Peggy Jean

I drink Crystal light ... lots of flavors and only 5 calories in 8 oz.

I just had my first stall at 5 weeks ... same weight for 10 days!!! Was finally down 2 lbs this morning. YEA!!!

If I am not mistaken, there is a way they check for that and if you're still smoking, they won't do surgery...

I'm 5 weeks post-op and it has hovered between 2 number for 10 days

YES! Those first 3 days were the worst of my life, and i've had 3 kids! Three days was it though, it started getting much better after that. Be patient for just a little longer...

YES!

I don't take my meds with my meal; there are too many (20, half of which I take twice a day). I take my pills with my morning coffee and an hour later I have my meal. I have no problem getting them down and I have several biggies. Just take your time...

First of all, take a deep breath and calm down. I had my bypass on August 19th and I have suffered from severe clinical depression for 55 years (I will be 61 on Oct 3rd). I have been back to the hospital 2 times for severe UTI and gained weight with all those fluids they pumped into me both times. You WILL lose this weight. It's only been 6 days. Your body is still in shock and will be for some months to come. You WILL lose weight. In 5 weeks i have lost 30 lbs. Are you seeing a therapist to help you through? I've been seeing one for the last 6 months to help me through this process. Plus, I have image problems I need to get through (I have lost 60 lbs pre-op and post-op, yet in my mind i see no difference ... just a very fat woman). But I am getting better. Depression makes this journey so much harder, but we CAN get through it. Stay POSITIVE! Stay COMMITTED! Get your weight taken and take measurements. I may not see any difference in my body, but I know in my mind I have lost 20+ inches, and that keeps me going. I have started fitting into the clothes I have outgrown and that keeps me going. Other people notice a difference and that keeps me going. Give yourself some time, hon. You didn't get where you are all at once and it won't disappear all at once. Be patient. Drinking the shakes you can't help but lose weight. When you get further down the road you can start exercising, which not only helps with weight loss but helps you feel better, too. If there is anything I can do or if you ever want anyone to talk to, give me a shout. We Libra's gotta stick together!! (((BIG HUG)))

I am no doctor, but did you might try hydrocortisone cream

Really don't know if this needs to be said as my circumstances were different that yours, but I would rather play it safe ... don't let your stricture get too small (don't wait too long) or it can not be dialated again. Keep in close contact with your doctors. Try and calm down and get something in your stomach (food was my problem), liquids never became an issue. They might decide to do a stomach tube to hold you over until you can do food (I had one for several months). Whatever they do, you WILL get past this part and things will smooth out. I'm praying for you...

Yes, I had one of those, too. Funny thing is, about the time it hit 2 weeks pre-op for me, the time just flew by! So just sit back and chill; put you legs up. Enjoy your son's birthday. The surgery will be here in the blink of an eye! Good luck

I am so sorry to hear you are having problems again. Strictures are the worst. I had a total laryngectomy because of cancer almost 8 years ago and ended up with a stricture. Now my problem was a little different because I had had radiation in the same area. They would do esophageal dilations and 2 weeks later it was restricted again. So frustrating; everything would be fine and I would be eating and it would get stuck and I would have to cough it up. Gross and embarrassing when eating with others. Ended up having a dozen dilations. Then moved to NC to be with my son and went to Duke Medical Center and they fixed it for good. I feel for you and I will say a prayer for a speedy recovery...