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.

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!!

Sorry..AA...dang autocorrect!

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.

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 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.