Big Loss Posts

Obese people to get COVID-19 vaccination earlycdc 3mzqvuxi3ka unsplash
Published Wed, 7th Apr 2021

Obese people to get COVID-19 vaccination early

Obesity has been identified as one of the significant risk factors for people catching the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Here in Ireland, the vaccine rollout is being done in groups, which starts with:

  • Group 1 – People ages 65 years and older who live in long-term care facilities
  • Group 2 – Frontline healthcare workers
  • Group 3 – People aged 70 and older living in the community
  • Group 4 – People aged 16 to 69 who are at very high risk
  • Group 5 – People aged 65 to 69 at high risk
  • Group 6 – Other people aged 65 to 69
  • Group 7 – People aged 16 to 64 who are at high risk

After that, the rest of the population is being vaccinated based upon age group – starting with the oldest people first.

Groups 1-4 are currently receiving their first dose of vaccine, and those in groups 5-7 are expected to start receiving theirs over the next month or so.

The interesting thing for obese people is that:

  • Group 4 includes people who have a BMI over 40
  • Group 7 includes people who have a BMI over 35

According the the HSE, everyone in group 4 should receive their first dose by the end of April 2021, and people in group 7 should start on 3rd May 2021.

Hospitals vaccination lists

I heard today that the bariatric team in my hospital recently submitted a list of all their patients to the HSE – to make sure they’re all included in these earlier vaccine stages. Whether that means people are included in group 4 or 7 I don’t know, but it’s an encouraging sign.

I also heard that the oncology teams have also submitted lists of their current and former patients – which I guess will also include me, because of the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma I had back in 2015/6.

News Surgery

COVID-19 Obesity Vaccination

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New protein water drink available in Aldi in Irelandimg 20210407 135428
Published Wed, 7th Apr 2021

New protein water drink available in Aldi in Ireland

I came across this Comeragh protein water drink at the checkouts in Aldi a few days ago.

I haven’t seen any other protein water drinks for sale in supermarkets, and so I was excited to try it. It says that the 500ml bottle contains 10g of protein, is just 50 calories, and is priced at €1.49 a bottle. The protein comes from peas, and so the drink is suitable for vegans.

There seemed to be two flavours available – Orange, and Lime & Lemon – but I’ve only tried the second one. It certainly tastes of lemon and lime, but there’s some other flavour in it that I can’t quite place – maybe it’s the taste of peas?!

I’d say that some people might not like the taste, so I’d recommend trying it out before buying a whole load of them.

Here’s the information from the Aldi website about the two different flavours:

  • Orange Flavoured
  • Lemon & Lime Flavoured
Orange flavoured Aldi Comeragh Protein Water

As a bariatric patient, I have found it challenging to get enough protein in my diet – particularly as I’m not a fan of the milky protein shakes and drinks that are more widely available. I’ve tried using the protein isolate drinks, and they’re OK. But mostly I rely on things like Filfil bars to get extra protein.

I’ve written before about being a bit obsessed about my protein intake. I’m not so bad these days, as I’ve stopped tracking my food intake in a bid to ‘normalise’ my diet going forward. But I still like the idea of being able to supplement the protein into my diet.

Diet Surgery

Diet Drinks Protein

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I didn’t think I’d be so keen to exerciseman 3924041 1920
Published Mon, 29th Mar 2021

I didn’t think I’d be so keen to exercise

I don’t know if it’s a side-effect from losing nearly 40 kg in weight, or whether it’s from feeling trapped at home during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, but I’ve recently been seeking out every opportunity to get outside and exercise.

Even at my most heaviest, I did a bit of exercise – even if it was to walk the dogs in the park for 30 minutes. But the concept of actively seeking chances to get outside for exercise is a new experience.

Just the other day I went for a 90 minute cycle (all within my 5km limit, of course), then I took the dogs out for a walk for an another hour, and later that day walked to the shops to pick up a few messages. It was nearly 4 hours of exercise in just one day.

In the past I would have gladly spent my entire weekend glued to the sofa, barely registering 1,000 steps on my pedometer – and most of those would have been from trips to raid the fridge or visit the bathroom.

But now, most weekends, I’m itching to get out the house and do something.

Fitbit tracking

I like to track my steps using a Fitbit, but also track the amount of time I’m doing moderate-to-high intensity activity. Fitbit records this type of activity as Active Zone Minutes, and the World Health Organisation goal for people is to get 150 minutes a week.

When I’m out walking I find it hard to get my heart rate up enough to count towards my active zone minutes. I literally can’t walk fast enough to really get my heart pumping – unless I pick a route with lots of hill climbs.

To get zone minutes I need to get on my bike or do something else equally strenuous.

Every week I’m trying to meet – and often exceed – the goal of getting 150 active zone minutes. Some weeks I do really well. For example, last week was over 350 minutes. Although a couple of weeks ago when I injured my knee, I didn’t do quite so well.

However, with the improving weather now that spring has arrived, I’m hoping to be out and about a lot more, and racking up those exercise minutes!

My Story Surgery

Active Zone Minutes Cycling Exercise Fitbit Walking

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Why can’t gastric bypass patients take anti-inflammatories?figure 1691868 1920
Published Mon, 15th Mar 2021

Why can’t gastric bypass patients take anti-inflammatories?

I hurt my knee about 10 days ago while out walking.

Before I had my bariatric surgery, my first instinct would have been to treat the injury it with an anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen.

However I was told by my bariatric team that after having a gastric bypass I’m not allowed to take any NSAIDs, at all, for the rest of my life!

What’s the deal with anti-inflammatory drugs after bariatric surgery?

NSAIDs (or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are widely used to relive pain, reduce inflammation, and to bring down a high temperature. Some are prescription medicines and others are available over the counter.

Common types of NSAIDs are:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin
  • Naproxen
  • Diclofenac
  • Celecoxib
  • Mefanamic Acid
  • Etoricoxib
  • Indometacin

In bariatric patients these painkillers are meant to cause damage to the stomach. In particular they are said to cause stomach ulcers, and that’s the reason why they need to be avoided.

The reduced stomach size with all types of gastric surgery presents a major problem with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Administration of NSAIDs in these patients carries an increased risk for serious damage to the stomach pouch, which may result in gastric ulcers.

https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/treatments/pharmacological/non-opioids/ask-expert-nsaids-after-bariatric-surgery

So how can I treat aches and pains?

Well it seems that Paracetamol is safe to take – although it only helps manage the pain, rather than helping to reduce the inflammation.

I also checked with my doctor, and it seems that transdermal pain relief (that’s patches and gels) are a somewhat safer form of NSAIDs to take for bariatric patients. Apparently some of the drug can still get into the blood stream, but it’s much less that when taking pills orally, so the risk of stomach ulcers is (thankfully) much reduced!

Topical NSAIDs may have potential advantages when compared with oral NSAIDs. Several studies demonstrate that, perhaps because of low systemic concentrations, topical NSAIDs have a reduced risk of upper GI complications such as gastric and peptic ulcers

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2984542/

So for now, on my doctor’s advice, I’m able to use a pea-sized blob of Diclofenac based gel on my knee to help relieve the pain. And that seems to be doing the trick.

Medication Surgery

Anti-Inflammatories Drugs NSAIDs Pain

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Six-month follow up with the dieticianjeshoots com ltnvqhdkkmw unsplash
Published Wed, 3rd Mar 2021

Six-month follow up with the dietician

I met with my bariatric dietician today to check how I’m doing. And thankfully it was mostly good news.

My blood tests came back fine, and my diet is good. I’m eating enough protein, and getting enough vitamins and minerals. I’m also pretty much on track with my weight loss.

Since surgery I’ve lost nearly 37 kg (nearly 6 stone), which amounts to about a 22% loss overall. The bariatric team expect people who have had a gastric bypass to lose 25-30% of they body weight overall, so I’ll hopefully continue to lose some more over the coming months.

My weight loss has definitely slowed down recently, and some weeks I’ve even gaining weight, but the overall direction is still down!

Building muscle

We talked about the amount of exercise I’m doing – which is mainly restricted to walking and cycling – and it was suggested that I try to incorporate some resistance and weight training to help build muscle.

My hospital has a partnership with a company called Medfit, who offer personalised physio-led exercise programmes. I think it would be good for me to go to a specialist physio, as I’ve had some bad advice in the past from personal trainers in the gym which have led to me injuring myself.

Hopefully if I can start building some muscle – particularly in my upper body – then it will help boost my metabolism and maybe even help tone up some of my loosening skin!

Regular bowel movements

We also talked about my bowel movements. At the moment I’m having one about every other day, or maybe 3 times a week, and apparently it should be a bit more regular.

I already have a reasonable amount of fibre in my diet, but we’re going to try incorporating some linseed, which apparently will help move things along!

Diet Surgery

Bowels Dietician Physiotherapy Progress

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Six months since my weight loss surgerycalendar 1990453 1920
Published Thu, 25th Feb 2021

Six months since my weight loss surgery

It’s exactly 26 weeks (or six months) today since I had my gastric bypass. And my progress so far has been fantastic!

I’ve lost nearly 37 kg (nearly 6 stones) in weight, and have dropped a couple of clothing sizes – from 4XL to 2XL. But I suppose the most important thing for me is that my health has improved.

New found love of execise

The pain I used to feel when moving around or exercising has all but gone. In fact, I now actively seek out opportunities to exercise, sometimes even twice a day. I love the goal of trying to get at least 30 active zone minutes every day on my Fitbit.

My only problem now is that my body is so used to me walking that my heart rate doesn’t get high enough – even when I walk as fast as I can – to get the active zone minutes. So I have to actively seek out steps or hills to climb – or switch to cycling – to get the heart rate up!

I never thought I’d be so keen to exercise!

I’m even contemplating joining a gym once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and they re-open. I think I need to do something to exercise and tone my upper body. Perhaps maybe do some weights or resistance training and build up a bit of muscle.

Food addicition tamed

One important thing that the surgery has done is to place a blocker in front of my urges to binge eat. The smaller stomach pouch means that I physically can’t eat mountains of food.

In fact, we ordered in a takeaway last night, and I was full before we’d even finished the shared starter! I could only manage a bite of my main course before I had to stop eating. That’s great, because it forces me to moderate my eating. It makes me stop, whereas before I would have continued eating and eating.

The surgery has helped break my obsession with eating. I don’t get the same cravings for food. I still enjoy eating, but I don’t feel the compulsion to overeat or to seek out fatty or sugery foods! And I don’t think about food half as much as I used to in the past.

My Story Surgery

Addiction Exercise Progress

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