NikiS

Did you read someone's post and it rubbed you the wrong way?! Don't let it get you upset, instead share with them the proper way or your thoughts on the subject. Like CammyD, I too wish everyone success. It would be unfortunate to have this procedure and for it to fail. All the best, Niki

OMG!!! 40 pounds in a little over a month...that is terrific! It sounds like you are doing wonderfully! It's it great when the clothes you used to wear are sudden way too big?! That's sucha great feeling. I know you were super happy to find out you were preggers - LOL. That would have been a whole new challenge. Congrats to you on your surgery and your weight loss. And I know your hubby will have success before and after his procedure! All the best, Niki

This is amazing. I was going to respond by saying that I didn't have my procedure done at Abington Memoial Hospital in Phila, PA., but one of my very good friends, her mother - whose name is Mrs. Denise - had her procedure done there and I believe she too had a very positive experience.

Awww, Sweetie, you have done a fantastic job in the past and I'm confident you will do so again. Yes, you did take some time off but necessary time - you lost someone very close to you. The great things are: you've lost and kept off 60+ pounds and you're engaged!! Those are 2 very big and exciting things. Dwell there and enjoy those things for a while. You sound like you're getting back on track and that's great! Be encouraged and work your plan. Chin up! Niki

I had the "dip" too but my surgeon told me that was the area he removed scar tissue that I had from a previous surgery. I'm only 3 weeks out and my "dip" has flattened some. I'm confident it will go away as I continue to lose weigh. Tell your sister to be encouraged. She'll be fine. As far as the 4 week liquid diet...hmmm. I did a 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Then 1 week of clear liquids immediately after surgery and then a week of full liquids before moving on to mushies. WIth 4 weeks of liquids I'm assuming she'll lose some major weight! All the best to you both, Niki

Thank you so much for sharing! What an amazing account of your recent victories. I am both happy for you and proud of you. Congrats on your weight loss, and all the best for your upcoming half marathon. I pray your knee will recover 100% and that you continue reaching your goals. How wonderful and encouraging! Congratulations again, Niki

I was off my pain meds around day 4 or 5 but I din't drive until day 10 post-op. It really wasn't that bad. But still...be careful! All the best, Niki

Milk of Magnesia definitely works - immediately. Just one thing... cherry flavor is the worse! It's way too sweet!!!

Preop protein shake- Slim Fast Iron pill- Is in the multivitamin. No need for extra Multivitamin- Centrum Chewable (w/iron) Vitamin d- Is in the Calcium. No need for extra Calcium- Calcuim Citrate with 600 mg of vitamin D - GNC B-12- from GNC

I told my sister, mother, and 6 friends. oh, and last weekend I shared it with some family. I don't mind letting family know but co-workers, church members, etc....nah, not so much. I'm not afraid of what they'll say I just don't want all of that attention. A small part of me thinks, what if I tell the world and then I never lose the weight. I know... silly thought but it's definitely something I've entertained. Also, when I came back to work (I took 2 weeks off) several people noticed that I had lost weight but (1) it wasn't drastic; and (2) these were the same people that saw me drinking Slim Fast for 2 weeks for my pre-op diet. They assumed that's what did it. When I drink my chocolate Protein shake I hear, "that Slim Fast looks deliciuos or Nik, you're so dedicated and it's starting to pay off."

Oh, I amlost forgot, Slim Fast!!! Creamy Milk Chocolate was my favorite (Wal-Mart's brand)

There are lots of things you can have: Crystal Light, sugar free popsicles, chicken and beef broth, any non-caloric, non-carbinated drink, decaffeinated tea, sugar free jello and of course plenty of water.

I'm only 3 weeks out and I can eat the entire 6 oz of chobani yogurt. Grant it, after that I'm full for the rest of the day, but it's pretty easy going down. I restrict myself because I don't want to overdo it. Also, my tummy let's me know when too much is too much.

I'm 3 weeks out and have had the same thing. If I applied pressure to the area it would go away. My pain was right in the middle...closest to my belly button on the right. I had some scar tissue and that was the area that it was removed from.

Like you I had a movement the day before surgery. When I was released from the hosiptal I was given Tylenol 3 (Tylenol with coedine) for pain and it's known to cause constipation -- which it did. At my 1 week appointment I told my doctor that I hadn't gone and he suggested Milk of Magnesia. Not "going" after surgery is extremely common... so is watery stools (which I have yet to experience). I think you'll become more regular when you take in more food. As long as you're passing gas or hearing/feeling rumbles in your lower belly that means your intestines are functioning which is a great thing. Before you know it you'll have stools-a-plenty - LOL. If you don't go soon, consult with your physician. He/she will guide you with regard to which over the counter medicine to take. All the best, Niki

This may be slow in coming but I've come to realize something...this change is truly a process and is very, very different for each person. Prior to having surgery, my physician and his staff provided me with tons of information at each appointment. I have a wonderful binder (my bariatric binder) chronicling step by step, and day by day things from vitamins, what to expect before and after surgery, pre-admissions, examples of meal plans, what kinds and times to take in liquids, etc. It is so informative and I refer to it at least 20 times a day. During my appointment, my doctor as well as the on-staff nutritionists adamantly steered me away from certain carbs. I was under the impression as soon as something sweet or some bread like substance hits your palate I'd regret it instantly. It was/is because of this that I have stayed on point. That and I'm only 3 weeks post-op. Anyway... I've read the occassional post where someone may have had a weak moment (nope, I'm not judging) and they never mention getting sick. How can this be??? Of course this is his profession, but I now know my doctor is really committed to steering me away from the potentials of what contributed to me having the surgery in the first place. Yes, these things could possibly make me sick but why go there. He's actually aiding me in my lifestyle change by assisting with changing my mind set. Just one more reason why I love, love, love the bariatric staff at Temple University Hospital!!!

Oh...and I'm not even a month out.

This is such a learning process. I never had any restrictions. I chalked it up to my muscles, tendons and tissues being in shock from the surgery. Almost immediately I was hungrier than I had ever been prior to surgery. The hunger didn't go away until I was exactly 2 weeks post-op. Like you, I have to cut myself off. I don't really know my limits and I don't want to find out the hard way so I restrict myself. I am super mindful of my intake and haven't been eating as much as I should. I have absolutely no problems getting in all of my protein or my liquids. In fact, if my surgeon hadn't told me not to drink more than 8 oz an hours I'd probably drink around the clock. Protein and other liquids no problem. Food... problem. Not because of restriction, but because I'm afraid I'll overdo it.

You are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this picture with us.

Your hard work had truly paid off...you look amazing! Congratulations!!!! :welldone2: Nicole