BlondePatriotInCDA

I appreciate you responding and your suggestions. I don't know about beef jello..I have texture eating issues. Is it just like regular jello? My day goes like this: Breakfast: Coffee w/heavy cream (1 tsp), my multivitamin chew, 1 calcium chew, .5 mg taurine, 2.8 grams magnesium glutamate, 2 tsp collagen protein w/hyaluronic acid all in my coffee, 1 pro/prebiotic 3 strips turkey bacon at 30 calories each and one egg or 2 egg white egg bites with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper Lunch: 1/2 cup turkey chili w/mushrooms and teaspoon G. Hughs chili Thai dipping sauce (no sugar 5 calories 2 carbs) with 1 tablespoon Fage Greek yogurt or Atkins protein bar. Dinner: Fairlife Core Elite protein drink (42 grams) or above chili 1/2 cup or 3oz chicken breast w/broccoli florets - 2 IF I have a snack: its .5 cup fair life chocolate elite core creami protein ice cream 10+- protein grams. This is all I eat for a max of 800 calories. I lost 21lbs before surgery (started diet before surgery May 29th) and lost 50lbs since surgery on August 21 to today. I just don't understand why I've only lost 21 lbs in three months and only 3.8lbs this last month.

We're the same age, I worried about the old age wrinkles setting in when I first thought about WLS. I told my husband " you get a fat younger looking wife with breasts, or thin wrinkled old lady with sagging smaller breasts but healthier!" Either way the choices suck. So far I only have the turkey neck..my face still has no wrinkles.. Its like waiting for the other shoe to drop. So, I completely understand it bothering you, it bothers me. I knew from looking at other WLS patients - they all look older/old (even young WLS patients) that it would happen ? my only saving grace is I've been on Retain A for awhile...its just a matter of time... ..literally.

Anyone else at 5 months noticing the weight loss is slowing down? In the last 3 months (my scale averages it out) I've lost 20.4lbs. From December to today 3.8lbs - less than a pound a week!! I'm not happy. I do exactly as I was told: 1. No more than 800 calories 2. No more than 50 carbs 3. Low calories, low low sugar, low low fat 4. Drink the equivalent of Lake Superior every day 5. I'm always active, stairs, dog walks, cleaning, treadmill, Occulus, etc etc... 6. Take all my vitamins I didn't go through surgery, liquid diets, being hungry all the time (including now) to have weight loss come to a screeching snails pace this soon after surgery! Is there such a thing as a complete slow down/stall 3-4 month post op for several months? I worry because everyone says its "normal" to slow down at 6 months..but this started at 4, what will happen at 6?

I only wore the Pneumatic compression leg device the first day in the hospital until I left. Do you have a known circulation issue the doctors are/were trying to circumvent with having you wear it so long? Unless your bariatric team or GP specifically tells you you need to utilize the device I don't feel you need too wear them again.

I actually did the math and took it to my surgeons office asking exactly how did they expect me to do it!? I further explained I'd have to drink right up to bedtime and sleep was just as important in the healing process, so if I drank just before bed..I'd be getting up several times in the night. I was told they "know right out of surgery there is no way to get in the entire water requirement." They just want you to try. My math (basic because I suck at math): Average "day" (excluding time for activities you can't be actively drinking water i.e. driving, showering, different tasks at work): 12 hours No drinking water 30 mins before and after and during a meal: 90 mins+- 90 x 3= 270/60 = 4.5 hours per day you aren't allowed to drink 12 hrs a day +- - 4.5 can't drink. = Leaves you 7.5 hours to get down 60+-oz each day 7.5 hours to get down 60oz each day @ 2oz. max each "drink" = .12 to get your sip in. In other words not real easy or possible if you also add nauseous! This isn't taking into consideration snacks (which I didn't do and still don't). Needless to say they found me funny. I wasn't going for "funny!" Said they'd never had a patient break it down before. I told them I'm a Histologist who manages a laboratory measuring in microns/millimeters/centimeters etc. everyday what did they expect?.. Perhaps they should have done the math before asking patients to do something! I asked who has time for that!? That's when they said to work up to it, its not expected for awhile, to just try..its a goal to shoot for. Eventually you'll be able too. So no worries, just do the best you can! ?

Congratulations omrhsn! You've achieved so much!

This /\ Stand your ground. Only you and your surgeon know what's best for you. Tell them to support you or get out of your way - you have a long healthy life to achieve and they can help you celebrate it or stand back and watch.

I have several things that come to mind on what was the last straw, but for me it was when my family visited and I was the only fat person there. My entire family is thin. Combine that with my thin husband..I felt like those old movies where you see the huge fat loud mouth wife (lol no I'm not that bad - looks around to see if husband is watching me type) with the small husband.. Everywhere we went I hated I was bigger than my husband (he eats tons and anything he wants - but due to his job he walks 12 miles - 6 days a week) so he remains thin. Add to the above; people would look at me then my grocery cart when shopping...then judge..and even say things even though 99.9% of the cookies, kids cereal, ice cream etc were for my husband. They never saw my cottage cheese, salads etc., just zeroed in on the garbage. I had one person tell me "no wonder you're fat" looking into my cart. Needless to say my smart ass came out..i said I can lose weight..you'll always be a rude ass**** who obviously has a "small penis" complex feeling the need to insult others to feel better about his small Insecurity package. One of the larger straws that pushed me to have surgery. I never told my husband out of total embarrassment.. Until recently.

I have very fine hair as well..just start to love hats! Beanies, slouch, stocking, berets, BB caps etc! I just tell myself - this too will pass! Good luck.

Your surgeon is right it is your decision, but, your surgeon also knows based on past patients experience and your health background, stats etc., what she feels based on her experience what would be the best for you. The surgery itself, the aftercare and long term outcome. I've never had to throw up, get the runs or any issues with my bypass. I feel most ppl don't have issues, but you hear about these that do, because why post everything is great I have no issues or questions? I chose the bypass because I have the worst luck known to mankind and I just knew I'd start getting acid refux/GERD if I didn't and I'd be back for a revision later. I've had no issues - none! I'm not sure why you think getting a SADI wouldn't have a chance to effect you the same way a standard bypass would. There is still the possibility of nausea/vomiting etc. I think if you only have 100 lbs to lose ....I agree with your surgeon, it might be a bit much unless you have diabetes or a BMI of 50% or higher. Just my two cents..although with todays economy..maybe its only worth a half cent! Finally, you won't spend your entire life only eating a spoonful of food at each meal, just smaller portions.

Ask yourself this: Would you tell him about a gallbladder surgery or hernia repair? I wouldn't bother telling him. You're not being secretive ..just why tell him? If he questions you about scars then tell him (honest is the way to go) but, if you answered I'd not bother telling him about those other surgeries then why would you for WLS? As far as the large family large portions thing, just tell your BF you have a small appetite, which you do and you want to continue to keep your shape and like the benefits of eating healthy and you're carb sensitive so you don't eat a lot of starches - potatoes and rice..its not a lie..you are ?? Lastly you wrote "What do you think? Should I tell him? I don’t understand why other people have to focus so much on my plate. I honestly can eat normal portions of food if it’s the right food (veggies go down very easily, but things like rice or potatoes are quick fillers)." Ask him why he comments and notices what and how you eat. This might tell you how to proceed, whether you tell him or just put him on "notice" that he comments a lot on YOUR eating and plate and you've noticed it. ?

"McCormick cake batter extract is also a delicious addition to vanilla bases and is available at most grocery stores" this sounds amazing! I never knew they made such a thing!! I decided to buy the deluxe too, for the size of the containers and different options. I've already made Fairlife core elite (42 protein grams) ice cream and it was wonderful...A nice change of texture from just drinking my protein! Thank you for responding to this post, amazing tips!

In answer to one of your questions, I took bariatric vitamins before surgery thinking to put myself on the right track before surgery. My dietician was surprised to find out I was..but I thought I was supposed too..they gave me several months of samples before surgery... I started biotin, collagen etc., bioton shampoo/conditioner all months before surgery. Results: My hair is still shedding tons 5 months post op regardless a lot!, I don't know about my labs yet .. That's next month. Its not about what you do before since your body decides to divert its energy to surviving on reduced calories afterwards and growing hair is not on your bodies needed requirements. So, each body is different - hopefully yours will react better!

No, I wish other than the pain..unfortunately or fortunately I've had no issues. Not even feeling "full"

Significant. I'm just thankful its winter and I can wear stocking caps. I've been losing it for about two - three months now. There is nothing you can do. Biotin etc..work on growing hair, not keeping it. The hair falling out now is old hair. I've read it should start stopping around 6-8 months post op <crossing fingers>. I have heard it comes back thicker, although I think that's just because you're used to the thinner hair so it seems like it. I'm not losing as quick as others..only down 70. This month and last two months have slowed significantly. Happy New Year back at you!

I think the OP said its been 15 years since they had surgery..

Thank you for the basic recipe. I just purchased one based on several posts saying it was great.

Thank you, this is what I was looking for...experience with it vs. outcome! Thank you everyone for your responses.

I really appreciate the response! I was asking because my blood pressure hasn't lowered and my pre-diabetes has gotten worse since losing weight. Also, I'm looking to increase brain/blood O2 saturation levels. I've done my research on beet roots (only scientific research papers/studies) and they've found significant improvements in some of the reasons I'm looking at adding it to my vitamin regimen. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425174/ (from the library of medicine) one of numerous I've read. I'm sorry about you son in laws uncle, I haven't seen any conclusive research studies on beet roots curing cancer. I was thinking the powder, only pure non GMO no additives only dehydrated then powdered put into my water would be a good option because we have to drink water anyways. Plus, with stomach size and my need for more proteins with very very low carbs (no fruit etc) due to my hypersensitivity to carbs (why they're looking at pre-diabetes hypersensitivity) it would be a good option for me. I'll take your advise and just wait for my 6 month check up next month and ask them. I just thought I'd put it out here on the forums to ask those who've actually taken it for their input! Thanks!

Does anyone have any experience with taking beet root? If so: 1. When after surgery (RNY) can/did you start taking it? 2. Results you've seen/experienced: good and bad. 3. Did you start at maximum dose, or work your way up? 4. Powder, pills or juice..or? 5. Did you take it before or start after your surgery? I'm looking for decrease in BP, increased energy and more O2 to the brain..you? Thanks in advance for your response!

Thanks for posting the tip, I never thought about that. I've held off getting my new Star card and passport after hearing about ppl who had surgery, lost weight and then not being allowed to enter a country because they didn't look like their pictures - just one more thing to add to my list (A good thing)!

I'm 5 months post op and have really noticed only a small difference in energy thus far. I keep hoping I'll notice a change..soon I hope! I spoke with my dietician at my 3 month check-in and she didn't seem concerned (of course its not her slugging around), but, she did ask about my calorie intake, iron supplementation and the dreaded water consumption question (I don't get the required Lake Superior quantity by any means) but I do get the minimum 48oz or close. All she said was we'll know more at your 6 month because of the blood tests for nutrients. To be honest I was expecting more concern, she was more interested in my reaction to carbs - I get a racing heart if I eat too many.. This was discussed because she wanted me to add fruit to my diet that's when I explained the racing heart (I currently keep my carbs below 50). Anyway, I'm sure the energy comes back at different times for each individual, until mine does...I'm in stand by mode Good luck on surgery - just take one day at a time and listen to your body!.

Thank you, I'm thinking its at 6 months that we're allowed to start capsules, but I couldn't remember.

I noticed at around 35-40 lbs. They say you lose weight first the last place you put it on. For me it was my face.

Muscle weighs 7 times more than fat, so if you're weight lifting the scale might move downwards more slowly, but the inches come off quickly! I used to be a fitness/body building instructor and I'd hear this complaint a lot. Be more concerned with how you feel and how your clothes fit instead with if you're body building or free weight lifting.