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I wonder if part of the difference in your experience and mine is that I gave up sugar, any flour white or wheat, rice, corn, potatoes, cereal and caffeine six months before my RNY surgery. My overall directions were to eat nothing white and no caffeine.
I also added an hour of daily exercise. After surgery I mostly had protein shakes and small servings of meat, fish, chicken, beans, and lentils. I did not eat any salad or vegetables for the first three months. I did not eat fruit for the first two years. I did add frozen berries around three months after surgery.
Even with the healthy and restricted diet I did not lose any weight until I actually had the surgery. Then I was full on tiny portions and lost weight quickly. As the years went by I added back flour, sugar, and caffeine. I gained weight then. I attended Weigh****chers and lost that excess weight while continuing to eat any foods I want. Although I allow myself to eat any foods, I mainly stick to meat and non-starchy vegetables.
The most important thing I have learned since 2007 is that weight is mostly a function of how many calories you take in each day and how many you burn. There is very little difference in whether those calories are from roasted chicken or from a frosted brownie. The former is healthier but a female needs ten calories per day to support one pound and weight depends on how many calories are consumed, not on which food group they come from.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
It's been a very long time since I posted to this website with an update. Presently I weigh 135 pounds and am very healthy and happy. Unfortunately, I gained most of my weight back 8 years ago after an intensive stressful and painful period in my life. Due to hereditary factors and my weight gain my abdominal wall was completely destroyed. 2 years ago, my surgeon told me that he could not fix my abdominal wall until I lose 80 pounds. This ended up being a great blessing and motivation to lose weight. At that time, I was also severely hypertensive which was uncontrollable with medications to the point that it damaged my kidneys. I was also on antidepressants and was diagnosed with fatty liver disease and a high white blood cell count. I retired from a job I hated and started walking 45 minutes per day. Then I gave up sugar and white flour. Next, I gave up all processed foods eating only meat, veggies, eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds and eating a fermented food each day. The weight started melting off me. Fast forward to 4 months ago, I am down 80 pounds, had my full abdominal wall reconstruction and reversed all my medical problems. I no longer take medications; I am fit and healthy and I have more energy than I did when I was in my 20's. My nearsightedness is gone, and my teeth are no longer reseeding and collecting tarter, and my intestines are no longer popping out with unsightly huge bumps all over my abdomen. I have found a church I love, and I joined Toastmasters. My social life has really blossomed with many new friends. I am now studying to become a accredited Functional Medicine Nutritional counselor so I can help and inspired others with my transformational story. It's all about the microbiome, if you take care of your gut health most of your health problems will be resolved. Protect the liver and feed the gut with lots of plant base and fermented foods and the magic will happen.
on 6/30/23 8:34 am - Ballwin, MO
My Journey with Obesity: My Duodenal Switch Surgery Experience
Many people may not know this about me, but I have struggled with obesity for most of my life. At my heaviest, I weighed over 650 pounds and knew that I needed to take action to improve my health and wellbeing. This led me to consider weight loss surgery, and after consulting with my doctor and doing extensive research, I decided to undergo a duodenal switch surgery.
I underwent a four-hour surgery that felt like getting run over by a Mack truck. The recovery process was tough, but I had an incredible team of nurses who helped me manage my pain and keep track of my vitals. I spent two to three days in the hospital before being sent home to continue my recovery.
In the first 24 hours after my surgery, I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything, which was difficult but manageable because I was still dealing with some pain. However, the hardest part of the recovery process has been the need to start walking around to aid in the healing process.
Despite the challenges I have faced, I am thrilled to report that I have lost close to 300 pounds since my surgery. The only downside is the excess skin that remains, but I feel happier and healthier than I have in years.
If you are struggling with obesity like I was, know that you are not alone and that there are options available to help. Weight loss surgery may not be the right choice for everyone, but it has been a game-changer for me. I encourage you to speak with your doctor about your options and take the steps necessary to improve your health and wellbeing
Just searching online I see several states with special bone clinics/ Osteo only Dr's. So far in my area tx., I've only found Dr.s who treat several endo conditions. There are two I noticed listed this condition as an area of interest. One worked in the VA specifically studying osteoporosis. I'm going to start with those two and go from there. One Dr does have a bone care team under Gareatic care. I might call also ask if they can assist. I'm not sure age is a requirement. I'm guessing a busy morning of phone calls!
I did read, after I saw your original post, that rheumatologists deal with osteoporosis, too, so you should be fine (although yes - endos deal with diabetes and thyroid issues, too. Mine works in the "osteoporosis clinic" at my health network, so that is her specialty, but I think she deals with those other things as well)
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
small is OK. Any amount of weight will help. I had one of the trainers in my gym (a year or two ago) show me a sample weights routine and he was having me do things like squats while holding a fair amount of weight on my shoulders. Another trainer, a couple of weeks later who was familiar with osteoporosis, told me no - that was way too much weight for my spine. She had me cut way back and said it'd still be of benefit. So a long way of saying, it doesn't have to be anything heavy - your bones will still get some pressure even with lighter weights (although again, I haven't done them in awhile (as in..months). I always have a hard time getting back into them if I'm away for even a couple of weeks (probably because I don't like them!!))
RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)
HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163
It sounds like it's working great for you. I've had to switch to walking in the mornings, Tx heat is rough. I walk in my neighborhood. I can certainly try to add strength/weights to my activities. I need to review form and how to videos and start small.
Thank you again for the info. The more I know going in to my appointment the better. I'm guessing I would not tolerate pill form either. Can't risk any issues with the lining of my stomach. Of all the info online it's been tough trying to find an endo, I've read way to many reviews. Using my ins as a guide most concentrate on diabetes and thyroid. I have found a few to make calls to tomorrow. I'm ready to get started on a plan but know it can't happen over night .
I was never big on weight training either. I started by walking a block or so, then jog a 100 feet, then walking a little more. I then started lifting with 3-pound weights in each hand. It took 4 years to get to a simple basic workout mostly because I focus more on consistency but not weight amounts. After about 6 years I started a little more advanced workout but nothing special. My goal is to get in simple steps each day plus 20 min of arm and shoulder exercises plus the gut. Everything is pretty basic and can be done at home. I go to the gym just for a change of scene.
