Advice to the Necomers from the Old Timers

Great post Rhonda, one of the best we have had in a long time.

I just want to add about the numbers thing.  Everyone stalls out once in awhile.  Some as soon as 3 weeks post op.  Don't panic. Your body has been changed and it will take time to adjust.  I remember stalling out, it was 3 weeks , but I had already lost 34 lbs.  What was amazing is I was dropping sizes, and I mean fast, so fast that I was missing sizes, my closet could not stay caught up, so I wore baggy clothes (still do)

I never reached my goal weight, yes it bothers me, but I decided I am really happy where I am at.  I am down 170 lbs and there hasn't been one doctor that has told me to lose weight.  I am at a comfortable (for me) 225 to 230.  I really am happy here, I just need plastics and I will be fine.  So try not to get into the numbers game.  Your body will tell you when you are done.  I have always been a large girl, standing 5'9" once, now down an inch, I carry my weight well.  So I have determined in my mind that I am ok here,will stay here and have been at this weight for over a year.  RNY has allowed me to maintain, for me this has been a big step in my life.

So don't get so attached to the numbers, let your body "catch " up to what is happening and don't get discouraged about the stalls, just continue what the doctor says.

Good thought Diane.  You know,  my doctor wants me to get to 150.  Why?  Because the "charts" say that's my ideal weight.  However I stand here at 165 and feel excellent.  I've been lower and I get light headed, I don't feel as well and I don't have the energy.  Eating good, the way I've been taught helps me maintain at 165.  I've tried to cut the calories and the portions and get down to the 150 but I just do not feel good any lower than where I am now.  And at 165, my husband tells me I am too da*n skinny and bony and wants me to gain 15 pounds.   I think I'll stay right where I am now and maintain it.  This is a good # for me.

MoMo,

I love what you've said about your weight loss. It reminds me that numbers are suggestions and benchmarks, but not absolutes. There is a lot of wisdom in your post. While we can't ignore the numbers they have to be part of the big picture.  I remember when I was 170 and 5'8 and my mom constantly saying I would be perfect if I just lost 20 pounds. I was on the basketball team and in a marching band, I wasn't binging yet, but I tried so many crazy things to try to lose those 20 pounds. Now I wish I was 170. I was athletic, felt good and looking back at my photos, I looked good too!!!

MsBlues

A post about weight-loss, how novel…. J 

I’m not sure if I’m old in years at 37…but I’m a little over two years out from my RNY in July of 2007.  I’ve lost about 110 pounds and recently had a lower body lift to remove 9 pounds of extra skin from around my torso.  So in terms of weight-loss surgery, I think I qualify as a veteran. 

Here is my laundry list of things I wish every newbie would know: 

Be your own advocate! Speak up for yourself if your doctor, your insurance company gives you the run-around when getting approved for surgery. 

Listen to your doctor.  OH is wonderful resource, but get your medical advice from your doctor or surgeon.  

DO NOT RESIST CHANGE.  You will have to change the way you shop, cook, eat and think about food. Do not fight it, it will only make the process harder.  Not changing your bad habits will almost guarantee the weight will come back.  

WLS is NOT a cure-all. It will not make the world love you. It will not make a bad marriage better. It will not solve every other problem you have in your life. It can make you healthier, but you got to do the work on your personal issues.  

Follow the program!  Take your water, protein, exercise, vitamins…all according to your surgeon’s instruction.

Great post Rhonda and I agree with what everyone else has said.  It is NOT A CURE ALL....And like MoMO I am not at the weight that the "charts" say I should be at but I have lost almost 180lbs and am very happy where I am right now.....I mean I now wear a size 8 or 10 pants and some small tops (except sometimes the twins wont fit into a small..lol) and feel amazing...a far bry from the 26/28 I was wearing before myRNY.

I have to reiterate to FOLLOW YOUR DRS PROTOCOLS TO THE LETTER - especially in the beginning  - he knows what he is doing...and like Monica said - get your medical advice from your MD.

I had some plastics inJanuary of this year and feel so amazing....to all you newbies - YOU CAN DO THIS  I never in a million years thought I would be wearing normal size clothes and let me tell you it is so fun..talk about cross addictions...I do believe mine is shopping NO KIDDING...

Just be sure to drink tons of water and always eat protein first.....

This is the best place for questions and support...and some of my bestest BFF's in the world I have met right here on the OH CAlif board.

Thanks again Rhonda and everyone for the great post and all of the great advice.  And thanks also to those of you that are many years out for the reminder that we CAN gain the weight back and we will ALWAYS and MUST ALWAYS be aware of what we put into our mouths..

Something else that I struggle with that newbies need to start working on.  I do not see myself as thin, or thinner.  I still see a 400 lbs woman in the mirror and it comes from my head.  When I saw pictures of the last So Cal coffee, my mouth fell open I looked good in a picture.  Only then did it hit me, I am thinner.  Nothing anyone can tell me, nothing my hubby tells me worked, it was only when I didn't know who was in the picture did I realize I have succeeded in doing something, as Jean said, I never thought I could do.  ANYONE can do it who is 400 lbs, or higher.  There are so many here that have lost tons of lbs.  You need to work that tool and get to where you want to be, not some chart. 

We are here for all the support.  We answer the same questions someone else asked two months ago to anyone that asks.  We have all been through what you are going through and we share our experiences with you.  Don't be afraid to post something you are going through, more than likely someone has gone through what you are.  So please ask, there is no question that is stupid, no feeling that is dumb and don't ever apologize for posting something that is an issue for you. 

This is a support group and we are here for everyone.

Hi all,

Rhonda, this post is a great idea. I getting a lot out of what the "oldies" are saying about maintaing good habits.

I am only 5 months out, but I do have some advice for people even newer than I am. Even though I spent hours and hours reading before I decided to have surgery and after, I was still surprised by a few things.

1. Planning Vitamin Regimen - After surgery be prepared to have all the things in place to be successful. Set this up before you go to the hospital for your surgery. I didn't do this and missed a lot of vitamins the first couple of weeks. Have a system to ensure you take your vitamins on a daily basis. Buy the weekly pill containers and pick a time once a week to fill the containers out. I now have a weekly pill organizer for both AM and PM. I also have a pill box that I take with me daily since I can't take everything at once in the morning

2. Get a fun colorful water container. Get something that's appealing to your eyes so you don't forget to take it with you when you leave the house. Make it something easy to carry. Fill it up the night before so you have refreashing cold water. Experiement with the different Crystal Light flavors to know your absolute favorites so you'll look forward to drinking buckets of water.

3. If you need to eat lunch at work, be prepared to pack a lunch for awhile after your surgery. Eating out will be difficult at first, plus you'll want to stay within your doctor's regimen. Before surgery make sure you have food that's easy to prepare and pack for lunch. Make sure you have a cool lunch box/bag, enough tupperware type holders, and utensils.

4. Food commercials drove me nuts when I was home recuperating from surgery. I don't know why, but I never noticed how many food commercials there are for crappy food products until after my surgery. I learned to mute them or change the channel. They either made me sick to my stomach or I suddenly started obsessing on a food I never planned to eat again.

5. Write down all the questions you will have post surgery. Take your list to your appointments with your doctor, nutritionist, and support groups.

That's it for now. I hope this helps someone!

MsBlues

This is some great tips for all Newbies to take in....let me tell ya...I am almost 3 years out and overall I have lost 122 pounds. The first 18 months were fairly easy...you really can eat so little that the weight comes off...BUT the last 6 months or so I have gained 18 pounds. Alot of the reason is a new found love for wine and other alcohol...empty calories! I can eat more than I could before, but still can't eat what I could before surgery. I don't exercise like I should, which is a problem too. I do and have completely stayed away from sodas and sweets.

Make sure you follow your doctors instructions...if they say be on only liquids or soft foods for a certain amount of time...DO IT!

Take all of your vitamins daily!

Get enough protein...I am losing more hair now because after almost 3 years you think you are "normal" and forget to take your vitamins and get enough protein!

Use this board for support, but just know that there will be alot of people on here that think they have "medical" degrees and don't, if you have problems, always ask your doctor!

I am lucky to have had ZERO complications with my RNY. I have never had any issues with food or other medical issues, so I am so grateful! I think this surgery totally has enhanced my life and even with the gain of 18#'s, I feel great!!!!

I'll be short and to the point.  RNY...Know what a stricture is and know the signs of dehydration (you can Google them for homework).  Also simple carbs and sugar are not your friend...They are like crack to a crack addict.

Rhonda,

What a great post and thank you.

My suggestion for newbies and oldies but goodies.... journal, journal, journal!  I have to continue to remind myself even, but it does help hold me accountable for what I put in.  I am much more aware and the weight comes off faster, huh what a concept.  Fit Day and Daily Plate are both free websites to log food.

Surround youself with people who understand and lend support, go to OH group events, make friends and stay connected with those who can support.

Hope this helps,
Hugs,
Barb