imgonnaloseit!

I am 3 weeks out and my doc says no bread.... toast but no bread. Whole grain is better than white. I haven't tried bread. I hear tell that once you eat breads that there is a never ending craving after that. At least according to my family (sister and 2 nieces have RNY). I have always said that I am allergic to bread... I break out in fat! So I am trying to put breads off until I hit goal, which is a ways away.

The poster with the rude remark was banned yesterday. I find the people on this site to be wonderful. I find the people show me another angle of thought, one that I may never have thought of on my own. I like it when people make me think. Also, the experience of those before us is invaluable. And those that are "walking parallel" to my experience is helpful, as well.

Your body has just gone through tremendous trauma. Take your pain meds and go to bed.

Any other problems/symptoms? Fever, excessive pain?

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and seem to have a headache (forehead area) daily. I think it's from dehydration -- I pinch the skin by my knuckles and it stays pinched. I have to make a fist to get it to go down. I am getting in 34-42 oz of Water per day. I am also drinking 8 oz of skim milk in my Protein shake every day. That's all I can manage to get in and still be able to eat to get my protein in. Not sure how many more days I want to live with a headache. Should I skip trying to get protein in and concentrate on water? Should I drink something like Gatorade instead of water? Also since surgery I have a knot at the base of my neck that won't go away. Is this also from dehydration or something else? I can't think it's stress as I don't feel stressed about anything. Almost was ready to get checked for fungal meningitis between the neck and headache thinking the hospital may have given me a drug from that compounding pharmacy. I read somewhere on this site about ice chips so I'm trying that today. But, any suggestions to up my fluids and getting rid of these headaches would be greatly appreciated.

Never thought to do the math. 1 oz every 15 min means a 16.9 oz bottle of Water would last roughly 4 hours. I usually drink a 16.9 oz bottle between breakfast/lunch; 1 between lunch/dinner and can only manage half a bottle after dinner otherwise I feel like I will explode. With the 30 min before/after rule this is my best efforts. My bowels aren't loose since I started whole foods, I am making real turds!

I have 1 whey Protein shake made with 8 oz of skim milk. I will usually add frozen strawberries, frozen bananas or PB2 to it. I eat an egg or weight control oatmeal for breakfast; chicken or tuna for lunch; fish, scallops, shrimp or chicken for dinner. Made some turkey chili with kidney Beans and had that quite a bit for lunch and dinner with cheese on top; and have a Protein Bar for a snack. My doc didn't give me any instructions as to how much protein to take in but said I could eat whatever I can tolerate BUT don't eat beef, clams, oysters, raw veggies or stir-fry, peels of fruits and to cook cauliflower & broccoli to point of mushy.

This is a 'Duh, why didn't I think of that'? Great idea, zelmo! Gonna get some ice chips now. Hopefully I will be able to get more fluids in and get rid of this headache. Thanks.

Thanks. I am only cleared for walking at this point, the doc will probably clear me for more exercises at the end of the month. I have been sitting on my buttski for so long that I figured these would be a good way to get myself up and moving without too much difficulty. I am not fit enough for zumba or other dvds like that -- hope to be eventually. I found a great site that sells exercise dvds, free shipping over $25. But the thing that makes this site so good (besides low prices) is that they have video samples of all the dvds and rate them for fitness levels. It made it easy to match up videos with my level (or lack of) fitness. Here is the link: http://www.collagevideo.com/ But ya gotta open them to have them do any good for you

If you don't like the tape or the dot sticker idea. There is a website where you can buy freezer labels in rolls of 500. I used them years ago they worked great, didn't peel off and didn't leave any adhesive goo behind. The labels stick to just about anything. They still have them and they are on sale even! Here's the link if you are interested: http://www.wdrake.com/WalterDrake/DisplayItem.aspx?id=303315&ICMP=Search

I just ordered a couple of dvds; a Leslie Sansone and a Richard Simmons. I figured with winter coming I won't be out walking the roads or the walking/biking trails in the local park. I'm also 40 minutes from the nearest mall. So I thought these would be good to get me through til spring. I also ordered a pedometer. Should all arrive later this week. Can't wait to dance with Richard!

I'm not sure I would believe supermodel's story... just sayin'.

Quite a huge difference in dosage. Does anyone have any idea on how much we really should be taking? Can you "overdose" so to speak? Skinny, what dosage of silica do you take?

In the morning you both will be calm and you both will do fine. Your journey is about to start and it will be surreal for a bit.

Hopefully your leak was caught quick enough so that your fix and recovery will not be too lengthy. I hope it all goes well for you -- will keep my fingers crossed.

Try putting the fork down in between bites. Also, if you eat alone, try to count your chews -- play a little game with yourself to see how many times you can chew that scrambled egg or cottage cheese. It's pretty amazing how many times you can chew something. If you eat with others make conversation more important than eating. Remember we need to change how we think about food -- it is NOT the most important thing at the dinner table or the Holiday Feasts -- people are. I now use a small fork (meant to be a dessert fork) and a small spoon and very often will put my utensil down for a full minute or two between bites because I'm talking or counting my chews . Good Luck!

Hey, Chicago, that is absolutely super! Checked out your photos and you are looking great! You go girl!

I have been pondering this myself for the past few days. My doc said no drinking 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal and don't drink during. okay, I can follow that... ... but is that for meals only or all eating (snacks)? Can I have some skim milk with a Protein bar? And if not, why, not? I mean I can have Soup for dinner, right? That's liquid with stuff I have to chew.... So what exactly are the rules for drinking & eating? Also, how long before bed should you stop eating and drinking?

hair loss is something I researched extensively prior to surgery. Biotin is supposed to help slow it down. Best to start taking 8 weeks post op. Are ya'll getting your Protein in?

The link below might help. They stress talking to your plastic surgeon first. http://www.ehow.com/how_5403044_donate-skin-after-weight-loss.html

Surgery done, passed several leak tests, stayed overnight in the hospital, was released the day after surgery in the afternoon. Gained 18 lbs in hospital. Slept the rest of the day Tues and all of Wed with pain meds. Thursday off of pain meds not even taking Tylenol. I am a bit swelled with fluids still (all upper body, neck and head) but scale says I am down 2 pounds from pre-surgery weight. Eating foods now -- limited to mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, light yogurt and scrambled egg. Not eating much but all is going down and staying down. Will probably be on soft foods after Dr. appt on Tues. Been walking outside and been up and down stairs. I feel that it has gone remarkably well, I am 57 yrs old and I live alone. My sister checks up on me daily. My biggest complaint is the retained fluids. Hope all the up & comings go as smoothly as mine and that the Octo sleevers who went when I did are doing as well.

Yes, I am having surgery tomorrow, too. I am tipping my magnesium citrate to Roxy and Chica --- CHEERS! Good luck to both of you and to others that may be joining us.