mon_jam74

First, 60 lbs is amazing regardless of how long it took to lose it. Second, eating a few bites every hour could lead to overeating. I suggest using a calorie tracker (myfitnesspal). And, exercise. Everyday. Start with walking and then find something else you enjoy- swimming, hiking, running, cycling, fitness classes, etc. You're going to have to make some changes if you want the weight to keep dropping. The surgery has done it's job if you've lost 60lbs and only eat a few bites at a time, but now you need to do your part.

I'm almost 3 mos post-op and will tell you that walking helps a lot! Start walking now and don't stop exercising. It will make a big difference in consistent weight loss. Also, I know I had that shoulder pain also. Once the drain was pulled out, I was much more comfortable and the shoulder pain disappeared. Weird to think that drain causes shoulder pain, I know.

I'm 12 weeks post surgery today. According to my surgeon's nutrition guidelines, I could start on raw veggies today. I just tried eating a salad. Boy oh boy, was my stomach grumbling at me when I ate lettuce! I was able to eat the cucumber and carrots just fine. But, the romaine wasn't as well accepted. It didn't hurt my stomach, but the noises coming from my stomach made it obvious I should hold off on trying it again anytime soon. When have you all been able to eat lettuce w/o issues?

Zane's Mom and Bec101- I wasn't warned about lettuce, but I can definitely see that there's no need for it. I had been looking forward to a salad for awhile, but now I'm pretty sure I can get by without lettuce in my future.

Mine usually makes some noises, but these were VERY loud and disturbing.

You look fabulous and I LOVE that black dress!!

Begin walking. It will help with cramps (which is probably gas). Check with your dr., but mine allowed me to walk/ride stationery bike for the first 3 weeks then I was clear to do any exercise I was comfortable with.

The best time to start is as soon as the nurses will let you get out of bed after surgery. Start walking. And, continue to walk everyday once you've gotten home. As far as more strenuous exercise, ask your dr. I was free to do all exercise at week 3. I began the couch to 5 k program and now I'm almost 7 weeks out from surgery and am in week 4 of couch to 5k. Using the elliptical on days I'm not jogging.

Syntax Nectar mixed with Greek yogurt is incredible! I've tried the Roadside Lemonade, Caribbean Cooler, and Strawberry Kiwi. 3/4 scoop (might be able to do a full scoop, just haven't tried it) mixed with 1/2 cup non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt. The easiest way to get protein in, in my opinion.

First off, check with your surgeon. I'm finding on these boards that everyone is given different orders from their surgeons. However, mine said I could only walk or use a stationery bike for the first 3 weeks. Start walking in the hospital and continue to walk at least 30 min/day once you've gone home. I added the stationery bike during the second week. At 3 weeks, I was given the green light for any and all exercise. I'm 4 weeks out and in the second week of couch to 5k 3 days a week and the elliptical the other 4 days. I worry about strenuous ab exercises, but my surgeon says I'm fine.

Bufflhead, this is the second time I've read about the stomach nerves. It makes sense. I just hadn't read about it. At what point, do they typically heal?

I also had an undiagnosed hiatal hernia repaired during surgery. I'm 8 days out and now able to swallow without too much pain. My understanding is there is a lot more swelling in the esophagus because of the hernia repair. I shed some tears of frustration the first few days because of how difficult it was. Just do your best and ask for pain meds to help. It will get better.