Recent Posts

dorianbee
on 8/7/19 10:48 pm
VSG on 08/01/19
Topic: Protein Shakes

Hello! I'm one week post-op and on the full-liquid diet, and I've been having trouble getting my protein in as well as getting all 64 ounces of water. I can usually stay up late sipping and finish up my water intake, but I'm really struggling with getting in all my protein.

I have seen a few people online talk about continuously working on finishing one protein shake, sipping at in constantly until they finish, so I guess I'm asking if that's what you did, as well? I've just been drinking four ounces of it and then going back to water, but that obviously means it's relatively impossible to get as much protein in as I need.

So I'm wondering if I've misunderstood how I'm supposed to be using protein shakes. Am I supposed to only drink the four ounces of them at a time, or should I continuously sip at them until I've finished? I think my concern regarding doing that would be that it would stretch my stomach out. Is that unfounded, just me over-worrying?

Also sorry if this is a dumb question (it probably is!) but I am just really concerned that I'm going to have some side effects from not getting in all the protein I need.

H.A.L.A B.
on 8/7/19 1:13 pm
Topic: RE: Hip and Leg Pain

Getting enough electrolytes, sodium, magnesium, potassium, can be tricky for us, post op WLS. Our portions are smaller than normal, and often some of the snacks, like yogurt, or protein shake, may no have enough even sodium to maintain proper electrolytes levels. Unfortunately our body needs correct amount of the minerals in the blood to maintain PH and circulation. But to do that - it may pull the minerals from our muscles, and even bones. Testing blood levels - will only tell you how well your body manage to maintain the minerals level in the blood.

Muscles spasms often indicate a shortage of the electrolytes. Or not enough water maintain in the muscles. The 2 things that keep water in the muscles are sodium and ..glycogen, the stored carbs. When we follow a low carb diet - and don't get enough sodium - the mineral imbalance and hydration is disrupted. In hot months or when I am more active, i often need to take sodium capsule or eat high sodium food like pickles, to replenish the sodium and other minerals in my body.

I have sciatica in my left leg. That leg is already compromised, so when my minerals, electrolytes are off, this leg would be affected first. But that would be muscles, not joints. Joint can hurt me due to spine - joints misalignment as I lost weight. Or they may be getting damaged, due to low calcium and minerals , vitamins deficiencies. I.e vit D, or iron, or not enough good fats, or... more things than I have space here to mention.

My joints start really hurting me app 2 years ago. I have IBS, and I SIBO, and now think I developed a leaky gut, that is causing food allergies and intolerance. Unfortunately, that affects my joints, causing increased inflammation I already have due my age and to osteoarthritis (inherited, genetic).

Taking fish oil to help the joints, other minerals for joints may help to slow down the damage that is probably there already. Like with many other things, weather affect my joints. The older I get, the more sensitive I get. It sucks. But - it is what it is.

Also - as you lost weight - yo probably also lost some padding around the joints. When I lost fat and muscle mass, my joints got more "wobbly", it was much easier for me to injure my joint that when I was heavy and more "grounded".

I am adding fish oil and other supplements (turmeric, etc) to see if I can help my joints and bones. i also added collagen in a drink, to help with teh bones and joints, and .. my gut issues. Collagen is not a complete protein, so it cant be counted toward our minimum protein needs, but collagen is great for skin, joints, hair, our gut lining, and many more things. I try to get at least 10-20 gr of hydrolyzed collagen per day. Bone broth, or any type of skin (like in pork rinds) can supply a lot of that.

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

H.A.L.A B.
on 8/7/19 12:45 pm
Topic: RE: GERD, VSG and RNY

DR K is brilliant from what I heard. He is one of a very very few who actually could attempt to do that and really help the patient.

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

Gwen M.
on 8/7/19 11:40 am
VSG on 03/13/14
Topic: RE: Hip and Leg Pain

It can be. After losing a lot of weight, the way I walk/run is all jacked up. It might be wise to do a consult with a physical therapist to check out your body mechanics.

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

sMa66
on 8/7/19 11:08 am
VSG on 06/25/19
Topic: RE: Hip and Leg Pain

I have osteoarthritis in my knees. I'm 6 weeks post msg and have had more pain in my knees than before. My concern I will bring up at my next dr visit will be whether my body is absorbing the right amount of calcium and minerals for my arthritis. I know this isn't your issue but it is a good reminder to always make sure you are getting the adequate amount of calcium absorption.

White Dove
on 8/6/19 8:58 pm - Warren, OH
Topic: RE: Hip and Leg Pain

I dont think it is normal or related to your weight loss surgery.

Real life begins where your comfort zone ends

KayLaw4170
on 8/6/19 7:16 pm
VSG on 10/10/19
Topic: RE: VSG and GERD

yes and my luck I'd be the 20% who get horrible heartburn bc if my history with GERD and a hernia I had in past. These doctors are so arrogant sometimes and think they know EVERYTHING. They need to cater to each patients individual needs rather than what they think is best based on their dispositions.

califsleevin
on 8/6/19 5:51 pm - CA
Topic: RE: GERD, VSG and RNY

Grim, you might want to drop a note to Dr. Keshishian explaining why he can't do what he does. (Hint - our stomachs don't remain the size of a Sharpie, just as a pouch doesn't stay the same size as a shot glass.) He says that he can usually get about 3/4 of a wrap done with an average sleeve.

1st support group/seminar - 8/03 (has it been that long?)  

Wife's DS - 5/05 w Dr. Robert Rabkin   VSG on 5/9/11 by Dr. John Rabkin

 

Grim_Traveller
on 8/6/19 4:57 pm
RNY on 08/21/12
Topic: RE: GERD, VSG and RNY

To perform a Nissen fundoplication, a surgeon takes excess stomach from just below the esophagus (the fundus), and they wrap it around and stitch it. Think of a shirt sleeve way too big for your arm, wrap it around, and sew it tight.

After a VSG, your stomach is the size of a sharpie in diameter. Maybe a hilighter, if it's on the large side. There is no excess stomach to wrap around and stitch. A Nissen is not possible.

I've seen some folks have multiple surgeries to change the shape of their sleeve, sew their esophagus tighter, look for hernias-- all sorts of things. And they still have acid.

Get a couple of opinions from good surgeons. Listen to them.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

Jorivero
on 8/6/19 4:50 pm
Topic: Hip and Leg Pain

Recently at night my legs ache especially at my knees and my hips. Is this normal. I'm a year out.

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