Teachamy

Heck no! I appreciate it!

Someone came up to me today looking very serious and said, "what are you doing?" I said, "what do you mean?" They repeated the question. Then they said, "you've lost so much weight! How did you do it?" My real NSV is that I've been at goal for so long now, I had no idea what he was talking about! I used to hear that several times a day, now people are used to the skinny new me. It felt pretty good!

Yup. I look at pictures today vs. 1 year ago, and I can't believe I looked like that!

Hi All, I am 10 months out. I have reached goal and am trying not to lose any more. (What a weird statement to have to make!) Anyway, I have a spinal lesion disease, which may turn out to be Multiple Sclerosis after an MRI this week. Something I've noticed online is that post-bariatric surgery, some people end up with the same neurological symptoms that I have, including pins & needle pain and numbness due to Vitamin deficiency. I am taking all my Vitamins and was fine the last time I had blood work checked for vitamin levels. Just wondering if any of you either have MS, or have had issues with vitamin deficiencies. Advice? Thanks, Amy

AutumnPunkin, Thanks so much for sharing! You look fabulous. I have lost 65 pounds (at goal now) and I was wondering if I should expect any skin tightening. My belly is pretty darn saggy! I am doubtful that I will pursue a panni or tummy tuck, but I wish all of you the very best!

It's important to note that 1-2 per week is an average. Calculate your average at the end of a month or 2. In other words, if you lost 4 pounds over the course of a month, you are on track. If not, you may be experiencing a plateau, but it will pass.

Most people complain of a "stall" 3-4 weeks post-op. Your body is getting used to the changes and the trauma it has experienced. As everyone just said, if you stick to your plan, the weight will come off. If stepping on the scale is making you crazy, stay OFF it! I weighed once every 2ish weeks only at my bariatric center. If I owned a scale, I'd get on it several times a day and go bananas. Breathe. You got this!

Tell your WL center this. They'll probably say you'll get used to it so they can profit, but any "Complete" multivitamin regimen would probably suffice.

Good luck! Tufts is a great choice!

Ditto. Good luck!

My mom is the only one who ever expressed she worried I would keep losing. My body seems happy where I am, so I don't seem to fluctuate, whether I take in 700 or 1200 calories. I have a dietician who is more of a therapist. She's also a Certified Diabetes Educator, so she has worked with me fore 12 years. I see her frequently, email her with questions, and trust her judgment. Months ago she asked me my goal weight, and I said I was shooting for 130-135. She looked me in the eye and said, "Hear me tell you that 155 is a good weight for you." When I protested, she repeated that line. And now I see, she may be right? We are working on a diet that will help me maintain in the 145-152 range. Even in maintenance, we may fluctuate. My advice is: Find a medical provider/therapist to talk through this with. All of it. It may help! Good luck! Amy

I have asthma too, and had been on prednisone on and off in recent years until I was put on the proper control meds. I fully believe that prednisone, although a necessary evil, changes our bodies far more than "an increased appetite and minor weight gain". I have vowed to avoid it as much as possible from now on. Good luck with your surgery. I hope it brings you wonderful health gains!

Hi all, So lately I have been experiencing the tummy aches that are fairly common for me with increasing frequency. I have always had mild lactose issues, and I was diagnosed with Celiac 7 yrs. ago. Lately I've been wondering if my lactose intolerance has become more "intolerant" when a literally gut-wrenching tummy ache hits and I know gluten contamination is not the culprit. I am going to pick up some lactaid soon, just wondering if this has happened to anyone else post-op. Many thanks!

Found this online... One nutritional ramification of bariatric surgery can be Lactose Intolerance. After bariatric surgery, dairy products can move too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine potentially resulting in gas, bloating and/or cramps. Makes sense!

Good for you for giving yourself time to heal! And have fun! (Once week 1 is over, that is...)

I think sometimes the trauma our bodies experience during surgery can set off a latent issue that would have come to light eventually. Once you get your thyroid meds at the right level, you will feel much better.

I had a couple of cups of it a few times after the healing period. (3 mos.) It caused no digestion issues. Empty carbs, it's true, but lots of fiber!

My dietician said at 12 weeks I could start coffee again. I gave up and started drinking it at 6 weeks. No problems, and the best cup of coffee ever!

It usually means gas shortly after surgery, and is very common.

I felt it in my left clavicle. I put a heating pad on it and reclined in the recliner rather than bed. That made it possible to sleep. Others have said walking around (which no one wants to do at 3:00 AM) and taking Gas X helps. It will pass!

Patience, love. I had those food dreams early on too. Give it a few weeks. You'll be chewing food again soon!

You catch your own reflection in a store window and can't believe how great you look!