Kaywieny

I decided to just take one every day, and two every other day. I've already been trying to counteract the side effects---I take 7500mg of Biotin a day, a hair, Skin, Nails formula, and silica, Omega 3 and my regular bariatric vitamins/iron/calcium supplements. I've done that since I was discharged. I expected it, I've read all the posts about hair loss at 6 months or more, but nevertheless, it's still alarming when it comes out and tangles around your fingers when you wash your hair. *Enter several OMG here* I'm going in and having a couple inches taken off the length, I heard this was supposed to help with breakage and stimulation...I'd rather have short hair than no hair.

WOW. I can't say I can't believe they wouldn't do your follow up care. It's been almost three months since my surgery. In the course of the last few months I have found out quite a bit and have tried to keep some speculations I've had to myself about Iowa Weight Loss Specialists. My experience with Dr. Eibes had been good overall, but I have some reservations about some stuff. I have a blood test coming up, and then my 6 month check up in March, but it's my plan to see if my Primary Care doctor will 'help or even take over care afterwards. I thought Dr. Eibes was great, but there's been some issues that have come up that have concerned me, and it's with some of the policies/procedures or whatever they adopted as they have expanded. For example, originally when I went through orientation almost a year ago, before surgery, I was told by Dr. Eibes that they WOULD take out my gall bladder if I still had it. That wasn't the case when surgery rolled around, I was told they would leave it in so I could still benefit from it. I'm on Urosodial which makes my hair fall out, gives me constipation, and after 6 months I will NOT be given a refill. I HOPE I'm still losing significant weight by then, but I don't know. I just think that I'll be a gall bladder case waiting to happen, because of medical history, etc etc.. And then, well, the clinic and the staff have grown so much over the last year, people in and people out, that it just doesn't feel so comfortable going there anymore...I've begun to feel like I'm on an assembly line, in a way. I also had problems with the insurance staff. I was not submitted for my surgery until 4 weeks later because there was only one gal and she was overwhelmed. Felt bad for her, but....not my fault. I was miraculously approved within 24 hours though after I was submitted. At the time though I was with Principal Insurance. I don't blame you for not wanting them to follow up care if on an emergency basis. Frankly, I think it's cr*p that they refused to see you for follow up care. I was wondering if you ever checked with the Grinnell, IA bariatric clinic, (I don't know the name) or no because of insurance reasons? My insurance wouldn't cover because they are out of network for me, otherwise I would just go there because it's only a few miles away. I also don't know anyone who has been to that clinic. BTW...I do believe the OP of this post did have her surgery.

I'm 2 1/2 months out, or around it. I can manage with some crackers okay, but my pasta and bread intake is nil. I just can't tolerate it, and I know if it's because of what clk said above, or if because some other unknown digestive issue with grains. Some people who have experienced even orthopedic surgery have developed intolerances to pasta, breads, milk...etc.. I think it's just because the stomach I used to have is just gone.

Hi Sue, I'm not quite 3 months out, but I've had some old habits creep up and swallow me whole. I just experienced one while at work. I work overnights, and I work with some food-lovin' gals, so it is especially hard. Tonight I had chinese...pepper steak. Two hours later, some hot and sour Soup, an hour after that, teriyaki chicken on a stick. Chinese food is my downfall. Could I have done worse? Definitely. I don't want to think about sodium levels, and I'm not quite sure about the carb count in pepper steak. Not only that..but I do believe you could call the above grazing. My weight loss has been phenomenal so far, so when I make mistakes like this, I have to examine why and how I let it happen, but I have to DO something about it. I hate on myself, I feel sorry for myself, I mean, I have already given up so much (smoking, drinking, pastas, and breads), that it shouldn't FEEL like a crime to enjoy some Chinese food, or even some popcorn. Yet it does. SO...what to do about it.... Tomorrow (or today, after a nap) I'll be going out for a long walk, and I'll also slip back into liquids and puree's for three days, so I can get myself back on track. I think as 'early' sleevers, we are bound to experience these moments when old habits need to be addressed one way or the other... and that's okay, but you also need to think of all the reasons you had your surgery and the things you want to do; or even things you may have already gained. (Er...not weight...or the medical bill) I've definitely failed today, but I won't tomorrow. We can only do the best we can, and only we can decide what our best is. (I hope that makes sense.)

I'm curious for those that are taking it, or it's generic Ursodiol...what is your dosage? Two pills a day? I'm 2 and 1/2 months out and while I've been taking it, I've been thinking about stopping or going with just 'one' pill, or even taking none during those weeks there are stalls. (I know, not recommended, and I also want to keep my gall bladder...but, maybe a decrease wouldn't be so bad?) A side effect of Ursodiol is hair loss and I'm experiencing it, and having issues with constipation.

A few days after surgery, some do experience hunger, or, some do experience the need to eat something more solid, like puree. There comes a point after surgery when your energy returns and so does a bit of an appetite. Your stomach IS smaller, and yes, you will feel satisfaction by drinking liquids, but the only way to describe it that it's short lived. I guess you couldn't really call it a craving, it's more like wanting (or maybe it's craving) something more solid. There is not a time you'll appreciate refried Beans more than when you graduate to puree. Even if you can only take three bites.

I'm on Ursodial, I take it twice a day and will take it for 3-4 more months. I noticed the hair thinning after the 1st month, and that's with taking Biotin and Hair, Skin, Nails formula. When I started the process to have surgery months ago, my doctor told me that they WOULD take out my gall bladder. When it was time for surgery however, I was told that they would leave it in so I could still benefit from it. I wouldn't have minded losing it at surgery and I sure as heck don't want to have to go get it taken out, so I make sure I take my pills. I'm curious though to find out if anyone after taking the gall bladder meds or +6months post op still had to have it taken out?

I started the drybrushing technique right out of the hospital, along with taking a hair, skin, and nails formula. The drybrushing...some of you might think it's crazy, but I think it feels great and I've noticed a difference in my skin since those first few days following surgery. I do it maybe every other day. I have had some acne pop up on my face, and I agree with the above. I think the break outs are because we're detoxifying.

I agree with Rosieb. I'm only a few weeks out but I've slowly been incorporating soft foods in. I have really been watching my carbs, but I'm planning this day as a treat to myself for so far a job well done. My plan is for a little bit of dark meat, a little stuffing around noon. For dinner I'm going to have white meat and green bean cassarole. For dessert I'm having Eggface's apple pie innards, and I'm going to make my own crumb topping for a treat. Appetizers I'm going to stay away from unless they're high protein, and besides, I want to be hungry so I can enjoy a very small meal. I think planning it out is key, and a way to stay away from ALL the carbs. But I also think it's a good day to reward yourself with some of the things you have loved in the past. I then plan to make the mad dash to Walmart so I can wrestle with the other psycho shoppers the morning after.

Debi-c....Not sure what you're NUT or Dr's told you, but according to mine, on the all liquid phase you might do a little 'grazing' because you need to get fluids and nutrition in, especially when you're less than a week post op. I had no issues keeping fluids down or getting them down, I did experience fullness, though. My first week went sort of like this... Shake, yogurt for breakfast, Shake, broth, Jello for Lunch, broth, pudding for dinner. Never the first week did I finish what I set out for the entire meal, so if I didn't finish my yogurt or pudding, I finished it as a snack between meals. The shakes weren't hard at first, but they became that way just because I was tired of all the sweet stuff. By the near end of week two I was ready for puree. My first meal was refried beans. They were the best refried beans I ever ate.

They were mine too. I was sleeved on the 31st. All I can say and it's reiterating what everyone one else has said. It will pass. And if it's gas, it will pass! The Gas-X and moving is the best thing you can do.

Me too. Learning to pace yourself is not easily conquered, and feeling a golf ball in your esophagus really does SUCK.

Gas-X was a miracle drug for me 1 week post op. I too had some pretty severe back pain, lower right side, I think mine was gas too. Another possibility, just remember too that you had some muscles cut into and since they all work together, you're back might be reacting. Whether you noticed or not, you have/are sitting different or even walking or laying different. Subtle changes can effect other parts of the body. If it's not getting any worse, just treat it like you are now. Heat pad, hot shower, buy some gas-x..you are still storing it, believe it or not. Do you have spasm medication, or did the Dr give it to you? Does it help?

Drink as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable. It is impossible to stretch your stomach or break the staple line, at least impossible by simply drinking water. If you throw up you've drunk too much, obviously, but don't worry about doing damage, not going to happen. Just worry about getting in at least 32 ounces per day.

Hi, Kara. I'm two weeks post op, on puree now. The Diarrhea had been nightmarish, but since intergrating puree a few days ago, I've moved on to...well, just 'loose stool'. I drink one Protein shake a day, and that's in the am. I had one freind who just went through this process tell me that the diarrhea/loose stools is normal post-op, she suggested that I drink protein in the morning, and then follow it up with a little cream of wheat or oatmeal. Tried that three days ago and that seemed to help, but then I also decided to try and use 1% milk, instead of skim or Water. In regards to soy protein....are you lactose intolerant? If you are, it might indeed be the choice for you, but can't give you any suggestions, sorry.

Beth, I'm two weeks post op. You're at the stage that was the hardest for me. The only thing that helped me was when it was bad, I went for something salty. broth or Soup. I also started to experiment with broth and soup, putting in different spices, taking sips....it just gives you something to do when all you want to do is attack whatever divine thing staring at you from the fridge.

Mary Penny, I wish nothing but the best to you and your husband. Shea.....Lordy. You drefinitely had the experience and a half! I'm one week post-op. Doing okay. Have been off of the pain meds and Tylonol for three days, but I'm still taking the spasm medication because I've had some that have taken my breath away. The most positive note I can comment on is not just that I'm losing some weight, but that I can say I went as a sleeve patient for Halloween this year. So happy to be on the losers' bench!

GetInMyBelly- I'm a week out of surgery. My surgeon gave me Percocet (Bless his heart). I was also worried about taking them too long, and the pain was at its worst at night. A couple days ago I moved to Tylonol liquid and started a regimen with it. The reason why I stopped taking the Percocet was because I needed to drive and I needed to get some things done around the house. The Percocet was knocking me out, even when I only took half a dose. The Tylonol liquid is adult form, not the kid's sugary stuff, and you can usually find it with the regular Tylonol at your local Wal-Mart or Walgreens. It works great.

Saints---what swellilng and pain I have in my stomach has really did a number on my lower back. The Percocet helps me get comfortable so I can sleep. Starting today I'm only going to take it tonight at bedtime. Today, I've only taken one dose of Liquid Tylonol, and the Levsin that Dr. Eibes prescribes for spasms. The percocet does nothing for what little energy I have, lol. Countrysjr- I am a gulper too, especially when it comes to Water. Plus plain water gets old. I bought those Propel or Great Value water flavors, just so I can mix it in here and there. I managed two bites of lowfat yogurt just now, and about a half of cup of chicken broth. Going to try some creamy soup for dinner tonight.

I'm am now about three days post op. I was discharged from the hospital today. I have trouble even sipping on Water, especially if I'm sitting down, so I stand up and walk around while I drink my Protein, Soup, water,... I also can't stand anything very cold, because it's still cold when it hits my belly, and I can really feel my stomach clench. I've had four nose bleeds in the last two days, because the o2 really dried me up. I also am having trouble staying awake. I know it's probably the Percocet, but the more I stay on the couch and reclined, the stiffer I get. I just can't stay awake for the life of me. Not that I'm complaining...I definitely needed to catch up on some Z's. Anyways...I bought nectar to get me through the post op liquid weeks, but I'm just having so much trouble trying to get in 60-75 grams of protein in. Today I got 51 grams in, but I guess that's better than none at all. Congrats everyone! It has been an incredible journey and it's going to get even better.

Hello, my surgery date is October 31, 2011. Good luck everyone!

I searched around on the internet and ended up going with one in our local Pilot or Love gas stations. Mistic E-cigs, you can buy an entire kit with 3 cartridges,2 rechargable batteries, 1 USB charger, and 1 wall charger for $36.95, then buy your refills (5 in a pack $14.95, a pack last me 2 weeks, but then again it all depends on use. The average refill is about 300 puffs. ) I have had my kit for about 4 months now so for me it was well worth it. And as an old, 2 pack a day smoker for 22 years, very cost-effective for me. You can also order the kit and refills online, but the shipping is a little ridiculous because they only use Fed-Ex, so I when I order my refills I order 4 at a time. (The gas stations carry the 1.8% and the 1.2%. They don't carry the 0mg.) Online you can order the 0mg, but these are just my local Love's and Pilot's....yours if you go this route might have them. I went this route because I didn't want to deal with liquids and parts, and refilling them, chances are I would screw it up.

I'm being sleeved on October 31st. Yesterday I started a 1200 calorie diet, 3-300-400 calorie meals and one very light snack. I have prior to surgery....2 days of Clear Liquids. I am allowed one 'cheat' day. I completely understand that it's an effort we need to make so we can exhibit control and we can shrink our liver. But right now due to my stress level, I am looking at the next two weeks as pure torture, so I can't imagine how some of you with a more restrictive pre-op diet must feel. We will get through it!

Congrats! Get ready for the rollercoaster ride. My surgery is exactly three weeks away and time thank God, IS moving quickly. Good luck!

I'm a home remedy lover, and I'll try anything once. I copied and pasted this piece about stretch marks below from this site, but I can tell you the best thing that I've heard that works is Mineral Oil or Vitamin E oil to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. My mother swears by both and I always listen to my mother. Home Remedies to Remove Stretch Marks Time – Stretch marks, like all types of scarring fade over time. Retin-A (Tretinoin) – 0.1% Tretinoin creams have been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks in a study published in the May 1996 Archives of Dermatology. See your doctor for a prescription. These creams work best when used on fresh stretch marks. WARNING: Do not use tretinoin treatments if you are pregnant of breast feeding as the active ingredient may be passed to the unborn child or the breast milk. Exfoliate daily – use a loofah or scrunchy to remove daily. Vic’s Vapor Rub – Many people have reported success using Vic’s Vapor rub by applying it to a washcloth or paper towel and rubbing it forcefully into the scarred skin on a nightly basis for a few weeks. Increase Circulation – by taking hot baths and massaging the areas regularly. Tanning – Go sunbathing! Tanning can diminish and even eliminate minor stretch marks. Be sure to use sun screen. (For information on Tanning, learn the guide to Tanning) Vitamin E Gel – Break open vitamin E capsules and rub the oil into the skin over the stretch marks daily for 2 weeks. Unstretch the skin – After the skin returns to its normal, unstretched size, stretch marks often become nearly invisible. Stretch Mark Creams and Lotions – Using stretch mark creams and stretch mark lotions that heal and beautify your skin can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The following ingredients are widely accepted as beneficial for this purpose:Cocoa butter Rose hip oil Emu oil Jojoba oil Castor oil Shea butter Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin C