Question:
..still concerned about size of pouch, success of RNY

Hi all! Let me start off by saying thanks to all of you that are always so supportive and give such great insights, you're the best! I'm now a bit under 3 months post lap-RNY. I've lost 59 pounds and am very pleased with this. My concern is still that nothing affects me, N-O-T-H-I-N-G! ...not even the pecan pie suggested to me previously. I know it must sound odd to be "actively looking" for something to affect me but I could use the negative reinforcement, to know that everything is the way it should be. Unfortunately for me, I'm one of those, give an inch take a mile, wise-gals who tends to press the limits. I hate admitting that, but, it is true. I'm giving 150% in trying my best to make the good choices that I know I should... for the most part I've been pretty successful with this. Although, I have fallen off my wagon from time to time...resulting in a knee-ache from kicking myself, then a good dusting off and getting back up there. I just still can't help but feeling like my pouch must be ruined/stretched. I keep vigilant track of my consumption with the www.fitday.com website (even when I've fallen off), I'm only getting about 500-600 cals a day, 65-80 protein, less than 10 fat and 48-64 oz of fluids daily (for the most part), I know with these numbers I could loose weight anyhow (and have)... I suppose by now I've rambled enough that I don't even remember my original question... LOL ... h-e-l-p... I just feel so like something isn't right. Thanks again to you all, Leslie    — LuvNSummer (posted on January 28, 2008)

January 28, 2008
I would not recommend "pushing the limits" on non healthy sugary foods. These are the foods that caused many people to gain weight, thus prompting the decision for RNY surgery. You're only a few weeks post op. Although you've lost weight now, you're still in the honeymoon period of the surgery. You'll loose the most weight for about the first year. Pushing the envelop with sweets now, will only add to temptation later on--when the honeymoon period is over. This is when the envelope will come back at you, causing weight gain. I know that many foods don't bother me either, but I've developed the fortitude to avoid the temptation, as I don't want to gain the weight back. Pecan pie is definitely not the food of choice for long term weight loss.
   — Dave Chambers

January 28, 2008
hello . i want to tell you. that i never experience dumping . i can eat anything. i kind of wish i did so i know mentaly to avoid it. i had accidently at a protein bar that was given to me by my husband not knowing that i couldnt have anything over 7 grams of sugar. I ate it and after it was gone i saw the box in the kitchen. it had 24 grams of sugar and was fat free. i got so mad at him and told him he bought the wrong kind. i had expected to get sick but i didnt. and Last night i was so depressed and frustrated because i wasnt loosing any weight , i had finaly had my first real cheat time . i ate a1/4 pc of chocolate cake. i felt so guilty . but i never got sick. i admit that cake taste so good. but i know to continue this journy i cant have it no more . maybe just 1 pce every 2 months.
   — yvettetas

January 28, 2008
If you are this concerned go see your doctor.
   — ednamjr

January 28, 2008
I can tell you this. Dont push your limit. You will be sorry when dumping kicks in. I am 4 yrs out and I still get it from too mcuh carbs and too much sugar. Not to mention you dont want to eat too much and tear open that pouch and be back in for surgery. I was so afraid to eat what I shouldnt or over eat. I did everything the dr. told me to do. Now I cheat a little but sometimes I pay for it in the end. So again. dont push it.
   — Joanc

January 28, 2008
Leslie, we are all give an inch, take a mile people, that is why we are obese. The thing is, Leslie, you have to stop that. I know it is easier said than done, but you are a grown woman, you can choose, even though it is tough, to stop that. Admitting the problem is the first thing, but quit looking for something to get sick on, or put soap on something and eat it, that might make you sick, just for fun. If you won't put soap on something to make yourself sick, why would you eat something to see if you could get sick? You are having good success, find ways to teach your brain that your quest to be sick is not a healthy decision, and then change it to a healthy choice to look for those things that satisfy the body nutritionally. You can do this, and then NOTHING will matter, because things will be in moderation. This is a head issue, not a body one. Treat it that way and you may find more success. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

January 28, 2008
I don't have as much "dumping" as I had thought I'd have. I'm sensitive to sugar anyway, but have been using Splenda for many years now in everything I can. I was also lactose intolerant prior to surgery. I'm a little over 3 mos. post op and have discovered a couple of things that cause me to dump is ....of all things...skim milk with not sugared cereal. I had a very small bowl of rice krispies cereal with a 1/2 cup of milk. In a very short time I was more ill than I have ever felt with the flu. I thought it was a fluke....so dummy me..had to try it again....same thing. Now... that I've really learned my lesson I skip cereal all together with milk. I can tolerate the milk plain in very small amounts, and have switched to soy milk to mix my protein shakes with. Wal-mart carries a light soy milk brand...that I love. Another thing that causes me to dump is to have any amount of dark chocolate with something to drink with it. I had a piece of dark chocolate, very small piece...I swear! And I felt guilty about it and chased it down with some hot tea. In no time I was experiencing those flu like symptoms again. (That's the best way to describe dumping for me....I feel fluish). So....I've learned my lesson...and have been on the straight and narrow with my sweets and with my milk. I consulted my surgeon's office about the milk....and they just told me to not drink it.....but to make sure I get my calcium/protein elsewhere. I really think it was the combination cereal and milk though. I wouldn't test your limits too much...I know old habits die hard...but look at this surgery as an opportunity to change everything about how you live....not just little things...everything. A whole new you! The old habits got you here...let the new ones help you soar to live your best life ever! Best of luck to you and if you need to cry on my shoulder...feel free. I have the same temptations that I fight daily....we're all in this together! Lotsa hugs...Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

January 28, 2008
Hi Leslie, Congrats on your 59LBS!! In a year, you are gonna be one hot mama and so happy too. BUT...I'm gonna have to slap some silly into you...Woman, you cannot eat whatever you want just because you "think " you can. Stop trying to sabotage yourself. You know that is what you are doing , right? You figure you're so special, that nothing worked before and this can't work too! (I did the same thing...hugs) Well, you're not special!!! I could have sabotaged my loss too! SO there! (I'm playing with kid gloves here) I had no trouble either. I will get sick in pain from too much sugar and I am lactose intolerant now. So I have to be careful to watch this. I will lay on the floor for hours in severe abdominal pain and sweats...I would rather dump it...Everytime I go to the grocery store and see something really sugary yummy...I say to myself "FEEL the pain"...And I will not buy it. My body warns me now...your doesn't...so listen to us all and don't push it. Lose all your weight and feel great...Then when you want to try things (in moderation) that's fine, but not for the sake of doing it because you can... "FEEL your heaviest" and remember what it felt like to look in the mirror and not like what you saw or felt. That always helps me. You are doing so great...I can't wait to see you in a year! There are many people that have gained some weight back and are very very unhappy with themselves...I myself gained back 10 lbs (I'm 4 years Post OP) and it's depressing...What I wouldn't give to be in your shoes losing and feeling all tight and full all the time! You can do this right...you have the tool...you have the equipment...you have the instructions...PUT IT TOGETHER! The right way! Hugs and lots of good wishes for your success
   — .Anita R.

January 29, 2008
Thank you Leslie for being you and your HONESTY! I think we all do push our limits from time to time. I've noticed your "pleas" for help usually get the most responses! Hmmm, I wonder why??? Could it be we are pretty much all struggling with the very same issues...... Everyone who "posted" answers here are right! Don't PUSH it! Don't TEST it! Use this time to make those changes, it will only become HARDER farther on down the road. Sorry you don't experience the "dumping", I don't always either, but I live in FEAR of it! You have lost a FANTASTIC amount of weight and in doing so you "must" be doing something right (and your pouch is fine). Your "habits" NOT SO MUCH!!!! But, the good thing is you "seek" us out and we all RE-ENFORCE! That's a GOOD thing! Not only for you, but for ALL of us! I always "read" your questions and most certainly all of the answers! Because we all need all the help we can get!!! Thanks for being YOU!
   — Toni Todd

January 29, 2008
Dumping hits those that have hadRNY WLS, because that have bypassed part of the intestine and the stomach that asorbs sugar and fat. Lap Band still allows food to go through the stomach and all of the intestine, so you will not have the same issues unless you have RNY WLS.
   — William (Bill) wmil

January 30, 2008
Ok Leslie - Sounds like you have gotten the "spankings" you deserve! This surgery is NOT MAGIC! It takes all of the will power (you know you have) from being on diets a thousand times before! Keep tracking your consumption, but UP your calories! At this point you need to start getting more protein calories to keep your weight loss going, or you will go into "starvation mode" and hit a long, hard plateau. Your pouch is just fine! It takes a lot of overfeeding, over an extended length of time to stretch a pouch. (per my doc) Nothing bothers you? Jump for joy! It's better than having to puke into your purse after eating a sample of fruit at the grocery store!! You're perfect, you're getting healthy, be glad! e-hugs, Susu
   — Susan O.

February 14, 2008
I would really suggest NOT pushing it at all, especially if you're not dumping. The dumping is our body's way of saying "hey dont eat that again" The fact that you dont dump means you really need to be careful about what you eat. It will start out small, but eventually it will take over and your weight will start coming back again. Stick to your protiens and if you absolutely have to eat sweets or carbs then take a bite or two only AFTER you eat your protien. Good luck.
   — sinday0203

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