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I can paint my toe nails. I can cross my legs, I can see my feet in the shower. Little stuff that I did not think about but now that I can do it, surprises me. I have lost over 50 lbs and feel terrific. I am going to the gym, have lost so many inches. I have my stalls, but that is when I lose the inches. I am feeling so much better over all. I questioned myself in the beginning but now have no doubts. I know this is still an on going process for me. I hope everyone else is doing well and do not get discouraged. Notice the little things in life.

Anyone can be unhappy. Not just about loss of food. It may have had an influence, but it is not to blame totally for someones problems. This young lady obviously had other issues to have caused the weight gain in the first place. It is just a loss of the coping mechanism for this young lady. I am sorry for her family that she chose to end her life. I have not told many people because of they way they react. I took a great deal of time to contemplate my surgery before I had it. I had a year of weight loss counseling, already had adopted some different eating habits, exercise habits and had time to wrap my head around it. I had my psyche counseling and then after approval by insurance, went to support groups for two months before proceeding with my surgery. I had given myself time to make the mental changes. I told a co worker about my surgery, asked her not to share( she is a manager and I needed to let someone at work know that I could be out longer when I had my surgery) and she had the surgery herself after I told her. She went to Mexico as a self pay. She did not think about it more than two weeks. No counseling, no follow up, no support groups. Then she has shared it with others-actually everyone-two other people have gone to Mexico for the surgery since then (August) . I am really concerned that she and these others are not prepared. I do not want that on my conscience. I am choosing not to tell anyone else unless necessary. I asked her not to share that I had surgery, but think she has done so already. It is my choice to tell, not someone else's. On the other side, I hope they are happy with their weight loss. I hope they are able to cope well. I am very happy that I can use this tool to control my own weight. I don't want to hear of other peoples horror stories. I do not want to influence other people to choose something that may not be right for them. I hope they have made choices on their own. They have to live with their choices, good or bad. Choose to keep what you want to hear and dismiss what is not important. Thank those for compliments and tell the others that have negative stories that your appreciate their concern, but you're good with it and walk away. This is long winded, roll eyes, sorry.

I am also a slow loser. And I have hit a stall for the last month. I know the surgeons that do our surgery set a goal for us. I believe that everyone is different and we all will eventually get to where we need to be, just some of us at our own pace. I am looking at this stall as a time to work out so that my skin does not become too saggy with such rapid weight loss. Everything happens for a reason. This is my reason. I know it will pick up again. Have faith in yourself. Go back to the basics if you need to. Make sure you are having your 55 grams of protein, start your day with a protein shake, have your protein first before anything else and drink lots of water. I got a little off the plan and am getting back to the basics.

I have always been big in the boob department even in my younger years before I gained weight. At my heaviest weight no one looked at my face, they always looked at my chest. I am 4 months out and have lost quite a bit of my boobie fat!. I am happy about it, but at my age do have some sagging. I will wait until I reach goal and would like to get them lifted to look better. I cannot find a bra that does what I need it to. I don't want a reduction, just put the "girls" back where they should be. Funny thing, as I slim down my chest looks bigger since I am getting my waist back. At least people look at my face now. My husband was always happy with me even with all my weight, but now says I have a great figure. I am not even a goal yet and feel happy about my body now.

So it has been a few days shy of 3 months since my surgery. I am feeling good most times. My stomach gets a little testy from time to time. Sometimes I can go along for a while and no problems and some days I am really reminded that my tummy is "new". I started out at a large size 16 and now down to between 10 and 12, almost skipping size 14 entirely. I think I was in a 14 for a week or so. I had a few slacks in my closet that got me through, but now I find that I have to go out and purchase pants. I did a happy dance in the dressing room when I tried on size 12 and they were loose and had to go to a size 10. Wow. Never did I think it would happen so quickly. I an browsing the clearance racks since I know that I will continue to lose and not spend a fortune on my pants. I am ok with my large blouses for now. Can always take them in a little if I need. I actually bought a size 6 & 8 jeans on the clearance racks for now and have put them in the back of the closet. I do happen to get up and put on my clothes and they will just be too large. Never had this problem before. It was usually the opposite. Put them on and go out and buy a larger size. Good 4 me!

I am down 40 lbs since June 22. I have had a few stalls. I went on a cruise for a week, did not lose any weight that week, but did not gain. I took my protein powder with me and supplemented 1 meal with a protein shake. I have slowed down on my weight loss also, I have started at a gym. One thing I noticed is that when I had my stalls, the inches came off. I have a huge chore ahead of me today. Sorting through and getting rid of all my large sizes that do not fit anymore. I am going to contact a women's shelter for donation, also there is a local support group for WLS in my town for a clothing exchange of any of you have that available. Hope everyone is doing well. I am feeling good and getting used to MY new normal.

My friend had a BMI of 30 and no other health issues like I did. I had HBP, high triglycerides, see a cardiologist for a heart issue and had borderline diabetes. She is 5' 7 and weighed 188. I have offered her my reading materials before and after her surgery and tried to coach her on the Vitamins and diet. She declines, so I have adopted an attitude of "I need to only worry about myself and let this go". I am happy for her that she wants to "look better" and lose the weight, but I an not her doctor or her nutritionist.

I have not told many people about it, but I did tell my boss and my co manager about it as I was not sure how long I would need to be out for the surgery. I had my surgery in June. My co manager decided to get this surgery herself a few weeks ago. I have a local doctor and my insurance paid and have follow up while she was self pay and went to Mexico. The drawback for her is no follow up and support groups that my local doctor has. The one thing that bothers me about telling her is that I spent almost a year on a supervised medical diet, did a lot of research and took a great deal of time to research this option before proceeding. I had to see the nut, have a psych session, discuss with my health care providers. It took me a lot to get to the point of doing the surgery. I feel she decided once she saw how much weight I was losing that she would go get the surgery without at all doing any research on her own. She decided and had it done within a few weeks. I worry because she does not have the follow up and is not taking the proper Vitamins, or eating the proper recommended diet that most of us follow because we have local nutritionist counseling and all the local nursing support and follow up support from our doctors. So is telling a good or bad thing? I am happy she is losing the weight, but at what price to her? I think sharing a personal choice, but I wish I had not told her because I worry that her health may suffer since she is not doing this the right way. If you decide to tell someone, make sure it is the right person.

I had this for a few weeks. It was a sensation but no hair there. I think it lasted for 2-3 weeks before subsiding. I also was also very sensitive to smells. There are a few changes your body goes through after this surgery. I am now 10 weeks out and feel normal now. For the first 4-5 weeks you will notice strange things as your body adjusts to the new stomach.

This is good to read. I am 10 weeks out and sometimes a reminder is good to read through. I have kept to most of the basics since my surgery with the exception of going on a cruise a few weeks ago. I did make some mistakes on my cruise by drinking some alcohol and eating a few spoonfuls of desert. Since I am home again I have been back on my regular schedule and am back to my "new normal" eating." New normal" is getting in all my Protein, having enough Water, no snacking and taking my supplements. I am feel so much better since losing almost 40 lbs. 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

I was sleeved two and a half months ago. I did not really have any sinus issues before surgery, but I got a lot of drainage afterward. I am still getting some sinus drainage. I don't know what may have changed, but my dry mucous membranes are suddenly not dry any more. I also had super smell sensitivity afterward. That has gotten better, but I still get runny nose and post nasal drip a lot now. I am learning to live with it. I have a follow up in a month with my doctor and intend on asking him about it. Things that I have noticed changing since the surgery.

Thank you for the information. I do get a hiccup too. I will read up on this!

Hi All, I find in the last few weeks that I get a runny nose after eating a meal. I usually have a protien shake for breakfast so it does not happen then, usually once I start eating food. I notice it happens after I eat foods that have a few more carbs. I did not notice it until the last few weeks. I am currently 9 weeks out. Has anyone else had this happen? Could it be a food allergy or gluten sensitivity? Any feedback would help. I don't have a follow up until mid October.

You look great! Way to go and be proud of yourself for getting to this goal.

Congratulations to you and your husband on your pregnancy and on purchasing your new home. Thank you to your husband for his service to our country. I am proud to say my husband served 20 years in the Air Force and I know what it is like to be a military wife. Best wishes for both of you!

I am getting sleeved on June 22. I am 51, strong family history of heart disease (my mom has had triple bypass, two uncles have had quadruple bypass, aunt had double bypass, two uncles have died of heart attacks, my grandmother had a few heart attacks), currently take daily 81 mg of aspirin per my cardiologist for prevention. I know you are not supposed to take NSAIDS once you have VSG. What does one do for prevention? I will be seeing my surgeon for my 2 week pre op on Thursday the 9th, I will ask him. Anyone else with this problem? I have had blood tests for C-reactive protein which is an indicator of future heart attack and my level was fairly high. This is one the my reasons for this surgery, to get rid of excess weight and changing eating habits and exercise to prevent heart disease. My cardiologist happily cleared me for this surgery. I did a 10 month weight management program through my cardiologist, and I lost 8-10 lbs. I did not think about this until this morning when I decided not to take the aspirin since I want to reduce bleeding risk from surgery. Any answers will be helpful for when I talk to my surgeon and cardiologist.

I am now almost 8 weeks out and just now starting to feel physical hunger. I am taking my PPI and I have had problems with the stomach acid, so I know that is not what it is. I have also had head hunger and that is not it either. I have actual stomach grumbling hunger and it is letting me know it is time to eat. I was told by my doctor that I would not feel hunger. But my doctor has not had this surgery, I have, and I can tell the difference between stomach acid, head hunger and physical hunger from my stomach. I just eat a couple small spoons of cottage cheese and it goes away. I also know when I am thirsty and that is different also. I am glad to have the hunger. I thought I would not feel normal the first few weeks after this surgery, but I am starting to feel normal again and am losing the weight. I just know when my off switch is now. I don't think I had an off switch before surgery. When I feel full, I quit eating. If I take one too many bites, I am usually sorry I did. It is amazing how we can retrain ourselves with this surgery.

After reading these posts it made me feel very grateful for the surgeon I have and his office staff. They are the most compassionate people and always return calls. They are on top of everything. I had so many follow up calls from his staff after my surgery and for any questions I may have had they got back to me right away. When I go to the office they are always on time and polite. They have support group sessions for all of their patients and are always available at every meeting for questions. This includes the doctor, nutritionist, psychologist, a host of other support people too. We are able to talk to personal trainer and chefs and other professionals to keep us on track. They have helped me through this whole process and made sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed.

Hi Happy, I got my surgery on June 22nd. I am glad to hear you are on your way! The first week after surgery was rough. I bought the Profect Protein shots from my surgeons office and they were terrible!. It may just be me, but starting right after surgery, my sense of smell was extremely sensitive and I could smell everything including the Vitamins in this shot. I gave up on them and got the Isopure drinks. Grape frost was the best. These also were not really great, but I could tolerate this one. The apple melon was disgusting. I am on my third week and starting mushies this week. Much better. I am so tired of Protein shakes, but I must get my protein in, so I am doing what I am supposed to do. I bought a Protein powder from costco that tastes very good, it is 40 servings and 26 grams of protein isolate per shake. PM me and if you have any other questions, I would be happy to talk to you. Long time since we talked.

I have had acid reflux for years even before surgery. I have taken Prilosec rx for the past year. I am now on a dissolving previcid and I don't think it works as well as the Prilosec. I have had such acid where I am throwing dry heaves and then up comes the acid, and have a sour stomach. I can't wait to get back on the Prilosec. I know I am not supposed to but have eaten a few crackers to soak up the acid to keep from vomiting. It seems to settle down with just two crackers. I am also 3 weeks out. Started the crackers a few days ago.

Hi. Hope you don't beat yourself up too much. We all have some weak moments. Remember, this is why we are here in the first place. Uncontrolled habits. It is time to learn new habits. I for one have have a weak moment and had to remind myself to just get back on track and start over. I am so tired of protein shakes and sweet tasting stuff. I want something that resembles my "normal" life. We will get through this and press forward. Glad you are doing well!

I was sleeved 2 1/2 weeks ago and this is the second time this has happened. I was scheduled for blood work this morning so I could not get my protein shake in first thing this morning. My stomach felt really terrible. Like really hungry and upset. Then I started to vomit and it was acid. Once I got the acid out I felt a little better, made my protein shake and took it with me to get the blood work. Once I had my fasting blood draw, I drank my protein shake. Felt ok for a little while, but still feel like there is acid. I had this happen on clear liquids. I am taking a PPI everyday which should keep my acid under control. I thought once we had this surgery, the acid would be better. I used to take omeperazole before surgery, will be able to take again in a few months, but right now taking the dissolvable previcid my doc wants me to take. I broke down and had some crackers to soak up the acid. I am feeling somewhat better since I ate the crackers. I don't want it to slow my weight loss down, but could not think of anything else to do. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.