CanyonBaby

@@purrfctangel That's a great idea, too! I think we get "stuck" thinking the pre-made shakes and bars are all the options out there. I'd love to hear other ideas that folks have come up with....

It may be your vit. D, I take it with the cacium, they seem to go hand-in-hand. I have to take at least 5000 units of the D for my hyperparathryroidism, and it immediately will come right back up if I don't take it with calcium. I also try to make sure I have some food (doesn't need to be a lot, just something for it to bind with) in my sleeve, and that seems to really help the nausea. Do you split up your Vitamins throughout the day? My NUT has suggested to do so, so what I do is this: after breakfast: B12 (dissolvable) multi-Vitamin Biotin (dissolvable) Vit. E Vit. D (liquid) 2 calcium (chewables) later in the day, by at least 2 hours: Iron (chewable) early evening, at least 2 ours after he iron: 2 calcium (chewables) Vitamin D is extremely nauseating for me, but it is not if I take the calcium with it. Good luck to you! The calcium will block the iron, so don't take them together, if you take iron.

BTW, I found the water enhancers in the grocery store near the powdered drink mixes. They ran about 3-4 dollars per each container, but makes lots of servings per each container. You can vary the strength of the flavor, but be ware the calories will go up if you use more!

@@PaulaleeB I think (and don't quote me, as I don't have it in front of me) it is TG's. It is in a kind of orangy-gold bag, I believe it is 2 pounds in weight. But any brand of Protein powder made to blend in beverages should work for this, as long as it is unflavored. It also doesn't have any other added ingredients, it's just plain whey protein from milk. Check the amount of grams per serving (usually they have a scoop inside), and try to get the ones that have the most protein you can get. Have a good evening!

My dietician told me to use Benefiber, and not Metamucil, specifically for the reason that Metamucil will be too much for my sleeve. The Benefiber (Shopko brand is what I use - MUCH cheaper) has worked very well for me. Good luck!

For me it was the "shock" of no longer wanting to eat out. I used to LOVE eating out - I didn't have to cook, and I love being waited on - you know, the special treatment! Looking forward to going to somewhere special, having something I never make at home. Now, since I eat so little, it just doesn't hold the same appeal. And I, too, say "thank you" for the surgery, because I don't want food to be the reason I want to go out anymore. Now I want to go out and go hiking, or shopping or playing with my puppies. There IS life after food!

It's the best sleep I ever get! Enjoy!

Most of us ask ourselves the same questions you have. We need to be sure of what we're doing, and, when we've decided for the surgery, we even still question it. Because it is major, life-altering surgery, NOT for the faint-of-heart. It requires life-long commitment, and belief in ourselves - that we CAN succeed at living a healthier life. I chose to do it for one specific reason: to get diabetes out of my life, hopefully for good. And I did. No more shots, no more testing, and if I continue to follow all the rules, never have it return. When I saw the neuropathy setting in, that made my mind up, and I wish I hadn't waited even that long. I don't want to go blind, or lose my limbs, let alone die prematurely. So I made my choice, as nothing else has worked for me. I wasn't even that overweight, but enough to make my life lead down a very scary slope. I had done all kinds of diets and made all kinds of changes, but genetics play a large role in our body types, as well, and you can't fight genetics. At least in my opinion. I don't regret the surgery, I am happy to have this new tool to help me fight my battles, and I feel it is something I should have done YEARS ago, had I known about it. And then there are all the side benefits: FEELING BETTER! Looking better, getting to go shopping for new clothes (needed them anyway, so I don't feel guilty about spending for this), lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels...the list goes on. Sure, there are the potentials for complications, I saw it as compared to what if I didn't do it? There are lots of books out there to research, and these websites, so get your fill of info - the more the better. Then make your educated decision. What will you have if you do and if you don't? I have had 22 surgeries. This was the easiest and least painful, AND most beneficial. Good luck to you!

Congrats and welcome! Protein protein protein! Your new "best friend"! Get in as much as you can, and then some more! Same with liquid, popsicles, whatever you can, you need it. As far as the move goes, be careful! You don't want to end up back in the hospital, and lifting, especially heavy things can put you back there. You have had major surgery, so you will be tired. Give yourself time to heal, and if you're like me and had hiatal surgery at the same time as your sleeve, you shouldn't be doing anything that may harm you. I was told (and it may be just me) not to lift anything over 10 pounds for at least a year, to allow everything to heal properly. If you need a bariatric pal, let me know. Good luck to you!

You are not the only one who has felt this way, we all go through this-it's part of the deal! Lot's of adjustments to be made, lots of patience is required, lots of faith is required (in ourselves and in the One who made us and loves us and cares for us daily), lots of tolerance for ourselves (my husband tells me this daily!). I, too, live in a rural area, and it can be very hard without others who have been through our experience. One way to help yourself get through each day is to have a specific focus for that day (ie make a plan and follow it through, no matter how challenging it may be). Build on that for every following day. It is time to blossom!

As the hair Falls...and other soap operic topics... I offered my husband the "leavings" of my scalp, but he refused (go figure...he's been bald the whole time I've known him, some 19 years...can't understand why?!). So I thought, why not save it for the deer deterrent in my vegetable garden (I've heard to put it in old stockings, then tie it up around the perimeter of the garden) - should keep the deer away, just the sight of that much hair SHOULD scare them, they will think there are HUNDREDS of us humans around that garden! Then I noticed that the hair in various "unsavory" areas of my body is NOT falling out, WHERE is the JUSTICE in that, pray tell? Again, I say, "this, too, shall pass", but in the meantime, let's get CREATIVE with this fallen treasure, it CAN'T be there just to keep the plumbers in employment! So, I'd like to hear YOUR ideas for the fallen masses (or is that TRESSES?)...this should be good reading!

I have had 22 surgeries to date, not one time did I experience hair loss, from the major surgeries or anesthesia, thank Goodness. I had the sleeve done 12/3/14, and am experiencing some loss, appearing to be more than the normal 50-100 daily count (so I've been told), but then again, I haven't actually counted it yet. My hair is longer, so even if it is under the 100 count, it looks like more. My attitude about it is this: "this, too, shall pass". Can I wait? Do I have a choice? It'll pass, maybe a little unflatteringly, but I have faith it will pass, and just thank God I am now without diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a whole lot less poundage. It is worth it!

From other posts I've read, a lot of us go through this. I am down 40lbs (surgery 12/3/14), and it shows, but what I see is different than what my husband sees. I have been overweight for so long it seems that image is permanently etched into my head. I see the smaller clothes fitting, and being able to pull the car seat closer to the steering wheel, and being able to bend over and tie my shoes, and being able to cross my legs.....but the image is STILL there! Maybe I just need to give it more time, after all, it took many years for this image to get permanently etched! Time will tell! Good luck to you!

Interesting that you are losing hair with hyperthyroidism, I thought it was with hypothyroidism, which I have had since 1995. Hair loss was a big issue for me and as one of my major symptoms. It resolved itself quickly once I went on the Synthroid. I wonder if you have had the thyroid issue prior to your surgery, but were just unaware, as these things tend to creep up very quietly? I have read that a lot of folks have (especially) hypothyroidism, but aren't aware of it, and attribute a lot of their symptoms to other things. Did you have your levels checked prior to surgery? Might want to ask about that. My sleeve surgery was 12/3/14, and as I have had the hypothyroidism AND hyperparathyroidism (including surgery for both issues), I am checked every 3 months. I have not had any changes in either case because of the sleeve surgery. Just was checked about 2 weeks ago, all is well there. The meds they prescribe for both hyper and hypo seem to take care of the issues, from what I have experienced, and from what I have heard from others, as well. Good luck to you!

Oh, I forgot to add, that is 50 total carbs a day, not a meal.

I just went in to see my doc. yesterday, for my follow-up (diabetes). My surgery was 12/3/14. My A1C is at 6.2 (pre-diabetic), down from 7, and should being going down more still, the father out from surgery I go. My doc. reminded me that the A1C covers 4 months of cell history, so that means there are 2 months PRIOR to surgery that is in that test, as well. It probably is the same for you, also (well, actually 3 months, since your surgery was in January). I am off my Victoza, as my fasting numbers are about 80 in the morning before eating, and about 110 (2 hours) after eating. I went off my medication once my numbers went down under 100 three times in a row, and never went back on. That was before my surgery, during the pre-op diet. Are you keeping your carbs under 50? That's what my dietician recommends for me. It has worked wonders, and my doc. believes the next time I see her I will be officially non-diabetic. That is what I did all this for. I am 53, and have been diabetic for almost 4 years. Good luck to you!

Try "Sit and Be Fit". On PBS in my area, on DVD, as well. Good luck!

I just received a book that is such an information explosion, I thought 'd share: "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc C. Vuong (a surgeon) Got it on Amazon.com, about $20. SOOO much about the surgery itself, what we should know prior to and after, and man, this guy quizzes like crazy! I feel like I just might be able to do the surgery myself when I get done reading it! Tells all about WLS eating, why we are the way we are, "stuck", "dumping"...just a plethora of info. The more I find out about this stuff, the more I want to know. I think it may just help me be successful. Hooray!!!

I am SOOO sorry for your pain. I don't have any answers for you, but I am praying for you. At least with the sleeve surgery (opposed to the bypass) you should be able to do nsaids down the road (one of the reasons I chose eve, as well). Does icing it help at all? Or on the reverse, how about putting a warming pad around it? I wish I could take it from you. God Bless you!

Have you been working out a lot? Muscle weighs more than fat, so you could be building muscle. Here's to muscle! (?!!!)

It does sound like a thyroid issue. I have hypothyroidism, dry skin-yup. itchy - yup. lethargic - yup. HAIR LOSS - BIG TIME YUP!!!!! (I know you didn't mention hair loss, but it is a big symptom). Synthroid has solved my issues, no problem with the once in the a.m. tiny pill. Oh, and weight gain was another BIG YUP. I've HAD IT SINCE 1995. Just get checked, most people who have it don't know it because the symptoms creep up so quietly. And a lot of people have it. Good luck and feel better soon!

There isn't enough space to list the reasons for which I am thankful to my good Lord, who ALWAYS has and ALWAYS will take care of me and my needs, but I know He knows, as I thank Him constantly. Let us list some of the wonders: The fact I am still here. The health to get through it all. My everloving, supportive, and loyal husband. My critters (thus the "crittermama" logo) who inspire me to exercise. The list goes on and on, not enough space......

I find this very curious! Have you gone into a stall? If so, how long of a stall? If you are still losing, then I can't figure out his logic. Maybe he was having a bad day and not really paying attention to you. I have had that with doctors in the past, hope to never again! Did he give you a time frame or suggest any other solutions? Do YOU feel you need plastics? Do you think he is just finding another way to make $$$ off you? All reasonable questions that need answers. Sounds like YOU have it figured out! Good luck to you, and let us know what happens!

I'm not sure it is hunger you're feeling, rather it is probably acid. Ask your doctor about it, and if it is as I suspect, they should suggest an antacid that should work for you. Have you tried Tums melts? They have done a good job for me, especially at night when I wake up with the sensation. Another suggestion, if you truly feel it is hunger, try sipping on your Protein shake throughout the day. Good luck to you!

There are unflavored powders, such as GENEPRO, that you just add a scoop to whatever(beverages, hot Cereal...). The scoop is much smaller than for a shake, and has 30g of Protein. I add half a scoop to 2 scoops of shake powder, then 12 ounces of Water and blend. I sip on this throughout the day for my protein needs. Good luck to you!