Pagie

i was 323 when I had surgery and just hovering above 100 lbs lost. Im 44 years old and have been overweight (at least over 250 lbs) for over 10-13 years. I look like a melted candle in the upper arms and inner thighs. The triple d boobs are now a small double d and my butt feels like a deflated tire. I still need to lose about 82 more lbs. so who knows what I will look like by the end of it. that being said, I am off me blood pressure meds and my high cholesterol med. there's nothing that can replace how great that feels. I feel great, starting to workout with a personal trainer and loving life.

Im almost 6 months out and I've lost very little hair. Fortunately, my hair is cut pretty short already, so any loss/shedding is not noticeable at all. I'm still worried that I'm not out of the woods yet. But at this point, I'd think it'd have fallen more if it were going to.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and motivation. I hope my surgeon will be pleased when I go for my 6 month follow-up.

...down 80lbs. Not quite 1/2 way to my goal, but closer than I thought I'd be. learning to live with the sleeve. it's a journey of change and new experiences!

Thanks Diva - I am on a daily sublingual B-12 and a high potency D vitamin. I'll my bariatrics office in the morning and get labs drawn.

Thanks for the suggestions. My protein and water consumption has been off for the past few weeks. Which is also around the time that I started exercising regularly. I'll find the right balance somehow, but in the meantime I will get my labs checked.

Any suggestions on how to boost my energy level? I take a great multivitamin, exercise 3x a week, get 8+ hours of sleep and I am so drained. I'm down 72 lbs. so I'm certainly not complaining about that. this just started about 2 weeks ago...

I too had a hh repair at the time of my vsg on Sept. 14th. No one ever said anything to me about abdominal exercises. I'll sure ask. I'm probably post op long enough now.

thanks pdxman for the encouragement and advice. my clothes are looser and I feel great. eventually the scale will catch up with me...

Started cardio last week. Worked out a few times and then gained 2 lbs! What the heck is up with that. still going to the gym this week but, no a happy camper.

I'm 3 1/2 months post op and so far so good. no hair loss yet. I struggle with getting in enough protein. So I won't be surprised if it does happen.

great success!!! what would you say is the key 2 your achievement thus far?

You are still pretty early out from the surgery. My surgeon did not clear me for any exercise other than walking until after 6 weeks post-op. So I would check with your doctor BEFORE you attempt any exercise, even if it is non-strenuous. It takes at least 6 weeks for your new tummy to heal so you wouldnt want to do anything to jeopardize that. Believe me, there'll be plenty of time for exercise. LOL.

I'm 3 months post op and about to start an exercise program. I was wondering if anyone noticed their weight falling off quicker once they started exercising. Please share.... thx.

hi there- I had the same symptoms at 3 months post-op. turns out I had a potassium deficiency. I've have to up my intake and take a supplement - which is yucky- for about 2 weeks. My potassium level is improving as is my numbness. hope that helps.

surgery 9/14/11. down 41

I had a very frightening episode with nausea 2 day. I had an overwhelming case of nausea that made it difficult 2 swallow my own spit, followed by the wrenching with dry heaves and then the throwing up of mucus. What the heck is this about? Now I'm petrified to eat. Keep in mind I'd eaten a few hours prior. I'm post op 6 1/2 weeks.

Just had a flashback from reading Raine's post. Loved being the "pretty face" girl in the crowd. lol

This is what I had to tell myself when I saw my reflection in the mirror today. Although I have lost only 19% of my excess body fat, I can definitely see the changes in my body and the way my clothes fit. It made the sad to think of all the beautiful clothes I will no longer be able to wear in my closet and it made me realize that I'm beginning to "mourn" the loss of this weight in a way that I did not think I would. After being overweight all of my life, being heavy is the only life I've know, I've let my size define who I am (to some degree that could not be helped, because being overweight does limit your involvment in somethings). Now I have to look deep down in side and learn who I am. I am not my fat... So how am I? Anyone else feel this way? Please share.

I was off 4 weeks and needed every day of it. I had no energy, had a hard time getting any fluids in and I felt like crap. Although I have an office position, it is high stress and requires me to be mentally on my toes. So I took as much time as I needed to get to the point that I could function at work. Even then, my first week back I worked a reduced hour schedule. Everyone is different with their recovery. Listen to you body and you will do the right thing.

Down 35 lbs. since surgery which is 19% of my excess weight. Feeling a little stronger every day. Although I must admit that I thought I would bounce back much faster (age 43). On the soft foods for another week and then I'm unleashed on the world of food choices. Determined to make better choices for my body and give it the Protein that it needs FIRST. I also joined a gym so that I can take advantage of this "honeymoon" period with my appetite being practically nothing and hoping that will help boost my losses each week. Just out of curiosity, what was your average weight loss per week?

Just curious if there is anyone out there over 3 months post-op that DID NOT lose hair? or am I doomed!!!?

salt cravings for sure - 5 weeks out and craving green or kalamata olives.

I was told by my surgeon to hold off on gyms until I am at least 6 weeks out. once I pass that, I plan on getting more active.

hi Janet- I'm 4 weeks post op too and feel pretty much like you ( minus the headaches). instead I have a severe lack of energy. looking forward to seeing what others comment.