Larly109

I'm only a month out and have had some mild back pain. My plantar fasciitis flared up before my surgery and is still giving me problems but I'm trying to fight through it and keep up with my exercise. I have 2 good friends who are 3 and 4 years out from surgery and both of them have said their back hurt pretty much the entire first year. Your body has to readjust its posture as you lose weight and it can cause aches and pains you may not have had before. That's probably why your doctor isn't worried; however, if the pain is so bad you can't sleep I would ask your doctor what your options are to relieve the pain. It might be worth seeing a physical therapist for some stretches or exercises that might help.

I was cleared to try it at 4 weeks. Took tiny bites and chewed really, really well. Was able to eat about an ounce and it settled well. It was grilled and juicy by the way - anything too dry is more likely to cause you problems.

Don't give up! Hopefully your doctor can figure out exactly what is happening and be able to offer solutions.

Search for Dr. Matthew Weiner on YouTube - he has a series of very informative videos about WLS. He also has a book available through Amazon called A Pound of Cure. His basic philosophy is that it's all about WHAT you choose to eat. I think most of us realize that processed foods are the worst for you - and that includes healthier versions of processed foods (low calorie frozen meals and the like). What Dr. Weiner advocates is making fresh vegetables, fruit and beans the majority of your diet. I have found his videos and book to be very helpful. I plan on adopting his plan after I am past the first 3 months and more fully healed.

You might try a little bit of warm Water or tea before you eat - I have read that WLS patients sometimes get mucus build up overnight and the warm liquid helps to break it up (just make sure it's not too hot!). I was having similar issues but they are a lot better now. I find that if I take my meds one at a time with a tiny sip of water about halfway through my breakfast I have a lot less discomfort than if I try to take them at the beginning of my meal. Work up to your nutrional requirements - it will take time for your body to heal! Be sure and stay hydrated and work on getting your protein in - the rest will fall into place slowly.

A lot of people struggle with eggs early on - especially scrambled. Try one cooked over easy with a tiny amount of nonstick spray or try poached. I also like to cook mine in the microwave - I scramble one egg in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 60 seconds. Sometimes I add a little cheese. If eggs are really bothering you, take a break from them for a couple of weeks then try again.

Each doctor has their own recommendations and it's important to follow their guidelines. I'm surprised you don't have it all in writing - I received multiple copies during all my pre-surgery appointments and even more specific guidelines from my doctor immediately after surgery. I would definitely start by contacting your doctor.

I'm taking the chewable Centrum - got them at Walmart. Quick dissolve B-12 and Biotin I found at Walgreens (they often have buy 1 get 1 free sales on vitamins and that's when I stock up). I tried the liquid calcium from Wellesse, but it made me a bit queasy. The calcium chews from Bariatric Advantage are pretty good, but a little pricey. I finally found some lemon flavored chews that another user recommended and ordered them from Amazon - Calcet is the brand name. Those are my favorite - it's like a little lemon dessert after dinner!

My Fitness Pal - I have it linked up to my FitBit and love being able to see my progress!

I'm only a month out and haven't lost enough to experience this particular issue, but a couple of my good friends that are 3 and 4 years out definitely have tailbone pain. I notice that they carry small pillows and cushions to sit on. I also notice that one of my friends almost always sits with at least one, if not both, feet up on her chair with her knees pulled to her chest. Plus they squirm and wiggle a lot if they get stuck on a hard chair for more than a few minutes. I'm hoping I don't lose all of my butt so that my pain isn't so bad!

I use Stevia In The Raw and love it. I can't stand the artificial after taste of most other sweeteners.

I think a lot of people struggle with whey protein. There are several other forms available including egg based, beef based, and plant based. Some nutrition shops will sell you small samples so that you don't have to buy a huge tub and wind up not being able to tolerate it. Try calling around and see if anyone near you will sell small samples. I was able to get quite a few samples by emailing different companies and asking for them.

I'm almost 4 weeks out from surgery and my doctor has me on 750-1000 calories a day in order to maintain my energy level. Too few calories and you may run low on energy too quickly. Of course choosing healthy calories is also very important - high protein, unprocessed foods are best the during the first 3 months after surgery. Regular exercise will also make a big difference - start with walking a few minutes everyday and gradually extend the duration.

My surgeon is okay with regular tea and coffee after the first week. I don't drink it everyday, but haven't had any issues when I do. I like to use a packet of stevia and a little half and half.

Wellesse makes a liquid calcium that's palatable and is sold at Walmart. I ordered the lemon flavor Calcet from Amazon and really like them. They're like a little bite of lemony dessert.

You will probably feel ok to return to work, but be prepared to tire easily - especially as a teacher. I don't know what grade you teach, but you will very likely feel exhausted by the end of the day. I know when I taught 2nd grade I'd get tired on a normal day. My job is much less physically demanding now and I'm still pretty tired at the end of the day. It's getting better as I heal, can eat a bit more, and drop more weight but it takes time. I don't want to discourage you, just want you to be prepared. Best of luck with your surgery!

I've tried a few of them. Roadside Lemonade, Grape, and Caribbean Cooler weren't bad. I really liked the Strawberry Mousse mixed in milk. I also liked the Crystal Sky in ice water. I have noticed that they don't dissolve well in ice water, so I use room temp/tap mix it well and then add ice after it's dissolved. I like to use a shaker bottle because the protein tends to settle a bit as it sits, so I shake again as needed.

Which tests are ordered will depend on what information your doctor feels like they need and what is required by your insurance. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it's your body and you have every right to know what each test is for and what the results are.

Everything you are feeling is very normal. I was very nervous and anxious before my surgery and although things have been a bit challenging at times, it gets better everyday. The pain from the gas used during the laparascopic procedure was the worst part for me immediately post surgery, but it quickly got better as I was able to get up and walk. I had a drain for 4 days after my surgery and it was annoying, but not unbearable. Since coming home, the first week was the worst. I had very little energy, but kept sipping Protein drinks and Water all day and things slowly improved. I did feel somewhat deprived after I got home when everyone else was eating and I was sipping, but that got better once I moved from clear liquids to full liquids. Now I'm at the pureed and soft stage and it's better still. I have had my missteps - tried to eat a little baked fish yesterday and it came right back up - but mostly I'm trying to take it slow and concentrate on getting in my protein and keeping up with the walking. Some days are better than others, but I feel like I'm on an upward swing. I agree with others that the more your wife understands what you will be dealing with, the better she can support you. Wishing you the best of luck as you begin your journey!

For Multivitamins, I switch between the Centrum Chewables, Walmart brand kid's chewables, and NatureMade VitaMelts Fast Melting Tablets (found them at Sam's Club). I can tolerate the Centrum, but just barely. The kid's chewables are a tiny bit better, and the VitaMelts are the most tolerable - they have a fruity/tropical taste. I have tried several flavors from Bariatric Advantage and they are ok. For Calcium, I've tried the Bariatric Advantage brand and they are ok. I also have liquie Calcium from Wellesse that I found at Walmart. I saw a post on another thread that recommended Calcet Creamy Lemon Bites and I ordered a box from Amazon. They are not bad at all - both chewy and creamy. The chocolate and caramel chews from Celebrate/Bariatric Advantage are also better than others. I am also taking sublingual B-12 cherry flavor from NatureMade and quick dissolve Biotin strawberry from Nature's Bounty.

I've been thinking I should take my measurements so that I have one more way to track my progress.

Mine was scabbed over about 24 hours after the drain was removed. It's still scabbed and healing and itches some. I have been putting Bio Oil on all of my surgical wounds for about a week and it helps A LOT with the itching.

I find my pouch can be a little touchy. Something goes down well one day but not the next. I just try to take it slowly and keep trying.

I had a huge loss my first week post-op (22 pounds) and only a couple of pounds since then. I have been feeling fairly discouraged today, but am trying to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss.

I agree, My Fitness Pal is great! If you log on through a computer, you can change your daily goals to help keep you on track. I also purchased a Fitbit and have it linked to MFP.