NoExcuses

I had my 3 month labs done a couple of weeks ago. Everything came back looking good with the exception of my ferritin level. It was 20 ng/mL. My doc said to just take a low dose Iron supplement. He didn't seem very concerned. My research on the internet causes me to think it's a lot lower than it should be. Just curious what others have seen in their labs? I'm wondering if this is really low and partly to blame for the fatigue I have been feeling? If you take an iron supplement, which one works well for you? Any advice or personal experience regarding ferritin/iron you can share will be appreciated!

I really like Syntax Nectar protein, especially the chocolate truffle.

So happy for you, Patrick! Welcome to the other side my friend! I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

Crossfit is intense. I waited 8 weeks to do it again after surgery. It still kicks my ass every time - and I love it!!

There is only one brand of trail runners I wear - Salomon. They are the best, but as suggested it is a good idea to get a proper fitting. I'm a neutral with medium arch and they work very well for me!

Don't feel ashamed. What's done is done. If you are like me, you wasted too many years feeling ashamed of your body. Those days are over. We are moving in the right direction. That being said, PLEASE be careful and follow your post-op diet. It is so important in these first few weeks to ensure proper healing. Remind yourself why you had your surgery, and keep focusing on the new goals you have set for yourself. You can do this!

Gosh, I love popcorn! I started eating it about 8 weeks out and it is definitely a slider food for me. It's in my best interest to step away from it

I lost 21 pounds the first month, and now at 3 months out I have lost a total of 40 lbs.

These ladies need to get a grip. Don't let them rain on your parade!

Isopure clear drinks. You can find them at Vitamin Shoppe and GNC. They have 40 grams of protein per bottle. I would also suggest protein bullets. You can find these at the same places as Isopure. In the beginning it is so important to get protein in, and the bullets and Isopure can be a good place to start. The little bullets are about 2 or 3 ounces and have between 30-40 grams of protein.

Hmmm. Let's see what others think. I had something sort of similar. It was just left of my diaphragm, kind of just a nagging ache that came and went. Lasted only a week or so, and I chalked it up to "normal" healing and possible scar tissue formation. Are you having any issues breathing?

I like Nectar also. It mixes nicely. Also, Premier protein shakes taste like chocolate milk to me. Another suggestion would be to try Isopure drinks. They have 40 grams of protein in a bottle and are similar to kool-aid type drinks. Also, there are protein bullets you can buy that are only about 2 oz. and are easy to get down quickly because they are so small. Good luck!

How far out are you? How often is it occurring? It could be nerve regeneration. Is there an incision nearby?

Michele, your worries are genuine and most of us had those same worries. For me, even after the surgery, when I was home recovering I would wake up from a nap in sheer panic wondering what the hell I did I do to myself. The feeling fades, however, when you see the scale moving down and your clothes fitter looser and you realize you have given yourself the best gift ever - a new lease on life! You will learn how to live your life with your sleeve. It will be different from before, but you will navigate your way through your journey. Believe in the process - it works! Be true to your regimen and follow your post-op stages to a T would be my best advice. Best of luck to you in the weeks ahead!

Congrats! Nice post for the newbies who are only days out and need some reassurance. Glad things are going well for you!

You got some good suggestions here for what it might be: caffeine withdrawal, pain killer side effect, blood pressure, dehydration. Best thing to do is take your blood pressure if you can, and keep sipping away. Also, what about allergies? I know the grass pollen is high where I live. Have you been exposed to seasonal allergies? Hope you feel better soon.

Take it one day at a time. Follow your regimen and you will recover well. You will eat again. The depressing feelings you are experiencing are normal. It is very common to have a low mood after major surgery due to anesthesia and changes in hormone levels. Right now focus on taking care of yourself and believing that this stage is only temporary. Hang in there!

I went to the mall today to return an item, and while I was there I thought I would browse the ladies section and see if anything was on sale. I found a cute shirt, but it was an XL in the regular ladies section. I've been in the women's 16-28 section for quite a few years. Just for sh*ts and giggles, I tried it on and low and behold that sucker fit!! It wasn't until I was on my way home that I realized today is the 26th and I'm exactly three months out. So when I got home I decided to weigh myself to see where I am and I'm down exactly 40 lbs! My eyes nearly popped out of my head, because I am just getting out of a 6 week stall. For six weeks I bounced around the same darn pound. It was so very frustrating. My logical self knew it would eventually end, but when you are in the moment and that moment last 6 weeks all kinds of crazy thoughts run through your head. Just wanted to share, especially for those who are in the midst of a stall so you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Ok, first - take a deep breath! And then take another one . You are going to be ok. You are experiencing some anxiety and it is normal right after surgery. I felt the same way - Dear God, what have I done to myself?? After my surgery I would wake up from a nap with some severe panic. It will pass. Keep trusting you made the right decision. You spasms in your esophagus might be due to your anxiety level. Get back on your welbutrin immediately. Take it one day at a time. Do you have someone who can come visit with you? or someone you can call that will listen? I know not everyone understands what you are going through, but just having someone to sit with can be comforting. As for your husband - don't worry about that right now. You need to focus on yourself and your recovery. Remember, too that anesthesia can really have some effect on our mood and our rationality. Your body has just been through major surgery. It will get better each and every day - just wait and see. Try to relax. Get a good book, or watch some silly movies If you feel it will help talk to your husband and let him know what you are thinking. Tell him you need his love and support now more than ever and whatever else you need from him that will help. Try to relax, ok? You will get through this. We are all here to help you. Lots of hugs your way!

Awesome! It's nice to see yourself like that and feel good. Last week I was interviewed on a short news segment, and when I saw the clip I thought I was looking pretty darn good!

I say do what's right for you. If you ate it and it felt good for your workout, then you may need the grains. I don't particularly think grains are bad, just make sure you keep with the whole grains. Overall, I think it's the amount of carbs you eat. Yesterday I ate a whole peanut butter and jelly sandwich using SF jam, natural peanut butter, and whole grain bread. I hate the whole thing and had an amazing workout afterward!!

I think most of us go through the stage of "mourning" over food. For some of us it feels as if we have lost our best friend, but this feeling is temporary. We are finding our new rhythms and learning new ways to comfort ourselves without the use of food. I've been very fortunate in my recovery (I'm 3 months out). I have never experienced vomiting, or haven't eaten anything that I haven't been able to tolerate. At about 6 weeks out I was able to eat just about anything, including lettuce. I also think I have a larger sleeve than most because it just seems like I can eat more than a just few bites. The bottom-line for me is I still enjoy food, I still love to cook, and I enjoy eating albeit I am very satisfied with portions that are a fraction of what I used to eat. Now, I am more of a food snob. I crave fresh fruits and veggies and good quality meat and cheeses rather than processed and sugar-laden stuff. Don't get me wrong, I'm not without slip-ups. As a matter of fact just last night my fiance and I went out for frozen custard and I got no sugar added vanilla with caramel and brownie bits in it, but I'm a believer that we must not completely deny ourselves because we will have these sleeves the rest of our lives, and we have to live our "normal."

I'm sorry you are having a hard time. Are there WLS support groups in your area? You may find those helpful in terms of just having people to talk to who understand. This is a great place for support, too. Do you have some friends or family members who will exercise with you on the weekends? Maybe take a walk or go for a bike ride, throw a frisbee, go to the pool, or anything that involves burning some calories? Hang in there!

I'm very frustrated and just need to know if there are others out there who have/are experiencing what I am. I had surgery on 3/26/12. In total I have lost 36 pounds. 21 of those were in the first month. Since 5/6/12 I have only lost 3 lbs. I exercise 4-5 times a week and that typically involves walk/jog combo, kickboxing, lifting free weights, spinning, riding my bike, walking, using the elliptical. My calories on average are 1250 per day or less. I very rarely eat my exercise calories. I think I eat very healthfully, keep my carbs down, and get all my protein in. Water is sometimes a struggle but I always get in at least 52 ounces. I feel like I am going to fail at this. I'm sooo discouraged. I feel like this is a battle I will never win no matter how hard I fight. Part of the reason I had my surgery is because for so long I was dieting and exercising and not seeing any results. I felt like a hamster in a wheel going no where fast, yet working so hard. Can anyone relate? Can anyone offer any advice?

Would love more friends! I'm outdoorchic74 Let's do this!