RapidFirePickle

I take the Bariatric Advantage Iron and Vitamin C chewables at a separate time frame than the chewable Calcium and Vitamin D. It means keeping track of when I take them, but way better than the 15 prescriptions I used to juggle.

I was told to use cocoa butter on them multiple times a day once the scabs were fully formed. All but my largest scar are thin and light pink (3.5 months later). My largest scar is still red/pink. They will continue to fade across the year.

Usually once the hair grows, it's permanent. Waxing can reduce it over time because waxing damages the follicles, but the only way to truly remove it permanently is electrolysis. I have PCOS and have been growing facial hair since I was 13. I have shaved and/or waxed/plucked for over 30 years. Sorry I don't have a magic bullet for it; I hate the stubble too.

How low is low? Normal platelet counts are between 150 and 450 (thousand); a 130 is not something to be concerned about and can be within the normal variation of human condition (like some people run a temperature of 96.5 and some are at 100.4). A platelet count below 100 is concerning, below 50 is very concerning, and below 20 is critical. It may be a temporary dip due to other conditions, or it could be ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura) which is caused by an autoimmune tagging of your platelets and destruction by your spleen. ITPhappens for no known reason which is why it's called idiopathic. There are many more things that can cause low platelet count, and your doctor should explore which are likely for you. Your doctor will know how to figure this out, meanwhile don't stress yourself out by worrying too much. I hope it's something simple and eases your mind.

I was in a smaller size within a month, but I was already down some with the pre-op weight loss, and the surgery kicked my size down even more. I would limit purchasing to one size smaller and use thrift/consignment shops to reduce cost. I feel like I've blown through a lot of clothes on this journey, and I'm only 3.5 months after surgery. I even bought a skirt at a thrift store that I shrunk out of before I even got to wear it, and I only had it a week or two. Maybe you'll be fortunate enough to have a coworker who will clothing swap like I did. She had some pants that she had grown out of, and I'm borrowing them until I shrink out of them. Good luck with your surgery and healing!

My Hemoglobin A1c a year ago was 8.3 with four diabetes medications maxed out. Three and a half-months post-surgery I am on the lowest dose of ONE diabetes medication and my A1c is 5.6! A year ago I was at 130/90 with three blood pressure medications; I am now on ZERO blood pressure medications and have a BP of 116/70. This is the best thing I have ever done for my health, and I am so glad I did

When they fitted you with the mask, did they try different styles? I used the WISP (S/M) which is just a triangle cone over the nose. My husband used to use the nasal pillow, but he was breathing through his mouth so he had to go to a full face mask. Maybe if you could use a smaller style like the nose pillow it would be less stressful? Best wishes and I hope someone here has some other advice/support for you.

My surgeon did not have me start my vitamins until one week post-op; before that, unless you have a known deficiency, there is no need.

Caffeine can deplete calcium, so if you choose to drink caffeinated espresso/coffee, make sure to take extra calcium. Coffee has a pH of 5 regardless of caffeine content, and stomach acid is between pH 3 and 4, so sip away. You are more likely to get jittery from the caffeine hitting the intestine quickly than getting too much acid from drinking it.

I lost a small hamster sized ball of hair the other day in the shower. I went out the next day and got a bob haircut that barely covers my earlobes. It looks way better than the finger-sized ponytail I had left, and it's way easier to groom and go.

I also use this scale!

A colleague of mine had gastric sleeve in February because she had bad knees and could not have knee replacements until she lost the weight. She could barely walk at the time. I don't think they will deny you; you can stil do upper body exercise and some physical activity like walking with proper care for your you knee (brace, walker, crutches, etc).

Actually it’s NOT next to impossible to gain muscle during the first year. A lot has to do with how physically active a person was prior to surgery and how active the are after surgery. I’m three months post bypass and have been engaged in weight-bearing exercise and strength training before and after surgery, and I’ve actually increased muscle mass. Physical activity paired with adequate protein will stave off muscle loss.

The reason I mentioned taking her to Anchorage Bariatrics is so they can figure out WHY she can't eat certain foods or get in enough. She may have internal problems that need endoscopy or other imaging to diagnose. She may be nutrient deficient in other ways than just protein. They can help figure it out and help her get healthy enough to begin working on strength training. Nutrition has to come first, and if she's not getting the right stuff, having a doctor who knows how to help is the first step. They can also answer YOUR questions and concerns about her health. I wouldn't want my husband to worry about me; I'd keep him involved and listen to his concerns and opinions.

When I was on full liquids, the doctor wanted me to get 500-800 calories a day with 80-100 grams of protein. Then when I progressed to soft foods it was 600-800 calories with 60-80 grams of protein (okay to go over protein but not under). At three months I am eating around 800 calories a day and at least 60 grams protein. I have steadily lost 12-13 pounds a month since surgery. Honestly protein before calories, so as long as you are getting the protein in, eventually the calories will climb a little. Make sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals, and protein, and then all the water you should. Until you get close to maintenance weight, you are unlikely to go too low on calories.

My weight stalled for about 16 days prior to my 3 month mark; now it's dropped seven pounds. I was getting worried too, but it got moving again. Water, walking, rest, protein. Nothing changed. Stalls suck, but they do pass.

Were you on blood pressure medications before surgery? If so, and you still take them, you may need less. If any of them are diuretic, you may be losing too much fluid. Please call your doctor; they can help pinpoint your particular issue.

Wow, that sounds pretty rough. There are two bariatric doctors in Anchorage - Dr. Sean Lee and Dr. Justin Clark at Anchorage Bariatrics. I know them; they are the doctors that got me this far in my journey. Dr. Lee did my surgery. I can't see them ignoring her situation. Call their office and get her in to see them; they will figure out what's going on. Best wishes.

I like to blend Muscle Milk chocolate protein powder and some added cocoa powder with Fage Zero greek yogurt, and then I add a little stevia or monkfruit to it if it's too sour. This works on my husband's sweet tooth (I had surgery but he's the one with the sweet tooth). I also ran across Smartcakes for when you are further out and can do all foods; they are 38 calories each, zero consumable carbs (fiber and sugar alcohols). They are low fat and have 4 grams protein. They come in lemon, tangerine, coconut, chocolate, and cinnamon roll. They are spongy and moist like you'd expect cake to be. It's a healthier alternative than going off the wagon (dietitian thought they were cool when I had her look at them today). Good luck; cravings sweets can't be fun.

Three months and four days since surgery; down 43 pounds.

My dietician and I set up appointments for a year out so I can get tips on dealing with the holidays (Halloween through New Years) and any other issues along the way. She not only provides recipes and advice, she offers body positive encouragement and meditation ideas, deep breathing, and other calming exercises. She's also been through the weight loss journey, so she'd good at grounding me when I get stressed.

I was given liquid Tylenol and oxycodone pills. I only needed them for the first couple days, and then once a day for a couple more.

Caffeine is known to bind calcium and can strip calcium from your bones, leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis. To counter this you will need to take significant calcium supplements, and not everyone does. Going decaf is a simpler solution (though not necessarily the preferred one) than taking excess calcium.

Lots of gentle hugs! Keep a positive outlook and don't let this get you down. It's a pothole in the road, and you can weather this! Rest and heal.

I use Bariatric Advantage multivitamins and Vit. D with calcium, and I have their chewable Iron/Vit. C. I get sublingual B12 at the grocery store. I like the taste of all of mine.