Arts137

That's why the scale is only ONE measure. The tape is another! Well done!

What's the ONE thing that you can be sure of? It is NOT fat! You are recovering from an illness and it is likely water weight. Keep on your program and it WILL work out!!

They have a 'melt in your mouth' version. I was advised to crush/sprinke anything larger than a tic-tac between day 30 and 90. But after week 1 I (was a lucky one) had no trouble swallowing ANY pills including the PPI.

Good on you! I hope you find this board a help to you!!

Go to the pre-op pages and you'll find a lot there. My program required a 2 week Optifast. Nothing else. BUT there are a bazillion variations. BUT THE CATCH is YOU don't get to pick. Follow your surgeon's instructions!!

Yep to meg... SO, if you are on BP meds, you may need to work with your MD to taper the dose. But not dangerous if you pay attention and work with the docs...

What Lipstick says! Don't let your mind play tricks on you! Keep doing the right things!!

Your stomach is healing from MAJOR surgery. This will take time and it WILL get better, slowly but surely. The liquid intake is critical so GOOD JOB. Just keep working on the protein... Don't push it, you've got time!

They can irritate while you heal, and after may have other adverse effects. This might help: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/medications-after-bariatric-surgery-wls.html BUT WORK WITH YOUR DOCTORS. There are always trade-offs and special decisions in special circumstances. Just work with ALL your MDs and you'll work out a plan for YOU!

Just forget stupid comments. Just try.

Mine were discomfort free in a week. Yours will get better. Watch for heat at the site, growing warmth at the site, a fever, or pus... any might show an infection and require a call to the MD.

Freedom from the "drive" for food is Heaven on Earth! Amen, darlin! Still working on this...

Try GasX strips. Are you taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)???

I am unsure, because I am very strict with myself regarding eating. I am uncomfortable experimenting with "goodies", sweet or salty. But I agree with Southernsoul, just Tuesday I was excited (and I mean it) to cook Swill Chard and roasted brussel sprouts.

Just review the posts in the many threads... there are answers to most of your questions. And ask or comment away. I was covered by insurance, but even so had over $1,000 in out of pocket expenses. I had an easy surgery and recovery. The sleeve helps but you still have to get and stay in control. You eat small meals focused on Proteins and veggies. While some say they can eat "everything, just in small amounts", I can't because I know I am a food junkie. I am almost 5 months from surgery and 100 pounds less than my highest weight and 45 pounds less than my weight at surgical date. I average from 1 to 3 pounds loss a week, and yes we ALL have times when we stall and don't lose weight.

Just wait. You are still in the acute healing. I suggest that even very soft chunky soup is too much. Puree the soup and see if this helps. You WILL be able to progress to chunky soups but it might be a month or so.

Life is waiting, eh. And I am waiting for my daughter to hear is she passed her Bar Exam. Always waiting for something!

Results will come. Just heal for now and focus on getting liquids in and walking. I lost a lot in preop, but actually gained (water weight) after surgery... BUT it all works out in the end!

Then you are doing well! Keep reviewing and posting.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Incentive%20spirometer Overnight???

WOW! What a trooper! I had it easy!

To all the responses... YEP!

After day 4 it gets easier IF you can keep to it!

Cheri, Your responses are thoughtful, well written and spot on. This and ALL others! THANKS!

OH! Then you have come to the right place. Good folks here, and we do have some NZ and Ozzies here as well! Wander around and feel free to comment or ask anything.