AmyC65

Gallstones are a very common post-RNY issue. I had my GB removed during RNY surgery, another friend did not and ended up with terrible gall bladder issues, septic and in a coma. So keep an eye on that GB!

I don't know when your surgery was. I think your biggest issue would be the juice. But it's such a small sip, I think you would be fine.

Hi Tanya! I know time in the hospital feels like it will never end. I'm sorry you're in pain and having to be there for so long. But trust your Dr. to be making the best decisions for you and your health! Try to remind yourself that you made a big decision that will improve the rest of your life - and that kind of decision is an investment that takes time. My first few months were really rough and it felt like I had messed myself up forever. But I'm 8 months out now and I barely remember that time now. I feel great and life is pretty much normal now. So, try to be patient with the process. When you're in the middle of it, it feels like forever. But it's a short time in the big picture. Better days are coming! Just do what the Dr says and hang in there!

I'm not a stylist but I can tell you from my experience and the 4 friends and husband that have had the same surgery - everyone is different! On friend drove herself home from the hospital and went back to work at 3 weeks. I didn't even put on pants for 2 weeks. I was very uncomfortable (also had gallbladder at same time, which may have complicated things). Another friend took 5 weeks to go back to an office job. I know this doesn't really give you an answer. If you can schedule in advance but change clients at the last minute if you need to, that might be a way to go. Hope for the best with a backup plan just in case?

ha ha, ok. So you're REALLY "upstate", not one of those Duchess County people who say "upstate". My daughter is going to Ithaca College next year - in your neighborhood! Do you see a surgeon up here? I do think colitis is usually a prescription. Maybe modified diet? I guess you'll find out more after your tests.

You're right, it is discouraging. But even if it is 6-8 months, it is still a short period of time in the big picture. And you are regaining your health for the rest of your life! I was so discouraged in the beginning - my recovery seemed brutal and I couldn't eat anything without diarrhea for months. I would cry and think I'd ruined my life. But when I turned the corner and started to get better, those negative memories faded quickly. They will for you, too, over time. I'm in Syracuse, btw. Will your insurance cover ulcerative colitis? What would the treatment be for that?

Let me know what the Dr says. My mornings are usually very "poopy" hee hee. I've lost 55, I'm at 165 now and I feel like I'm almost "done". Unless I want to go to spinning class 4x's a week, which I do not! Where in NY are you?

I was thinking of you last night and wondered if it might be something you are eating? I know it feels like you're past the stage of foods suddenly bothering you. But my surgery was September also and for the first 5 months I could eat sugars with almost no trouble. And the scared me and made me really happy at the same time. But suddenly in the last 5-6 weeks, I am having obvious reactions to sugars. I was surprised that it happened pretty well after my healing process, but it is definitely happening. So, could there be something you've been eating all along but suddenly it's bothering you? Mayonnaise? Fats? Sugars?

How soon will you see the Dr?

I get it in the organic section of my grocery story. costco sells a big jar of it, but the one I like is unscented and Costco's has a coconut smell. Which is nice but I don't do well with smells in large doses. It's hard sitting at room temperature, it looks like crisco but it melts in your hand. I just scoop a little bit out with my nails or a spoon and melt it in my palms before I spread it on.

My surgeon took out my gallbladder during my RNY, my pre-op scans showed preliminary stones. A friend had another surgeon and didn't get pre-op gallbladder scans. 18 months post-surg she ended up with septic gallbladder and in a coma for 4 days. Talk to your surgeon - or a different one? - about what "sludge" means and if you are on your way to a gallbladder removal. Maybe sooner than later. Sorry you're having such difficulty, I hope you get some answers and relief soon.

Yup, coconut oil! I live in Central NY. Snow capital of America. The heat is on all the time, the stress on my skin of going outside in bitter cold, then into dry heat - I started using coconut oil post-shower about a month ago and I am in love with the results. My skin still feels soft 2 days later, whereas with lotion it was dry within a day.

I'm almost at 6 months and mine really only started falling out at around 4 - 4 1/2 months. I take the same Biotin dosage as you. When I saw my stylist this week, she said I have loads of new growth, about 2-3" long right now. So I'm encouraged that it is coming in. Mine is about 2' long, so when I lose even a few, it feels like it's everywhere! I've been in a ponytail 24/7 for months now to keep it from being all over the house!

Are you able to make your own hours? My stylist had surgery last year (different surgery but equally difficult) and when she finally went back to work, she started with short days and built up to full days after 3 weeks or so. You'll probably want to have some appts scheduled in advance so you have income. Ask your surgeon, I usually hear people going back to work at 3 weeks. You could start with a few short days, maybe with days off in between?

ryn2bthin - I can't speak for the original poster, but what I experience is not head hunger. My stomach hurts. Really, really hurts. Not everyone's experience is the same post-surgery.