons?
I think all of the surgeons are great...which procedure are you thinking about?
9. Has anyone experienced such difficulty losing that pre-operative weight no matter what they tried? If so, do you find that the surgery was very effective in doing what calorie restriction and exercise alone could not do?
Yes it has been difficult to lose weight and slow. But if I am going in the right direction then I am happy.
At the start I was hoping for 1 pound a week...which didn't happen but it was a more manageable goal.
The biggest thing is that before I was never full...or had to eat a lot to be full. Now I avoid that feeling.
10. I keep hearing about Mexico and am somewhat intriqued about going there to avoid such a lengthy possible wait (2-4 years) but am concerned with the gang activity and crime. Anyone that has gone there, have you experienced any of that?
I haven't gone there but many on the VSG board have and had good experiences. You might want to check out the boards...I think there is a mexico one.
11. I ask this in case I were to go to Mexico for VSG. What is the process for post operative care after VSG? Is it so serious that requires medical attention or can it be compared to having ones tonsils removed? (you know what I mean *smiles*).
That is part of the problem and reason many people decide to wait. I have had my moments and wish that I had gone and done it. But the one thing that kept me going is the great long term support. You will have lots of questions after and might need support. I don't want to change your opinion...just encourage you to remember long term
That being said...most people don't have complications from VSG.
12. I dont see too much if any complications spelled out with regards to the VSG. I would like to hear anyones story that would reflect possible complications if you would be so gracious as to provide me with them.
There are a few stories in the main VSG forum...but rare and not overly complex. Follow your docs orders and you should be fine.
13. I think I understand that there is a post operative diet that one has to follow. Is there a difference between the diet that is immediately following surgery to say about 2 months after?
Yes first 2 weeks are liquids (soup no noodles, milky oatmeal, yogurt, etc)
2 months post op I can eat ANYTHING, just smaller portions. I try to eat protein first, veg, then if room a small carb. Overall I try to get 70-90 grams of protein per day.
14. This post operative diet is quite restrictive. Would it be feasible for a person to just do that diet and lose the weight? (searching desperately now. *smiles*)
Well, good question. I am reading between the lines a bit and I am guessing you are not sure? The nice thing is you don't have to decide right now. Focus on making small steps towards health and see if you are able to achieve your goals. If yes...then no need for surgery...if not you are in the que and can go for it. The problem is that diets have a 95% failure rate...but you might be the 5%. So try...and make cross the surgery bridge later. You will learn a lot from the nurse and nut...and other services that fit for you.
15. What color are your post operative stools? I know this is a crazy question however I am trying to determine weather ones bile is flowing or not. Dark stools=effective digestion. Light color=biliary stasis=not good.
Mine are perfect. Not as frequent as I eat less and burn more. But all in all great. I focus on good food and refuse to eat crap...given my limited space so I get great nutrition
16. Here is a great question. How many bariatric patients out there do not have a gallbladder either pre surgery or post?
Not sure...good question...anyone else? The WW clinic might have stats
17. Who thinks that they are not losing post operative wieght fast enough and why do they think they are not?
I am the wrong person to ask...because I have never been super happy with the pace. I want to be at goal...today! So sorry I cannot help you...I want 30 pound a month LOL
Hope this helps...if you need anything else please post and give me and others a bit of time to reply. It goes fairly quick once you are in...you are attending appointments every few months, exercise takes up more time, and preparing food for your new life. I have been on a ton of diets and I still have lerned a lot.
Keep on going...
Dear New Leaf,
Thanks so very much for your generosity of time and trouble to answer all of my questions and for all the support. I really appreciate it. I too am a very impatient person in terms of weight loss results. I too think that we should all lose 30 pounds per month. That just would make things so much easier. Here is one of my quandries if you will: Obesity is not always about sloth and gluteny. Actually it is most often NOT the case. I am thinking that it has a very intimate relationship with estrogen excess for a variety of reasons. The excess estrogen just perpetuates as one gains more weight...like a vicious roller coaster. As one reduces their weight then so does the estrogen reduce. However, the initial precipitating cause has not been rectified (maybe).
I think that this is what causes heartbreak for some as they continue to struggle even after surgery. I believe that our conventional way of looking at obesity is archaic at best (energy in = energy out). There is definately more to it. I have not been able to find anyone who is smart enough to solve the mystery.....but there is something.
Anyway, once again thank you so very much for all your help.
P.S. I am hoping to have the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Take care!
Thanks so very much for your generosity of time and trouble to answer all of my questions and for all the support. I really appreciate it. I too am a very impatient person in terms of weight loss results. I too think that we should all lose 30 pounds per month. That just would make things so much easier. Here is one of my quandries if you will: Obesity is not always about sloth and gluteny. Actually it is most often NOT the case. I am thinking that it has a very intimate relationship with estrogen excess for a variety of reasons. The excess estrogen just perpetuates as one gains more weight...like a vicious roller coaster. As one reduces their weight then so does the estrogen reduce. However, the initial precipitating cause has not been rectified (maybe).
I think that this is what causes heartbreak for some as they continue to struggle even after surgery. I believe that our conventional way of looking at obesity is archaic at best (energy in = energy out). There is definately more to it. I have not been able to find anyone who is smart enough to solve the mystery.....but there is something.
Anyway, once again thank you so very much for all your help.
P.S. I am hoping to have the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Take care!
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