I requested bariatric surgery because I'm tired of struggling with everyday life. I want to regain my mobility and endurance. Looking for an online support group with folks who have already completed the surgery. I'd like to ask questions about recovery and life after surgery. I'm approved but Its recommended that I attend a couple of support groups to discuss with folks their experiences.
On my way
- Thread starter Healthy1
- Start date
Thank you @dianeseattle. I had a thyroidectomy last year and have since gained 60 pounds. I have always been heavy, but I'm at my heaviest. I can't move around like I use to and having very young grandchildren make it even more difficult to be physically present. over the past month I have lost ~20 lbs (this weight loss was not required for surgery, but I'm doing all I can) my knees hurt, my back hurt and my body is... simply put "angry". I've been reading what folks have to say and it's been enlightening to say the least. I'm trying to find an online support group of folks who have already completed the surgery because I think this perspective would likely be the most useful for me. Thank you for taking out time to share your journey and for the heads up on what to expect post-op. I figured there would be pain, and some discomforts along the way, but constipation, diarrhea, would have never crossed my mind. Thanks again for sharing.
HA! similar story. I didn't present has having hyperthyroidism but I did. My TSH labs were abnormal for years, and I figured all the money that I was paying for healthcare wasn't really giving me care. So I left Kaiser Permanente and got a new health plan and within months everything that ailed me was no longer ignored. I had graves disease, TED, and emphysema. I had been complaining about a variety of symptoms for years and no actions were taken. When I left and got a new health plan, it was worth every penny. I no longer have graves disease. I was growing something on my thyroid and it wasn't definitely cancer, but they could not completely rule it out, so out came the thyroid. before that I got on medication for my breathing and I was able to walk more that a half a block at a time. I became more active because I was able to breath, but because i had gained so much weight not being able to breath and then from not having the energy to move because of the thyroid problems, I just kept growing bigger and bigger. I think going through menopause during this time may have added to the weight gain. Either way, I'm glad I made those changes with my healthcare and I'm glad there are resources available to help me with a head start, or a reset. I'm excited about getting my life back and being physically present with my family the way I use to be. Many thanks for taking more time to share.
missyinacage
Member
My experience has been nothing but positive. I recovered really quickly and I still feel amazing, 3 years out. As in, at 53, I just went hiking and rock climbing in AZ where it was 105 out and I felt great. I no longer have diabetes, or any of the other metabolic syndrome issues caused by obesity.
The only negative things I have experienced are it can be difficult for me to digest meat that isn't slow cooked or braised to be soft-ish. I can digest it but if I want to eat steak, I'm only getting about 3 bites before I'm full. Otherwise, I can eat anything and in larger amounts than I had expected. And so, at this point, I have to work to maintain my weight. So, I still measure and track my intake several days a week. Because they weren't lying .. Nothing tastes as good as (almost) skinny feels. I am not skinny but I feel better than I have in decades. And will never willing give up this feeling.
The only negative things I have experienced are it can be difficult for me to digest meat that isn't slow cooked or braised to be soft-ish. I can digest it but if I want to eat steak, I'm only getting about 3 bites before I'm full. Otherwise, I can eat anything and in larger amounts than I had expected. And so, at this point, I have to work to maintain my weight. So, I still measure and track my intake several days a week. Because they weren't lying .. Nothing tastes as good as (almost) skinny feels. I am not skinny but I feel better than I have in decades. And will never willing give up this feeling.