bakawaka

I did not need a transfusion. However, my iron levels were very low and I was told that if they got to a certain level, a transfusion would be necessary. The iron levels mysteriously went back up. I think that I had internal bleeding (no clots). Apparently that internal bleeding caused my iron levels to decrease. Today (3 weeks post op), I am doing well but still working to increase my iron levels. I have been told that people who get transfusions feel much better after getting them.

I finally experienced severe dumping syndrome after nibbling on holiday desserts. While I did not enjoy the abdominal cramps and the diarrhea, I am glad that I can experience dumping syndrome. The ability to have dumping syndrome is one of the reasons I proactively chose gastric bypass. I view it as a way to reprogram my brain. I now am in the process of reprogramming my brain with respect to nibbling on holiday desserts. Thank you, gastric bypass, for doing what you are supposed to do!

I found it challenging to breathe right after surgery because of the pressure from the gas. I found the spirometer helpful. It really does get better every day. Wishing for you great success!

I went back to occasional work at two weeks and full time at three. I really needed three weeks but I had low Iron levels which decreased my energy.

I miss martinis and gin and tonic but I am happy to give them up for better health.

I am three weeks post op and find that taking very small bites and chewing until liquified ultimately helps me get in more food. I have to eat very slowly. If i take larger bites and do not chew well i feel full faster. So maybe taking smaller bites and chewing for longer would help on getting down more food.

Sorry - did. It mean to press send so quickly in previous post. I have an obese relative who makes slightly negative comments such as "oh, your diet is so limited right now - how sad." My calm reply: "it actually is not limited - I have to focus on Proteins." Relative's comment: "how sad that to cannot drink coffee." Calm reply: "I am very happy with decaf and do not want the appetite-stimulating and dehydration effects of caffeine." Relative's comment: "You are going to have a lot of loose skin." Calm reply: " I am happy to have lose skin and not suffer the negative effects of obesity." This relatives' comments are always said with an artificially sympathetic tone of voice. I consider them slightly passive aggressive. I counter them directly by calmly as soon as they occur because I have to spend a lot of time with this elderly relative. This is a other example of aggression being packaged beneath the veneer of a socially acceptable sympathy and politeness. This relative has a weight problem - so I have a feeling that that is the issue. By contrast I have another obese relative (a parent) who says positive things such as "I am so happy that this surgery is possible and that you all not have to suffer what I have suffered." This elderly parent is basically bedridden from diabetes and could, sadly, never make it through surgery. Very interesting contrast.

I have an obese relative who constantly drops mildly negative commme te

I am three weeks post op and no longer have hyperlipidemia. PCP says I can now stop taking Lipitor, which I have taken for several years! But I now have an iron deficiency and must take iron supplements for awhile. Does anyone have recommendations on iron supplements? I do. It know much about them.

A relative of mine experienced problems with dental anesthesia resistance as a result of marijuana. Not sure if this issue is documented in literature. My recommendation is to not use marijuana (unless medically necessary), tobacco or alcohol. Pre op I drank alcohol. Post op no more. Several o my relatives died on a ventilator from lung cancer due to smoking. I have never smoked a cigarette in my life and never intend to, though I was forced to be a passive smoker in my childhood (grew up in a smoking home). My suggestion is that, if possible, get rid of all substances. By if you cannot, then go for moderation. I want optimal health and am of the opinion that marijuana, alcohol and tobacco do not optimize health.

I'm the same way. i'm a little worried that i have not experienced dumping.

Watermelon with feta cheese sounds delicious! I'm going to give that a try but I'm going to chew it all until liquified.

I don't think that I've yet experienced dumping. However, it's possible that I have experienced it but with very mild systems. What I do notice is that dairy products make me feel a bit queasy and that fatty foods cause diarrhea. Not sure if that is dumping. But I really haven't had strong symptoms. That actually worries me because if I am NOT dumping, then behavior modification might be more difficult. I have noticed that I have a slight aversion to anything sweet post op (which I think is great because high-carb sweet stuff and baked goods were a major weakness for me pre op. I'm hoping that this aversion will continue.

I started having eggs 2.5 weeks post op. My surgeon told me to "try" soft foods. If my stomach tolerated them, great. If not, go back to liquids. Well, my stomach has been tolerating them well. Of course, I have to chew eggs until they are liquified before swallowing. But it works. They are a great source of Protein.

I have been eating a lot of soft poached eggs - much easier than scrambled or fried plus poached eggs require no fats or oils to make. - but it does require some effort to actually do the poaching.

I lost a tiny amount of weight on a one month pre op liquid diet but the main benefits were a shrunken liver and behavior modification. My adjustment to post op life is easier in my opinion because of the one month pre op liquid diet. I did not start losing weight until about one week post op.

I find it is not a problem to get all my water in. I just sip all day long. But I'm not able to get in all my protein. I find sweet stuff (those pre-op protein shakes) to no longer be tolerable. But I am making sure to stay hydrated.

I bought a case of ISOPURE. I drank 1/4 of a bottle and I don't think I'll ever be able to drink it again. It just tastes awful. However, I acknowledge that it is a wonderful product. I want to like it - and I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from using it. It's a great source of protein.

I like the elliptical machine (cross trainer). It also helps to bring along music to listen to in a portable MP3 player. Then move from machine to machine. That breaks up the routine.

i have started eating two bites of vegetables or fruits (of course, I chew those bites thoroughly) to add fiber to the diet. It has helped a lot in relieving constipation. I am 3 weeks post op.

Here is another thought: slower weight lost could be better for the body.

Many people's back-handed compliments are passive displays of aggression. The comment or observation is packaged as something friendly or humorous: teasing, jokes, sarcasm. In reality, it is an attack. Human beings are intimated when other human beings pursue self-improvement. So they will find a way to attack. Humor and politeness are

Self-empowerment intimidates others. I can only suggest to use that self-empowerment to transcend the power of others' opinions. As you become more self-empowered, other people will learn to keep their mouths shut. It takes time, but human beings can be trained.

i vomited all the way to the hospital out of fear and nervousness but i am so glad that i went through the surgery. it was not fun, but i have no regrets.

Spicy foods do not agree with my new stomach. Spicy foods make me nauseous. Bland foods are not a problem as long I chew them thoroughly before swallowing.