Cabingirl

That's flat scary! I don't want to be redundant to others, but why would you want to eat a can of Beans? I appreciate the Protein, but how you managed to get that down is pretty durned interesting. I'll jump on the bandwagon of "talk to someone in charge" -- nearly every surgeon has some requirements and guidelines for preparing and eating following surgery. A can o' whole beans is NOT on the list.

If you're anatomy or physical condition warrants it, it is not that unusual, particularly among individuals with a very high BMI, a very short neck, and/or severe sleep apnea. The dangers of anesthesia among this population deserves to be treated with respect. If you are concerned about this, the only person to have the conversation with is your surgeon. Ask him/her if he is aware of the anesthesiologist's preference, ask him if he is used to working regularly with this anesthesiologist, how frequently has he seen this done in his surgeries. Your surgeon is the "captain of the ship," and your safety and comfort is his/her utmost concern. If he says he prefers it based on anesthesiologist's recommendation, then know that you will be made very comfortable and while you will be "awake" you will likely be "pleasantly confused," and will not be bothered by this. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon. What the rest of us think or have personally experienced will not give you the confidence you need.

Great descriptions of my experience from fellow posters. Work hard to meet your doctor's Protein goal daily and you will reduce the extent of your hair loss. Believe me, your weight loss will wow everyone, they won't be looking at your head!

Probably. What did the doctor tell you that you could lift?

If it is puking blood, go to ER, request brain surgery and then they can help you with PB

I would absolutely do it again - just much sooner. Nothing's easy, neither is this, but I am physically much healthier and mentally as well.

That's excellent progress! I understand about backing off -- the board has changed since it morphed into the bigger board. Sadly, some of the really excellent people on the old board have dropped off.

uh, yeah... colonics are typically delivered rectally, and unless you have very unique plumbing, the liquid doesn't travel up into your stomach. Colon(ic) - get it? Seriously, if you haven't done it for years you may want to rethink why you would be doing it now. Of course, if you are really serious, that's a question for your physician.

I'd encourage you to choose a Bariatric Center of Excellence in a great hospital -- they will be part of a first class hospital and know how to manage many co-morbidities. Your hypertension shouldn't be an issue, but you want to have a great surgeon working with a great anesthesiologist to bring you through with no worries.

Just think, you'll truly be ready for so much more this time round! I was tasked with losing 10 lbs in four weeks before my surgery, and only had to do a liquid diet for 3 days prior. I didn't get quite as far as you did 4 years ago, but I was down to my last visit with the surgeon and ready to set a date. At the time, I was set on the band, but like you, I thought I needed to give myself one more chance without the surgery. I tried, but the only weight I lost between that time and my surgery was the 13 pounds I lost before my sleeve. This time, I was determined to have either a sleeve or bypass (depending in large part on what the surgeon recommended). I was able to cross my legs for the first time about 8 weeks ago, and I actually have been able to sit in one of those awful amphitheater seats that have the desk you move to put over your lap - and I could actually put the desk down and use it a few weeks ago. I've had a lot of little but lovely things like that which I'm making every effort to remember and cherish -- you will too. Good luck.

You're losing at a steady pace, and the slower weight loss allows your body, and especially your skin, to adapt better than it would if you'd dropped 90-100 pounds in 5 months. Enjoy this journey!

I am blessed with insurance that pays for bariatric surgery. I only considered a Bariatric Center of Excellence because these accredited centers meet the latest and most effective evidence-based medicine specific to bariatric surgery. Typically, these centers have a bariatric-focused gastroenterologist(s) on board -- this has been invaluable to me. I had chronic GERD with a number of complications, the problem has been lessened but still has to be managed. I had a great surgeon, but the gastroenterologist has been essential to my care. He is on top of my care, including managing particular challenges I have with certain vitamins. Bariatric Center of Excellence hospitals are equipped to properly care for bariatric patients, and the nurses are specifically trained in the needs of the bariatric patient.

RJ - you are mightily blessed! Alive and well, and able to do all that your trainer is asking you to do. It's so good to hear how you are improving every day. Well done.

Definitely give it a rest -- I learned that here. I was likely 12-14 weeks out before I could tolerate coffee again. I enjoy it as much now as I ever did.

Good on you! That's super. Keep us posted on this.

I began losing in earnest about 3 weeks ago -- I was prepared though, a few years ago I had an injury and surgery and the same thing happened. Doc told me then that it isn't uncommon for any major surgery, and certainly not in ours. I cut my hair as well. Good news, it will grow back, but the first time it happens one does take it very personally.

Goodness, you haven't stalled, you've barely started! (I think the dreaded "stall" word must be handed out at WLS seminars, otherwise it's like not a word in the rest of the world's regular vocabulary. Relax, enjoy this gift -- and consider weighing yourself less frequently.

I struggle with Protein, so I start the day with a Quest bar (prefer the Apple or the Wild Berry). My morning snack is usually cottage cheese or a low-fat "Gogurt."

I'd encourage you to speak with your surgeon and ask her/him what her opinion is. It's important you get this cleared up so you're truly comfortable that your doing all the right things, or understand where the nut is coming from. You will feel light headed if you've been in a hot bath/spa and get up if you are dehydrated, or if your blood pressure is low...

ONEderful accomplishment!!!

Thank you for taking the time to share this in spite of your tremendous loss. I am so sorry for your loss.

That's a heck of a drug list - I'm surprised you can stay awake or count past 3. I hope one pharmacy is taking care of all these prescriptions. Just asking - does your primary care physician know about all these different prescriptions? Is someone reconciling the medications and telling you whether you have to take them or can postpone until you are in pain? I would surely encourage you to get a single review by a doctor soon. D3 and B-12 are available in chewable or dissolvable form (I am trying TwinLabs mini versions right now and so far they are fine). I take an approved gummy bear type Vitamin.

I'm sporting shorter 'do - my hair was shoulder-length when I had surgery and 5-6 weeks post surgery I had my hair cut shorter because I knew that my hair was likely to fall out (I'd experienced this a few years ago after a traumatic injury and surgery). I'm older, and also getting tired of the expense and time of coloring my hair after years of vanity. My hairdresser helped me choose a great cut that he's used with clients who have lost their hair, and he's helping it along through the color grow out. Funny thing - I have received so many compliments on the flattering cut and color deal he's got going on on top of my head!

A while back there was, IMHO, a really good thread on traveling and helpful hints/tips and experiences. You can try searching for it (and I do hope Karma comes round for you in the best of ways)!

Unless you were to have complications, I bet you're up on that horse in a really short time, especially if you don't have to saddle your horse, strain or lift anything exceeding the restrictions your doc gives you. Your doctor should be able to give you a good "guess" -- what a great thing to look forward to!