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Well I finally managed to get in and see my cardiologist and boy am I NOT happy. Why? Abnonrmal ECG he didn't exactly say what was abnormal about it but he now wants a heart cath done. BUT there are problems with that. Because of my large belly they can't go in through the groin, (BUT he did say something about the possibility of having my belly removed? Have to see where that goes) So they will go in under the arm. We sat for a extra hour while the nurses played phone & fax tag. Since I had M.R.S.A before they wanted to get ahold of the records from 2002 saying I was cleared from it. But that wasn't possible. So tomorow I have to go and get a nasal swab done to be sure. Only when that comes back can they actually schedual the heart cath. Since its a culture test it will be 72 hours before they get back anything. The doc wants more testing but he says at my size most of the tests can't tell him much. One of the reasons he said something about getting my large stomach removed. He was pleased that I want to get the band and mentioned possibly having both done at the same time. But he had to see just what was goin on with my heart first. Also durring the cath they will be doing some imaginging. I also start the patch for quitting smooking too soon so life sounds like its gonna be a trip for a bit next week. Gotta take a 30-45 minute drive to the center where they want to do the cath at. I REALLY hate driving into Indianapolis. Seems the older I get the more nervious I get riding in the car, interstate/city driving utterly freaks me out anymore. FINALLY got a accurate weight though. 6-months ago I was 440 today was 424. So there has been some loss. Just not as much as I would have liked. But I now also know of place I can go to get weighed durring daytime office hours if I need to, another office in the cardiologist building has a full blown wheelchair type scale. Dad is in the hosptial atm we have the same cardio doc. Hes gonna have a cath also and possible stent replacement. In the morning. He started having chest pain last night. He is 82 now and had several caths. Doc was trying to warn me that dad is increasingly more negative and vocalized to him that he was ready to be done with life. I told the doc yea I knew he had started talking like that 2+ years ago right before they had to put him in the nursing home. At the time we were living with him but he refused to follow his doctors orders and refused to let me help him with much. He was already talking like that then. So for really close family this is nothing new. But I could tell the doc was spooked by it. He really does care about his patients. So thats it. I now have 2 docs that care (FINALLY) And want to help me improve my health so only good can come from that.

I know what you mean about the Metformin! It took my digestive system 2 weeks to get used to it and not camp near a toilet! I stopped taking meds about 2 days before surgery and haven't taken any since. I'm probably going to start taking metformin again as soon as I'm on the soft foods stage of my post op. good luck with your pre-op! I'd like to say post-op is easier, but it's ALMOST just as bad. My eyes want everything in sight but I have 4 spoonfuls of soup/pudding/whatever and I'm FULL. Which is a great feeling. I only lost 5 lbs on the pre-op diet but I've lost 18 more since surgery. It's worth EVERY penny. Good luck! Think skinny thoughts!

I am 20 weeks pregnant and 1.75 years out from the sleeve. I lost 130 pounds. At 5'11" I weight around 160. I am up to 183 as of today. That is 23 pounds weight gain in 21 weeks (21 on Wednesday). I have NO clue whether or not I am going to lose this weight, but my restriction might as well be a thing of the past. I can eat my FACE off! I am so hungry all the time! I am hoping that the hunger goes away after baby, but I don't know. I was in maintenance when I got pregnant...I wish I gotten pregnant while still losing, but hey. I am pregnant for the first time at 36! That is a miracle. I have gained weight all over and still can squeeze into my clothes from my thighs, but can not button anything in the tummy. Shirts are little snug in the arms but mostly in my tummy. I feel big, but I am not going to let it get me down. I am not working out which just is terrible. I can not function in this cold weather and I am waiting for the warm weather to hit so I can go walking. Did i mention I can eat? Like everything! So scary!

Hi everyone! Does anyone else experience a high tolerance for alcohol after gastric bypass? I have a completely difference tolerance now than before surgery. I don't get drunk (not a bad thing). I can feel just a tiny bit tipsy for a very short period of time - maybe 20 minutes and then goes away. I even put it to the test this past week on our annual all-inclusive trip to the Caribbean when rum punch was flowing freely all day. Not that I need to be drinking and wanting to get drunk, but sometimes that relaxing fun feeling would be fine. Even my surgeon was stumped and said this is the first he's heard of a high tolerance as it's usually the opposite. So...just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same?

Hey Texusa. Thanks for asking. I feel Awesome. I had the Op in the Frisco Medical Center at 7.45 am Last Tuesday. The staff there were awesome and looked after me so well. I knew I had to walk and pee and then I could go home. as soon as I woke up in the room, I was like, get me up I am gonna walk an pee (but not together as that was a health hazard). I was out the hospital and walking round Target at 12.30. The Wednesday I was really woozy, and slept most of the day. On the Thursday and Friday I could start feeling better and now I am over a week I feel fine and love the liquids and don't feel hungry at all. I have people eating in front of me at work and at home and even though I love the smell, I don't feel hungry. Its so strange, but exciting. I started my pre op diet 2 weeks out and lost 12lbs. I have lost another 10 lbs since the operation and yesterday gained 0.8lbs and today lost 0.6lbs, however its all going the right way and I should learn not to be a slave to the scales. I have energy back and I feel amazing. Its the best decision I have ever made. I can't wait to see myself in 6 months time. Hope that helps. any other questions, just ask away.

I only had nausea when I wasn't fuelled up enough to train. Trainer said my blood sugar was dropping too low, so I was drinking glucose drink prior to training to raise it before working out and Protein shake immediately after. Not sure how this will work with the sleeve.... 5-6 days a week training over 6 months takes a toll on your body unless you are alternating between cardio and weights. I was only allowed to train on alternate days to help my body get time to rest and recuperate. Might be time to ease back on daily training for a while, shake up your body but allow it time to gather itself.

Fiddle, looking around I found some more elaborate answers for the "I'm going to puke feeling", you may have already read all of these but here you go... High or maximum heart rate and uncontrolled breathing, which elevates the blood pressure to heights that can give a 'sick to the stomach' feeling. The nausea that one feels is a result of burning so much glycogen out of the muscles that the body attempts to continue muscular contraction by manufacturing more glucose out of the lactic acid that has been building up within the muscle. <Long chemical process explanation> The upshot of this complicated biochemical process is that when a trainee runs out of glycogen in his working muscles and his body liberates lactate into his bloodstream, his pH levels drop off markedly, producing a strong lactic acidosis and feelings of nausea. This effect causes a drop in blood pressure (often perceived as light-headedness), and the inadequate blood flow to the abdomen produces the feeling of nausea. A couple ways to combat this feeling: Increase rest time between sets to allow the body to keep up with the demands that are being placed on it Consume a bit of sugar immediately upon feeling the symptoms (or beforehand if you are certain that this will be a problem). If you feel nauseous during or after your workouts, it may be a sign that you overdid it. People often report feeling nauseous when they over-train, according to R.W. Fry and colleagues in a September 1994 article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Ensure that you do not get sick from over-training by verifying that your heart rate is not above 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. If you do not want to stop to measure your pulse, a good rule of thumb is that if you have to stop repeatedly to catch your breath, you are working too hard. Nausea during or after exercise may also be a sign of a hormone disorder called pheochromocytoma. Symptoms of pheochromocytoma include a high heart rate along with headaches, sweating, chest pain and feelings of anxiety. People with pheochromocytoma often feel nauseous and vomit after exercise. Consult your doctor if your nausea and high heart rate during exercise persists despite lowering the intensity of your workout and waiting three or four hours after meals to work out. So, it seems that the nauseous feeling after a workout can be from over training or it can be from just pushing yourself to the next level.

4 weeks out and so far I been to tired to notice.. lol but I really don't think so. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Hmmm I dont know, sounds like your doing great and I think you like pushing yourself ,and Im sure your hard work is paying off. I think your just training really hard maybe push yourself to that limit 3 times a week instead of 6 . I mean if it really bothers you, otherwise you know what to do hydrate/protein/ recouperate you should be good. Or like the ladies say check with your trainer.

I'm 3 months post-op and was so happy that I had minimal hair loss but this week has been terrible! Any tricks to help with hair retention and strength??? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have lifting restrictions for 6 weeks-nothing heavier than a gallon of milk. I found that when I did more housework then what I should have done or loading/unloading the dishwasher, I would have pain in the stomach. Just a reminder you had surgery. Just be aware of how much you are lifting and be careful. I did have a hiatal hernia repair during surgery but I am not concerned of getting a hernia afterwards as I am following my restrictions. Just listen to your body...if you are having pain, slow down on what you are doing. Remember you just had major surgery and it will take some time for the insides to heal.

Hi Judy ~ try not to be discouraged!! I think honestly the huge amount you lost right away has a lot to do with it. I am May 20th so we are right on track with each other and I've lost 41 lbs, just in a different way. 18 first week, then 10 over the next 2 weeks, then 5, then I stalled for a bit, then 4, then 3. Every time you lose 20-30 lbs your body takes a while to adjust before moving on. If you really think you may need changes, examine your calories (should be 600-800 a day the first year) that's net calories meaning if you exercise and burn 200, then you should eat 800-1000 so that you net 600-800. You can always try upping your exercise also. I have been doing 30-60 mins 4-5 days a week. Just hang in there - it will work! Also congrats on getting off all the meds!!

LB, I can't address all the things you mentioned, although it sounds alot like MY life. But, you're doing fine! You've already lost 10 lbs. in less than a month. That's 2-1/2 lbs per week. The doctors generally recommend 1-2 lbs per week. I won't give you the exercise speech because you already KNOW what you need to do. But, I will remind you that you'll lose inches faster if you're moving! And, the clothes will fit looser faster!!! Just be patient with your body. It needs time to heal. Just keep following your doctors instructions. Come in here anytime you need a boost, or just come in a visit. You can make some good friends here. I didn't keep my band a secret, but I don't have anyone close by that has been banded. I wish I did. When I go to lunch with my friends, I feel strange eating with them. I would suggest going to some of the support meetings and meeting others who are banded. That way you have someone to talk to, or go to lunch with, etc. that understands. Brighter days are ahead. You'll see when you go back next week for a fill. Good luck to you.

Two words: breast cancer. Well, sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. Now that I am close to my self-imposed goal, I have been thinking a lot on how to pay for a tummy tuck and new breasts. The arms would be nice too, but I can live with them. Last month a had my yearly mammogram and, long story short, found out last week I have breast cancer. It's in the very early stages, so I am sure I will have many, many years to enjoy my new, thin self, but what the @#$&! It did come as a blow. I have genetic testing today for the BRCA 1 and 2 gene -- if I have that, then for sure I need a double mastectomy and my ovaries removed. But the standard treatment for what they know I have now is lumpectomy and radiation. But the thing is, my big weight loss will make a lumpectomy risky -- to get big enough margins, they would have to take a lot out and I have very little breast tissue left! Even doing the biopsies was a challenge -- the hollow core needles were bigger than me! Who knew, under the obesity a very petite women was hiding! So, I am meeting with a plastic surgeon on Monday. Looks like I may have a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. They said they would use my excess abdominal tissue. If I do that, I will not need radiation, which is a plus, but it is a much bigger surgery. I asked if this would be a true tummy tuck and they said yes. I'll get more info on Monday, but maybe this is the silver lining in a very dark cloud. I will also add a NSV here. Since all this started on Sept 29th, I have stuck to my healthy eating plan. I was very tempted to bury myself in a loaf of bread or, "gasp", bagels (my former nemesis), but I'm staying true to myself. I've waited all my life to enjoy this new body - I'm not going to backslide now. I have to be extra careful -- after the surgery, there will have to be a long hiatus from they gym. Ellen

I did not tell anyone except for my husband, daughter and a close cousin. The "easy way"? There is no easy way to lose weight. The surgery is not an easy way by any means. At times it will make you cry, depressed and extremely frustrated. The good news is you will lose weight and be healthier. It also gets easier with each passing day. I would not change what I have done for anything. You will have to change your lifestyle and work at it still. It is a total life adjustment. People that call the it easy way have no clue what it is like. The relationship with your husband should not change if it is strong and he supports you in this journey. I talked with my husband about every step, every fear, and everything I will have to change. He is supportive and has helped me make the right decisions for my eating and shopping for what I need. The 3 week diet is going the be torture I am not going to lie. You will fail at times and want to quit at times. Just get past any mistake you make and start over do not give up hope. The addiction is a problem we all have or we would not have the surgery. This will be something you will have to deal with on an emotional level and try to not replace it with another bad habit. Replace it with a healthy alternative like running or working out to relieve stress. I had all these fears too and as far as having kids you are only going to increase your chances with weight loss it definitely will not make the situation worse. Good luck with your journey and God bless you.

Thank you ladies. Great advice. I am going keep things confidential until I feel comfortable telling the outside world. I have only discussed in length with my parents, husband, 2 close friends and my sister-in-law. I have another round of tests on Wednesday for pre-op; ultra sound, blood, etc. Keep me in your prayers so that hopefully I can keep my scheduled date of July 19th. Not looking forward to the 3 week diet, but trying to start now with little changes. I made it through the grocery store today (with my husband) and we didn't buy any junk! A small victory, but baby steps are being made. Did either of you join support groups or see a therapist? Thanks again!

Why must they know the exact surgery you are having? Did you do all your pre-op testing? I have a hernia and adhesions and 2 polyps that need to be removed. I've had previous surgeries and my insides are a bit of a mess. I'm going in to have those removed. Enough said. I'm not telling anyone but my parents, husband son and ONE friend. 3 week liquid pre-op diet...I started a Protein shake diet, my doctor thinks I should lose weight before I have surgery, enough said. You will not know if you can or can't have a family until you lose the weight, so you have to look at what is right in front of you, the immediate. Life is scary and we are all afraid of things but fearing something that you have no control over right now, is not worth the anxiety (and binge eating or overeating because of fears it brings on). Take one thing at a time. I have a lot of fears, my fears are ridiculous, will I poop during surgery, will the drain make me want to gag, will I be able to afford new clothes once I lose weight. I have big fears too did I remember to pay the bills that are due this week while I'll be gone, do I have enough money to pay the bills. Will there be complications? My husband is an eater and a muncher and our relationship has changed over the past 7 months. He needs to keep up with me a bit, I can't just sit around, I need to move, he needs to move with me. He's accepted me and loved me at this weight, but I haven't loved myself. He needs to adjust to the new me, just like I have to adjust, and life has to change for the family. I can't take care of them, if I can't take care of myself. His habits will change because I have been cooking different and I am making him and my son become more active. Your relationship with your husband will change, but it doesn't mean it will be for the worst. That's another fear you need to let go of, and take it one step at a time. Long term fears, will I lose all this weight to end up still feeling insecure. Will I still have this pleasant disposition (hahaha - i'm quite the cranky person) after I lose weight. Will I do all this to end up having a stroke or kidney failure due to the lupus. These fears....I have zero control over right now. I let it go. What happens happens... I'm taking one step at a time, fear will eat me up. I spent since 1999 sick with one thing or another and battling my weight, I was embarrassed by my weight enough I refused to shop on weekends because I might run into someone I know. Take one step at a time, spend each day working on giving yourself some positive feedback, and figuring out where you have issues with food, if you don't chart your food, do so now, chew slowly, get your 64 ounces of Water in, and realize you are worth it, you can do it and you will take each thing as it comes. Get your husband involved with the new you, make changes together and the transition won't be so hard. I wish you nothing but the best and there are so many people that share the same fears as you, and there's so much support here, I'm sure others can relate to how you are feeling too. I just had to give it up because it was eating me alive.

I get my band today. I am so excited about this. I have taken a week off work for recovery.

It takes a while to adjust to this whole process. I'm 8 months out from surgery and still have days where I wonder what I'm doing!! Don't worry, it will be worth it. The week or so after surgery will be trying so be prepared. The bad thing about laproscopic surgery is that they blow your stomach up with air to do the surgery. That's the worst pain you feel after surgery. It got trapped in my shoulder and I thought I was going to die!! It's not gas, it's air. You really can't do anything for it except wait for it to dissolve. They say walking helps but it didn't for me. It will only last for a day or so so hang in there. Once that has past you'll feel better. I wish you luck and hope to hear about your progress soon. sabrina c

I am almost 10 weeks and got an unfill. I had already gained 7-13 lbs. maybe more. I started freaking out having anxiety attacks about how much weight I am gaining. I am getting big fast. I was 170 lbs I had lost 80lbs total 2 years post opt, and I hadnt been that small since I was a kid. I shopped all the time and love all the clothes and my size. I was finally a 10-12 I'm 5"8". We have been married 4 years so I guess it's time. Anyways, I am reading now and I see all these comments about how others didnt get a complete unfil. I kinda wish I didn't get it all unfilled. I was just so hungry before my unfil. I hope I can lose it all. I understand how how you feel about gaining the weight. I already finding my pants not closing. :confused:

I waited till 2 years to start trying, per my doctors advice and wanting to lose as much as I could. I got pregnant on the 4th cycle. I can't believe she will be 2 weeks old tomorrow!!

Wow, its been a month since I posted? I should be ashamed of myself. Whats new, well, shoulder is still not healed, and really struggling these days to even get any exercise in. Well, to be honest, I haven't exercised in awhile, and I finally made it back to the gym last night. I am not lifting weight since I have an injury but I am doing cardio. Eating has been on and off. We went on vacation July 4th week and that started me down the bad path. It took 3 weeks for me to quit eating bad and get back on track. I am finally back on track and trying to get back to exercising. I guess I just a break from everything, eating right, exercising and blogging. I'm refocussed again and will start blogging again. It holds me accountable. Bfast - protein shake Lunch - FF tuna salad with 4 crackers Snack - grapes (red seedless) Dinner - roasted chicken and fresh tomatoes snack - Skinny Cow ice cream bar Exercise - 30 min on elliptical machine. wt - this morning 162.9 grrrrrrr

Ok well I have been so busy that I haven't been on. Still hovering at 245...Happy cause I am under 250! LOL BUT, am anxious now that I looked in the mirror...my shelf on my ass is GONE! I knew my pants were baggy, and it wasnt a huge shelf (ha ha--denial is wonderful). But it was starting to get there. NO MORE! smooth round tush! COOL! Less love handles! Now if it would aim for my thighs--though they are the only thing holding my jeans up at this point. Am I picky or what!?? I still have 2 weeks until my appt. I am HOPING for a fill. I feel like I eat way too much to fill up, not as much as I did, and I am definantly eating better--still going very lean on the carbs. No soda--big big thing for me. I can eat ANYTHING I want...that is the cool thing--I have had no problems with any of my faves. Only had one barfing incident and all my fault cause I failed to chew. I do expect that to change with a fill. My one weird thing--My rib cage is tight--and maybe that makes no sense...but feels like someone wrapped me up with a bandage or something. I still get sore sometimes too. Thinking I will go scan some posts and see if that is normal. No pain just snug. lol I am getting myself a Total Gym from our local yardsale sight and can't wait. My fav was my Bowflex which really helped my arms n back get stronger even though I was big. However, stopped one day and never went back. What is that about? Ok Well I hope you are ALL doing well, and happy.

Hey most of us go thru that. That is what half my blogs are about. Losing nothing for five to six weeks while really behaving and excercising etc. Then out of the blue 7-8 pounds in a week and then the patern re-starts. for the record, i would give darn near anything to be your weight. contrats on how well you must be doing overall. I am still 214. cant wait till ONEDERLAND!!!! God bless

Had my surgery on July 11th, 2009 in Mexico. I have to be honest i was pretty scared. However everything went great! It has been 3 weeks today and i feel great. I have amzaing support from my boyfriend. If it wasn`t for him i don`t think i would be doing so great!:biggrin: Now the beginning of my new life has just started and i am very excited for what is a head for me in my future:thumbup:.