BLERDgirl

I love clothes and fashion. I held on to a lot of clothes that I am enjoying getting back into because they were designer things or just too pretty to part with. My favorite thing is wearing my heels again. It just got too uncomfortable to wear anything over an inch wedge or heel. Now I'm back to wearing my 3 inch heels and loving it! I think it's a better reward than splurging on something food related.

Forgot to add regarding loose skin and hair loss. It's not uncommon but not everyone gets either. I started at a high weight so it's a bit unavoidable for me. It looking like it will mostly be lower body skin on my belly and thighs. Time will tell. I wear compression yoga pants and I work out regularly in the hopes to replace some of that fat with muscle. I had some thinning of my hair around the temples, starting around month 6. I just got my hair done today and it appears to be slowing. It wasn't awful though. I could mostly style around it. Either way, I would trade lose skin and hair loss for the ease of mobility and overall health any day of the week.

After a week of all liquids I wanted something to chew as well! Honestly, I just wanted something other than a Protein shake! For that part, you just have to hang in there until you progress back to food. As for the hunger, are you having head hunger or is it something else?

She's asking here. Isn't that the point of this forum?The point of this forum is sharing experiences. We aren't doctors or nutritionist. I was advising her to go to professionals and get facts.Yes. Everyone should go to doctor.Who doesn't know that? *rolleyes* In the meantime, people are looking for support and have questions. Thankfully others have jumped in to give her actual help and advice. No quite sure why you are so butthurt, but surprisingly many people do not know to go to a seminar or to actuality pick and choose a doctor instead going with the first one they find in the phone book. The advice was to start with an informational seminar.

Welcome to both of you and congrats on taking a positive step! People here are more than happy to share their experiences, but ultimately it is your doctor and nutritionist you need to confer with. As for horror stories, well it it a surgical procedure and as with any surgical procedure there are risks and the possibility of complications. As for me, I had NONE. I started at an extremely high weight, I'm over 50 and menopausal. I also have multiple food and drug allergies. I am on a daily medication that has been known to slow the metabolism. I looked at 2 different programs before choosing my surgeon. I couldn't be more pleased! I had no gas pains, nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc... I was able to get in and out of the bed independently and walk in recovery. Pain was minimal. It felt like I had done 1,000 sit ups the day before and my abs were sore. I didn't use the pain pump or take oral pain meds. I tolerated the liquids I was given in the hospital and have had no problem transitioning back to regular food. I realize this is a tool so I work with it. I drink my fluids (mostly water), I keep my Protein at 100gms a day or more, I eat a balanced diet including vegetables. I limit processed carbs an breads. I work out 4 -6 days a week & keep a food log. I make sure to take my Vitamins & supplements and have regular bloodwork to monitor my levels. That may sound like a lot, but it has been for the most part and easy journey. When I decided to do this, I committed myself to doing whatever it takes to make this work and now these things are a way of life. I am 14mths post-op and down 115lbs. My only regret is waiting until I was so large that my journey will take 2 years instead of one. These forums can be an invaluable tool. Use the search feature. There are many good post about Protein Drink & shakes, Protein Bars, recipes, ways to drink Water, exercising, etc... If you are still unsure, post and ask, we're here to support you.

She's asking here. Isn't that the point of this forum? The point of this forum is sharing experiences. We aren't doctors or nutritionist. I was advising her to go to professionals and get facts.

Everyone responds differently. Some of us rebound quickly & others need a few days or even weeks to get back to normal. You had the additional trauma of requiring blood. Just focus on getting rest & staying hydrated. As your body heals your energy should return.

Get to an informational seminar. Ask questions & take notes. You need facts not rumors.

You are doing fine. 50 lbs is a good weight loss. Everyone loses at his/her own pace.

I didn't. Currently I rely on my Bariatrc program support group. However I think it's smart to use one if you feel you need it.

Sip super slow. Wait between sips & walk after drinking.

Please continue to research. Even with the sleeve you need Vitamins for life. Routine bloodwork is key to monitoring your nutritional levels.

@@chilepeppr4 - Some do. You can email them and ask. Some sell single serving packs. Most places accept returns of unused portions if you keep the receipt.

My process was easy as well. First appointment June, surgery in September. I skipped a visit in July due to family vacations & stuff, otherwise I probably would have had surgery in August. I was treated well and everything went really smoothly.I had my approval letter before I finished all my testing & nutrition class. I had my tests done at Chestnut Hill Hospital due to insurance and they sent the results to Penn. Even with that, no issues. Was there something unusual on your upper GI test?

Egg Foo Young is not really a soft food. It's was likely too much for your first meal. I'd save that for when you are released to all foods as tolerated. My first soft food was scrambled egg. I ate out about a month post op and ordered a vegetable omelet from iHop. I ate slowly, had 1 or 2 bites of fruit that came with it and stopped. I tolerated everything fine no queasy feeling afterwards.

@@bariatricwife - Tums won't cut it. What dosage of omeprazole are you taking? You may need to adjust it or increase it. Some people take 20 mgs 2x's day. For me it helped to take 40 mgs 2 -3 hours prior to dinner. I only seemed to have issues in the evening. Others take an AM dosage before Breakfast and then an evening/afternoon dosage.

I just made a purchase last week. Waiting for the item to arrive. I'm plan to start posting items soon. My beloved teal blue leather jacket is officially too big and is pretty much in mint condition.

@@suemag66 - Talk to your doctor. I would definitely try the prilosec or generic omeprazole. Start with 20 mgs and if there is no relief increase to 40. It may take up to a week before you can notice a difference. Also ask about discontinuing the carafete. It may have just been a precaution due to the hernia repair.

@@suemag66 - What dosage are you on? You may need to increase it. When I took omeprazole I found I needed to increase the initial dosage in order for it to be effective.

I would just add a scoop of the dissolved unsweetened to a cup of soup. That's still my favorite thing to do even now. I just switch up from a ¼ to ½ scoop depending on how flavorful the soup is. It was a welcome break from the super sweet drinks and shakes.

The thing I did notice once I realized I couldn't have stevia was that cutting back and only using the real thing made me crave it less. I bought that monkfruit in the raw 2 weeks ago and only used it last night in a cup of tea. Even then I think I could take it or leave it. Probably won't buy anymore of it. I just crave fewer sweets.

I use raw cacao powder whisked into a cup unsweetened almond milk at a low simmer. A dash of nutmeg and sweetener of choice. I prefer a tsp of maple syrup, but you can use a packet or 2 of stevia/sweet n low/equal. You can also add a tsp of vanilla protein powder for extra creaminess. If you add the protein powder, reduce the maple syrup by 2/3 unless you like it really sweet.

A chicken breast the size of your palm is fine. That's probably 3 ounces. It's the constant hunger that may be the issue. That could be acid which could be manage by a constant dosage of a PPI like omeprazole. How are you doing with your fluids? Are you able to drink 64 ounces each day?

@@suemag66 - Are you actually eating a 3 egg omelet? Are you on a PPI of any kind?

THIS ^ I forget the exact ratios but I think it's you can go a month without food, but the body can only survive a week without water/fluids.