Born in Missouri

I was downing horse pills right after my surgery. Never considered crushing or doing the applesauce thing. If you feel any resistance by your body, go to Plan B (crushing, etc.) Otherwise, carry on... you'll be fine. Others here have taken their pills without modifying them post-surgery.

Your sense of smell, taste, and appetite will be wonky for weeks or months to come. I had a bypass over 6 months ago, and I am still sensitive to most foods. If you've ever experienced morning sickness during pregnancy and the acute response to certain smells (the smell of steamed rice sent me head-first to the toilet) you'll better understand what I mean. I don't know if a sleeve procedure is worse or about the same, but since we are all individuals... it probably doesn't matter which procedure you had. Hang in there. Hopefully, things will even out so you are less sensitive to ordinary smells.

Taking two multivitamins at once is fine. The important thing is to space out your iron (if taken separately) so there are no absorption issues. Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron. What vitamins do you take specifically? Just a multivitamin? (Wait. I see that you are a sleeve patient. Never mind. You don't have the same nutritional risks.)

If you can't stand the sight of blood and fat and organs and burning flesh... don't watch it.

I forgot about the short-term appointments following the surgery, ie. one week, one month. I guess I was focusing on the lab work appointments.

It takes several months to develop a deficiency of any significance. It's good to be dedicated to your regime, but the reality is that it's okay to miss out on several days and still be perfectly fine. Just don't take more than recommended amounts later to make up for your missed days. (Not that I thought you would.?)

This is my surgeon, Stephen Scott, doing a sleeve gastrectomy. He performed a gastric bypass on me... but for those of you who may be curious, check it out. Dr. Scott spends a lot of time training other doctors here and abroad on various surgical techniques. https://jnjinstitute.com/online-profed-resources/resources/gastric-sleeve-power-echelon-and-stratafix-stephen-scott-md?target_id

I know nothing about the app. I use the website only via a laptop. I think we've been conditioned over time to be more sensitive to what we interpret (and often times rightly so) as fat-shaming. This site, like society in general, has plenty of room for improvement. That said, the community of people here, many of who have experienced their fair share of fat-shaming, won't be adding to your negative app experience. We're the REAL DEAL. Flesh and bones people who've been there, and want no more of it. Give the site a chance, @DeltaBravo, because the site is essentially PEOPLE and not fat-shaming data entry.

I had my 3-month visit and, recently, my 6-month visit. Normally, my next appointment would be in one year, but I was given my next appointment in 6 months. My surgeon told me that he expects me to meet my goal weight in 6 months and he wants to see me do it. He actually seemed excited (but not as excited as I am to accomplish that goal).

I have UHC. Policies vary even within the same health system. My policy didn't give a wooty-toot-toot whether I lost weight during my 6-month supervised period or gained weight! Sometimes a doctor's office staff can (in good faith) share the wrong information, so find out what YOUR actual policy states. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask member services to clarify your policy for you. Are you getting the bypass? Write to me privately. I might be able to help you navigate other policy details.

You look amazing and your success is inspiring. I'm not sure I'd ever be able to post photos of myself. Even though I've lost 99lbs, I still don't feel comfortable with the way I look. The emotional baggage is hard to shake. I probably set an unrealistic goal weight. My doctor would be thrilled with 150lbs, but I'm hanging on to 130lbs for reasons unknown.

When broken down by surgery type, the most common reason for a revisional surgery among those who had banding was band-associated problems, such as migration stenosis or slippage. Among banding patients, nausea and weight-related indications were also common reasons for revision. As for VBG patients, the most common indication for revisional surgery was staple-related disruptions, accounting for 10% of these patients. Nausea due to stenosis and collar migration were also common indications for revision. The most common indications for revisional surgery for gastric bypass patients were reflux-associated and esophagus-associated complications. https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/obesity/77253 "The dominant reason for corrective revisional surgery was bile reflux (including esophagitis), which occurred only in patients with loop technique GBP," the researchers noted, adding how "this demonstrates the superiority of the Roux-en-Y technique with regard to the need for secondary interventions." Although the small percentage of gastric bypass patients included in the cohort was a limitation, it's still apparent that this surgery accounted for fewer revisionary surgeries. "Among more than 200 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, only five (2.3%) required any reoperation," he said. "Revisional surgery carries a higher complication rate than the primary procedure, but if needed, it should not be denied..."

Keep doing what you're doing and it will happen. I've lost 99lbs in the last six months with little to no effort. I attribute my success to reducing my stress by not obsessing over the day-to-day stuff and concentrating on living and healing. While it's inspiring to step on the scale and see the numbers drop, be proud of what you've already accomplished and let that continue to inspire you. You've lost 20lbs! That's terrific. I noticed that you posted very little in your user stats. I've always enjoyed seeing my progress recorded. It's such an ego boost. If you need help getting to the right area to make these changes, I can (and others) will be happy to get you there.

My Vit B12 was so high that it was out of the highest range possible. I'm talking in the thousands plus. My doctor, to my surprise, laughed. I took that to mean it wasn't the end of the world. She suggested that I take my B12 once or twice a week instead of every day. I showed my sons my results, too (they are both medical doctors) and they told me not to be alarmed either. At 6mos I am slightly anemic as well, but even then, I was told not to be overly concerned. Eat meat. Don't forget to down my iron. Take your vitamins as directed and it will be okay. I wouldn't say this if I hadn't experienced the same feelings as you did. While it is possible to overdo the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), your water soluble vitamins (B and C vitamins) just pass in your urine. It actually takes a long time to get to genuine danger levels. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder). Perhaps you have an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism is extremely common and is easily treated with medication. Write to me privately if you want to talk more or if you'd like me to ask one of my sons about any specific lab results. (Not a substitute for your own doctor... just an offer to perhaps ease your mind until you can see someone.)

Yikes. I didn't even pay attention to the title of this forum. Talk about a dunce. (Picture me in a corner wearing my pointy cap.) Respect gratefully noted, Julie, and apology offered. I should keep my opinions to myself, especially when I don't know where I'm giving them! ? In my defense, when one sees a topic on the right-sided column on the main splash page, the forum is not immediately obvious. It's easy to start blabbing away without realizing where one is blabbing.

Is there any reason why you haven't considered the bypass, for example? I can't recommend the sleeve... since I'm totally TEAM BYPASS.

Doctors still recommend lab bands? Why? I'm confused.

“Most obese patients who qualify for weight loss surgery don’t seek it out, and that may be due at least partly to stigma, a U.S. survey suggests.” “Nearly half of randomly-chosen survey participants said they believe the procedure is usually done for cosmetic rather than health reasons, and about 40 percent thought people who choose the surgery have taken “the easy way out,” …” “This is actually a problem with physicians, too. Often they give patients advice to lose weight, but they don’t refer the patient to a weight loss specialist.” Stigma May Keep People From Getting Weight Loss Surgery https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-obesity-surgery-attitudes/stigma-may-keep-people-from-getting-weight-loss-surgery-idUSKBN1OC2JF Weight Loss Surgery Carries 'Easy Way Out' Stigma https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20181212/weight-loss-surgery-carries-easy-way-out-stigma#1

Love your reply. I'm going to adopt that attitude as well. Further proof that we can all learn from and be inspired by each other.

Yes! All of your hard work is paying off. I look forward to your next milestone. It's the milestones that keep us motivated. What is your next milestone? 300?

I forgot that I posted this so I had to read what I found out to re-educate myself. I guess I've lost more than just weight... plenty of brain/memory cells as well. I also have an autoimmune thyroid condition called Hashimoto's thryoiditis. It's hereditary. My point is, having an out-of-whack thyroid tends to interfere with one's tolerance for cold and heat. I tend to have a problem with heat more than cold, but after losing close to 100lbs, I'm having a problem with cold more often now. That said, I'm not interested in regaining those 100lbs so I can be warm again!

I remember feeling horribly low when @AlteredReality was losing big time (we had surgery at the same time) and I felt like such a failure. Miss Altered (said affectionately) is still kicking dust in my face, actually, but hey... I'm nearing 100lbs in less than 6 months. That is NOT something I dared to dream. And I'm practically doing nothing. Not exercising (disability) and just eating when I'm able to keep down a few bites (still no appetite... I miss not being able to enjoy a big plate of spaghetti or some tacos, but four bites and I'm at my physical limit.) I hate when people say, "If I can do it, you can do it." But it's in the cards for you, too. I don't know what I'm doing right but I've almost reached my first real goal of breaking 200lbs. Who woulda thunk it? Just make sure you don't ignore your vitamins/supplements. It's easy to dismiss their importance, especially when you start feeling better than you've felt in a long time.

Society has poisoned women into thinking we have an expiration date, so I'm delighted to know that you think otherwise. Every line, wrinkle, or oddly-shaped blob is a badge with a worthy history. Think of all the people who never make it past their childhood or young adulthood or who die before their time. (I know you had a son, Kevin, who passed away; children should NEVER go before a parent; I have a son named Kevin, too, by the way... my youngest medical doctor.)

Being able to sit in "normal" chairs in waiting rooms instead of the extended two-seaters. Not needing an extender during plane rides AND, again, fitting in the seat comfortably without feeling wedged in. More choices with clothing in sizes that don't represent the maximum, some clothing stores, for example, don't carry anything higher than a 4X. (While I enjoy a snugger fit in clothing, I also oddly like that hanging-off-of look as well... sort of like the kid who gets hand-me-downs in a size too large and has to make do. Weird, I know.)

Does your Mother, by chance, have to take methimazole (three times per day)? If so, it's probably the frequency that makes it difficult for her. Have you tried adding her meds to her food? I'm sure you've tried everything, so I apologize if I'm asking dumb questions. Sometimes when a person has a problem taking meds, there is some anxiety associated with the feeling that they will throw up or worse, whatever worse is. What if you try adding it to her food without her knowing? Maybe, psychologically, she's making matters worse by thinking that she'll be unable to keep her meds down. It's an old trick but it might work. I was never able to get down my recommended fluid or protein. Not even close to optimal. I know some people advise others to force down their fluids and protein no matter what. Be tough on yourself, big-girl panties, and all that. I disagree. Listen to your body; it's talking to you. It's trying. You can only do what you can do. It takes months before malnutrition kicks in. Your Mother will be fine. I'd concentrate on trying to get her meds down and worry less about the fluid and protein. I had an abysmal time with my fluid/protein intake, yet when my 3-month labs came back post-bypass, I aced them. My visit to my endocrinologist last week (I have the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), also revealed stellar lab results. Excellent A1C, excellent blood pressure... and no meds for either anymore. I also take anti-depressants. I was lucky, I guess, since I could down any size pill immediately after my surgery. Horse pill size, no problem. Even several at once. I think I'm rambling here, moving from one topic question to the next without making any sense. Your Mother's experience with suddenly thinking everything tastes too sweet, etc is extremely common. Post-surgery most everything smells and tastes differently. I'm still noticing this at 5 months out. My main point is: continue to support your Mother by NOT contributing to the chorus of other people telling her that she needs to do this or that and if she doesn't do it "right" then she's a failure. Posting this comment on behalf of your Mother says a lot about you. She's lucky to have you in her corner. Keep helping her by reminding her that her body will sort things out (eventually). She's healing. Keep being positive even when she's struggling. And keep us posted! We care about you and your Mother.