Obesity Surgery WP Blog

OK, now that so many of you gave me your answers to the “Would you do
it all over again?” survey, now I’m looking for advice on how to do
it right in my first year post-op. By the way, a ton of people
responded (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!) and the response was overwhelmingly
positive. Here goes…
1. What the the top 3 things you did right in your first year post-op
that you believe caused you do maximize the benefits of your surgery?
2. If you had it to do over again, what things would you have done
differently in order to realize even greater benefits in that all-
important window of opportunity for weight loss that I’ve heard so
much about?
3. How would you finish this sentence? In your first year, whatever
you do, DO NOT:
4. How would you finish this sentence? In your first year, whatever
you do, BE SURE TO:
(more…)

way to go congrats!
hey you mentionned curves,
i belong to a gym at my home base that i adore since it is wls affiliated
but i travel to san francisco bay area every month for work
i work half in san diego half in sf
anyway i have decided that i need to join a gym up in sf
at first i just walked when i was here and did the gym when i was in sd but i
feel that to keep my progress i need more structure
do you like curves? i am seriously considering joining.
anyone else like it? dislike it? would love your input.
janice
11/4/02
353/252

Does anyone know if taking Cider Vinegar Tablets cause any damage to
individuals who have had gastric bypass surgery.
I am 4 years post op and would like to lose an additional 15 to 20 lbs. It’s
been very hard as I know can eat anything and in considerably large portions.
I had stopped exercising for the past two months because it’s been so, so
cold here in New York that you just don’t have the motivation to go and face
the elements.
This is the first time I’ve written in four years since, but I think I really
need help. I don’t want to go back to point where I began this journey.
I also got off the subject, my question again is if anyone thinks or knows
whether Apple Cider pills will cause us any harm.
Thanks to all,
Marcia
Gastric Bypass 3/1/99
275 down to 162
(more…)

My question to all of you is:
How would you feel about using a trainer who was still working on losing the
rest of her weight (30 to 40 more lbs) and still moving forward in her own
training?? Would you be inspired by someone like this…or would you feel
more comfortable with someone who was in top physical condition and didn’t
have these issues.
Good Lord, woman. I think you would be a walking talking inspiration. I am
sure there might be SOME people who would be turned off, but you know I
would be turned off by the totally buff person as too intimidating. Your
story is amazing and I bet you would have all the clients you would ever
need…probably lots of overweight people who really can relate to your
success, instead of already fit people who just want a trainer…Thanks for
sharing such an amazing story. Have you had PS? Some of my friends who
have had ps have lost the remaining weight when the flab/skin was removed.
Nancy

I have been noticing some mail about up front charges by certain Doctors before
they will perform the surgery. But first let me tell you about my self. I had
my by-pass surgery Jan. 15th. It has been a struggle, but one I can handle. I
am now able to eat more normally, by that I mean more than a couple of tbl. at
a time. I can now enjoy eating out, however not with the gusto I did prior to
surgery. I seem to have quite a few bladder infections. I have never had them
prior to this surgery. I also struggle with arthritis and swollen ankles. I am
still unable to take any meds for this per Doctors orders, thus I have not
returned to work as my job requires that I be 100%. I work with handicapped
children. I still have trouble getting enough liquids in. But other than these
few problems I am feeling great. I have lost 40 pounds. I am satisfied with
this loss and try not to be preoccupied with the scales.
Prior to surgery my Doctor asked me for $5000 to be paid before he would
operate. As he explained, he no longer participates with our insurance carrier
so the patient must now pay him directly as all insurance money will be sent to
(more…)

Baby food - depends on how “new”. We were allowed baby food on our
program in the pureed phase - three weeks, starting three weeks after
surgery… but have you ever tasted baby food? I thought I’d give it a
try - seemed easy and convenient. Added salt & pepper, spiced it up.
Could NOT get it past my nose. BLEH!! P~~~~ Not for me, but worked
for some people.
I hear you about the Aspartame, I can’t tolerate it either. I had to
totally revamp my doctors post-op program, cause most of the stuff on
there I couldn’t eat. Not only sugar free jello - but also Carnation
Instant Breakfast, yogurt, SF pudding, So I just skipped all of those.
Found a protein powder without Aspartame and used it. Used Splenda to
sweeten it. Drank water instead of Crystal Light or Kool-Aid. Don’t
know about the Isopure stuff.
Good luck to you.
Pam
(more…)

I am pre-op now, and take Estratest HRT pills daily. I hear that the hormones
that I am taking are stored in my fat cells now, and that when I lose weight
after the surgery, those hormones will be dumped into my system, causing mood
swings, etc. (did I get that right?)
I sure would appreciate a simple explanation from some of you medical types
as to WHY this all happens, how it happens, things like that. I had to have
my dosage on the HRT increased a year or so ago, because I was having
increasing night sweats, breakthrough hot flashes, mild mood swings, etc. I
am trying to wrap my mind and understanding around whether WLS will mean I
will have to increase my HRT or decrease, or get off them completely, or
what?
I am leary of having to go onto anti-depressants, I had a short stint on them
a couple of years ago, and they did a horrible number on my sex drive. Dont
want to go thru THAT again!
Ann

Hi all I just need to vent AGAIN L.O.L. I just can’t eat or drink protein is
all comes back up, it just wont stay in me, I have tried many kinds of bars &
drinks & so from now on what protein I get will come from my meals, it is the
only way I can get anything in me??? & If I can’t get it from that then I guess
I just dont get it I am tired of vomiting my stomach aches from it…. I am done
with protein… protein bars & shakes/drinks… I can’t deal with this anymore!
I will eat chicken when I can & mostly try to do the Adkins diet with it but
other then that I am not going to get my protein in me… & YES I did call my Dr
but they didn’t return my call either today so ya know what I just give up… I
will eat what I can & to hell with the rest!!! trying to get all the grams that
is needed inour bodies just dont work for me, I called to see if they would
order blood work to see how my protein is doing but did they call me back hell
NO!!!!
I can’t even drink my water & I love water it is all I ever drank but now I
can’t even get 10 ounces a day in me it turns my stomach!!! & Yes I had the
(more…)

Thoughts from an almost 6 yr post op:
1. If you knew pre op what you know now, would you do it again?
Do the words…”in a New York minute” mean anything to you.
2. What are the top 3 benefits that the surgery has brought to your
life?
Feeling “normal”…the ability to be an athlete…Feeling 25 instead of 40
3. What are the top 3 downfalls that surgery has brought to your life?
There were some psychological pitfalls after surgery…”mourning the passing
of my food buddy” is the big one. I had psychological support…which helped
dramatically. I didn’t like..and still don’t…like the reaction I have to
eating sugar….other than that…Im very happy.
4. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best rating, how would you
rate your overall outcome from having the surgery? 10 + and then some
5. Did the results you have obtained from the surgery exceed, meet,
or fail to meet your expectations pre-op? EXCEEDED!! If you had told me 5
(more…)

Hi!
I am still in the pureed stage (yuck) and I need some ideas for some new foods.
Do any of you have any ideas on what I can make or what is good to puree?
Thanks!
Jamie R
lap rny 3-3-03