kathy51

I am 3 months post op gastric sleeve (10/6/2017). I have lost 55 lbs. I am losing clumps of hair and realized I am getting nowhere near enough Protein. I live on a US military base outside the US and it is difficult to buy a lot of fresh protein here. I have been bringing Protein Bars in my suitcase and I cannot buy shakes here either. I thought I was eating okay until I started losing so much hair. I just had to order Muscle Milk on Walmart.com and Amazon.com. I just cannot eat enough protein otherwise.

I am taking my chewable multi Vitamin, a "hair, skin & nails " vitamin and a Calcium chewable every day since my surgery. I think the problem is that I have not been eating enough Protein. I am taking care of that with a 40 g Protein Shake and a 20 g Protein Bar every day now. Hopefully that will fix it. I live on a US military base and canned meat is actually more of a neccessity where I am. I'll definantly get my bloodwork done when I get the chance. Thanks for the advice!

I lost 20 pounds on my two week pre op. Post op is going slower but that's ok. It's not a race. I'm losing and that's what it's all about. I don't have a scale and I'm not sure I want one. When my pants get too loose. I'll go to the next size down. I get on the scale at the Dr. That's good enough for me. Oh and my surgery was Oct. 3rd I got sleeved. I did not have any pain as far as the surgery. I came home on Friday and went back to work on the following Monday. I have had back and knee pain for a very long time hoping this will help soon.

I had a four week pre-op diet and lost 22 pounds total. Have lost another 8 pounds since my surgery last Friday.

52 year old woman
VSG date: 10/6/2017
HW 249
SW 232
CW 219

Please see #7 - Al Roker: Gastric bypass 2002

You probably have traded one addiction for another. Seek a counselor.

Good morning from Amsterdam! Good thread...I did have saggy boobs and stomach and did have plastics; a breas lift and TT. Now I am 5 years outs. Before I had them I was a bit self-concious in intimate situations (got involved in Tantra so was around lots of naked people but fascinating people who are more interested in sensuality, not just sex). But no one treated me unkind at all. In the end, I did it for ME. My breasts are fabulous and I cannot even imagine having my old saggy things there (for me first!!!). My Tummy Tuck is OK, but I have a HUGE Frankenstien scar which is very noticeable. I paid for both myself, and you just have to decide to do what works for you. If you are a happy, healthy person, then just be honest upfront when you think things might get intimate. Depending on how the other person reacts, you can figure out something about their inner self. Good luck to all of you !

I tried them but I don't FEEL enough of a difference to keep spending money on them. I am looking into liquid vitamins because those are the only Vitamins where I actually feel a difference.

I occasionally have Diet Coke and have never experienced negative effects from it, but I'm more careful to not overdo. I mainly have it if I'm at a dinner party or the like and being served something spicy, because I have a wimpy tongue and Diet Coke helps to soothe it better than Water. Every once and a while at the movies I'll order a Kids Pack which comes with popcorn and a tiny soda. I no longer habitually buy gallons of Diet Coke at the store, and very rarely ever order it when out. I started doing this about four months out from the VSG, and continue to perhaps once every month or thereabouts. (I've been below my goal for a year now).
The main carbonated drink I have to avoid is sparkling water. It makes me sound like I have something bubbling inside of my chest when I drink it, which is quite embarrassing when I'm out socially.

Bright horizons - I feel you. Just turned 46 and have never been able to lose more than 20lbs without doubling that with regain.

OP - I empathize. My hormones are wac - to the point where I had a surprise hysterectomy 3 months post op. And I told very few people - husband, bestie, and best sister. My nieces figured it out, but are super supportive and swore not to tell their mom or grandma. My own kids only told about that hiatal hernia part and said I'd prefer they didn't mention it. With all the hysterectomy nonsense coming right after wls, I've barely shown my face in church for months. So even though I'm not a fast loser (and nowhere near goal) it's obvious something changed.

I legitimately claimed illness, but my best backup is my husband who finally tried low carb out of solidarity and fear of following me under the knife. Being a man, he's lost almost as much as I have post surgery.

I also, like you, can claim PT - shortly before surgery I was diagnosed with an overstretched and partially torn tendon in my ankle. The threat of *four* separate surgeries has been motivating and every pound I've lost has seriously helped it. She's been great and coming up with non-straining exercises. Back on the dark side, it's been the coldest, rainiest winter on record in Seattle and I'm still trying to recover from the latest bronchial infection. And trying to fix my hormones and the lingering anemia.

It's just so much to deal with, isn't it? I just want to yell, "Major problems need to max out at three!" But like you, I need to exercise to lose weight - this infection has me going backwards again [emoji31]. But I'm going to try PT again tomorrow - first time in a week and a half - and managed to do a little arm work and leg work today, even though it left me prostrate on the couch for the rest of the day. I got my blood draw for hormones today (yay!) and need to schedule that appointment next.

I'm 9 months out of the sleeve and about 3 months out from hyst- seriously, does that pain *ever* go away?! So most of my "honeymoon" was blown being wildly anemic/recovering from surgery. I've only lost maybe 8 lbs since the hyst - but the surgeon said I'm regaining some muscle.

Don't feel guilty. 70 lbs lighter since surgery allowed me to take a birthday trip to Vegas, learn to kayak, be able to walk with a small brace instead of an orthopedic boot, and fit into cute (mostly still plus) size athletic leggings from Lucy and Athleta. I even dropped from double wide to just wide shoes.

Like me, you have serious health problems most people can't imagine living with. You're doing what you need to do to get the shot at becoming a more healthy you. And don't let anyone ever make you feel bad for that. You know how to lose weight - enjoy your honeymoon and your real shot at keeping it off for good [emoji4][emoji106][emoji322]

I only told my boss, 2 best friends and my cousin. I guess I was afraid of people judging me. One of my best friends had the sleeve done three years ago. I see her struggle and I know it hasn't been easy. I also didn't tell very many people because I am afraid of failing. I am 47 and I want to live a long and healthy life. I hope I can succeed!

Agreed. I am doing it for me. I guess all we can do it take one step at a time and make good choices day to day for ourselves. I can't wait to read more about everyone's journey.

Agreed. I am doing it for me. I guess all we can do it take one step at a time and make good choices day to day for ourselves. I can't wait to read more about everyone's journey.

Agreed. I am doing it for me. I guess all we can do it take one step at a time and make good choices day to day for ourselves. I can't wait to read more about everyone's journey.

I guess we are all facing the same situation, people judging without enough information, or if they have it, still judgmental based upon preconceived notions. I'm going to hold off on telling anyone and do this for me. I hope you all do the same. If they don't like it, screw 'em. It's certainly not about them. It's about our health and well-being. I guess I will focus on that and only that.

I'm am so excited about my WLS and I have told a few people. I was fairly disappointed in the responses. They have not been very supportive. I have a few supportive family members so I am good, but my friends have let me down. I have 3 cousins who have had WLS and 2 of the 3 got divorced after their surgery. I wonder what direction my life will take and who will be there with me post surgery. I guess it is like an adventure.

I am only telling a select few and reactions are mixed but surprisingly not in the way I assumed. A couple I thought would object are in favor and while one person I thought would be enthusiastic said she has never considered wls and she outweighs me by 150. My husband was all in, which I thought I would need to convince. I am avoiding telling ones I know to be judgemental a-holez or obnoxious gossips, which I consider Facebook the supreme obnoxious gossiper.
The stigma for wls I think will remain regardless of surging trends because being fat is held as a bigger personal failure than going bankrupt. We can be successful in a thousand bigger ways but still looked upon like we are lazy and less serious if we are fat. And even if we do lose weight, the minute we gain there are those that secretly applaud, saying I knew you would just gain it back - you have no self control.

Welcom Kathy51!!! (and all the newbies!)/ Wow, 51 is YOUNG!!! I had my surgery at 58 (that was 5 years ago) and it completely gave me a new, healthy, vibrant life! Trust me, 50's is not old and after the surgery you will feel like you are in your 30's Good luck and congratulations on quitting smoking...well done! Just look at my photos on the back of my book....taken one year apart...exactly!

Queen of crop

I'm 55 and was sleeved April 18th 2017 .. I'm 9 weeks out 30 pounds gone... I'm loving the new me ...

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I am pre-op and also age 51. I live in Florida. I was diagnosed copd 2/7/16 and never picked up another cigarette. I was already 220 , but steroids pushed me higher to 242. Feeling empowered since I quit smoking, even though I still have high blood pressure, but now I want my body and my energy back. It is scary at this age, but I am hoping for a healthier life.

I am pre-op and also age 51. I live in Florida. I was diagnosed copd 2/7/16 and never picked up another cigarette. I was already 220 , but steroids pushed me higher to 242. Feeling empowered since I quit smoking, even though I still have high blood pressure, but now I want my body and my energy back. It is scary at this age, but I am hoping for a healthier life.

It's a myth. It doesn't expand the stomach it just gives you gas

It actually causes my stomach sharp pain so I avoid it.

I am one of you that thought I would never be able to give up Diet Pepsi. I am within my two weeks pre-op, almost finished week one. I stopped drinking Diet Pepsi approximately two weeks before my pre-op because I have been drinking it since I was a little kid. I swear I switched from milk in a bottle to Diet Pepsi LOL. I knew this would be very hard and needed time in case I failed. I will say first couple days, I missed it a lot. I felt only a drop in my energy level because of the caffeine and thankfully no headaches. I decided to start taking B12 every morning with my normal pills that I take and I noticed a big difference immediately in my energy. After about four days I never had another craving for Diet Pepsi. People walk around at work drinking it and I have no problem at this point. I'm not gonna say that I couldn't pick up another one and still love the taste of it, I'm just not thinking about it like I did initially Take the leap. I drink Water and one bottle of Bai water or Premier Protien Clear a day to give me some variation. I will tell you with the Premier Protein Clear I find it too sweet. I add a little bit a water to cut down the super sweet taste and then it is perfect. Good luck everyone! Surgery is Monday 7/3. 😊