earnestclark

I did well losing weight for the first two years, but then my doctor put me on gabapentin and I gained quite a bit of weight. Ultimately, I went off the Gabapentin, but now I have to figure out how to lose the weight again. Any suggestions?

I'm so sorry you are having a tough time. I'm almost 6 months out and I can safely say one reason I am doing well is because I live alone. I know if I had my family at home and was cooking, it wouldn't be like this. Yesterday was the first time I 'went out' and had to face eating/drinking in a large crowd. That was definately an effort. You have lost almost 140 lbs. Concentrate on that, it is amazing!!! Think how much easier it is to get around now, how clothes fit better, and you feel better. Those are the things to think about and celebrate. I am so jealous of how well you have done...keep it up and don't worry about a short-term gain. I know for me it was not taking my Vitamins while not getting enough protein. I'm rooting for you - look how much you have accomplished...

I got on today looking for weight gain info. I am 4 months out and lost 60 lbs but gained 2lbs in the last few days. Thanks for all the great advice. I haven't journaled so I'm going to work on that.

I had the sleeve in March 2014 and have lost 62 lbs. I have always had excessively thick hair and it was my best feature. I have lost 2/3 of it in the past month. Everytime I wash my hair it looks like a small rodent has died in my shower. I just saw my doctor last week and all my labs are very good. I get enough Protein, Vitamins, and Water. I did lose weight fast so that may be the problem. I'm going to do the Biotin, Super B Complex, and Acai juice in hopes my hair will grow back.

My surgery is at 9:30 tomorrow morning. I've read everything and 'know' what its like but what can I actually expect? Will I have pain that slows me down and how long will that last? I will say that 10 days on Meal Replacement has changed my outlook. I used to have a large focus on what to eat but being on Meal Replacements has forced/allowed me to focus more on things that are important. For me that is a HUGE change. Any advice out there?

Thanks Henna! Monday will be two weeks out and today is the first day I felt awful. We had gone shopping and I suddenly got warm and very tired. I think I was just doing too much. Overall I have felt good and seldom use pain meds. My follow-up appt. is next Wednesday and I 'm looking forward to getting back to work. Thanks for your support.

I have to take three weeks, which I don't want to do. I'd like to save my sick leave. My follow-up appointment is on Wed, 2.5 weeks after surgery and I have to wait an additional 3 business days after that. I'm just unhappy I have to use another weeks leave. It is probably in my best interest to wait though, I tend to ignore doctor's orders so this time I'm pretty stuck taking the time off.

I got some sugar free popsickles and they are yummy. I over did yesterday. I had asked a lawn maintenance guy to stop by and give me a quote and I did too much outside. Wiped me out so I'm taking it easy today. I had asked for two weeks off but then found out my district requires 3 business days between the day you are released and when they allow you to come back to work.

Heather If you were my daughter and were talking about having elective major surgery I would probably object as well. However this survey has improved leaps and bounds in your lifetime. This surgery is safe and doctors are specialists. Make them understand you appreciate their concerns and their support during this process will aid your recovery. Pick something you've always wanted to do but wouldn't/couldn't because of your weight (zip line, canoeing, whatever works for you) and make a plan with your family to all do it once you are post op. My thoughts are with you and you will receive so very much support from the folks on this site.

Tomorrow will put me 1 week post op. When I first mentioned the surgery my mother rejected the idea. I made it clear I had done the research and had made up my mind. She decided to do some research since she wasn't going to change my mind. She became my biggest supporter to the rest of the family. Find someone to carry the torch for you because this is a major life change and your energy should be used for the many positive ways this will change your life.

Janey The coughing is miserable. The nurse had me hold a pillow to my stomach each time I cough and that helped a little. I don't think I've met my protein and fluid goals once. I did figure out that the pain in my chest everytime I took a drink was because I was taking pre-surgery size gulps. Each day is better and I hope it works that way for you too. Don't be afraid to use your pain mess. They can make things easier.

Is anyone else having trouble getting enough protein? The Dr made it clear how important it is but I feel like I'm constantly eating. It is so strange not feeling like I need to go grab a snack.

I am so lucky. Had so little pain I never even used my pain meds. Walking upright and feeling better every day. Thanks for all the support and looking forward to hearing fom sizzsooz and fishsticks about how they are doing. Lost 13 lbs up to day of surgery and 2 lbs since. Looking forward to some real food and no more Meal Replacements.

Had surgery 2 days ago and I'm feeling good. Didn't even have to use the pain pump. Came home yesterday and I'm just a little sore. Good luck to you both. Let me know how you are and where you live. I live in San Jose but my home is in Cottonwood CA (near Redding). Good thought for all of you.

Thanks for all your support. Sizzooz and Fishsticks, looks like we will be our support group. I'll update you as I can.

This is good to hear. My surgery is March 10.