Anyone Dread their yearly RNY check up?
Maureen - this is an AWESOME website you wrote about - http://www.5daypouchtest.com/. I've been reading more of it, and I think it has a WEALTH of information. Have you posted it online for everyone in a separate post? I think it would help lots of people. I'm putting it in my favorites for the future. Thanks for sharing it.
Kathy
Kathy
Ah Paula! We've all been there (or will be!!) I can identify!
(please take these comments as general- not specifically targeted at YOU Paula!!)
Of course there is an element of wanting to make Dr. A proud...which I think we all have. We don't want to 'dissapoint' a person that has given us such a wonderful chance at a new life!
However, we all need to remember and to understand that he's not there to JUDGE you. That's not going to happen. He's seen FAR more than any of us ever will- and while of course he hasn't had the surgery himself, he KNOWs far more than any of us ever will. You MUST use him as a resource for your success! He's the best resource out there!
Will he give you advice? Yes. Will he make recommendations for change or improvement? Yes, if you need it. Is that a judgement on you? NO. It's your perception that you've 'failed' that causes you to look at things that way. I'll tell you the other thing he'll do- He'll make you feel BETTER! You'll remember you're not alone and your problems are not unique.
I assure you, you have NOT failed. But, you probably need more than ever to go see Dr. A and have a nice talk with him- because you feel you have in some way!
I'd like everyone to keep in mind- just because you can eat more at a few years out (or less)doesn't mean there is something wrong with you or your surgery. That's normal. Also, gaining back weight doesn't mean that there is something wrong either. That is also normal. We tend to 'bottom out' and have slight regain afterwards. Completely normal. It get's harder as time goes on to really use your tools and not fall back into old habits... that's NORMAL too!
You can talk to Dr. A about ALL of these things and he will reassure you about the tool that you have in place and the skills you need to continue using the tool as it evolves.
Many people seem to have the impression that the tool will remain the same for the rest of your life. It doesn't! It changes. The pouch capacity increases. Malabsorption decreases. It's up to you to use the tools of eating and drinking that you've learned in the past few years, combined with exercise to maintain your weight loss. Dr. A has the tools you need to keep on track with this!
There is always a small chance that something might change that is NOT normal...problems occur from time to time. Dr. A has screening that he can do for all of those issues, in addition to being able to check your specific health as related to RNY. It's IMPERATIVE to do this regularly with him.
SO NEVER feel afraid to bring your issues or problems and concerns to Dr. A (or any Dr for that matter) He is there to help AND he has what you need to help you- no matter what your cir****tances are!
PLEASE make and keep your appointments- no matter how you might be currently judging yourself.
(A word of friendly advice from a PT going on 6 year out RNY, who has been LATE but never MISSED an appt with Dr. A- no matter how good or bad -or fat or skinny- I was feeling at that moment)
Lisa C
(please take these comments as general- not specifically targeted at YOU Paula!!)
Of course there is an element of wanting to make Dr. A proud...which I think we all have. We don't want to 'dissapoint' a person that has given us such a wonderful chance at a new life!
However, we all need to remember and to understand that he's not there to JUDGE you. That's not going to happen. He's seen FAR more than any of us ever will- and while of course he hasn't had the surgery himself, he KNOWs far more than any of us ever will. You MUST use him as a resource for your success! He's the best resource out there!
Will he give you advice? Yes. Will he make recommendations for change or improvement? Yes, if you need it. Is that a judgement on you? NO. It's your perception that you've 'failed' that causes you to look at things that way. I'll tell you the other thing he'll do- He'll make you feel BETTER! You'll remember you're not alone and your problems are not unique.
I assure you, you have NOT failed. But, you probably need more than ever to go see Dr. A and have a nice talk with him- because you feel you have in some way!
I'd like everyone to keep in mind- just because you can eat more at a few years out (or less)doesn't mean there is something wrong with you or your surgery. That's normal. Also, gaining back weight doesn't mean that there is something wrong either. That is also normal. We tend to 'bottom out' and have slight regain afterwards. Completely normal. It get's harder as time goes on to really use your tools and not fall back into old habits... that's NORMAL too!
You can talk to Dr. A about ALL of these things and he will reassure you about the tool that you have in place and the skills you need to continue using the tool as it evolves.
Many people seem to have the impression that the tool will remain the same for the rest of your life. It doesn't! It changes. The pouch capacity increases. Malabsorption decreases. It's up to you to use the tools of eating and drinking that you've learned in the past few years, combined with exercise to maintain your weight loss. Dr. A has the tools you need to keep on track with this!
There is always a small chance that something might change that is NOT normal...problems occur from time to time. Dr. A has screening that he can do for all of those issues, in addition to being able to check your specific health as related to RNY. It's IMPERATIVE to do this regularly with him.
SO NEVER feel afraid to bring your issues or problems and concerns to Dr. A (or any Dr for that matter) He is there to help AND he has what you need to help you- no matter what your cir****tances are!
PLEASE make and keep your appointments- no matter how you might be currently judging yourself.
(A word of friendly advice from a PT going on 6 year out RNY, who has been LATE but never MISSED an appt with Dr. A- no matter how good or bad -or fat or skinny- I was feeling at that moment)
Lisa C
Hi Paula,
Just caught up on the threads... GREAT POSTING! I'm a little over 3 years out & noticed my volume of food has increased TREMENDOUSLY.. I don't feel full like I used to & at times I feel like I could eat the bark off a tree the hunger is sooo uncontrollable...(physical hunger not the head hunger although that doesn't help much does it?)
I play by all the rules.. no sugar.. protein first.. no carbonation.. fluids.. eat/drink after 2 hours etc.. etc.. at times I slip but I know the boundaries & do my best.
I avoid sweets as much as possible (go for the sugar free stuff on occasion) and because of my internal mess.. absolutely no refined carbs or carbs from grains (no pasta, breads, oats.. etc etc..) I haven't touched any "carbs" except in fruits, veggies, & nuts since May. I definately feel a difference physically which is good.
My new Dr believes that during all the internal mess I encountered in early Spring (March-May) that my pouch & opening may have been compromised & stretched out.. Where I'm playing by my new Doc's rules.. & the rules of RNY pretty much to the letter.. I've put on about 7 pounds..although I lost 30 pounds quickly.. so Dr thinks it's my body "rebounding" from being ill.. however I don't like it.
I see him 9/2 to see if I put on more weight.. if so then he's going to do a scope. I'm afraid to step on the scale. I shouldn't be so obessive with a number.. but my God.. WE all had the surgery for a reason to lose weight & get healthy.. I shouldn't complain.. I don't weigh 290 pounds anymore..
I also work out 6 days a week.. cardio & strength training.. just this morning 1 1/2 hours at the gym doing cardio & abdominals & minor leg work....
My "honey moon" was over after 18 months.. I've had to work really really hard to get where I'm at.... It's not the Dr. that I'm afraid I'll disappoint..it's me stepping on a scale.. & knowing how freakin' hard I've worked to keep the weight off.. only to see the numbers creep up.. (SIGH...)
I think we all need to just "breathe" & know we're human.. we make mistakes.. have setbacks.. & stop beating ourselves up...the surgery definately changed my life & I have absolutely no regrets 3 years out.. I'd do it tomorrow.... I just get frustrated with myself I'm my own worst enemy..
I look at the "skinny" people who can eat what they want when they want.. & I get a little jealous.... Here I am.. counting protein.. calories.. fat & carbs.. working out like a fiend...& it's still a struggle.
(ALthough I LOVE how my body moves.. it's healthy & strong now that I got most of my internal mess behind me..)
Get that appt in Paula.. Dr. A sounds great & caring.. for a personal call.. that's a good Dr.. he wants you to succeed & will help you...
Group Hug Gang,
Mickey
Just caught up on the threads... GREAT POSTING! I'm a little over 3 years out & noticed my volume of food has increased TREMENDOUSLY.. I don't feel full like I used to & at times I feel like I could eat the bark off a tree the hunger is sooo uncontrollable...(physical hunger not the head hunger although that doesn't help much does it?)
I play by all the rules.. no sugar.. protein first.. no carbonation.. fluids.. eat/drink after 2 hours etc.. etc.. at times I slip but I know the boundaries & do my best.
I avoid sweets as much as possible (go for the sugar free stuff on occasion) and because of my internal mess.. absolutely no refined carbs or carbs from grains (no pasta, breads, oats.. etc etc..) I haven't touched any "carbs" except in fruits, veggies, & nuts since May. I definately feel a difference physically which is good.
My new Dr believes that during all the internal mess I encountered in early Spring (March-May) that my pouch & opening may have been compromised & stretched out.. Where I'm playing by my new Doc's rules.. & the rules of RNY pretty much to the letter.. I've put on about 7 pounds..although I lost 30 pounds quickly.. so Dr thinks it's my body "rebounding" from being ill.. however I don't like it.
I see him 9/2 to see if I put on more weight.. if so then he's going to do a scope. I'm afraid to step on the scale. I shouldn't be so obessive with a number.. but my God.. WE all had the surgery for a reason to lose weight & get healthy.. I shouldn't complain.. I don't weigh 290 pounds anymore..
I also work out 6 days a week.. cardio & strength training.. just this morning 1 1/2 hours at the gym doing cardio & abdominals & minor leg work....
My "honey moon" was over after 18 months.. I've had to work really really hard to get where I'm at.... It's not the Dr. that I'm afraid I'll disappoint..it's me stepping on a scale.. & knowing how freakin' hard I've worked to keep the weight off.. only to see the numbers creep up.. (SIGH...)
I think we all need to just "breathe" & know we're human.. we make mistakes.. have setbacks.. & stop beating ourselves up...the surgery definately changed my life & I have absolutely no regrets 3 years out.. I'd do it tomorrow.... I just get frustrated with myself I'm my own worst enemy..
I look at the "skinny" people who can eat what they want when they want.. & I get a little jealous.... Here I am.. counting protein.. calories.. fat & carbs.. working out like a fiend...& it's still a struggle.
(ALthough I LOVE how my body moves.. it's healthy & strong now that I got most of my internal mess behind me..)
Get that appt in Paula.. Dr. A sounds great & caring.. for a personal call.. that's a good Dr.. he wants you to succeed & will help you...
Group Hug Gang,
Mickey
Hey Paula,
I know how you feel. The last time I had to make the appt to see Dr. A. I was very uneasy about it too. I regained some weight and hated the thought of going into that office. Getting on that scale would make the weight I had gained "OFFICIAL". But I knew if nothing else, I wanted to make sure my bloodwork was okay so I made the appointment. Remember how important that is and that being embarrassed about a weight gain is a big price to pay for what could happen if a problem with your bloodwork goes untreated.
Let me tell you that Dr. Aranow couldn't have been more supportive. He (or the staff) never made me feel judged in any way, in fact, were very pleasant and happy to see me. He told me if I want to see him more often to help me get on track, he would be very happy to do that. He reminded me of how to use the tools I have, food tracking, exercise and water loading and taking part in support groups which have all helped me a great deal.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I doubt the problem I have had gaining weight has something to do with my pouch or stoma being compromised. Because when I sit down to a meal with good solid protein, I still eat a small portion and feel satiated for quite a while afterwards. Granted I can eat a little more in quantity than during the honeymoon phase, but still considerably smaller portions than I was eating before the surgery. I believe this is completely normal. Being this far out, I know that my body has adapted and it is more difficult to stay on track because of that. The initial phases of post surgery helped me to get the weight off and during that time I learned new habits and healthier ways to eat and live. But as time went by I had to keep up with those habits and healthier lifestyles or I would gain. And that is where I am at now. Examining the things I do now.... I drink wine a little more than I should which is adding empty calories and by no means a good way to fill the pouch. I also eat way way more carbs than I should which just slide right through and never make me feel full.
Not exercising like I used to either. Unfortunately, all of that added up to extra pounds. I am starting to work through these things and I see some progress. Part of that progress is trying not to feel so bad about myself or judge myself so harshly. That is VERY difficult for me.
I know where you are at Paula, and you should do everything you can to help get back on track. Maybe it is a good idea to get the tests to determine if your pouch has been compromised in any way. Then you know one way or the other. But most importantly, make the appointment to go see Dr. Aranow. I know you will feel much better about things when you do.
Hang in there,
Terri
I know how you feel. The last time I had to make the appt to see Dr. A. I was very uneasy about it too. I regained some weight and hated the thought of going into that office. Getting on that scale would make the weight I had gained "OFFICIAL". But I knew if nothing else, I wanted to make sure my bloodwork was okay so I made the appointment. Remember how important that is and that being embarrassed about a weight gain is a big price to pay for what could happen if a problem with your bloodwork goes untreated.
Let me tell you that Dr. Aranow couldn't have been more supportive. He (or the staff) never made me feel judged in any way, in fact, were very pleasant and happy to see me. He told me if I want to see him more often to help me get on track, he would be very happy to do that. He reminded me of how to use the tools I have, food tracking, exercise and water loading and taking part in support groups which have all helped me a great deal.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I doubt the problem I have had gaining weight has something to do with my pouch or stoma being compromised. Because when I sit down to a meal with good solid protein, I still eat a small portion and feel satiated for quite a while afterwards. Granted I can eat a little more in quantity than during the honeymoon phase, but still considerably smaller portions than I was eating before the surgery. I believe this is completely normal. Being this far out, I know that my body has adapted and it is more difficult to stay on track because of that. The initial phases of post surgery helped me to get the weight off and during that time I learned new habits and healthier ways to eat and live. But as time went by I had to keep up with those habits and healthier lifestyles or I would gain. And that is where I am at now. Examining the things I do now.... I drink wine a little more than I should which is adding empty calories and by no means a good way to fill the pouch. I also eat way way more carbs than I should which just slide right through and never make me feel full.
Not exercising like I used to either. Unfortunately, all of that added up to extra pounds. I am starting to work through these things and I see some progress. Part of that progress is trying not to feel so bad about myself or judge myself so harshly. That is VERY difficult for me.
I know where you are at Paula, and you should do everything you can to help get back on track. Maybe it is a good idea to get the tests to determine if your pouch has been compromised in any way. Then you know one way or the other. But most importantly, make the appointment to go see Dr. Aranow. I know you will feel much better about things when you do.
Hang in there,
Terri
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