CanyonBaby

WOW! You did a great job in your weight loss...congratulations! As for that negative image you have of yourself, I think most of us have that, because we have spent many years looking at our heavy bodies, and that image has impressed itself as a PERMANENT image (just in case that dreaded mirror EVER happens to crack and break...what would we do if we CAN'T see ourselves as FAT?). SO, WHAT DO WE DO NOW? Be thankful. Always thankful. A grateful heart doesn't have time for anything else, as there is truly much to be thankful for. When we are in the process of giving thanks for every bit that has happened as a result of WLS, our image starts to change, FROM THE INSIDE OUT!!! Always look for the beauty that has been HIDDEN within, the beauty that was there (not physical beauty - not yet) but wasn't allowed out, because we perceived that PHYSICAL beauty is what we and other people only wanted to see. You have ALWAYS been beautiful, now that you are (PHYSICALLY) beautiful, you can set the REAL beauty free, what is INSIDE. So start comparing your old body to the new, SEE the beauty that is unfolding, REMEMBER what each area looked like, then BE CONTENT with what you now have, and be THANKFUL for the changes that have occurred! There are MANY great swimsuits and undergarments that have spandex and other figure-enhancing qualities that help smooth-out the "imperfections", and they make us look AWESOME! Go and invest in them, for areas you think need some improvement. No one is perfect, even the models out there need airbrushing! Be kind to yourself, be thankful for EVERYTHING, and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ......look forward......

Believe it or not, you are NOT hungry, it is just the stomach acids acting up. Try to FEEL your new tummy, and if the TUMMY is not hungry, your BRAIN is. It's called head-hunger, and you have it in spades! Welcome to the club! You now have to recognize that your brain is calling the shots, and YOU have to control the brain. So, here's how to do it: Feel every bite you take. Eat very slowly, chew MILLIONS of times before swallowing, and FEEL where the food lands (takes lots of practice). When you feel full, you are TOO full. See, that's how it works. FULL is TOO full. SATED is where you want to be. Ignore what your family is doing/eating...it has nothing to do with your new tummy. Use this surgery as a tool to control what you put in your mouth. Learn to recognize when that one bite puts you over into the TOO-FULL range, then the next meal, reduce the amount of bites to find that "sweet-spot" of being sated and not full. Full means you are actually now putting food in your esophagus, over the top of your tummy. Stop before it gets up there. That's when you will dump, or get "stuck". You really have to work at this, it takes time and practice. If you are successful at this, your surgery should be very successful, as well. If you need to (and my Dr. does not prescribe this unless absolutely necessary - I have never taken it) have them prescribe an acid reducer. You have to change A LOT of old habits now, good luck to you!

OH! I forgot!!! I can see my neck, now!!!!! Been years since I last saw it.....wonder WHAT it has been doing all this time...hmmmmm.....

Sounds great! One caveat: watch the carbs in "sugar-free", as rarely are they truly free of sugars (as a diabetic I am very familiar with this!!!). It may be just that it has no actual "sugar" in it, but other things that are indeed true sugars (carbs). Also, to improve the taste of SF, a lot of times they will add fat to the product, and other unsavory things to amp up the flavor. I once compared SF caramels to the real thing, and the calories were about the same, and I would have ended up with ALOT more fat... so which do I choose? The real thing, as to me the other stuff is not worth the sacrifice of adding extra fat, when all I want is the real taste of that food, only then I will be satisfied. But today, they are doing great things with new sweeteners, so always just check ALL the sugars in the product, as well as the nasties like fat.... I am ALL FOR new recipes....thanks for the idea!!

Well, I was told the first 3 months were "free" as far as losing weight was concerned, anything after that I would have to work for. And I am. What I do is go back to the basics; minimize the carbs, get in as much liquid as I can, focus on serious protein, make sure I get in my vitamins..., maybe exercise a little more vigorously. Seems to work. I am at 3 1/2 months out, and am down 50lbs. Doc says I should lose about 65 percent of my EXCESS body fat due to the surgery, so I'm probably close to that. Anything extra that appears to be "free", I'll take! Good luck and hang in there!

@@liannatx I think the best part of the cream is that at the end of the day (after applying it in the morning), it is still very noticeably on my face and neck! The skin is soft, not in the slightest bit greasy, and I have yet to break out with it. And this is from someone who can't wear make-up because of sensitivities, and MAJOR breakouts! Since it appears to be water-based, it is very easy to wash off, which, to me, is remarkable because of it's longevity throughout the day. Stock up! Once the word is out on this stuff, it's going to be hard to find! Have a great evening.....

@@liannatx Have you tried the Cerave cream (in the big tub) for your hands, as well? I find it more economical and SERIOUSLY AWESOME for my hands, elbows... I get mine at Walmart, because I am (as my husbands says) FRUGAL! Not cheap, FRUGAL! The only problem - and I'm snot sure it's really a problem - is it tends to "slide" off when I get my hands wet. But even after I dry my hands, they are still moisturized, without re-applying! LOVE this stuff! I even use the heavy cream on my face A.) when I am strictly in the house during the day. B.) at night before bed. Nothing else compares to the level of moisturizing, that I've tried. Did I say I LOVE THIS STUFF?!

I am finding some success in massaging the neck as I lose weight, kinda to keep ahead of the loose skin. So every morning, when I apply my Cerave cream, I really work in in, vigorously massaging, to stimulate the area. I have really noticed it firming up, following the line of the neck. That cream is FANTASTIC, and I am 53 years old, so my skin is in the "rapidly aging" category. The cream seems to reduce the crepe-y-ness, also. Good luck to you!

Your body is probably in shock mode at the starvation it thinks it is in. It will hang on to fluids and such, so keep the fluids moving through you, this helps the body release fluid! It is not surprising what you are going through, we all do, and this weight "gain" WILL change, just keep following your program. Read other's posts on this site, you'll see that most, if not all, of us go through this. And look FORWARD to your success, you WILL find it!

Well, I just hope you get to the bottom of this, and feel better soon. Are you seeing a dietician as well as your Dr.? And you may have said, but maybe I missed it, did you get your vitamin D level checked? This is a big one to keep an eye on (I found out the hard way, by breaking ribs simply by coughing), and can wipe you out (it is called hyperparathyroidism). This is NOT your thyroid; they are 4 tiny rice-grain sized glands that are vital for your calcium absorption. An endochronologist can help with this, as it is a rare disease that is (by my experience) unknown by PCPs. As I said before, I wish you the best, and good luck to you!

FYI, in case you didn't get this info, "alcohol is dangerous because it has a more concentrated number of calories per serving than other carbohydrate. Carbohydrate has only 4kcals per gram. Alcohol is 7kcals per gram. Calorie content varies tremendously because of the other ingredients (sweeteners and such) and the concentration of alcohol." This is from a handout I received as part of a "behavioral slip" informational sheet at a support group meeting. These calories can add up really quickly, which is why, I believe, it is so frowned upon. Kind of a wake-up call!

Now, this is just my opinion, but I'm thinking that as VSG DOES play a large role in hormonal release, the birth control might be either at odds with it, or mess everything up completely. After the surgery, as you lose fat, hormones are released. If you were to ask most folks on here, especially the females, we go into some pretty weird hormonally-inspired bouts. Such as crying, being angry... for no apparent reason. I did, and I had a hysterectomy over 10 years ago. It was like a was 15 again! Please call your Dr. up and ask why. You need to understand it all, and ask what to do for birth control in the meantime. Good luck to you...

I just have to ask...have you NOT been reading any of these posts? We ALL go through some of this crap, and yes, for the most part, we DO improve, but each person has individual results. Patience is required, for no one can tell when the improvements will take place. Take some time, read the other folk's posts, and I think you will find YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!! BUT.....sometimes we feel like it. And you will probably find, when you read the posts, some REALLY AWESOME suggestions. These folks are wonderful and caring and can TOTALLY RELATE to what you're going through. Try the flavored water-enhancer drops, should help you get more fluids in. Best of luck to you....

All I wanted was fish, also, kinda weird, huh? If you're having any doubts, call your Dr. Things should be easing up for you any day now...

And that is what I call "Biotin Backlash"! Yes, my eyebrows (which normally for me are sparse, uneven, and need to be plucked only once a week, at most, are full, lush, wavy, gorgeous, and might I add - VOLUPTIOUS, are now joining in the soon-to-be new fashion-forward trend: the UNIBROW!!! AND I have noticed unwanted specimens growing where no self-respecting female body would have it - on my NECK! I really don't WANT a beard! But my scalp has had enough of hair, and is rebelling most auspiciously by shedding the blasted stuff all over EVERYTHING!!! Talk about being un-balanced! I am it IN SPADES! And all my bald husband can do is GIGGLE! Ah, yes, life as a WLS patient... Life is GOOD, indeed!

It would now seem, for the last three days anyway, that I am reducing the hair loss. Now this can be attributed to several things. One: could be from my body getting used to it's starvation mode. Two: the Nioxin? Don't think so, it is only supposed to stimulate new growth. Three: (and I think this is THE one!) I am back on the right dose of thyroid meds, and the body has recognized this. I've gone through this many times over the years, the changes in meds or BRANDS of meds for my thyroid issue. Synthroid brand tends to be too strong for me, then my hair falls out. Going on the generic isn't quite as strong, according to the tests that I take following the switch. That has always been been proven in my case, SO, if you're not sure about your hair loss, LOOK INTO THIS! It can't hurt, and you might just get your hair back sooner!!!!! Good luck, all!

I think the thing is this: we build up a dream for so long (especially if you had to do the insurance gig for months on end), that we have unrealistic expectations that cannot meet what we have expected. So, for those who have yet to have the surgery, may I suggest reading posts, and taking to heart, what others are going through after they have had the surgery? That way you have a strong idea of what is coming at you. Listen, really listen to the ones who have had the surgery. Ask them questions. Believe what they say, they have no reason to make up anything. You can be assured that what they tell you is accurate. For the ones who have had the surgery already and are disappointed, have the sensation of being let down, are blue from the onslaught of less-than-pleasant realities; let me say this, all of these things (unless you have complications) WILL PASS. Maybe because I've had so many surgeries I can see beyond the present unpleasantness, I know that what I may be currently experiencing won't last, especially if I am following the rules given to me. I have read lots of posts on here about people drinking with straws, eating things that are way to early to eat, eating improper foods, drinking alcohol/caffeinated beverages, smoking.....and then I read about people having problems that may or may not be associated with those non-compliant behaviors. Then there are those with the idea they know more than the surgeons/dieticians/nurses who have studied hard to learn their craft, and tell others what meds/vitamins to take, what they should be doing and not doing....the list goes on. Seek advice from those who know their business. Your surgical team. The best thing you can do for yourself, in my opinion, is to always look FORWARD. ALWAYS. If you get stuck in the moody blues, they will drag you down. Look PAST them. See what the future holds for those who are willing to stay with the program and follow the rules diligently. And don't dwell in the pity-party that is SOOOOO willing to swallow you up. I sincerely wish you all the best, and have peace over what you have either already done, or are deciding to do.

There is this program called "Sit and Be Fit", it is on PBS in my area, but I understand you can get DVD's of it, as well. Try Amazon.com. And it IS a real workout, I used it after my surgery until the weather would let me walk. Good luck to you!

Oh, I had been doing so well this year, no colds or flu, and normally get it at least 2-3 times a winter season. And then it ends up as bronchitis and/or pneumonia. I don't have very good lungs. So here it is, but now I don't have the options of taking the cold meds I used to. WHAT TO DO? What have you done to help relieve symptoms, such as aches, stuffiness, drainage, chills/fever, sore throat.....all the lovelies that go with the dreaded seasonal un-bliss? Any and all suggestions taken with many kindly thanks in advance!

Thanks, it's always such a FUN thing to get through!

Sounds like maybe a pinched nerve. If you're concerned, call your surgical team - always the best advice when you're not sure about something. I hope you feel better...let us know how you do....

My simple solution: After Breakfast, multi, D3, E, Biotin, B12. Mid-morning "cocktail" (mix cold Water with 1 scoop unflavored Protein powder, water-enhancer drops, powdered calcium citrate, Benefiber). Lunch; Iron. Afternoon or evening "cocktail", minus the Benefiber. Dinner; Biotin. All done, all absorbed, no negative interactions between the conflicting vitamins! If you need to, to help remember, get a pill dispenser at the pharmacy that has differing times on it, that helps a lot.

Time to reset! Go back to the basics, as if you are just starting with solid foods. Then start taking measurements, the success story lies there! Did you do measurements in the beginning? If not, now is a good time to start. Maybe shift to a different exercise routine. And definitely talk with your dietician for suggestions, they may have some good ones up their sleeves (pun intended!). Just don't give up, look beyond the stall, always forward....

Welcome and congratulations on your decision! Believe it or not, things go really fast, especially now you have your date. I can't believe it is already late March, my surgery was 12/3/14, and it seems time has flown! The days of pre-op and post-op are a blur, I just know I am a lot thinner than I was in November! I guess I am just content with my results, and eagerly look forward now to summer, and the following seasons as a much happier and healthier person. Now it's YOUR turn! Get excited, but be prepared, you will have some difficult hills to climb. But it is worth it in the end...just always, ALWAYS look forward!

Awesome! And remember where to come if you need answers!