bkind

I get a b12 shot weekly at my drs office and I love it! It's not painful at all and I can definately tell a huge difference in my energy when I miss a week...they don't even compare to the sublingual I used to take that I got from gnc. The shot just works sooo much better and I notice more energy as the days go by! Ppi's prohibit b12 absorbtion so it's important to keep those levels up...not only for energy but, neurologically as well...good luck!

Thank u pnw218, I know u personally ur a precious person..I feel as well tiffykins takes things to an extreme as far as Dr. Almanza/Jerusalem clinic is concerned that's why I choose to ignore her over the top inuindos as far as surgeons are concerned...it just gets soooo monotonous...honestly I don't think she does understand that there are more tactful approaches..hence the reason she's on here alot, I have a child, husband, family, friends, church and volunteer work that fills my time...no way I could be on the Internet constantly commenting on every post..my life is just too busy. I personally don't take any offense to website or Dr advertisements no matter who they are, and it doesn't offend me in the least when someone posts about good or bad experiences regardless of the Dr involved. Seems to me she takes things faaaar too seriously on here at times and perhaps by u posting ur comments she'll take the time to read over her past comments and realize just how offensive she can be. Just my opinion!

Gr8pyrmom, Thank you sooo much for your post I used to juice and felt 100 percent better! It's funny how we get tunnel vision w/ protein... I've literally been nauseous and miserable trying to get my protein shake in for the day to get in the required amount only to feel like a failure yet again for not being able to! I was in tears earlier because my body is rejecting the torture I've been inflicting upon it! I'm throwing out all of this whey protein crap and I thank God for your post..you have saved me!!! I believe with juicing veggies and fruit plus eating my fish I will feel human again...I'm almost 3 weeks out and have lost 16 lbs and they have been the most miserable 16 lbs of my life! I was seriously beginning to regret this surgery. I did this for portion control and to get healthy and I feel now I can breathe and begin my journey and it doesn't have to be what everyone elses is! I'm not concerned with losing weight the fastest but losing the healthiest way for me to maintain for the rest of my life! Thanks sweetie and God Bless your journey!!!

Hey B, I too used Dr. Almanza and was beyond satisfied with him and the after care..I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great surgeon at an affordable cost. I also didn't have health issues and have had several surgeries so I knew exactly how I would respond. Pnw218 was my roomy while I was there and it was a true blessing, hopefully you can find someone on here that will be going the same time and recuperate together! Makes it lots more tolerable! My tummy tuck was also far worse than this and it was outpatient. My advice would be to way the pros and cons of having surgery in a clinic... For me it was perfect, I did lots of research and made an informed decision. The leak test is very nasty it's true...but, we gotta do what we gotta do! Good luck and best wishes! P.S. Melissa was my coordinator too... She's the best!! : )

Good luck!!! God speed... You're in my prayers!!

I just love a good talking too..lol...seriously, we all need it sometimes!! Here i am days before my surgery feeling sorry for myself because I've given up food for a few days (only on protein shakes..ewww) and I just needed a real wake up call! I'm so proud of all of you for doing so well after surgery! Let's face it...food is a major part of our life and we need to remember that it's not gonna be easy. I don't know about y'all but it makes me sick how much food has ruled my life!! I'm starting to feel that anger now too...I ask myself "why would I let myself get so out of control?" I mean for what??? To end up loathing how I look for literally minutes of pleasure eating my favorite food! Right now I'm trying to figure out what's going to take the place of my food...and it's a hard one to figure out! Thanks tiffykins for the post...I have to keep in mind that I'm getting my health back...no matter how hard it's gonna be! Keep up the good work everybody... You're all on your way to becoming stronger/better people!! My surgery is the 18th I'm hoping I do as well as y'all!

Addiction is addiction no matter what form it comes in...sex, alcohol, drugs, gambling, food and lack of food...it's all the same only a different source. I wish I had gotten help with my addiction before it landed me to 237 pounds at my highest...but before that alcohol was my addiction...and I have hurt many people as a result of both addictions, but mainly myself. I would hope before anyone decides to judge others we think about our own addictons...after all we are all the same! God bless!

I feel so bad for you. I too suffered with endometreosis...and it's so painful. On top of which you were not diagnosed properly until now. My question is the same as well...is the hysterectomy elective? Mine was not..and I had a complete hysterectomy at 31. The surgery itself was painful but I overdid it and was back at school fulltime one week later so I believe that set me back further. There are so many variables that come with both surgeries to consider...the hormonal changes that come with drastic weightloss as well as a complete hysterectomy. Besides the infertility are you in physical pain? Because mine interfered with my daily life. Once you've done your research as well as consulted with your Drs I feel you will be more informed because ultimately both surgeries will add benefit to your life. I can tell you from experience it took me at least 6 months to feel normal again after the hysterectomy and I have to use bio identical hormones now as well. In the scheme of things how will waiting 6 mos (although I would lean more toward 1 yr) between surgeries hurt you in the long run? In the end, only you will know what's right for you. Please be as informed as possible...you can never do too much research. Good luck and God bless you!

Stacy and Bella, You girls are awesome at this...I'll be making a trip because I love peach tea and that sounds delish!! Keep the suggestions coming.. I'm being sleeved on the 18th! :-)

Hey minime If u don't mind me asking what was you bougie size?? My dr. Uses 32 and I'm thinking I may need a 36? Just curious...people on here range quite a bit.

Hey my sleeve sisters!!! I'll be w/ y'all too!! Can't wait!!!

I've read others on here that had the exact same thing...fortunately it did pass for them and hope it soon passes for you. I read a heating pad helps... also are you taking nexium or prevacid? That might help too. My surgery is feb 18th and I'll bet you'll be feeling like a new person by then. Time for your tummy to heal. God speed.

I agree with y'all about the sagging skin and just let me tell you from experience there is NO pain worse than a tummy tuck!! And that's coming from having horrible childbirth pain, gallbladder surgery and a complete hysterectomy! They literally filay you! Then when it's over you get to look at a scar running across one side to the other. It's just my opinion, but if it's just a little not drooping down over your drawers sagginess... Think twice! Plus the scar tissue on the inside sometimes feels like it's ripping...that's something surgeons don't warn you about. Trust me there's worse than sagginess.

Congratulations!!! You did it!!! I've followed your story..we're starting out the about the same and I'm so thrilled to see i could be at my goal in 6 months!!! My surgery is feb 18th! I can't wait for my journey. What an amazing accomplishment, be so very proud of yourself!

I'm so happy for you Lan!!! Many prayers for you sweetie for your continued success! It sounds like the cloud is lifting.. I too take the vit d3 5000 ius daily, as well as omega 3 very important... My thoughts go faster than my train of thought and I lose myself lol. Thank you for your kind words and I wish you much peace! We are all survivors! Keep me in your prayers my surgery is Feb 18th yeah!!! God bless you!!!

I'm so sorry for your trouble...who was your surgeon? How were they able to keep you there against your will? Did you have famiy there to help? What did Dr. B do? Who was your coordinator.. Did you report this to them? I'm very interested to know this...I hope you get well soon.

I get pains like that now and I haven't had my surgery yet..I have had my gallbladder removed since 2008.. But I take an acid controller which helps me alot. I notice a huge difference if I don't take it. Also, I was told I should be tsted for H. Pylori which is a bacteria that causes ulcers from what I'm told it's very common if your prone to ulcers which I am. The treatment is several antibiotics at once and can be repeated w new antibiotics if tested and found the first round didn't kill the bacteria. I would definately talk to your doctor about the pain. It may be a simple med adjustment... Keep us posted and good luck!

Minime, Where was ur surgery done? What pain meds did u take? I'm so sorry for u and glad ur doing better... What would u suggest to people going thru surgery soon? God speed!

I hear ya, cokes are my downfall... I'm a true coca-cola addict! I can do a six pack a day easy!!! Weening myself off is hell and I know my head will mess with me on this one.. To be honest coke is the worst thing I worry about because the consequences are huge if I have one! Hang in there... My surgery is mid feb I'll be joining u soon!

I was doing a google search for bariatric post op food and came across a website that had different flavors of Soup that had 12-15g protein in them. I don't remember the name brand...sounds good though! Y'all keep up the good work ...your journey is beginning!!! Mine will be mid feb... I can't wait!

Dear Lan, My heart breaks for u... I pray this new med is what u need! Ur story gives me pause because my surgery is mid feb. I'm curious to know your background with weight...u are definately right about the rapid weight loss and hormonal changes taking place and my thought is u will be lots better when ur weight has stabilized. Our hormones are major!!! Have u thought of a full scale hormone panel .. Ur doc should at least do this for u... And ins should pay for it... I truly feel u would benefit from it greatly as well! Also... I wanted to tell u that accupuncture works too.. I'm truly not a new age anti drug promoter... U must do what works for u... But thru my 15 yrs of trial and error he'll I wish I had known about accupuncture! Also masssages help with relaxation. If low on money treat urself good by taking hot baths and this sounds corny but hum when very anxious!!! Believe me it works!! Kind of like meditation but the actual humming sound brings you down immediately... U can feel the tension dissipate right then! I drink Chamomile tea and I add lemon and honey for flavor this tea promotes well being and relaxation... Plz try it... And it's not great on it's own.. But if u drink it daily u will feel a difference. Also vitamin e is a natural anti depressant make sure ur on 5000 ie daily of that. Ur b vitamins b6 &12 are major important...I do 2000 mcg daily sublingual of vit b12. When ur really down...can't get out of bed down... Try watching, reading, listening to uplifting positve things... Our mind is so powerful... I literally have to talk myself into being functional some days.. And honestly it works 95% of the time but, the other times I just feel it and there's nothing I can do but get thru it. I am a very faithful person and I don't know about u and definately don't want to offend u in any way... But God truly pulls me thru along w my family!!! My friend believe me when I say... Tomarrow is a better day... I know hopelessness, despair, sadness and desperation and when ur in it... It feels all consuming!!! Be good to yourself Lan!! Be ur best friend and treat urself the way u would treat the person u love most in the world! Remember u can only do what u can do... And that's good enough my friend!!! I wish u all the best.. In the meantime take it easy...God love you! Ttyl

I was diagnosed with bipolar in 1995 have been hospitalized twice been on every medication I can think of... Lithium, valproic acid, Prozac, zoloft, paxil, welbutrin,seroquil, celexa, geodon, u name it.... The last two worked really well for me with the least side affects... With the others I would literally wake up clawing at the sheets because of anxiety... With that said coming off of all medications they must be tapered off... I feel for u going thru drs. I feel ur pain because my list is tremendous... So much money the least they can do is their job. The mental health system will make someone mental if they aren't already. Please keep trying to find a dr. That will listen and work with you.! I will tell you geodon is about 240 per mo. :-( yep, it sux! I ended up having to stop my meds due to financial probs but, I started exercising, taking Vitamins, herbal teas as well as melatonin to sleep well and I've done well. My prob was more depression... My mania is few and far between now. I pray for strength for u... I still go thru rough times but I started wondering about the long term affects of the meds I was taking! Kinda damned if u do, damned if u don't huh? God bless u!

Hey all, Sarah bless ur heart...I know & understand just how u feel... I think we're all going thru it. I told my husband if it were happening tomarrow I'd b good... Alot less anxiety...some advice... Chamomile tea... Works for me and my nerves...lol...plus I take melatonin 3 mg to sleep well... I've been a bundle of nerves!!! I'm getting a lil' better tho. Bella, ur on ur way lady and I'm so proud for u... For all of us..my husband has told me everday how beautiful I am and u know for once I would love to feel that way for myself! He doesn't understand... He's 6'4 built well without having to exercise himself to death and can eat whatever he wants....it drives me insane! Lol...but now I have hope and I'm lovin it! I'm the type of person that I will do the work... Just show me some results... I swear I can diet for weeks and lose 9 lbs then gain 10 if I eat over a weekend. Im not sure if I want people to know yet... My mom and sis know but that's it. I just don't want all the questions and judgements. I really am grateful for the inspirational stories on here... At least y'all know what I'm going thru. That is sooo comforting. Bella... I'm not sure about pics yet... I'll have to give that some thought... That's nothing new for me though, when I was going thru pics .. It was almost impossible to find some of me because the bigger I get the less I take... It's so sad for my son too... I can barely find any of him and I together, because of my issues w weight. I'm just soo done!! Sarah, if I couldve done this in my twenties girl I wouldve... I'm jealous.. Lol... Ur so young and have sooo many great yrs ahead of u and just think of how great you'll feel...& look!!! I can't wait.. My life is finally starting!!! Yaaaa!!!

Hey Bella, I'll definately keep in touch...I'm 39...and lots like you...I've steadily gained 87lbs over the past 11yrs...my highest was 237... I was 202 when I had a tummy tuck/lipo and convinced it was what I needed to begin a weight loss journey... I lost to 196...looked ok ... Then it started coming on...I had a complete hysterectomy 3 yrs before and my weight had been stable so I thought I would b alot better. About a yr later plus about 15 lbs... My gallbladder had to be removed. It was downhill from there... They were All painful surgeries so I know what it's like to be in tons of pain so that's not my concern here. I'm an emotional eater... And I'm hoping this is my answer. I once had a class with a girl who had her teeth wired shut and I can honestly say Ive never even considered that...lol even though she lost 60lbs in 3 mos... I've researched this alot and sooo glad I found this forum. I'm feel I've finally found the answer to my prayers. I'll be rooting for y'all and soon after will be following your lead!!! Keep in touch!

Hey, since y'all were low bmi what were your weight losses?? How long has it taken y'all? Were there lots of stalls? Who did u go to? Keep up the good work!