Elizabeth21

SCREW THE SCALE!! You know that the scale measures the weight of your muscles as well as your fat, right? Well, it sounds to me like you have been gaining muscle from your workouts! This means the scale may not budge because muscle is dense and will weigh more than fat BUT you ARE getting smaller -- as proven by your measurements!! Be nice to yourself!! Focus on how far you have come from where you were pre-op. And remember this is not a race, it is your life! Keep up the good work!

Someone else may have already answered this, but, I had the same problem. It turned out to be acid reflux. I started taking omeprazole (over the counter) regularly and the problem is resolved! Also, make sure you are getting enough fluids. Good luck!

@@Sharon1964 Yes! I definitely am missing the sun and some warmer weather! I am so glad that having lost weight, and continuing to lose more, I know that I am going to be able to enjoy the summer even more this year!!

@@Stevehud Clever blog name!

Thanks y'all for the suggestions. It helps to know that someone can relate!

"Should-haves" frustrate me and feel "preachy" -- especially when it comes to dealing with life's issues. They are not supportive or constructive. I'd have never been able to have the surgery if I thought I had to conquer all of my issues beforehand. The surgery has helped resolve several issues already. Just not this one. Yet.

I find it helpful to avoid the "all or nothing" mentality. So, for the workout issue, try just starting out with five minutes. Just five. It's a small adjustment to body and schedule which makes it much more doable. After you have accomplished that for a few days, just start adding 1 to 5 minutes more to your workout time every few days until you have built up your time and body to the workout time you want as routine. This also helps you avoid injury as you don't overdo it early on. Good luck!

Hi all. I absolutely H..A..T..E the Vitamins. Before surgery I did not have this problem, but, vitamins make me feel icky as hell. I managed to get some into me on and off early on, but experienced nausea and upset tummy a lot. I'm almost 3 months now. Has anyone managed to stay healthy without supplementing?? *crosses fingers and hopes so* Thanks.

Years ago having yet again re-gained weight after yet another weight loss my thin PCP asked me "What? Do you just not care?" That was the last I saw of him. (Ironically I learned later that he died young -- of heart disease.) But the damage was done. I gave up on myself for a few years after that. Finally found a good, supportive PCP. I'll never let a doctor treat me like sh*t again.

Prednisone can cause weight gain. See if you can get off of it or find an alternative. If the prilosec is not working ask for a different med. Acidity can make you feel "hungry" when you really are not. Be your own advocate!! As for weight gain, I've see some Vets on here suggest that you go back to basics. Lean Protein only, no calorie fluids, calorie cap at 800. Some even go back to all liquids stage just to "reset." Good luck!

Well, since I've started taking Omeprazole the coffee is fine. And I am noticing less "hunger" other times too. I think that false-hunger acid was definitely getting to me. Thanks for the tip @@JamieLogical!

Hi All! I'm 2.5 months post-surgery. I LOVE my coffee, but I have definitely noticed that when I drink it -- even decaf -- I will get hungry. I know the acidity of it is not helpful. Maybe an antacid would work? Do I have to give it up? Do you have something that you've substituted that you like? Any suggestions with this? Thanks!

Thank you all for your feedback and suggestions! I hadn't thought about putting some Protein powder in it. That might be good since I gave up my creamer! I also started taking Omeprazole because I was noticing some more acid reactions even without coffee. I think that is helping. I gave it up completely for a couple of months, but, having given up so much else andwith these cold dreary mornings, it's a nice luxury to still be able to enjoy a cup.

Contact your doctor immediately! You are the customer. If you are in pain that ask the doctor for alternatives. Good luck!

I understand the perfectionism mindset. Unfortunately it tends to lead to "all or nothing" thinking. As in you've got to get it all right or nothing counts. That is simply not true. But the sense of defeat -- that guilt -- can lead to more distress that requires comforting. The need for comfort can lead to overeating. Also, it leads to the floodgate: well, I'm "cheating" now and I'm never gonna let myself cheat again, so I'd better get all I can now. So you end up having more than you would in the first place. Try to focus on the positives and shake off that need for perfection. Good luck!

@@ProjectMe posted: "6 months before surgery, I just stopped drinking It cold turkey and took pain meds for the headache for a few days. Then I got over it. But I'm the type to just rip the bandaid off & get it over with...instead of the slow torture of peeling the bandaid away slowly. " So, @@ProjectMe what have you substituted for your coffee?

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Sorry! Accidentally posted this twice. Please go to other thread. Thanks!

There is a lot of information around this site already. Take a look at the Pre-Op forum for great advice. You are the doctor's customer, so, do not hesitate to be your own advocate! If you need more information call the surgeon's office and get it. Insist on a consult appointment if necessary. You have plenty of time to get up to speed on this. Good luck!

@@Thinkingthinner1109 Whoa there, ease up on yourself! I think what you got was a valuable learning experience! For example, on my birthday I had a slice of cheesecake (my fave). Now, first off, I would have had more than one piece prior to surgery. But secondly, it did not settle well. So, guess what? The rest of the cheesecake did not tempt me at all! It sounds to me like you've learned a similar lesson. It's okay. This is not about one day. It's about the rest of our lives.

Well thanks y'all! After seeing your comments I've tried these. I've been wanting something solid for Breakfast that was quick and filling with lots of Protein. These seem to settle nicely. Breakfast is still my most sensitive time and this is the most "solid" food that I can tolerate well so far. Thanks for the tip.

My surgery was 12/11. I avoid the scale because it messes with my mindset so I only plan to weigh myself maybe once a month. I'm also trying to focus on the non-scale victories more than the scale. Bottom line, the number doesn't really matter because I know that I am doing what I can. And that is what I'm trying to maintain focus on. Without this surgery I would not be losing any weight and likely would continue to slowly gain more over the years (like my mother). So, in a way, even if I didn't lose I would be better off for just not gaining. That being said, I was down 58 pounds at the 2 month mark, so, I am very happy about that. More importantly I've had a lot to add to my NSV list including fitting into my coats (just in time for the cold) and lower BP! I've also had complications, but, my weight was giving me complications too. Life will be full of them. I just decided I wanted to choose from the set with the smaller stomach.