Chelenka

Start taking a stool softener every night. Put chia seeds in your yogurt or Protein shake. Many people recommend Milk of Magnesia. Add a non-flavored Fiber powder like Bene Fiber to you Protein shakes. Drink a pot of coffee (LOL just kidding) but seriously, if you're allowed to have coffee it helps get things moving. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

That doesn't sound good. You should be finding eating easier at this point. Please call your Dr. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Hi and welcome. Thanks for sharing your story. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Awesome job! You are ADORABLE!!! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

All of the above plus horse back riding, and hang gliding! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Fibrodiva try to stay hydrated as best you can. Hydration is your main job right now. Hope you start feeling better soon. If not please call your Dr. Another virtual hug! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Ok. I understand how you feel and I have mourned for food sometimes too. But, it's those big platefuls of food that were a big part of why we had WLS! You can still enjoy food but not in large quantities. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

I am so sorry you have been and are still going through such a horrible ordeal. My heart goes out to you and I am sending up prayers for your healing. I have read of one other person on the forum who had bad complications but I don't recall exactly what the problem was. I feel very lucky or blessed to have had such an easy ride. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

I look forward to feeling like that! LOL! Congratulations on achieving your goal! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Ask for the barium drink. They first gave me some sort of yellow stuff that I couldn't get down. Good luck! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

I am almost 6 months post-op and definitely my food intake a calories has increased. I am still losing but at a slower pace. I do track my calories using the "lose it" app and have been trying to get more exercise. The exercise (currently mostly bike rides) really helps with the weight loss. I seem to lose in spurts, sometimes just a few tenths of a lb and then suddenly a big loss. Whatever, as long as I am losing I'm not worried about it. I think stressing out over your calories and rate of weight loss will only slow everything down. You are doing great so no worries! Don't force yourself to eat more than you are comfortable eating. You could up you calories by adding some healthy fats like avocado, nut butters, olive oil, etc. to your diet and thus not overload your sleeve. That being said you really should discuss any concerns you have with your Dr. and NUT. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

You're one hot hockeymama! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Wow! Awesome job and congratulations! I love everything you wrote. I hope I can be as successful and wise. I still have a long way to go. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

What a bunch of perves! LOL! I keep feeling myself up too! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

You have lost over 100lbs already! Girl, what are you worried about? You are doing great! I was sleeved on Feb 28th and my weight loss slowed down a lot last month too. It seems like I have to start working at it harder now and I've noticed when I get some more exercise in I lose faster. I like bicycling but don't always have time or the weather is bad. I also like using the elliptical machine at the gym. I've realized that I am able to eat more now too. I usually eat about 1200 to 1300 calories. I also use the "lose it" app to track my calories. I'm very tall 6'1" so I seem to need more food. Re:hair loss, I haven't had any significant hair loss so far. I think it isn't just how much Protein you eat but also fats, the good Omega 3 fats, that can help you grow your hair back. Be proud of your tremendous accomplishment so far! Everyone's rate of weight loss is different. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

CONGRATULATIONS! You have made the most of your life-changing choice! So happy for you! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Don't think so much! It's nor good for your brain!???? pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

It the "all or nothing" mentality that turns success to failure IMHO. You may eventually reach your goal but it always goes much slower the closer you get, so they say. I wouldn't know since I've never bern there. But punishing yourself and feeling like a failure because you haven't reached a particular number, BMI or goal weight, seems self-defeating to me. What do you want the most for yourself that is a direct result of your weight loss and that you haven't already achieved? Our bodies don't know from BMI. It's just a measurement created by the healthcare industry which, IMHO, is pretty damn arbitrary! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Don't know if I helped you. My suggestion is that if you like them and they satisfy you then they are certainly a good source of Protein and fibre so go ahead and eat them as a meal substitute or snack. Some people think they have too many carbs but that's not my issue. Just don't buy a ton of them like I did in case you get sick of them after a while. Re: the candy-bar issue. I don't think the Quest bars will set you off on a candy bar binge. Fear not. I consider myself a sugar addict. Many people have food addictions here on the forum. I try, with limited success, to not eat candy and sweets or anything that is likely to set off my binge-mode. However, I didn't get this surgery thinking I would never eat a piece of candy or cake or pie or ice cream again. That would be unrealistic for me. I try to eat what I want in moderation knowing that if I choose to eat something sugary it might slow my weight loss. that is really the beauty of the sleeve vs RNY bypass surgery. The sleeve really forces you to eat much smaller portions of whatever you choose. when I do give in to the sugar demon it's not the end of the world. I find I don't like sweets as much as I did pre-surgery probably because it makes me feel crappy, both mentally and physically. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

I loved the Quest bars at first but now I hate them and they make me feel nauseous. And I bought three cartons of the damn things at GNC after I first tried them. I've eaten about half of what I bought but often take just a few bites and throw the rest out. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Just a few observations: - The rear tire didn't go flat the moment I sat on the bike! LOL! - It was MUCH easier than the last time I rode which was last Fall weighing approx. 315lbs. - I could ride a lot faster (less drag I guess) and was in a higher gear. - was able to stand up on the little hills (no big hills on the gentle trail I was riding) and it didn't totally wind me. I used to sometimes make it up the hills by leaning way forward but I was always afraid to stand up before because I had to slow down so much. I often had to get off the bike and walk it up the hills. - I had fun and can't wait til next time! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

You sound like you've thought this thru and are psychologically ready, which is very important IMO. You are going to do just fine. Your husband's support is the most crucial and maybe if you want to you could confide in a trusted friend. Don't worry about your family's opinion. I didn't tell my parents and brother until I was about a week away from the surgery. Mostly didn't want them worrying but also I anticipated some negativity and "are you sure" feedback but they surprised me by being supportive of my decision. Is there a "fat" culture in your family? If so, your decision will make them very uncomfortable and thus negative. But you have to do what you feel is best for yourself. I've found that some of my overweight friends have had difficulty dealing with my on-going transformation but they are accepting the changes as they see how well I am doing and your family will too. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Gotta buy some new bras! The girls need better support! pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

Ignore any negativity! I am 53 and only 5 months post-op. my parents are in their 80s and doing well so there's a good chance I could live as long. I didn't want to get old and be 100lbs over weight. As one ages the adverse effects of being obese are magnified. You are making a decision to take charge of your health, well-being and improve the quality of the rest of your life. No surgery is without risk but to me the risk was totally worth it. pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6