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#bariatric post op
simplyselicia · 3 months
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Hey everyone, I can't believe I am officially 5 months post-op from Duodenal Switch Surgery! I think the duodenal switch of course comes with it's own set of complications, but there's plenty of benefits as well. I hope I could give a good glimpse into the benefits that I've received from bariatric surgery, but also things that are challenging. There's a lot of recovery and learning with weight loss surgery, but honestly I would do it all again.
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ahappybeginning · 1 year
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Hi! 👋
So, I honestly didn’t intend for 2 1/2 months to go by without posting here. I’ve just been really focused on my post op journey and making sure I hit all my goals, plus most of my free time was devoted to writing the past couple of months. But now that things have mostly settled, I felt I should check in on here and give an update about what’s been going on since my surgery in October. I don’t even know how many people are still following this blog or care, but I started this mostly for myself so I should probably try to keep up with it more.
So anyway, post op life has been about 85% very positive. Each appointment I’ve had with both my surgeon and nutritionist, they’ve said I’m doing everything perfectly and to just keep going as I have been, which is very encouraging and a huge relief.
I’ve gotten into a fairly good groove with taking all the vitamins and other pills, although recently it’s shifted around a bit because I’m trying to figure out how to make it the most efficient in how it fits into my overall day-to-day schedule. Things got a little wonky over the holidays because I had more days off and it kinda threw some things off, but I’m working on getting myself back into my normal routine again. I’m also adding in a couple new supplements because I’ve felt very tired and sluggish the past few weeks, and I’m worried maybe I’m not getting enough of some things. But overall, I’m doing pretty well.
Food wise, I’m still in the soft food phase for another couple weeks, but after the 20th, I will finally be able to go back to a “normal” diet. Obviously that’s still going to look very different than my old normal, but at least I can add in a wider variety of foods and textures so I’m not just rotating the same 5-6 meals over and over again. I love eggs and cottage cheese but I’m ready for some other options 😅. I’m currently able to eat about 3 oz per meal, which still seems a bit crazy to me that I can be full on so little food, but really I haven’t had any issues with feeling hungry. Probably because I’m supplementing it with a rotation of protein drinks/shakes/shots, and I’m averaging between 120-160 grams of protein a day.
And I’m most happy with the physical results I’m seeing. Not just the actual weight loss (which is fantastic and so much more than I had expected), but also just the ability to move my body more without feeling exhausted or sore. I’ve gotten to the point where I can easily achieve 10,000 steps a day, most of the time by the end of my work shift (I get up and walk around my room every hour or so to make sure I’m not sitting too long), and some days I can get to 13,000-14,000. It’s amazing the difference from just a few months ago, where walking 5 minutes would have me out of breath and having awful back pain. Now I’m walking 30-40 minutes at a time with no problem, and I’m working up to doing even more. And overall, since last May, I’ve lost 134 lbs, 51 of that has been just since my surgery. I honestly can’t be more thrilled with how the physical part of this journey has gone so far. It’s been hugely transformative and I’m so proud of myself for making this decision. Never once have I felt an ounce of regret, even through some of the harder parts.
Which I guess leads me to the 15% not so positive stuff. Thankfully, I’ve not had any issues with not tolerating food, but sometimes my multivitamin will make me a bit nauseous. I’ve tried to make sure and take them right after I eat, but sometimes it still makes me feel icky. And I’ve tried different brands and types, the one I keep going back to is the soft chew, which I like fine (it’s actually kind of like a Starburst candy), but I’m also having a lot of dental work done right now, and they keep telling me to try and switch to the regular pill vitamins. But every time I try, I throw up. So, right now I’m just trying to make the best of it and sticking to the one that I can tolerate the best.
And the biggest not-fun thing: I’m starting to experience some major hair loss. I knew it was one of the more common side effects of the surgery going in, but honestly it was also the scariest thing for me. It’s something that has always been a constant point of pride for me, the one physical feature I had that I’ve always loved and never felt shame or embarrassment about. So now to lose that…it’s more than a little devastating. I had a consultation at a hair salon last week, but there really aren’t any good options that won’t cost me more than I can really afford. So now I’m in the process of grieving my beautiful, soft, full hair and trying to accept that this is just a temporary thing, but it’s been really hard. I’m doing literally EVERYTHING that people have suggested to help minimize the loss and help it grow back faster, so now I just have to wait it out and try to find ways to make it tolerable until things stabilize. It’s honestly been the hardest part of this whole thing, which probably seems ridiculous but it’s the truth.
So the past few weeks have been a bit rough in trying to come to terms with it, but I’m not letting it derail me from my progress in other areas. I just booked my first trip out of state since 2019, finally getting back to traveling, which is a big love of mine and something I’ve been missing dearly. And I’m meeting a friend that I was supposed to meet right when COVID happened and messed up our plans, so I’m thrilled to finally get a second chance for that, and to be in a much better physical and mental state than I was in 2020. So despite the few struggles that I’ve encountered along the way, I’m still 100% happy with my decision and am completely committed to seeing it through. This year is when I start living again.
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In the bariatric surgery world we have a concept called “onederland.” It’s celebrating when your weight finally has a “1” in front of it.
Most of us have been 200+ pounds for the majority of our lives, so it’s a major milestone for us.
I stepped on the scale this morning and I almost cried seeing a “1” in front of my weight for the first time in 3 years!!
I was so disappointed with myself for letting my emotional eating get so out of control for the last 3 years. I literally undid all of the work I did to lose weight from 2016-2018.
I didn’t just gain a little weight, I actually got up to 8 pounds heavier than my surgery weight last year!! I was absolutely mortified with how I ate myself to that point. I was honestly disgusted and it was my rock bottom moment.
I could’ve felt sorry for myself and given up. I felt like I was drowning and I truly lost myself in the process. I decided to put on my big girl pants (quite literally 😂) and change my diet and become more active. Two things that I committed to when I decided to have surgery 5.5 years ago. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew it was the only way to change my situation.
I’ve been busting my ass and I’ve lost 50 pounds so far! I found myself again. I feel like “me” again and like I have my life back. I let myself down and I wasn’t sure if I could get myself out of the mess that I made. I turned a story about failure into a story of triumph. I’m not at my goal weight yet, but I’m not stopping until I get there. And when I get there this time, I plan to stay there. 💪🏾
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flawsomelifeandstyle · 8 months
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Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Tips and Insights
If you’ve ever considered or undergone gastric bypass surgery, you know that it’s a life-altering journey. While it’s a powerful tool for weight loss, it also comes with a unique set of challenges, especially in terms of mental well-being. In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of this transformative experience. Whether you’re preparing for…
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gwyoi · 1 year
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I think watertok is stupid because 1. It’s not water it’s juice…. 2. It’s riddled with ED habits - ik it started off as a way for this one bariatric patient to have fun with pre and post op but let’s be real with each other the sugar free concoctions are not as good for you as straight up water . it’s good for weaning off soda but even then I think you probably have a lot of issues if normal water is a struggle for you to drink every day . anyways I’d like it a lot more if they called it “potiontok” or “drinktok” so people don’t see it as a replacement for normal water
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hollywoodbabylondean · 8 months
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actual summary of a tiktok i actually watched
dietician: i think in a decade gastric bypasses will be seen as inhumane
personal trainer: explains in depth reasons why bariatric patients gain their weight back and how because of the nature of the surgery, their body is irreparably damaged and can't lose it again
enter some woman two years post op: you see 😊 the people who gained their weight back are lazy failures 🤪 there's 🙅‍♀️ nothing creepy or cultish about a surgery that completely reconstructs your digestive tract 😇
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thebariatricblog · 3 months
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(Almost) Everything You Need to Know Before Applying for Weight Loss Surgery
So, you’ve decided to get weight loss surgery (WLS). Where do you even start? Here are a few items that I suggest you do before diving into the WLS process.
1. Research the type of WLS you’d like to have
There are tons of WLS types out there for you to choose from. Many of them achieve different results and have their own pros and cons. Take the time to find out what works for you. I ultimately decided upon gastric bypass. I’ll get to how I made my decision a bit later.
2. Find a surgeon/health system that specializes in WLS
This is the BIG one right? Find a hospital or surgeon that is accredited and specializes in multiple types of WLS. I suggest finding a hospital or surgeon that has a great education program for WLS and (obviously) in-network for your health insurance. Some health insurance providers have requirements and prerequisites for these types of surgeries so just be mindful of that. You definitely want to find a provider within your health insurance network so you don’t have to pay much (or anything) for your surgery. It is EXPENSIVE but worth it! You will want to find something that makes you feel comfortable and that really focuses on the needs of the patient. I went with Summa Health close to home and my surgery was completed by Dr. Bedford. They have a really great program and I can discuss my concerns with them at any time. They are very friendly, non-judgmental, and supportive! Here’s another important point to make. EVERY WLS PROGRAM IS DIFFERENT AND EVERY SURGEON IS DIFFERENT. You will hear differences from program to program in all areas including the need for a pre-op diet to if you are allowed to use a straw after surgery. Just be mindful of that and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
3. Find a WLS-centered community
I think it’s really important to find a community centered around WLS. You can see stories and experiences from people that have gone through the process and learn so much more. I will say, I have followed many WLS accounts over the past year or so and some of them I can’t stand! I especially can’t stand ones that are more or less influencer accounts 🤢 Like come on, I want to know the good/bad/meh/ugly parts of your journey! Not a post trying to sell me something that is overly priced and over-hyped. I follow a few forums on BariatricPal and I follow Your Onderland on instagram and they have been very helpful in my journey! Your Onderland especially posts tips and tricks for the bariatric lifestyle and they come in handy!
Once you’ve done the research, apply for the WLS program! Also, ALWAYS ask questions. Remember, your surgeon and your care team are there to help you on your journey. No question is a dumb question. It’s better to ask than to not and mess something up!
What are some other things you would like to know? Leave a comment below!
Thanks for reading!
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brostateexam · 2 years
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Feeling very affirmed in my decision to not get surgery through my insurance this week. They got all the details of my surgery wrong and put me in a three month post-op group appointment (a few weeks too late but sure) that lasted for two hours and was completely fucking useless.
The "class" went through common side effects and symptoms at this phase of being post op, all of which I already knew about from my online support group. None of the stuff I actually struggle with (nausea, vomiting, and vitiligo) was addressed. Then we did a supplement review, where I learned that they are extremely specific about supplements just like they are about everything else. I'm taking stuff that I know for a fact other bariatric patients take and do fine with, but sure whatever, I'll switch mine out to [insurer] approved supplements as I run through what I have. No need to make waves or be labeled defiant or whatever the fuck.
Currently reading through their post op best practices and it was pretty obviously written by a dietician with a severe eating disorder, because no one else who has ever visited earth think that half of this shit is at all feasible:
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Half of this stuff I can't do without vomiting and the other half I just categorically refuse to do. If I only ate three planned meals per day, I would not hit my protein goal; I barely hit it using between meal protein bars and the like. I stop when I'm full and pick meals back up when I feel able to eat them again, which entails moving servings around. I skip meals if I feel too full or too nauseated to eat them. Some days I eat fewer than three meals per day, others I eat 4 or 5. I eat when I'm hungry. I don't eat when I'm not.
I'm not going to do strict meal planning for 1200 calories per day because I think 1200 calories per day seems... low... and I think some of the stuff they are so worried about (fatigue, hair loss) could maybe be combatted by not forcing bariatric patients with malabsorptive surgery onto the minimum amount of calories to prevent organ failure, but I'm not an expert here so idk. I hit my protein, fluid, and supplements every day. If I hit a severe stall I'll revisit counting macros more closely but I'm not interested in returning to restrictive EDNOS behavior due to pressure from my insurer. Also, I can eat my protein first without physically quarantining ingredients from my soup (or casserole, allegedly). Imagine you saw someone separating the food in a salad into protein, low carb vegetable, starch, fruit, fat... like this is just not reasonable or helpful to me, at all.
The entire tone of the program is like this. Like, "hello idiot we are here to teach you about how food has carbohydrates in it." It lacks compassion, it's not individualized, and it's generally unhelpful.
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allid87 · 1 year
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Moving forward in the bariatric program! I was cleared by the social worker, and I'm about to see the dietician again.
I've been working hard to do the lifestyle changes needed for post-op.
Next step is being contacted by the surgeon!
I'm so excited. It's getting closer!
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simplyselicia · 8 months
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ahappybeginning · 2 years
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Happy post! 😁
Ok, so despite the one really big bump that happened, there have been a lot of really positive things happening recently, too.
Firstly, I’m officially done with all the pre-op requirements! No more blood work, no more scans, no more check-ins with various doctors (at least until AFTER surgery). And I not only met the weight loss requirement my surgeon wanted before surgery, but I actually exceeded that by 20 lbs, for a total of 70 lbs lost since the first week of May. I’ve been called a super star by my surgeon, my nutritionist, and even the sleep specialist I’ve been seeing for my sleep apnea. I’ve somehow managed to exceed everyone’s expectations, including my own, and it feels incredible. I’m going into this surgery knowing that I’ve done everything possible to succeed and keep myself committed to this new lifestyle, and I’m finding ways to make accommodations for the things I know will be the hardest for me.
And along with the sleep apnea thing, I’ve had and been using my CPAP machine for a little over 2 weeks now, and it’s actually not as bad as I was expecting. I sleep pretty well with it, and really my biggest issue is making sure I actually get into bed and put it on before I fall asleep 😅. But I had an appointment this past week, and the lady I’ve been working with said that everything looked fantastic on paper, the machine is working exactly as it should, and I’ve gone from 85 apnea events per hour (from my first sleep study in May), to now 0.6 an hour with the CPAP. So like…that’s CRAZY good. I honestly wish I hadn’t been so apprehensive about it for so long before all this because I can definitely tell that I’m feeling a lot better physically, I’m not constantly falling asleep during the day and I just have a lot more energy overall. So while I do hope the weight loss will help reverse the apnea naturally, in the meantime I’m glad I do have the machine now to help correct it and let me get more quality sleep.
And in other Non-Scale Victories (NSV for short), I’m down 2 clothing sizes and have been pulling out some of the old stuff I used to love but had gotten too big for in the last couple years. I did get rid of a lot of it when we moved last year, but I saved a few things that I couldn’t bear to part with, so being able to fit back into them now is really exciting. And I’ve bought myself a couple new things in the smaller size as a little reward for all my hard work. 🥰 And yesterday, for the first time in well over a year (probably more like 2-3 years), I walked over 10,000 steps (it was actually 11), and I don’t even feel the least bit sore today. For reference, when I started properly adding in more physical activity for my pre-op preparation in early July, my average was around 2-3k steps a day, topping out at around 5k a couple times a week. And before that I would sometimes do less than 1k. So I’ve been slowly trying to work on building up my muscles and stamina, and it’s been really paying off. I can walk for a lot longer now without my back or legs hurting, and I’m starting to get back to the point where I enjoy it again. The main issue I have right now is the extreme heat outside, so I’ve been primarily pacing around my room for 5-15 minutes at a time several times a day. But it’s working, so I’m really happy.
And one other thing that isn’t solely related to my bariatric journey but definitely has an effect on it, is that my sister and I have been making really great progress in our relationship recently. For anyone who’s been following me for a long time, you’ve probably seen me kind of vaguely mention that my sister and I have had a very tumultuous and toxic relationship for most of my life, and for pretty much the last decade, I’ve only spent time with her when absolutely necessary. But in the last year or so, she’s been slowly trying to bridge the gap between us. And though I was resistant at first (with very good reason), I did eventually acknowledge that she was making a real effort to change and make up for all the years of manipulation and abuse (mostly verbal/emotional). So I’ve been more open and accepting of her attempts to spend more time together, and we’ve actually managed to have several really brutally honest conversations about our childhood and our own individual pain, and we’ve been able to genuinely apologize and begin to heal the deep wounds we both have. So during this whole process of getting ready for this surgery, she’s been very supportive and has made real efforts to do whatever she can to help make things as easy for me as possible. And tbh, I’ve been struggling a lot with my mom in that area because she just doesn’t seem to understand what my true needs are no matter how much I try to communicate them more effectively. So having the support from my sister has been a huge comfort, and it’s something I never would have thought we could ever get to. We were SO broken for so long, and of course there’s still stuff we’re working through and probably will be for a long time. But I’m just amazed at the progress we’ve both made so far and I’m grateful that I do have that familial support that I really need right now, even if it’s not from the family member I was expecting.
So I’m hoping to have more positive things to post about in the next couple weeks leading up to my surgery. I’m doing my best to focus on the ultimate goal and remind myself of all the things I have to be grateful for and proud of. Fingers crossed that it’s smooth sailing from here on out. 🤞💖
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flawsomelifeandstyle · 9 months
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3-Year Post Gastric Bypass Surgery Update | I was depressed and not following directions
I discuss the 3-year update of my gastric bypass surgery and how I became depressed and withdrawn due to not following directions. I talk about my gastric bypass results and weight loss, and how the impact of being “skinny” made me sad. I discuss the regrets I have when it comes to my diet and exercise regimen. I also encourage people considering gastric bypass to ensure that they are mentally…
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Sweet mother, I drank some of Alder's rum and coke and my eyeballs feel like they're knocking together.
2nd boozy drink after almost a year post op bariatric surgery and I really only need half an ounce to feel like this.
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obesity-reduction · 17 days
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Navigating Hernia Surgery: Types, Recovery, and Insights from Dr. Shashank Shah
Introduction: Hernias are a common medical condition affecting millions worldwide, occurring when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. While hernias vary in severity, surgery is often necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the types of hernia surgeries, the recovery process, and insights from renowned surgeon Dr. Shashank Shah, shedding light on this prevalent medical procedure.
Types of Hernia Surgery:
Open Hernia Repair:
Traditional approach involving a single, larger incision.
The surgeon pushes the herniated tissue back into place and repairs the weakened muscle with stitches or a synthetic mesh.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair:
Minimally invasive procedure utilizing small incisions and a tiny camera (laparoscope).
Offers quicker recovery, less post-operative pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to open surgery.
Robotic-Assisted Hernia Repair:
Utilizes robotic technology to aid the surgeon in performing intricate movements with enhanced precision.
Similar benefits to laparoscopic surgery but may be preferred for complex hernias or patients with specific medical conditions.
Recovery Process:
Immediate Post-Op Care: Patients typically spend a few hours in the recovery room before being discharged. Pain medication is prescribed to manage discomfort.
Activity Restrictions: Rest and limited physical activity are advised initially, with gradual reintroduction of normal activities over time.
Dietary Guidelines: A soft or liquid diet may be recommended initially, with a gradual transition to solid foods.
Follow-Up Appointments: Patients are scheduled for follow-up visits to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Insights from Dr. Shashank Shah: Dr. Shashank Shah is a distinguished figure in the field of hernia surgery, renowned for his expertise and contributions to advancing surgical techniques. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Shah has pioneered innovative approaches to hernia repair, garnering international recognition for his work.
Contributions to Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: Dr. Shah has been instrumental in popularizing laparoscopic hernia repair techniques, advocating for its widespread adoption due to its numerous benefits.
Emphasis on Patient-Centric Care: Dr. Shah prioritizes personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Commitment to Education and Research: In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shah is actively involved in teaching and research, sharing his knowledge and insights with the next generation of surgeons and contributing to advancements in the field.
About Dr. Shashank Shah: Dr. Shashank Shah is a highly qualified and experienced surgeon with an impressive list of qualifications, including M.B.B.S., M.S., FAIS, Honorary FMAS, Honorary FIAGES, Honorary FALS, Honorary FMBS. He is a Diplomate Visiting Professor in France and is registered with the Medical Council under Reg. No. 61837.
Dr. Shah serves as the Director of the Laparo-Obeso Centre, a comprehensive facility for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases, as well as a training center for laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. The Laparo-Obeso Centre is affiliated with Boston University for its bariatric training program.
Areas of Interest:
Bariatric surgery for obesity
Metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes
Hernia surgeries, open and laparoscopic
Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery
Surgical emergencies
Portal hypertension
Laparoscopic Oncology
Thoracoscopic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis
Conclusion: Hernia surgery is a common procedure aimed at repairing weakened muscles and alleviating discomfort caused by herniated tissue. With various surgical approaches available, patients have options tailored to their specific needs. The recovery process involves post-operative care, activity restrictions, dietary adjustments, and follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Insights from experts like Dr. Shashank Shah provide invaluable guidance and reassurance, highlighting the importance of skilled surgeons and patient-centric care in achieving successful outcomes.
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dreams-in-blxck · 21 days
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TW: bariatric surgery, obesity, nausea, etc.
so I never come here for advice but, I’m almost 3 weeks post op, for a gastric pouch/ gastric bypass and every post I see is always optimistic and I been feeling like shit. I need to know if everything I’m going through it’s normal. One of the biggest issues I have is I cannot drink water, it hurts so much and I need to drink like 1 liter per day. I’ve tried baby water, purified water, alkaline water and nothing works. All my doctors said it’s completely normal but Im honestly loosing my mind and this point. If anyone has any recommendation, advices or just want to say something, or share your experience feel free. Thanks you all and I’ll be reading. :)
I just really needed to write it down so I can feel a little better.
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thebariatricblog · 1 month
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The Dreaded Weight Stall…
Welcome back to my bariatric blog where I cover bariatric/weight loss surgery topics.
Weight stalls are THE WORST! What exactly are they and what are some ways to beat or get through them without losing hope?
Weight stalls are periods where a person’s weight does not change for weeks or months. The body just stays around a certain weight and doesn’t decrease. Weight stalls can happen at any stage after surgery. Sometimes (a lot of the time), weight stalls can wear on the individual mentally. There’s really no apparent cause of a weight stall from what I have experienced. Then one day, the weight starts dropping again like the stall didn’t happen. I’m sure there’s a ✨science✨ behind it but I don’t want to bore you with those details.
I’ve experienced at least 3 weight stalls in the past year since surgery. My care team told me the first one usually hits around the 1 month post surgery mark and it sure did. My team said that it’s not certain why that happens but I have an idea or theory. I believe that one’s body is basically in shock after weight loss surgery and the body just doesn’t know how to respond to all the immediate changes. Yes, you may participate in a pre-op diet to prepare your body for what’s to come but rapid weight loss still shocks it. So maybe it has periods of where it has to rest from losing so much weight and then it kicks back into gear once it’s done freaking out. Seems fair but I have no idea if that’s what is happening. Just my theory.
Anyway, when stalls hit, how can you combat them? Well the answer to that question is not about going back to the liquid diet stage to trick your body into losing weight. There’s no need to reset your new stomach (or pouch if you are a gastric bypass baddie like me). No. The thing to do is to just keep doing what your care team has planned. Keep eating appropriately to your body’s needs, get those fluids in, and move your body. That’s it! No theatrics or some dramatic thing. Just stay the course and your body will start to lose again.
All that information above is about weight stalls during your active losing phase. There is another type of stall that lasts way longer and it’s a little weird…
So, eventually, your body will get to a place where it is happy at its weight. You may shift +/- 5 pounds around this “happy weight”, but it generally stays in that area. Because your body may be happy where it is, you may stay at that weight for a LONG time. And that’s okay! I’ve been shuffling between 173 and 178 lbs for the past month or so and I’m cool with it. Yeah, I want to get to my goal weight of 160 lbs. However, if my body is fine where it is, I ain’t mad at all! Yes, I’m still following my care team’s advice and all but I just ain’t losing much weight anymore. But, I’m happier and healthier now than what I was a year ago and that’s all that matters!
What are some questions you having about weight stalls? Have you experienced weight stalls? Comment below or send me a DM and maybe I’ll answer it in another post!
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