Yorkie Fan

I am almost 10 months out too. I have stalled at the last 5 pounds. I take in about 1000 to 1100 calories a day. My doc told me last week that if I wanted to maintain my weight to keep my calories around 1400-1500. Otherwise she told me to make sure I was getting in a minimum of 60 grams of protein (She would prefer it be closer to 70 or 80 daily), because when our calories are that low and we don't get enough protein in then our body stops losing fat. (It loses muscle instead.) She also told me it takes 6 weeks to reverse a depletion in our protein. I was shocked by the 6 week reversal! I know we will get to our goals. It just feels like it is so close but still so far away. Hang in there!

I don't have physical hunger since I had surgery. However, I do occasionally have head hunger or am just thirsty. My doc told me that if I think I am hungry to try Water first, because usually you are thirsty and not hungry. She also told me that if you are actually craving food then it is head hunger as your body does not need a specific food. It is just looking for nurishment. Hope that helps.

It is ok. I too teared up and I have had 2 WLS. I was cleared both times. They are wanting to make sure that you are not suicidal and don't have any unidentified problems that need treatment. I do know that they also look to make sure you are an individual who can recognize when you need help and seek it. Which you have already proven! Hang in there it does get better.

There are several on You Tube. Check out Kellawanda. I can tell you I started out at 241lbs and I'm 5'6". As of this morning I am 2 pounds from my goal, which I am hoping to reach before my 35th birthday which is about 2 weeks away. If you have any questions, I would be glad to answer anything. Good Luck on Your Journey!!! Nichole

Not a bad idea. I too am currently single. I am almost 10 months post op. How about you?

Congratulations!!! Keep up the good work!

I know the feelings you are having. I had a revision surgery from my lap band to the sleeve last year. When they went to remove my band, they were going to do the revision at the same time if possible. I can tell you that prior to having my band removed, I prayed that they couldn't do the sleeve! They actually were hooking me up to everything in the OR at that time. I was just sure that if God wanted me to try it on my own again, I would wake up without a sleeve. Well, when I woke up they were not able to do my sleeve because of damage. I was very relieved! However, over the next 2 months I gained 40 pounds. I quickly realized that God was actually showing me that it was ok to have the surgery. I had my sleeve in June 2011. I absolutley love it! I am so glad that I did it and where my sleeve and I have gotten to this point. I wish you lots of luck! Nichole

I wish I had a great answer for you. I struggle with the same thing. I travel for work and many times it is international. So my suitcase ends up having more food than clothes in it. I do know when I don't take the time to plan, my food does get all messed up for the day or trip. I totally understand your feeling tied to your food. I can tell you that it does get better over time, but it takes a lot of work. My family use to call me the "food nazi" because I was so OCD about everything. I decided a therapist was in order. She has helped a ton on learning to make the best healthy choices possible for where I am. The feeling of being tied has lessoned over the last month or two.

You may want to look at increasing your food a little bit. I had the same problem at 2 months. I stalled for nearly 6 weeks, when the nut and I sat down and looked at my food journals and decided to up my calories by 100. It did the trick and off to losing again I went. Good Luck! You are doing great on all fronts and wish I had your motivation for exercise at 2 months post-op. Hope this helps!

I starting using Nioxin in December at 6 months post op because I had lost about 40% of my hair. My surgeon recommended it after checking my blood work for any deficiencies. I had none, so I started using the Nioxin everyday for 30 days and now I use it about 2-3 times a week. My hair has stopped falling out and is starting to fill back in. I know how stressful it can be to lose your hair. Try to hang in there. Many surgeons also suggest Biotin in addition, but I didn't notice any difference with it, especially since I started taking it 2 weeks prior to surgery. I found the Nioxin at Wal-mart's hair salons, CVS, and Walgreens. You can always buy it online, but it doesn't take a lot. My hair is really long, thick, and heavy with curls, and I use a quarter size amount of Shampoo and conditioner each. Oh and before I forget, it doesn't sudds up like normal shampoo.

I am about 9 months post-op. I had a 3oz margarita at a party in November at 5 months. I will tell you it hit me far faster than it had ever before. Also my nut and surgeon both suggest waiting a year before drinking alcohol, as it can slow weight loss since it is liquid calories. On the other hand if you decide to have a drink, remember that you don't have to drink a coctail at the event. I have found getting a glass of cranberry juice generally throws people off at those functions. Plus I don't have to explain anything I'm not comfortable explaining to strangers. Good Luck!

If you can get the prune juice down...all the more power to you. I have tried mirilax, colace, lactulose (RX), senocot, Fiber pills and powders...but nothing worked. Then I did some research and found that since we focus so much on Protein and fluids that we don't get enough magnesium in our diets. (It comes from dark leafy green vegetables.) So I spoke with my doctor and I started taking a magnesium supplement of 500 mg per day. After the first day or two, the system was working normally again! Never thought I would be that excited about it, but it is a relief to not have to think about when the last time it was that I went! Hope it helps! Nichole

Several of the Atkins bars have a high amount of fiber and lower carbs. Also, I am assuming you are wanting the fiber for bowel issues. If so, I recommend taking magnesium. Post op we don't get enough dark leafy green vegetables to provide us with the minimum amount. Hope that helps.

I was a 40G prior to surgery and now I am a 36G. I am only 5 pounds from my goal, so I'm guessing they are here to stay. Not to mention they must have been the only thing on my old body that wasn't FAT! Oh well...I have always like mine. I was hoping not to lose too much.

I started out using the shampoo and conditioner everyday. Now I use it a couple of times a week. The stuff goes a long way. It does not sudds up like most shampoos. They told me to start out using about a dime size amount. I have really long and thick heavy hair, so I use about a quarter size amount. My bottles were 16.95 and 20.95. I am still using the same bottles I bought in December. Hope that helps!

I voted for you. Good Luck!

I use the Nioxin Shampoo and Conditioner. It takes it about a month before you notice a decrease in the hair loss, but it does work! I buy it at the Smart Style inside Walmart. You can also find it at CVS, Walgreens, if not in the store then on their websites. You might also have them check your thyroid as that can also be a symptom for thyroid problems. Good Luck!

I'm not in Chicago, but I am in South Bend, IN. I have several friends that are over in Chicago. I'm sure if you need someone, either I can help out or one of them can. By the way, they have all had WLS of some form. Hang in there...I know all about the critics on the amounts of food. Food still appears on my desk at work because they feel I need to eat way more than I do. Nichole

Hi everyone, Please don't get discouraged with the number on the scale. I only lost 14 lbs in the first month. Remember when you have a stall...you may need to change things up a bit. My doc had me increase my calories a bit and the weight started coming off again. I know how frustrating it is. Please hang in there, the weight will come off. Try focusing on how you are feeling rather than being a slave to the nasty scale. Hope this helps, Nichole

Congrats! Your levels are great! Keep up your inspirational messages. I love to read them. Nichole

First, way to go! I travel internationally all the time. This past fall I went to several countries in Europe and was only asked once about my significant weight loss (nearly 80 pounds). They let me in every time. I usually get compliments more than anything. Have fun on your trip! Nichole

Hi there! I had my thyroid removed 4 years ago because I had numerous nodules. I did the biopsies and they came back as inconclusive. It got to the point where I was having a hard time swallowing things like bread and tough cuts of meat. So I had it removed. I am so glad I had that done. As mine had cancerous cells. I did not have to have the radiation treatment done because the cancer cells were all inclusive. I do take a small pill every day, but I can tell you it was totally worth removing! I was able to eat regularly again afterwards. Just know that the biopsy is not a fun experience but it doesn't last very long. I also had a plastic surgeon remove mine so you can't even see the scar now. If you have any specific questions, I'll be glad to help answer them. Good Luck! Nichole

I had the same problem. Once a week was a blessing. I have finally found something that works for me that is all natural. I take 2 flaxseed oil pills per day. One in the morning and one at night. It takes a couple of days to get it started, but now it occurs daily or every other day. Hope this helps and wish you luck on what works best for you! Nichole

For me it hasn't been what I don't want to eat, but instead what I now crave. I used to hate seafood, but now I can't get enough fish. This is so very weird for me since I still don't care for the taste.

Just wanted to let you know that I too have a hard time getting in Protein. I am not a fan of the after taste of protein mixes. However, my nutritionist suggested I try this Jello that has 23 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar. It is called Protein Snack by Pure Protein. It comes in two flavors tropical citrus and cherry punch. I went with the Cherry Punch. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how there was no sugarfree or protein after taste. I got mine at a nutrition food store here in Indiana. You might try it and see if it helps you get a little closer to your protein goals. So you can start healing faster. Good Luck! Nichole