Puja

I was just pondering this today!

Yay! I'm so glad people can relate and corroborate my experience. I spoke to the PA at my surgeon's office about it, and she told me it wasn't surgery related. As far as I saw it, it wasn't normal for a 27 year old girl to develop knee pain after surgery, and after losing weight! This is something I'd like to discuss with her more in person.

My knees began hurting post-surgery, and still do on occasion. I never had knee pain before. Some research on the net told me there might be a few causes: 1. Dehydration. The synovial Fluid in our joints can decrease or become more viscous when we are dehydratred, even if only mildly. 2. Lack of exercise (the category I currently fall into, unfortunately) will contribute to muscle loss. Up until now, you've had amazing muscles in your legs supporting you. As you lose muscle, though, your legs have to work harder at supporting and balancing. If you don't feel like either of these causes apply to you, check with an orthopedic doctor! Never hurts to be on the safe side.

From what I've been told, if something feels stuck, it will pass. Walk around a bit, and it will eventually dissolve and go down. Drinking and eating to "push" it down are only harmful, and can scratch or injure your esophagus, from what I've been told. At 7 weeks post op, you're still healing, so some swelling will be present. If it still has not passed, definitely head to the ER! For future purposes, try taking your meds in capsule or liquid form instead.

Happy, that was very well written. You bring up some very good points!

Before having the surgery, I had a talk with everyone in my immediate support network about what I needed from them and why. I cried a lot, it was difficult, but it has worked wonders. My boyfriend was supportive, but sad I was having the surgery, because he felt he was losing a foodie partner. Even today, he doesn't enjoy eating out as much, because I'm not sharing a big 3 course meal with him. I no longer let him eat off my plate (unless I'm finished), and don't let him eat my leftovers that I bring home with me. It's not only my lifestyle that has had to change, but also his. The difference is, he had no choice in the matter. Just before the surgery, I know he was tense and worried, and acted out in ways that I didn't understand. Finally, he asked me not to have the surgery. I went ahead with it, knowing it was best for me. My parents indirectly and unwillingly also did things that hurt my previous and post op diets. It was important for my future health to sit down and have a talk. It's difficult for patients to deal with their health problems, but it's usually even more difficult for the loved ones of patients. They sometimes have a difficult time communicating their needs and emotions. Long story short, try to have a sit down and really discuss what is going on with him, and the both of you. Find out what he needs from you, and let him know that things will not change all that much.

It really is up to you, and if you feel you can manage both things on the emotional and physical level. A support network was very important for me, and I imagine also for most people on here. Will your network be able to be there for you despite the housing issues? The last thing you want is to have the surgery and not be able to cater to your own needs (again, both emotional and physical), because of other distractions. A few weeks is not a big difference for your peace of mind, just as Circa said!

TheBionicBroad, you bring up some interesting points, and it's clear that you know your stuff! From what I've read and been taught, however, saturated fat increases both LDL and HDL, and is linked to dyslipidemia ad coronary artery disease. Here are a few articles that give some good information: http://cholesterol.emedtv.com/cholesterol/high-cholesterol-foods.html http://health.usnews.com/health-conditions/heart-health/lowering-ldl-cholesterol

I would get hemoglobin levels checked, as well as liver function tests! How good are you about taking your Iron, b12, and multivitamin? Do you get proper liquids and nutrition in? Less fat should not be a reason to bruise more. If that were so, skinny people would be walking around in hues of blue and purple.

How much cheese are you eating? Do you have a diet that is higher in fat than you realize?

YES!! I had so much black in my wardrobe in hopes that it would be more slimming (and somehow larger sizes come in darker and more drab colors). A lot of my clothes were bought because they fit, rather than because they looked cute and made me feel attractive. Now, though, I can try on several things that actually fit, and be extra picky about what I buy! It's liberating, and so very exciting! I can walk into a clothing store and no longer be afraid that I will walk out empty handed and embarrassed because nothing fit me!

Aussiegirl, I wish I had the words to console or help you, but unfortunately I do not. All I can say is that if anyone understands you, it is the people on this forum! Hopefully someone else will come along and be able to write something helpful. In the mean time, I'm sending you positive vibes! Family and friends do worry, but they are also best at making us feel better. Letting them into your private world can be scary, but sometimes very liberating! good luck and happy new year!

Blackanese, how and where exactly are you patting? Use the palm of your hand, and pat gently just below your sternum. Sometimes it helps to rub up and down as well. That little burp really is a huge relief!

As silly as this sounds, when I need to burp I literally burp myself like a baby. I will pat myself on the chest, or have someone pat my back, just like a baby. It works! If I'm extremely gassy, walking helps loads.

Kami, that sounds like such an exciting trip! It's wonderful that you let go and enjoyed yourself, and still saw a loss. I suppose a good balance of food, exercise, and listening to our bodies really works. I loved food before the surgery, and I still love it. I'm so happy that pleasure has not been taken away from me. I'm in Bangalore, in southern India. I've been here several years, actually for med school. Originally, I'm from Orange County, California! Your diet in India sounds a lot like mine!

All the best to you!

Awesome! I'm in India right now. What was your diet like? Did you manage to get in all your proteins and stay within your calorie limit?

Coughing can also be caused by acid reflux. Are you currently on an antacid?

Yes, definitely! Your body doesn't have the same nutrition reserves that a person without surgery does. You are giving your body the minimum requirements to be healthy and function optimally. Ever notice how one or two days with less liquids or nutrition totally brings your energy levels down? Drink some gatorade or pedialyte. Hydrate yourself with liquids that will help restore your electrolytes.

Have you confirmed the coloring is due to your vitamins? Did brushing help? If not, and your breath is still funky, you need to get to a doctor. Could be a fungal infection.

First off, I hate it when these skinny girls complain about being fat. Second, it pisses me off when girls say "I wish I could get the surgery. It would make my life so much easier!" Since when did surgery or the work afterwards become easy? Granted, losing weight is easier now than it ever was in the past. That, however, is relatively speaking. We still have to maintain our diets, our discipline, and our sanity. Goodness!

I haven't seen my weight once since my surgery, which was over 3 months back. I am the same as you! My history has shown that I will sabotage my diet when I see a lot of loss, and when I see a stall or gain, the diet goes down the drain. What's worse, when I eat something I feel guilty about, I find myself going back into pre-surgery mode, where I hide and eat, so that there is no one around to hold me accountable. Now, I don't check my weight at all, from fear of hurting myself and my health. I will get onto the scale backwards for weigh-ins. Not checking has helped my enjoy my life, and not feel restricted or guilty in any way. I eat healthy because I want to, not because the scale forces me to. I do, however, keep a vigilant journal (by hand) with my calorie and Protein intake. If I go over on a day or two, I don't stress about it anymore. I only stress when I see myself reverting back to my old, destructive self. Then I come onto this site, and these wonderful people help me pick myself back up. Good luck to you!

I hope it isn't too late to reply to this! I had my surgery, and then traveled to India 4 weeks later. Granted, I'm not living out of a hotel, but I haven't had difficulties with food and drink. I assume you will still be within the US, and food options should be available to you all over. A good hotel will definitely accommodate you! If you like, your doctor can write you a letter explaining why you may need liquids on the plane, or a special diet at your place of stay. By 4 weeks, you should be on cheeses, yogurt, Protein shakes, and lots of other foods that are easy to transport with you to a meeting.

Oops, I forgot to mention that they whey left behind can be re-used! Some people mix it with salt and spices, and drink it. I assume sugar works, too. I've never tried it, I usually just drain it into the sink. If making dough, the whey can be used instead of Water, and it will add to the Protein content (I haven't looked up the nutritional information on this).

This is the recipe I use: Ingredients: 1.1 liter milk (Nonfat, 1%, 2%, or whole are all ok. The lower in fat, the less soft the paneer gets. I prefer 1 or 2%) 2. 1/2 - 1 tsp of lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid. (If using the citric acid, mix the crystals in with a tbsp of Water first) Items needed: 1. A pot to boil milk 2. A spoon for stirring, spoons to measure out lime juice or citric acid 3. A colander or a muslin cloth (I will explain this in step 6) Instructions: 1. Take a large pot and wet all the inside surfaces with water. This helps prevent the milk from sticking or burning. 2. Pour the milk into the pot, and allow it to come to a boil, on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, or prevent the fat from coming to the surface. 3. Once the milk has come to a boil, add the lime juice or diluted citric acid, while continuously stirring. 4. You will see the curds separate from the whey, and create a white cottage cheese type mass. 5. Turn off the stove, and let the curds and whey sit for a few minutes while you prepare the next step. 6. There are two options here: a. The curds and whey can be drained into the muslin cloth, wrapped, and then pressed with a heavy object (i.e. the same pot filled with water) for a few hours. This gives the firm tofu-like consistency that is great for cutting and using in dishes. The whey will drain out, leaving the pressed curds. b. I take the easy way out and drain into a colander, and eat the curds immediately. This has a more cottage cheesy texture, without the rennet flavor or milkiness. The loose paneer is best eaten warm. I like it plain with a bit of sugar or honey. If I'm in the mood for something salty, I eat it with a bit of Indian pickle. That's it! The whole process takes probably 10 minutes, and is good for 1 to 2 servings. Nutrition information: This has been the most difficult thing, because ever site I've seen gives different numbers. Here is what I follow, though (I tend to estimate a higher calorie count and a lower Protein count, to stay on the safe side.) 1. The pressed paneer (Full fat. I assume this is what is served in restaurants): 100 cal per ounce, 7 grams protein per ounce. 2. The loose paneer (Also full fat, for comparison): 30 cal per ounce, 3 grams protein