Lissa

Using laxatives can be habit-forming. Try adding in some Water and, unless it's prescribed by your doctor, ease up on the Iron pills. I drink decaf coffee and that seems to work pretty well for this issue. Iron is horrible about stopping up the works, though. I don't take any more iron than is in my multi-Vitamin and, so far, I've been okay on my labs. Good luck!

Stick to your plan and be patient. Look for the NSVs and make sure you are taking your measurements. I lost my first size while I was in my first stall. Good luck!!

I had a lot of soreness in my arms when I first started with the weights. It lasted for about a week, and then gradually got better. My legs are usually somewhat sore when I hit the bike really hard, but it doesn't last a long time. Definitely not overnight. I've noticed that I don't stay sore as long when I eat some fruit or good carbs just before I hit the gym. Hopefully one of the exercise gurus will weigh in on this one.

My weight loss has slowed down, but it is still happening. I know that I lost very quickly to start with and then it has just seemed to creep along...a pound at a time. But, the changes in my body once I slowed down have been phenomenal! I've lost 3 sizes in the last month and developed muscles in places that never had muscle before. Stick to your plan, 70 grams of Protein and 64 oz of Water. The weight will come off. You have to realize this is not a sprint; it's a marathon. If you follow the plan and add exercise as you're able to do it, the weight will come off. Take some measurements now, and measure yourself regularly. Watch those inches come off even if the weight loss is at a stand still. Look for the NSV's. Can you do more? Cross your legs? Climb a flight of stairs without being winded? All of these things will point to your improved health. Most of all, be patient and enjoy the journey. You will get there!

I saw the post that you are referring to on this forum. Ghrelin does help our body to maintain temperature and may have some indications for memory. Truthfully, I noticed a positive difference in my mental acuity once I was back on solid food and again when I added B12 to my supplement routine. I'm not sure what the base reason was, but I don't think it was solely ghrelin. I've also read that the body will create ghrelin from other sources at some point post-op. Good luck!!

You can severely sabotage your own weight loss by not eating. Our bodies can and will go into starvation mode when we don't eat enough to keep them fueled. You can also create an eating disorder. I know that I used to joke that I "beat anorexia", but you can become anorexic. What's more, not eating means your body is going to burn what's available to it, including your muscles ... like your HEART muscle. A weakened heart creates WAY more issues than being fat creates. Please find a way to eat properly. It's not a race to the finish line. If you're truly concerned about your ability to eat, then do as Sandyd suggested and start over with Protein shakes. You should also find a place to log your food intake. I'm on My Fitness Pal as Lissa912. Please join me there and add me as a friend (that goes for anyone who would like to do so). I find that seeing other people's diaries helps me to stay on track...and it gives me new ideas for what I can eat. Within the first 2--3 weeks post-op, it's truly difficult to eat and get your protein in, but it's very important that you move forward with your diet. This is NOT a diet. You will eventually have to eat. Why not use this time to learn proper eating habits? That's the only way you're going to get to goal AND maintain the weight loss. Good luck!!

I'm 7 months post op and just started upping my exercise. I followed some advice from PDX Man about adding in more good carbs. Right now, that means I'm adding fruit to my routine..bananas mostly. I've also eaten a few whole grain crackers and mini bread rounds with Peanut Butter on them. I eat this about 30-60 minutes before I go to the gym and I've noticed an increase in energy. Good luck!!

I have some thinning, but not as bad as I expected! I've been taking biotin since 2 months post-op and I'm religious about the protein and water. I don't know if it's helped, or if it's just that I had thick hair to begin with.

Thank you ALL!! And I'm LOL at Debly. Yes, the ex is regretting his stupidity.

Yeah I do. And I'm still a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG way from goal.

SF popsicles. Chewing and spitting can lead to an eating disorder. Dont' do it!

You look mahvelous, dahlink!! You do look years younger! ! !

Congrats on the weight loss!! Both of you!!

Nerves and some fear are a normal part of the process before any surgery or big life change. It will be okay. Come here to vent if you need to. That's why we're all here, to give and receive support to one another.

Yay!!! I crossed the line from morbidly to severely a few days ago, too! Great feeling, hmmm?

Good luck!! We're keeping your spot on the loser's bench warm for you!!

I think I've solved my sweet addiction. I found Clif bars! They are yummy and they are high protein. I'm in LOVE.

Your mouth watering is the classic symptom of the slimes. For me, it means that I've eaten too much, too fast. The key with trying new foods is to introduce a small amount of one food at a time, chew very well, then see how it sits in your sleeve. If something doesn't sit well, wait for a while to try to introduce it again. Soon, like Dooter says, you'll be eating anything you like!

I asked my doc about this when the subject of a bezoar came up last time. He said I could have corn, celery, coconut, or anything else without worry. Since I love celery, that was a huge relief for me! Ask your doctor what s/he says about those items, though. Of course, if they say no to something, it is a good idea to listen to them. I'm not 100% compliant with my doc's NO list, but I try to stick pretty close to it.

Sally, If you're 2 weeks post-op, NO doritos. If you're two months post-op, you could eat a few...just chew very well. Be aware, however, that there is no nutritional value in doritos and, if you're like me, they can be a slider food. That means you could eat a bunch of them without feeling full. It's a lot of empty calories. If you're going to eat them, be prepared to exercise off those calories. Doritos aren't my downfall, but crunchy cheetos are my nemesis. I can't have them in the house without wanting to eat the whole bag. I have to really watch those chips!

Refried beans were my first mushy food. I didn't notice any extra gas because of them. Of course, I could only eat maybe 3 teaspoons of them. My nut and doc were fine with refried beans as a mushy food... and I really like almost any kind of cooked bean now. I will often start some in the morning with a piece of meat in the crockpot. By the time I get home to eat dinner, the beans and meat are done and I'll mash up a little meat in my beans. Yummy!

I took Centrum complete chewable version until a couple of weeks ago. At about 6.5 months out, I switched to Centrum Complete non-chewable and I don't seem to be having any problems with them. I normally eat a mini babybel right before I take my morning meds because the iron doesn't sit well on my tummy if there's no food in there.

I hope your doctor started you on an acid reducer. You are having head hunger issues, but the acid reducer will help with the discomfort when you drink. I had a lot of left shoulder pain post op. Turns out that I was drinking too much too fast and the pain was referred to my shoulder because my sleeve was too numb to tell me it was hurting. It will get better. The pre-op diet, then the first couple of weeks post-op are the toughest time in all of this. In a few weeks you won't remember all of this until some other new post-op posts that they are having the same problems you had. (((Hugs)))

As Rootman said in another thread: "At least wait until you're out of the recovery room."

I'd do it again tomorrow and twice the day after that!! I just spent some time with a girl who was pre-op, sharing my journey. Even I was surprised by how positive I am about this surgery. It is LIFE CHANGING in so many ways!! For the first few doc visits post-op I kept wondering if I should just kiss my surgeon's feet. That is how strongly I feel that he gave me my life back!