Stephanie Stroup McIntosh

I had to switch Vitamins a few times before I found one I could handle. You may just have to try a few.

We all had the same problems. We all got fat for the same reasons. I would admit to the problems, but explain that you think you are finally ready to make a change. Remember not to talk too much too. They will often leave a pause to just see if you will just keep talking.

I also started at 295. I lost 32 pounds during my supervised diet and have lost another 30 pounds since surgery on 3/23. I already feel great. I think being realistic is your goals is important and stopping to really see how far you have come. Find out what a healthy weight is for your height and if you do get low, compare to the healthy weight. Also talk to your doctor and maybe a counselor. You can do this.

I always have the hardest time finding this post. On Monday I was 236.

Get the diet version. They gave me cranberry juice in the hospital.

The fear of getting sick is front and foremost, which is why I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass. I am 67 and my bad habits have had plenty of time to become "the normal" which is why I am starting all this so early. The two worse things to have are a toothache and nausea. YUCK!!! Louise I think people tend to get sick more frequently with the bypass. If I eat fat or sugar, my body can usually handle it. After bypass, if you eat the wrong foods, you will likely get very sick. I also probably pushed the limits on what I could eat when. Zofran works great for nausea.

Oh and if someone says something negative about having surgery, I explain that I still have to do the work. I explain that if I eat the wrong foods, I will gain weight. I explain that if I overeat, I will gain weight. Most people just don't understand what the surgery actually does.

I smile and thank them. Then I explain that I have really been trying to lose weight. I usually even tell them what I did at the gym that day. Some people know I have had surgery, others don't, but regardless you are making healthier choices and its paying off.

Chewing slower is definitely a huge challenge, but one of the best things you can do. I have only gotten a little sick twice. Both times, I don't think I chewed well enough.

I would encourage you to talk to her. Become her friend. Once you get to know her a bit, then maybe you can share your story. It is great to get encouragement from others and helps to keep people motivated. I found that it also helps to keep me motivated because I want to show them how well I have done and that they can do it too.

I have my own scale and weigh on it regularly. Even if its not exactly the same as the doctor's you will know how much you have lost since you last stepped on your scale. Also, your weight can vary due to constipation, hydration, and time of day. Don't let it stress you out.

My guess is that taking it out would cause more trouble than good. You will already have some hormonal issues related to the weight loss. You don't need to make it worse by suddenly stopping your birth control.

Stay away from fat and sugar from this point out and your should be fine.

GNC sells them. They are more expensive as singles, but often runs specials on the boxes at buy 2 get 1 free.

Doc said to keep them on for at least a week and if they came off before that to cover with a bandaid.

So I am just over 5 weeks post-op. I am now permitted to eat most foods. I can have moist meats, cooked vegetables (w/o skin) and even Pasta. I have been able to tolerate everything that I have tried. Starting weight 295. Surgery Weight 263. Today's weight 235. I have lost 60 pounds in 7 months and 28 since surgery. I would like to be losing a little faster, but the time will come. This week, I have been asked to go out to lunch twice, dinner once, and to the bar on another night. I will go to all 4 and just have to monitor what I eat/drink. i even went to 2 baseball games this week. Its funny how socializing often takes place around food. I am not finding it difficult at this point to order off a menu, unless I go somewhere that is mostly bread and pizza. Most places have Soup and grilled chicken. I have even gotten used to not drinking with my meals. I feel great. My jeans that were no where close to fitting prior to surgery are now getting to be too big. I need to put a new notch on my belt to keep my pants up. My bra feels so much better. The seat belt fits and I have several inches of space between my stomach and the steering wheel. I even went to my first massage, and didn't feel self conscience at all. I sound better when I sing. Everyone I see tells me how thin I am getting. It definitely does something to my self-esteem. I never had a problem being overweight. I was fine with it and was a pretty happy person. I am happier since surgery. I didn't take my measurements before surgery, but I sure wish that I had. I started taking them last week and will record them weekly from now on. If you are having second thoughts or struggling, I just encourage you to stay positive and look towards all the greatness that will come from this surgery. It is work, but you can do it.

You should be fine, but stop cheating now. It will only make the process harder. You need to avoid fat and sugar in order to shrink your liver. It is important to shrink your liver before surgery. It has to be moved out of the way and it becomes very fragile when enlarged.

Some people can handle spicy foods but some people can't. I would wait until your stomach is healed to go spicy,

I am almost 6 weeks out and have had no problems with recovery. I have been able to tolerate all foods that I have tried. I have been gassy and constipated for a few weeks, but it wasn't really causing any issues. Starting yesterday, I have been very gassy and needing to burp constantly. It happens even when I haven't had anything to eat or drink for hours. I also have a general feeling of an upset stomach without eating. Anyone have any advice other than gas-x?

I would count it as a clear liquid. This early on you probably won't be able to do meals, but just drink constantly. Are you on full liquids or Clear Liquids? If you are on full liquids, I would recommend trying to get in some Protein shakes. They will have more nutrients that you need.

This is normal. They should have given you some meds for nausea. A heating pad may also help. Definitely make sure you are still getting up and walking. If you are having trouble keeping fluids, you may need to contact your surgeon. You don't want to have to be readmitted for dehydration.

You will be pretty out of it an won't need much. I brought my own personal products. The stuff they give you in the hospital is fine, but its nice to have your own stuff. Chapstick and lotion were also helpful. It gets very dry. I even brought a back scratcher, which was my best friend while I was in the hospital. I was itchy all over. Definitely bring the cell phone and charger. Your wife will want to bring things to keep her occupied. You will sleep most of the time, so she will need to occupy herself. She may also want to bring some slippers and comfortable clothes. She won't look out of place on the floor and will be much more comfortable.

I am not in CA, but with a 49.5 BMI, you shouldn't need to have comorbidities. Call your insurance and see if they cover the procedure or visit a surgeon for an info session and ask them to verify with your insurance. Don't stress yourself out. Most insurances do require a documented weight loss program (6 months is typical) and several tests to make sure that the surgery would be able to be safely completed.

I know how you feel, but it will really fly by. I started my process in September and was sleeved in March. Use that time to do plenty of research and to improve your eating and exercise habits now. The more you can change ahead of time, the easier the surgery and recovery will be. Ween yourself off of fatty foods, fast food, sugar, and caffeine now. It will make it easier when you get to the pre-op diet and after surgery. You can do this.

At this point, you can only wait. If you get denied, you can write a letter to appeal the decision. I would consider working on that letter now. Even if you don't need it, it would be great to get your reasons to have the surgery nailed down. You will be able to look at that everyday after surgery and keep yourself on track.