Marathongirl

Hey there! I use MFP and my name is Lilchickpea. I'll look for you!

I had a 3 month waiting period. However, I started at the surgeons office. I had a visit with their nutritionist every month, where I was weighed, talked about the surgery and healthy eating habits. I didn't use my PCP or a case manager. The surgeon documented everything and sent it all to my insurance company.

The way I got through it was to chew a piece of sugar free gum. It would satiate my mouth. Or, you could try and have some fruit with every meal. I remember when I couldn't drink that much Water too. It would make me feel full and sick (which is why they want you to drink a lot!) I hope you get the hang of it soon. I'm even telling my friends and family who are trying to lose weight that its probably best not to drink while eating.

I was surprised he dropped them too and my brain has been a little (ok -- maybe a lot) fuzzy but I feel ok. I still don't really understand why he did it because I had stayed on the pills the week before (first 6 days after surgery). I think some of the brain fuzz may just be the super low cal diet, too. Maybe part of it was because he knows I'm working from home part time this week.

I'll see how it goes for the rest of the week and what he says and make a decision whether to pick the meds back up or stay off. I've been on Wellbutrin for 8 years and Lamictal (mood stabilizer) for about 6 and have been very well managed but I have talked with the psych a lot lately about trying to go off. So many things in my life are better now than when I started the meds. I've drop 260 pounds since I started meds in the form of an ex-husband who made my life miserable! lol

I was on both of those too at one point. I want to go off tegretol, but Pdoc is a little nervous about it. He says I'm doing so well that he doesn't want to rock the boat. I'm happy you're doing so well. Glad you got rid of all that extra weight too! He was just keeping you down!

Congrats! You're going to kick it in October! I have quite a few friends who do triathlons and I know they're not easy. Good for you! Thanks for keeping me encouraged!

I was taking Spinning (or cycle) class before surgery. They told me I could go back to that after 2 weeks. That's heart rate up, sweating like crazy. However, everyone is different and you may not feel like really getting into some serious exercise. The day of your surgery you are up and walking the hospital. So, walking you definitely do from the beginning. It's really up to you and your surgeon. Good Luck!

That's wonderful! I remember when I tried fish for the first time, didn't go so well for me either. Now, I am able to eat just about everything (3 months post-op). Keep up the awesome work!

Wow! You look so happy!

Finally, I am

My surgeon changed my plan after surgery. Surgery June 9th. The first week I took my anti-depressant and mood stabilizer pills. After a stint in the hospital this weekend with pneumonia, he told me to stop all the psych meds until I see him this coming Friday. I thought that was a little weird but I'm all for it because I really want to get off those meds anyway. He really didn't tell me why and I probably should have asked but I'm ok with that for this week.

Wow! Your doctor wanted you stop your psych meds cold turkey. Brave doc there. Please be careful. Just stopping them like that can cause a lot of problems. I hope you'll be okay!

I'm going in for my surgery on June 26th and I have talked to my doc about my anti depressants. I switched to liquid lexapro and they gave me a script for time released generic Wellbutrin. I do worry about my depression and not being able to take solid pills for a while. How long after surgery do we have to wait to take pill form meds?

I took all my psych meds while in the hospital. I took everything in pill form. It didn't bother me at all.

left over salmon with some teriyaki sauce, quinoa and spinach. It'll be my first time with quinoa, so I'm hoping its good!

I wasn't thrilled w/quinoa alone so I mix it with brown rice. You can make a nice quinoa/brown rice salad by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chopped red onion, parsley, and a little lite or fat free dressing of your choice. I like Cesar, Italian, or balsamic vinaigrette. :-)

I loved it! But, I'm kind of a bland eater. I sautéed some spinach and garlic together and threw it into the mix. It was pretty tasty.

That's amazing! If you don't mind me asking what was your surgery weight?

Good work! You have really worked hard.

Hi greensleeve,

My surgery weight was 289.2. So I have lost 53.6 lbs in 3 months.

I worry also so I started Biotin a month before surgery & I still take it. 2 weeks ago I went ahead and started the Nioxin Shampoo I've read great reviews and you see good results of new Hair growth after about 3 months. I have long fine hair, I figured maybe if I get a jump start before it starts falling out it won't be so bad lol. I already see new growth at my "bang" line from the biotin it's like baby fine and uneven but at least it's new growth. I'm just over 5 weeks post op. Even if the Nioxin doesn't work it makes my hair super shiny and my scalp feels super clean.

Jolene, where can you buy the Nioxin shampoo?

We'll I did it... I made the phone call and I'm getting set up with a personal trainer. Yay me! I'm going to suck it up and get in there and do it. Because I CAN do it. I was so proud of myself for just making the phone call that I walked four miles tonight. Thanks everyone! You guys rock!

You are going to be so glad that you did. Especially over the summer when its too hot to go walking outside. Keep us informed on the progress you're making!

I have left the size 20's in the dust and am now in the teens!!! I use to wear a 26 pant and now I'm wearing an 18w comfortably and a regular 18, but tight. I can run a full 2 miles without stopping in 26 minutes (my best so far).

And, in church I can kneel without my butt touching the seat. Sometimes its the little things we never think about, but when they change we are so ecstatic!

Surgery was the best decision I have ever made!

Hi, In reality, there is very little you can do to prevent it, although the above posts are correct in that getting your Protein in is key. I took the Biotin, I also used special, expensive hair care products from my stylist. I still lost a LOT of hair. Fortunately, I have very thick hair, so I did not need a wig, but about six months after surgery, as Christmas was approaching, I thought for sure I was going to go bald, and I had some very thin spots. Now my hair is coming back, but I think it will be another six months before it is back to where it was before surgery. It has been one of the few negatives of surgery. For any that are reading this and wondering if it was worth it - ABSOLUTELY! I would go bald to feel as good as I feel today. Good Luck to you! Working with a good stylist really makes a big difference. Carol

That does scare me! However, you're right, I wouldn't take back having my surgery for the world. I went from a 26 and am now in an 18w. I feel so awesome. I'm just happy to know it grows back! Thanks for your help.

Today I am down 100lbs with my pre op and post op loss so here is a pic!<br><br><br> Pre op <br> <br> Post op <br> <br>

You look awesome! Keep up the great work!

left over salmon with some teriyaki sauce, quinoa and spinach. It'll be my first time with quinoa, so I'm hoping its good!

I have bipolar and take an anti-depressant, anti-pyschotic, and an anti-convulsant. I've taken celexa for over 6 years and it's the only one that hasn't bothered me yet. I do think these meds keep me from losing as quickly as some others, but I need them!!!

I would talk to your doctor and see if it truly is the lexapro that is bothering you. Remember, it's better to have a little physical pain, than mental (but just my opinion).

I bought a Taylor "Biggest Loser" glass scale. It goes beyond 300lbs. Its been great so far. Had it a few years.

I haven't, but that does sound good. Hot air popcorn has only 30 calories a cup.

It is intimidating... all those big burly guys working out with the weights and those lil skinny minis on the treadmills. I understand. A long time ago when I was in college, I gained the freshman 15. I wanted the weight off but was scared to go to the university gym thinking that everyone would laugh at me, or think look at that fatty (if only I could weigh that right now). However, I read in a magazine that most people are worried about what they are doing with their workouts and feeling self conscious themselves.

You walk in and do your thing! Most gyms have a trainer help you out the first time you're there to make you comfortable. I love the gym. I couldn't live without it now. Many people will respect the fact that you are there trying to make a difference instead of judging you!

Okay... So I'm 12 weeks post op. The nutritionist told me that I would have issues with my hair falling out. I was just wondering for some of you ahead, when does that stop?

Thanks!

I think a lot of people who are losing weight without surgery could benefit from not drinking during meals!