Recent Posts
After WLS in 2007, I was having B-12 shots monthly up until 1 year ago, when my new doctor just has me taking an over the counter B-12 supplement. My hair is thinner, but I think this is just because I'm pushing 60.
I would definitely find a new primary care doctor, and ask about B-12.
My best to you!
Congratulations on your sobriety Lisa and thanks for sharing your heart.
Hi everyone. I was going to reply to a number of questions and decided to just post my story and my journey after WLS.
I am a recovering alcoholic. WLS 2007, in recovery since 2012. I didn't listen when they told me to not pick up that first drink after surgery. I thought, "I can handle it."
I do NOT regret my WLS. It has saved my life. Alcohol nearly took my life NUMEROUS times, and that is not an exaggeration in any way.
*This is my story and my opinions only. Take what you can and leave the rest, as they say.
I should have realized I had a drinking problem 40 years ago. I wasn't honest with myself. Alcoholism ran in my family, I had been around it my entire life. I now believe that alcoholism is a disease and I metabolize it different than non alcoholics. Once alcohol hits my system, I can't stop. When I had WLS, I was in total denial, and it started coming to a head in 2012.
I was a functioning alcoholic/social drinker up to that point.
I was holding a high level position in the Corporate Travel Industry, raising a family, owned a home, managed the home front when my husband (now my ex) was deployed several times. I was in total control of everything in my life, until I wasn't.
Whether you drink or not after WLS, is YOUR decision. I chose to pick up and my results were disastrous. I lost my career, my family, my home, my health and nearly lost my life, again, on numerous occasions.
Update:I have been trying to get/stay sober since 2012, and recently celebrated 18 months of sobriety, and have never been happier. I actually have a relationship with my 2 adult boys, and am living a happier, healthier life than I ever have in the past.
I'm sure there are many people who post on this site have been able to drink normally after WLS, that is not me. I can't give you any advice on that.
I wish you all the best on your Weight Loss Journey.
Lisa
Hello Folks.
I used to frequent theses pages back in 2003 and 04,
but long reached goal and got less and less from these forums.
BUT - I did want to pop by to encourage those just starting.
I had an RNY (at that time "the Gold Standard.)
I'm 6'1" -I was 380 to 390lbs depending on the day of the week :)
and lost down to 190 within the first year.
Now I bounce between 185 and 189 over the course of a month.
No problem maintaining that weight.
I started out being great to get in exercise,
But then slacked off over the years
till just walking a mile or two each day now. (walking the dog)
Some tips-
Walk a lot. Drink plenty of water before, not during meals.
Follow your Dr's food directives like a Rabbi staying Kosher.
Take any Nutrients that you may be mal-absorbing
Or not getting from your new food intake.
For me it was Calcium/Zinc/Magnesium
and the Fat-soluble Vitamins - A,E, and D3 (mostly for me the D3)
As you are months or a year out from surgery
and you find yourself able to eat more than before?
Start back at Day One Diet progress-
Clear Liquids (can shine a flashlight through it) Jell-O, broth and such.
Then Full Liquids (Cream soups and such)
Mushy Foods (Refried beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, etc)
Then Full Solids.
You'll find that your (Reduced Stomach Size- VSG, or pouch-RNY)
Has shrunk back down a good bit and you can get full
on the same small amount of food as when you started.
Some tend to have some issues with "Addiction Transfer."
(If you were a food addict before, beware gambling or drinking
After surgery.)
I swear I've seen at least 30 people on this forum back in the day
Who became alcoholics within the 2nd year post-op.
Avoid at all costs.
That's all of the things that come to mind quickly.
At 18yrs post-op, and still at target weight.
I have no issues with -
Diabetes (No Sign or pre-cursors)
Blood Pressure issues (118 over 68)
Cholesterol (Total - 170, HDL High, LDL Low, Triglycerides 95)
Resting Pulse per minute - (54)
I would definitely do this again if in the same condition as 2003.
The Surgery saved my Life.
I don't use many (in fact Very Few) "Bariatric Recipes."
I just have greatly reduced White Carbs,
and almost No Sugar.
(RNY and have a version of dumping Syndrome with Sugar)
(For me- Sugar=Laxative)
Takes the temptation out of Chocolate Candy if it's all Ex-Lax :) )
I may pop back by in a few days,
If you have random questions, ask here,
And so many other Post-ops will have info.
Oh, and hello to all of you who I've messaged with in the past.
Have the Best!
DxE
Combination of WLS and therapy. I was already in therapy (for a very specific reason) when I decided to have WLS (I had the DS). Now my mind and body are in sync and life is good.
Janet in Leesburg
DS 2/25/03
Hazem Elariny
-175
I told people pre op and post op. WLS is NOT the easy way out. I'm proud that I did it and if someone thinks it's the easy way out they are ignorant. Thankfully I've had a ton of support from family and friends. The only one who didn't want me to have it was my dad but he was just worried. Be proud you did it ;) It's not an easy journey mentally or physically.
I think it really depends on the teen, how mature they are and how well they cope with challenges. In any case, I think now is an excellent time for him to get involved with a good programme and begin working toward the goal of surgery. A good programme should include at least one visit with a psychologist, plus some work with a dietician.
My favorite non scale victory would have to be not being bedbound anymore and be able to enjoy life
You are not alone. ? There are so many people out there that feel the same way you do. It's not your fault you feel like you do. It's all the C-19 lock downs, stores and restaurants closing, just all this "stuff" that's happened in the past year. Yes, I've felt the same way. What did I do personally? I got up and work in the yard, go for a walk, go see friends and family cuz they need contact also, have your nails done, get a pedicure, walk around the store.....anything you put your mind to! You can do this! God Bless. ???
If you can't find a doctor that takes your insurance or if your insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery (i've never had insurance cover it), then consider going to mexico for surgery and financing it like I did. If you have questions, lmk. I went there twice for surgery - excellent staff and procedure.
