Teachamy

Not sure why you say you're at maintenance if you still want to lose 50 more pounds. Yes, it is a calorie game, and it is difficult, but it's not a magical solution--no weight loss surgery is. I can feel your frustration in your post, but I recommend seeing your nutritionist and maybe joining a support group where you can vent your frustrations and get first-hand advice. All is not lost!

My "new life" is what I hoped for. Feeling successful at weight loss again, and seeing positive changes in my health and less medication for my various ailments. I took 3 weeks off from work, and i think it was probably a full 4-5 weeks before I regained my strength and endurance, so I would estimate about a month of recovery. (Although I could certainly do a lot before that time, but I got tired very easily) A typical day for me (9.5 weeks out) is pretty much what it was before the surgery, minus the compulsive eating. I exercise a little bit every day, take care of the family and pets, work, and eat about 750-800 calories. It's sounds like an insanely low amount, but it is very doable, and I feel pretty satiated most of the time. Best of luck with your surgery!

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I'm sure we all can relate to many of the sentiments you've shared. Best of luck to you!

My update: As of today, my size 14's stopped laughing at me when I tried to get into them! I wore size 14 Levi's all day and felt quite accomplished! Can't wait to fit into my 12's again. Its been a good 12 years since I have done that! The sleeve gives me hope and is keeping the wind in my sails!

you could always add protein powder to other soups.

Best of luck to all of you! I am 9.5 weeks out and am so happy to have made this decision!

Prednisone is hell! So glad I am off of it. Hi! I am Amy and I sometimes feel like I have won the autoimmune jackpot--type I diabetes, transverse myelitis, chronic hives, celiac, hashimoto's thyroid--the list goes on. What is AMAZING about this surgery is it affects the gut hormones that cause an inflammatory response in the body, and is the cause of many autoimmune conditions. My diabetes and insulin need has changed tremendously for the better, which will help my cholesterol too. My blood pressure meds have been cut, and I rarely need an allergy pill for my hives. (Let alone prednisone!) This surgery is a saving grace for many of us. Glad you have made this decision! You won't regret it.

Wow! What a difference! You look fabu, girl!

Wahoo! You must feel great!

White flour is just a more refined wheat flour. Although whole grains are marketed as being more healthy and nutrient rich, in terms of weight loss, they are still carbs. If you are attempting to avoid carbs right now, wheat flour, even whole wheat, is not your friend. Sorry!

Best of luck! You'll do great.

That's awesome! Congratulations!

Very happy for you!! Best of luck!

My name is Amy and I am a diet pepsi--aholic. I gave it up finally about a year before I had my sleeve surgery, and switched to seltzer. I still miss the carbonation, and occasionally have dreams of diet pepsi. I once even dreamed I was on a beach drinking it with Brad Pitt! But I know it is really bad for me and makes me crave the salty crunchy snack food that got me to an obese BMI. Brad Pitt may be bad for me too, but I am willing to give him a try! (Don't tell Angelina-- the chick scares me.)

My NUT is stickler for this stuff. She says 12 weeks out for raw fruits and veggies. (and nuts, which I have been craving.) Anyway, I have slight IBS, so I think I will wait the full 12 weeks before I try a salad.

Not long before my surgery, my husband estimated I weighed what his mom weighs. I guess I have never told him my original weight, just my BMI. And he gets every little update on every pound I lose, but I never say what I weigh now either. Good question!

All I used was chapstick, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a comb for after my shower. I also was very happy to put on my own sweats and a t-shirt as I felt pretty naked in the hospital johnny. (I was in for 3 nights, 4 days, so my stay was a little longer than most.) My attention span was limited due to all the dope, but I watched a lot of Law and Order SVU when I came to consciousness. Be prepared for ups and downs, including regretting your decision. The ups come later for those of us who felt sick at first. But the ups are worth it!! Good luck!

Are you getting in 64 oz. of mint tea? Probably what you feel is associated with dehydration. I gagged and gagged for about 4 days after surgery, but it subsided. You must be miserable. Going to the hospital is a good idea. They can start you on IV fluids and make sure you don't have something more serious going on. Feel better!

I'm 9 weeks out and find I can exert myself a lot more than I was able to at first. I am using my elliptical machine now, but I will work my way up to personal training again eventually. I am finding this feels like enough for me right now.

I don't see why not. Talk to your NUT.

Not mine. I can drink anything caffeine and calorie free as fluids. And I was also allowed to count protein shakes, but I don't need to drink them anymore.

Happy for you! Remember that those last meals aren't the last time you will be able to eat normal foods. It will take a few months, but you'll be able to eat them again. So eat healthy and be well. You'll do great.

Wow. That does sound bizarre. I am assuming you have scars, right? Did you check with the surgeon's office? Your surgeon was obviously not alone in the operating room. If you don't get answers from his/her office, I would contact the hospital administration for a review of the surgery. BTW, you said you can eat a cup of food easily. Can you eat more than that? Any other symptoms of recent surgery--diarrhea, and/or constipation, lack of appetite, etc.?

I have investigated the extensions for sparse hair and am willing to take my chances. If all else fails, a wig could work. And I have taken tons of biotin in the past. Never noticed a difference. Sigh.

Well, this girl is now seriously considering cutting her hair off into a bob.. But I'm not sure what works best? Long hair that's sparse or short hair that's sparse? Either way - it sucks monkeys butt.... Yup, sucks either way. I have fairly short hair that is also naturally thin. I have black hair makeup to cover my part, etc. to give the allusion of thickness, but I am concerned this won't be enough...like Sinead once said, "nothing compares to hairs."