Elizabeth21

@@*Lexie* Excellent information. Thank you!

I had the same thing. It turned out to be irritation to the phrenic nerve -- the connection from the brain to the diaphram that regulates your breathing. It was irritated because of internal bleeding in my case from a lacerated spleen. That may not be your case. I recommend that you call your surgeon (remember YOU are the customer - be your own advocate). In my case I took anti-spasm medicine (valium) and the spasms subsided after about a day on meds. Oh and I got percocet for the pain. It was VERY painful! Get the relief you deserve! Good luck!

I have had a few temptations along the way. I try to address it by finding something I can have that is as close to what I want as possible. However, if that does not work, I have had a small amount of the tempting item. And then I am over it. Because as I have it, one of two things seems to happen: (1) it "scratches the itch" for the item and/or (2) the item is not that great after all and/or uncomfortable in my stomach so I am less interested in repeating it. I really try to remember that I can have all of this later -- in moderation. Right now I'm still focusing on losing weight. Good luck!

I find that higher sugar foods do not sit comfortably with me. I agree with the "read the label" advice. You need some fat in your diet -- it's not all bad. I would rather have a small amount of fat rather than a lot of sugar. And those foods feel more comfortable. For example: most days I have 1/2 cup of Prairie Farms 1% Cottage cheese for Breakfast. 12 grams Protein with 1.5 grams fat. Tastes great, satisfies, 80 calorie start to the day. The fat free version still had 80 calories, but more sugar and didn't taste and satisfy as well. Good luck!

Interesting article. Of course there are the requisite deniers among the comments following. *sigh*

I also have found the sleeve to reduce my hunger quite significantly. So that would help you. But I agree that your mindset is very important. You may not be ready for WLS -- yet. Keep in mind that you can choose this later if you are not ready now. I will say that I do not crave what I used to and so healthier eating is less of a challenge than it was pre-op. But as many will remind you here, the surgery only reduces your stomach, it does not "fix your brain." You are doing the right thing by researching thoroughly.

I doubt you will be able to finish the container of yogurt comfortably yet. I know it can be hard to be patient with this. Just remember this is only a stage of your program. It will not be forever. Good luck!

@@downsizingdiva and @@BigTink2LilTink, I definitely recommend talking to your PCP or a psychatrist (note M.D. not Ph.D.) to see if a prescription of antidepression med will help. I had memory loss issues and this helped. It may be a "chemistry" issue in addition to "attitude." Good luck!

You have great aspiration! I'm just happy I can use a regular bathroom stall again!!

Wow!! Great success!! You should update your profile stats!!

Yup. NOT making a choice IS a choice!! So is NOT doing something. There is no "none of the above."

@@Bonawanabfree and @@Nikkidoodlebug, hang in there!! It's very early still. Remember that this is major surgery and your body is working hard. Give yourselves the gift of rest!! Also remember that your doctor works for you! If you are struggling contact his office to see if there are meds/advice that can help. Also, take a look around this site -- there's lots of helpful tips. It WILL get better!! Good luck!

Thanks for the tip!! I've also found that when I want a chocolate fix the Cocoa Roasted Almonds from Emerald are awesome, no sugar, and satisfying. They come in 100 calorie packets too, so, you don't have to worry about portions. Also, an occasional Swiss Miss Diet Hot Cocoa is good -- I add a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of unsweetened Special Dark Cocoa powder to it (under 5 calories). (You can add that Cocoa Powder to other things for a little chocolate zip.)

I'm really sorry that you have had this experience. If your surgeon does not give you a surgery date, I recommend that you find another surgeon whose prep is more streamlined. I am amazed at some of the hoops these surgeons put people through.

Ask for a refund!!!

Check to see whether an antacid helps you. I thought I was having hunger pangs that actually turned out to be acid reflux issues. Now I take over the counter prilosec and voila, hunger gone!

I had to take some three weeks out and I was okay. Ask your doctor, you will probably be able to get the relief you need!

Several of us have found that the Vitamins make us nauseous. Your doctor may want your tummy to have a little more time to heal before taking the vitamins. Hopefully, you'll have no trouble. Make sure that you are getting enough fluids. Dehydration will zap energy. And, by the way, you just had some major surgery!! Be nice to yourself. Rest!! Your energy will come back. Good luck!

SCREW THE SCALE!! You know that the scale measures the weight of your muscles as well as your fat, right? Well, it sounds to me like you have been gaining muscle from your workouts! This means the scale may not budge because muscle is dense and will weigh more than fat BUT you ARE getting smaller -- as proven by your measurements!! Be nice to yourself!! Focus on how far you have come from where you were pre-op. And remember this is not a race, it is your life! Keep up the good work!

Someone else may have already answered this, but, I had the same problem. It turned out to be acid reflux. I started taking omeprazole (over the counter) regularly and the problem is resolved! Also, make sure you are getting enough fluids. Good luck!

@@Sharon1964 Yes! I definitely am missing the sun and some warmer weather! I am so glad that having lost weight, and continuing to lose more, I know that I am going to be able to enjoy the summer even more this year!!

@@Stevehud Clever blog name!

Thanks y'all for the suggestions. It helps to know that someone can relate!

"Should-haves" frustrate me and feel "preachy" -- especially when it comes to dealing with life's issues. They are not supportive or constructive. I'd have never been able to have the surgery if I thought I had to conquer all of my issues beforehand. The surgery has helped resolve several issues already. Just not this one. Yet.

I find it helpful to avoid the "all or nothing" mentality. So, for the workout issue, try just starting out with five minutes. Just five. It's a small adjustment to body and schedule which makes it much more doable. After you have accomplished that for a few days, just start adding 1 to 5 minutes more to your workout time every few days until you have built up your time and body to the workout time you want as routine. This also helps you avoid injury as you don't overdo it early on. Good luck!