MINI-Me

I'm not Tiffykins or LILMISSDIVA, but I am almost 16 months out. YOU ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG! You have the answers, you are doing the right things, it's just a VERY FRUSTRATING time in your journey right now. You are right - your body is healing. It's holding onto fluids and trying to figure out just what in the heck you did to yourself. I know it's not easy, but just hang in there. Keep following your plan - you are so early in the process. Tricks and gimmics may help in the short-term, but you made this change for a long-time change. It's coming - I PROMISE! You are doing awesome! Just keep at it & you will see the scales move again. ((((((((((((((((((((((((( H U G S ))))))))))))))))))))))))

I have hypothyroidism andhave been on meds for ~18 years. I didn't notice any issues with post-sleeve weightloss due to my condition. My meds have been slightly adjusted 3 times since surgery.

A typical day for me on maintenance is: Around 7am: 2-3 Light String cheese Around 9am: oatmeal with raisins OR 2 Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausages & 1/2 Thomas Thin Bagel Lunch: 3 to 4 ounces of meat (usually left over from night before) Fruit Cup (Del Monte Sugar Free) Cucumber slices or carrots (usually 4 or 5 minis) Snack: Mini popcorn bag OR Pepperoni Beef Stick OR nothing (depends on if I am hungry or not) Dinner: 3 to 4 ounces of meat small spoon of side dishes for family (mashed potatoes, veggies, mac-n-cheese, stuffing, etc) Evening Snack: 6-8 ounces of white wine (yes - this is my "hidden" pleasure) Choice of 1: 5-10 M&M's, few pretzels, a string cheese, etc Of course, I fit in liquids throughout the day. Except for the occasional increase (like above), I've been maintaining at 125 - 128 since right after Thanksgiving. I've never maintained that long before - I can't believe how this sleeve tool has changed my life.

I found this article ... sounds like it is very useful in headaches/migraines. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000829.html Also - anti-anxiety pills, according to my doctor, seem to be very beneficial with hot flashes. No, he said it didn't mean I was crazy, but it seems to help alleviate the symptoms - especially with night sweats. Good luck! Not a fun combo at all!!!!!!

You are going to get varying opinions, "facts", and heated emotions on this one. What I can tell you is my story. But, remember, it's my experience and your results may vary. I started back to my Pepsi Max at 3 months. Had a little pressure, but not uncomfortable. I'm 15+ months out now & drink diet soda whenever I want. I use it as a "treat" when I'm head hungry. Doesn't seem to cause any cravings for me & hasn't impacted my restriction at all. Beer? That's another story. Causes a lot of pressure and makes me feel a bit nauseated. I've actually thrown up once due to the beer in my tummy. Why the difference? NO CLUE. But, I'll stick with wine as my drink of choice now. Good luck!

Congratulations!!!! Now, go enjoy some "honeymoon" time!

WOW! What a transformation. GREAT JOB!

That will make me 27 months post-op! I want to be within my "bounce" pounds of 125 - 128.

I have too much loose skin & 5 little scars from the surgery to feel comfortable wearing a bikini. Plus, I'm in my 40's and I'm ok with binkini days being "past due". I do love my tankini though. I feel small & sexy in it. Sometimes it's better to cover up & leave things to the imagination - at least in my opinion. (My husband agrees! )

If you puree the soups, you should be fine. Just remember to chew, chew, chew!

Refried beans with a little melted cheese and sour cream was a go-to for me. I also did low-carb yogurt with unflavored protein powder mixed in. (Applesauce and pudding work well too.) It's higher carb, but mac-and-cheese was TO DIE FOR after not eating "real food" for a while.

Congratulations! Keep us posted.

That is fantastic ... You are so close to goal. CONGRATULATIONS!

You can sooooooooooooooooo do this! You have the motivation, drive and desire. What can we do to help?

It took me about 4-5 weeks before I felt truly like myself post-op. There is the recovery, learning how to eat, focusing on protein/water, and the emotions that you go through. Just hang in there, it gets better. And, feel free to come out here to vent, celebrate, cry ... whatever you need, we will be here for you.

My answers are below ... please remember these are my experience only & should not be used over your surgeon's advice. But, you might want to question on why????

First of all ... breathe. Then, get excited that you have a new life inside you. Yes, I mean it, allow yourself some time to be excited!!!! Congratulations! From my research, there are lots of healthy pregnancies after WLS. Tiffikins is also pregnant & about 6 weeks ahead of you. She and "Sprout" are doing great. Next - do you have the ability to talk to Dr. Rogriguez or someone else at BeLiteWeight? If so, give them a call. I'm sure you aren't their only post-op pregnancy story. They should have some good advice for you to share with your OB. Remember - just like all pregnancies, the baby will take what it needs first. You'll need to watch yourself for signals that you aren't getting enough energy (calories) or your skin looks dull (not enough fat), etc. You'll probably have to be regimented on what you eat to ensure proper nutrition, but you'll be fine. And, in 35 weeks you will have a bundle of joy to hold in your arms. (And remember, breastfeeding helps tone up those muscles around your uterus!) Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I don't know about any forums, but I am willing to be a friend and help out if you need a sympathetic and helpful ear. PM me if you'd like to talk.

FANTASTIC NEWS! Doing the happy dance for you!

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I have several pairs of jeans that I don't want to wear because of the "snug" fit. My husband is like "suffer for beauty - you look awesome in those". How can I say no to that?!?!?!?

Congratulations! Over a pound a day - HOW EXCITING!!!!! You are doing the right thing for your stage of Post-Op ... protein in, Water in, walk, and rest. I remember prior to surgery and right after - I was sure I would be the "one" that failed. I'm happy to say that I was WRONG! Best of luck on your journey.

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-he-bmi-20110417,0,6278521.story?track=rss

Our bodies are definitely "interesting" and do not follow exact science or commen sense! I know back in December, I freaked out. I went up 6 pounds in one week & I hadn't changed a thing. The next week, it mysteriously dropped off plus a pound. In 9 days total I went from 126 to 132 back to 125.4. Explain that one??? I know it's hard ... I know it's BEYOND frustrating ... but don't change a thing. Keep following your plan. You body has no choice but to drop the weight. It could be Water retention, bloating from TOM, you got up on the wrong side of the bed, the moon is in a new path. Who knows???? If it helps, we've all been there & all wanted to just go back to bed and cry. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS and YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!!!!

Thanks for sharing Sprout with us!

Fabulous!