maggie0210

Finding sassy, Is there anyway you can get an appointment with a physician assistant in your surgeon's office? Or maybe with your nutritionist? It doesn't sound normal to me to be puking everyday. I would think it could hurt your stitches. Plus you need to keep some thing down. I haven't thrown up at all. I did develop an aversion to protein also. I'm sure this is only my expereance, so I'm not an authority. Just think you should check with someone who is. Let me know how you are doing. Maggie0210

Lynne Anne, They sell a product right in the drug store in a little bottle, called BIO-OIL. It does help get rid of scars and also helps some with stretch marks. A little goes a long way. And a good moisturizing lotion also is a good idea. I'm sorry if I scared you. I really do feel so much better now and the skin is easier to deal with vs. health issues. Maggie0210

Lynne Anne, It depends on how heavy you were, what shape you were in, and also on your age. I have lost 131 pounds, am 54 and not in very good shape! So it isn't very pretty. I can't afford plastics either, and I'm scared of the pain. As far as I go, the butt is my worst, sorry tmi! It's okay, unless you want to wear a bikini or revealing clothes. Short sleeves are kind of uncomfortable for my wings. But this is just me, and you might heal better, depends also on the condition of your skin. I was told working out helps.

After all your success, people will notice. Just kindly tell them you prefer not to talk about it. And if anyone else says anything creepy to you, tell them to go away, maybe in a more colorful way! But you deserve compliments, you have done a lot of hard work!

I'm so sorry your'e going through this. Sounds very painful. Going to church tomorrow, I will say a prayer for you. Let me know how you are feeling soon.

Anaxila, Soon as the snow stops, guess what I'm getting! Thanks for the advice. Maggie0210

I wanted the sleeve but my insurance wouldn't cover it. The surgeon said I would lose more weight with the bypass anyway. I don't regret it, but wonder about why I couldn't have the sleeve.

My doctor tested me for the flu to see if I needed tamiflu, so I guess so. I think your doctor would know more than any of us.

Lipsticklady, Iv'e said this before and I'll say it again. Your posts are funny, and most of all say things we all feel but don't admit. I've been "sneaking" soda, chocolate, real sugar in my tea. I feel so guilty. Then I read your post and realize I'm not alone! All the rules we have had drilled into our heads by nutrionists, doctors etc...don't last forever. I can't live without certain BAD things. I don't take my vitamins, but will start. I notice that whenever you start a conversation, there are pages of responding people. It's because you say what others are afraid to say, just my opinion! I love to read your posts, I think you could write a really funny and informative book on this subject. Maggie0210

Finding sassy, We are not perfect. Mistakes happen to everyone. Just remember and move on. Learning from them is all we can do. Stopping them in the future is what's most important.

Shmily, Before this surgery I was a size 26/28 depending on how sizes ran. Forget trying jeans on, just bought them with elastic waist from Kmart. As my weight came off I got my smaller sizes at savers. It's a center that sells used clothing that was donated for charity. I'm still buying there as they have some really nice things for cheap. Being in a smaller size both excites me and scares me. What if I gain it back? Always in the back of my mind. Anyway, I'm very excited for your progress. Maggie0210

Don't forget girls, the protein shakes count as your liquids also. All three of you are doing great on your weight loss. I bet it will be less than a year and you won't believe how much weight you will have lost. And you can exercise just as well at home as in the gym. Just for the really cold or snowy days when you don't want to go out. Get an exercise band, a couple of 5 pound dumbbells, jump rope. Look online for exercises you can do at home, there are really quite a few. The treadmill is very good. Walking at intervals of 5 minutes fast then 5 minutes slow. Brings your metabolism up. Good luck to all of you! Maggie0210

Robin, I know people including my mom that have never quit smoking. It's very hard to do. So you are doing what you have to do. I have friends that say they can't even be around smokers now. That will be you soon, so hang in there. Sometimes therapists come across that way. Mine was all business too. Not very friendly just focused on why I wanted this surgery. The only way I learned to eat properly was the pre-op diet. All shakes with only small amounts of snacks in between. I started making shopping lists after surgery. Then putting small amounts in baggies. They gave me a plan booklet to follow. So I made these in advance. I really can't remember the different foods. I remember sugar free pudding and jello. Applesauce. Chicken broth. It's much easier once you are off all soft foods. Sorry I'm not much help here. Always carry water and protein shakes with you. There is protein powder you can sprinkle on your food. I live in MA. as well. Out in western half, west Springfield. Only you will know when you are ready, so take care and let us know how you are doing. Maggie0210

Bellabloom, This is awful fast for gallstones. You poor thing, another surgery so soon. Hope you feel better real soon. As far as your weight loss, I think you are right in schedule. Don't try to rush it, believe me it will start melting off. My thoughts are with you, recover soon. I think the worst part is being in the hospital. Sticking you with needles, waking you up, if you ever get to sleep. And those extremely uncomfortable beds. Not to mention the crazy roommates. Can't wait for the pain to go away and you to feel better. God bless. Maggie0210

Shmily, You have done an amazing job. How does it feel? I know you had to buy all new clothes. My first time shopping for a single digit size was out of this world. Last time I did was in junior high. I look at the size 6 and say no, that's way to small. But it's actually a little big, and size 4 are a little small. I feel so much healthier. How are you feeling now? Great news, congratulations! Maggie0210

Hi there, You did not say much about yourself. When was your surgery, which surgery? Your weight loss is amazing! I lost a lot too, and I am always freezing. Maybe because we lost all our insulation! So winter is not my favorite season, not that it ever was. Some days are so cold, the dog has to forego his walk. Then icy, yesterday I fell flat on my back. Hit head first, and I can't afford to lose anymore gray matter! So spring seems far, far away. Damn little groundhog, always says six more weeks of winter. So, where do you live? Are you male or female? As you can tell I'm a female, as I go on and on.... I live in Massachusetts, town of west Springfield. Nice little place. Biggest city near us is Springfield, where I grew up. Not a nice place anymore. High crime rate. It's really a shame because it was all tree lined streets, beautiful homes, and forest park was right at the end of my street. The good old days. My lost youth. My mom still lives there and it makes me scared. She's alone all day until my sister gets home from work. And it's no longer safe, especially for an elderly person. But she won't leave her house, very attached to all the memories. Well, welcome back to the site, I just joined in either November or December. So I'm kind of new here. Maggie0210

I love cinnamon. It's great in applesauce. And tea or coffee. I'm going to try it on/an apple, sounds good. What is PB2 chocolate? And where do you get it?

Bellabloom, Did you call your doctor today, if not I would asap. If the same tomorrow, go to the er. You don't want anything serious to happen to you. You have been doing so well, don't mess it up! I read your posts. Not a stalker! Good luck. Maggie0210

The reason for the surgery is to make the stomach smaller. Stretching it out will just ruin the surgery and you could start regaining the weight. Plus as bellabloom said, it could be dangerous. Don't do it.

Annalisem, It's really nothing to worry about. They give you pain meds, let them! Also, there will be pain from the gas they use in surgery. You can relieve this by walking as much as you can. It's the only way to get rid of it. They get you up to walk asap. There will be some swelling and soreness around incisions. This is normal and not that bad. I will be thinking of you and wishing you well. Maggie0210

This is really heartbreaking. I know what you are going through with your mom. Luckily, my older sister takes care of her and I visit every few days when my sister is at work. You need to stand up for yourself, she's their mom too. And an eleven year old autistic child can't be counted on for this kind of help. Especially if she's getting hostile. Ask a sibling if you can stay with them for a month or so, just until your'e back on your feet. You don't need that kind of stress while recovering. A lot of good people here to bounce ideas off. Family should be able to come together in a crisis. Best of luck to you. Maggie0210

If your'e not able to eat, call your surgeons office for meds that stop that. Sounds like gas pain, which only goes away with walking and also a heating pad can help. But if you can't drink you will become dehydrated and could end up in the hospital.

Yes, there was a little swelling and visible bruising around incisions. Try not to lay on them, sleep on your back. You should not have any serious pain, just soreness. Are you taking the pain meds? Sometimes I would use an ice pak to ease the swelling.

Hi Wendy, I am a little more than 1 year out. I went through more than 1 year of testing. Then a cancel led surgery put it off for another 3 months. I think the waiting is the hardest part. Hopefully you have a support system of family and friends at home. You will need someone there to take care of you for a few weeks until you are up and around. The more protein and liquids you get in, the faster you will recover. And your protein shakes count as liquids also. I'm from western mass. I live in west Springfield. My hospital is bay state medical center. My surgeon was Jay Kuhn. The only issue I had was complete exhaustion for a couple months. But that was because I wasn't getting enough protein in. So make sure you get enough. That, plus sleep will help recovery. So take care and you will do fine.