Glyndalin

@@Luna222 Please take care of yourself. Even if it's not time yet, you might want to ask to have your blood work done. It sounds like you may be missing something "mission critical" in your Vitamins and minerals.

Hey everyone! I'm with you on the arms thing. But I can't decide if it's worth it to me to eventually doing something about it. I had a friend who did, but the long scar seems almost as bad as wiggly-jiggly. Clothes are so weird to me! I have 16s that still fit, but 12s are really the average size. But, my top is still a 14. I have not had the "deflated balloon" situation. In fact, I've gone from a 46B/C to a 38D /DD. What the heck? I also had my B12 deficiency REVERSE itself. I'm taking less B12 that I was before the surgery and my levels have NEVER, EVER been this high. (I have a genetic lack of intrinsic factor, so I've been on shots / sublinguals for more than 20 years.) Doc isn't sure why, but he said they haven't had enough patients with my particular condition to guess how the surgery affects those who have it. I am having constant pain, occasionally sharp (bend over, can't breathe style), in the left side below the rib cage. I've had it as a "dull ache" since 2008, but since the doctors have never been able to figure out what it is, I decided it would either get better or worse, and to stop wasting my time trying to get an answer. Well, the sharp pain is new, and it's definitely worse. My next follow-up with the surgeon isn't until July, so I'm thinking about talking with my GP about it. Reading the book "Back on Track after Weight Loss Surgery" by Thomas Clark. I'm not really "off track" (i.e., gaining), but it was recommended to me and it is a wonderful resource. Highly recommend it. Well, headed to bed. Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend, everyone.

Howdy, folks. I've been out of pocket traveling for work and then an "aging parent" crisis. I'm doing fine. I'm down 121 pounds, 53 pounds since the surgery on 10/27. I'm wearing a size 12-14, which I haven't done since 7th grade. I don't have a weight goal because I've never been this small before. Just waiting to see where the weight settles. Honestly, if I don't lose another pound, I'm gonna be happy anyway. I eat between 1000-1400 calories a day, depending on activity level. At my 6-month checkup, the doctor said we have to wait a bit longer to get rid of the hernias (Oscar, Ernie and Bert), so I'm still severely restricted on exercise. And we're walking... and we're walking... I (unfortunately? fortunately?) have no dumping syndrome at all, so I can pretty much eat anything I want - not always a good thing. It's okay, though, because as you can see from the stats, I'd lost 68 pounds before the surgery. The pouch keeps me from overeating and will help me from gaining back, which has been my problem in the past. So I guess that catches you all up! I hope I'll be able to check in more frequently for the next couple of weeks. Peace, Glenda Here's me and my WONDERFUL boss at the conference in April. Here's my before picture (303 lbs).

So sorry to hear that @smiley922. @@Shadow427 Hang in there. There's a better job waiting for you.

@@Beni First thing in the morning, I have my coffee with a packet of Bariwise Hot chocolate and a Quest bar. That sets me up with 37 grams of Protein to start the day, if I eat the whole bar (which I normally don't). For lunch, I either have a fish dish of some sort (17-30 grams of protein), or Greek yogurt with Bare Naked Granola Protein (28 grams of protein for the combo). By the way, I tried Starbucks Doubleshot with Protein yesterday, and it was pretty good too. Ended up with 41 grams to start the morning that way, but I think I'll stick with the Bariwise because of the sugar content. For my "snack," I have a Bariwise fruit drink (lemonade and grape are my favorites). That's another 15. And if I'm really hungry, I'll eat a bag of protein chips (Bariwise barbecue is my favorite). That's 10. That means by dinner, I have around 80 grams of protein already in (with no chips). But I still focus on protein at dinner. I either eat whatever meat my sister cooks for herself and some veggies, or I have a bowl of Special K Protein plus 1/2 cup of almond milk and some fruit (berries of some sort). Either way, I'll be closer to 100 grams. I was getting about 60-70 grams previously. This has definitely helped.

Talk to your nutritionist or surgeon. Everyone heals differently. I was able to eat pudding-like consistency about 3 days after surgery in small amounts. Some of the WonderSlim products can be a shake or pudding. If you let the "shake" sit for a few minutes, it becomes a pudding. That might be a good place to start. Whatever you do, don't push it. It's frustrating for a few weeks, but it will be worth it in the long run.

@@Beni, I was having a significant problem, even with Biotin. The person who put me on the right path was the GNC guy! he said I needed 1/2 my weight in Protein after surgery to be able to keep up with hair production requirements. I was getting what the doctor recommended, but by his estimation, I was about 20 grams short. Appears he was right. I upped my protein and have seen a dramatic decrease in my hair loss since I upped the protein, but boy, getting that much protein in has been tough!

@@Luna222 Great progress!

My labs from the GP came back fantastic. My HDLs are over 40 for the first time in my life. Everything else looks great. I'm so happy with the results. I see the surgeon on Tuesday for my 6-month check up (a little early), and I hope I've lost enough for him to schedule the repair of "Oscar, Ernie and Bert" - three huge surgical hernias that have restricted my exercise plan considerably ("nothing that pushes, pulls, or in any way puts pressure on your abdomen"... really?! What exactly does that leave?) I'm tired of Oscar the Grouch calling the shots. Originally, we thought it was just one hernia that I'd nicknamed "Oscar the Grouch" because it would sit up like "ALIEN" on my stomach when it got irritated. I was hoping the surgeon could repair it when he did the WLS, but when I woke up, he said, "Oscar had his friends Bert, Ernie and Elmo with him. I took care of Elmo (a hiatal hernia), but Oscar, Ernie and Bert will have to wait until you've healed and lost some weight to avoid recurrence." [Attaching photo he took during the surgery for the non-squeamish. To the squeamish, LOOK AWAY!] I'm not really looking forward to another major surgery. That will be 5 in the past 3 years. But I am ready to get rid of "the triplets."

@@Beni I am so sorry you are not feeling great. One of my mentors who is 6 years out warned that a lot of folks get some sort of depression around the 6 month mark, so be sure to be kind to yourself. I hope the doctor can figure out what's depleting your energy level so you can get back to your usual happy self. Cyberhugs. <3

@@misstvb We are all on our own journeys. I'm going slower than some others, too. I'm just happy that I am now "just overweight." I haven't been this weight since junior high, so whether others lose more, lose faster, or not, I'm focusing on what my own journey, rejoicing with those who are having fantastic results, and sympathizing with those who are struggling. The only reason I mention this is that posting helps me. If it helps you, then post, and don't worry about comparing your journey with anyone else's. We're just here to support you. Peace, Glenda

@@Luna222 Have you tried a topical in combination with the Tylenol? Like Anbesol, or something like that? If the pain stays that intense, I'd call the dentist and have him/her recommend an oral surgeon who can take you as an emergency case.

@@Luna222 Welcome to Onderland! If the scale does criss-cross for a couple of days, don't worry. You're moving in the right direction.

@@brown eyed gal I can eat just about anything except deep-fried foods. (Those make me sick.) But I avoid Pasta, even whole grain and vegetable pasta, because I can't get my Protein requirement in if I eat it. I might have one bite if there's room after I eat my protein.

@@Bronxmerci You look marvelous, darlin'! I wish I'd had enough sense to have this surgery when I was your age. Stay the course!

@@smiley922 CONGRATULATIONS!

@@AuriP You look fabulous! Congratulations!

I didn't have to do it for 14 days, but your BMI is a lot higher than mine was at the time of surgery. They are trying to make sure your liver doesn't get in the way. I just saw an episode of "My 600-pound life" where Dr. Nowzaradan had to stop the RNY procedure and switch to the sleeve because the liver was in the way. I know it's hard and a pain in the neck, but stick with it. The more you can do to have your liver healthier (and it does only take about 14 days), the better chances you'll have a successful surgery. Hang in there. This too shall pass!

Congratulations! There should be a post-op group for March patients. Make sure you find it and stay connected.

Here's my NSV for today. I drove up here to Longview (about 4.5 hours from my house) to conduct a teacher's workshop. I brought a pair of my favorite dress pants that I hadn't worn since before the surgery because they were too tight. I figured they'd perfectly by now. And, yes, I know. I should have checked before I left home. So, now I have a little problem because they do not fit. They are literally falling off me. At the moment, I have a binder clip at my waist to "take them in." I have about an hour before the workshops starts. I'm seriously considering going to Wally World (aka Walmart) and getting a pair of "emergency pants." LOL! All I need is a bunch of teachers saying, "Teacher, Teacher I declare. I see someone's underwear!" Some situations are frustrating and exciting at the same time.... Have a great day, everyone. Glenda

@@LisaCO, why on earth would you feel guilty about Quest bars?! ♫Let it go. Let it go!♫ Provided you aren't eating too many of them. I credit Quest bars with the 68 pounds I lost before surgery. And after surgery, I have eaten at least one a day (although sometimes at two sittings) to make sure I get both PROTEIN and Fiber in. Plus, the cookies-and-cream and white chocolate raspberry satisfy my sweet tooth (which, unfortunately, the surgery did not help). Focus on what you are doing right. A lot of us got into the position of needing surgery because we have issues of all-or-nothing thinking, perfectionism, "good food / bad food," and so on. Your new clothes are fitting? Yay! You feel better? Double yay! Yay for you! Silence that inner critic by giving your inner cheerleader a chance to "Ra Ra Cis Cum Bah" you. You deserve it. Hugs, Glenda

@@PinkPolkadot619 I'm sorry it was a disappointing night. My doctors and his nutritionist have probably the worst education / support out there, but they are also advocates of the "no snacks" rule, which, like you, I've adapted to fit my lifestyle. That generally means I have a very light (100 calorie) snack mid-morning and a protein-rich snack (150-200 cal) in the afternoon. And I will increase those if I'm having a highly active day. His attitude probably comes from frustration with folks who have the surgery and don't stay on top of the life changes necessary to sustain it, but you have to be honest with yourself, and as long as you are reaching your personal goals, keep doing what you need to do to be healthy, sane, and happy. I'm honestly worried my surgeon is going to be disappointed with my weight loss, but I'm thrilled. I've only lost about 45 pounds since the surgery, but I'd lost 68 before the surgery. And I'm smaller now than I was in high school. I told him beforehand that I'd be happy with anything under 200, but now I want to get to 186 (4 more pounds!), only because that will take me officially out of the "obese" category. We're all a work in progress.

@Shadow427. I only lost 2 pounds in the past 30 days. But my mentor who wen through this process 6 years ago (and still looks fantastic) said that most everyone has a little stall right around this time (4-5 months) out because the body needs a break to adjust. You may be losing inches instead, and if you lost less fat than you gained muscle, it's not going to show well on the scale. In my case, my body fat percentage has gone down 2.5%, which is about 11 pounds of FAT. So, if the scale only shows 2 pounds, that's okay. I know my body is just taking time to adjust to the new "configuration" of fat and lean tissue. Stay the course. Happy hour isn't that happy anyway.

@@amylynns Congratulations! I hope to be there in a couple of months, so save me a spot.

@@Luna222 Fantastic job! You look great.