Texasmeg

I have been diagnosed with IBS and the symptoms are consistent with it ( though it certainly could be something else). My symptoms are greatly improved since surgery and usually treatable with immodium tablets, but I've had a few bad times with it in the 8 mos. since the surgery.

I kept saying that I look like myself again!

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 160 TPL: 72 TPG: 70 I lost 1 lb this week - seems to be the norm for me now. 10 lbs to my new (and final) goal.

I had full liquids for 5.5 weeks and then moved slowly to my regular diet. Full liquids being Water, Protein drinks, SF pudding, SF/FF yogurt, and strained light cream Soups.

At 7.5 months out I can say that I get hungry, but that it is greatly reduced from before surgery and does not create significant problems for me. I would love to hear from people that are 1 - 3 years out, though.

Congratulations Andrew!

My doc said to use powder instead of cream to keep it dryer. Good luck!

I had a rash in the same places after my surgery. It was angry red and felt like a burn. The dictor said it was yeast and had me use jock itch powder - it cleared it up. My regular doc said to use a blow dryer on low heat under your breasts after a shower to dry them better.

Mine said I had a 50% chance of losing at least 66 lbs. and a 20% chance of losing at least 92 lbs. in 12 mos. At 7 mos., I've lost 71 lbs.

Great analogy!

I was told to avoid throwing up because it can harm your sleeve. Be careful and start slowly.

Exactly what I was planning to do today!

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 161 TPL: 71 TPG: 70 Lost 1 pound this week and am now below my goal weight. Pounds from new goal of 150: 11 lbs.

I read one article that said one of the best indicator of whether someone will keep off lost weight is the people he or she hangs out with. Make some friends while you are there!

I have an egg most mornings, but twice a week I have raisin bran or shredded wheat. It helps me stay regular.

I told mine in response to his question about what supplements I am taking. It didn't really change anything.

I was proud of being able to walk up and down the many stairs on Dubrovnik, Croatia (built into a cliff) with my grown daughter for a week. I am proud to do 90 second planks now. I am proud to be able to get up from sitting on the floor without using my hands.

Thanks for posting. It is a little worrisome with regards to the vitamin deficiences and the increase in those over time.

I'm sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. Trying to look on the bright side, Is it possible that, with the prednisone, you would have gained a lot more weight if it weren't for the sleeve?

I am 7 mos out amd was told at the beginning I needed 80 - 85 grams of protein a day. I called the NUT the other day, realizing I had lost 70 lbs and this might have changed. She told me to drop it to 60 - 65 grams per day. I drink one muscle milk light (20 grams) most days to meet that requirement.

That's fantastic! You should feel very proud of yoursel!

That's fantastic! You should feel very proud of yoursel!

Very happy to report that I've met my goal!!! Not only that, but my trainer told me I gained 4 lbs. of muscle in the last two weeks (and I thought it was a stall!). My goal was based on my doctor saying that the average sleever looses 60 - 70% of their excess weight. Being an overachiever, I set my goal at an approx. 70% loss. I'm happy with the way I look and wouldn't care if my body decides this is it - but, for health reasons, would like to be a little lower. I'll set my next goal at 150 lbs, because that would put me comfortably into a normal range of weight. HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 162 TPL: 70 TPG: 70

Yes, the sleeve was originally intended as a stopgap for severely obese people who weren't healthy enough for RNY. Later, they found that many people didn't need RNY because the sleeve worked so well and it became a treatment of it's own. If it isn't effective, RNY is still an option.

That is great and you look wonderful!