SnowDaisy

I gained on purpose because I didn't look good for me, it was aging. However, although I'm fairly happy where I am, I cannot afford to gain any more. I'm looking to play with around 7-10lbs but finding it difficult. Only thing I think is, now you are this far out, you are like any person trying to lost weight now. We can still really on some restriction to some degree and if you are like me, dumping syndrome to keep the baddies at bay. i understand how to let things slide too.... Keep up the Protein first, good carbs next and sauces to a minimum... Snow xx

If I get my bypass it will be done as an "open" operation. This will not be up for debate because my surgeon prefers this method saying it is safer. According to his credentials, he can do laparoscopic but insists on open......(sigh!) So can I ask you guys if any of you have had "open", why it was done and how much it hurt? I wonder if this one long cut is going to be more painful than several little ones. Xxx

I don't believe that revision patients are necessarily slower. Just my opinion though. X

No problem...you ask whatever you want. Well it was supposed to be 2 nights at the hospital and 2 nights at the Rathberger Hotel (that's for those that do not live locally). But my potassium levels were low so my surgeon wouldn't let me go home until it was better. So I was in the hospital for 5 nights. So, I think for most people it's a two night stay in hospital unless there is a complication. Xx

Sounds lovely. But I believe your body will not absorb more than 40-45 grams of protein in one portion. Just thought I'd let you know as protein is expensive. Xx

Hi @@rossigrl84 I believe he has a good reputation. The nurses at the hospital speak very highly of him. Both he and my surgeon use United Regional Hospital, which I cannot fault at all. My surgeon uses open technique and Dr Finnel uses the laparoscopic technique. I guess you have the advantage that Dr Finnel is based at the hospital. The reason I stayed with my surgeon was based on his experience and of course the recommendations of some of his patients here. All my visits were free of charge for three months after surgery. They are always a phone call away if you need advice. I guess the bottom line is who you gel with when you meet with them. Good luck....hope all goes well....keep in touch. Xx

Yes I did. I had Dr Kenneth Warnock of Bariatrics of Texas. Everything went well...no problems...great doctor, great hospital, and great hospital staff. I had my op on 29th Jan and only need to lose another 16lbs and I'm at my doctors recommended target. Who are you considering? Xx

Everyone has said what I would have. But I will tell you, when you get to goal, or even close to it, something happens to you. You'll have such a different outlook. You'll be craving different things, I promise. You will be fiercely protective of your new body and you won't let fried food ruin all your past efforts. You are young and have so much life ahead of you.....don't let "weight" ever make you put life on hold.

I have no idea what your calorie intake is compared to what you are burning through hard exercise, but don't forget that weight loss can be slow in this case for one of two reasons, or a combination of both. 1: You are building muscle and that weighs heavier than fat. 2: Your body is holding on to all it's reserves because your calorie intake is too low. Have your thyroid checked. That plays a huge part in how much weight we lose. I should know, I have hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed close to 10 years ago now. I thought I was going mad; I'd eat next to nothing and gain. The right meds and WLS helped big time. Try not to get down (easy to say, I know). Always remember that the body has to give up it's weight eventually if we are completely compliant. Xx

Lovely pics everyone. For me although I love all animals, I am a dog person. And this is my baby girl, Tootsie. She was an abused, abandoned and starving little ragamuffin, but we rescued her and although she is still terrified of even her own shadow, she is our baby.

I believe that if you are prone to acid reflux disease the sleeve will make matters worse. I already suffered with acid reflux and the got sleeved...(didn't know about the sleeve making it worse)...the reflux got so bad that some nights even with Nexium I would wake with terrible burning from the stuff I'd bring whilst asleep. The pain could be unbearable. I'm not going to say that the sleeve isn't any good...but weight wise, the sleeve didn't work for me long term. That and suffering so bad with the reflux was enough to get me a revision to a full gastric bypass. 29th January 2014 I had my op and I have not had one single day or night since with reflux. However, my surgeon does want me to "protect" my pouch by continuing to take the Nexium for at least 6 months. But to be honest, they are probably the only drugs I forget to take....lol....I know, I'm bad. See if you can make an appointment to speak to your surgeon or perhaps a member of the bariatric team you are considering....try and get a one-to-one with someone who'll be able to advise you best. Good luck Xx

It's like anything that's new...you have to give it a lot of thought to be able to learn it thoroughly. Like learning to drive and coming up to test day, but a few months down the line you get in the car and are on automatic pilot. Well that's how I try to look at this new way of eating...I'm discovering what I can eat, what I can't, what I should and what I shouldn't. So I don't think this has the potential to become unhealthy as long as your ambition is to remain healthy. We all have to fight the old demons, but what your WLS has done for you is given the tools to start again. Things could change with time, (pouch stretch, forgetting the fluid/food intake being at least 30-45 mins apart, accepting slider foods too often, starting to introduce too much sugar into your diet, giving up on Protein supplements and so on) so make the most of now. I think it's good you are addressing your worries and concerns now, but although it's just my opinion, live for today and learn for tomorrow. All the best Xx

Yes...head hunger can be a problem....but I find that that sneaky little devil called "thirst" comes up and pretends to be hunger. What an imposter! Xx

I take Armour for my hypothyroidism. I've yet to have my blood work done (very overdue). I don't think there has been any problems with absorption, but I take my Armour very early in the morning and don't eat anything for at least an hour so that nothing infers with it's potency. That said...I do feel very tired at time...so I'm off now to book my blood work. Xx

Sounds interesting....what did you think about it? Xx

Sneak it in. Or tell them you have a medical condition. It's such a shame that we don't have some sort of official card that we show to say we have a medical condition.

I like and use My Fat Secret. I add the foods I want and it totals it all up. Plus it keeps a good record of my weight. Xx

Nectar is by far the best tasting protein powder. Great source of protein too. X

I'm not a long time out. But I just wanted to wish you all the best. Xx

Why are you weighing so often? Losses occur throughout the week, two week and monthly periods but your weight will fluctuate from day to day. You are both just fresh out of surgery....give it time to settle because you are still going to be holding on to a lot of Fluid. And the body is still in shock mode. As long as you are compliant with what you team have told you to do, you cannot fail to lose weight. You'll get there... Xxx

Fantastic news. Great that you'll have a fantastic role model and mentor in your twin sister...how very lucky your are. Well done xx

Yes you will still get your surgery. I had four hernias repaired and my surgeon also took out a rotten gall bladder while he was In there. I feel like I got a full service...lol Xx

If they told you that you can't have the op, how will you feel? Because honestly, if you don't get it together now, they might turn you down, especially with a weight gain. My pre-op diet was a lot stricter than your...it was all liquid, with some Jello and some bouillon. Yes, it's tough, especially when you're cooking or eating with others. Personally, I think that for me it was those losses that kept me spurred on. I kept telling myself that each time I lost weight, it was going to be "gone forever" ans a step closer to my goal. Keep busy....get creative with your shakes...buy Davinci sugar free syrups and add them to your shakes to get new flavors...or freeze them. Another thing I did was buy smaller clothes as an inspiration and motivation...that put big smiles on my face when I got into them. Hope you get it together soon so we can see you on the losers bench....good luck. Xxx

I had a sleeve that was revised to gastric bypass. Xx

You look lovely....well done xx