XO Jessica XO

It's really strange, and actually kind of funny, but I start sneezing and get a stopped up/runny nose when I get full. I try not to eat to the point of fullness but the rare times I do, its a quick reminder why I shouldn't!

I had a bout with kidney stones about a month ago. I am 5 months out and down 65 lbs. I woke up about 3am with splitting pains in what I thought was my side. Passed out twice at home, by the time I got to the ER I was vomiting. 2 shots of morphine and 1 shot of tramadol (?) later and I was finally knocked out. The largest was 4mm. Doc said the passing out/vomiting was from the pain. (The contrast they tried to make me drink didn't help any!) No pain since I left the ER and doc said they probably passed without incident. Said cause was probably change in diet, and to increase my fluids intake also.

It does does does sound hormone related. Once I had this problem and my doctor said I was not ovulating. He put me on the pill to get my hormones moving again' date=' when I went off of it I immediately got pregnant and got a ton of hair. I think what started it for me was getting a deprovera shot...I cannot get these at all as my period slowed and I did not have one for a long long time like 2 years. After only 1 shot. I have a very bad thyroid deficiency, and I know if I don't take my medicine this can happen quickly so take my medicine faithfully.

Have you heard of natural hormones? Might be good to read up a bit. Sure sounds hormone related like too much testosterone, etc. Maybe go to a doctor that specializes. Get it fixed. And then get pregnant and you'll regrow your hair. haha It worked for me.

I was very afraid of losing hair again with the surgery, and I did lose some, but it was a different kind of Hair loss. Kind of like it falls out but is regrowing very quickly. I liked the comment someone made about the chia pet or whatever...that was funny. And true![/quote']

**I'm having ovulation issues too. May I ask what type of BC you were on? I've never taken BC before, but since my fertility was a huge factor in getting my surgery (and doc says no pregnancy for at last a year); I thought it might help jumpstart my periods and ovulation so when my weight stabilizes, my body will be ready.

Also, if it makes your feel any better I have seen significant improvements in my PCOS symptoms. Though my periods still aren't normal, and I have a residual issue with the facial hair, my issues have come leaps and bounds from where it started. I have provided my stat info for you.

Starting weight: 287

Current weight: 225

Height: 5'5"

Surgery date: Dec. 5, 2012

*Staying away from carbs is absolutely vital for us. That doesn't change after surgery. I hit a stall every time I slip up with carbs.

I know it's long, but I posted this reply in regards to someone who had been told that their dark skin was basically"dirt".

"Let me be VERY clear on something. The darkening on the skin we are

experiencing IS NOT dirt. That is either an ignorant comment from an uneducated person, or someone who has been EXTREMELY poorly informed. It has to do with Insulin Resistance and the insulin leaking out of our bodies. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the TRUE cause of this very embarrassing, hygiene UNrelated issue. Please read below or take time to do your own research on Acanthosis nigricans. I myself have found very positive information regarding this unsightly issue, with regards to weight loss and overall fading of the problem areas.

Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in body such as the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, forehead, and other areas. (In other words..your neck, armpits, groin (inner thighs), near the belly button, and forehead)

It typically occurs in individuals younger than age 40, may be genetically inherited, and is associated with obesity or endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary disease, insulin-resistance, diabetes, or Cushing's disease.

The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which leads to increased circulating insulin levels. Insulin spillover into the skin results in its abnormal increase in growth (hyperplasia of the skin)."

That sounds like a great idea. Let's make plans to update each other with how successful (or not) our methods are. Hopefully we have hit upon something and will both be back with great news!

Oh, and I was sleeved Dec. 5.

Wow..our stats are pretty close...I started out at 287 and am stuck at 228 as well. I'm starting Atkins this week as think my carb intake is too high. I'm also trying to up my Fluid intake as a trip to the ER this week with kidney stones was not fun and was extremely painful!!

Surgery Date: 12/05/12

Starting Weight: 287

Current Weight: 230

June 1st Goal: 199

31 pounds in 8 weeks? Yes...I...Can!!

I too have suffered immensely with this issue. I' date=' like a previous poster, was told it was "dirt", but I had already done my research and new exactly what it was. I am 29, and like you, started noticing it around 12-13, though it intensified as I got older. Let me give you some awesome news! It gets much better!! On my inner thighs is where I noticed a HUGE difference right away, but at 5 weeks post-op and 37 lbs. lost, it has all but disappeared from under my arms. Now, if my neck would just clear up, I'd be a much happier camper [/quote']

And just FYI, I am 5'5", starting weight 287, current weight 250.

Ive suffered from acanthosis nigricans since I was 12 or 13 (although it was much lighter then). I do have metabolic syndrom and I am pre-diabetic...I am hoping that this will go away because I want to be able to wear sleeveless tops!! I do wear them in the summer on occasion' date=' but I am so embarrased by my underarms that I tend not to. Has anyone exprienced a decrease in the darkness, or even seen it disappear after the weight loss?! That would just be amazing![/quote']

I too have suffered immensely with this issue. I, like a previous poster, was told it was "dirt", but I had already done my research and new exactly what it was. I am 29, and like you, started noticing it around 12-13, though it intensified as I got older. Let me give you some awesome news! It gets much better!! On my inner thighs is where I noticed a HUGE difference right away, but at 5 weeks post-op and 37 lbs. lost, it has all but disappeared from under my arms. Now, if my neck would just clear up, I'd be a much happier camper

Hi All' date='

I'm really struggling with this & would love some input. I decided to take 2.5 weeks off for my surgery, after announcing my 2 week "vacation" rumors started swirling that I was having Gastric Bypass. Funny thing is -- I'm NOT having Gastric Bypass - ha! ha! and I have told no one about the surgery. I don't feel like it is anyone's business & frankly don't want to deal with all the opinions.

Now that I've been off work I've lost 25lbs & the weight I'm sure will start falling off. I still feel like they can talk all they want, but need to mind their own business.

Thoughts?

[/quote']

I guess I got lucky. If not for my co-workers my two week post-op diet would have been hell. My co-workers have been super supportive and help keep me honest at work. A few even attempted the post-op liquid diet to support me and now several of us are getting together to set up a work out routine. I am using my weight loss as encouragement to others. Those who decide to gossip have never done so where I would hear about it, but it would just be because they are jealous that I stepped up and took a chance to get ahold of my life. I don't judge on their choice of piercings, tattoos, hair color, wardrobe choice, etc. Don't judge me for trying to match the level of fabulous on the outside, that I am on the inside! Hold your ground! Your body, your life, your choice!

I'm praying I can still tolerate sushi post open. I LOVE it. I told my husband we'll order a boat' date=' I'll have like 4 pieces and he gets the rest. [/quote']

I love seaweed salad!! I am almost 5 weeks post op and can tolerate it just fine. I, like many others, still can't handle the rice. Also no cucumber or other raw veggies. I just order the fish (eel) I like and have it wrapped in seaweed paper with some eel sauce and maybe a little cream cheese.

Sorry..AA...dang autocorrect!

Its not that I want freedom' date=' I need fear. Alcoholism has been a struggle and don't get me wrong I try hard not to cave in. Today I was glad to be honest with the doc, they gave me a medicine to coat my stomach and to prevent ulcers. Doc said u don't want bleeding because your stomach being small, makes it more difficult to repair.[/quote']

Just want you to know my husband had gastric bypass 10 years ago. He lost almost 150 lbs putting him around the 225 mark. His alcohol addiction not only lead him into making decisions that now have him on probation (where I can assure you, you DON'T want to be) but he's also back up to 320 lbs. The wasted calories in the beer plus the carbonation will make all the time and effort put into having surgery completely pointless. He spent two years unemployed, almost 1 year away from me, waiting for his probation transfer to be approved, and now hands over more than half his pay every month for legal costs he's responsible for before he can get off probation. This doesn't even touch what issues it's caused with the people in his life. Please consider the AS option. Even my stubborn husband learned a few things just by going and listening to other peoples stories.

How are you doing?

I'm doing pretty well. Down 24 lbs and going back to work tomorrow. Still a little tired (weak) but I think I'll be ok.

Hope you are doing well.

I am doing pretty well. I go back to work tomorrow and am down 24 lbs. Lost 12 lbs on the liquid diet and 12 lbs since surgery on Monday

I'm in Cypress' date=' and Dr. Yu was my doctor too.[/quote']

I'm in Houston too!! Northwest side...Dr. Yu did my sleeve this past Monday.

I have Dr. Sherman Yu. He looks pretty young but has an excellent bedside manner and doesn't rush you out of his office. The ladies at his office are also very helpful with those "I was just wondering" questions!

I'm a Dec. 3 sleeve like a lot of people on here!! Dr. Sherman Yu in Houston, TX. I'm 286, 5"5', BMI of 49. Can't wait to get started!!!

Let me be VERY clear on something. The darkening on the skin we are experiencing IS NOT dirt. That is either an ignorant comment from an uneducated person, or someone who has been EXTREMELY poorly informed. It has to do with Insulin Resistance and the insulin leaking out of our bodies. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the TRUE cause of this very embarrassing, hygiene UNrelated issue. Please read below or take time to do your own research on Acanthosis nigricans. I myself have found very positive information regarding this unsightly issue, with regards to weight loss and overall fading of the problem areas.

Acanthosis nigricans is a brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in body folds,^[1] such as the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the axilla, groin, umbilicus, forehead, and other areas. (In other words..your neck, armpits, groin (inner thighs), near the belly button, and forehead)

It typically occurs in individuals younger than age 40, may be genetically inherited, and is associated with obesity or endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, polycystic ovary disease, insulin-resistant diabetes, or Cushing's disease.

The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which leads to increased circulating insulin levels. Insulin spillover into the skin results in its abnormal increase in growth (hyperplasia of the skin).

The dark skin is a condition known as Ancanthosis Nigricans and is associated with insulin resistance, PCOS, and obesity.

The darkening, which also occurs around the neck and under the arms is called Acanthosis Nigricans and it is a prime symptom of PCOS. I have dealing with this for years. The blackheads also cone with the territory. Not sure the best treatment but I use a scrub.