Teachamy

I am on DIltiazem (like Metroprolol). DIltiazem is a Calcium channel blocker, and it keeps my heart rate slow, so I take it at night before bed, since I can't stay awake an hour after taking it. It's nice to know that it's not just my low BMI that is keeping me a slow loser. No matter what, this weight loss thing will help all of us with cardiac issues. (I HOPE!) I have AFib and am sick of the cardioversions. I don't want any more! Thanks for sharing this!

I was sooo excited to eat my first egg! You can add some low fat cheese and turkey sausage to add more protein when you are able to eat a little more. I started chewing gum about a month or so after surgery--didn't want it sticking anywhere IF I swallowed it. (Which I haven't done since I was a kid--but you can never be too safe!)

I hear ya! But if it's any consolation, I'd love to be at a place where people are telling me to stop losing weight!

My doc. had me start "trying" to swallow a Tbl. spoon or 2 the first 2 weeks, and then pureed foods after that. (Obviously my main source of nutrition was shakes. I felt like I was a baby on formula!) Week 3 I could eat soft and mushy foods and work my way up. I know by week 3 I ate my first scrambled egg and was regularly eating 1/4 c. of yogurt or cottage cheese. A few weeks after that, I worked my way up to a half cup, but I have the slimy puke reaction if I take a bite or 2 too many. chicken and I have gone our separate ways, but crab is a great food for me too. (I had crab cakes last week. YUM.) I think if this is normal for you, this is normal for you, and your surgeon knows what s/he is doing. Do you count your calories/protein on MyFitness Pal or some other website? That helps me know when too much is too much if I am feeling particularly hungry.

Your body goes through a period of adjustment as it has just gone through a major trauma that affects not only fat, but all the hormones in the gut. Someone (I hope) will post the article about why this happens. I'm not sure where to find it...just know that what your experiencing is TOTALLY NORMAL! Keep your exercise minimal for now--you need to move, and sweat is good, BUT when you exercise more, you need more calories. And you are only a couple of weeks out, so keep it reasonable. Walking for 30 minutes is what a lot of people do. I get over the blips by waiting 1-2 weeks to weigh myself. I don't own a scale, so I go to the bariatric center every once in a while, same time of day each time, wearing the same clothes each time, and I weigh myself. I don't notice stalls that way, and I don't drive myself crazy with the "jump on the scale, jump off the scale, jump on the scale" mentality. Breathe easy--this too shall pass!

Yep. it's normal. Start adding Benefiber to everything. You can't taste it, so it just helps add Fiber to your diet. Also, if you need to go and can't add some miralax to your drinks for a couple of days.(No taste either) It is gentle and doesn't cause the pain that other laxatives do. It also adds a stool softener, which is very helpful. Don't forget to move around a lot and drink all your fluids--that helps too! Happy pooping!

So sorry you are going through this! I would suggest adding a Protein shake, a yogurt, a Protein Bar, or at least a handful of nuts to carry you through a workout. I am diabetic and I know first hand that low blood sugars are no fun. Even a glass of milk would be helpful--good carbs and protein. Your body is telling you you need more. Maybe just 16 oz. of milk would be enough? I know you're an expert at all this stuff, so I know you know all the answers, but what is your weight goal including plastics? Does your medical team agree? I know you will come through it all!

2 weeks after surgery I cut my lisonpril in half. (Or should I say--my doctor cut it in half!)

best of luck!

Definitely popcorn (As I mentioned in your last post) corn chips, potato chips, and any other salty/crunchy food I avoid like the plague these days. When I ate rice or Pasta, they were slider foods. I also sometimes eat a whole Protein bar when half of it would do the trick--but I can't stop! ( So I buy 1 or 2 at a time and use them as a treat when I need more protein.) I don't eat salty crunchy slider foods anymore. If my husband brings them into the house, I command him to eat them all and leave nothing in the bag. Too tempting.

And when you get back on the diet-- track, track, track your calories, proteins, carbs, etc. I use My Fitness Pal. It helps keep me honest. Good luck! You can do this!

It could definitely be your workout. Also consider the time of the month. I find many ladies complain about cravings every month. Can you up your calories at all? That may help. I was really craving my salty/crunchy snack food today, so I bought some apples for the crunch, and some trail mix with salted pumpkin seeds for both the salty and the crunchy. I find when I am tired and it's bed time, I want to resort to my past habits, so searching for salty and crunchy that is also healthy feels pretty satisfying. While snarfing down a bag of Tostitos would also feel satisfying during PMS, I guess I can avoid it these days!

I have had about a cup full. (also a slider for me. ) I was nearly 9 weeks out when I had it, and it felt fine. BUT the carbs are high, and the amount I want is HIGHER. And since it offers me no nutrition and possible weight gain, I will try to stay away.

Some people experience a stall at 3 weeks while their body adjusts to the trauma it has encountered during surgery. This may be happening to you. Also, your low BMI means you will lose more slowly, but if you stick with the program, you will lose eventually. Eat protein, avoid carbs, drink your water and wait. I'd also recommend getting a nutritionist to work with you. You need to be better supported in this journey. Best of luck!

Not sure why you say you're at maintenance if you still want to lose 50 more pounds. Yes, it is a calorie game, and it is difficult, but it's not a magical solution--no weight loss surgery is. I can feel your frustration in your post, but I recommend seeing your nutritionist and maybe joining a support group where you can vent your frustrations and get first-hand advice. All is not lost!

My "new life" is what I hoped for. Feeling successful at weight loss again, and seeing positive changes in my health and less medication for my various ailments. I took 3 weeks off from work, and i think it was probably a full 4-5 weeks before I regained my strength and endurance, so I would estimate about a month of recovery. (Although I could certainly do a lot before that time, but I got tired very easily) A typical day for me (9.5 weeks out) is pretty much what it was before the surgery, minus the compulsive eating. I exercise a little bit every day, take care of the family and pets, work, and eat about 750-800 calories. It's sounds like an insanely low amount, but it is very doable, and I feel pretty satiated most of the time. Best of luck with your surgery!

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I'm sure we all can relate to many of the sentiments you've shared. Best of luck to you!

My update: As of today, my size 14's stopped laughing at me when I tried to get into them! I wore size 14 Levi's all day and felt quite accomplished! Can't wait to fit into my 12's again. Its been a good 12 years since I have done that! The sleeve gives me hope and is keeping the wind in my sails!

you could always add protein powder to other soups.

Best of luck to all of you! I am 9.5 weeks out and am so happy to have made this decision!

Prednisone is hell! So glad I am off of it. Hi! I am Amy and I sometimes feel like I have won the autoimmune jackpot--type I diabetes, transverse myelitis, chronic hives, celiac, hashimoto's thyroid--the list goes on. What is AMAZING about this surgery is it affects the gut hormones that cause an inflammatory response in the body, and is the cause of many autoimmune conditions. My diabetes and insulin need has changed tremendously for the better, which will help my cholesterol too. My blood pressure meds have been cut, and I rarely need an allergy pill for my hives. (Let alone prednisone!) This surgery is a saving grace for many of us. Glad you have made this decision! You won't regret it.

Wow! What a difference! You look fabu, girl!

Wahoo! You must feel great!