Karess Haivala

Thanks for the response! They did suggest I add in some salt too. I had a thyroid test done and I've been on thyroid meds fir about ten years. For the first time since I've been on them, my levels gave gone up. (My dr said most people feel best closer to a 1, my recent test has me at a 3.5). We are increasing my medication in the hopes of bringing me closer to a 1 again. This *could* be the problem! but it will be a little of trial and error with changing dosages to figure it all out.

I am 7 months post op and down 100 pounds. I've completely gotten off blood pressure meds and I am taking my daily Vitamins and getting at least 80 grams of Protein a day. (I'm making sure I do at least 2 Protein shakes a day as my levels were a little low at about 4 months out. ) The last two weeks I am really feeling exhausted and I last time I felt this way, I knew it was my blood pressure was too low, indicating it was time to completely go off my meds. Doctors agreed and then I was fine. I am feeling the same type of exhaustion but my bp is good. I've been checking it on a regular basis to make sure that isn't an issue. I am still on thyroid meds, and wondering if its time to go in and have those levels rechecked. Anyone go thru similar situtation? I'm waiting on the doc to get back to me. I know I am doing everything right, but feel like my body is telling me something.

I'm going into my regular dr on Friday to have blood work done. I'm also really bloated and gassy, which hasn't been an issue. Going over food log, nothing stands out as a culprit except sugarfree coffee syrup. Build up maybe?

I'm three months out and twice I've been so backed up that I've been in tears. Nutrionist suggested I back my Protein down, so I aim for 60g now. She also suggested I add a little caffeine in and I've done that. I take 2 stool softeners with Benefiber in the morning, and again at night. I am taking a probiotic to help as well. Haven't had issues since New Years Day, but now I can feel it happening again. I've taken the Mirolax and this afternoon I'll take laxatives too. Once I can release it will take all of my energy out of me and I'll be sapped for the rest of the day. Here is my question, I'm wondering if meat is what triggers this? I had a little bit of hamburger twice this week, and for some reason I am associating this difficulty with that. Anyone else experience anything similiar? I am only at about 600-800 calories a day, and the dr. said that is ok. I have done my blood work for 3 months post op and will get results in two weeks. I am waiting to be released to go back to the gym since I had pneumonia and influenza 2 weeks ago. Any one able to suggest anything?

The last few nights (at night after dinner) I am finding I am getting a little snacky. I have to really address this as it was a big reason I gained weight pre-surgery. Late last night I had a bite of my daughter's pizza, then asked my husband to get it away from me. I don't want to go down the rabbit hole. So I had 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. I did pretty good over Valentines, avoiding chocolate and wine. I've been checking out lots of recipes for cooking post surgery. Anyone got any great recipes to share?

Luvin_Life125 has it right. Have some snack options ready to go. I keep Protein shakes on hand. I had never tried hummus until post surgery but that is a great snack. I often roll up an ounce of turkey meat with cheese and have that too. I haven't tried apples yet, but I need to.

Just think of it like you are taking control of your health. Surgery is scary. I didn't think my dad would be supportive, but in the end, he is very proud of me. There came a point when I brought it up to my regular doctor and she said agreed, that we had tried everything and my body needed help. I feel no shame in my decision to have the surgery. And it was the best thing for me. I'm three months out and would do it again in a heart beat. The hardest part was waiting to schedule surgery after you've made up your mind to go for it. That was the longest wait! Best of luck to you on your journey!

You can do it! Hang in there. It's hard, but so worth it!

I don't think I was ever told about no straws. While in the hospital everything was in a straw. I haven't used one since week one, so it's not an issue. I do a little caffeine. I asked about gum because my diet breath is awful. Dr. said it was ok but to make sure I never swallowed it as that would cause trouble. I have sipped a small amount of wine twice, while drinking Water. I have had whole wheat toast with PB for Breakfast with no issues, but I can't finish a whole piece. I avoid rice and Pasta. If I want a bite of a sweet, I have a bite. But I've really lost my taste for sweets.

I know it's rough at first, but hang in there! I'm three months post op and I have no regrets. I didn't have the spasms that I have read other sleevers suffered through, but I did have some big issues with bowel movements. From my vantage point, I am so happy I did it and I wish you nothing but the best. Follow the dr's orders...water water and more water. I'm at the point now where I have no hunger, and I make sure I eat enough every day. It gets better!

HANG IN THERE! It gets better, it really does. And it is so worth being on this side of the fence, where you put yourself first!

Love what you wrote! I am 3 months out and starting to feel 'normal'. A new normal. I pay attention to what I eat, I enjoy picking out clothes to wear, and I'm finally past the fatigue stage. Cheers to the new normal!

I was told to have a little caffeine to help my digestive issues. So I do one coffee with skim milk or a tea that is caffeinated. But I don't over do it at all. I was told that caffeine will dehydrate you so if you do have it, drink more and more water!

I was told to do the Flintstone Chewable once a day. I actually like it. I'm 3 months post op.

Loriemoms....I'm not crazy to think it could be the meat then? I am doing about 64ounces of water. I am still working my way back up to 80. I do eat prunes for snack. I haven't done much bananas and I do a little cheese on some things. I really wonder if its the meat?

I have found a friendship was effected more than my marriage. I had someone that I considered a very good friend, who went through lapband, distance herself from me. I haven't seen her since my surgery 11/24! I keep inviting her to do things and she flat out told me she didn't want to be the 'fat friend'. I was blown away. I got the big clue that this friendship was more one sided than I had thought. You really need to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. My coworkers have been amazing for me! My family is behind me too. My husband tells me I look amazing. But losing that friendship, that really sucked.

I have some of that too! Haven't taken it this go round yet. I should mention it isn't like I am constipated, because I do have normal bowel movements. It's like I get blocked at times, which becomes very painful. That's why I'm wondering if eating hamburger is the culprit that triggers this. It's weird, but very very painful.

For me, this always happens when I've had one bite too many. I get very uncomfortable and gurgling!

I can't even begin to tell you how helpful this thread has been for me! I am 6 weeks post sleeve and have already had two horrible episodes of constipation. It feels like I'm creating rocks in my bowels, and it is very painful to pass. It wipes me out and I need a few days to recover. I've been doing stool softeners and the first time it was so bad they had me on laxatives and milk of mag to get moving. That was xmas eve. Then NYE it happened again, even though I've been taking the stool softeners and Benefiber daily. Nut told me to back off on Protein so I am down to 40g a day and she said to get more natural fiber. She suggested Probiotics, so I started taking those. And prunes. If I can stop the rock from building I will be ok, but that is the worst part! I can feel it happening right now, and I have the abdominal pains coming. This thread made me feel I wasn't alone, so thank you very very much! I can't keep going thru this as the pain of when the boulder actually passes just rips me apart. I get to the point I want to throw up and pass out! Any new ideas on what has worked? I will seriously try anything!

I am having the same issues as Tkas above! I am 6 weeks out post sleeve and it feels like I am creating rocks that plug my stool. When it finally comes out it is the most painful experience of my life. It has happened twice already and I can feel it happening again now! Nut told me to back off Protein so I am down to 40g, and added prunes. I've been doing the Benefiber and stool softeners for weeks but doesn't seem to be helping.

Ok, bikrchk...I want the success you've had!! Way to go!!

My surgeon actually told me that one main reason some insurance companies put this 6 month clause in there is because MOST people who are thinking about the surgery give up and won't follow thru, thus saving the insurance company money! Now mine required me to do the 6 months, but once they got the BMI stuff back and saw I'm at 50, they approved without doing any more of the 6 months. (I had completed 3 months and was not giving up.)

Rdelly01, did you get this figured out? I have BCBS of MI and I am having surgery in 2 weeks. I can tell you what they required me to do if you need?

I feel so much better reading this thread! I have to do a 1200 calorie diet 2 weeks before, and then total liquids the two days before surgery. I have surgery 2 weeks from today. But about a month ago I started working with a program that had me drinking about 80 ounces of water a day and lots of shakes. I do about 1000 calories a day to prep for surgery and I'm down about 21 pounds now. I was reading about all of these people doing the 2 weeks of liquid diet and I started to get freaked out that my dr. wasn't doing it right! LOL

Ok, I'm just wondering something. I am two weeks out from sleeve today, and I go to 1200 calorie diet, but not full liquid until 2 days before surgery. Has anyone else gone this route?