Lannie

The flu will pass in a day or so. During that time don't worry about meeting any set goals for protein / food intake. Focus on water so you don't get dehydrated. Rest and recover. You'll get back on track after you get feel better.

My doc said that if I could see light thru it, it qualified as “clear”. Syntrex nectar has a good lemonade. They also have a pineapple coconut one that was pretty good. I ordered a sampler pack from the Bariatricpal store. I like that they came in single serve envelopes. Easy to keep in my purse if I get stuck without food.

Do you even need medical leave? Do you have enough PTO that you can just take the time without justifying it to HR? As others said a week is really all you need.

I'm 40 away from goal. I gained over the holidays...got that weight off in January but was stuck since then. I'm refocusing on making sure that I'm hitting my protein targets and reducing carbs. Going back to basics. I've lost another 4 this week...hope that means I'm back on track.

Bariatric Advantage has a chewable multivitamin that reminds me of a starburst. This one didn't upset my stomach. https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/multivitamin_chewy_bite

My doctor released me to swim at 3 weeks - once the incisions had healed. It was at 6 weeks that I was cleared for all other activities including running. Although I didn't really feel like doing much until 3 months post op due to the low energy / low calories. I had enough energy to get through the work day but nothing else. At 9 months back to my triathlon training - stronger than ever.

My doctor told me to expect an average loss of 10 pounds per month. He also was clear that was an average and that each person is different. You reference a 45 pound loss. How much of that is post op? Looks to me like you are above the “average”.

It is normal to feel weak in the first month. You are on an extreme calorie deficit. However it is possible that Your blood pressure meds may need to be adjusted again due to the weight loss. Bowel movements are usually weird for people early on as you are eating significantly different than before. I would worry too much about loose stool as long as you are not getting dehydrated. The spasms you describe are not something I’ve heard of. It could be part of the healing process. If it is continuing I’d make an appointment to be seen. I’m a worrier so, I’d see the doc for my own piece of mind.

My surgery took 45 min with one night stay in the hospital. I took 2 weeks off work. I have a desk job and could probably been ok at 1 week, but I’m glad I took two. At 2 weeks I could have soft foods (week 1 was liquid only) and was starting to feel more normal. i returned to swimming at 3 weeks. My doc gave me the OK to return to running at 6 weeks. However I just didn’t have the energy to run until closer to 10 weeks. i started losing the first week. My weight loss looks like stair steps. I will have minimal to no loss for 2 to 3 weeks then the next week, I’ll drop ~10. Weight loss over time is not linear, but I am consistently moving down. Compared to several people here, I would be a “slow” loser....but I’m headed in the right direction. These boards provide a lot of good info when researching. Good luck on your journey.

I would stick with egg, chicken and fish. Beans are a source of protein. can you boil eggs and keep some in your bag for later in the day?

I just take home leftovers. It’s harder when traveling at hotels, etc. Places like Outback and Texas Roadhouse have a deal where you can add on a side of shrimp to any entree. Great option...I get about 5shrimp which is all I can eat and DH gets to order what he wants.

So your 2 shakes plus another 40 oz of fluid is the goal. The first few days were the hardest but now that you are 5 days out you should be able to hit the recommended amounts. Good luck

I think age, starting weight, length of time at highest weight and genetics determine the amount of loose skin. You may have it or you may not....luck of the genetic lottery. Exercise and building muscle will help provide tone and definition but there is nothing you can do to prevent skin issues. I'm halfway to goal and no issues yet. Crossing fingers and hoping for the best.

How many ounces are your shakes? Measure grams for the protein goal. Measure ounces for the fluid goal. 64 oz of fluid is a minimum, anything more you can manage is beneficial.

You had a huge loss in the first month so it is normal for it to slow while your body adjusts. As long as there is a downward trend your moving in the right direction. Weight loss is not linear. My doctor told me the average is 10 per month for the first 6 months, then drops to an average of 5 per month for the next 6 months. They were clear that this is an average. They also told me to watch monthly trends because week to week can vary. It is normal for me to lose nothing for 3 weeks then have a large drop in week 4. Im down 55 at six months post op. The doctors estimate was really close. Of course I'd like it to be faster, but I can't complain...I would never have lost this much without surgery.

i drink so infrequently (2-3/yr) that I order what I want and don't worry about the calories. The mixers are where most of the calories are. You could try vodka lemonade. If you use crystal lite that would cut calories.

I Ike syntrex necter lemonade. It comes I single serve packets you can add to a water bottle. They are a good change from the milk consistency of others. There are lots of flavors but lemonade is my favorite.

Eating is a social activity, so it is reasonable that everyone suggests dinner out to celebrate. Are there any other social activities you could suggest instead? what about hosting a game night (card, board games, etc.). You have the communal table and interaction without the food or limited food

My surgical center was excellent at providing information, so I had very few questions. I asked 2 specific questions: 1) what is the chance that the surgery doesn't work? I had tried everything and was concerned I would not lose anything. Also asked about regain. 2) verify that my heart implant would not preclude me from surgery.

My doctor said no to both. Straws and carbonation will add air to your stomach which may cause irritation. Also soda is unnecessary sugar and calories. I've used a straw a few times with no ill effect. I still avoid soda...it is a big trigger food for me, so it is best for me to avoid.

You can consider Yoga, there are plenty of videos online that help modify for an ankle injury. Stationary bike is also an option - depends on type of bike whether it will bother your ankle. When your incisions are healed, swimming is a great option.

Wearing clothes that fit will help you visible see the progress. Just because the old clothes still work doesn't mean they are the correct size. Did you take a "before" picture? Take another picture today and look at it side beside. When I can't see progress in the mirror, It is often more obvious in photos.

HIPAA only applies to covered entities - health plans or health providers that transmit data electronically. If a supervisor disclosed your health information it is not a HIPAA violation because employers generally are not subject to that law. i assume it is a violation of company policy and overall bad decision for a manager to disclose the information....but it is not illegal. You could ask your manager if the made the disclosure and report to HR for a policy violation. Or if your weight loss has been rapid, people may have made an assumption. Either way, try not to stress about it...

Can your Bariatric center advise? Have you asked the insurance if you can resubmit with a new eval? Good luck

I had to start back to exercise slower than expected. I'm still not back to my pre-op level of intensity. I feel good for daily activities but too much exercise just wipes me out. listen to your body and do what you can. As others said exercise is good for overall health but not essential for the initial weight loss