BitterSweet*

That does sound like orthostatic or positional hypotension. A good way to determine if that's the case (until you go to see your surgeon / PCP), is to check your heart rate in different positions; lying down, sitting on the edge of the bed, and then standing. If your heart rate varies a great deal (like a 30 beat difference between positions), it's likely positional hypotension. Usual cause is dehydration, especially if you don't take meds for hypertension. If you do take meds, they may need to be adjusted.

Drink Smooth Moves tea from Target.

You mean food allergies or environmental / seasonal allergies?

I was hoping for an update from you! What happened to you is really common and completely normal. I'm so glad things worked out and that you're back on track. Good luck!

Acid reflux.

Yes, gall disease is extremely common after WLS. You need to have liver enzymes drawn and if they are elevated, an ultrasound will rule out gallbladder disease. Gallstones do have the ability to travel and if that happens it becomes an emergency situation, so please get checked out by your doctor soon. Btw, that "minimal intermittent pain" eventually turns into pain so bad it'll take your breath away and you'll swear you're having a heart attack.....that is of course if it's your gallbladder.

@@brittanykins, unfortunately it probably will not grow back. In 14 months, your hair has gone through near 2 complete grow and lose cycles and would've started growing back in by now. I of course could be wrong, but I speak from multiple experiences with hair loss and a medical background. Get a referral to see a dermatolgist just to be certain nothing is being overlooked, and have your PCP check your blood work again (if you're behind in that); specifically checking for anemia and low thyroid function. As others have suggested, Toppik can help with concealment, and you may end up needing to use Rogaine.....for life. Rogaine is the only product available that can actually regrow hair. All of the other products help when hair is actually growing, but will not cause regrowth. It sucks. It's painful, and I wish I could be thin and still have my beautiful hair. It aint happening.......

To the poster, couple of days on pain pills and soreness for a few more days. The back pain is relieved as soon as they remove it.

You made the right choice, and if later on you feel ready to make another one, you are entitled to do so. I think you are the hero in your own life. Intuition is everything, never ignore it. You didn't and that's why your choice today was the right one to make. Bravo.

The emotions you are feeling are expected. Your response is not what's ok. Please adhere to the plan outlined by your bariatric team. All of us have to accept the realities that come along with this surgery. Surely you wouldn't want a terrible consequence because of the temporary emotions you are feeling. Address your feelings. Talk to a friend, vent on this forum, but following a liquid diet when that is what is expected and what you agreed to (by undergoing this surgery) is the right thing to do. Please take care of yourself.

5'6 is pretty tall for a girl (but I'm really short so everything is tall to me). If 120 lbs is your goal, go for it, but that is really tiny for a girl your height. I think your doctor gave you some good advice about using clothing as a way to measure your success. A lot of people get scale obsessed and that can lead to discouragement. Stay in touch and good luck with your surgery.

Drink clear protein drinks and keep doing the popsicles and crystal lite. You just need more time to heal.

Welcome, and please tuck those letters away. After you recover from this surgery, start living each and every moment you can living the thoughts you expressed in the letters. Now that you've found this supportive place, please stay in touch so we can help you and celebrate with you.

If you do what you've always done, you will be what you always were. The surgery is only on the belly not the brain, and there are plenty of folks who simply refuse to acknowledge or deal with the mental components of why they are obese, morbidly obese, or completely incapacitated due to what goes into their mouths. Ignoring the mindset, patterns, and pathology behind what got you (us) where we are (were) along with eating around the sleeve and not exercising is a sure fire express ticket back to obesity.

If you do what you've always done, you will be what you always were. The surgery is only on the belly not the brain, and there are plenty of folks who simply refuse to acknowledge or deal with the mental components of why they are obese, morbidly obese, or completely incapacitated due to what goes into their mouths. Ignoring the mindset, patterns, and pathology behind what got you (us) where we are (were) along with eating around the sleeve and not exercising is a sure fire express ticket back to obesity.

Is your anemia related to your food intake or is your intake not a problem and a monthly loss (assuming you are a female!!) is causing the deficit? Fixing the issue will depend on what's causing it.

Btw, how tall are you?

I agree with the other comments. I'm sure it'll be hard to not think of that goal, but if you shift your mindset slightly you'll do much better. You cannot fail at this if you are willing to follow the plan outlined by your bariatric team. Eat as they instruct you to. Maximize your daily Protein intake, limit carbs to healthy things like vegetables and dark fruits; drink the daily required Water, take your Vitamins, and ELIMINATE excuses for skipping workouts; exercise everyday and you can't help but drop a ton of weight. It may not be anywhere near your goal in 6 months, but I think it will be substantial. If you've been 360 for a long time, it may surprise you how good you will feel with even 100 lbs off of your frame. Try to be patient with yourself and continue to research and read in preparation for your surgery.

Everyone is right. Some people's are discovered before and some during surgery. Matter of fact your consent form should have "possible hernia repair" on it, so that you are providing authorization for any found hernias to be repaired during surgery. Fixing a hernia is important, but what is also imperative is ruling out gallbladder disease before surgery. DO NOT LET THEM OVERLOOK THIS STEP!!! If your gallbladder already has signs of disease (sludge and stones), advocate for yourself so that it gets removed during the sleeve!

Yes, yes it is.

Uhm ok. I don't disagree with you whatsover @@Jersrose43, so I don't really get your response. That is your right and everyone is entitled to make decisions regarding staying the course with insurance or choosing another option for their own personal reasons. The "hoops" may be a pain in the rear, but the length of time it takes to complete them gives someone time to research, plan, get therapy or whatever in preparation for this life altering decision. There are plenty of folks who choose to skip that part. My personal opinion is that it's not a good idea, but I don't have to deal with that decision; they do. The OP clearly states she has been denied twice, so my response to her was to specifically answer the question she posed.

Your protein should come from healthy, lean meats and other items. You're right about that. But if you are unsure, 1 scoop of unflavored can ensure that you have maximized your daily requirement.

Not sure what you were trying to say @Jersrose43. Let me clarify. There are people with insurance who do qualify for surgery through their employment but choose to just pay out of pocket instead of waiting upwards of a year to finish all requirements. Some people just don't want to wait and jump through hoops. Those who have the monetary means to pay for it in the States do so, and those who choose not to spend that much money (whether they have it or not), go to Mexico. The insurance scheme in our country is a racket. It is treated no different than car insurance. Often times companies opt out of covering bariatric services because the sicker you are the more money they will make off of you. Sick people help balance the equation for young, healthy people that don't have to pay as much money for coverage.

Are you adding in unflavored protein powder to your pureed foods?

A lot of people are in your shoes and others can get approved but they just don't want to jump through hoops like a circus animal so they travel to Mexico or pay triple that amount in the States.