Bariatric Buddy
Recent Posts
First good luck on your journey. I honestly have to say be prepared for a roller coaster ride. I can only speak for myself but I did not feel like my normal self for about 4-6 months after surgery. I didn't have the energy, I was tired, and sometimes emotional during that time. Of course your body and mind are struggling to adjust to your new lifestyle and the changes in your nutrition.
I went back to work full time 2 weeks after surgery. I definitely wish I would have stayed home for about 4 weeks or maybe gone back part time. Having to deal with the fatigue and return to work was difficult.
I started truly working out at about 4 months out, that was when I felt I had the energy prior to that I was walking on a regular basis. RIght now, I work out regularly it's part of my routine, I know I am more energetic when I do it regularly and it helps with stress management as well :) i am doing things I never did before, 5ks are a regular part of my life, I did a sprint triatholon last year and will do another this year. And I am going to train for a 1/2 marathon.
Food-no one is perfect, I try to eat healthy most of the time. Everyone is different some people will dump after having sugary or fried foods or too many carbs. Dumping is different for everyone as well, and trust me. Once you have an episode you won't try to eat that food again for a while. But, like I said I have a new normal and I'm trying more healthy food and veggies and good choices are a new habit.
I am having a health issue that my Dr, thinks is related to the RNY, luckily I am still healthy and although it is impacting my lifestyle, I can't say that I have had any of the problems that can happen or that you read about.
Do I regret surgery? Nope not one bit. It is a struggle everyday but the reward for me has made all the hardwork pay off. Sorry for the long response, but I hope you find it helpful.
Oh and one thing to think about. I would think about who you choose to tell about surgery and when. Everyone has an opinion on the surgery and they don't hesitate to share. So I would think about how open or not you want to be.
Lourdes
I like all of the very good questions you have ask. I'm just running out the door. All I can do is tell you about my experience this past year. I will come back to fill you in later today or tomorrow. Mag
I walk 5 days a week. (.8 to 1.2 miles right now.)When I first saw my surgeon I would have to stop and rest twice on the way to his office. It was at the end of a really long hallway. (and that was with my walker.) My doctor had me start out with baby steps. Walking out to get the mail and 20 steps 3 times a day that I wouldn't normally walk. I was up to 800 steps a day and lost 10 pounds. Start small and every week just add something new. All I could do was the first song on an exercise video and it was the warm-up. I don't know why you are not able to exercise at this point, but don't give up. Hang in there and don't be too hard on yourself. Keep me informed of your journey.We are here to support one another.
Going to the gym will be a new experience. They have an orientation class I must attend before I use the Equipment. It's a private gym and I don't pay anything for the use of it.
I have a great support system. My sis started eating exactly what I ate, but a little larger portions as she is much more active. She lost 30 pounds. I'm proud of her too. Not one of my friends and family were negative about the WLS. Two people I know already had the surgery and were very helpful on my journey. I don't go to the group in Tucson. I found BB and a forum to be all the support I need. My life is so much better now, but I still must face the mental demons at times. Other foods that I loved are no longer a problem for me. (Well, once in awhile it still sounds good.)
take care and be sure to post often. Mag
I feel your pain and can sympathize with you. Not only do you have gas you can't control it sometimes. I also get terribly bloated. I too take gas x. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Not sure if this is just something we have to live with or like you said if anybody has any other suggestions we sure would love to hear them
Sam
HW 250, SW 236, GW 130, CW 145
Happy New Year Everybody,
So I went back to work this week after being out on LOA for 6 weeks due to the surgery I had to remove my thyroid. As I mentioned before I had thyroid cancer. But thankfully I have gotten a clean bill of health since and doctors tell me I am now cancer free. YAY.
Well while I was recovering I lost another 10-12 lbs. I am now down to 144 lbs. I know I lost more inches though honestly I don't know how that happened as I have done absolutely no exercise.
The problem I now have is everybody telling me I am way too thin. lol some problem huh? To think a year ago that would have been music to my ears. But I have to say I think if I lose anymore weight I will look anorexic. In my head I would like to lose about 10 more lbs. Just to be at a weight that is not considered overweight. My healthy weight per the BMI calculator is 140 lbs. I am almost there. But I carry my weight well and look like i may weigh in the 120's. I am wearing a size 6. when I started this journey I was a size 24.
Another thing is that when I was exercising I really enjoyed it. I felt good about myself and I really want to start up again. But again that has been an issue because of my illness I am still experiencing alot of fatigue and I have not been able to get the motivation to go. I want to do the weight circuit so that I can tone down. My stomach and thighs starting to get flabby which they weren't before I got sick and stopped working out.
So my dilemma is how do I go back to the gym and not lose anymore weight? I have to say that I do have to get back to eating right again. Not that I deviated to much from my diet, but I have gradually noticed the craving of carbs and have found myself eating more breads which is a big NOT for me because when I eat bread I start craving everything I shouldn't be eating.
Any suggestions welcome!!
Thanks,
Sam
HW 250, SW 236, GW 130, CW 145
Can I pick your brain a bit please. You say you have trouble eating, but do you work out too? How much? I have lost so slowly and I think its because I can' t exercise like I need to, I know I still need to work on the mental thing too. Do you also have a good support system, do you go to group? I'm sorry for all the questions I'm a little bit depressed today and I'm doing way to much thinking. I don't post very often but I read a little everyday.
I don't even know you and I am so happy for you and how well your doing. Keep up the good work and thanks for your post. It is inspiring.
Sunney
Hi All! I'm learning so much about what to expect from your posts. So informative and real.
I registered for my initial seminar. 10 years of wanting this and finally starting the process.
I have questions -
So - after surgery does it feel like a diet? or do you feel like this is just your new life?
Does it take much to avoid unhealthy food now or is it natural?
How long after your surgery did exercise begin to feel natural?
How long (really) did it take you to recover?
Do you have advice?
Was there anything you wish you hadn't done?
What are you glad to be able to do that you weren't able to do pre-surgery?
Did this make the surgery worthwhile?
Was it worth the risk?
I'm so excited to be able to shave my legs without grunting, tie my shoes without a red face, walk up the stairs without having to stop to take a breath, ride my bike, go skiing/snowboarding, not be as embarrased to go swimming, go on a roller coaster, hop out of bed, date confidently, not be the butt of jokes, sit in an airplane seat, sleep in a regular sized sleeping bag, wear regular sized clothing (and enjoying the shopping experience!), choose a hairstyle based on my age and facial shape (inverted triangle)- not just whatever style goes with a round face, use the exercise equipment at a hotel without dying, being considered or denied for a job/promotion based on my experience and knowledge and not denied because of my weight, to look in the mirror and like my image. So- excited and probably have months to go.
Thanks for any help you can offer. I'll be reading past posts too!