Marathongirl

I lost 30lbs before I had my weightloss surgery, and honestly I wouldn't do anything different. I really don't miss anything in the way of food, but I do miss my coke zero. Good thing it doesn't taste the same. However, drinking a ton of it one month ahead wouldn't have made any difference to me. I'm really glad I lost those 30lbs. It helped me prepare for what was ahead of me. Good luck on your surgery. You'll do great!

I just talked to my PA about this. She said that it will usually stop around the 7-8 month mark, or when weightloss slows down.

My psychiatrist prescribed phentermine to me, and I'll tell ya that if I had to choose, I would choose my surgery over and over again. Eventually the body becomes used to medications like phentermine and it begins to not work anymore. I loose weight healthier and faster by using the tool of my surgery. Phentermine is great in the short term, but long term I think it would eventually stop helping.

Hey 50lbs is 50lbs!!! So way to go! I had gastric so I don't know much about how quickly you're suppose to lose weight on the band. I do know, that if you can exercise you should. Even just walking everyday will make a difference in your weight loss and your physical appearance. Plus, it will make you feel so much better. If you have limited mobility you can still do exercises just sitting down, by using a stretch resistance band. And, like the other poster said, DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS!! I kept doing that and it made me feel crappy. I'm just happy with what I have accomplished! Continue with the great work!

I had to use antibacterial soap the morning before my surgery. But, I showered the very next day with my own body wash. My incisions were covered with some kind of glue, so I guess it wasn't a problem.

First picture was in 2012 I weighed over 300 Had Gastric Bypass March 17 2014 Second picture June 15 I weigh 236 and am wearing an 18

Good for you for hanging in there and not giving up! I would have been so frustrated, but you were strong and held on. Even now, you're doing any exercise you can and that is a huge achievement. You and your family should be so proud of you. I don't even know you and I'm proud of you! You have come a long way, and I'm sure that the road ahead will get easier. You're in my prayers!

I have been diagnosed with several mental illnesses. The biggest and baddest would have to be bipolar. Going through a bout of depression right now actually. The medication I take requires a 350 calorie meal in order for it to be absorbed into my body. That can be difficult sometimes. The reason I ended up at 320 lbs was because of having to take several psychotic drugs in which none of them worked. Now, I find it hard to deal with my depression and having had gastric bypass. I workout 5/6 days a week, and really hard. If i can't exercise because I can't get out of bed, I feel guilty, which there in for makes my depression worse. Depression really comes in all forms and doesn't just have to be sadness. If you decide to go on a medication, make sure you take it everyday without fail. Talk with someone, a therapist, who can help you with your own individual situation. I wish you lots of luck in your healing process.

I really don't know. It's a good thing you're going to see your surgeon. Let us know what they say!

Looking good! Keep up the great work!

So you were not required by insurance to give a two year weight history? This is standard for aetna. The other requirements I mentioned are due to insurance. The case manager is simply someone with Aetna to follow me and be a contact for any insurance issues. I am just concerned that my fluctuating weight over the last 2 years will affect my approval. No, but I have cigna insurance. So, I guess its just a bit different. I'm sorry you have to go through all of that! You would think since the CDC declared obesity as a disease, insurance companies would be willing to help. I hope that everything works out for you.

I'm so happy to have some new "pals"! Thanks for adding me!

I definitely have a snack in the morning, especially after a workout. I will eat yogurt, low fat string cheese, some deli meat... anything to keep my glucose levels up or I get really hungry!

Hey there! I use MFP and my name is Lilchickpea. I'll look for you!

I had a 3 month waiting period. However, I started at the surgeons office. I had a visit with their nutritionist every month, where I was weighed, talked about the surgery and healthy eating habits. I didn't use my PCP or a case manager. The surgeon documented everything and sent it all to my insurance company.

The way I got through it was to chew a piece of sugar free gum. It would satiate my mouth. Or, you could try and have some fruit with every meal. I remember when I couldn't drink that much water too. It would make me feel full and sick (which is why they want you to drink a lot!) I hope you get the hang of it soon. I'm even telling my friends and family who are trying to lose weight that its probably best not to drink while eating.

I was on both of those too at one point. I want to go off tegretol, but Pdoc is a little nervous about it. He says I'm doing so well that he doesn't want to rock the boat. I'm happy you're doing so well. Glad you got rid of all that extra weight too! He was just keeping you down!

Congrats! You're going to kick it in October! I have quite a few friends who do triathlons and I know they're not easy. Good for you! Thanks for keeping me encouraged!

I was taking Spinning (or cycle) class before surgery. They told me I could go back to that after 2 weeks. That's heart rate up, sweating like crazy. However, everyone is different and you may not feel like really getting into some serious exercise. The day of your surgery you are up and walking the hospital. So, walking you definitely do from the beginning. It's really up to you and your surgeon. Good Luck!

That's wonderful! I remember when I tried fish for the first time, didn't go so well for me either. Now, I am able to eat just about everything (3 months post-op). Keep up the awesome work!

Finally, I am

Wow! Your doctor wanted you stop your psych meds cold turkey. Brave doc there. Please be careful. Just stopping them like that can cause a lot of problems. I hope you'll be okay!

I took all my psych meds while in the hospital. I took everything in pill form. It didn't bother me at all.

I wasn't thrilled w/quinoa alone so I mix it with brown rice. You can make a nice quinoa/brown rice salad by adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, chopped red onion, parsley, and a little lite or fat free dressing of your choice. I like Cesar, Italian, or balsamic vinaigrette. :-) I loved it! But, I'm kind of a bland eater. I sautéed some spinach and garlic together and threw it into the mix. It was pretty tasty.

Okay... So I'm 12 weeks post op. The nutritionist told me that I would have issues with my hair falling out. I was just wondering for some of you ahead, when does that stop? Thanks!