Stephanie Stroup McIntosh

@likelike If you are constipated you can take something for that. They are concerned with people taking laxatives everyday to lose weight. I take metamucil sometimes. You could also ask your doc for a stool softener. I also ate some prunes. It really did the trick for me.

The process does take 6 months for most insurance companies, but it goes surprisingly quick and you can start losing weight today. You have 6 months of documented dieting with a doctor. This helps you to make a change now and start selecting healthier foods. It gives you the opportunity to ween down from all the sugar and fat and crap in your system. I had to do the following... Psych exam to make sure I was mentally ok to have surgery. I only had 1 visit, but this is something that a lot of people get hung up on so do it early. 3 appointments with a nutritionist. 6 visits at my docs office to weigh in and discuss my diet chest xray, ekg, upper endoscopy sleep study blood work 3 support group meetings

1. Labwork... Basically here they want to make sure you are healthy before surgery and also have something to compare to after surgery. There will be a lot of lab work right after surgery. 2. Time off work Definitely communicate anything you need for work. It sometimes takes time to process and you don't want to be off and not get paid. Also make sure there isn't anything your employer needs. Ask any questions you have now. Don't be afraid to ask anything. Make sure you know exactly what your surgeon is going to do and what he will require you to do.

I know everyone loses weight differently and that we really shouldn't compare ourselves. I am really proud of my progress right now, but I am afraid that I will get to the appointment with my surgeon and they will say that I should have lost more and then I will be devastated. I guess I am just looking for an idea on how to make a goal for how much to lose in a given time and some idea of how much other people lost. I don't want to push myself too hard and get hurt, but I don't want to be a slacker either. Thanks for any input. Starting weight 295 (September) Surgery weight 263 (March 23) Discharge weight 271 (March 26) Today's weight 244 (April 6) I think I am doing well, but I don't have anything to compare it to. I am 5'3.

Its 50lbs since September. I have lost 19 pounds in 2 weeks after surgery.

I had the best luck finding suits at target. I could never find regular clothes there but have always been able to get swim wear. I got my step-daughter swim shorts there this season.

I also have PCOS and have only gotten a period while on BC. Guess what...2 weeks post op and now I got my period on my own. I have been off BC for almost 3 months. It just started today, but did look a little different than normal. Its from the rapid weight loss and all the crazy hormones.

I just checked them out. I am so excited to buy some, but I am still fitting into clothes in my closet at this point.

You are doing everything right. Unfortunately there are a lot of Mr. Wrongs and only a few Mr. Rights. It may take some time, but its important that you find someone that is supportive of the decision you made and will be a positive part of your life. Don't settle for anything less.

Welcome to the group. I encourage you to explore the different threads and ask any question you may have. Congrats on making this decision!

I think its hard for family members. They are just scared. I would try to educate them on the whole process and show them that this isn't something you decided to do lightly and that you did your research and that its safe. Your odds of living actually increase with the surgery. My husband spent the last 2 weeks leading up to my surgery telling me how beautiful I was and that I didnt need surgery and that he didn't know how he would live without me if something happened. He loves me and was being a little selfish to want to protect me so he didn't lose me. You have to reassure them that this is a smart and safe choice.

I would just make sure you are comfortable with the procedure and his requirements. Make sure you know what he is going to do and what you will need to do. I googled a lot and my doc had me watch videos ahead of time, so I didn't really have any questions. 2 weeks Post-surgery, I wish I would have asked about how much he thought I should lose in 2 weeks, 1 month etc. That would be helpful to keep on track.

A lot of people throw up after the surgery. You should be fine. Just give it a while before you try Peanut Butter again and make sure you are taking very small bites.

I tell both. I lost 32 pounds before surgery. I have been working hard for almost 7 months now and don't want people to think its just been the couple of weeks since my surgery. I am down 51 pounds total.

I recommend premier Protein drinks. unjury is also pretty good. Less of that protein texture and more complete nutrition wise. Good luck. Day 3 was the hardest for me and then my body just got used to the difference. I had to do 12 days of just Protein Drinks.

I got a script from my doc for a Vitamin d that you only take once per week. The basic grocery store variety is fine though to take daily. THey are pretty small gel caps. Iron can also be bought over the counter in your store brand. That is just a standard dosage. Longer gel cap. My doc recommends taking Vitamin C with the iron to help with absorption. I got my doc to prescribe a chewable. For calcium and my Multivitamin, I take opurity. I buy mine through my docs office, but you can also get them online. Better than the Flinstones for bariatric patients. I don't take b12 right now, so i don't have a suggestion, but I am pretty sure you should be able to get that from your regular pharmacy as well.

I brought a night gown to wear. Its challenging to wear your own stuff because of everything you are hooked up to. Between the iv and heart monitor you have tubes and cords coming out of everywhere. What I brought was a tube top dress. That way my arms were out and the cords/tubes could go where they needed too.

I gained one month. I think it was my 3rd visit. I was going through some crazy issues at home (my husband lost his job and my job changed) and I was on my period. My doc wasn't worried, but told me to make sure that next month I did better. Everyone (surgery or not) varies in weight by a few pounds just depending on the day. Don't stress yourself out. That will just make it worse. Eat better (less sugar) and exercise more and it will come. They know its hard to lose the weight. That's why you are choosing to have surgery. Be a little better everyday. Good luck

Only take 20 minutes to eat and put your spoon down between bites. Its sounds to me that you are eating too much. Are you getting enough Protein? How are your calories? I am only 2 weeks out and just starting on yogurt. I know I could eat a whole container, but I start to feel different about half way through, so I stop eating. Eat slowly and listen to your body.

Your surgeon's office should know what you need for insurance approval. BMI over 40 typically leads to approval assuming you do what they tell you to do. The process for most insurance companies is about 6 months. Do what they tell you and research a lot so that you are ready when they schedule you.

Welcome!

Limit fat and sugar before your surgery. That is the most important part. If you have been eating well and losing weight during the pre-op your doctor may not be as concerned. Sugar and fat are stored in the liver and the liver has to be held throughout the surgery so you want the least amount of excess there as possible.

I would recommend talking to a psychologist that deals frequently with food or WLS related issues. I personally didn't have too much guilt, but another woman who had surgery the same day as me did. We had gone to the same support group meetings (required by my surgeon). They also required a psych consult. This woman had some more issues to work through and met regularly with the psychologist. The day after my surgery when I was walking the hall, who was there but the psychologist. He came to help her those first 2 days in the hospital and walked with her and talked to her about her fears and guilt. She still sees him and probably will for a while. I have another friend who had surgery 2 years ago. She was seeing a counselor for her marriage before she had surgery. She ended up realizing the marriage was pointless and spent a lot of time talking about her food issues. She lost 100 pounds and kept it off. Everyone is different. Just remember that you are important and deserve to be able to live a long full life. Surgery will help you. It is a journey, not a quick fix. You will be putting in the work. I say its no different than buying a treadmill. If you don't use the treadmill you won't lose any weight. Same thing with the sleeve. If you overeat or eat the wrong things, you won't lose the weight. No need for guilt in my book, but its ok that you have some. Good luck.

4 pounds in a week and a half is great. The other 3 pounds will come. Try to increase your Water, Protein, and exercise. You will get there.

I was scheduled for surgery 3 weeks after my last appointment. I would personally try to have the surgery after your wedding. Aim for 2 weeks after your honeymoon is over. That way you don't have to be too concerned with anything surgery related during or after the wedding. Some people get constipated. Others have diarrhea. You definitely don't want either during your wedding. I am only 2 weeks post op and lost 18 pounds. It was mainly from my stomach too. I already have clothes that don't fit. You will also be tired and sore. Its not unbearable, but probably not how you want to spend your wedding. Good luck on both counts though!