Vance_

What are the guidelines on giving blood? How soon, if ever? I am about a month out and I eat between 500 - 600 calories a day. I sometimes get light headed when getting up out of a chair. I can't even imagine giving blood right now. I would think I would pass out, although I never have. But I have always given when we have our blood drive at work, which is coming up next month.

Any suggestions??

Yep! I stalled in week 2 also! I didn't lose one pound, and I followed my orders for Water and protein! BUT...I know that I was losing inches. My jeans and shirts where all feeling loser. During that week is when I got my first compliment too "you are losing weight, aren't you?! You look great!" It's weird how we can lose inches but not weight. Hang in there! The scale will show it soon, just keep doing what you know you need to do!

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I meant to say, I wonder if your Dr would think the sublingual B12 pills would be okay instead of the injections. I would hate to have to get myself shots. :eek3: I would ask your Dr when he wants you to start. Mine said week 4 but all Dr's seem to say different things. Hope everything is going well for you!

I was told by my Dr to do the sublingual (underneath the tongue) B12 pills, 500 MCG starting at week 4. You can get these at CVS. I have been taking them and seem to be doing okay. I haven't heard of the injections. I wonder if your Dr would think that is okay?

Congrats! Sounds like you did great!!

Praying for you. Sorry you are going through this.

I lost 2.5 lbs this week. 275.5 lbs.

Congrats and welcome!! Do what the Dr's tell you and you will do just fine. Doesn't it feel good to get that part over with and begin a new part of your life? It did for me.

Congrats! Lookin' hot!!

I stalled during my 2nd week and didn't lose 1 lb. I think it is our bodies saying, "hey!! What are you doing?!!" Keep drinking your Water and your Protein and your body weight will drop. I guarantee you are losing inches even the the scale doesn't show it. Good luck and keep us posted!

Hi Jodi! Sorry you are so tired. I drink EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Protein Drink. I got so tired of the shakes that I just couldn't drink them anymore. The EAS comes in Rich Dark chocolate, Chocolate Fudge, strawberry Cream, and others. But those are the ones I like the best. I can get them at our local Kroger grocery store, but I'm sure other stores have them. They have 17 grams o Protein and they taste like chocolate or strawberry milk with no after taste. Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes!!

Good luck, both of you! You will do great!!

Happy Birthday!! From all of me!!

Congrats on your surgery and it sounds like you are doing awesome! I just started my 4th week post op so I haven't had much dairy products. I did have a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese for lunch today and a Weight Watchers Low Fat mozarella stick for my afternoon snack and I have done fine with that. Glad to have you on board here and welcome!! Best of luck and keep in touch!!

Vance

Congrats! That is awesome!!

The very best of luck to both of you! You will do great!!

Praying for the best for you. Keep your chin up!

Congrats!! That is awesome!!

Congrats! I can't wait to be there!!

Puttin' stuff on eBay tomorrow!! Wooohooo!!

Hi Lyn - I'm not 20 something, but I would have to agree with Bedhead (love the name) on this one. This needs to be something she wants to do. I am the father of 3 boys and I too want what's best for them so I understand your concern for your daughter. When she sees the success you have had and how much joy it can bring, not to mention how healthy you are becoming, she'll probably come around.

Hang in there and keep loving!

Yep...I am almost 3 weeks post op and I still have some pain in my hand where they had the IV, but it's not bad. I couldn't wear my watch for a few days. Make sure you are getting your Protein and Water in so your body and veins can heal.

Did you happen to have a hiatal hernia repaired as well? I did, and when I took even the smallest sips I felt discomfort in my chest. It goes away after a couple of days so nothing really to be too worried about. If it stays with you for a while, you might check with your Dr. Congrats on your surgery!

Congrats to all of you! Very exciting!!!

Mine wasn't necessarily pain, as it was just a little uncomfortable. This occurred for a couple of days for me. Initially I thought that's just the way it going to be for me from now on but it got easier until there was no issues at all. It will pass, but if not you will want to let your Dr know. Congrats on your surgery!