JJ Schlic

As you stated "it is normal". My first stall was at about 11 weeks and lasted for 3, then I started losing again, just like magic! I am now 4 months post op and in another stall. It is discouraging, but I anticipate that I will be losing again, very soon.

That too was a concern of mine, since I was accustomed to taking a whole handful of pills with one big gulp of Water. Start practicing now taking one pill at a time, with a small sip. It took me quite a while to take all of my meds, but I am now 4 months post op and am back to taking several at a time with a small gulp.

I drink Body Fortress, in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. I find it mixes well. If I mix one scoop with 1 percent milk, and some greek yogurt, I get in 44 grams Protein, and about 330 calories. For me, one shake is enough for one meal and one snack.

My surgery date was June 24. I just hit week four, and it seems that I am able to tolerate anything, in small quantities. I don't feel the need to puree everything if I stick to small bites and chew really well. I try to keep all my food choices, Protein based. I am sick to death of the Protein shakes, so I just quit drinking them a couple days ago, to give myself a break. I'll start back with them tomorrow. It is a struggle to get enough Water, but I realize that when my stomach hurts, it is because I need water.

My bandages came off at week 1, and yes, the my incisions did itch. After showering I would put on a dab of Neo-sporin with the pain relief formula. It seemed to help the itching. I am not a Dr, but I would suspect that your itchiness and red bumps are a reaction to the glue of the bandage, and since you are 2 weeks out, I would certainly think that you should have the bandages off.

I found that the people who know me the best, my family and closest friends, were very supportive of my decision. It was others who don't know what I have gone through with other medical issues, who thought it was crazy. I assured them that of course I had tried to get the weight off and keep it off, for more than 30 years. Enough is enough.

My surgery was June 24. I too am having trouble getting enough nutrients, but I'm hopeful that each day will be better. Today I did 40 grams of Protein shake, but only 34 oz. of Water. Taking all my pills is a big issue, but I got more down today than yesterday. I do have pain between my incisions. My skin is not red, or hot to the touch, so I am assuming that is still from the trauma of the surgery. How long should I expect that to last?

My surgery was on June 24th, and I ran a low grade temp, with chills a couple times since then. Our bodies have been through a tremendous shock, and hydration is critical. I also took a tylenol, rested, and used a cool cloth. My surgeon advised to call immediately if the fever went about 100.5.

Terrific. Yesterday I was also at Day 4, and I struggled to get 4 ounces of Protein in 1 1/2 hours. This morning, Day 5, I was able to take 4 ounces in 1 hour. I have a kitchen timer set to go off every 15 minutes, as a reminder that "it is time". Best of luck!

I was diagnosed with depression several years ago, and put on medication. The medication did wonders for me, but when I went to my pre-op psych evaluation, the Dr was not impressed with treating solely with medications. The Dr suggested that I seek more counseling before and after my surgery, so that I could dig to the core of my depression, and see how it might affect my use of food as a way of either self medication, or self punishment. I was on the defensive the first couple of sessions, and by the 3rd session I decided to be more open to what the therapist was saying. By my forth session I really felt that she had dug into some issues and feelings that I had hid from myself for a very long time. It isn't easy to face those things, but I realize that those things are in the past, and I shouldn't let them dictate my present or future. I am day 5 post-op, and have plans to have periodic appointments with my therapist, to help me stay on track. I view the therapy sessions as just one more very important tool, in this process.