BLERDgirl

Did you talk to your nutritionist? At one month I was eating 400 -600 calories a day minimal of 60gm Protein, 64 ounces fluids. At 3 mths I increased my calories to 600-800 and at 9 months I increased to 1000 calories. Your nutritionist should be reviewing all of this with you. She may advice higher on lower depending on your lifestyle and activity level. You need to call her if you are unsure.

One of your incisions? I would definitely call the doctor. It should at least be scabbed over by now.

Quite the opposite. My immune system appears stronger. I have severe allergies and chronic uterica. I was often getting breakthrough hive despite taking Zyrtec daily. My allergies are under control for the first time in years. I had a vitaD deficiency at my 6 mth bloodwork. They put me on a 12 week course of prescription strength D and repeated my bloodwork. It is now within normal range.

Call your doctor. Everyone has different recommendations. I was cleared early because I had a pretty pain free experience. In fact I would have been cleared for Water aerobics at 2 weeks except one of my incisions hadn't scabbed over so I had to wait another week for that to happen.

It's not uncommon. My full liquid stage was 2 weeks. After week one I wanted to throw every protein shake against the wall. Hang in there. Make sure to meet your protein goals as much as possible, drink your water and walk. Also make sure you are taking your supplements. Your energy won't return without proper nutrition.

I ate vegetables and fruit from week 1. I never had any issues with constipation. I have regular BM's 1 -3 times a day. I started small with cooking or puree peaches and yogurt or tossing fresh spinach in my Protein smoothies during the full liquid stage. I also pureed spinach as a Soup base or tossed some into scrambled eggs as I moved onto soft food stages. By week 4 I was back to eating raw fruit and veg. Protein is important but so are the natural Fiber and nutrients you get from fruit and veg. I find that I lose more when my bowels are working properly. My protein is routinely in the 80 - 100gms range. You do not have to sacrifice one for the other.

There is Protein in nearly everything. I am vegetarian. I do supplement with my morning shake but I get most of my protein from food. I eat greek yogurt, cheese, nuts, Beans, dark green veg, fruit and whole grains. This week I am using something I called green base. It's 3 cups of raw kale, 1 cup frozen spinach, 1/8 cup almond slivers, 1/2 apple blended in the vitamix and poured into ice cube trays. I use 2 cubes per servings. It's only 3 gms of protein but loads of Fiber and Vitamins. I then added 2 ice cubes of orange juice, 1 small orange. 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 scoop Isopure unflavored Protein Powder. I drink half before and half after my workout. It's 36 gms of protein. lunch is Explore Asian - Organic Mung Bean Pasta. I'll probably add some sauteed veg with it. 3oz is 38gms of protein. I'll have some nuts for an afternoon snack. A salad with an egg for dinner. A lot of nutritionist tell you to stop Protein drinks because they want you to focus on eating whole foods. I told mine I was never a breakfast person and I always my a Protein Drink for breakfast. She seemed okay with it since I eat regular meals otherwise. I did go through a period where I wasn't interested in food at all. I just went through the motions to meet my protein goals. However for the most part I enjoy being creative and making nutritious things to eat. It makes it easier to continue to make this part of my lifestyle.

Listen to you body. I was fine walking that much post-op. I even did some light weight lifting with 5lb hand weights while seated. If you feel any pulling or pain stop, but if not there is no reason to discontinue. If you are uncertain check with your doctor. I walked for the first two weeks post op. I the resumed Water aerobics at week 3. Currently I do a little of everything, but still do mostly water aerobics. However walking, bike riding, dumb bells and kettleball. I make it a point to do something everyday and go to the gym 5 -6 days a week.

2 Things may help: Even though you are currently eating a what seems like a snails pace, eat even slower. Get a PPi like prolisec or the generic omeprazole. If you are waking up with a burning sensation, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for omeprazole. I was most comfortable at 40 mgs prescription strength.

Don't read the forums. Seriously everyone tries to be really helpful, but the I think some people exaggerate the pain factor. I had none. I didn't use the pump or take any pain meds while in the hospital or post-op. I also had no gas, no nausea and walked in recovery. Getting in and out the bed was easy. Save your receipts. Finding Protein powder/drinks/etc... that you like is trial and error. Most stores will allow your to return for a refund if you buy something you dislike. Sip your Water and walk. You will feel better.

My hair was also thinning due to menopause and only got worse post-op. Yes it's a combo of the shock due to surgery, the sudden weight loss and menopause. All these supplements and shampoos only serve to slow down and perhaps make the hair remaining appear thicker. Like excess skin it really varies person to person. I currently take Biotin and will likely add magnesium to my supplements. I asked the dermatologist about this and that's the info she gave me.

Keep up with your protein. I had some thinning at the temples despite taking biotin starting around my 6th or 7th month. I'm 9½mths now and it appears that my edges are starting to grow back.

Sorry to be a bit off topic, but I just discovered Artic Zero ice cream. It uses monkfruit as a sweetener and it's high Protein. Some falvors are better than others. The chocolate Peanut Butter was bland but I liked the salted caramel. I don't think it tastes exactly like ice cream, but a good flavor hits that sweet spot craving for ice cream. I find I can eat a serving without binging.

No just make sure to drink plenty of fluids today. Pretty sure your doctor has you NPO (nothing by mouth) after 9pm. Follow that to the letter.

Yeah even if you don't have a f/u you should get your bloodwork checked. My F/U were 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 mth, 6mth and my next will be at 1 year. I had bloodwork checked at my 6 week follow up. My vitamin D was a little low. I was given prescription strength vitamin D to take for 12 weeks. I just had a repeat of my bloodwork and all levels are fine. In fact I no longer need my B12 supplements at all and my multi-vitamin has been cut back to 1 a day. I wouldn't have known any of this if I did get regular bloodwork. If you bariatric doc doesn't do it, I would recommend calling your GP and having it done.

Depends on how you are feeling and your doctor. I was walking from day 1. Doing light 5lb hand weights after week 1 and back in the pool doing Water aerobics by week 3. I had no pain/discomfort post op. If my incisions had scabbed over sooner I would have been back to water aerobics after week 2. I was 50 when I had surgery. I'm 51 now. I have been overweight for most of my adult life. You have youth on your side. I would start working out at 3 weeks. Just make note of how your body feels and adjust accordingly.

I had the sleeve done.

I also use MFP.

The only thing I had to come to terms with was the money lost. Once I faced up to the fact that I just need to let go, I stopped getting upset over that. I have 3 pieces I may dry clean and try at a consignment shop but otherwise I'm just letting them go. I sold a pair of jeans that had never been worn with the tags still on them. Tag said $99. I sold them for $20 shipped. I'm not even trying to replace clothing at this point since I have clothes going all the way down to a size 16. It's a mental thing. Once I faced that I was fine.

I'm nearly 100lbs down. Thankfully no issues with chub rub. I have very dry skin and use Johnson's baby oil gel daily so maybe my skin is just very well lubricated. Anyway for underwear I like boy cut panties. I used to buy them from Woman Within but I went to buy some more and the reviews seemed to indicate they changed them and the ones currently being sold fall apart after washing. I also have a long line brief from catherine's that is really comfy and supportive. I may get a few more of those.

Count me as one who's only regret is not doing it sooner. I'm 9mths out and 8lbs away from a 100lb weight loss. I was over 400lbs so I still have a long way to go, but even where I am now has made a big difference in my life. I was one of those fit fat folks. Sure I was active and had a busy social life, but often after a long weekend or a busy vacation I was just wiped out and exhausted. I now can do more and rebound so much quickly. It's nice to go to NYC for a weekend and not have to come home, rub down with bengay and take at least one day to recover. My way of eating and exercising has become a way of life so I feel confident that even though I have a long way to go, I can get to onederland and close to a normal BMI.

My potassium was normal for my pre-op bloodwork and I had my first labs 6 weeks post op. I never tracked my potassium since I was on multi-Vitamins 2x's a day during that period. However my bloodwork had been normal for potassium. If you are concerned check your multi and/or call your nutritionist. chances are you are getting enough in through other means. FYI- If you are concerned but don't want the added sugar that comes with bananas (or like me hate them) try coconut Water. It's high in potassium and more natural than gatorade.

Are you experience chub rub? Try the monistat chafing gel. Make sure you are documenting your issues. Take photos and make sure your doctor makes note of them. This may be helpful in requesting your insurance company cover skin removal surgery.

I work out 5 -6 days a week. Mostly water aerobics. My insurance covers my gym membership. I also have 5lb kettleballs at home. I do a quick set of 10 a few times a day. Walking is a good option. If you have cable check On Demand for work outs. I use them in the winter if I get snowed in and can't get to the gym. If you don't have cable check youtube. They have workouts online for all fitness levels from those who need to do sit down workouts on up. I also have a bike I occasionally ride. My goal is to do at least 60 minutes of some type of activity everyday. I think the core workouts I was doing with water aerobics are what made my surgical experience so easy. I had no pain. Walked in recovery and never needed any pain meds.

Why weigh yourself 3 times a day? Yes your weight will fluctuate between waking up, noon and evening. Perfectly normal, everyone's weight does this. Your AM weight, especially after visiting the potty tends to be your lowest. Your body is coming off and 8 hour fast. By noon and evening, you've eaten and had liquids. Step back from the scale.