DLCoggin

I've been logging in MFP for over two years and would be lost without it. Perhaps the most important thing is to find the calorie goal that works best for you to meet your weight loss goal. MFP applies a "one size fits all" formula to determine your calorie goal based on your weight loss goal - e.g. lose half a pound a week or a pound or whatever. The key is to use that as a starting point for a week and see what happens with your weight. If you lose the weight you're looking for, great! If not, adjust the goal up or down 100-200 calories and try it again for a week. That process allows you to fine tune MFP for your particular goals and lifestyle. One of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. Congratulations on your weight loss and welcome to the forum. This is a special place with lots of great folks!

Great job and you ain't seen nothing yet! Congratulations!!

The bad news is that hair loss is usually inevitable. The good news is that it is almost always temporary. Your journey will take a little time but when all is said and done - you're gonna love the new you!!

Couldn't agree more with the posts from other members. To that I would add that your journey is not about what you can or can't eat. It's all about what you choose to eat, or not eat. How do you know when you're eating too much or the wrong stuff? Bariatric patients usually receive a detailed plan with specific foods, specific quantities and a specific timetable for each stage. If you're eating anything that is not on that list at the stage you're at, that's the "wrong stuff". If you're eating more than the recommended amounts in that information, you're eating too much. If you don't have that information, contact your doctor or nutritionist or both. Stay positive, stay patient, follow the protocol as closely to the letter as you possibly can, and maintain a food log. Allow your body to find its own way in its own time and the weight will take care of itself. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. Do those things and... You're gonna love the new you!!

Severe pain, anywhere and anytime = call your doctor. As you lose weight your center of gravity changes and it takes some time for your muscles to adapt to the changes. Some discomfort is pretty common. But again, severe pain is always something to discuss with the Big Kahuna. Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your weight loss so far! You're gonna love the new you!!

Good for you and good for your doctors!!

Now that has to be the understatement of the year! Congratulations on an amazing job and welcome to the forum!

Pretty common and likely nothing to worry about - especially if you had a drain which is usually on the left side. Keep in mind that internal healing takes considerably longer than external. But - it never hurts to call your surgeon if you're worried. That's what they're there for!

If the pain doesn't improve considerably in the next day or so you may want to call your surgeon. Sooner if any additional symptoms develop. That said, I gotta tell you I love your spunk!

I haven't seen so many great, spot on answers to a great, spot on question in quite awhile! Turning cold pricklies into warm fuzzies! Is this a great forum or what?!

I've been a member of this forum for well over two years and I just have to tell you - yours is the absolute best response I've ever read. Very, VERY well done! Congratulations on your decision and even more so on your commitment. I am so looking forward to reading every step of your successful journey.

Just want to add my welcome to the forum! Over two years post-op and I'd welcome the opportunity to help with anything I can. This is a very special place where you'll find tons of support and lots of answers to your questions. Congratulations on your decision. You're gonna love the new you!!

Welcome to the forum. You're in the right place. You'll find lots of very knowledgeable and very supportive folks here that in all different stages of their journey. By all means ask your questions. You'll get lots of answers!

The 5:2 diet originated in the U.K. and gained popularity around 2012 following a BBC broadcast. It involves eating a normal diet five days a week and a very low calorie diet two days a week - 500 calories for gals and 600 for guys. It is often referred to as "intermittent fasting". There are virtually no long-term clinical studies that have been done regarding safety and effectiveness. This is a link to information originally published by the National Health Service in the U.K. in Jan 2013 and updated in May of 2013 - http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/01January/Pages/Does-the-5-2-intermittent-fasting-diet-work.aspx . The bottom line appears to be that there are more questions than answers. It would likely be a very good idea to discuss it with your surgeon before adopting the diet. It may not be suitable for folks with diabetes and possibly other pre-existing conditions. What I call the "Prime Directive" of weight loss surgery is the all important lifestyle changes. I believe that to qualify as a lifestyle change, any potential course of action must meet three criteria - it must be healthy, realistic and sustainable. It's about control, not denial. Adopting a lifestyle that focuses on proper nutrition and a calorie intake appropriate for where you are at in your journey, from rapid weight loss to maintenance of your goal weight, is perhaps a healthier, more realistic and more sustainable goal than any "diet".

A very good reminder for all of us. Whether you're seeking advice or giving it, we're all individuals and there are countless variables. Can those just starting their journey benefit from the suggestions of those that have been there, done that? Without a doubt. But your post reminds all of us that there is a line that should not be crossed. Some folks face medical challenges that must be addressed by medical professionals. Most members do a good job of knowing where the line is and not stepping over it. On those occasions when someone does step over the line, we all share the responsibility of jumping in with "Call your doctor."

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There is a lesson here for all of us. Your short term goal is weight loss. Your long term goal is weight management. Both are absolutely possible. But long term weight management requires that you continually build your skillset and improve on the all important Prime Directive - lifestyle changes. Your short term goal is physical change. Your short and long term challenge is mental discipline. Great article!

I know it exists. I've heard it before. And yet I'm still astounded at how ignorant, blatantly biased and insensitive to the point of insulting some doctors can be. Ostensibly well educated men and women who are so egotistical that they actually believe they have all of the answers. Licensed physicians who choose to disregard the most important and most fundamental principle of the oath they took - "Above all else, do no harm." Forget that, ignore that, disregard that...and you are no longer a doctor. Just another pathetic excuse for a human being.

This is the first time I've heard of that kind of problem with a PCP. But like everyone else, all doctors are not created equally. It isn't uncommon for a PCP to be quite ignorant about bariatric surgery. Did she give a reason for her discomfort?

It's very common for folks to go through what I call a "buyers remorse" stage shortly after surgery. It's generally attributed to the fact that your hormones are flying all over the place. And of course it doesn't help that you're sore, grouchy, not sleeping particularly well and generally not feeling your best. Rest assured that it will pass (usually pretty quickly) and two months from now, as the pounds melt away, it will be nothing more than a distant memory! You're doing an absolutely fantastic job - protein, exercise - perfect! Don't forget the water!! Welcome to the forum and congratulations! You're gonna love the new you!!

Good morning dressie and welcome! This is a very special place with a lot of very special people. You might consider going to the Home page and reading the various forum descriptions. Some are "general" forums and others are "surgery specific". Personally, I enjoy following some of both. Tons of great information here on almost every aspect of bariatric surgery. Don't hesitate to post your questions, concerns, ideas and suggestions. You'll be amazed at the knowledgeable and supportive responses you'll get!

I never eat less than two or more than four hours apart. Less than two is head hunger. More than four and you run the risk of getting overly hungry which can lead to overeating. For the head hunger, I drink a cup of decaf coffee, Crystal Light, sugar free flavored waters, tea, etc. I love coffee so it is often my go to and it works like a charm for me. It's easy to overlook the importance of learning to speak "pouch". But the short and long term benefits are well worth the effort. Focus on being very aware of what your pouch is telling you and when it's doing the most talking. Keep in mind that pouches are talkative by nature. Mine practically never shuts up. But with a little effort you will quickly learn to tell the difference between the seemingly endless "babble" that pouches seem to be so fond of and "Hungry! Now!". Perhaps it's important to note too that in pouch speak, "eating" isn't synonymous with a "full meal". When my pouch is fussing about eating something, I often supplement the usual three meals a day with one or two light Snacks . Pouches are pretty easy-going and not terribly smart. Something to drink or a light snack will usually take them back to their happy place!

Anytime music!

Well, keeping in mind that I'm a guy so I see it from a guy perspective, the first thought that came to my mind when I read your question is "Who cares?" Seriously, who cares? If you like your new job, enjoy the work, enjoy the people you work with and for, find it satisfying and look forward to going to work every day - then you're in the right place at the right time! The old you is history. The new you is right here, right now and right on! You know you worked hard for it. We know you worked hard for it. You earned it. Celebrate every delicious moment of your success and never look back! Congratulations!! Lol - that felt really good. You guys have a great day!!

Welcome Rhogue and congratulations on your spectacular success! So looking forward to following your progress! I think you'll find this is a special place with a lot of special folks!