rewind

My stats are very close to yours. I have gained 10 pounds in the last two weeks. I also stopped exercising (mostly due to horrific cold and cough) and nibbled my way through Christmas. Have lost 3 pounds, but MUST get back on track. Thanks for your post. It's good to know others struggle at this point (I had lost 105 after 10 months) and can turn things around and get focused again. We have all come too far to give up now.

Down 96 pounds. Sleeved Feb 25th. Would like to lose 30 more... current weight, 211. Feeling fabulous but not there yet...

You should do what you are comfortable with. For me, I had nothing to hide. I don't care what people think or say. I'm 6 months out so people are noticing. I say, "I had weight-loss surgery; vertical sleeve. Best decision I ever made". With a big smile on my face. I'm proud of myself and my decision. I'm proud of my progress and the changes I'm making in my life. If you come out with it, you may find that after the initial talk, there will be much less talk. If people think you are hiding something, they will speculate and talk forever. And that may (or may not) weigh on you. Best of luck to you.

My stats are similar to yours. I was sleeved 2/25/13 and am down 83 pounds. I am able to eat many things, so thankful those first few weeks are behind me. I am trying to remember to eat slow, and not keep the trigger foods around the house. That said, I do indulge in popcorn and an occasional small dish of ice cream. I think it's okay to have one or two of your past 'loves', but not all of them, and certainly not many of them together or even in the same week or two. I have not had Cheez-its in months and manage to function each day, haha. I keep a daily log (loose it) which keeps me on track. I set the calories low so I know at the end of the day what I may have to play with. I also walk 5 days a week, and try to swim two days. I think we should keep a log, even if we think we are good enough to go it alone. It keeps us accountable. So.... it's good choices, accountability, low carb/high protein, and exercise. You have done a great job, don't tempt fate to turn that around.

When do you see your surgeon for a check up? Likely the virus or flu you picked up has set back your recovery. Those illnesses make us weak enough, let alone after major surgery. Sip liquids as much as you can to help you stay really hydrated. Make sure you're getting the protein in for tissue healing. Be careful not to compare yourself to others too closely. As long as your incisions are not oozing and there are no signs of problems you were told to watch for, I think you will begin to feel stronger every day. The first month is hard. Just keep sipping. It really helps the healing and keeping hydrated will make you feel better.

Yes you should be drinking clear liquids. Get some broth or tea. Sip very slowly at this point. Stop at a gas station and grab a Popsicle. Don't let yourself get dehydrated. It can happen.

Laughing cow cheese. Even a couple Ritz. But be careful with those. Sugar free popsicles if you have acces to a freezer. Nuts. Again, be care with nuts.

Bloodwork may be perfect but unless they draw for electrolytes it won't show. Water won't keep those in balance after we have starved. So yes, sip a little gatorade if you are a little dehydrated. We need the salt. I felt this way a month or so out, and ended up getting a 7 up, another no-no. But I sipped ever so slow, and felt better in about an hour. We have cut so much it is your body's reaction to having nothing. So just be careful not to drink too much of it. Also, if you are dizzy when you first stand up, it is your blood pressure that may be a bit low. Don't stand up quickly. Rather, sit on the edge of your bed or couch for a minute, and let your blood circulate. Then stand.

I did not take any pain meds after getting home from the hospital. This was really because I was not in any pain and didn't need them. And remember,you will not likely not have a bowel movement for several days as 'no food in....nothing out'.... It was a good week for me, and then any stools are very very soft or even almost liquid, as you are only taking in liquids.

Programs vary on how long someone should be on a liquid diet. Mine was not that long. I ate light two weeks before, and had liquids for two days before. If you're hungry during your liquid phase (you must be) make sure you're drinking protein shakes. I bought the Eas shakes, at Walmart. I'd throw some banana or strawberries in them, with a teaspoon or two of yogurt. Add some crushed ice, and it was a delicious smoothie. There are 17 gms of protein in the shakes, and it will really help with hunger. I am three months out and down 58 pounds. It has been quite a journey. Good Luck to all of you.

The last thing you want to do is spend money on something you will wear just a couple times because it will be TOO BIG! Some people just wear a hospital gown, and another one reversed, so they don't bring in anything. And that is fine. If you want something else, opt for some comfy pajama pants or light sweatpants. You will need the hospital gown on top because you will have an IV. Get some slippers with some grip on the bottom. You will need to walk as much as possible and you don't want to slip. Hospitals offer slipper-socks, but they are one-size-fits-all and not very comfortable.

Three months out and no hair loss, fingers crossed. I've slipped on my protein intake every so often, so I don't know if that will affect any hair loss. My feeling is that one can improve the odds by maintaining protein in their diet, but that ultimately it is a genetic occurrence. Time will tell.

Nope it's the insurance companies that get a deal. They have contracted rates. All kinds on hand-shaking going on. Believe me, the insurance companies aren't getting screwed out of anything. They are doing plenty well.

Quiche is good to have on hand... also Laughing Cow cheese....