MajorTwister

Woot! Congrats on your surgery. I am 3 weeks post-op myself. Gas pains will go away, easiest way is to get up and walk. Doesn't have to be far, but keep at it. A little bit further each day. Listen to your body. Protein is extremely important. For most, it's around 60grams per day, so the shakes and powders will help. I added powder to broth for the first few days after coming home. Slowly moving to shakes and other fun things like cream of wheat. Take things slow. You should be VERY careful about how much you consume, especially during the first couple weeks. 1/4 cup at max at any point for anything. Else, you're likely to feel the most horrid pains. Make those gas pains you're having seem like childs play. Best wishes Ian

You really won't know until you, yourself personally try things out. I haven't found much that has changed in terms of smell or taste, but then again, I'm only 3 weeks post-op. My choices for food are still very limited. I can tell you that you don't really want to try to advance faster than what your doctors or medical team suggests. I tried just a small bite of Beef rib (and I mean small, smaller than a dime), and seconds later, it was re-introduced at the dinner table. YUK! Majority of people will say that it's a personal thing. Everyone is different. Some have no changes in taste or smell, others have significant. YMMV! Best luck, and even if you don't like your Protein Drink, you're going to need them for a couple weeks to ensure you're receiving the minimum amount of protein (60ish grams) per day. Ian

MzAlice - it's normal after bariatric surgery much as its normal after child birth. First, realize that hair goes through many stages, and it falling out is one of them. It's temporary. Causes: Stress (definitely) Hypothyroidism (get checked) Vitamin deficiency (likely) Surgery/Trauma (obviously) Heavy metal toxicity (unlikely) Access Vitamin A (beta blocker) Not enough Iron Also add not enough or correct Proteins and very low calorie diet. Hair loss is typically 5-15%, race and/or gender do not matter, due to hormonal changes, it will likely appear more often in women. To help, make sure you eating what you've been told. Vitamin supplements are vital. Make sure you are taking your prescribed doses of Vitamins: B, zinc, folate, b12, Calcium citrate with D. The last one needs to be taken at different times than other meds/vitamins. For most men and women, a pre-natal vitamin covers most (except calcium citrate with D) Eat foods rich in Omega 3 (fish) Be aware of iron level. Low iron can wreak havoc unless you're told to reduce iron. See your doctor if you're concerned about hypothyroidism or any medical condition. See your dietician for vitamin requirements and suggestions for food. Hope this helps. Ian

Be a rock star, not a stared rock!

I've been in process for 18 months now. Date should come this week, and I know how you feel. Anxious, nervous, excited, emotional....all at the same time. Keep breathing and smiling. When the time comes and the phone rings, reality will set in. Hard to believe in just a few weeks, this part of the journey comes to an end, and the bigger, longer journey stats on a new path. Best wishes

Best wishes, Annesia

hair loss is temporary, @mari. Remember, liquid diets put a lot of strain on your body, and you're not able to retain a lot of the vitamins/minerals your body needs. Keeping up with Water and supplements plus following your diet, things settle down soon. Ian

Where are you having it done, Christina?

I am meeting the surgeon in a couple weeks at St. Joe's, Hamilton, Ontario.